Patents by Inventor Mark M. Ensworth

Mark M. Ensworth has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20110288690
    Abstract: Several embodiments provide wireless extensions to an irrigation controller system and related methods of use, as well as other improvements to irrigation control equipment. In one implementation, an irrigation control system includes a transmitter unit including a controller and having a connector to be coupled to an irrigation controller having station actuation output connectors. The controller is configured to receive an indication that the irrigation controller has activated an irrigation station, and is also configured to cause the transmitter unit to transmit a wireless activation signal responsive to the indication. A receiver unit is coupled to an actuator coupled to an actuatable device, such as an irrigation valve, the actuator configured to actuate the irrigation valve to control the flow of water therethrough. The receiver unit receives the wireless activation signal and in response, causes the actuator to actuate the actuatable device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: RAIN BIRD CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mark M. Ensworth, Barbara E. Booth, Dean C. Thornton, David G. Fern, Randall A. Hern, Rajiv Dabir, Malcolm N. Napier
  • Patent number: 8010238
    Abstract: Several embodiments provide wireless extensions to an irrigation controller system and related methods of use, as well as other improvements to irrigation control equipment. In one implementation, an irrigation control system includes a transmitter unit including a controller and having a connector to be coupled to an irrigation controller having station actuation output connectors. The controller is configured to receive an indication that the irrigation controller has activated an irrigation station, and is also configured to cause the transmitter unit to transmit a wireless activation signal responsive to the indication. A receiver unit is coupled to an actuator coupled to an actuatable device, such as an irrigation valve, the actuator configured to actuate the irrigation valve to control the flow of water therethrough. The receiver unit receives the wireless activation signal and in response, causes the actuator to actuate the actuatable device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Mark M. Ensworth, Barbara E. Booth, Dean C. Thornton, Randall A. Hern, Malcolm N. Napier
  • Patent number: 7707770
    Abstract: A watering device for providing water to a sub-surface level is provided. The watering device includes a body portion for distributing water radially therefrom and along its length. The watering device includes an irrigation assembly for emitting water from a water source, the irrigation assembly emitting the water within the watering device, and the water then being distributed through the body portion to surrounding soil. The irrigation assembly may be supported by the body portion. The irrigation assembly may include a bubbler, and may include a check valve. The device may include a top cap including retaining structure for providing a generally vertical or other desired orientation to the irrigation assembly. The device may further include a bottom cap that generally restricts the flow of water out of the bottom of the device and cooperates with body portion to direct water radially from the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Inventors: Mimi Liu, Kevin G. O'Brien, Mark M. Ensworth
  • Publication number: 20090222141
    Abstract: Several embodiments provide wireless extensions to an irrigation controller system and related methods of use, as well as other improvements to irrigation control equipment. In one implementation, an irrigation control system includes a transmitter unit including a controller and having a connector to be coupled to an irrigation controller having station actuation output connectors. The controller is configured to receive an indication that the irrigation controller has activated an irrigation station, and is also configured to cause the transmitter unit to transmit a wireless activation signal responsive to the indication. A receiver unit is coupled to an actuator coupled to an actuatable device, such as an irrigation valve, the actuator configured to actuate the irrigation valve to control the flow of water therethrough. The receiver unit receives the wireless activation signal and in response, causes the actuator to actuate the actuatable device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: RAIN BIRD CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mark M. ENSWORTH, Barbara E. BOOTH, Dean C. THORNTON, David G. FERN, Randall A. HERN, Rajiv Dabir, Malcolm N. NAPIER
  • Publication number: 20090076659
    Abstract: Several embodiments provide wireless extensions to an irrigation controller system and related methods of use, as well as other improvements to irrigation control equipment. In one implementation, an irrigation control system includes a transmitter unit including a controller and having a connector to be coupled to an irrigation controller having station actuation output connectors. The controller is configured to receive an indication that the irrigation controller has activated an irrigation station, and is also configured to cause the transmitter unit to transmit a wireless activation signal responsive to the indication. A receiver unit is coupled to an actuator coupled to an actuatable device, such as an irrigation valve, the actuator configured to actuate the irrigation valve to control the flow of water therethrough. The receiver unit receives the wireless activation signal and in response, causes the actuator to actuate the actuatable device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Mark M. Ensworth, Barbara E. Booth, Dean C. Thornton, Randall A. Hern, Malcolm N. Napier
  • Patent number: 7264761
