Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Shane M. Niebergall
  • Patent number: 6609480
    Abstract: An improved portable squeeze chute apparatus includes a chute having an entrance end, an exit end, opposing sidewalls, a base and a frame. Each of the sidewalls has a plurality of openable and removable upper panels and openable lower panels for accessing upper portions and lower portions of an animal positioned in the chute. Each of the sidewalls is selectively positionable along a generally horizontal axis in order to immobilize lateral movement of an animal positioned in the chute. An exit gate is positioned at the exit end of the chute to prevent the animal from exiting forwardly from the chute. An entrance gate has interconnected entrance gate side portions for selectively preventing the animal from exiting rearwardly from the chute. Various portions of the apparatus are each controllable by a respective hydraulic chain drive assembly. One such portion includes a pair of arcably pivoting neck stretchers for selectively immobilizing the animal's head and neck while the animal is being worked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Step 5, Inc.
    Inventors: Duane D. Daniels, Donald Schmitz
  • Patent number: 6601891
    Abstract: A grapple attachment is presented for use with motorized vehicles. The grapple attachment is comprised of upper and lower jaws having a plurality of elongated, substantially angular tines that are adapted for dislodging, lifting and carrying whole concrete slabs, vertically disposed posts, horizontally disposed logs, rocks and other awkward debris. The tines are further adapted for use in scarifying and ripping ground surfaces. The upper and lower jaws are pivotally connected to each other at the rearward ends thereof, thus forming the body of the grapple. A single actuator moves the grapple jaws between open and closed positions. The grapple is pivotally connected to the front-end loader using a universal hitch that is adapted for use on a plurality of motorized vehicles, including front-end loaders, skid loaders, tractors, backhoes, excavators and end loaders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Inventor: Warren D. Gregory, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6584721
    Abstract: A decoy cover is disclosed for use with various animal decoys. The decoy cover is constructed from a flexible material having markings disposed on at least one side of the decoy cover that depict a species and/or sex of the animal corresponding to the decoy. In another embodiment, both surfaces of the decoy cover are provided with different species and/or sex markings. The markings on the opposing surfaces of the decoy cover are different from one another, allowing the user to reverse the decoy cover and change the species and/or sex of the decoy. The decoy cover can be used with decoy blanks to reduce the cost of the decoy. The decoy cover also revives the appearance of weathered decoys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Inventors: Steve J. Reule, Jeff Kroger
  • Patent number: 6584670
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a workpiece implementation device that fabricates individual workpieces, positions them at their point of use on a component, and connects the workpieces to the components. The device further comprises an accessory assembly capable of shaping the workpieces, coating the workpieces with a solderable material, burnishing the point of use on the component, and testing the connection between the workpieces and the component. The positioning, attaching, and accessory assemblies of the workpiece implementation device are adapted to selectively perform their individual functions without the necessity of first repositioning the component or the implementation device. Accordingly, the present invention increases overall production efficiency by integrating several separate implementation tools and workstations into a single, adaptable device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Inventor: Larry J. Costa
  • Patent number: 6565120
    Abstract: The present device provides a plurality of belts to restrain a horizontal passenger within a vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, a diagonal belt is secured to the vehicle proximal the side of the sleeping surface near the hips of the passenger. Where the passenger is lying on his back, the diagonal belt extends toward the shoulder of the passenger and is in contact with the back of the passenger. It is looped over the shoulder and passes over the chest of the passenger. It is then secured to the vehicle proximal the hips of the passenger. The passenger may lie on his side or chest, as well. The restraint also includes one or two additional belts positioned transverse to the sleeping surface. The first transverse belt extends over the chest and under the arms of the passenger; the second transverse belt extends over the thighs of the passenger. Another preferred embodiment of the present invention uses a single belt to restrain the passenger both transversely and longitudinally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Inventor: Palvannanathan Ganesan
  • Patent number: 6550668
    Abstract: A method and system for instantaneous heat-sink soldering comprising a gripper device, an intense heat source, and an air-jet cooling system is provided for soldering terminals to structures of dissimilar material composition. The gripper device is adapted to secure the terminal between a pair of jaws and selectively position the terminal closely adjacent the structure. The jaws further serve as heat sinks to continually remove residual heat from the terminal, both during and after the application of heat to the terminal. Upon termination of the heat application, air-jet cooling is provided to the terminal to quickly cool the terminal and the molten layer of solder. The method of rapidly heating and cooling the terminal and layer of solder prevents the annealing of certain silica substrates and provides better solder connections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Inventor: Larry J. Costa
