Patents by Inventor Jerome E. Lattery

Jerome E. Lattery 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: 5749521
    Abstract: An apparatus for soil irrigation control comprising a control unit, a soil probe, and a temperature probe. The function of the invention is to provide day-to-day soil moisture measurement and control of the irrigation system it is attached to, usually a timer operated system. During operation, the control circuitry periodically measures the apparent electrical resistance between the two electrodes of the soil probe. A signal related to the measured resistance is then compared to a reference set by the user and functions to close or open an electrical switch that ultimately controls the application of irrigation water. The apparatus has a temperature sensor to compensate for effects upon the moisture sensor due to changes in soil temperature, and to also suspend irrigation when freezing conditions are pending. The apparatus also detects the presence of a external timer signal and sustains irrigation through completion of the timer cycle even though the moisture sensor may become wetted during the cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Lore Parker
    Inventor: Jerome E. Lattery