Patents Examined by Andrea M. Valenti
  • Constant illuminated tamper-resistant plant shipping container
    Patent number: 10179694
    Abstract: A tamper-resistant shipping container for a live plant that includes a conical shaped lower pot containing the roots of a plant surrounded by planting soil. Disposed inside the lower pot and over the top surface of the soil is a disc-shaped, sealing cover made of neoprene or elastic foam. The sealing cover includes a center bore through which the stem of a plant extends. During assembly, the sealing cover is positioned around the stem and pressed firmly against the soil. Attached to the top edge of the lower pot is a lid made of translucent material with surrounding side walls and a closed upper end. Mounted on the upper end_of the lid is an illuminating light source containing LED bulbs and batteries and a switch. When activated the LED bulbs produces continuous light that shines downward onto the plant during shipment. Attached to the adjoining edges of the lid and the lower pot is a tamper-proof tie.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: THC ACQUISTION CORP.
    Inventor: Larry D. Fenner, Jr.
  • Collapsible animal crate assembly
    Patent number: 10159216
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a collapsible cage assembly including an outer covering and a support frame for supporting the outer covering in an upright position. The outer covering can have a top, bottom, front, back, first side, and second side. The support frame can include a top frame body and a bottom frame body, a first side member and a second side member each being pivotably coupled to the top frame body and bottom frame body, and a top support member coupled to the top frame body. The top support member can define a V-shaped portion. The frame can also include a U-shaped member have a first end and a second end, each of the first end and second end slidably and pivotably coupled to the bottom frame body. The U-shaped member is removably coupled to the V-shaped portion of the top support member in the upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: MID-WEST METAL PRODUCTS COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Brad Cantwell, Stew Kerr, Michael E. Greene, Terrance L. Jones
  • Vertically moving pet bowl apparatus
    Patent number: 10149456
    Abstract: A vertically moving pet bowl apparatus has a vertical tower having a first support column and a second support column. A movable tray may be secured to and located between the first and second support column. The movable tray has a plurality of openings for receiving at least one pet food bowl and/or a water bowl. The movable tray moves vertically between the first and the second support columns so that a user can access the movable tray in the up position and then lower the movable tray to the lower position wherein the pet may gain access. The apparatus allows the user to avoid bending down to provide food/water to the pet and instead allows a user to deliver food and water to the pet from an upright standing position. A top console controls the movement of the movable tray in the up and down position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: NEXTEK CORPORATION
    Inventor: Norman Diamond
  • Pet location monitoring and deterrent system
    Patent number: 10149460
    Abstract: A pet location monitoring and deterrent system is provided. The system includes a first pet collar assembly that transmits a first RF signal. The system includes a first pillar assembly having a first control module, a first RF receiver module, an infrared photodetector array, a first wireless transceiver circuit, and a first warning light. The system includes a second pillar assembly having a second control module, a second RF receiver module, an infrared phototransmitter array, and a second wireless transceiver circuit. The first and second pillar assemblies are disposed a predetermined distance apart from one another such that a warning area is defined in front of and proximate to the first and second pillar assemblies and a keep-out area is defined behind and proximate to the first and second pillar assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Jollee, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas M. Lill, Jonathan Robert Robbins, Laura Leavenworth
  • Pet grooming tunnel
    Patent number: 10111404
    Abstract: The pet grooming tunnel is a device that is adapted to brush hair or fur of an animal. The pet grooming tunnel is constructed of a ring member that includes a plurality of brush bristles provided on an inner surface. The ring member is supported in a vertical orientation via support legs provided on opposing sides of the ring member. The support legs are each vertically, adjustable so as to raise and lower the ring member with respect to a support surface. The plurality of brush bristles are concentrically oriented. An alternative embodiment includes a wider ring member wherein the plurality of brush bristles form a truncated conical opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Inventor: Mary Ann Herbert
  • Optimizing egg production characteristics via seawater mineralization
    Patent number: 10104901
    Abstract: Aspects for utilizing a seawater fluid to optimize egg-production characteristics are disclosed. In one aspect, a method is provided, which includes identifying a desired optimization, determining a corresponding seawater to non-seawater ratio, and generating a seawater fluid according to the ratio. An egg-cultivation method is also provided, which includes ascertaining a desired optimization, selecting a corresponding seawater to non-seawater ratio, and providing a seawater fluid comprising the ratio to a hen. In another egg-cultivation method, hens are provided with a mixed feed comprising a feed to seawater-mineralized produce ratio selected according to a desired optimization. A method to grow produce is also provided, which includes mineralizing soil with a seawater fluid comprising a seawater to non-seawater ratio corresponding to a preferred optimization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Luberski, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy E. Luberski, Neal Rye, Edward E. Anderson
