Patents Examined by Robert P. Swiatek
  • Flight control actuation system
    Patent number: 7007897
    Abstract: A flight control actuation system comprises a controller, electromechanical actuator and a pneumatic actuator. During normal operation, only the electromechanical actuator is needed to operate a flight control surface. When the electromechanical actuator load level exceeds 40 amps positive, the controller activates the pneumatic actuator to offset electromechanical actuator loads to assist the manipulation of flight control surfaces. The assistance from the pneumatic load assist actuator enables the use of an electromechanical actuator that is smaller in size and mass, requires less power, needs less cooling processes, achieves high output forces and adapts to electrical current variations. The flight control actuation system is adapted for aircraft, spacecraft, missiles, and other flight vehicles, especially flight vehicles that are large in size and travel at high velocities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul T. Wingett, Louie T. Gaines, Paul S. Evans, James I. Kern
  • Animal restraint apparatus with elevated leash attachment
    Patent number: 7004114
    Abstract: A harness for restraining an animal comprises a harness assembly and an extension member. The harness assembly attaches to the animal and can be adjusted to conform to the size and shape of an animal to be restrained. The flexible extension member is fixed to the harness assembly and extends upwardly above the animal's back. A leash can be attached to the extension member at a point sufficiently high relative to the ground that the animal cannot step over the leash and become entangled therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Inventor: Joseph B. Hippensteel
  • Automated hatchling processing method and system
    Patent number: 7004112
    Abstract: Hatchling processing methods and systems that provide for the processing of hatchlings at a plurality of processing stations, with the hatchlings being transferred between stations using an automated conveying system. Each of the hatchlings is retained in a hatchling carrier designed to be conveyed by the automated conveying system. Each of the hatchling carriers is preferably designed to retain only one hatchling at a time. The systems and methods may also include identification tags that may be used to direct the hatchling through the processing system with the automated conveying system. The identification tags may be associated with the hatchlings themselves or they may be associated with the hatchling carriers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Nova-Tech Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Marc S. Gorans
  • Feeding apparatus and a method of feeding
    Patent number: 7004110
    Abstract: A feeding apparatus aimed at efficiently supplying feed to chicks in a chick box, which can hold the feed in the chick box and can supply the feed to the chicks in the chick box, wherein the feed is supplied to the chicks in the chick box by means of a feeding apparatus which can maintain the feed at the height of the chicks' beaks when they are standing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Itochu Feed Mills Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Toshimichi Morikoshi, Tamotsu Suzuki, Hiroshi Horikawa
  • Pet enclosure
    Patent number: 6997138
    Abstract: A pet enclosure having a moisture and odor-resistant, plastic, rattan-like material woven onto a frame. The enclosure is foldably collapsible for compact storage and shipping, and is quickly and easily assembled with minimal or no tools. An elevated floor panel is securely but removably engaged to the framing of the enclosure. An access door pivots inwardly and outwardly, and can be latched in a closed position or an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Inventor: Jeffrey M. Simpson
  • Cargo door modification to ease emergency egress
    Patent number: 6997414
    Abstract: A locking assembly for an aircraft door and which is particularly suited to a Cessna aircraft having floats, the locking system including an interior handle and an exterior handle, each being connected to a central actuator by separate linkage systems, the actuator in turn being connected to first and second locking members each having a distal end arranged to move between engaged and disengaged positions with respect to a frame portion about the aircraft door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Inventor: Yves Paradis
  • Method for manufacturing an animal toy and product resulting therefrom
    Patent number: 6994055
