Patents Issued in October 6, 2015
  • Patent number: RE45725
    Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging “MRI” method and apparatus for lengthening the usable echo-train duration and reducing the power deposition for imaging is provided. The method explicitly considers the t1 and t2 relaxation times for the tissues of interest, and permits the desired image contrast to be incorporated into the tissue signal evolutions corresponding to the long echo train. The method provides a means to shorten image acquisition times and/or increase spatial resolution for widely-used spin-echo train magnetic resonance techniques, and enables high-field imaging within the safety guidelines established by the Food and Drug Administration for power deposition in human MRI.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: University of Virginia Patent Foundation
    Inventors: John P. Mugler, III, James R. Brookeman
  • Patent number: RE45726
    Abstract: A reflective decoding device is provided for use in decoding an encoded image comprising a latent image encoded using at least one encoding parameter. The device comprises a substrate with a reflective surface portion having a surface topography comprising a predetermined pattern of topographical features. The predetermined pattern is configured with at least one geometric characteristic corresponding to the at least one encoding parameter so that placement of a light-transmissive sheet having the encoded image formed thereon over the predetermined pattern of topographical features allows the latent image to be viewed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Graphic Security Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Alfred V Alasia, Alfred J. Alasia, Thomas C. Alasia, Slobodan Cvetkovic
  • Patent number: RE45727
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for manufacturing a liquid crystal display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: LG DISPLAY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sang Ho Park, Sang Seok Lee
  • Patent number: RE45728
    Abstract: In a projection optical system for use in an image projection apparatus illuminating an image display panel forming an image in accordance with a modulating signal with illumination light from a light source, the projection optical system includes first and second optical systems arranged along an optical path defining an upstream-downstream direction in the order described from upstream to downstream on the downstream side of the image display panel. The first optical system includes at least one dioptric system and has positive power. The second optical system includes at least one reflecting surface having power and has positive power. The image formed by the image display panel is formed as an intermediate image in the optical path, and the intermediate image is magnified and projected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Atsushi Takaura, Kazuhiro Fujita, Nobuo Sakuma
  • Patent number: RE45729
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for managing application context is provided. A first one of a plurality of terminals, each including at least one application, collects and transmits context information of the application to a migration server so that it is stored and managed in the migration server. The migration server transmits the stored and managed context information to a second terminal corresponding to the first terminal in response to a request of the second terminal. The second terminal restores context based on the context information received from the migration server. This can reproduce the same application and desktop environments as those previously set to be suitable for each work situation, thereby increasing user convenience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: ELECTRONICS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Byeong Thaek Oh, Ho Jin Park, Tae In Hwang
  • Patent number: RE45730
    Abstract: A process for generating personalized digital directory pages for display with a navigator program including a personalization step including recording in a temporary memory of a client station a digital file corresponding to an HTML page comprising hypertext links for access to other pages and descriptors associated with pictograms and proceeding to a display of the page on the client station, recording in a temporary memory of the client station at least one personalization file comprising a link identifier and at least one personalization descriptor selected by the user, transmitting the content of the temporary memory to the server, and recording in a server memory the personalization file data linked with the user identifier and the link identifier in question.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Inventors: Catherine Brexel, Nathalie Vivensang
  • Patent number: RE45731