  • Patent number: 6530491
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for supporting and displaying agricultural produce and sporting equipment are provided for forming decorative seasonal and sport related characters. An elongated rod serves as the vertical support for the produce and equipment. For outdoor use the rod can be secured directly into the ground or secured to a stand that is placed on the ground. The stand further allows the apparatus to be used indoors. In use, produce or equipment is either threaded onto the rod, after opposing holes are cut into the produce or equipment, or adjustable ring platforms can be positioned on the rod so that the platforms extend generally perpendicularly from the rod to support the produce or equipment in a vertical manner. An arm platform is provided that can be adjustably secured to the rod and positioned to form the character's arms. The platform is adapted to hold additional produce or equipment as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Inventors: Joey R. Brehmer, Jamie C. Brehmer
  • Patent number: 6506214
    Abstract: A method of cementing a liner to the glenoid cavity of a scapula is disclosed. The method is achieved through the use of an elongated, hollow, rigid tube having an angular or arcuate portion at its distal end and having means at its proximal end for communication with a source of suction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Inventor: R. Michael Gross
  • Patent number: 6483476
    Abstract: A one-piece multi-element directional Yagi-Uda antenna comprised of an array of director elements, a reflector element, boom and folded dipole driven element is fabricated from a single piece of conductive material. The method of forming the antenna uses simple, low-cost techniques, such as single and progressive die stamping, punching and forming. The dipole driven element of the antenna is formed by folding the ends of the driven element during the stamping process or in a separate folding step. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the boom of the antenna array is formed with sufficient length to operatively connect a radome thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Telex Communications, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger A. Cox
  • Patent number: 6468324
    Abstract: A mounting system for filtration media including an elongated channel member which supports at least one end of the filtration media. The channel member includes first, second, third, and fourth wall members. One end of the first wall member is preferably bent inwardly and has a plurality of engagement points formed therein which are created by forming cut-outs in the first wall member. Preferably, the fourth wall member extends at an acute angle from the third member with the first and fourth wall members defining an opening therebetween into which the filtration media is inserted for support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Products Unlimited, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott B. Beier
  • Patent number: 6457195
    Abstract: A pillow and method of using the same is presented for providing comfortable lateral, fore and aft support for an individual's head and neck while the individual rests in a seated, prone or supine position. The pillow is elongated and generally cylindrical so that it can be adapted to completely encircle the individual's neck. The pillow is comprised of elastically deformable materials can be secured around the individual's neck in a generally helical pattern, overlapping the ends of the pillow. The pillow is then tightened or loosened to adjust for fit and comfort. In another embodiment, the pillow is secured around the individual's neck by tying the ends around each other. The amount of head and neck support can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the number of times that the pillow encircles the individual's neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Inventor: Patricia A. Holste
  • Patent number: 6451376
    Abstract: The method and formula for tinting glass described herein employs a transparent acetate lacquer. The transparent acetate lacquer is derived from a base of cellulose acetate dissolved in an appropriate solvent. Preferably, additional ingredients are added to the formula to provide a lacquer that is easy to apply and which provides superior adhesion to the glass. The method of this invention includes applying a transparent acetate lacquer to glass and allowing the lacquer to dry. Application of the lacquer may be conducted by any conventional method including spraying and brushing. When dried, the lacquer provides excellent tinting properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Inventor: Hiram Keaton
  • Patent number: D462303
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Inventor: Travis L. Swiggart
  • Patent number: D464217
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Inventors: Christine M. Clarke, Walter J. Vosicka
  • Patent number: D464218
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Inventors: Christine M. Clarke, Walter J. Vosicka
  • Patent number: D464511
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Inventors: Christine M. Clarke, Walter J. Vosicka
  • Patent number: D470409
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Inventors: Christine M. Clarke, Walter J. Vosicka
  • Patent number: D474521
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Inventor: Timothy R. Knight
  • Patent number: D474684
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Werner Management, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles R. Stevens
  • Patent number: D476995
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Valmont Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Kreikemeier, Marv Schulz, Craig Malsam