    Abstract: An animal toy includes a plastic drinking straw having a sealed first end, a sealed opposite second end, and an internal cavity. An animal attracting substance is disposed within the internal cavity. At least one hole is punched in the plastic drinking straw so that an aroma from the animal attracting substance seeps through the hole and attracts a small animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Inventor: Malinda K. Bell
  • Tail set crupper
    Patent number: 6993892
    Abstract: A tailset crupper for an animal, such as a horse, may be made from a solid casting without lightening features, such as to produce a heavier, less easily dislodged object, such as may have a lower center of gravity, and a center of gravity located closer to the surface of the animal. The tendency to resist dislodgement may be enhanced by employing a higher aspect ratio of lobe width, or lobe span to trough size than might otherwise be used. The tendency to resist dislodgement may also be enhanced by employing a wedge, or spoon, that may tend to protrude inwardly of the surface of curvature of the crupper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Inventor: Donna J. St. Louis
  • Milker unit detacher for rotary milking parlor
    Patent number: 6990923
    Abstract: A rotary milking parlor milker detacher having a pivoting support arm and retracting chain arrangement that is synchronized with a rotating platform position to move the detacher between a storage position, a presentation position, and a milking position to protect the detacher from damage and provide a superior ergonomic design that reduces operator fatigue and turnover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: WestfaliaSurge, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick M. Hein, Jeffrey S. Hanson, Michael Heinrich, Frank Hoelscher, Larry G. Larson, Peter Kaever, Karsten Schonrock
  • Deployable solar array assembly
    Patent number: 6983914
    Abstract: Solar array assemblies and systems and methods for deploying solar cell arrays from a spacecraft. A solar cell panel assembly comprises a first flexible solar panel and a rotational member. A first extension assembly is disposed proximate to a first end of the rotational member and a second extension assembly is disposed proximate to a second end of the rotational member. The solar cell panel assembly further comprises a first support member and a second support member. The first end of the first support member is coupled to the first end of the rotational member and the first end of the second support member is coupled to the second end of the rotational member. The second ends of the support members are coupled to the first flexible solar panel. A tether assembly couples the extension assemblies to the support members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Ray A. Stribling, Joel A. Schwartz
  • Milking
    Patent number: 6981466
    Abstract: A milk metering apparatus having a metering chamber 7 which is repeatedly filled and emptied many times in the course of milking an animal is provided with a probe 15 which extends down into the metering chamber 7 and which includes a sampling tube as well as conductivity and light absorption sensors. Milk samples can be taken and conductivity and light absorption measurements can be made during each filling and emptying cycle so that data from the sample analysis and the measurements over the whole period of milking can be compared with corresponding data from previous milkings of the same animal thereby providing valuable information for herd management purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Delaval Holding AB
    Inventor: Leif Lindholm
  • Electric fish barrier for water intakes at varying depths
    Patent number: 6978734
    Abstract: An electric fish barrier for deterring fish from entering a water intake in a reservoir or along a waterway has a set of conductive members at a first voltage potential and a second set of conductive members at a second voltage potential. The conductive members are disposed on support piles extending up from the bottom of the reservoir. Each conductive member extends vertically between a pre-determined range of depths from an upper depth to a lower depth, forming a contiguous voltage gradient between the two sets of conductive members. Fish are drawn to the attraction flow of water flowing into the intake. The two sets of conductive members are oriented such that the attraction flow passes through the contiguous voltage gradient, thereby deterring the fish from following the attraction flow into the water intake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Smith-Root, Inc.