    Abstract: During programming of storage elements, channel-to-floating gate coupling effects are compensated to avoid increased programming speed and threshold voltage distribution widening. In connection with a programming iteration, unselected bit lines voltages are stepped up to induce coupling to selected bit lines, and the amount of coupling which is experienced by the selected bit lines is sensed. When a program pulse is applied, voltages of the selected bit lines are set based on the amount of coupling. The bit line voltage is set higher when more coupling is sensed. The amount of coupling experience by a given selected bit line is a function of its proximity to unselected bit lines. One or more coupling thresholds can be used to indicate that a given selected bit line has one or two adjacent unselected bit lines, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: SanDisk Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Yan Li
  • Patent number: RE45732
    Abstract: A nonvolatile semiconductor storage device includes: a plurality of stacked units juxtaposed on a major surface of a substrate, each stacked unit aligning in a first direction parallel to the major surface of the substrate; and a gate electrode aligning parallel to the major surface in a second direction non-parallel to the first direction. Each of the plurality of stacked units includes a plurality of stacked semiconductor layers via an insulating layer. The plurality of stacked units are juxtaposed so that the spacings between adjacent stacked units are alternately a first spacing and a second spacing larger than the first spacing. The second spacing is provided at a periodic interval four times a size of a half pitch F of the bit line. The gate electrode includes a protruding portion that enters into a gap of the second spacing between the stacked units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventor: Masahiro Kiyotoshi
  • Patent number: RE45733
    Abstract: An RF switch useable up to millimeter wave frequencies and higher frequencies of 30 GHz and above. Four embodiments of the invention are configured as ground switches. Two of the ground switch embodiments are configured with a planar air bridge. Both of these embodiments are configured so that the bridge length is shortened between the transmission line and ground by introducing grounded stops. The other two ground switch embodiments include an elevated metal seesaw. In these embodiments, a shortened path to ground is provided with relatively low inductance by proper sizing and positioning of the seesaw structure. Lastly, broadband power switch embodiment is configured to utilize only a small portion of the air bridge to carry the signal. The relatively short path length results in a relatively low inductance and resistance lowers the RF power loss of the switch, thereby increasing the RF power handling capability of the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Robert B. Stokes, Alvin M. Kong
  • Patent number: RE45734
    Abstract: An inrush current controller for a device has a connector for hot-plugging the device into a source of energization. An impedance has a current input coupled to a first contact of the connector and a current output coupled to the device. The impedance has an impedance control input. An impedance control circuit has a logic input coupling to a second contact of the connector. The impedance control circuit has an impedance control output connected to the impedance control input. The impedance control output forces the impedance OFF during a first time interval after hot-plugging. The logic input triggers a limited inrush at the current input after the first time interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Hakam D. Hussein, Wendong Z. Zhang
  • Patent number: RE45735
    Abstract: A digital broadcast system including a broadcast receiving system and data processing method are disclosed. In the broadcast receiving system receiving broadcast signals, the broadcast receiving system includes a transmission parameter decoding unit, a known sequence detector, and a burst controller. The transmission parameter decoding unit detects information on a burst of a received signal from broadcast data having main service data and mobile service data multiplexed therein within a field of the received signal and outputs the detected information on the burst. The known sequence detector receives burst information from the transmission parameter decoding unit and uses the received burst information and known data position information included in the received data, so as to output burst control information. The burst controller uses the burst control information to control power supply of the broadcast receiving system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Jong Moon Kim, In Hwan Choi, Kook Yeon Kwak, Byoung Gill Kim, Won Gyu Song, Jin Woo Kim, Hyoung Gon Lee
  • Patent number: RE45736
