Patents by Inventor Christopher L. Browne

Christopher L. Browne 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).

  • Miniature pan evaporimeter for gauging the difference between evapotranspiration and effective rainfall
    Patent number: 5496112
    Abstract: An evaporimeter has first and second stacked containers for holding water and a scale for measuring the amount of water in the containers. The containers are covered by a screen and are balanced on and supported by a ground spike. An outlet is located at the same elevation as a zero level on the scale so that water can be quickly drained to that level. Readings taken from the scale can be used to regulate irrigation of the surrounding plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Assignee: Moisture Dynamics, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher L. Browne
  • Moisture and pressure sensitive fluid control circuit
    Patent number: 4938248
    Abstract: A control circuit includes one or more pressure activated fluid flow valves and one or more moisture and pressure sensitive controllers. Each controller includes a body with three chambers separated by movable diaphragm assemblies, one of which moves in response to changes in pressure exerted by the amount of moisture or fluid in the environment. Responsively, a passageway through the other diaphragm allows the passage of fluid and thus venting of the flow valves when a low moisture or fluid condition is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1990
    Assignee: Irro-Controls Group
    Inventor: Christopher L. Browne
  • Self-servicing hydraulic tensiometer with electrical switching and response capabilities
    Patent number: 4922945
    Abstract: A hydraulic tensiometer includes a pressure-sensitive electrical switch which acts to control an irrigation system in response to changes in matric water potential. Three chambers are defined in the tensiometer by moveable diaphragms. Two of the chambers are not in communication with the tensiometer probe, but are interconnected by a passageway. Flow through the passageway is controlled by an electrically operated valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1990
    Assignee: Irro-Controls Group
    Inventor: Christopher L. Browne