Patents by Inventor James H. Downing, Jr.

James H. Downing, Jr. 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: 10182534
    Abstract: Embodiments of a fluid treatment device and methods of use are described. Device embodiments typically include a barrel including a cavity with deflectors contained therein, and an energy chamber proximate the barrel. The energy chamber contains radionuclides such as, but not limited to U-238, U-235, and Th-232. Methods of use of fluid treatment device embodiments include treating water by passing the water through the barrel cavity and irrigating plants with the treated water. The water typically takes a circuitous path through the cavity because the deflectors obstruct a straight path through the cavity. Method of use examples include delivering the treated water by use of center-pivot irrigation. Plants irrigated with treated water typically require less water and produce greater yields than irrigated plants that receive no treated water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Inventors: Faye Cox-Gutierrez, James H. Downing, Jr., Faye Cox-Gutierrez
  • Patent number: 5499685
    Abstract: A movable, row crop soil conditioner apparatus for conditioning soil prior to planting including a mechanism for first cutting a row length furrow opening in the soil when the soil conditioner is moved. A subsoiler is positioned behind the first cutting mechanism. It is selectively inserted into the furrow opening when the subsoiler is moved. The subsoiler includes a tooth, and a first pressure applicator for maintaining pressure on the soil directly and laterally on the subsoiler tooth when the tooth is inserted into the furrow opening. The tooth causes an eruption furrow in the furrow opening. The pressure applicator then controls the eruption soil wakes on either side of the subsoiler when the row crop conditioner is moved down a row. The subsoiler also includes a mechanism for turning the soil wakes on either side of the furrow inwardly towards each other to crush and shear the soil and to urge it downwardly into the eruption furrow, thereby closing the eruption furrow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1996
    Inventor: James H. Downing, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4347907
    Abstract: An electronic differential speed control circuit for driving the inboard and outboard A.C. wheel motors at different relative speeds depending upon the steering angle during a turn. An electrical circuit for sensing the torque of the tractor's wheel motors to maintain a constant implement draft. A hollow tubular axle pivots around the tractor's longitudinal material-transferring tunnel to conserve space and permit mounting of the wheel motors within the axle. The tunnel has two material-transferring compartments or passageways, and has vertically movable extensions on either end to facilitate coupling to accessories. An electrical power outlet is provided for energizing non-motor driven accessories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1979
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1982
    Inventor: James H. Downing, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4196785
    Abstract: An electronic differential speed control circuit for driving the inboard and outboard A.C. wheel motors at different relative speeds depending upon the steering angle during a turn. An electrical circuit for sensing the torque of the tractor's wheel motors to maintain a constant implement draft. A hollow tubular axle pivots around the tractor's longitudinal material-transferring tunnel to conserve space and permit mounting of the wheel motors within the axle. The tunnel has two material-transferring compartments or passageways, and has vertically movable extensions on either end to facilitate coupling to accessories. An electrical power outlet is provided for energizing non-motor driven accessories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1980
    Inventor: James H. Downing, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4113045
    Abstract: A modular farm tractor whose wheels are driven by individual A.C. induction motors and whose accessories or attachments are also driven by A.C. induction motors. A prime mover, such as a gas turbine operating at a constant speed, is mounted on the tractor and drives a three-phase alternator which produces A.C. power at a constant frequency of 400 Hz. The frequency of the power applied to the wheel motors is controlled by a first cycloconverter means connected to the output of the alternator. The alternator output is also coupled through a second cycloconverter means to an A.C. power outlet mounted on the tractor. Various farm accessories associated with the tractor are driven by A.C. induction motors connected to the A.C. outlet. The frequency of the power applied to the accessory motors is controlled by the second cycloconverter means. A material-transferring tunnel runs between the front and rear of the tractor along the center line thereof and between the tractor's wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1977
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1978
    Inventor: James H. Downing, Jr.