Patents by Inventor Russel D. Leatherman

Russel D. Leatherman 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: 11559013
    Abstract: Described herein are several embodiments relating to irrigation controllers. In many implementations, the irrigation controllers include a housing and a removable plug-in device. The housing includes a control portion comprising a first microcontroller configured to execute stored irrigation programs. The housing includes an interface connector port and driver circuitry configured to actuate irrigation valves based on control signals received from the first microcontroller. The removable plug-in device removably coupled to the interface connector port and comprising a second microcontroller and a wireless modem configured to communicate with a wireless network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Harvey J. Nickerson, Russel D. Leatherman, Jose Macias Galarza, Bill Merkt
  • Publication number: 20210321583
    Abstract: Described herein are several embodiments relating to irrigation controllers. In many implementations, the irrigation controllers include a housing and a removable plug-in device. The housing includes a control portion comprising a first microcontroller configured to execute stored irrigation programs. The housing includes an interface connector port and driver circuitry configured to actuate irrigation valves based on control signals received from the first microcontroller. The removable plug-in device removably coupled to the interface connector port and comprising a second microcontroller and a wireless modem configured to communicate with a wireless network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2021
    Publication date: October 21, 2021
    Inventors: Harvey J. Nickerson, Russel D. Leatherman, Jose Macias Galarza, Bill Merkt
  • Patent number: 11096341
    Abstract: Described herein are several embodiments relating to modular irrigation controllers. In many implementations, the irrigation controllers are modular in that various functional components of the irrigation controller are implemented in removable modules that when inserted into position within the controller, expand the capabilities of the controller. Also described are various different types of expansion modules that may be coupled to the modular controller, having as variety of functions and features, as well as related methods of use and configuration of these modules in the controller. In some embodiments, a serial communication bus is provided between a control unit of a modular irrigation controller and an expansion module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Harvey J. Nickerson, Russel D. Leatherman, James R. Musselman
  • Patent number: 11071263
    Abstract: Described herein are several embodiments relating to irrigation controllers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Harvey J. Nickerson, Russel D. Leatherman, Jose Macias Galarza, Bill Merkt
  • Publication number: 20200170204
    Abstract: Described herein are several embodiments relating to irrigation controllers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2020
    Publication date: June 4, 2020
    Inventors: Harvey J. Nickerson, Russel D. Leatherman, Jose Macias Galarza, Bill Merkt
  • Patent number: 10582673
    Abstract: Described herein are several embodiments relating to modular irrigation controllers. In many implementations, the irrigation controllers are modular in that various functional components of the irrigation controller are implemented in removable modules that when inserted into position within the controller, expand the capabilities of the controller. Also described are various different types of expansion modules that may be coupled to the modular controller, having as variety of functions and features, as well as related methods of use and configuration of these modules in the controller. In one implementation, an expansion module is provided that includes a microcontroller capable of sending and receiving data communications to and from a main microcontroller of the controller that executed irrigation programs, the data communications relating to an irrigation program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Harvey J. Nickerson, Russel D. Leatherman, Jose Macias Galarza, Bill Merkt
  • Publication number: 20180228099
    Abstract: Described herein are several embodiments relating to modular irrigation controllers. In many implementations, the irrigation controllers are modular in that various functional components of the irrigation controller are implemented in removable modules that when inserted into position within the controller, expand the capabilities of the controller. Also described are various different types of expansion modules that may be coupled to the modular controller, having as variety of functions and features, as well as related methods of use and configuration of these modules in the controller. In some embodiments, a serial communication bus is provided between a control unit of a modular irrigation controller and an expansion module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2018
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Inventors: Harvey J. Nickerson, Russel D. Leatherman, James R. Musselman
  • Publication number: 20180228098
    Abstract: Described herein are several embodiments relating to modular irrigation controllers. In many implementations, the irrigation controllers are modular in that various functional components of the irrigation controller are implemented in removable modules that when inserted into position within the controller, expand the capabilities of the controller. Also described are various different types of expansion modules that may be coupled to the modular controller, having as variety of functions and features, as well as related methods of use and configuration of these modules in the controller. In one implementation, an expansion module is provided that includes a microcontroller capable of sending and receiving data communications to and from a main microcontroller of the controller that executed irrigation programs, the data communications relating to an irrigation program.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2018
