Patents by Inventor Bill Merkt

Bill Merkt 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).

  • Patent number: 11559013
    Abstract: Described herein are several embodiments relating to irrigation controllers. In many implementations, the irrigation controllers include a housing and a removable plug-in device. The housing includes a control portion comprising a first microcontroller configured to execute stored irrigation programs. The housing includes an interface connector port and driver circuitry configured to actuate irrigation valves based on control signals received from the first microcontroller. The removable plug-in device removably coupled to the interface connector port and comprising a second microcontroller and a wireless modem configured to communicate with a wireless network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Harvey J. Nickerson, Russel D. Leatherman, Jose Macias Galarza, Bill Merkt
  • Publication number: 20210321583
    Abstract: Described herein are several embodiments relating to irrigation controllers. In many implementations, the irrigation controllers include a housing and a removable plug-in device. The housing includes a control portion comprising a first microcontroller configured to execute stored irrigation programs. The housing includes an interface connector port and driver circuitry configured to actuate irrigation valves based on control signals received from the first microcontroller. The removable plug-in device removably coupled to the interface connector port and comprising a second microcontroller and a wireless modem configured to communicate with a wireless network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2021
    Publication date: October 21, 2021
    Inventors: Harvey J. Nickerson, Russel D. Leatherman, Jose Macias Galarza, Bill Merkt
  • Patent number: 11071263
    Abstract: Described herein are several embodiments relating to irrigation controllers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Harvey J. Nickerson, Russel D. Leatherman, Jose Macias Galarza, Bill Merkt
  • Publication number: 20200170204
    Abstract: Described herein are several embodiments relating to irrigation controllers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2020
    Publication date: June 4, 2020
    Inventors: Harvey J. Nickerson, Russel D. Leatherman, Jose Macias Galarza, Bill Merkt
  • Patent number: 10582673
    Abstract: Described herein are several embodiments relating to modular irrigation controllers. In many implementations, the irrigation controllers are modular in that various functional components of the irrigation controller are implemented in removable modules that when inserted into position within the controller, expand the capabilities of the controller. Also described are various different types of expansion modules that may be coupled to the modular controller, having as variety of functions and features, as well as related methods of use and configuration of these modules in the controller. In one implementation, an expansion module is provided that includes a microcontroller capable of sending and receiving data communications to and from a main microcontroller of the controller that executed irrigation programs, the data communications relating to an irrigation program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Harvey J. Nickerson, Russel D. Leatherman, Jose Macias Galarza, Bill Merkt
  • Publication number: 20180228098
    Abstract: Described herein are several embodiments relating to modular irrigation controllers. In many implementations, the irrigation controllers are modular in that various functional components of the irrigation controller are implemented in removable modules that when inserted into position within the controller, expand the capabilities of the controller. Also described are various different types of expansion modules that may be coupled to the modular controller, having as variety of functions and features, as well as related methods of use and configuration of these modules in the controller. In one implementation, an expansion module is provided that includes a microcontroller capable of sending and receiving data communications to and from a main microcontroller of the controller that executed irrigation programs, the data communications relating to an irrigation program.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2018
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Inventors: Harvey J. Nickerson, Russel D. Leatherman, Andrew M. Nguyen, Susan E. Basch, Sergio R. Perez Araujo, Jose Macias Galarza, Bill Merkt, Adam A. Dunford
  • Publication number: 20160135390
    Abstract: Described herein are several embodiments relating to modular irrigation controllers. In many implementations, the irrigation controllers are modular in that various functional components of the irrigation controller are implemented in removable modules that when inserted into position within the controller, expand the capabilities of the controller. Also described are various different types of expansion modules that may be coupled to the modular controller, having as variety of functions and features, as well as related methods of use and configuration of these modules in the controller. In one implementation, an expansion module is provided that includes a microcontroller capable of sending and receiving data communications to and from a main microcontroller of the controller that executed irrigation programs, the data communications relating to an irrigation program.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2015
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventors: Harvey J. Nickerson, Russel D. Leatherman, Andrew M. Nguyen, Susan E. Basch, Sergio R. Perez Araujo, Jose Macias Galarza, Bill Merkt, Adam A. Dunford
  • Publication number: 20140249684
    Abstract: Described herein are several embodiments relating to modular irrigation controllers. In many implementations, the irrigation controllers are modular in that various functional components of the irrigation controller are implemented in removable modules that when inserted into position within the controller, expand the capabilities of the controller. Also described are various different types of expansion modules that may be coupled to the modular controller, having as variety of functions and features, as well as related methods of use and configuration of these modules in the controller. In one implementation, an expansion module is provided that includes a microcontroller capable of sending and receiving data communications to and from a main microcontroller of the controller that executed irrigation programs, the data communications relating to an irrigation program.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Harvey J. Nickerson, Russel D. Leatherman, Andrew M. Nguyen, Susan E. Basch, Sergio R. Perez Araujo, Jose Macias Galarza, Bill Merkt, Adam A. Dunford
  • Publication number: 20110270449
