Patents Examined by Joshua Huson
  • Milking plant
    Patent number: 9155281
    Abstract: A milking plant includes a milking member to be attached to a teat of an animal to be milked during a milking operation. A milk container is connected to the milking member and adapted to collect the milk extracted during the milking operation. A milk pump, being a part of a milk transport conduit, defines a suction side and a pressure side. A milk tank is connected to the milk container via the milk transport conduit and adapted to collect the milk from the milk container. A milk sample discharge device is connected to the milk transport conduit at the pressure side. The milk pump is adapted to transport during a milk transport operation the milk extracted during the milking operation from the milk container in a major flow to the milk tank and in a minor flow via the milk discharge device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: DELAVAL HOLDING AB
    Inventors: Epke Bosma, Nils Erik Holmertz
  • Animal husbandry drawer caging
    Patent number: 9155283
    Abstract: Provided herein are slidable “drawer” animal containment systems that allow for ready access to contained animals. In certain embodiments, the animal containment systems include disposable cages, and the systems are ventilated in some embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: INNOVIVE, INC.
    Inventors: Dee L. Conger, Francesca McGuffie, Thomas M. Perazzo, Matthew D. D'Artenay
  • Apparatus and methods for attaching objects to trees
    Patent number: 9149009
    Abstract: Devices and methods for attaching objects to living trees. Various forms of the devices employ a flexible member and mounting member that are configured to be looped and secured around a tree portion at a beginning of a predetermined time period. The mounting member and flexible member are configured to slide relative to each other to accommodate growth of the tree portion such that the device remains secured to the tree portion for at least the duration of the predetermined period of time without the need for human intervention. In other embodiments, the mounting member is integrally formed with the object or no mounting member is employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Inventors: Thomas J. Edgington, Bradley T. Edgington
  • Plant support apparatus
    Patent number: 9149008
    Abstract: A plant support apparatus and related method for supporting a plant are disclosed. The plant support apparatus includes a first support layer including a first plurality of support arms having first ends and second ends. The first ends are coupled at a corresponding plurality of first support junctions and the second ends are coupled at a corresponding plurality of second support junctions. A second support layer includes a second plurality of support arms having first ends and second ends. The first ends are coupled at a corresponding plurality of third support junctions and the second ends are coupled at a corresponding plurality of fourth support junctions. The second and third support junctions are selectively coupled for concurrent movement. Subsequent layers of support are sequentially added to accommodate and support the plant as it grows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: JAYDA, LLC
    Inventors: David Louis Schemmel, Jayne Collins Schemmel
  • Harvesting and grafting of trees
    Patent number: 9149010
    Abstract: A tree harvester includes a body and a harvesting system coupled to the body. The tree harvester further includes a control system coupled to the body. The control system is configured to receive data from the harvesting system regarding a characteristic of a harvested tree and control operation of the harvesting system based on the data. The harvesting system is configured to remove an intermediate portion of the harvested tree below a tree crown and graft the tree crown to a tree stump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: ELWHA LLC
    Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Robert C. Petroski, David B. Tuckerman, Thomas A. Weaver, Victoria Y. H. Wood, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Livestock stanchion
    Patent number: 9089106
    Abstract: An improved livestock stanchion including a plurality of forked vertical posts fixed between a substantially horizontal base rail and a horizontal rail to form a co-planar frame having at least one livestock opening. The horizontal rail can be serpentine in form to reduce the likelihood of head, horn or ear strikes as the animal's head enters a livestock opening. A locking bar rests in at least one releaseable support yoke mounted to the frame to allow easy installation and removal of a locking bar and its appurtenances. An end lap between adjacent locking bars provides for a strong releaseable couple. An offset pivot member and an offset latch pin of a pivoting restraining stanchion provide early engagement of a latch pin to a latching mechanism such as a pair of opposing latch dogs mounted on a locking bar above the horizontal rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Inventor: John DaSilveira
  • Force transfer harness and method
    Patent number: 9089109
