Patents Represented by Attorney Thomte, Mazour & Niebergall
  • Patent number: 7272906
    Abstract: A bird decoy is disclosed comprising a body having an upper body member, a lower body member and a pair of wings. The wing members are releasably coupled to the decoy using a flexible mounting assembly that allows the wings to move independently with, and in response to, the wind. The decoy is imprinted with the feather patterns and colorings of a selected species and sex of bird. A stand is removably coupled to the decoy so that the body may move slightly in response to the wind. Accordingly, the decoy mimics the realistic appearance and movement of a select species and sex of bird while remaining both durable and collapsible for easy transport and storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Inventor: Thomas R. Spaulding, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7264178
    Abstract: A foam spraying rig comprising a vehicle having first and second fluid spray component storage tanks mounted in the body of the vehicle, each of which are heated by electrical heaters and by tubing which is connected to the coolant of the water cooled engine of the vehicle. The rig also includes a heat exchanger tank including first and second heat exchangers, each of which have inlet and outlet ends. The outlet ends of the fluid component storage tanks are connected to the inlet ends of first and second pumps, respectively. The outlet ends of the first and second pumps are fluidly connected to the inlet ends of the first and second heat exchangers, respectively. The outlet ends of the first and second heat exchangers are fluidly connected to a spray nozzle which sprays the components onto a surface such as a wall surface or a truck bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Inventor: Richard C. Hugg
  • Patent number: 7261922
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of providing additional corrosion protection to a localized portion of a pole such as a utility pole, support pole, or the like comprising the steps of: (1) determining which portion of the pole is to receive additional corrosion protection; (2) blast cleaning that localized portion of the pole which is to receive additional corrosion protection; (3) placing the pole into a caustic tank; (4) removing the pole from the caustic tank; (5) subjecting the pole to a caustic rinse; (6) placing the pole into an acid tank; (7) removing the pole from the acid tank; (8) subjecting the pole to an acid rinse; (9) placing the pole into a flux tank; (10) removing the pole from the flux tank; (11) placing the pole into a heated galvanizing kettle; and (12) removing the pole from the galvanizing kettle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Valmont Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Carleton D. Kempkes
  • Patent number: 7244241
    Abstract: A tool for cementing a liner to the glenoid cavity of a scapula. The tool comprises an elongated, hollow, rigid tube having distal and proximal ends with the distal end of the tube having either an angular portion or a curved portion which has a plurality of openings formed therein. The tube has a length such that the distal end thereof may be positioned in the glenoid vault and so that the proximal end of the tube may be placed in communication with a source of suction. An elongated sleeve member is slidably mounted on the tube and preferably has a sealing gasket at its distal end which may be moved into sealing engagement with the coracoid process around the opening formed therein. A flexible obturator is selectively extended through the tube to clear the tube of debris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Inventor: R. Michael Gross
  • Patent number: 7229032
    Abstract: A drive unit for a self-propelled irrigation system including an elongated pipeline supported upon a plurality of spaced-apart drive units. Each of the drive units includes a generally transversely extending base beam having first and second ends. A first drive assembly is pivotally connected to the base beam adjacent the first end thereof and a second drive assembly is pivotally connected to the base beam adjacent the second end thereof. Each of the first and second drive assemblies includes an elongated support member pivotally connected, about a generally horizontal axis, which is generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the base beam, to the base beam adjacent the first end thereof. First and second driven wheels are rotatably mounted on the elongated support member adjacent the ends thereof. The driven wheels are driven by an electric motor and gearbox arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Valmont Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale A. Christensen, Ricky D. McGee
  • Patent number: 7226261
    Abstract: A toggle assembly is provided for use with a fastener to engage a supportive structure. One or more teeth are positioned adjacent a lower peripheral edge of one or both of the toggle wing members. The teeth are oriented to engage a rearward surface of the supportive structure once the toggle assembly is passed through an opening formed in the supportive structure and the toggle assembly moves into an open position. One alternate embodiment provides inserts that may be selectively disclosed within recesses of the toggle wing members and provides one or more teeth for engagement with a rearward surface of a supportive structure to substantially prevent rotation of the toggle assembly while a fastener is passed therethrough and tightened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Inventor: Steven L. Bristol
  • Patent number: 7222866
    Abstract: A child's wagon is provided with a mobile base portion and a body portion that define a large inner cavity for storing various articles. Head, neck and tail assemblies may be provided so that the wagon resembles a desired animal. A frame assembly provides the head and neck with realistic movement when the wagon is moved. A cover for the wagon's inner chamber may be shaped like a saddle to support one or more children. Additional accessories such as saddlebags, bottle holsters, and a coiled cord pacifier may be provided. The tongue may be pulled manually or disassembled into a tow bar to be pulled by other motive devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Inventors: James G. Cahoj, Kendal K. Cahoj
  • Patent number: 7216925
