Patents Represented by Attorney Kent A. Herink
  • Patent number: 6506311
    Abstract: A wet material treatment apparatus includes an inlet hopper for introducing the wet material into the apparatus. The hopper feeds the wet material into an injector auger that physically directs the wet material into a high velocity air stream produced by a blower thereby directing the flow of the wet material through the apparatus. The wet material moves from the injector auger into a cyclone that separates the wet material through specific gravity and desiccation into a substantially liquid and a substantially solid portion. The substantially liquid portion is discharged through a first outlet in the cyclone to a wet scrubber, while the substantially solid portion of the wet material is discharged through a second outlet. The apparatus can be mounted to a trailer for mobile transportation, and can include two cyclones operating in series.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Global Resource Recovery Organization
    Inventors: Richard DeGarmo, Stan Gibson, Loran Balvanz
  • Patent number: 6502802
    Abstract: A corner form assembly for forming inside corners of concrete structures. A pair of double bias form components, each of which has an acute angle between a side rail and the face sheet are arranged with the side rails in contact engagement to form a form assembly with an inside angle equal to twice the acute angle of the side rails. A reverse bias coupler is used to join the double bias form components with conventional wall form panels having 90° end rails. The corner assembly acts to release the forces imposed on the components by the poured concrete upon disassembly and so allows the components to be readily stripped from the poured wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Wilian Holding Company
    Inventors: Larry Jorn, Robert McCracken
  • Patent number: 6494394
    Abstract: A face plate is provided for releasable attachment between a hammer and a hammer tip of a size reducing machine. The face plate provides a buffer between the hammer and the hammer tip. The hammer has a body with a forward facing hammer face that aligns with the back of the face plate. The front of the face plate aligns with the back of the hammer tip. The hammer, hammer tip, and face plate contain aligned bolt holes for receipt of a securement bolt that releasably secures the hammer, face plate, and hammer tip. The face plate includes a center section raised above opposing ledges designed for mated alignment with a recessed center section of the back of the hammer tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: U.S. Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Loran R. Balvanz, Paul R. Gray
  • Patent number: 6481654
    Abstract: A mated hammer and hammer tip combination for releasable engagement are provided. The hammer includes a lower body portion for engagement with a rotor of a size reducing machine, and an upper body portion. The upper body portion of the hammer includes at least one bolt hole and a front face having a raised center section. The hammer also includes an upper and lower ledge, and recessed side grooves. The hammer tip includes a front face with a distally located working edge for debris impact, at least one bolt hole for receipt of a bolt to releasably engage the hammer and hammer tip, and a back having a plurality of protruding opposable members, comprised of opposable shoulders or feet that define a recessed section therebetween forming a saddle-back. The saddle-back in the back of the hammer tip releasable engages with the raised center section of the hammer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: U.S. Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Loran Balvanz, Paul Gray
  • Patent number: 6480857
    Abstract: A relational database is provided with a plurality of data entries stored in the database. The data entries have a hierarchical relationship. The data entries are assigned an item identifier that uniquely identifies each of the data items. A multiple digit outline number is assigned to each of the data entries wherein the digits of the outline number correspond to the hierarchical levels of the data entries. A hierarchical level identifier is assigned to each of the data entries wherein the hierarchical level identifier equal the number of non-zero digits in the outline number. An organizational table is created wherein the table includes a row for each of the data entries and the table includes multiple columns. The columns comprise a column for the item identifier, a plurality of outline number columns where each outline number column comprises one digit of the outline number such that each of the digits is stored in a separate column, and a hierarchical level column comprising the level identifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Inventor: David Chandler
  • Patent number: 6464157
    Abstract: The invention comprises a rotor and hammer assembly comprising a drive shaft allowing for rotating the rotor and hammer assembly. End plates are secured to the drive shaft, and a rotor casing is secured to the end plates. The rotor casing has an outside surface, to which a hammer is removably secured. The outer surface of the rotor casing includes slots, having a first and second slot section with a raised center portion therebetween. The hammer has a substantially flat base with a centrally located notch, such that the hammer base and the slot matingly align. The hammer is further secured to the outer surface of the rotor casing with threaded bolts. The hammer includes a front face with a raised center section and recessed comers that matingly align with the hammer tip, and is further secured with threaded bolt and nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: U.S. Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Loran R. Balvanz, Paul R. Gray
  • Patent number: 6453609