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Inventors: Harvey J. Nickerson, Russel D. Leatherman, Andrew M. Nguyen, Susan E. Basch, Sergio R. Perez Araujo, Jose Macias Galarza, Bill Merkt, Adam A. Dunford
  • Publication number: 20160235020
    Abstract: Described herein are several embodiments relating to modular irrigation controllers. In many implementations, the irrigation controllers are modular in that various functional components of the irrigation controller are implemented in removable modules that when inserted into position within the controller, expand the capabilities of the controller. Also described are various different types of expansion modules that may be coupled to the modular controller, having as variety of functions and features, as well as related methods of use and configuration of these modules in the controller. In some embodiments, a serial communication bus is provided between a control unit of a modular irrigation controller and an expansion module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventors: Harvey J. Nickerson, Russel D. Leatherman, James R. Musselman
  • Patent number: 9348338
    Abstract: Described herein are several embodiments relating to modular irrigation controllers. In many implementations, the irrigation controllers are modular in that various functional components of the irrigation controller are implemented in removable modules that when inserted into position within the controller, expand the capabilities of the controller. Also described are various different types of expansion modules that may be coupled to the modular controller, having as variety of functions and features, as well as related methods of use and configuration of these modules in the controller. In some embodiments, a serial communication bus is provided between a control unit of a modular irrigation controller and an expansion module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Harvey J. Nickerson, Russel D. Leatherman, James R. Musselman
  • Publication number: 20160135390
    Abstract: Described herein are several embodiments relating to modular irrigation controllers. In many implementations, the irrigation controllers are modular in that various functional components of the irrigation controller are implemented in removable modules that when inserted into position within the controller, expand the capabilities of the controller. Also described are various different types of expansion modules that may be coupled to the modular controller, having as variety of functions and features, as well as related methods of use and configuration of these modules in the controller. In one implementation, an expansion module is provided that includes a microcontroller capable of sending and receiving data communications to and from a main microcontroller of the controller that executed irrigation programs, the data communications relating to an irrigation program.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2015
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventors: Harvey J. Nickerson, Russel D. Leatherman, Andrew M. Nguyen, Susan E. Basch, Sergio R. Perez Araujo, Jose Macias Galarza, Bill Merkt, Adam A. Dunford
  • Publication number: 20140249684
    Abstract: Described herein are several embodiments relating to modular irrigation controllers. In many implementations, the irrigation controllers are modular in that various functional components of the irrigation controller are implemented in removable modules that when inserted into position within the controller, expand the capabilities of the controller. Also described are various different types of expansion modules that may be coupled to the modular controller, having as variety of functions and features, as well as related methods of use and configuration of these modules in the controller. In one implementation, an expansion module is provided that includes a microcontroller capable of sending and receiving data communications to and from a main microcontroller of the controller that executed irrigation programs, the data communications relating to an irrigation program.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Harvey J. Nickerson, Russel D. Leatherman, Andrew M. Nguyen, Susan E. Basch, Sergio R. Perez Araujo, Jose Macias Galarza, Bill Merkt, Adam A. Dunford
  • Patent number: 8761924
    Abstract: The invention relates to an interactive fuel dispenser system having a plurality of fuel dispensers operating in conjunction with a local server. Each dispenser generally has two fueling positions, each with a graphical user interface through which a customer interacts. In contrast with efforts to turn fuel dispensers into super computers, applicants' provide a dispenser architecture that need only be sufficient to establish interactivity with a server to create multimedia applications and carry out POS functions with a browser interface. Each fueling position acts as a client of a local server at the fuel station store. In the preferred embodiment, each fueling position client also may access remote servers connected to the same network in which the fueling position clients and the local server are connected. Preferably, this network is connected to the Worldwide Web of the Internet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Gilbarco, Inc.
