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: 11540458Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 14, 2020Date of Patent: January 3, 2023Assignee: Rain Bird CorporationInventors: Mark M. Ensworth, Barbara E. Booth, Dean C. Thornton, Randall A. Hern, Malcolm N. Napier
-
Publication number: 20210092918Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2020Publication date: April 1, 2021Inventors: Mark M. Ensworth, Barbara E. Booth, Dean C. Thornton, Randall A. Hern, Malcolm N. Napier
-
Patent number: 10863682Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 21, 2018Date of Patent: December 15, 2020Assignee: Rain Bird CorporationInventors: Mark M. Ensworth, Barbara E. Booth, Dean C. Thornton, Randall A. Hern, Malcolm N. Napier
-
Publication number: 20190116743Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2018Publication date: April 25, 2019Inventors: Mark M. Ensworth, Barbara E. Booth, Dean C. Thornton, Randall A. Hern, Malcolm N. Napier
-
Patent number: 10194599Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 22, 2016Date of Patent: February 5, 2019Assignee: Rain Bird CorporationInventors: Mark M. Ensworth, Barbara E. Booth, Dean C. Thornton, Randall A. Hern, Malcolm N. Napier
-
Publication number: 20160198646Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2016Publication date: July 14, 2016Inventors: Mark M. Ensworth, Barbara E. Booth, Dean C. Thornton, Randall A. Hern, Malcolm N. Napier
-
Patent number: 9320205Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 18, 2014Date of Patent: April 26, 2016Assignee: Rain Bird CorporationInventors: Mark M. Ensworth, Barbara E. Booth, Dean C. Thornton, Randall A. Hern, Malcolm N. Napier
-
Publication number: 20150005965Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2014Publication date: January 1, 2015Inventors: Mark M. Ensworth, Barbara E. Booth, Dean C. Thornton, Randall A. Hern, Malcolm N. Napier
-
Patent number: 8868246Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 2, 2013Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignee: Rain Bird CorporationInventors: Dean C. Thornton, Randall A. Hern, Malcolm N. Napier
-
Publication number: 20130297082Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2013Publication date: November 7, 2013Inventors: Mark M. Ensworth, Barbara E. Booth, Dean C. Thornton, Randall A. Hern, Malcolm N. Napier
-
Patent number: 8504210Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 18, 2012Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: Rain Bird CorporationInventors: Mark M. Ensworth, Barbara E. Booth, Dean C. Thornton, David G. Fern, Randall A. Hern, Malcolm N. Napier
-
Publication number: 20120232708Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2012Publication date: September 13, 2012Applicant: RAIN BIRD CORPORATIONInventors: Mark M. ENSWORTH, Barbara E. BOOTH, Dean C. THORNTON, David G. FERN, Randall A. HERN, Malcolm N. NAPIER
-
Patent number: 8185248Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 12, 2009Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: Rain Bird CorporationInventors: Mark M. Ensworth, Barbara E. Booth, Dean C. Thornton, David G. Fern, Randall A. Hern, Malcolm N. Napier
-
Publication number: 20110288690Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2011Publication date: November 24, 2011Applicant: RAIN BIRD CORPORATIONInventors: Mark M. Ensworth, Barbara E. Booth, Dean C. Thornton, David G. Fern, Randall A. Hern, Rajiv Dabir, Malcolm N. Napier
-
Patent number: 8010238Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 17, 2008Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: Rain Bird CorporationInventors: Mark M. Ensworth, Barbara E. Booth, Dean C. Thornton, Randall A. Hern, Malcolm N. Napier
-
Publication number: 20090222141Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2009Publication date: September 3, 2009Applicant: RAIN BIRD CORPORATIONInventors: Mark M. ENSWORTH, Barbara E. BOOTH, Dean C. THORNTON, David G. FERN, Randall A. HERN, Rajiv Dabir, Malcolm N. NAPIER
-
Patent number: 7558650Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 19, 2006Date of Patent: July 7, 2009Assignee: Rain Bird CorporationInventors: Dean C. Thornton, Randall A. Hern, Malcolm N. Napier
-
Publication number: 20090076659Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2008Publication date: March 19, 2009Applicant: Rain Bird CorporationInventors: Mark M. Ensworth, Barbara E. Booth, Dean C. Thornton, Randall A. Hern, Malcolm N. Napier
-
Patent number: D581880Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2007Date of Patent: December 2, 2008Assignee: Rain Bird CorporationInventors: Roger S. Neitzel, Malcolm N. Napier, David G. Fern
-
Patent number: D622709Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2007Date of Patent: August 31, 2010Assignee: Rain Bird CorporationInventors: Randall A. Hern, Malcolm N. Napier, Rajiv Dabir, Dean C. Thornton