Patents by Inventor Jim Nichols

Jim Nichols 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: 11178828
    Abstract: A gravity irrigation system includes a distribution piping having apertures to distribute water to a field, and a valve located upstream of the distribution piping. The valve limits a pressure of the water being delivered to the distribution piping. The system also includes a sump to receive the water at a lowest elevation of the field, a depth sensor disposed within the sump, and a return pump disposed at least partially within the sump to move the water to an elevated portion of the field. The system also includes a motor to drive the return pump, and a power source coupled to a variable frequency drive that powers the motor and controls a motor speed proportionately to an indication of the depth sensor. The system also includes a transfer piping to bring the water from the return pump to a check valve and to the distribution piping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas
    Inventors: Christopher G. Henry, Brian Koehler, Jim Nichols
  • Publication number: 20190307083
    Abstract: A gravity irrigation system includes a distribution piping having apertures to distribute water to a field, and a valve located upstream of the distribution piping. The valve is configured to limit a pressure of the water being delivered to the distribution piping. The system also includes a sump configured to receive the water at a lowest elevation of the field, a depth sensor disposed within the sump, and a return pump disposed at least partially within the sump and configured to move the water to an elevated portion of the field. The system also includes a motor configured to drive the return pump, and a power source coupled to a variable frequency drive. The variable frequency drive is configured to power the motor and control a motor speed proportionately to an indication of the depth sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Publication date: October 10, 2019
    Inventors: Christopher G. Henry, Brian Kohler, Jim Nichols
  • Publication number: 20140366246
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cap with emblems that are removable and interchangeable including a related system as well as a sleeve for fitting over a portion of a cap with emblems that are removable and interchangeable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventor: Jim Nichols
  • Publication number: 20060130769
    Abstract: An adjustable elevated serving tray for pets and having a tray portion accepting various dish sizes and shapes, leg position brackets on the bottom or sides of the tray portion, and two legs fastenable in any one of multiple possible positions beneath the tray portion by means of angled slots in the leg position brackets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2004
    Publication date: June 22, 2006
    Inventor: Jim Nichols