Patents by Inventor David R. Laybourn

David R. Laybourn 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: 20210037728
    Abstract: A drip emitter is provided for delivering irrigation water from a supply tube to an emitter outlet at a reduced and relatively constant flow rate. Water enters the emitter through a first inlet and proceeds into a first chamber. When the water pressure is above a predetermined level, a one-directional valve opens to allow fluid flow past the first chamber, through a tortuous path flow channel, and through an emitter outlet. A second inlet is used to compensate for water pressure fluctuations in the supply tube to maintain output flow at a relatively constant rate. Water enters the second inlet and presses a flexible diaphragm toward a water metering surface to provide pressure-dependent control of the output flow. A copper member is mounted to the emitter over the emitter outlet to prevent plant root intrusion into the emitter outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2020
    Publication date: February 11, 2021
    Inventors: Rick Mavrakis, Brian Pope, Samir Shah, Christopher Leland O'Neal, David R. Laybourn
  • Patent number: 10842090
    Abstract: A drip emitter is provided for delivering irrigation water from a supply tube to an emitter outlet at a reduced and relatively constant flow rate. Water enters the emitter through a first inlet and proceeds into a first chamber. When the water pressure is above a predetermined level, a one-directional valve opens to allow fluid flow past the first chamber, through a tortuous path flow channel, and through an emitter outlet. A second inlet is used to compensate for water pressure fluctuations in the supply tube to maintain output flow at a relatively constant rate. Water enters the second inlet and presses a flexible diaphragm toward a water metering surface to provide pressure-dependent control of the output flow. A copper member is mounted to the emitter over the emitter outlet to prevent plant root intrusion into the emitter outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Rick Mavrakis, Brian Pope, Samir Shah, Christopher Leland O'Neal, David R. Laybourn