    Abstract: Described herein are several embodiments relating to modular irrigation controllers. In many implementations, the irrigation controllers are modular in that various functional components of the irrigation controller are implemented in removable modules that when inserted into position within the controller, expand the capabilities of the controller. Also described are various different types of expansion modules that may be coupled to the modular controller, having as variety of functions and features, as well as related methods of use and configuration of these modules in the controller. In one implementation, an expansion module is provided that includes a microcontroller capable of sending and receiving data communications to and from a main microcontroller of the controller that executed irrigation programs, the data communications relating to an irrigation program.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: RAIN BIRD CORPORATION
    Inventors: Harvey J. Nickerson, Russel D. Leatherman, Andrew M. Nguyen, Susan E. Basch, Sergio R. Perez Araujo, Jose Macias Galarza, Bill Merkt, Adam A. Dunford
  • Patent number: 7996115
    Abstract: Described herein are several embodiments relating to modular irrigation controllers. In many implementations, the irrigation controllers are modular in that various functional components of the irrigation controller are implemented in removable modules that when inserted into position within the controller, expand the capabilities of the controller. Also described are various different types of expansion modules that may be coupled to the modular controller, having as variety of functions and features, as well as related methods of use and configuration of these modules in the controller. In one implementation, an expansion module is provided that includes a microcontroller capable of sending and receiving data communications to and from a main microcontroller of the controller that executed irrigation programs, the data communications relating to an irrigation program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Harvey J. Nickerson, Russel D. Leatherman, Andrew M. Nguyen, Susan E. Basch, Sergio R. Perez Araujo, Jose Macias Galarza, Bill Merkt, Adam A. Dunford
  • Publication number: 20080319585
    Abstract: Described herein are several embodiments relating to modular irrigation controllers. In many implementations, the irrigation controllers are modular in that various functional components of the irrigation controller are implemented in removable modules that when inserted into position within the controller, expand the capabilities of the controller. Also described are various different types of expansion modules that may be coupled to the modular controller, having as variety of functions and features, as well as related methods of use and configuration of these modules in the controller. In one implementation, an expansion module is provided that includes a microcontroller capable of sending and receiving data communications to and from a main microcontroller of the controller that executed irrigation programs, the data communications relating to an irrigation program.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Harvey J. Nickerson, Russel D. Leatherman, Andrew M. Nguyen, Susan E. Basch, Sergio R. Perez Araujo, Jose Macias Galarza, Bill Merkt, Adam A. Dunford
  • Patent number: 7444207
    Abstract: Described herein are several embodiments relating to modular irrigation controllers. In many implementations, the irrigation controllers are modular in that various functional components of the irrigation controller are implemented in removable modules that when inserted into position within the controller, expand the capabilities of the controller. Also described are various different types of expansion modules that may be coupled to the modular controller, having as variety of functions and features, as well as related methods of use and configuration of these modules in the controller. In one implementation, an expansion module is provided that includes a microcontroller capable of sending and receiving data communications to and from the a main microcontroller of the controller that executed irrigation programs, the data communications relating to an irrigation program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Harvey J. Nickerson, Russel D. Leatherman, Jose Macias Galarza, Bill Merkt, Adam A. Dunford, Andrew M. Nguyen, Susan E. Basch, Sergio R. Perez Araujo
  • Patent number: 7257465
    Abstract: An irrigation controller includes a base unit with a removable and programmable control panel and backplane circuitry for communicating with a plurality of removable modules capable of performing a variety of irrigation and non-irrigation functions. A base module having irrigation station drivers is mated with the backplane circuitry and communicates with the base unit to carry out basic irrigation functions. A plurality of expansion modules and one or more smart modules, each having its own logic circuit, can be mated with the backplane circuitry to communicate with the base unit and carry out additional irrigation and non-irrigation functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Sergio Perez, Jose Macias, Bill Merkt, Fernando Vazquez, Roger S. Neitzel, Ken R. Venegas
  • Publication number: 20050273205
    Abstract: Described herein are several embodiments relating to modular irrigation controllers. In many implementations, the irrigation controllers are modular in that various functional components of the irrigation controller are implemented in removable modules that when inserted into position within the controller, expand the capabilities of the controller. Also described are various different types of expansion modules that may be coupled to the modular controller, having as variety of functions and features, as well as related methods of use and configuration of these modules in the controller. In one implementation, an expansion module is provided that includes a microcontroller capable of sending and receiving data communications to and from the a main microcontroller of the controller that executed irrigation programs, the data communications relating to an irrigation program.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Publication date: December 8, 2005
    Applicant: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Harvey Nickerson, Russel Leatherman, Jose Macias Galarza, Bill Merkt, Adam Dunford, Andrew Nguyen, Susan Basch, Sergio Perez Araujo
  • Publication number: 20050038529
    Abstract: An irrigation controller includes a base unit with a removable and programmable control panel and backplane circuitry for communicating with a plurality of removable modules capable of performing a variety of irrigation and non-irrigation functions. A base module having irrigation station drivers is mated with the backplane circuitry and communicates with the base unit to carry out basic irrigation functions. A plurality of expansion modules and one or more smart modules, each having its own logic circuit, can be mated with the backplane circuitry to communicate with the base unit and carry out additional irrigation and non-irrigation functions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Publication date: February 17, 2005
    Inventors: Sergio Perez, Jose Macias, Bill Merkt, Fernando Vazquez, Roger Neitzel, Ken Venegas