Patents by Inventor Rod N. Blanchard

Rod N. Blanchard 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).

  • Publication number: 20150242882
    Abstract: Described herein is a method for electronic-based opportunities for consumer engagement that includes broadcasting an offer for participating in an opportunity via an electronic medium. The method also includes accepting the offer by generating from an information handling device of a participant an electronic text-based message or input from a computer application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2015
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Inventor: Rod N. Blanchard
  • Patent number: 8225810
    Abstract: Described herein are various embodiments of an apparatus, system, and method for controlling the irrigation of an area. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes at least one sensor module that is configured to detect the soil moisture content of soil in an irrigation area. The sensor module is further configured to determine a rate of change of the soil moisture content based on the detected soil moisture content. A rate at which the sensor module detects the soil moisture content of the soil is based on the determined rate of change of the soil moisture content. The apparatus also includes a central control module that is configured to execute an irrigation event for an irrigation area if the detected soil moisture content reaches a moisture content lower threshold. The central control module also is configured to terminate the irrigation event for the irrigation area if the detected soil moisture content reaches a moisture content upper threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Inventor: Rod N. Blanchard
  • Publication number: 20100147389
    Abstract: Described herein are various embodiments of an apparatus, system, and method for controlling the irrigation of an area. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes at least one sensor module that is configured to detect the soil moisture content of soil in an irrigation area. The sensor module is further configured to determine a rate of change of the soil moisture content based on the detected soil moisture content. A rate at which the sensor module detects the soil moisture content of the soil is based on the determined rate of change of the soil moisture content. The apparatus also includes a central control module that is configured to execute an irrigation event for an irrigation area if the detected soil moisture content reaches a moisture content lower threshold. The central control module also is configured to terminate the irrigation event for the irrigation area if the detected soil moisture content reaches a moisture content upper threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventor: Rod N. Blanchard