Manual Patents (Class 209/417)
  • Patent number: 10364623
    Abstract: This disclosure is generally drawn to systems, devices, apparatus, and/or methods related to shaker/filtration systems for drilling environments. Specifically, the disclosed systems, devices, apparatus, and/or methods relate to extended handles on screens used in shaker/filtration systems for drilling environments. In some examples, extended screen handle(s) may include a fastening portion and a handling portion. The fastening portion may be adapted to be coupled to a screen along a side of the screen, and the handling portion may be coupled to the fastening portion. The handling portion may extend above the screen and extend about 25-100% of the length of the side of the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: United Wire Limited
    Inventor: Andrew Ralph
  • Patent number: 10352961
    Abstract: A test bench comprising at least one accelerometer which is linked by rigid mechanical linking to a support and comprising a vibration chamber able to convert an electrical signal into a mechanical vibration disseminated to the support and to the accelerometer by rigid mechanical linking between an oscillating part of the vibration chamber and the support in such a way as to use the support as an acoustic amplifier and to excite the accelerometer according to a predetermined mechanical wave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINES
    Inventors: Gilles Polo Filisan, Yohann Chusseau
  • Patent number: 9943087
    Abstract: An apparatus for popping corn, cooking candy, and mixing candy and popcorn is disclosed herein. A multi-purpose kettle can include one or more rotatable stir assemblies that can be positioned at the bottom of the kettle to mix the popcorn and/or the popcorn and candy. The kettle can be heated to a first temperature to pop corn kernels and produce popcorn, and heated to a second temperature to cook the candy. In some embodiments, the kettle can be positioned at an angle to mix the popcorn and the candy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: C. Cretors & Company
    Inventor: Charles D. Cretors
  • Patent number: 9027758
    Abstract: A collapsible sifter having a substantially rigid annular top rim, a substantially rigid annular bottom ring, a flexible annular middle portion having two or more living hinges to collapse the sifter from an open configuration to a collapsed configuration and a removably attachable bottom implement. First and second cooperating elements, associated with the annular bottom ring and the bottom implement, are used to removably attach the bottom implement to the bottom annular ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Robinson Home Products Inc.
    Inventors: Stuart Harvey Lee, Jenna Marie Edgemon
  • Patent number: 8955687
    Abstract: The present invention may be used for separation of plant extract material from plant material. A tubular container with an open first end and a closed second end may be constructed of a rigid material. A plant material may be place in the tubular container. The tubular container may be inserted in a tubular screening container having an open first end and a screen covered second end to position the screen covered second end over the open first end of the tubular container. The separation apparatus may then be shaken with the screen covered second end over a surface for receipt of extract material. A frozen material, for example, dry ice, may be placed in the tubular container with the plant material as part of the process method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Inventors: Stratford Dews, Kermit McCoy
  • Patent number: 8944253
    Abstract: A microplastic particle removal tool is provided that comprises an elongated mesh screen supported by a pair of opposing pole members. The mesh screen comprises a polymer coated, fine mesh that is adapted to sift microplastic affected sand and remove the microplastic particles therefrom during cleanup activities. The pole members are elongated members wrapped in a layer of padding material and fastened to the ends of the mesh screen. The poles support the mesh screen while sifting and are utilized to condense the mesh screen therearound when the device is not in use. During use, the mesh screen is placed in a horizontal condition while microplastic affected sand is deposited thereonto. A pair of users supports the handle ends of the pole members to sift the affected sand and thereby remove the microplastic particles therefrom via electrostatic attraction. The collected particles are removed from the screen thereafter and discarded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventor: Marc Ward
  • Patent number: 8931643
    Abstract: Disclosed is a powder sifting device comprising a housing and a frame, the housing has a first opening communicating a second opening on which a screen is provided to form a receiving space delimited by the first and the second opening; the frame, that is received in the receiving space, is provided with a holding part at one side adjacent to the first opening and provided with a sweeping element proximately covering on the screen at other side, wherein the frame is driven by the holding part to rotate within the receiving space, and the sweeping element is moved along with the holding part to sweep over the screen according to the present invention, so that the effort-saving and easy-operation powder sifting device is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Inventor: Chun-Hsiung Yu
  • Patent number: 8684186