    Abstract: A force transfer harness that utilizes the harness structure to redirect the handler's forces through the harness structure and into the underlying ground is provided. The harness creates a moving support for a handler. Through the act of the dog sitting, the associated dog and handler cause a change in the orientation of the harness legs, both fixed and moveable, and cause the moveable legs to be brought into an angular relationship with the fixed legs that allows the harness to form a support structure. After the dog sits, the harness legs are brought in contact with the ground, whereas previously they were hovering above the ground in a ready orientation. As a result, the dog's act of sitting enables the human to transfer his or her weight through the harness and into the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Inventors: Daniel Codos, Richard Codos
  • Plant support system
    Patent number: 9060470
    Abstract: An apparatus for the support of branches and fruit during growth of plants, bushes, and shrubs includes a first rod and a second rod that cooperate for form an upright rod assembly. The first rod includes a hollow elliptical or oval shaped center and the second rod includes an elliptical or oval shaped exterior When the second rod is disposed in the first rod and is rotated, a portion of the exterior of the second rod binds against a portion of the interior of the first rod to secure the first and second rods together. During use, a bottom of the first rod is secured to an upright post and a plant is secured to the upright rod assembly. Alternately, the bottom of the first rod is attached to a soil tip which is then inserted into soil. Various clips for attachment of horizontal members, cords, and wires are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Inventor: Michael Tavis Donaldson
  • Method and apparatus for providing clean air to animal enclosures
    Patent number: 9043989
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for economically filtering air into swine farms and other animal enclosures are provided. Advantageously, the invention substantially reduces the risk to airborne transfer of disease into animal enclosures. In one embodiment, a method for providing clean air to an animal enclosure includes providing an animal enclosure having an animal containing volume for containing a plurality of animals, removing air from the internal volume via at least one exhaust fan, and filtering air being pulled into the enclosure by the at least one exhaust fan using a fully sealed filter, the fully sealed filter having a particle separation sufficiently efficient to prevent detection of live (PRRS-) virus downstream of the filter, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of samples collected with a cyclonic aerosol collector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Camfil USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven T. Devine, Anders Sundvik
  • Vertically integrated aquaculture system
    Patent number: 9021987
    Abstract: A Vertically Integrated Aquaculture System for producing high quality consumer seafood products at a significantly reduced cost. The Vertically Integrated Aquaculture System includes at least one aquaculture grow-out module for containing an aquaculture species, a feed handling system for distributing feed to the aquaculture species located in the aquaculture grow-out module(s), an aquaculture species moving system for routing the aquaculture species at least out of the aquaculture grow-out module(s), and a processing system for processing the aquaculture species after harvesting from the aquaculture grow-out module(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignees: Aquama of Aquaculture Technologies, Ltd, Dakota Fisheries, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary Myers
  • Leash system and method of use
    Patent number: 9010279
    Abstract: A multi-function pet leash system generally comprises a substantially rigid handle and a substantially rigid tether/carrier engaged with the handle. The tether/carrier may have one or more means for removable tethering and carrying of accessories, whereby with a pet attached to a leash engaged with the tether/carrier, a user may grasp the handle coupled to the leash through the tether/carrier and walk the pet while conveniently carrying one or more accessories. The handle may be disengaged from the tether/carrier and so serve a separate function, alone or in combination with one or more of the accessories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Chilkoot Trail Ventures, LLC
    Inventors: Michael A. Saber, Joseph A. Buescher
  • Rotary pet brush
    Patent number: 9004009
    Abstract: Disclosed is a rotary brush for use in grooming a pet, such as a dog or cat. The brush includes a handle to which a head is rotatably mounted. The head preferably includes a series of channels that accepted elongated rows of tines. The tines can be formed in any of a variety of shapes or arrangements to facilitate proper grooming. A skin guard can also be included to prevent the tines from damaging the pet's skin. An accumulator is secured to the handle and is interdigitated with the series of upstanding tines. In this manner, the accumulator collects hair gathered by the tines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: WFK & Associates, LLC
    Inventor: Waldemar F. Kissel, Jr.
