Patents by Inventor Frank M. Rice

Frank M. Rice 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: 7271729
    Abstract: A novel moisture detector for detecting moisture in potting media or soil for plants includes a body formed to represent a creature. Inside the body is a processor and a battery. One or more probes adapted to be inserted into soil extend from the body and send an electrical signal to the processor to indicate a level of moisture proximate to said probes. At least one eye of the creature carries a light emitting diodes (LED) that lights up when the probes are inserted into soil having insufficient moisture. Furthermore, when the user touches one of the eyes, the LED lights as long as the battery has sufficient power to operate the processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Inventor: Frank M. Rice