Patents Examined by Lisa Tsang
  • Small animal carrier for mounting on or in vehicles
    Patent number: 9173374
    Abstract: A detachable carrier for small pets that can be attached to vehicles, such as bicycles, motorcycles, motor scooters, ATV's, golf carts or watercraft. The carrier allows not only for the transportation of the pet, but also for the enjoyment of the ride, by way of an open top hatch through which the pet can extend its head allowing for an “open air” ride and visibility. The carrier for transporting a small pet on a vehicle includes a box-like container provided with an upper opening that forms part of the container top. The opening has padded edges and is large enough so that an animal such as a dog can stand up in the container with his/her front legs on the padded front edge. Anchoring structure on the container bottom is arranged to detachably couple to a luggage rack or support plate on a luggage rack that is mounted on the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Inventor: Richard W Hovsepian
  • Sow lactation feeder
    Patent number: 9173376
    Abstract: An on-demand animal feed apparatus is provided comprising a receiving chamber, base tube and actuator. The receiving chamber comprises an upper section to connect to a feed supply, a lower section, and an intermediate section disposed between the upper and lower sections. A base tube is connected to the lower section of the receiving chamber and cooperates with the receiving chamber to define the feed reservoir. A lower portion of the base tube defines a discharge opening for dispensing animal feed. An actuator is disposed at least partially within the base tube and is configured to raise and lower in an axial direction in response to movement by an animal, thereby allowing the transfer of animal feed from the feed reservoir through the discharge opening. The lower section of the receiving chamber defines a relief area for the temporary displacement of animal feed when the actuator is raised or lowered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: CTB, Inc.
    Inventors: Beau William Brumbaugh, Harry R. Van Horn, II
  • Feeder cover
    Patent number: 9173377
    Abstract: An animal feeder includes a feed container containing animal feed for use in spreading the animal feed onto the ground over which the animal feeder is positioned. A housing moves between open and closed positions, wherein the closed position, the housing is positioned so that it substantially encloses a motorized animal feed dispenser positioned in proximity to a hole in the feed container through which the animal feed passes from the container. In the closed position, the sides of the housing completely block the dispensing of the animal feed onto the ground. In an open position, the housing is positioned so that the motorized animal feed dispenser is exposed for dispensing of the animal feed onto the ground. Also, in the closed position, physical access from outside of the housing to the animal feed residing on the animal feed dispenser and through the hole is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Inventor: Glenn Morris
  • Systems and methods to deliver and maintain volatile compounds
    Patent number: 9173389
    Abstract: Systems to create and maintain pre-designed geometrically shaped volumes of an effective dynamic mixture of volatile compounds encompassing an object of protection for very long times, up to one or more years, for control of pests and pest-borne diseases in open outdoor environments of importance to humans, animals and plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: AUBURN UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Maurice M. Boyd, Ronald D. Neuman, Andrew B. Shelton, Wiley M. Cauthen, Ralph H. Zee
  • Shipping container food production module
    Patent number: 9089113
    Abstract: A sustainable food production system, known as aquaponics, is housed in at least a portion of an intermodal shipping container. In some embodiments, the food production system can be housed fully in one intermodal shipping container or may span multiple shipping containers that can be stacked vertically, end-to-end or side-to-side. An ecosystem is created in the shipping containers where fish fertilize plants and plants clarify the water for the fish. The containers are designed to be plug-and-play and are expandable. Because they are intermodal (ISO) shipping containers, they can be easily shipped anywhere in the world. In the area of a standard parking space (8 feet by 20 feet), about 1,500 fish per year and hundreds of vegetables monthly can be raised.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Alternative Building Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas Cameron Jacobs
  • Versatile perching block
    Patent number: 9089112
    Abstract: A versatile perching block comprising a shaft with a top end and a bottom end, a plurality of head portions connectable to the top end, and a plurality of bases connectable to the bottom end. The perching block is part of a system that includes interchangeable parts, including interchangeable head portions and interchangeable basis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Inventor: Albara M. Binothman
  • Insect trap having an air-actuated damper
    Patent number: 9049855
    Abstract: A device for trapping insects includes a cover and a trap or cage that are disposed at opposite ends of a housing. A fan is disposed in the housing and oriented to direct an airstream through the housing and toward the trap. A damper is disposed in the airstream proximate the trap and includes two independently operable doors. Each door is biased toward a closed position and opens during operation of the fan. Insects in the proximity of the device are overpowered by the airflow and blow into the trap and retained therein by the airflow or the closed orientation of the damper doors. The trap removably cooperates with the housing to facilitate disposal of insects captured therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Dynamic Solutions Worldwide, LLC.
