Patents Examined by Robert P. Swiatek
  • Small animal litter tray
    Patent number: 7055460
    Abstract: A small animal litter box which comprises an upper tray with a perforated bottom wall for carrying litter material, and a lower tray for receiving urine and particles dropping from the first tray through the perforated bottom wall thereof. The first tray contains litter material in the form of pellets that are disintegrated into smaller particles when the pellets absorb urine, and the perforated bottom wall has holes dimensioned such that smaller particles from disintegrated pellets pass through the holes while intact pellets are prevented from passing through the holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Inventor: Kjell Sjogren
  • Method for efficient milking
    Patent number: 7055457
    Abstract: A method for milking animals, particularly domesticated dairy animals, and most particularly dairy cattle, that improves milk/food sanitation, labor and cost efficiency, environmental friendliness, and throughput, that uses a wet prep and minimizes both interactions with the animal being milked and delays between steps during which recontamination of teats can happen. The best method comprises the steps of preparing the milker's hands, priming the animal's teats, attaching a feeder tube to a milking machine to each teat, and completing the milking. (Therefore through the method we sanitize the milker's hands, cows teats and feeder tube all in one step.) By preparing the milker rather than the udder and teats, the method eliminates steps and delays, and reduces chances for infection, material usages, and complexity, that were extant in the prior art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Inventor: Carl T. Muirbrook
  • Life support systems for aircraft
    Patent number: 7055780
    Abstract: A life-support system for an aircraft B includes a first oxygen supply apparatus A operable to provide a limited supply of first product gas being one of pure oxygen and oxygen enriched gas, to a breathing gas supply apparatus 12, 13, 14, and a second oxygen supply apparatus B operable to supply a durable supply of second product gas which is an oxygen enriched gas containing a lower concentration of oxygen than that in the first product gas, to the breathing gas supply apparatus 12, 13, 14, wherein the second product gas is supplied as the pressure which is higher than that at which the first product gas is supplied to the breathing gas supply apparatus 12, 13, 14.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Honeywell Normalair-Garrett (Holdings) Limited
    Inventor: Robert John Phillips
  • Aircraft wheel support mechanism
    Patent number: 7051977
    Abstract: An aircraft wheel support mechanism capable of reducing the impact to the tire at the time of landing and capable of reducing the impact to the tire at the time of the wheel colliding with an obstacle lying on the runway. The mechanism has a suspension mechanism for rotatably supporting a wheel by the lower end of a support member connected to the fuselage, the suspension mechanism having a crank shaft assembly. The crank shaft assembly is made up of a horizontal support shaft rotatably supported by the lower end of the support member, an axle for rotatably supporting the wheel, and an arm positioned at right angles with the horizontal support shaft and axle for connecting one end of the horizontal support shaft to one end of the axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignees: Aruze Corporation
    Inventor: Koji Yoshioka
  • Heat efficient animal shelter
    Patent number: 7051679
    Abstract: A pet shelter that is substantially smaller than a single family human residential structure includes an accessway, a platform that is located at a first level above the accessway, and a device configured to assist a pet in moving between the accessway and the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Inventor: Paul Bello
  • Efficient orbit sparing system for space vehicle constellations
    Patent number: 7051980
    Abstract: A sparing system for space vehicle constellations. A plurality of space vehicles arranged in at least one mission orbit plane. The number of space vehicles is at least one greater than a minimum number necessary to provide at least a minimum level of service necessary to carry out a constellation mission. If one of the space vehicles fails the remaining space vehicles are repositioned in the mission orbit plane to provide the minimum level of service necessary to carry out a constellation mission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Neil Evan Goodzeit, James Donald Lempke
  • Bird perch assembly
    Patent number: 7047906
    Abstract: A bird perch assembly has a polygonal base that perpendicularly supports an upwardly projecting structure that resembles a tree canopy and provides a comfortable perch and play area for pets, preferably exotic birds. A vertically upright, supporting post supports upper and lower pairs of vertically inclined ladders that are secured at an angle by suitable support brackets mated to the post. The lower vertical ladders are longer than the upper vertical ladders, and the tops of vertical ladders form a level plane above the base. Horizontal platform ladders that extend between the tops of the vertical ladders define a flat perch plane. The upwardly divergent vertical ladders from a “V-shaped” tree canopy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Inventor: Don R. Hendricks
  • Dog leash handle
    Patent number: 7044080