    Abstract: The invention consists of a sonication and imbibition process for the uptake of water and/or other beneficial substances into a seed. The seed to be treated is immersed in water or other liquids. The seed is exposed to sound energy at frequencies between 15 kHz and 30 kHz for periods between about 1 and 15 minutes. The ultrasonic energy generates cavitational forces by the adiabatic collapse of microbubbles in the liquid medium, particularly those bubbles that collapse at the surface of the seed. The ultrasonic cavitational forces impart an enhanced stable memory for the seeds to imbibe water and/or other substances beneficial to the seed and/or plant. The ultrasonically treated seed can be dried, stored, and later imbibed with a substance that enhances a growth characteristic of the seed or resultant plant. Upon germination, the plant maintains the enhanced growth characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: University of Iowa Research Foundation
    Inventors: David R. Soll, Karla J. Daniels, Donovan P. Gibson
  • Patent number: 6450935
    Abstract: An increase in specific antioxidant activity of extracts from rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis) is obtained by the use of a blend of tetrafluoroethane and an organic solvent in the extraction process. A blend of tetrafluoroethane, acetone and methanol improves total yield. A tetrafluoroethane and acetone blend has higher efficacy but comparatively lower yields. The methods yield a liquid and oily antioxidant extract that is readily mixed with a liquid product such as soybean oil for addition to animal feeds and human food. The methods simultaneously yield pharmaceutical-grade essential oils in high yields.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Kemin Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: James E. Haworth
  • Patent number: 6447201
    Abstract: A load relief coupling device which interconnects a lower, supporting member and an upper, supported member of a concrete forming apparatus to permit quick and easy relief of the load on the members by a formed concrete structure. The load relief coupler includes a supporting coupler member, a supported coupler member, and an inner coupler member positioned between the supporting and supported coupler member. Coacting teeth on the inner coupler member and on the supporting and supported coupler members cause the coupler to move between a loaded, expanded position and an unloaded, collapsed position upon relative pivotal movement between the inner coupler member and the two supporting and supported coupler members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Wilian Holding Company
    Inventor: Robert G. McCracken
  • Patent number: 6419173
    Abstract: A hammer comprising a hammer body. The hammer body comprises a rotor forming portion with a trailing and a leading edge and is capable of securement to a rotor, a tip support section capable of extending into a debris path, and a production pocket extending from the leading edge of the rotor portion also capable of extending into the debris path. The hammer also comprises a hammer tip secured to the tip section of the hammer body and at least partially shielded from the debris path by the production pocket of the hammer body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: US Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Loran R. Balvanz, Paul R. Gray
  • Patent number: 6406333
    Abstract: A fixture comprised of a base and a tensioning member integrated within the base provides a flexible tensioning force to retain a light bulb within the fixture. The light bulb can be a standard bulb, or a threadless bulb specifically designed for the fixture of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Inventor: John Harris
  • Patent number: 6394375
    Abstract: The present invention embodies an insert for attachment to a hammer of a size reducing machine for use in size reducing waste material, comprising a body with a centrally located mounting hole to allow for attachment of the insert to the hammer. The body also includes a bullet shaped tip distally located in relation to the body, wherein the tip can size reduce waste material on impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: US Manufacturing
    Inventors: Loran Balvanz, Paul Gray
  • Patent number: 6393496
    Abstract: An application interface for an intelligent communication device. The intelligent communication device is connected to a network with at least one server connected thereto. The intelligent communication device includes an operating system. The application interface allows for application program to run on the intelligent communication device while be written independently of the operating system and the network. In a specific implementation, the application interface can be used in an interactive television system. The interactive television system includes a set top box decoder connected to a network with at least one server attached. The set top box decoder is a digital computer device which utilizes an operating system. The application interface includes an application program interface and a media control layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Inventors: Curtis A. Schwaderer, Eric B. Miller, Brent A. Thompson
  • Patent number: 6386519
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a post and rail fence comprised of a plurality of posts, rails, and clamps. The posts rigidly engage with the ground in a generally perpendicular fashion, at spaced apart intervals. The clamps interconnect the rails and the posts, through interconnected post clamp and rail clamp sections. The clamp interconnection is accomplished with a tensioning member that provides a variable clamping force and maintains the connection between the posts and the rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Priefert Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: William D. Priefert
  • Patent number: 6370472
    Abstract: A vehicle use profile is created by driving a vehicle with a throttle-controlled engine over a predetermined course at a first period of time. A vehicle use parameter is recorded at predetermined intervals along the course along with the throttle level. At a later time, a vehicle is driven over the same predetermined course with the throttle controlled according to the vehicle use profile. The vehicle use parameter can include real time position, speed, and elevation taken from a GPS receiver, or vehicle emission levels, wind resistance, or vehicle speed, taken real time from various sensors, wherein the vehicle is controlled in accord to one or more of the parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Mirenco, Inc.