    Abstract: A height control linkage for a vehicle cab suspension comprising elongated lower and upper linkage members, each of which has upper and lower ends. The lower linkage member has external, vertically spaced-apart, alternating ridges and grooves formed thereon for at least a portion thereof above its lower end. The lower end of the upper linkage member has a generally C-shaped cross-sectional portion defining a gap. The generally C-shaped portion of the upper linkage member has internal, vertically spaced-apart, alternating ridges and grooves which are complementary to the external ridges and grooves of the lower linkage member. The upper end of the lower linkage member is adapted to be vertically adjustably snap-fitted through the gap of the upper linkage member to connect the lower linkage member to the upper linkage member. A snap-clip is provided to maintain the linkage members in their connected relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Link Mfg., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dennis Lynn Abele, Gregory W. Hulstein
  • Patent number: 7207503
    Abstract: A chemical dispenser which is selectively removably mounted on a travelling lawn sprinkler. The chemical dispenser dispenses liquid chemical into the water being sprinkled onto the lawn by the water distributor as the self-propelled travelling lawn sprinkler propels itself across a lawn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Inventors: Terry J. Stengel, Terry E. Mahlman
  • Patent number: 7198004
    Abstract: A bird feeder of the tube-type having a vertically disposed hollow body portion formed of metal mesh material or a clear plastic material. The body portion has a plurality of inverted, truncated funnel members or baffles positioned therein in a vertically spaced-apart relationship which maintain a certain amount of feed at that level even though the main feed supply has dropped below that funnel member or baffle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Inventor: Raymon W. Lush
  • Patent number: 7188698
    Abstract: A control knob throttle modulation system for a truck-mounted aerial device such as a boom truck or the like wherein the speed of the truck engine is controlled by a switch button positioned in a control knob located at the operator's station rather than by a foot pedal which frees up the foot pedal to be used for other crane operations or to eliminate the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Inventor: William D. Schneider
  • Patent number: 7188636
    Abstract: A portable enclosure apparatus is provided with a frame assembly having a bottom wall, an upper frame member and a single pair of vertical support members. The support members are easily length adjusted by a single user to vary the height of the system while in use. The frame assembly can be quickly disassembled for convenient storage and transport. A cover envelopes the frame assembly to complete the enclosure. A portable dust collector can be coupled with the cover to secure airborne debris moving into the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Inventors: Steve Kanne, Brian Kenkel, David Kanne, Jimmy Judd
  • Patent number: 7186390
    Abstract: An improved brine maker includes a hopper having open upper and lower ends, a solids screen, and a receiving tank having an open upper end and closed lower end. The solids screen and receiving tank are pivotally secured to the hopper adjacent its lower end. The receiving tank and solids screen pivot freely and independently of the hopper to provide quick and easy access for cleaning and maintenance. Rotatable spray bars are positioned within the hopper to direct the dissolving fluid at the soluble material within the hopper. Spray holes having varying diameters and spaced relation to one another customize the fluid spray pattern for greater efficiency. A hydraulic assembly assists the operator throughout the cleaning and maintenance operations of the brine maker to reduce the time and manpower required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Duolift Mfg. Co., Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Hellbusch, Dale L. Plugge
  • Patent number: 7186287
    Abstract: A fluid handling device having a support frame and a plurality of filter frames attached thereto. Each of the filter frames has an outer frame member that removably secures a filter; the filters being either a planar filter, pocket filter, or multiple pocket filter. The various filters can be arranged to correlate the change-out schedule of all of the filters across the fluid flow area. The filters with the highest particulate capacity can be arranged to be in the zone of the fluid flow area with the highest particulate concentration. The filters are easily constructed from a single piece of filtration media and collapsible to save space when storing or shipping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: Scott B. Beier
  • Patent number: 7185605
    Abstract: A multi-tier feeder which is comprised of a plurality of mesh feeder bodies stacked one upon the other in a collapsible fashion and which include even feed baffle plates positioned therein in a vertically spaced-apart relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: Raymon W. Lush
  • Patent number: 7178286
    Abstract: A system and method for injecting liquids into trees is provided with an injection device having a liquid container and a removable needle. The system is engaged with a tree so that the needle is disposed into the sapwood of the tree. The liquid is injected into the tree out ejector holes in the needle that are sized to permit the passage of the liquid but to self-seal when engaged by tree fiber. Once the liquid is injected, the injection device may be disengaged from the tree and the needle. The needle may be permanently left in place or removed after a short time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Glayne D. Doolittle
  • Patent number: 7174939
    Abstract: A window design is provided with a pair of vertical jambs, a head jamb, a meeting rail and a sill. In one embodiment, an upper sash is secured in a fixed position between the vertical jambs, head jamb and meeting rail. Interior jambs are provided to extend outwardly from interior faces of the window frame and slidably receive a lower sash that is selectively moved between open and closed positions. A screen may be optionally secured to the exterior face of the window frame to allow the simultaneous use of the screen and the sliding lower sash. The window design retains a historic exterior appearance of the window while providing improved conveniences and durability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventor: John M. Spencer
  • Patent number: D537125
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Jason Salter
  • Patent number: D539203
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Cycle Country Accessories Corporation
    Inventors: Jimmy D. Danbom, Nicholas W. Gilmore, Joel J. Wassom, Bradley J. Danbom
  • Patent number: D550346
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Inventor: Robert J. Ness