    Abstract: The invention is a multi-compartmented dog leash handle assembly. The handle assembly has a compartment capable of carrying keys, money and/or plastic waste bags. The handle also has provisions for the easy transport of dog food and water. The handle also has a mechanism for attaching to the loop handle of a typical dog leash. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Inventor: Billy Rabello
  • Device for automatically milking an animal
    Patent number: 7044079
    Abstract: A robot arm construction is provided with a robot arm for carrying a teat cup, which robot arm can be pivoted under the udder of the animal. The robot arm construction is provided with a first robot arm construction portion, a second robot arm construction portion, a first horizontal axis for enabling a pivoting movement of the first robot arm construction portion, and a second horizontal axis by means of which the second robot arm construction portion is pivotably connected to the first robot arm construction portion. The robot arm is connected to the second robot arm construction portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Lely Enterprises AG
    Inventor: Jentje Deelstra
  • Environmental enrichment of caged animals
    Patent number: 7044082
    Abstract: A cage or an item of cage furniture for use by a caged rodent comprises a coloured material which is transparent or translucent to a human observer, but is perceived as being substantially darkened or opaque by the caged rodent. The cage or item of cage furniture typically comprises, and is desirably substantially or entirely formed from, a red-coloured or red-tinted material, e.g. a synthetic plastics material. The coloured material preferably transmits less than 20% of visible light with a wavelength of less than 540 nm. The plastics material is preferably resistant to repeated autoclaving and conveniently comprises at least one of polyester, polysulfone, polytheramide and polycarbonate. Also a method of making such a cage or item of cage furniture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Medical Research Council
    Inventors: Amanda Sara Hewett, David Adrian Key
  • Casing for individually packed products
    Patent number: 7044845
    Abstract: A tubular casing that is capable of receiving a product therein in an outstretched state, said casing comprising: a pleated accordion shaped envelope section; a front-end section on the opposite end from the pleated accordion shaped envelope section, the front-end section being tucked back at a central portion thereof across the longitudinal direction of the casing, the front-end section being stretched and crimped lengthwise with respect to the length of the casing; a middle section that is adjacent to and between the front-end section and the accordion shaped section, wherein the middle section is crimped lengthwise with respect to the length of the casing; wherein the middle section and the front end section are tied off, and the casing has a fluid moisture content of 18 to 35 wt.-% based on the total weight of the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Kalle Nalo GmbH & Co KG
    Inventors: Jochen Coutandin, Theo Krams, Thomas Kummer, Hans Lage, Bernd-Adolf Schäfer
  • Retractable leash device
    Patent number: 7040257
    Abstract: A retractable leash device is comprised of a housing with a handle, and a leash wound around an internal reel. The reel is biased by a spring to automatically retract the leash. A momentary unidirectional lock in the housing is arranged to be normally disengaged from unidirectional teeth on the reel. When the momentary unidirectional lock is actuated, the reel is engaged by a ratchet to prevent rotation in the release direction but permit rotation in the retract direction. A toggle lock in the housing is movable between an unlocked position away from the reel, and a locked position between cogs on the reel. A geared rotation damper is engaged with a concentric gear on the reel to limit retraction speed. A clip attached to the housing may be clipped around the leash when the leash is wrapped around a fixed object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Inventors: Jared Waxman, Andrew Johnston
  • Throat support device and methods of using same
    Patent number: 7036460
    Abstract: A throat support device comprising a main throat support section having one or more lifting mechanisms, each with a tip, each tip adapted to fit into a location immediately adjacent to and behind a basihyoid bone, a thyroid cartilage and/or a cricoid cartilage of an animal to control upper airway dysfunction. In one embodiment, the throat support device further comprises a bridle. In one embodiment, the upper airway dysfunction is dorsal displacement of the soft palate (DDSP) and the animal is a horse. Unlike conventional treatments involving surgery, the throat support device provides a non-invasive and convenient means of diagnosing and treating upper airway dysfunctions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Cornell Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Norm G. Ducharme, Richard P. Hackett, J. Brett Woodie
  • Non-slip horse saddle pad
    Patent number: 7032366
    Abstract: A saddle pad apparatus constructed from a first non-slip top layer which is stitched or welded to a second non-slip bottom layer with a stiffening layer contained between the top and bottom layers. Each layer is constructed from a poly vinyl chloride impregnated scrim. Each scrim is constructed with ventilation openings to allow for proper ventilation between the load being carried and the animal. The scrims are manufactured by applying a poly vinyl chloride material onto a fiber network with fibers areas and open areas to create a scrim with appropriate stiffness, softness, and ventilation while maintaining other appropriate characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Inventor: James A. Williams