    Abstract: A DTV transmitter includes a pre-processor pre-processing enhanced data, a data formatter generating enhanced data packets including known data, a multiplexer multiplexing the enhanced data packets with main data packets, a data randomizer randomizing the multiplexed data packets, an RS encoder RS-encoding the randomized data packets, and a data interleaver interleaving the RS-coded data packets, where a plurality of known data sequences are included in the interleaved enhanced data packets. Finally, the DTV transmitter further includes an enhanced encoder which codes each block of enhanced data placed between any two of the known data sequences and bypasses the interleaved main data packets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Hyoung Gon Lee, In Hwan Choi, Kyong Won Kang
  • Patent number: RE45737
    Abstract: A portable terminal includes a receiver, a barcode former configured to form barcodes and a display. The barcode former forms a barcode from the data received by the receiver and the display displays the formed barcode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Mitsuaki Oshima, Kenichiro Hayashi, Sadashi Kageyama, Seiji Sakashita, Takao Isogawa, Hisashi Takayama
  • Patent number: RE45738
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method for supporting a communication session of an user equipment, by means of a communication system that includes at least one entity between the user equipment and a node with which the user equipment is arranged to establish a session, the method including the steps of establishing a session between the user equipment and the node via the at least one entity, putting the session on hold, reserving resources for the session while the session is on hold, and resuming the session and distributing charging information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Marco Stura, Gabor Bajko
  • Patent number: RE45739
    Abstract: A device is configured to be secured within an equipment rack of the type having two spaced-apart mounting flanges, with each flange having a plurality of openings formed therein spaced-apart from one another a predetermined distance. The device includes an elongated body having two, opposite ends and two attachment configurations, one for each end of the elongated body. Each attachment configuration has at least one retention element to be inserted within the openings of the mounting flanges. At least one attachment configuration has a plunger pin configured to retain the device to the mounting rails. The attachment configuration is constructed and arranged to facilitate tool-less installation and removal of the device with the mounting rails. Other embodiments of the device and a method of securing the device to an equipment rack are further disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IT CORPORATION
    Inventor: Joseph H. Bergesch
  • Patent number: 9148987
    Abstract: An agricultural caddy assembly and agricultural trailer are provided. The agricultural caddy assembly includes a wheel attachment member, a tractor-tool attachment frame, and a bolster for rotatably connecting the wheel attachment member to the tractor-tool attachment frame. The agricultural trailer includes a tractor hitch, a tool frame, a wheel attachment member, a tractor-tool attachment frame connected to the tractor hitch and the tool frame, and a bolster for rotatably connecting the wheel attachment member to the tractor-tool attachment frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: PENTA TMR INC.
    Inventor: John Baker
  • Patent number: 9148988
    Abstract: A depth control system for a frame mounted to a movement system is provided. The frame is mounted such that the frame can be raised and lowered in relation to the movement system by a height adjustment mechanism. The depth control system includes a depth control arm connected to the movement system, a height adjustment mechanism, and a mechanical stop. The height adjustment mechanism is configured to engage with the depth control arm to adjust the height of the frame. The mechanical stop is configured to engage with the depth control arm to prevent the frame from moving in at least one direction with respect to the movement system and disengage from the depth control arm when the height of the frame is being adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: PENTA TMR INC.
    Inventor: John Baker
  • Patent number: 9148989
    Abstract: This disclosure is directed to the field of agricultural machinery and relates to implements generally used in combination with a multi-row soil trench closing mechanism. Specifically, the disclosure relates to row treating units adapted to be attached to and following a multi-row planter and incorporating a combination of tools that includes a seed trench closing wheel assembly and a firming/packing wheel assembly. The deployment of and down force exerted by the packing wheel is independently adjustable and controlled using pneumatic air bag operators and the soil penetration of the trench closing wheels is limited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: L & B MANUFACTURING, INC.