    Abstract: A sifting implement for use with a container, such as a wheelbarrow or bucket. The sifting implement includes a frame having an opening through which compost, dirt, rocks, sand, or other material is sifted. A primary screen is supported in the opening to catch larger items in the material being sifted. Other screens are used for separating different size materials. A bracket is attached to the implement and engages an edge of the container, which allows the implement to be tilted in order to dump the larger items. The sifting implement also includes a containment border disposed around the opening to direct the separated items toward the front of the implement when the implement is tilted to dump the items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventor: Carl T. Westgard
  • Patent number: 8678198
    Abstract: A measuring cup or measuring spoon, the bottom of which has a plurality of openings through which particles can be sifted and a top edge of which has a tab that when tapped allows a user to control the pattern that the particles are sifted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Inventor: Diane D'Andrea
  • Patent number: 8646614
    Abstract: Classifying kits useful in separating gold, other precious metals, gems, collectable rocks, fossils, and archaeological artifacts from earth material. Classifying sieves and other parts of the classifying kits herein are configured to be used within a bucket and can readily be removable therefrom. Depending on the parts used and the goals of a user, the kits herein can be used with dry sifting methods or with water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Inventor: Mark Peterson
  • Patent number: 8602220
    Abstract: A magnetic broom includes a broom head having an upper surface, a lower surface and one or more peripheral edges. Extending from the upper surface is an elongated, removable handle. On the lower surface is a longitudinal cavity having a block received therein that carries a magnet on a bottom side. A knob on the upper surface of the head rotates a drive screw that is received within an internally-threaded bore formed through the block. Accordingly, rotation of the knob in either of two directions raises or lowers the block to position the magnet nearer or closer to an underlying surface. Surrounding the cavity and block are a plurality of bristles for compiling other non-ferromagnetic debris that is not otherwise removed by the magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Inventor: Earnest A. Porter
  • Patent number: 8262145
    Abstract: A rake having a handle, and a rake head. The rake head includes a frame having a neck dimensioned to receive one end of the handle; a plurality of tines, the plurality of tines comprising: a movable inner tine section, the movable inner tine section having a first movable inner tine section, a second movable inner tine section and at least one fixed inner tine between the first movable inner tine section and the second inner tine section; and a fixed outer tine section on each side of the inner section; a support member extending across the plurality of tines, the support member comprising a plurality of supports positioned between the tines; and at screening material, which separates a wanted material from an unwanted material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Inventor: Joseph Berto
  • Patent number: 8157101
    Abstract: A magnetic raking device for cleaning up of dangerous ferro-metallic particles in and around construction jobsites, parks and playgrounds. A device able to perform the duties of both a conventional rake and a magnetic pick up device in one simple step. A hand operated magnetic raking device comprises a housing with a magnet or magnets placed inside. Teeth extending away from the housing are shaped in a fashion as to provide maximum agitation in surfaces such as grass, gravel and hard packed dirt. Device can be used inverted with the teeth facing up along smooth surfaces to pick up ferro-metallic particles without agitation. A handle is mounted to the housing to provide for easy push/pull use of the device. Length of head and handle may vary according to size and scope of area to be raked and cleaned of ferro-metallic particles such as nails and screws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Inventors: Patrick D Arnold, Bradley G Vernon
  • Patent number: 8123045
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for separating popped corn from un-popped kernels. The apparatus includes a popped corn container that holds popped corn and a kernel separator located on a side of the popped corn container. The kernel separator includes a kernel separator screen with a plurality of holes, where a hole in the plurality of holes is larger than an un-popped kernel and smaller than a fully popped corn. The kernel separator also includes a reentry impedance means for impeding an un-popped kernel from entering the popped corn container through the kernel separator. The apparatus also includes a kernel container positioned outside the popped corn container and adjacent to the kernel separator such that the kernel container stores the un-popped kernel after the un-popped kernel has passed through the kernel separator. The apparatus may further include a cover container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. White, Charles C. Hiigel
  • Patent number: 8016118
    Abstract: A sifter device includes a proximal end having an arm support ring through which a user's hand and lower arm passes. A pair of elongated arms is arranged on opposite sides of the arm ring. A basket scoop, having a cutting edge, is arranged at a distal end of the device for scooping a medium that contains a detected metallic object that is retrieved. A grip is arranged along the pair of elongated member and includes an end that extends beyond the elongated members to be used in hanging the device from an article of clothing during metal detecting search activities when not digging or sifting in the medium. For example, an operator's belt or pants pocket may be used to hang the device from an article of clothing when not in use, preferably on the back pocket out of the way of the magnetic field generated by the metal detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Inventor: Charles Arthur Boll