    Abstract: An improved molded plastic elbow and a related mold assembly and manufacturing method are provided, wherein the elbow defines an internal flow path having a smoothly radiused inside turn. The elbow is formed by injecting plastic material into a tubular mold cavity formed by closed mold members in cooperation with a pair of slidably retractable core units of circular cross section and having distal ends in mating, angularly set end-to-end contact to form the internal flow path having a turn formed along the length thereof. Each core unit comprises an outer core pin to form an outer portion of the flow path and including a ramped track for slide-fit mounting of an inner slide segment which forms an inner portion of the flow path and further includes a curved inside edge to form a portion of the smoothly radiused inside turn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: David V. Evans, Mark M. Ensworth
  • Patent number: 7243810
    Abstract: An improved underground box and lid for use in irrigation systems and other underground systems is provided. A single box can be inverted, combined and interlocked with a second box to form a single enclosed structure that is twice as high. This can be used for those installations where underground system components are buried in the ground at a greater depth than can be accommodated by a single box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin G. O'Brien, Gerald E. Peterson, James G. Coates, Beatrice John, Barbara E. Booth, Mark M. Ensworth
  • Patent number: 7153125
    Abstract: An improved molded plastic elbow and a related mold assembly and manufacturing method are provided, wherein the elbow defines an internal flow path having a smoothly radiused inside turn. The elbow is formed by injecting plastic material into a tubular mold cavity formed by closed mold members in cooperation with a pair of slidably retractable core units of circular cross section and having distal ends in mating, angularly set end-to-end contact to form the internal flow path having a turn formed along the length thereof. Each core unit comprises an outer core pin to form an outer portion of the flow path and including a ramped track for slide-fit mounting of an inner slide segment which forms an inner portion of the flow path and further includes a curved inside edge to form a portion of the smoothly radiused inside turn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: David V. Evans, Mark M. Ensworth
  • Publication number: 20020197428
    Abstract: An improved molded plastic elbow and a related mold assembly and manufacturing method are provided, wherein the elbow defines an internal flow path having a smoothly radiused inside turn. The elbow is formed by injecting plastic material into a tubular mold cavity formed by closed mold members in cooperation with a pair of slidably retractable core units of circular cross section and having distal ends in mating, angularly set end-to-end contact to form the internal flow path having a turn formed along the length thereof. Each core unit comprises an outer core pin to form an outer portion of the flow path and including a ramped track for slide-fit mounting of an inner slide segment which forms an inner portion of the flow path and further includes a curved inside edge to form a portion of the smoothly radiused inside turn.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Inventors: David V. Evans, Mark M. Ensworth
  • Publication number: 20020114908
    Abstract: An improved molded plastic elbow and a related mold assembly and manufacturing method are provided, wherein the elbow defines an internal flow path having a smoothly radiused inside turn. The elbow is formed by injecting plastic material into a tubular mold cavity formed by closed mold members in cooperation with a pair of slidably retractable core units of circular cross section and having distal ends in mating, angularly set end-to-end contact to form the internal flow path having a turn formed along the length thereof. Each core unit comprises an outer core pin to form an outer portion of the flow path and including a ramped track for slide-fit mounting of an inner slide segment which forms an inner portion of the flow path and further includes a curved inside edge to form a portion of the smoothly radiused inside turn.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventors: David V. Evans, Mark M. Ensworth
  • Patent number: 6286877
    Abstract: An improved dual seal pipe coupling is provided of the type having matingly interfitting male and female pipe fittings formed on adjacent ends of a pair of conduit members, wherein at least one of a pair of seal rings is vented at low pressure to prevent pressure build-up and potential seal ring distortion or damage upon initial assembly of the pipe fittings. The seal rings are seated respectively within a pair of axially spaced-apart recessed grooves formed on one of the pipe fittings for slidably and sealingly engaging the other one of the pipe fittings upon assembly therewith. A bypass vent is formed in at least one of the seal ring grooves, to include a shallow recessed channel underlying the associated seal ring and leading axially to a smoothly curved and generally arch-shaped relief port formed in an outboard side wall of the seal ring groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Anthony Manufacturing Corp. Industrial Prod. Div.
    Inventors: Rick Mendoza, Mark M. Ensworth, David V. Evans
  • Patent number: 6050500
    Abstract: An adjustable riser is provided for coupling an irrigation sprinkler to a water supply line, wherein the riser is adapted for quick and easy longitudinal adjustment to variably select the elevational position of the sprinkler relative to ground level. The adjustable riser comprises a pair of telescopically interfitting inner and outer riser tubes coupled respectively to the sprinkler and to the water supply line. The inner riser tube has a keyway formed on the exterior surface thereof, and the outer riser tube carries at least one key protruding into and engaged with the keyway. In the preferred form, the keyway comprises at least one recessed channel defined by an axially spaced succession of part-circumferential segments interconnected at opposite ends by axial segments extending in opposite directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Anthony Manufacturing Corp. Industrial Products Division
    Inventor: Mark M. Ensworth
  • Patent number: D524611
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Mimi Liu, Kevin G. O'Brien, Mark M. Ensworth
  • Patent number: D527439
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Mimi Liu, Kevin G. O'Brien, Mark M. Ensworth