    Inventors: Loyd C. Van Buskirk, Dylan C. Van Buskirk, Derek K. Allensworth
  • Patent number: 9148990
    Abstract: An exemplary agricultural implement includes a plurality of units configured to inject particulate material into a ground surface and a plurality of metering modules. Each metering module is configured to receive a supply of particulate material and to meter the particulate material to a set of the plurality of units. A distribution assembly is configured to receive particulate material from a source and to distribute the particulate material to the plurality of metering modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: AGCO-Amity JV, LLC
    Inventors: Alan L. Redman, Timothy L. Karl, Lawrence F. Bernard, Matthew J. Meyer
  • Patent number: 9148991
    Abstract: An inductor box for an agricultural implement includes an inlet configured to receive agricultural product from a tank. The inductor box also includes a housing having a cavity therein. The cavity is configured to receive the agricultural product from the inlet. The inductor box includes a gate configured to be removably inserted between the inlet and the cavity, to block the agricultural product from entering the cavity while disposed between the inlet and the cavity, and to enable the agricultural product to enter the cavity while removed from being disposed between the inlet and the cavity. The inductor box includes a first guide coupled to the housing and configured to direct the gate away from the inlet. The first guide is disposed between the gate and the inlet while the gate is disposed between the inlet and the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Chad M. Johnson, Marvin A. Prickel, Michael J. Connors
  • Patent number: 9148992
    Abstract: A system for changing seed variety on a planter includes a plurality of row units with each row unit having a plurality of seed meters. Each seed meter has a guide for delivering seed to a transport belt and a switch that is activated and deactivated by a switch actuator on the belt. The belt has adjustable sidewalls, cover, and lugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Kinze Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: James E. Staeter
  • Patent number: 9148993
    Abstract: An agricultural potassium-fertigation method for emitter-irrigation potassium fertigation feeds a potassium-nutrient feedstock comprised of potassium formate and water to an active emitter-irrigation system continuously, or substantially continuously, at low levels, during the entire time, or substantially the entire time, that irrigation water is sufficiently flowing through the irrigation system during a prolonged term.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Inventors: John C Miller, Deborah L Miller
  • Patent number: 9148994
    Abstract: An apparatus for planting is disclosed. The apparatus includes a nozzle and a delivery tube in communication with the nozzle. The delivery tube includes an auger within the delivery tube. The auger is configured for moving a seed gel mixture through the nozzle. The seed gel mixture includes at least seeds and gel. The apparatus also includes a hopper configured for holding the seed gel mixture, the hopper in communication with the delivery tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Kamterter Products, LLC
    Inventors: John Alvin Eastin, David Vu
  • Patent number: 9148995
    Abstract: A boom sprayer and method of adjusting a boom assembly. A camera is attached to the boom assembly and aimed forward of the boom sprayer. The camera collects information associated with the dimensions and location of oncoming structures, such as crops, hills, fences and the like, and relays the information to a controller. The controller uses various actuators to lift, tilt and/or pivot the boom assembly to position the boom assembly at a desired height when the boom assembly passes over the structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Hagie Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Bryan N. Hrnicek, Alexander C. Castillo
  • Patent number: 9148996
    Abstract: A decorative lawn ornament including a rotatable carrier having a plurality of blades. At least one light-emitting device is arranged on each of the plurality of blades to emit light from the blades. A solar panel is provided to receive and collect sunlight, and a photoswitch is automatically operable between an activated state during instances of insufficient sunlight to thereby activate the light-emitting device, and a deactivated state during instances of sunlight to thereby deactivate the light-emitting device. The decorative lawn ornament is operable such that when a flow of air strikes it, the blades rotate and a decorative member rotates to control an orientation of the blades and the light emitted by the light-emitting devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Plow & Hearth, LLC
    Inventors: Fei Qiu, Chengyong Tu, Richard Koval
  • Patent number: 9148997
    Abstract: A work apparatus includes a drive motor, a tool head including a tool frame, a bearing, a tool shaft and a rotary tool, a frame tube with the proximal end connected to the drive motor and the distal end connected to the tool head, and a drive shaft rotatably inserted through the frame tube for transmitting the rotation of the drive motor to the rotary tool. The rotary tool is accommodated within the tool frame and is rotatable on the tool shaft, when driven by the drive shaft. The tool shaft is journaled by the bearing which is elastically supported by a flexible elastic member disposed coaxially around the bearing and interposed between the bearing and the connection of the tool frame or the frame tube. Undesirable vibrations caused by the rotation of the rotary tool will be effectively hindered from being transmitted to the frame tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: MAKITA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ko Fukunaga, Masaki Sakuragi, Atsushi Yamamoto, Minoru Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 9148998