  • Patent number: 7946638
    Abstract: A motion assisted manure fork having a handle, a fork head having a plurality of tines, a leverage assembly and a motor assembly that imparts a sinusoidal motion to the plurality of tines. The fork head includes a frame having a neck dimensioned to receive one end of a handle and a plurality of tines. The plurality of tines has an inner tine section, and an outer tine section on each side of the inner section with a hinge positioned between the inner tine section and each of the outer tine sections. The fork head also has an angle of inclination, which divides the plurality of tines into an upper portion of tines at a first angle to the handle and a lower portion of tines at a second angle to the handle. A support member extends across the plurality of tines, which includes a plurality of supports positioned between the tines to provide strength to the fork head during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Inventor: Joseph Berto
  • Patent number: 7878334
    Abstract: An example sifter shovel assembly includes a handle and a scoop secured to the handle. The scoop includes an outer edge portion. An apertured area of the scoop has a plurality of apertures extending through the scoop and an unapertured area of the scoop extends from the outer edge to the apertured area. An example method of assembling a sifter shovel includes creating a plurality of apertures in a sheet of material and forming the sheet of material into a general scoop shape. The example method then secures a handle to an unapertured area of the sheet of material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: W.F. Valentine & Co.
    Inventor: James Tucker
  • Patent number: 7806272
    Abstract: A magnetic sweeper includes an upper body portion and a base assembly disposed below the upper body portion and a frame. The body defines a cavity with an open bottom portion. The base assembly includes a non-magnetizable frame and a magnetizable plate supported by the frame and a non-magnetizable collection basket disposed below and offset from the magnetizable plate. A pair of wheels and handle are provided for guiding and propelling the sweeper over a selected area of ground. In addition, the sweeper includes a battery and a solar cell for charging and recharging the battery as well as a pair of coils connected to the battery for generating a magnetic field to thereby magnetize the plate to attract ferro-metallic debris. Further, a mechanism is provided for dropping the ferro-metallic material into a collection basket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Inventor: Khaled Jafar Al-Hasan
  • Patent number: 7591378
    Abstract: A manually guided apparatus for collecting objects, especially fruits and nuts, including a pick-up drum rotatably mounted in the drum chamber of a housing. The drum is disposed approximately transverse to the direction of operation, and is rotationally driven by a drive unit. The housing has a wall section extending over the width of the drum approximately at the level of the outer diameter thereof. A ground support is disposed in the region of ends of the drum. A collection channel provides communication for picked-up objects between the drum chamber and a collection receptacle for receiving the objects. The wall section of the housing and the drum cooperate with one another such that objects are accelerated along the wall section toward the collection channel and are ejected out of the drum chamber along a trajectory into the collection receptacle. A handle is operatively connected to the housing for moving the housing in the direction of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Andreas Stihl AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Harald Mang, Georg Maier, Wolfgang Layher, Alexander Erkert, Marc Mildner
  • Patent number: 7540544
    Abstract: A motion assisted manure fork having a handle, a fork head having a plurality of tines, a leverage assembly and a motor assembly that imparts a sinusoidal motion to the plurality of tines. The fork head includes a frame having a neck dimensioned to receive one end of a handle and a plurality of tines. The plurality of tines has an inner tine section, and an outer tine section on each side of the inner section with a hinge positioned between the inner tine section and each of the outer tine sections. The fork head also has an angle of inclination, which divides the plurality of tines into an upper portion of tines at a first angle to the handle and a lower portion of tines at a second angle to the handle. A support member extends across the plurality of tines, which includes a plurality of supports positioned between the tines to provide strength to the fork head during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Inventor: Joseph Berto
  • Patent number: 7331470
    Abstract: A magnetic raking device that agitates a ground surface and uses magnetic attraction for collecting ferro-metallic debris, such as nails and screws, at construction jobsites and other locations, includes a release mechanism that temporarily eliminates magnetic attraction of the debris to the rake, thus allowing collected debris to drop from the rake, such as into a trash or recycling container. One type of release mechanism physically removes one or more magnets from the rake body to eliminate magnetic attraction to the rake body. One type of release mechanism uses electromagnets in the rake body that attract ferro-metallic debris when current is allowed to run through the electromagnets, and that allows the debris to drop from the rake when the current is interrupted. The magnetic rake may be used in an inverted position to attract ferro-metallic debris without agitating, and may be used in a non-magnetic state as a conventional rake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Inventors: Bradley G. Vernon, Patrick D. Arnold
