Patents Examined by Charles T. Jordan
  • Seed stick locking hanger
    Patent number: 6776122
    Abstract: A hanger design to which a conglomeration of seed, treat or other food product may be adhered and which can be easily Installed and effectively secured to most animal cages is provided. The hanger of the invention includes a shaft having a plate disposed at one end in a plane which is substantially perpendicular to the direction of the shaft. The plate has an outside surface formed with a pair of vertical ribs and an extending horizontal locking tab which together can be used to lock the hanger unit to a conventional animal cage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: The Hartz Mountain Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen Magrath, Vitor Oliveira, George Engel
  • Roper's quick release saddle horn attachment
    Patent number: 6775965
    Abstract: A quick release designed as a safety tool for heelers participating in the sport of team roping. During the history of team roping numerous heelers have cut off fingers and hands, when wrapping the rope around the horn of their saddle in an effort to pull the rope tight around the steer's hind legs. This quick release was designed to eliminate the daily (wrapping the rope around the horn) process. The quick release strap is wrapped around the saddle horn and buckled into place. The end of the rope is placed in the loop of the quick release. After the steer is roped, the heeler pulls on the release and the rope is freed. Thus eliminating any chance of fingers or hands being caught between the rope and the horn. For added safety, the rope can be release wither it is tight or loose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Inventor: Berl Leon Yarbrough
  • Animal trap
    Patent number: 6775947
    Abstract: An electric or electronic animal trap wherein the housing includes a pair of spaced electrodes or charge plates in a killing chamber intermediate the trap entrance and a source of bait. Interposed in the pathway to the electrodes is at least one diverter which discourages a target animal from reversing direction before it is electrocuted. In one embodiment, juxtaposed to the entrance are at least two diverter members angularly offset relative to each other to define a maze-like path to lead a target animal to the charge plates for electrocution while discouraging reversal of direction and protecting against direct access to the charge plates through the entrance opening by children, pets or non-target species.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Woodstream Corporation
    Inventors: David L. Anderson, Michael J. Gehret, David W. Swift, Christopher T. Rich
  • Natural dental ring for cats feline teething and teeth cleaning apparatus
    Patent number: 6776123
    Abstract: A feline teething and teeth cleaning toy in which the combination of elements functions as a natural complete dental care device in a manner consistent with that of a toothbrush and dental floss while assisting the natural digestive process of cats. The combination of elements, a bone ring wound with natural hemp, natural feather(s) and natural dried catnip leaves utilizes a cat's natural instincts to promote its overall effectiveness. As cats instinctively enjoy playing with the toy, the chewing of the ring and hemp gently brushes and scraps the teeth and stimulates the gums. The chewing and pulling of the extended feather(s) and hemp through the teeth flosses the teeth and the consumption of the natural dried catnip leaves assists the cat's natural digestive process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Inventors: Teresa Ann Homan, Daniel Webster Homan, Courtney Ann Homan
  • Lure with tassel tail
    Patent number: 6775945
    Abstract: An artificial fishing lure of resilient material having a body portion and a flexible, elongate tail. The tail possesses a curved configuration, being attached to the aft end of the body portion. The tail is thin and essentially flat when the tail is in a curved configuration, but it assumes a relatively straight configuration when the lure is moved through the water. A plurality of tassels are affixed in a spaced relationship along a long edge of the tail, with the tassels being relatively flexible and adapted to move with the tail at the time the tail undertakes a highly desirable undulating motion. The tassels cause the tail to give off vibrations attractive to fish. This lure is ideal for use when fishing for Large Mouth and Small Mouth Bass, but it is also quite suitable for use with species such as Stripe Bass and Wall Eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Classic Fishing Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Louie W. Gibbs, James E. Tyner
  • Device and method for separating milk from dairy animals
    Patent number: 6776119
    Abstract: A device for separating milk obtained from a dairy animal. Said device is provided with a processing device, with a measuring device for measuring at least one milk variable during a milking run of a dairy animal and for issuing a signal indicative of the measured value to the processing device. The processing device is provided with a memory suitable for containing a reference value for the milk variable, and with a comparing device for comparing the measured value of the milk variable with the reference value and for issuing a comparison signal. The device separates milk in dependence on the comparison signal. The measuring device is suitable for measuring during the entire course of the milking run the value of the milk variable for obtaining a momentary measurement pattern of the milk variable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Lely Enterprises A.G.