    Abstract: A header height control system having an operator input device for selecting a desired height of travel of an agricultural harvesting head above the ground, and wherein the system controls the agricultural harvesting head height based at least upon a header height control algorithm that is selected based at least upon the desired height of travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Douglas J Bollin, Sean Bollin, Daniel L Wiltse
  • Patent number: 9148999
    Abstract: A header for an agricultural machine includes a middle section disposed on a main frame and two side sections adjacent the middle section, a flexible knife bar extending across the width of the header and a conveying device behind the knife bar and designed at the side sections as an endless belt disposed adjacent to the middle section for transporting crop cut by the knife bar laterally. The side sections have supporting arms pivotably disposed on the main frame to support the knife bar of a side section and are rigidly connected to the knife bar. Each supporting arm is connected to the main frame permitting swivelling about a first rotational axis in the vertical direction and about a second rotational axis extending perpendicular to the first.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: CLAAS Selbstfahrende Erntemaschinen GmbH
    Inventor: Christian Fuechtling
  • Patent number: 9149000
    Abstract: An agricultural machine is disclosed. The agricultural machine includes a frame including a first axle on a first side of the frame and a second axle on a second side of the frame; and a bogie axle pivotably mounted on each of the first and second axles of the frame. Each bogie axle includes a body with a front axle disposed at a front end of the body and a rear axle disposed at a rear end of the body. A front tire is mounted on the front axle of each bogie axle and a rear tire is mounted on the rear axle of each bogie axle. The front tire is a different size than the rear tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: KUHN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: William J. Bassett, Daniel R. Brauer, Matthew J. Flood, John Joseph Jewison, Jeffrey Marggi
  • Patent number: 9149001
    Abstract: A threshing mechanism is formed with a first threshing drum and a second threshing drum disposed one behind the other in a direction of crop flow. A first concave encloses the first threshing drum and the second threshing drum in sections in a circumferential direction. A second concave encloses the second threshing drum in sections in the circumferential direction. The concaves are displaceable in a radial direction of the threshing drums and are formed with at least one crop-processing device disposed at the first concave. The first concave and the second concave are swivellable about a common axis connecting the concaves. The enclosure of the second threshing drum by the first concave and the second concave is approximately identical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: CLAAS Selbstfahrende Erntemaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Holtmann, Dirk Esken, Manfred Krieft, Franz Buddenkotte, Ralf Bussmann
  • Patent number: 9149002
    Abstract: A sieve for a combine harvester cleaning device comprises a frame in which a plurality of similar transversely extending plates are mounted for angular adjustment about respective transverse axes defined by axles that are equally spaced from each other in the longitudinal direction. The plates are angled upward and rearward, with adjacent ones of the plates having forward sections of one overlapping rearward sections of the other. The axles include cranks that define adjusting elements which are received for interacting with slots provided in a longitudinally extending adjusting rod that can be adjusted in its position in the longitudinal direction of the sieve, relative to the frame, so as to be able to adjust the angles of the plates around their axles. The slots are shaped and arranged on the adjusting rod in such a way that at least one plate has an angle different from another plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventor: Lutz Bischoff
  • Patent number: 9149003
    Abstract: A web wrap apparatus is provided having a separator with a separating edge deflecting a web against a counter member to separate it. In or at the counter member, retainers are provided, which protrude the web and thus avoid that the web glides along the counter member toward its center area. Preferably the retainers are formed as teeth in a wall of an inverted V-shaped counter member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Emmanuel Chapon, Gresset Pascal
  • Patent number: 9149004
    Abstract: A method for operating a baler with a pressing chamber which serves for the pressing of a straw-like crop includes compacting the crop using an adjustable pressing pressure and binding the crop through a holding material. The pressing pressure is limited to a maximum value and controlled through a control circuit. A control circuit reference variable is a load variable of the holding material. The load variable is adjustable and is smaller than or equal to the maximum value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: USINES CLAAS FRANCE S.A.S.