  • Patent number: 7222899
    Abstract: A motion assisted manure fork having a handle, a fork head having a plurality of tines, and a motor assembly that imparts a sinusoidal motion to the plurality of tines. The fork head includes a frame having a neck dimensioned to receive one end of a handle and a plurality of tines. The plurality of tines has an inner tine section, and an outer tine section on each side of the inner section with a hinge positioned between the inner tine section and each of the outer tine sections. The fork head also has an angle of inclination, which divides the plurality of tines into an upper portion of tines at a first angle to the handle and a lower portion of tines at a second angle to the handle. A support member extends across the plurality of tines, which includes a plurality of supports positioned between the tines to provide strength to the fork head during use. The outer tine sections are attached to and extend from the frame, while the inner tine section is not fixedly attached to the frame except by the hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Inventor: Joseph Berto
  • Patent number: 7222900
    Abstract: A motion assisted manure fork having a handle, a fork head having a plurality of tines, a leverage assembly and a motor assembly that imparts a sinusoidal motion to the plurality of tines. The fork head includes a frame having a neck dimensioned to receive one end of a handle and a plurality of tines. The plurality of tines has an inner tine section, and an outer tine section on each side of the inner section with a hinge positioned between the inner tine section and each of the outer tine sections. The fork head also has an angle of inclination, which divides the plurality of tines into an upper portion of tines at a first angle to the handle and a lower portion of tines at a second angle to the handle. A support member extends across the plurality of tines, which includes a plurality of supports positioned between the tines to provide strength to the fork head during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Inventor: Joseph Berto
  • Patent number: 7111741
    Abstract: The multi-purpose rake includes a rake head and a detachable pole for pulling the rake across a surface. The rake head has a frame with two arced end ribs, an upper and a lower crossbar extending between the end ribs. The upper crossbar has a sleeve or other attachment means extending therefrom for receiving and retaining one end of the pole. A wire mesh cage is formed into an arc to conform to the end ribs and is attached to the ribs and the upper and lower crossbar. In the preferred embodiment, the end ribs are formed from a continuous panel so that the ends of the rake head are fully closed. The detachable pole is preferably constructed in multiple sections that can be broken down for easy transport. Optional clips or other retainers may be disposed on the rake head for retaining the pole sections for easy transport and storage. An optional handhold can be provided for facilitating transport of the disassembled rake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Inventor: Joseph Bramante
  • Patent number: 7044520
    Abstract: A device is used to extract manure from bedding material in a manner that maximizes the amount of manure extracted from the bedding material. The device includes a detachable scoop head having a plurality of apertures, a detachable motor assembly coupled to the scoop head for vibrating the device, and a detachable handle coupled to the motor assembly via a connector. The handle can include a power pack for supplying electrical power to the motor assembly. The apertures are preferably formed between elongated elements. The power pack, which can be housed within the handle, forms a counterweight to the scoop head when the device is lifted. The device can further include a stand having a release mechanism coupled to the device, wherein the release mechanism releases the stand in a fully deployed position to facilitate raising the scoop head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Axiom International Group, LLC
    Inventors: Glenn A. Roberson, Jr., Glenn A. Roberson, III, Paul Domato
  • Publication number: 20040040896
    Abstract: A media collection device for retrieving separation media from a container containing the media and organic or inorganic materials is described. The device has a media collecting sieve, support shaft, handle and vibrating source. The device can further have a retainer for the support shaft, a rotating motor, a sliding mechanism, a stage adjustable in height and/or angle, a media receptacle and a container stand adjustable in angle, height and position relative to the stage. Multiple media collection devices can be joined together to simultaneously collect media from multiple containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2003
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventors: Keith A. Koutsky, Gregory Meyers
  • Patent number: 6685029
    Abstract: A tool designed for separating manure, loose hay and wet bedding from the stall of an animal. The tool comprises a rectangular frame supporting a plurality of spaced parallel rods. The rods extend downwardly at an angle from a wall of the stall such that the lower ends of the rods or the portion of the grate supporting the rods extend into a receiver such as a muck bucket or wheel barrow. When refuse is tossed from a floor of the stall onto the grate, then manure, loose hay and soiled or wet bedding will flow down the grate into the receiver, while reusable bedding will pass through the spaces between the rods for later reuse. The frame is provided with side members which converge at their lower ends to funnel refuse into the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Inventor: Rasy Lee Forrest