    Inventors: Russel D. Leatherman, William C. Royal, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20130158724
    Abstract: Described herein are several embodiments relating to modular irrigation controllers. In many implementations, the irrigation controllers are modular in that various functional components of the irrigation controller are implemented in removable modules that when inserted into position within the controller, expand the capabilities of the controller. Also described are various different types of expansion modules that may be coupled to the modular controller, having as variety of functions and features, as well as related methods of use and configuration of these modules in the controller. In some embodiments, a modular controller supports expansion modules received in any one of the plurality module mounting locations, the expansion modules having different numbers of the station output connectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventors: Harvey J. Nickerson, Russel D. Leatherman, James R. Musselman
  • Patent number: 8265797
    Abstract: Described herein are several embodiments relating to modular irrigation controllers. In many implementations, the irrigation controllers are modular in that various functional components of the irrigation controller are implemented in removable modules that when inserted into position within the controller, expand the capabilities of the controller. Also described are various different types of expansion modules that may be coupled to the modular controller, having as variety of functions and features, as well as related methods of use and configuration of these modules in the controller. In some embodiments, authentication procedures are provided for one or both of a modular irrigation controller and an expansion module to determine if they are authorized to operate together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Harvey J. Nickerson, Russel D. Leatherman, Ken R. Venegas, Roger S. Neitzel, Susan E. Basch, Andrew M. Nguyen, James R. Musselman
  • Publication number: 20110270449
    Abstract: Described herein are several embodiments relating to modular irrigation controllers. In many implementations, the irrigation controllers are modular in that various functional components of the irrigation controller are implemented in removable modules that when inserted into position within the controller, expand the capabilities of the controller. Also described are various different types of expansion modules that may be coupled to the modular controller, having as variety of functions and features, as well as related methods of use and configuration of these modules in the controller. In one implementation, an expansion module is provided that includes a microcontroller capable of sending and receiving data communications to and from a main microcontroller of the controller that executed irrigation programs, the data communications relating to an irrigation program.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: RAIN BIRD CORPORATION
    Inventors: Harvey J. Nickerson, Russel D. Leatherman, Andrew M. Nguyen, Susan E. Basch, Sergio R. Perez Araujo, Jose Macias Galarza, Bill Merkt, Adam A. Dunford
  • Patent number: 7996115
    Abstract: Described herein are several embodiments relating to modular irrigation controllers. In many implementations, the irrigation controllers are modular in that various functional components of the irrigation controller are implemented in removable modules that when inserted into position within the controller, expand the capabilities of the controller. Also described are various different types of expansion modules that may be coupled to the modular controller, having as variety of functions and features, as well as related methods of use and configuration of these modules in the controller. In one implementation, an expansion module is provided that includes a microcontroller capable of sending and receiving data communications to and from a main microcontroller of the controller that executed irrigation programs, the data communications relating to an irrigation program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Harvey J. Nickerson, Russel D. Leatherman, Andrew M. Nguyen, Susan E. Basch, Sergio R. Perez Araujo, Jose Macias Galarza, Bill Merkt, Adam A. Dunford
  • Publication number: 20100145531
    Abstract: Described herein are several embodiments relating to modular irrigation controllers. In many implementations, the irrigation controllers are modular in that various functional components of the irrigation controller are implemented in removable modules that when inserted into position within the controller, expand the capabilities of the controller. Also described are various different types of expansion modules that may be coupled to the modular controller, having as variety of functions and features, as well as related methods of use and configuration of these modules in the controller. In some embodiments, authentication procedures are provided for one or both of a modular irrigation controller and an expansion module to determine if they are authorized to operate together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Harvey J. Nickerson, Russel D. Leatherman, James R. Musselman, Andrew M. Nguyen, Ken R. Venegas, Roger S. Neitzel, Susan E. Basch
  • Publication number: 20100100247
    Abstract: Described herein are several embodiments relating to modular irrigation controllers. In many implementations, the irrigation controllers are modular in that various functional components of the irrigation controller are implemented in removable modules that when inserted into position within the controller, expand the capabilities of the controller. Also described are various different types of expansion modules that may be coupled to the modular controller, having as variety of functions and features, as well as related methods of use and configuration of these modules in the controller. In some embodiments, a serial communication bus is provided between a control unit of a modular irrigation controller and an expansion module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Applicant: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Harvey J. Nickerson, Russel D. Leatherman, James R. Musselman
  • Patent number: 7640079
    Abstract: Described herein are several embodiments relating to modular irrigation controllers. In many implementations, the irrigation controllers are modular in that various functional components of the irrigation controller are implemented in removable modules that when inserted into position within the controller, expand the capabilities of the controller. Also described are various different types of expansion modules that may be coupled to the modular controller, having as variety of functions and features, as well as related methods of use and configuration of these modules in the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Harvey J. Nickerson, Russel D. Leatherman, James R. Musselman, Andrew M. Nguyen, Ken R. Venegas, Roger S. Neitzel, Robert Jenkins, Susan E. Basch, Kenneth D. Vail