Patents by Inventor Malcolm N. Napier

Malcolm N. Napier 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: 11540458
    Abstract: Several embodiments provide wireless irrigation system and related methods. In one implementation, an irrigation system includes a plurality of valves; a plurality of solenoids; a plurality of circuits, at least one circuit in a circuit housing attached at least partially to a dedicated solenoid housing of a respective one of the plurality of solenoids; a plurality of wireless transceivers, at least one wireless transceiver in the circuit housing attached at least partially to the dedicated solenoid housing of the respective one of the plurality of solenoids and configured to wirelessly communicate via a communication network; and the communication network comprising the plurality of wireless transceivers for communication with the plurality of solenoids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Mark M. Ensworth, Barbara E. Booth, Dean C. Thornton, Randall A. Hern, Malcolm N. Napier
  • Publication number: 20210092918
    Abstract: Several embodiments provide wireless irrigation system and related methods. In one implementation, an irrigation system includes a plurality of valves; a plurality of solenoids; a plurality of circuits, at least one circuit in a circuit housing attached at least partially to a dedicated solenoid housing of a respective one of the plurality of solenoids; a plurality of wireless transceivers, at least one wireless transceiver in the circuit housing attached at least partially to the dedicated solenoid housing of the respective one of the plurality of solenoids and configured to wirelessly communicate via a communication network; and the communication network comprising the plurality of wireless transceivers for communication with the plurality of solenoids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2020
    Publication date: April 1, 2021
    Inventors: Mark M. Ensworth, Barbara E. Booth, Dean C. Thornton, Randall A. Hern, Malcolm N. Napier
  • Patent number: 10863682
    Abstract: Several embodiments provide wireless irrigation control and related methods. In one implementation, an irrigation control system includes a transmitter unit including a controller and a connector to be coupled to an irrigation controller having station actuation output connectors. The controller is can receive an indication that the irrigation controller has activated an irrigation station, and can cause the transmitter unit to transmit a wireless activation signal responsive to the indication. A receiver unit is coupled to an actuator coupled to an actuatable device, such as an irrigation valve, the actuator configured to actuate the irrigation valve to control the flow of water therethrough. The receiver unit receives the wireless activation signal and in response, causes the actuator to actuate the actuatable device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Mark M. Ensworth, Barbara E. Booth, Dean C. Thornton, Randall A. Hern, Malcolm N. Napier
  • Publication number: 20190116743
    Abstract: Several embodiments provide wireless irrigation control and related methods. In one implementation, an irrigation control system includes a transmitter unit including a controller and a connector to be coupled to an irrigation controller having station actuation output connectors. The controller is can receive an indication that the irrigation controller has activated an irrigation station, and can cause the transmitter unit to transmit a wireless activation signal responsive to the indication. A receiver unit is coupled to an actuator coupled to an actuatable device, such as an irrigation valve, the actuator configured to actuate the irrigation valve to control the flow of water therethrough. The receiver unit receives the wireless activation signal and in response, causes the actuator to actuate the actuatable device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Publication date: April 25, 2019
    Inventors: Mark M. Ensworth, Barbara E. Booth, Dean C. Thornton, Randall A. Hern, Malcolm N. Napier
  • Patent number: 10194599
    Abstract: Several embodiments provide wireless irrigation control and related methods. In one implementation, an irrigation control system includes a transmitter unit including a controller and a connector to be coupled to an irrigation controller having station actuation output connectors. The controller is can receive an indication that the irrigation controller has activated an irrigation station, and can cause the transmitter unit to transmit a wireless activation signal responsive to the indication. A receiver unit is coupled to an actuator coupled to an actuatable device, such as an irrigation valve, the actuator configured to actuate the irrigation valve to control the flow of water therethrough. The receiver unit receives the wireless activation signal and in response, causes the actuator to actuate the actuatable device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Mark M. Ensworth, Barbara E. Booth, Dean C. Thornton, Randall A. Hern, Malcolm N. Napier
  • Publication number: 20160198646
    Abstract: Several embodiments provide wireless irrigation control and related methods. In one implementation, an irrigation control system includes a transmitter unit including a controller and a connector to be coupled to an irrigation controller having station actuation output connectors. The controller is can receive an indication that the irrigation controller has activated an irrigation station, and can cause the transmitter unit to transmit a wireless activation signal responsive to the indication. A receiver unit is coupled to an actuator coupled to an actuatable device, such as an irrigation valve, the actuator configured to actuate the irrigation valve to control the flow of water therethrough. The receiver unit receives the wireless activation signal and in response, causes the actuator to actuate the actuatable device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2016
    Publication date: July 14, 2016
    Inventors: Mark M. Ensworth, Barbara E. Booth, Dean C. Thornton, Randall A. Hern, Malcolm N. Napier
  • Patent number: 9320205
    Abstract: Several embodiments provide wireless irrigation control and related methods. In one implementation, an irrigation control system includes a transmitter unit including a controller and a connector to be coupled to an irrigation controller having station actuation output connectors. The controller is can receive an indication that the irrigation controller has activated an irrigation station, and can cause the transmitter unit to transmit a wireless activation signal responsive to the indication. A receiver unit is coupled to an actuator coupled to an actuatable device, such as an irrigation valve, the actuator configured to actuate the irrigation valve to control the flow of water therethrough. The receiver unit receives the wireless activation signal and in response, causes the actuator to actuate the actuatable device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Mark M. Ensworth, Barbara E. Booth, Dean C. Thornton, Randall A. Hern, Malcolm N. Napier