  • Patent number: 6334538
    Abstract: A stall cleaner that scoops material, such as a mixture of wood shavings and animal manure, sifts selected material out of the scooped material and collects remaining material in a receptacle. The cleaner includes a stationary portion and a vibrating portion. The stationary portion includes a frame that is supported by wheels. A scoop is located at a front end of the frame. A handle is provided on a rear end of the frame. The vibrating portion of the apparatus includes a tray that is supported by the frame. The tray has a rigid perimeter that surrounds and supports a plurality of spaced longitudinal elements. A motor rotates an off-center weight to impart vibration to the tray, causing smaller particles to fall through the tray. A receptacle is located behind the frame on the apparatus. The receptacle is positioned such that materials slide off of the rear end of the tray into the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Inventor: L. Ronnie Nettles
  • Patent number: 6095340
    Abstract: A lawn and garden pan having a substantially horizontal bottom wall panel having a substantially triangular configuration. The front end of the pan is open and it has numerous teeth extending forwardly along its entire length. The bottom wall panel has numerous sifting holes spread out over substantially its entire surface. The left and right side walls extend upwardly from the lateral edges of the bottom wall panel and their top ends curl outwardly and downwardly to form an inverted U-shaped configuration that forms a natural contour to seat between the palm of a person's hand and the thumb. A person can grip the pan for holding purposes along the entire length of the edges of the pan except its front end into which lawn debris can be raked or swept.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Inventor: Ted R Dedrick
  • Patent number: 5958483
    Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a system for collecting and segregating particulate food debris from the whole pieces in a packaged food product, and a system to facilitate and ease the opening of the sealed plastic/cellophane/other packaging material within an outer cardboard food box, including: an inner bag; a system of small filter holes perforating the bottom of the inner bag; an outer bag adhered thereon; a system where the composite inner and outer bags are adhered to the inside and toward the top of the cardboard box, in order to maintain a food debris collection pocket at the base of the two-bag system; two gripping devices, of a style/type to include but not limited to, a pull-ring or pull-tab; and a system for affixing the gripping devices directly opposite one another on the outside and at the top of the sealed composite double-bag packaging material, to facilitate breaking the plastic packaging system's hermetic seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Inventors: Irving Anders, Bruce Anders
  • Patent number: 5850923
    Abstract: A manual sifter including a rotor overlying a sifter screen and rotatable in response to longitudinal reciprocation of a drive arm engaging a crank wheel fixed to the rotor. The drive arm includes a projecting pin engaged within an elongated slot of the crank wheel, the drive arm having a cam edge thereon engage with the crank wheel to vary the torque applied to the rotation of the crank wheel as the arm reciprocates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: Dart Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Pieter K. J. DeCoster, Dimitri M. C. J. Backaert
  • Patent number: 5624038
    Abstract: A free standing curved garden sieve of parabolic shape to separate stones and coarse matter from garden soil as the garden soil travels from upper substantially vertical portions to lower substantially horizontal portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Inventor: Thomas M. Curtis
  • Patent number: 5622266
    Abstract: A garden sieve for a wheelbarrow has a collar frame adapted to conform to and fit loosely on the rim of a wheelbarrow. A sieve frame connected to the collar frame supports a wire screen adapted for sifting granular material. A motor can be connected between the wheelbarrow and the sieve to reciprocate the wire screen. The frame can include a partially removable gate for the removal of strained material and can include roller bearings to reduce friction between the sieve and the wheelbarrow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Inventor: Thomas M. Curtis
  • Patent number: 5579721
    Abstract: An integrated holder/sifter for cleaning litter comprising: a container; a holding area in the container for receiving litter to be cleaned, and a sifting area containing openings positioned adjacent to the holding area where the container, the holding area, and the sifting area are integrated as a single component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Inventor: John T. O'Toole
  • Patent number: 5485923
    Abstract: A drum for the storage and transportation of particulate materials aids in the removal of fine particles and dust from the particulate material during transport by the use of a screen arrangement and trap in the bottom of the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1996
    Assignee: UOP
    Inventor: M. W. Schrepfer
  • Patent number: 5423430