    Inventors: David V. Smith, Lee Roy Carstensen
  • Door-mounted tie-out
    Patent number: 6978737
    Abstract: A tie-out that is attachable to a door and allows a user to secure an object or a pet to the door is disclosed. When used with pets, the tie-out allows the user to connect a pet's leash to either side of a door without having to remove and reconfigure the tie-out, and is also configured to hold a pet's leash securely to a door without coming loose or damaging the door. Typically the tie-out is mounted to the bottom edge of the door, but may be mounted on a side edge of the door depending upon the design. In addition, the tie-out is not confined to use with doors located on the inside of a building and can be connected to doors that lead to the outside of a building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Aspen Pet Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Kirch, Richard A. Kraver
  • VTOL micro-aircraft
    Patent number: 6976653
    Abstract: VTOL micro-aircraft comprising a first and a second ducted rotor mutually aligned and distanced according to a common axis and whose propellers are driven in rotation in mutually opposite directions. Between the two ducted rotors are positioned a fuselage and a wing system formed by wing profiles forming an X or an H configuration and provided with control flaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: C.R.F. Societa Consortile per Azioni
    Inventors: Piero Perlo, Denis Bollea, Roberto Finizio, Cosimo Carvignese, Elena Balocco
  • Pet anti-aging wellness supplement
    Patent number: 6974841
    Abstract: A health and nutrition supplement dosage for pets, particularly canine pets, consisting essentially of anti-oxidant vitamins, B complex vitamins, bioflavonoids, chelated minerals, digestive enzymes, herbs, nutrients, and essential fatty acids amino acids and hormones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Rapisarda Family Irrevocable Trust
    Inventor: Carol Osborne Rapisarda
  • Aircraft air conditioning system mixer with corrugations
    Patent number: 6971607
    Abstract: A mixer includes a fresh air tube defining a passage having an inlet receiving conditioned air from an air conditioning pack. The fresh air tube includes an outlet providing mixed air to a cabin of the aircraft. An outer tube at least partially surrounds the fresh air tube and receives recirculated air from the cabin. A circumferential corrugation in the fresh tube forms multiple lobes in the fresh air tube fluidly connect the outer tube to the fresh air tube. The warm recirculation air surrounds the portion of the fresh air tube to heat it preventing ice from forming. The warm recirculation air entering the fresh air tube through the lobes homogeneously mixes with the conditioned air from the pack to provide a uniform mixture of air within the fresh air tube, which further ensures the prevention of ice build up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand
    Inventors: Charles J. McColgan, Donald R. Desmarais, Jr., Christopher G. Haddad, Thomas M. Zywiak
  • Animal soothing system with heartbeat simulation device
    Patent number: 6968806
    Abstract: An animal soothing system including an animal bedding structure having a pocket formed therein, and a soothing device for generating soothing rhythmic vibrations disposed in the pocket of the bedding structure to communicate the soothing vibrations to animals lying on the bedding structure is provided. In one embodiment the bedding structure is a mattress or pad, and the soothing device is a battery powered heartbeat simulator with a pressure sensitiye switch to activate the simulator when an animal lies upon the bedding and deactivate the simulator when the animal rises from the bedding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Inventor: Michele M. Helwig
  • Cage arrangement for poultry
    Patent number: 6968807
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cage arrangement for poultry having cage batteries arranged above a manure pit, each battery displaying two cages facing each other, the cages being placed one atop another in tiers, in which arrangement a manure scraper is arranged in each tier underneath each cage; between two cages facing each other an open space is present; under the open space, a passage is present in the cover plate of the manure pit for the manure conveyed into the open space by the manure scrapers; and the manure scrapers are driven in an back-and-forth manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Farmer Automatic Josef Kuhlmann GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Josef Kuhlmann
  • Airship and method of operation
    Patent number: 6966523
    Abstract: An airship has a generally spherical shape and has an internal envelope for containing a lifting gas such as Helium or Hydrogen. The airship has a propulsion and control system that permits it to be flown to a desired loitering location, and to be maintained in that location for a period of time. In one embodiment the airship may achieve neutral buoyancy when the internal envelope is as little as 7% full of lifting gas, and may have a service ceiling of about 60,000 ft. The airship has an equipment module that can include either communications equipment, or monitoring equipment, or both. The airship can be remotely controlled from a ground station. The airship has a solar cell array and electric motors of the propulsion and control system are driven by power obtained from the array. The airship also has an auxiliary power unit that can be used to drive the electric motors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: 21st Century Airships Inc.
    Inventor: Hokan S. Colting
  • Garden pond shelter reef
    Patent number: 6962130
    Abstract: An artificial pond reef is formed from sheet material into the shape of an inverted tub. It includes a peripheral base portion, upstanding sidewalls, and a roof. The base portion includes a horizontal flange extending out from the sidewalls. The sidewalls extend up to support the roof and include apertures for movement of fish and the like through the reef. The reef includes small holes for the growth of flora therethrough. The roof is configured to support and retain decorative enhancements (pebbles, sand, plants). The base, sidewalls, roof are surface-shaped and contoured to give the reef an appearance of natural rock formation. The reef is dark or black to promote bacteria growth upon it, and has a matte surface for bacteria to adhere to. The roof includes an opening to receive a removable receptacle for decorative enhancements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Inventor: James P. Kennedy