Patents by Inventor Howard E. Thornton

Howard E. Thornton 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).

  • Mini-sprinkler stake assembly and mini-sprinkler unit and deflector therefore
    Patent number: 5158231
    Abstract: A mini-sprinkler stake assembly including an elongated ground penetrating stake having an adapter for permitting easy and reliable mounting and replacement of mini-sprinkler units. A new and improved mini-sprinkler unit having a novel tree deflector is also disclosed, the mini-sprinkler unit having a separable nozzle element and dual pattern deflector element, one deflector surface of which includes a recessed for producing a generally V-shaped spray pattern for effectively and efficiently watering the root zone area of a tree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1992
    Assignee: Rain Bird Sprinkler Mfg. Corp.
    Inventors: Hans D. Christen, Howard E. Thornton
  • Ground support stake for irrigation tubing
    Patent number: D334333
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1993
    Assignee: Rain Bird Sprinkler Mfg. Corp.
    Inventors: Hans D. Christen, Howard E. Thornton