    Inventors: Thorsten Scharf, Ulrich Hesselmann, Cyrille Arnould, Julien Waechter
  • Patent number: 9149005
    Abstract: A plant growth system is provided in which an irrigation device provides water and/or nutrients to a plant growth substrate. The plant growth substrate comprises an MMVF slab and a single MMVF block on a first surface of the MMVF slab. The MMVF slab comprises a drain hole which is disposed at one end of the surface, and the irrigation device provides water and/or nutrients to the substrate at a position more than 50% of the length of the slab away from the drain hole. This improves the control of water an nutrients in the slab as a whole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: ROCKWOOL INTERNATIONAL A/S
    Inventor: Frank Hendrikus Peter Janssen
  • Patent number: 9149006
    Abstract: A modular planter assembly having plural U-shaped planting containers including plural male open ends, drain holes in a bottom portion thereof and an underneath male drain channel, plural connectors having U-shaped cavities at each end and an underneath drain cavity with seal means disposed therein. The male open ends are secured within the U-shaped cavities and the drain channels are secured within the drain cavity of the connectors. Plural U-shaped end caps having U-shaped cavities with an underneath drain cavity with seal members disposed therein. Opposite male ends are secured within the end cap cavities and the male drain channel is secured within the drain cavity of the end caps forming a single planter assembly with a continuous drain channel to a drain adapter in the end caps to release excess water there from. Plural U-shaped brackets disposed about the containers to support and attach to an elevated wall structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Inventor: Albert J. Pope
  • Patent number: 9149007
    Abstract: A blow molded nursery container is disclosed that includes a substantially circular side wall, a closed bottom end, an open top end, and a projecting lip positioned on the outer circumference of the open top end with a radial flange and recessed portion with a substantially hollow cross-section. At least two handles are connected to the container. Each handle includes a flexible member with a portion that is located above and spaced apart from the lip. The spacing of the flexible member permits access by a user's fingers. The flexible member extends through at least two holes in the side wall or flange and is restrained on the opposite side of the side wall or flange from the portion above the lip so as to connect the handle to the container. The two flexible members are preferably secured to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Nursery Supplies, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph P. Danowski, Timothy W. Horton, Robert L. Cook, Mark R. Alt
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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.
  • Patent number: 9149011
    Abstract: A controllable emitter of an irrigation apparatus including a drip line having pressurized fluid therein is provided. The controllable emitter includes a container coupled to the drip line, the container being formed to define an interior and including an inlet through which the pressurized fluid is receivable in the interior from the drip line and an outlet through which the pressurized fluid is exhaustible from the interior, a magnetic stopper, which is normally disposable in a first position such that the magnetic stopper prevents a flow of the pressurized fluid through the outlet and which is actively disposable in a second position such that the magnetic stopper permits the flow and a controllable actuator configured to generate a magnetic field operable to urge the magnetic stopper to move from the first position to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Hendrik F. Hamann, Levente L. Klein, Sergio A. Bermudez Rodriguez, Michael A. Schappert, Alejandro G. Schrott
  • Patent number: 9149012
    Abstract: An anchoring apparatus for an irrigation system is disclosed. The anchoring apparatus includes a support base for securing to an axle of a support tower of the irrigation system. A threaded sleeve is secured to the support base and holds a shaft. The shaft has a threaded portion and an anchor portion. A motor secured to the support base is configured to rotate the shaft in a first direction about a longitudinal axis of the shaft to move the shaft along the longitudinal axis towards an anchoring position to secure and protect the system against wind and severe weather. The motor is also configured to rotate the shaft in a second direction about the longitudinal axis of the shaft to move the shaft along the longitudinal axis towards a disengaging position to lift the anchor portion of the shaft off of the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Inventor: Michael J. Sorensen
  • Patent number: 9149013
    Abstract: A system for managing irrigation equipment comprises a first irrigation system for applying water in a first irrigated area, a second irrigation system for applying water in a second irrigated area, a control system for controlling the irrigation systems, and a user interface for enabling a user to configure the control system. The user interface presents a map view of a geographic area including the irrigated areas and includes a first graphical element corresponding to the first irrigation system and a second graphical element corresponding to the second irrigation system. The user interface further presents a first interactive control panel for controlling the first irrigation system concurrently with the map view when the user selects the first graphical element, and presents a second interactive control panel for controlling the second irrigation system concurrently with the map view when the user selects the second graphical element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Lindsay Corporation