  • Pet training device
    Patent number: 7028640
    Abstract: A device for pet training comprising a rigid tube formed with at least one elbow, and having a cavity in at least the distal end thereof for insertion of edible rewards therein; a handle, attached at the proximal end of the rigid tube, a flexible plunger rod disposed within the rigid tube, comprising a proximal end extending through the handle, and a distal end extending proximate to the cavity in the distal end of the rigid tube; a thumb ring joined to the proximal end of the flexible plunger rod; and a plunger disposed within the cavity and joined to the distal end of the flexible plunger rod, wherein a user of the device may hold the rigid tube by the handle, move the thumb ring, and cause an edible reward to be dispensed from the cavity on the distal end of the rigid tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Inventor: James C. Cummings
  • Device attached on bicycles for walking dogs
    Patent number: 7017526
    Abstract: A device attached on bicycles for walking dogs includes a fixed clip, an auxiliary rod, a main rod and a spring, the fixed clip is fixed on a rod of a bicycle, one end of the spring is for a hook of a string to hook on, the fixed clip and the auxiliary rod employ a plurality of screws to connect together, and has a hole, a U-shaped elastic piece is disposed inside the main rod, an elastic ball is disposed on one end of the U-shaped elastic piece, the elastic ball is exposed outside of a hole of the main rod and is inserted inside said hole of the auxiliary rod so that the main road and the auxiliary rod can be connected together, one end of the main rod is in curved shape with a plurality of convex dots on it for said a downwardly pointing spring to sleeve on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Inventor: Cheng-Chuan Chen
  • Intensity variation device for training animals
    Patent number: 7017524
    Abstract: An apparatus for an animal training device including audible and electrical stimulation. A transmitting unit provides control signals to a receiving unit, which includes a receiver, a processor, and a switch connected to a transformer and electrodes. The processor provides signals of that vary the current that produces electrical pulses of varying voltage levels, which are applied at the electrodes and provide electrical stimulation of an animal for training.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Radio Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Greg Gillis, James L. Jameson
  • Pet ramp
    Patent number: 7011045
    Abstract: A generally horizontal platform has connected to a first end thereof a sloping ramp that extends into the water of a swimming pool. The ramp is provided with traction enhancing ribs to enable a pet to extricate itself from a pool should it accidentally fall in or tire from swimming. In a first embodiment, adjustable legs sit on the bottom of the pool and support a first end of the ramp while the horizontal platform is secured to decking to prevent its horizontal and vertical movement relative to the upper edge of the pool. In a second embodiment, a second ramp is connected to the opposite end of the horizontal platform and legs support the second ramp on a ground portion external to the pool. In a third embodiment, the ramp is cantilevered over the pool and buoyancy within the submersed sloping ramp provides support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Inventor: Jeffrey Zehner
  • Internal spur gear drive
    Patent number: 7011275
    Abstract: An internal spur gear drive has a mounting base including one or more sets of motor mounting lugs extending therefrom, for attaching a corresponding number of drive motors thereto. A drive shaft housing containing a rotary drive shaft extends from the mounting base. A drive bell is affixed to the drive shaft distal end, and rotates therewith. The opposite end of the drive bell has an internally toothed ring gear extending therefrom. Each motor drives a pinion gear which engages the internal teeth of the drive bell ring gear to rotate the drive bell and thus rotate the drive shaft as well. The motor mounting lugs are slotted, allowing the motors to be adjusted radially relative to the drive shaft and drive bell ring gear. This provides adjustment for gear lash, as well as permitting different sizes of pinion gears to be installed on the motors for different gear ratios.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Inventor: Daniel J. Redfern
  • Retractable landing gear for aircraft
    Patent number: 7007891
    Abstract: Retractable landing gear for an aircraft, the landing gear being of the type that is raised vertically, and comprising a plurality of independent legs, each leg comprising a structural part rigidly secured to a structure of the aircraft, a pivoting rocker beam supporting a pair of wheels, and a shock absorber. In accordance with the invention, the shock absorber of each leg is extended by a positioning portion enabling the total length of the extended shock absorber to be shortened in order to collapse the leg, and each leg further comprises a positioning actuator connected in hinged manner to the extended shock absorber and arranged to lengthen relative to a normal use position in order to lengthen the corresponding leg. This makes it possible to shorten and/or lengthen one or another of the legs of the landing gear while the aircraft is stationary or taxiing slowly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Messier-Dowty SA
    Inventors: Dominique Ducos, Jean-François Locufier