  • Birdhouse
    Patent number: 9004008
    Abstract: A birdhouse with a plurality of members configurable in a shipping configuration and an operative configuration. In the shipping configuration, the members are stacked in a configuration suitable for shipping. The members are configured to be reconfigured from the shipping configuration to the operative configuration easily and without the use of tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Wild Blue Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. McLean, Brian J. Berggren, Bradley N. Harder, Paul D. Dax
  • Milk tube dome with flow controller
    Patent number: 8991335
    Abstract: A milker unit liner dome having an inner surface and flow diverters joined to the inner surface to redirect teat dip from an inlet to provide more uniform coverage of dip on a teat. The liner dome can also include more than one flow diverter for redirecting teat dip flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: GEA Farm Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin L. Torgerson, Duane F. Sellner
  • Collapsible wire crate and method of assembly
    Patent number: 8985058
    Abstract: The present invention provides a wire crate for housing an animal. The wire crate includes a top panel, a bottom panel, a front panel, a back panel, and a pair of side panels oppositely disposed from one another. The crate also includes a front opening defined in the front panel. The front opening is configured to provide access to the interior of the crate. The crate further includes a pair of tracks coupled to each side of the front opening and a door slidably coupled to the pair of tracks. The door slides along the pair of tracks between an open position and a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Mid-West Metal Products Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Brad Cantwell, Michael E. Greene, Terrance L. Jones, Robert Bemis
  • Feeder
    Patent number: 8985053
    Abstract: A feeder comprising an elongate receptacle for food; a removable part; and an elongate restraining pin positioned within the feeder. The direction of elongation of the elongate restraining pin is parallel to that of the feeder. When in an engaged position, the elongate restraining pin is engaged with the removable part so as to couple the removable part to the feeder, and, in a retracted position, is disengaged with the removable part as to uncouple the removable part from the feeder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Inventors: Matthew John Wood, Graham Charles Evans
  • Crowd gate control system and method
    Patent number: 8955459
    Abstract: A crowd gate control system includes a holding pen for dairy livestock, a crowd gate, and a controller. The holding pen is adjacent to an entrance to a milking parlor. The crowd gate is operable to form a side of the holding pen and move in relation to the entrance to the milking parlor along an axis substantially parallel to two other sides of the holding pen. The controller is operable to store a triggering threshold associated with a counter related to the milking parlor, determine whether the counter has reached the triggering threshold, and initiate a first mode of operation of the crowd gate in response to determining that the counter has reached the triggering threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Technologies Holdings Corp.
    Inventor: James D. Siddell
  • System and method for milking stall assignment using real-time location
    Patent number: 8950357
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, a method for milking stall assignment includes storing first location information associated with a dairy livestock, the first location information comprising a coordinate location of the dairy livestock within a milking parlor at a first time. The method further includes comparing the stored first location information associated with the dairy livestock with an area associated with each of a plurality of milking stalls of the milking parlor to identify a milking stall in which the dairy cow is located at the first time and assigning the dairy livestock to the milking stall in which the dairy cow is located at the first time such that data associated with milking of the dairy livestock may be associated with the dairy cow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Technologies Holdings Corp.
    Inventors: Parimal G. Rajkondawar, Roger K. Erdman, David A. Johnson, William S. Nelson, Paul D. Thompson, Gary C. Steingraber
  • Applying acoustic wave to rice seed method for increasing yield and device thereof
    Patent number: 8950109
    Abstract: A method of applying acoustic wave to rice seeds for increasing yield comprises the following steps: (1) Process rice seeds by winnowing and/or wet separation; (2) Soak the rice seeds for 10 to 12 hours and pre-process by acoustic wave irradiation in power density from 0.25 to 25 w/L; (3) Use acoustic wave frequency from 10 khz to 2000 khz for acoustic wave processing; (4) Take out the rice seeds processed by the acoustic wave from soaking liquid and keep the rice seeds stationary until they excrete convex white flakes. A device for applying acoustic wave to rice seeds for increasing yield comprises a container (1) for holding rice seeds and soaking liquid, and also a dasher (2); at least one ultrasonic transducer (3) for generating acoustic wave is disposed on sides or bottom of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Guangzhou Newpower Ultrasonic Electronic
    Inventors: Zhuosheng Yan, Zhuoli Yan, Jinxuan Yan, Xiangru Tang, Guoxi Li, Zhizhong Yang
  • Animal chew including interchangeable components
    Patent number: 8935992
    Abstract: An animal chew including a body and an end assembly. The body may include a first rotating mechanical fastener. The end assembly may be removably affixed to the body and may include a nut, an end knob and a resilient member. The nut may include a second rotating mechanical fastener and a first coupling feature. The end knob may include an opening defined in a first end wherein at least a portion of the nut is received, the opening defined by a side wall and an end wall, including a structure in the side wall to retain the nut. The end knob may also include a second coupling feature to engage the first coupling feature of the nut. A resilient member may bias the first and second coupling features in a disengaged configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: T.F.H. Publications, Inc.
    Inventors: Glen S. Axelrod, Ajay Gajria