    Inventor: Reece R. Andrews
  • Patent number: 9149014
    Abstract: The present invention provides an inbred corn line designated ID2516, methods for producing a corn plant by crossing plants of the inbred line ID2516 with plants of another corn plant. The invention further encompasses all parts of inbred corn line ID2516, including culturable cells. Additionally provided herein are methods for introducing transgenes into inbred corn line ID2516, and plants produced according to these methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Syngenta Participations AG
    Inventor: Adrian Jan de Dreu
  • Patent number: 9149015
    Abstract: A novel sorghum variety designated PHW4OLXKE and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a plant that comprise crossing sorghum variety PHW4OLXKE with another plant. Methods for producing a plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PHW4OLXKE through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the sorghum seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid sorghum seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the sorghum variety PHW4OLXKE or a locus conversion of PHW4OLXKE with another sorghum variety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: PIONEER HI-BRED INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: Roger Monk
  • Patent number: 9149016
    Abstract: A novel maize variety designated X03D530 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety X03D530 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X03D530 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X03D530, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X03D530. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X03D530.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: PIONEER HI-BRED INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Edwin Michael Grote, Jennifer Ann Tarter, Joseph Kevin Gogerty, Wade Eugene Odland, Eric Scott Riedeman
  • Patent number: 9149017
    Abstract: A novel maize variety designated X18D799 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety X18D799 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X18D799 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X18D799, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X18D799. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X18D799.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: PIONEER HI-BRED INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Khusi Ram Tiwari, Daniel P. Gorman, Thomas Russell Henry, Terry R. Colbert, Joseph D. Anderson, Jason Michael Prothro, Nathan Brook O'Berry
  • Patent number: 9149018
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, a system includes a robotic arm. The robotic arm is operable to extend between the legs of a dairy livestock located in a milking stall of a rotary milking platform. The system also includes a controller communicatively coupled to the robotic arm. The controller is operable to determine whether a milking claw is attached to the teats of the dairy livestock. The controller is also operable to control the robotic arm to extend between the legs of the dairy livestock based at least in part on whether the milking claw is attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Technologies Holdings Corp.
    Inventors: Henk Hofman, Cor de Ruijter, Menno Koekoek, Peter Willem van der Sluis
  • Patent number: 9149019
    Abstract: A method of eliminating cat urine odor. A CO2 generating mixture of carboxylic acid and a base is placed into a container and cat litter that is comprised of an absorbent material is placed over the top. During the deodorizing process of the cat urine, carbon dioxide is generated to enhance the deodorizing effect of the absorbent material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: JMR, LC
    Inventor: William Curt Everhart
  • Patent number: 9149020
    Abstract: A self regulated feeder for a footbath for animals may include a hollow container for a source of fluid, an outlet passageway to connect the hollow container with the footbath, an air return passageway to connect the hollow container to ambient air to return air to the hollow container, and a differential valve to restrict the returning air to the hollow container. The fluid may include air, and the fluid may include a liquid having a disinfect agent. The self regulated feeder may include a flush passageway to flush the footbath, and the air return passageway may be connected to a liquid trap container to prevent fluid from the footbath from reaching the hollow container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Inventor: Roderick John Murphy
  • Patent number: 9149021
    Abstract: An animal paw pad comprising a base having an enclosure, wherein said base has a first side and a second side disposed opposite of said first side. There can be a gel disposed inside of the enclosure. There can be at least one adhesive coupled to the first side, and at least one roughened section coupled to the second side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Inventor: Carol Marie Kerler