  • Publication number: 20150005965
    Abstract: Several embodiments provide wireless irrigation control and related methods. In one implementation, an irrigation control system includes a transmitter unit including a controller and a connector to be coupled to an irrigation controller having station actuation output connectors. The controller is can receive an indication that the irrigation controller has activated an irrigation station, and can cause the transmitter unit to transmit a wireless activation signal responsive to the indication. A receiver unit is coupled to an actuator coupled to an actuatable device, such as an irrigation valve, the actuator configured to actuate the irrigation valve to control the flow of water therethrough. The receiver unit receives the wireless activation signal and in response, causes the actuator to actuate the actuatable device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Mark M. Ensworth, Barbara E. Booth, Dean C. Thornton, Randall A. Hern, Malcolm N. Napier
  • Patent number: 8868246
    Abstract: Several embodiments provide wireless irrigation control and related methods. In one implementation, an irrigation control system includes a transmitter unit including a controller and a connector to be coupled to an irrigation controller having station actuation output connectors. The controller is can receive an indication that the irrigation controller has activated an irrigation station, and can cause the transmitter unit to transmit a wireless activation signal responsive to the indication. A receiver unit is coupled to an actuator coupled to an actuatable device, such as an irrigation valve, the actuator configured to actuate the irrigation valve to control the flow of water therethrough. The receiver unit receives the wireless activation signal and in response, causes the actuator to actuate the actuatable device. In some implementations, the receiver unit includes a capacitor charging circuit and battery to power the receiver unit and drive and control a latching solenoid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Dean C. Thornton, Randall A. Hern, Malcolm N. Napier
  • Publication number: 20130297082
    Abstract: Several embodiments provide wireless irrigation control and related methods. In one implementation, an irrigation control system includes a transmitter unit including a controller and a connector to be coupled to an irrigation controller having station actuation output connectors. The controller is can receive an indication that the irrigation controller has activated an irrigation station, and can cause the transmitter unit to transmit a wireless activation signal responsive to the indication. A receiver unit is coupled to an actuator coupled to an actuatable device, such as an irrigation valve, the actuator configured to actuate the irrigation valve to control the flow of water therethrough. The receiver unit receives the wireless activation signal and in response, causes the actuator to actuate the actuatable device. In some implementations, the receiver unit includes a capacitor charging circuit and battery to power the receiver unit and drive and control a latching solenoid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventors: Mark M. Ensworth, Barbara E. Booth, Dean C. Thornton, Randall A. Hern, Malcolm N. Napier
  • Patent number: 8504210
    Abstract: Several embodiments provide wireless extensions to an irrigation controller system and related methods of use, as well as other improvements to irrigation control equipment. In one implementation, an irrigation control system includes a transmitter unit including a controller and having a connector to be coupled to an irrigation controller having station actuation output connectors. The controller is configured to receive an indication that the irrigation controller has activated an irrigation station, and is also configured to cause the transmitter unit to transmit a wireless activation signal responsive to the indication. A receiver unit is coupled to an actuator coupled to an actuatable device, such as an irrigation valve, the actuator configured to actuate the irrigation valve to control the flow of water therethrough. The receiver unit receives the wireless activation signal and in response, causes the actuator to actuate the actuatable device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Mark M. Ensworth, Barbara E. Booth, Dean C. Thornton, David G. Fern, Randall A. Hern, Malcolm N. Napier
  • Publication number: 20120232708
    Abstract: Several embodiments provide wireless extensions to an irrigation controller system and related methods of use, as well as other improvements to irrigation control equipment. In one implementation, an irrigation control system includes a transmitter unit including a controller and having a connector to be coupled to an irrigation controller having station actuation output connectors. The controller is configured to receive an indication that the irrigation controller has activated an irrigation station, and is also configured to cause the transmitter unit to transmit a wireless activation signal responsive to the indication. A receiver unit is coupled to an actuator coupled to an actuatable device, such as an irrigation valve, the actuator configured to actuate the irrigation valve to control the flow of water therethrough. The receiver unit receives the wireless activation signal and in response, causes the actuator to actuate the actuatable device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: RAIN BIRD CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mark M. ENSWORTH, Barbara E. BOOTH, Dean C. THORNTON, David G. FERN, Randall A. HERN, Malcolm N. NAPIER
  • Patent number: 8185248