    Inventor: Juan J. Rocha
  • Modular self-sustaining planter system
    Patent number: 9043962
    Abstract: A self-irrigating planter system that waters vegetation on a regular schedule using hollow upright supports to convey the water from a pump and reservoir to multiple organic-shaped pods that are attached to the upright supports in a tiered manner, and which uses gravity to deliver water so as to provide sustained plant growth and a healthier living environment with reduced energy usage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: DANIELLE TROFE DESIGN, LLC
    Inventor: Danielle Kirby Trofe
  • Fishing lure jig head
    Patent number: 8991095
    Abstract: A fishing lure includes a weighted body, a first eye hook, a second eye hook, and a fish hook. The weighted body has a first end and a second end. The first eye hook is coupled near the first end of the weighted body. The second eye hook is coupled near the second end of the weighted body. The fish hook has an eyelet formed at one end. The eyelet is coupled to the second eye hook allowing the fish hook to freely move about the eyelet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Logic Lures, Inc.
    Inventors: Branden Roberts, Eleno Salinas
  • Equestrian stirrup iron
    Patent number: 8984849
    Abstract: A stirrup includes a stirrup leather opening and a foot opening. Above the stirrup leather opening is a top member that includes a number of bends. A first bend is in a first direction, a second bend is in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, a third bend is a first direction, and a fourth bend is in the second direction. The bends in the top member will orient the stirrup iron at an angle relative to the horse, rather than parallel to the side of a horse as in a typical straight or flat stirrup. The stirrup is more stable, reduces pain and stress in the leg, is easier to retrieve, and is safer than conventional stirrups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Inventor: Martin D. Cohen
  • Leash for dogs or other domestic animals
    Patent number: 8978593
    Abstract: A leash for domestic animals comprising a box-shaped body that houses a cord-winding pulley and a handle with open annular profile that ends at the free ends with rotational pins inserted from opposite sides in suitable housings obtained on the sides of a basically rectangular short pipe joined to said box-shaped body. The handle is provided with a button that stops and releases the pulley with the interposition of suitable return means. The handle is composed of two C-shaped semi-parts, each of them ending with one of said rotational pins at one end and with fast coupling and uncoupling mechanisms at the other end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Primenove S.R.L.
    Inventor: Rocco Catena
  • Self-actuating stand and methods thereof
    Patent number: 8978295
    Abstract: A self-adjusting, self-actuating and clamping apparatus employing only non-elastic material parts for vertically or approximately vertically and also downwardly securing Christmas trees or, more generically, other items configured similar to the Christmas tree trunk, to be secured vertically or approximately vertically and downwardly such that in the specific case of the Christmas tree the apparatus can accommodate various sized tree trunks as well as various peripherally/externally configured tree trunks. More specifically, when the apparatus is employed to secure a Christmas tree, or other items configured similar to the Christmas tree trunk, the stability of the Christmas tree, or other items configured similar to the Christmas tree trunk, is increased. In addition, the apparatus can be mounted on a turn-table so as to facilitate the process of decorating the Christmas tree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Inventors: Robert Alan Bard, Douglas Aaron Bard
  • Aquarium light fixture with hinge
    Patent number: 8973532
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide a lighting apparatus that may be utilized with aquariums having features and functionality enabling a person to easily access the opening of an aquarium for various purposes, such as cleaning and maintenance. According to one embodiment of the invention, the lighting apparatus comprises an arm member fixedly attached to the panel, a clamp member for attachment of the device to a wall of the aquarium, a hinge member for hingedly attaching the arm member to the clamp member, and at least one light element disposed on the at least one panel such that at least one lighting element illuminates a side common to all panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Current-USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis Fredricks
  • Dynamic canine tracking method for hazardous and illicit substances
    Patent number: 8959982
    Abstract: Vapor wake detection is a highly advantageous method and system for detecting explosives and other illicit substances. With vapor wake detection, a canine and a handler are used; however, unlike other detection schemes, the canine leads the handler. After the handler positions the canine in a desired location, the canine detects scents in the air that come to the canine. When the canine detects a trained scent, the canine leads the handler to or follows behind the carrier of the item with the scent. Once the carrier is identified by the handler, the proper personnel are contacted. To implement vapor wake detection effectively, specific rigorous training is utilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Auburn University