  • Planter system using waste materials
    Patent number: 10085394
    Abstract: The planter system using waste materials repurpose waste materials to construct a self-irrigating planter that promotes plant growth in a protective environment. The planter system includes a water reservoir constructed from scrap tire defining a hollow interior serving as water storage, the reservoir being buried in soil. A condensation funnel having a sloped condensation skirt extends into the center opening of the scrap tire to direct condensate into the water reservoir. A root ball cover made from scrap newspaper covers the root system of a plant, and the plant is buried in the center opening of the scrap tire. A soil protection cover is placed atop the root ball cover to protect the soil of the root ball, and a support tube extends therefrom to protect the stem of the plant from environmental conditions. A valve regulates delivery of water to the reservoir. Most components are made from scrap plastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: KUWAIT UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: Fawaz Shukhier Al-Anzi
  • Aquaponics system
    Patent number: 10080336
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to aquaponics system. The aquaponics system may be comprised of a pole assembly comprising a pole having one or more pole cups affixed to the pole in a vertical orientation; an aquaculture assembly comprising a tank having a pole anchor centered therein, wherein the pole anchor is configured to receive a bottom portion of the pole, a plurality of struts configured to stabilize the pole within the tank, and at least one tank cover positioned at an opening of the tank; and a hydroponic assembly comprising one or more grow pans, wherein the one or more grow pans are removably coupled with the pole assembly, and at least one tray positioned within at least one grow pan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: AQUATREE GLOBAL, LLC
    Inventor: Kevin Whitley Higgins
  • Plant cultivation apparatus
    Patent number: 10058041
    Abstract: A plant cultivation apparatus according to the present technology includes a cultivation space where a cultivation environment is controllable, and a plurality of cultivation shelves disposed in the cultivation space. An air conditioner for supplying airflow to the cultivation shelves is provided in an upper region of the cultivation space. An induced draft fan for inducing the airflow supplied from the air conditioner to the cultivation shelves is provided at least at an end of the cultivation space. The induced draft fan is configured to induce the airflow supplied from the air conditioner to the cultivation shelves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Fumio Hanzawa, Hiroyuki Naka, Yousuke Okui, Hiroshi Kageyama, Kazunori Tanaka
  • Collapsible kennel
    Patent number: 10010049
    Abstract: A collapsible enclosure having a top panel, a bottom panel, two side panels, a front panel having an opening, and a rear panel. The top panel, bottom panel, two side panels, front panel, and rear panel are connected to one another to form a substantially rectangular enclosure having a door in the opening for ingress and egress. The side panels include a peripheral edging containing a looped frame. A method of collapsing the kennel is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: SPORTPET DESIGNS, INC.
    Inventors: Adam M. Kellogg, Kelly C. Kellogg
  • Tree surround for watering trees and bushes on sloped hillsides
    Patent number: 10004181
    Abstract: A water-retaining enclosure for surrounding trees and bushes and holding water, on flat or sloped hillsides. The enclosure is made of a resilient, polymeric material, such as wood/polymer composite. The bottom edge of the enclosure can have a sharpened edge or sawteeth for cutting into the soil. The upper edges can be tapered. The ends can be joined together to make a 360° ring using a watertight joint, or left open to form a 270° (¾) circle. The joint can utilize an elastomeric seal, finned connector, mating conical surfaces, interlocking flanges, or an interference fit to make it watertight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Inventors: Jonathan L. Stewart, Elaine A. Hart
  • Cat can't jump—device for training small animals
    Patent number: 7992524
    Abstract: An animal training device and restraint (10) is comprised of a lead (14) having a length greater than the height of the cat and less than the length of the cat and a device (12) for attaching to the cat's collar or harness on one end and a weight (13), light enough to lift into the air and swing freely when the cat jumps, attached to the other end to provide the animal with some free roaming ability while preventing them from jumping onto furniture or over fences or after birds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Inventor: Maureen D. Falwell
  • Irrigation apparatus
    Patent number: 7971390