    Abstract: Several embodiments provide wireless extensions to an irrigation controller system and related methods of use, as well as other improvements to irrigation control equipment. In one implementation, an irrigation control system includes a transmitter unit including a controller and having a connector to be coupled to an irrigation controller having station actuation output connectors. The controller is configured to receive an indication that the irrigation controller has activated an irrigation station, and is also configured to cause the transmitter unit to transmit a wireless activation signal responsive to the indication. A receiver unit is coupled to an actuator coupled to an actuatable device, such as an irrigation valve, the actuator configured to actuate the irrigation valve to control the flow of water therethrough. The receiver unit receives the wireless activation signal and in response, causes the actuator to actuate the actuatable device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Mark M. Ensworth, Barbara E. Booth, Dean C. Thornton, David G. Fern, Randall A. Hern, Malcolm N. Napier
  • Publication number: 20110288690
    Abstract: Several embodiments provide wireless extensions to an irrigation controller system and related methods of use, as well as other improvements to irrigation control equipment. In one implementation, an irrigation control system includes a transmitter unit including a controller and having a connector to be coupled to an irrigation controller having station actuation output connectors. The controller is configured to receive an indication that the irrigation controller has activated an irrigation station, and is also configured to cause the transmitter unit to transmit a wireless activation signal responsive to the indication. A receiver unit is coupled to an actuator coupled to an actuatable device, such as an irrigation valve, the actuator configured to actuate the irrigation valve to control the flow of water therethrough. The receiver unit receives the wireless activation signal and in response, causes the actuator to actuate the actuatable device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: RAIN BIRD CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mark M. Ensworth, Barbara E. Booth, Dean C. Thornton, David G. Fern, Randall A. Hern, Rajiv Dabir, Malcolm N. Napier
  • Patent number: 8010238
    Abstract: Several embodiments provide wireless extensions to an irrigation controller system and related methods of use, as well as other improvements to irrigation control equipment. In one implementation, an irrigation control system includes a transmitter unit including a controller and having a connector to be coupled to an irrigation controller having station actuation output connectors. The controller is configured to receive an indication that the irrigation controller has activated an irrigation station, and is also configured to cause the transmitter unit to transmit a wireless activation signal responsive to the indication. A receiver unit is coupled to an actuator coupled to an actuatable device, such as an irrigation valve, the actuator configured to actuate the irrigation valve to control the flow of water therethrough. The receiver unit receives the wireless activation signal and in response, causes the actuator to actuate the actuatable device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Mark M. Ensworth, Barbara E. Booth, Dean C. Thornton, Randall A. Hern, Malcolm N. Napier
  • Publication number: 20090222141
    Abstract: Several embodiments provide wireless extensions to an irrigation controller system and related methods of use, as well as other improvements to irrigation control equipment. In one implementation, an irrigation control system includes a transmitter unit including a controller and having a connector to be coupled to an irrigation controller having station actuation output connectors. The controller is configured to receive an indication that the irrigation controller has activated an irrigation station, and is also configured to cause the transmitter unit to transmit a wireless activation signal responsive to the indication. A receiver unit is coupled to an actuator coupled to an actuatable device, such as an irrigation valve, the actuator configured to actuate the irrigation valve to control the flow of water therethrough. The receiver unit receives the wireless activation signal and in response, causes the actuator to actuate the actuatable device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: RAIN BIRD CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mark M. ENSWORTH, Barbara E. BOOTH, Dean C. THORNTON, David G. FERN, Randall A. HERN, Rajiv Dabir, Malcolm N. NAPIER
  • Patent number: 7558650
    Abstract: Several embodiments provide wireless extensions to an irrigation controller system and related methods of use, as well as other improvements to irrigation control equipment. In one implementation, an irrigation control system includes a transmitter unit including a controller and having a connector to be coupled to an irrigation controller having station actuation output connectors. The controller is configured to receive an indication that the irrigation controller has activated an irrigation station, and is also configured to cause the transmitter unit to transmit a wireless activation signal responsive to the indication. A receiver unit is coupled to an actuator coupled to an actuatable device, such as an irrigation valve, the actuator configured to actuate the irrigation valve to control the flow of water therethrough. The receiver unit receives the wireless activation signal and in response, causes the actuator to actuate the actuatable device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Dean C. Thornton, Randall A. Hern, Malcolm N. Napier
  • Publication number: 20090076659
    Abstract: Several embodiments provide wireless extensions to an irrigation controller system and related methods of use, as well as other improvements to irrigation control equipment. In one implementation, an irrigation control system includes a transmitter unit including a controller and having a connector to be coupled to an irrigation controller having station actuation output connectors. The controller is configured to receive an indication that the irrigation controller has activated an irrigation station, and is also configured to cause the transmitter unit to transmit a wireless activation signal responsive to the indication. A receiver unit is coupled to an actuator coupled to an actuatable device, such as an irrigation valve, the actuator configured to actuate the irrigation valve to control the flow of water therethrough. The receiver unit receives the wireless activation signal and in response, causes the actuator to actuate the actuatable device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Mark M. Ensworth, Barbara E. Booth, Dean C. Thornton, Randall A. Hern, Malcolm N. Napier
  • Patent number: D581880
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Roger S. Neitzel, Malcolm N. Napier, David G. Fern
  • Patent number: D622709
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Randall A. Hern, Malcolm N. Napier, Rajiv Dabir, Dean C. Thornton