    Inventor: Dwayne Fosseen
  • Patent number: 6355289
    Abstract: A liquid preservative solution and method for extending the shelf life of tortillas and like products made from corn flour or wheat flour is proposed. The preservative solution contains propionic acid, phosphoric acid and a substance for inhibiting the growth of yeast or bacteria. In a preferred embodiment the yeast and bacteria inhibiting substance is benzoic acid. The preservative solution is antimicrobial in nature, and delays spoiling by retarding or preventing the growth of mold, bacteria, and yeast. The preservative solution has a fresh slightly sweet after-taste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Kemin Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Ann Marie Rolow, Francisco Arroyo
  • Patent number: 6353158
    Abstract: Broadly this invention provides inbred corn line ZS02234. The methods for producing a corn plant by crossing the inbred line ZS02234 are encompassed by the invention. Additionally, the invention relates to the various parts of inbred ZS02234 including culturable cells. This invention relates to hybrid corn seeds and plants produced by crossing the inbred line ZS02234 with at least one other corn line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: Garst Seed Company
    Inventor: Kris Nyhus
  • Patent number: 6333062
    Abstract: A poultry feed composition including protein, vitamins and minerals, and a source of carbohydrates from the group consisting of soybean meals and corn supplemented with an &agr;-galactosidase-based enzyme blend that catalyzes the degradation of the galactoside. The addition of the &agr;-galactosidase-based enzyme blend increases the ratio of gain to feed, increases the amount of white meat, increases the mass and yield of the carcass, or decreases the amount of fat deposited during growth of a chicken fed the feed composition, relative to the chicken fed on an identical feed composition absent the &agr;-galactosidase-based enzyme blend.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: Kemin Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Eddy A. Fontana, Arlene T. Lamptey, Friedhelm Brinkhaus, G. L. Lewis, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6322277
    Abstract: A clamp for interconnecting two components of a support apparatus such as components of a shoring apparatus for concrete foaming systems. A clamp member having swill, arm jaw is received for pivotal movement in a housing that is secured to one of the components. A plurality of flutes disposed at an angle to the pivot axis of the clamp member are received in coacting recesses in the housing. Axial movement of the clamp member will pivot the swing arm and a coacting, moveable jaw toward a fixed jaw formed in the housing to releasably secure the clamp to the other component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Wilian Holding Company
    Inventor: Robert Jennings
  • Patent number: 6319090
    Abstract: A bandanna is provided with a graphics display area defined on at least one side of the bandanna. The graphics display area is defined on each side by a first and second guideline that extend the length of the bandanna. The first and second guidelines are joined together at a terminal end by a third guideline. The bandanna is initially folded along a center folding line, wherein the graphics display area is substantially centered and adjacent to the center folding line. Next, the bandanna is repeatedly folded and wrapped in a manner that creates successive folding lines each substantially parallel to the center folding line. The folding and wrapping continues until one of the folding lines reaches the third guideline. A tip portion is folded about the third guideline thereby creating a pocket. Then, each side of the bandanna is repeatedly folded and stacked about the first and second guidelines, first one side and then the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Inventor: Lawrence W. Gross