    Inventors: John Pearce, L. Paul Waggoner, Jeanne S. Brock, Timothy Baird, David A. Baffa, Daniel McAfee, Robert E. Leonard
  • Breakaway bracket for use with modular tree guard
    Patent number: 8955250
    Abstract: Various embodiments related to a tree guard are disclosed. One embodiment provides an L shaped breakaway bracket for use with a modular tree guard assembly. The L shaped breakaway bracket includes a horizontal member extending substantially perpendicularly from a vertical member, wherein the vertical member is thinner and longer than the horizontal member. At least one fastener hole is provided in the horizontal member for receiving a fastener for securing the horizontal member to a rail. At least one fastener hole is provided in the vertical member for receiving a fastener for securing the vertical member to a post. The breakaway bracket is adapted to break along the intersection of the horizontal member and the vertical member and separate the rail from the post when a force that would otherwise be sufficient to deform the rail is applied to the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Curb Allure LLC
    Inventors: Kimberly Johnson, Bruce Bagley
  • Mealworm feeder
    Patent number: 8944007
    Abstract: The present invention provides a feeding device for amphibians and reptiles that includes a food chamber in the form of a cup with a plurality of feeding holes formed in a bottom thereof. The preferred hole size is approximately 4 mm to accommodate the mealworm. The feeding device is made from transparent plastic allowing reptiles or amphibians sitting beneath the feeding device to see the mealworms contained therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Zoo Med Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary Wayne Bagnall
  • Dynamic canine tracking method for hazardous and illicit substances
    Patent number: 8931327
    Abstract: Vapor wake detection is a highly advantageous method and system for detecting explosives and other illicit substances. With vapor wake detection, a canine and a handler are used; however, unlike other detection schemes, the canine leads the handler. After the handler positions the canine in a desired location, the canine detects scents in the air that come to the canine. When the canine detects a trained scent, the canine leads the handler to or follows behind the carrier of the item with the scent. Once the carrier is identified by the handler, the proper personnel are contacted. To implement vapor wake detection effectively, specific rigorous training is utilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Auburn University
    Inventors: John Pearce, L. Paul Waggoner, Jeanne S. Brock, Timothy Baird, David A. Baffa, Daniel McAfee, Robert E. Leonard, Jr.
  • Selective animal feeder
    Patent number: 8931435
    Abstract: An animal feeder includes a feed bin configured to hold feed stock. The feed bin has a first feed port. The animal feeder also includes an outer housing positioned around at least a portion of the feed bin. The outer housing has a second feed port. The animal feeder further includes a magnet supported by one of the feed bin and the outer housing. The magnet magnetically couples the outer housing to the feed bin. The outer housing is movable relative to the feed bin between a first position, in which the outer housing is magnetically coupled to the feed bin such that the first feed port and the second feed port are at least partially aligned, and a second position, in which the outer housing is not magnetically coupled to the feed bin and the first feed port and the second feed port are out of alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Hepp, Thomas J. Green, Dennis P. Tronca, Roger V. Hajny
  • Fishfarming pen
    Patent number: 8925489
    Abstract: A fish cage for use in water comprising a main part (1) made of a watertight, substantially rigid material and has an outlet for effluent (12). The main part (1) is substantially hemispherical, and may slip unhindered through the water along a spherical path without influencing the body of water inside the cage substantially. Because the forces acting on the main part (1) from the surrounding water act mainly along the shell as opposed to perpendicular to the shell, the risk for tearing and the risk for swashing are reduced. Embodiments having flow and lighting conditions adaptable to different species are also disclosed. The cage can be localized in areas with currents and waves, and it can easily be adapted for different species.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Maritime Oppdrett AS
    Inventor: Jorn Hoie
  • X-ray irradiation system for sterilization of insects
    Patent number: 8919280
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for sterile insect technique comprising a plurality of x-ray sources surrounding a container containing insects targeted for reproductive sterilization, wherein the container is at an optimized distance from the x-ray sources, moves at a fixed rate along a direction perpendicular to a plane intersecting the x-ray sources, and rotates about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axes of said x-ray sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventors: Ronald P. Haff, Eric S. Jackson