    Abstract: An irrigation apparatus provides water to one or more plants growing in a growing medium contained in a pot or tray. The irrigation apparatus includes a water container mounted to a base below the tray for vertical movement between an upper position and a lower position, in which the water container is urged toward the upper position. Also included is a water supply for supplying water to the water container, the water supply including a control valve having an open and a closed position for permitting and preventing flow of water into the water container, respectively, the control valve closes when the water container is in its lower position. The arrangement is such that when the water container contains water and is in its lower position, the surface of the water in the water container is at a predetermined distance below the underside of the tray supported on the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: D&K Products Limited
    Inventor: Malachi Christopher McKenna
  • Bird feeder and associated method
    Patent number: 7971554
    Abstract: A bird feeder preferably includes a top lid, a central housing pivotally coupled to the top lid, a bottom base pivotally coupled to the central, and a mechanism for automatically articulating a first one of the top lid and the bottom base along a first arcuate path while manually articulating a second one of the top lid and the bottom base along a second arcuate path. In this manner, the central housing remains at a statically fixed position while the top lid and the bottom base articulate between corresponding open and closed positions. In one embodiment, the articulating mechanism may include an actuating shaft contiguously abutted against a gear for ensuring the bottom base simultaneously rotates with the top lid during opening and closing positions respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Inventor: Irma Diaz
  • Safety bypass gate for emergency exit from watering area to feeding area in livestock facility
    Patent number: 7966976
    Abstract: A safety bypass gate is provided for use with a livestock management system having a sorting scale arranged between watering and feeding areas. The safety bypass gate changes from a closed position to an open position to provide an emergency exit from the watering area when a condition exists that prevents animals from passing over the sorting scale. The safety bypass gate includes a pair of pivoting gate members and a channel member that fits over the top edges of the gate members to secure them closed. The channel member is attached to a pneumatic actuator that uses air pressure to hold the channel member in its locked position, and a spring return that moves the channel member to its unlocked position upon a drop in air pressure. Springs bias the gate members from their closed positions to their open positions when the channel member moves to its unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Osbourne Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald M. Thibault
  • Rotating animal grooming device
    Patent number: 7963253
    Abstract: A grooming device for an animal has a rotating member with at least one pair of opposing connection members configured to interact with the receiving areas of a flex member. The receiving areas are configured to permit the connection members to move to enable the flex member to move from a parallel plane with the rotating member to a non-parallel plane. The flex member is maintained spaced from the rotating member through the use of springs placed between the two members forming a compression area. The curry ribs are at substantially right angles to, and affixed to, at least a portion of the exterior periphery of the flex member. The curry ribs can be removable from the flex member or permanently secured to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Inventor: Carey A Bauknecht
  • Catnip enhanced cat scratcher
    Patent number: 7958851
    Abstract: A recreational pet toy for cats which includes an outer covering and a cord attached to the pet toy for hanging the recreational pet toy during use. The pet toy also includes an elongated channel for receiving catnip and distributing the catnip along its length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Worldwise, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Lamstein, David Haaf
  • Animal litter device
    Patent number: 7958846
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic device and method for disposing of animal waste. The device and method utilizes an absorbent pad that is automatically advanced and seals upon itself with an adhesive and/or projections to prevent excrement and odors from exiting the roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: T.F.H. Publications, Inc.
    Inventors: Glen S. Axelrod, Barry Askinasi
  • Dual-purpose jar-aquarium
    Patent number: 7946250
    Abstract: A dual-purpose cap for a jar-aquarium comprising a topwall having (a) at least one ingress aperture sized to accept free unbroken water-stream passage therethrough for cap-on filling of the jar-aquarium and (b) at least one egress aperture smaller than the ingress aperture and spaced therefrom to facilitate controlled cap-on out-pouring of water, whereby jar-aquarium water may be changed without removing the cap. A series of egress apertures may be grouped together along the edge of the topwall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Inventors: Debra A. Holms, Rory J. Holms
  • Grass-growing devices for pet fountains
    Patent number: 7918186
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are exemplary embodiments of various grass-growing devices. In one nonlimiting embodiment, for example, a device for growing grass in a container that provides water to a household pet is disclosed. The device includes a basket that is configured for insertion into the container. The basket comprises one or more apertures that allow for fluid movement through the basket. The device further includes a seed-holding unit. The seed-holding unit of this embodiment comprises a housing in which one or more grass seeds can be placed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Veterinary Ventures, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean Michael Rowe, John Michael Lipscomb