    Abstract: A rocker bucket gold recovery system comprising a container having a plurality holes disposed thereon for drainage; a rocker coupled to the container for rocking the container; a plurality of classifying screens; and separating mechanism for separating the classifying screens when disposed within the container, thus creating a configuration adapted for effecting a separation of materials poured into the container into portions composed of essentially equivalent sized particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1995
    Inventors: Jerry Zaffiro, William H. Farren
  • Patent number: 5368170
    Abstract: A colander structure is arranged of a generally semi-spherical configuration to include a matrix of first apertures directed therethrough of a first width, with a plurality of annular arrays of second apertures extending from a floor portion of the colander, wherein the second apertures are of a second width substantially greater than the first width to permit the reception of popcorn kernels therethrough to eliminate such kernels, with only fully expanded popcorn components remaining within the colander structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Inventor: Alfred C. Leis
  • Patent number: 5332102
    Abstract: A device for separating unpopped popcorn kernels from popped popcorn. The device comprises a flat flexible disc having tapering edges, feet or ridges to elevate the disc, and a plurality of holes perforated through the disc. The diameter of the holes will only allow unpopped popcorn kernels to fall through the disc, and not popped kernels. Therefore, regardless of whether the disc is supported at its edge of its feet, there is space for the kernels to fall through.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1994
    Assignee: Amco Corporation
    Inventors: Abbe Sennett, John Chap, Paul Green, Ken Streit
  • Patent number: 5325971
    Abstract: A cart that is useful to contain, store and/or transport lawn and/or garden debris and filter or screen this debris into different size classifications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Inventor: Sharon B. Moran
  • Patent number: 5314075
    Abstract: An Adjustable Popcorn Strainer which separates partially popped and unpopped popcorn kernels from fully popped popcorn. These partially popped and unpopped kernels can be hazardous to the teeth and are generally unpleasant to eat. The strainer holes are adjustable allowing the desired kernel size to be passed through the strainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Inventors: Caroline P. Nguyen, James M. Harrell, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5277318
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for the removal of oversized contaminants from particulate material the is particularly suitable for the removal of contaminants from low density, high surface area particulate materials. The removal of contaminants is accomplished during the transfer of the particulate material from its storage or transport container to a receiving container. The apparatus comprises an assembly having a weir, a trap disposed adjacent said weir, a screen o for separating particulate material from oversized contaminants, a baffle, and an opening through which particulate material will flow freely. The weir has a weir trap flange extending laterally from a weir wall. The trap is configured to capture contaminants if the container to which the assembly is secured is maneuvered to initiate the flow of the particulate material from the container to the receiving container. When so maneuvered, the lowermost portion of the trap in the proximity of the flow of the particulate materials subtends the weir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Assignee: Thiokol Corporation
    Inventors: Robert B. Smalley, Jr., Bert H. Parry
  • Patent number: 5248046
    Abstract: An apparatus for grading crayfish is provided, comprising a tank having a bottom and sides forming a cavity which will hold water; and a grate assembly having multiple, vertically separated tiers to form spaces between adjacent tiers of sufficient size to accommodate a pre-determined amount of crayfish of pre-determined size. Each tier comprises multiple, horizontally separated round bars, the spacing between the bars in each succeeding lower tier being less than the spacing in the upper tiers. A process for grading crayfish of multiple sizes is also provided, comprising the steps of loading crayfish onto a top tier of a grate assembly of the type described above positioned in a water-filled tank, lifting the grate assembly from the tank after a period sufficient in time to allow all crayfish to seek the lowest level tier achievable in accordance with their size, and removing all crayfish located between one set of adjacent tiers separately from crayfish located between any other set of adjacent tiers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1993
    Assignee: The Board of Supervisors of Louisiana State University
    Inventor: Samuel Rollason
  • Patent number: 5238277
    Abstract: A scoop for pet litter is disclosed for separating pet waste materials from unsoiled clumpable pet litter. A generally planar sifter portion has a plurality of parallel ribs, defining a plurality of slots through which unsoiled pet litter is sifted. Each rib has inwardly slanting upper sides, facilitating sifting. A front member having an inwardly slanted upper exterior surface is provided, and a handle is attached to sifter portion so as to be disposed in a plane parallel to and above the sifter portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1993
    Inventor: Scott F. Robinson
  • Patent number: 5215196
    Abstract: A device is described that includes a compartment for receiving the popped popcorn after it is popped, which will include unpopped kernels, shells and related debris. The compartment has an open top with a separate lid as a cover and a bottom in which is formed openings of a particular size that will prevent the popped popcorn from passing through while permitting unpopped kernels, and the like, to pass through readily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1993
    Inventor: Adam M. Valls
  • Patent number: 5190158
    Abstract: The present invention is a gold pan with classifier which, when used in combination or independently thereof, provides a prospector with an apparatus that enhances metal recovery. The gold pan utilizes an elongated elliptical shape with inclined side walls of various heights with ribs and steps placed along at least a portion of each wall. The elliptical shape allowing a prospector to use the pan as a scoop or a catch basin. The classifier also employs an elongated elliptical or rectilinear shaped base which is operatively associated with the gold pan. In the middle of the classifier is a circular grid being concave and made of a cross hatched type screen wherein all parallel ridges are raised. The classifier sits on top of the gold pan in an interlocking fashion and can be used to shovel slurry into the classifier having a narrow undercut space to prevent slurry from entering the gold pan area directly but allowing water removal by titling the combination in any direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1993
    Inventor: Robert E. Remias
  • Patent number: 5076627
    Abstract: A scoop for use in removing waste material from cat litter comprises a shovel portion and a handle portion. The shovel portion includes a base panel, two side panels and a rear panel, with each of the panels including a multiplicity of elongated slots for straining the cat litter. The handle portion is connected to the rear panel of the shovel portion near the top and a protective shield extends downwardly from the upper surface of the rear panel at an acute angle. The protective shield extends a distance sufficient to minimize the likelihood of a person's hand from contacting cat litter as it is sifted through the slots in the rear panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1991
    Assignee: Four Pows Products Ltd.
    Inventor: Allen Simon
  • Patent number: 4886014
    Abstract: This invention is a simple, easy to use, self-cleaning pet litter box that separates reusable litter material from solid pet droppings. This task is accomplished through the use of swelled-out chutes strategically formed along the litter box walls combined with a trough-shaped, wire mesh separator that is also built into the litter box. A hole is cut in the side wall adjacent to the wire separator with a tubular-shaped protrusion extending from the outside of this hole in the wall. By using a tilting, rotating motion, the used litter is passed through the chutes in the walls and into the wire mesh separator. The solid pet waste is trapped in the separator while the still usable litter is filtered through. With one final tilt, the solid waste is dumped through the hole in the wall, through the tubular protrusion, and into an attached disposable plastic bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1989
    Inventor: David G. Sheriff
  • Patent number: 4822487
    Abstract: A skimming device for a swimming pool includes an elongated rectangular frame having a screen extending within the area bounded by the frame. A telescoping elongated handle is connected to the frame and extends in the same plane as said frame but outwardly therefrom. The angle of the handle can be adjusted to extend upwardly and outwardly from the frame thereby allowing a person to hold the handle while suspending the device in an in-ground swimming pool to thereby skim the surface of the water as he or she walks around the edge of the pool. The handle can also be adjusted to extend directly outwardly from the upper part of the frame so that the handle can rest on the upper edge of an above ground pool as the skimming device skims the surface of the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1989
    Inventor: Joseph Soich
  • Patent number: 4271011
    Abstract: A flour sifter has an upright cylinder within the interior of which a screen is disposed generally transversely to cooperate with an agitator movable over the screen to effect the sifting of flour therethrough. Affixed across the lower end of the cylinder is a first plate which includes a circumferentially-spaced first series of openings successively separated by respectively interposed first panels. A second plate, juxtaposed with the first plate, is movable about an axis extending centrally of the cylinder and includes a circumferentially-spaced second series of openings again successively separated by respectively interposed second panels. Those second openings are alignable with the first openings upon movement of the second plate to one position and are alignable with the first panels upon movement of the second plate to another position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1980
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1981
    Inventors: Patricia J. Spencer, Carrie P. DeRoeck, Robert L. DeRoeck
  • Patent number: 4222866
    Abstract: A filter box for filtering trash from sand is disclosed. The box features a rectangular portion and a trapezoidal portion. The trapezoidal portion is enclosed by tapered sidewalls and an overlying trapezoidal top wall to form a funnel. The rectangular portion has upwardly projecting sidewalls which connect with the tapered sidewalls. A screen is fitted within the sidewalls of the rectangular portion and is utilized to filter, from sand, any trash that may be present. The filtered sand is then replaced into the receptacle from which it came by pouring it through the formed funnel of the filter box of this invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1979
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1980
    Inventor: Wade Wilson