    Inventors: Helena Geralda Maria Vijverberg, Elena Espada Aventin
  • Floral sleeve with a skirt
    Patent number: 6775949
    Abstract: A plant packaging and covering system including a flexible floral sleeve having a base portion and a skirt portion, and optionally an upper detachable portion which may be sized to surround a plant disposed in a flower pot. The base portion is generally made from two flat panels substantially free of overlapping portions and the skirt portion has a plurality of overlapping portions which allow the skirt portion to expand outwardly from the upper end of the base portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, Joseph G. Straeter
  • Gliding vehicle guidance
    Patent number: 6776369
    Abstract: Guidance of a gliding vehicle is disclosed. A method of the invention allows the range of the glide phase of a gliding vehicle to be maximized, while satisfying final flight path angle and aimpoint requirements. The method controls the time-of-flight of the gliding value to a desired value. The time-of-flight control can correct for winds, off-nominal launch conditions, and rocket motor variations, among other factors. Both time-of-flight control and range and cross-range maximization can be achieved by the inventive method, utilizing a compact closed-loop approach.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Craig A. Phillips, David S. Malyevac
  • Livestock watering method and apparatus
    Patent number: 6776121
    Abstract: The freezeless method for watering livestock, in one embodiment, is a method and means to provide water to livestock using a well, trough and a piston pump that is activated and powered by the animal. The animal uses its nose to push a plate on a lever apparatus that is attached to the pump. The pushing motion causes a rod to move the piston pump, which in turn raises water to the surface via piping into the trough where the animal drinks the water. The animal continues to pump the lever apparatus until the desired amount of water is consumed. By using a drain means and insulation means, the apparatus operates in freezing temperatures without the use of a power or heat source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Inventor: James H. Anderson
  • Built-in gun lock for a pump-action shotgun
    Patent number: 6775941
    Abstract: An integrated or built-in key-operated gun lock having a rotatable swivel arm. The lock is preferably positioned at the fore-end of the pump slide handle so that, when deployed in the locked position, the swivel arm interferes with the forward motion of the slide handle thereby preventing the shotgun trigger from being reset for firing the weapon. This also prevents the shotgun from being locked with an ammunition round chambered. The swivel arm is preferably located between the slide arm and the pump magazine. A stationary ring may be installed on the magazine tube or, depending upon the existing configuration of the shotgun, an existing ring such as the ring commonly used to brace the magazine tube to the gun barrel, may be employed to cooperate with the swivel arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Inventor: James F. McNulty, Jr.
  • Parachute pack for powered parachute
    Patent number: 6776374
    Abstract: An improved pack for parachutes for powered parachute aircraft breaks down to lie flat against the ground providing a staging area for folding the parachute and full access to the parachute to remove entrapped air. Flaps of the pack fold up around the parachute to create an enclosure. The pack may include attached bungee cords for tying it to the frame of the cockpit and may be part of a kit including line socks and frame attachment hooks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Abby Air LLC
    Inventor: Jack C. LaSee
  • Processing of molluscs
    Patent number: 6776700
    Abstract: A method of gutting a cephalopod, such as squid, the cephalopod having an outer mantle containing internal organs, and the method comprising retaining the outer mantle at a fixed distance from a central axis while rotating the mantle about the said axis whereby the internal organs are subjected to a centrifugal force sufficient to eject the organs outwardly through an open end of the mantle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Stevedore & Fishery Services Limited
    Inventor: Peter Davy
  • Controlled collapse teatcup liner
    Patent number: 6776120
    Abstract: A teatcup liner and teatcup assembly are provided with controlled collapse constructions including ribs, notches, sleeves, and thickness variations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Inventor: Mofazzal H. Chowdhury
  • Fish handling tool
    Patent number: 6772554
    Abstract: A device for holding a fish after being caught by an angler to allow the removal of a hook. The device permits an angler to firmly grasp the fish without having to physically touch the fish. The device utilizes a pedal in conjunction with a cantilever to facilitate movement of a hammer to secure the fish. Once held, a hook removal device is employed to remove the hook from the fish's mouth. The device further contains a tool compartment for storing items essential to all anglers and a live well for keeping caught fish alive after removing the hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Inventor: Charles A. Boone
  • Method for selectively dispersing or delivering a control agent
    Patent number: 6772694
    Abstract: A control agent delivery system useful for dispersing a pesticide, herbicide, fungicide or other biocide around a target or target area that is not directly accessible or that is hazardous to the user. The system includes a separable, two-part projectile containing a control agent disposed in a powder, liquid or gel dispersal medium, together with a gas-propelled, projectile launching device. A method of use of the subject system that causes the projectile to perform differently, depending upon the manner of launch, is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: NCH Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Clarence Pearce, III, Dale Vilmer Kiplinger
  • Trigger assembly for AK47 type rifle
    Patent number: 6772548
    Abstract: An adjustable trigger assembly adapted for installation into the carrier of an AK-47 and similar rifles. The assembly features a plurality of adjusting screws to adjust the force required for trigger pull, the over travel of the trigger after firing, and the forward rotational force and angle of a disconnector rotationally engaged in a slot in the trigger to thereby allow for adjustment of the force required during both stages of pull of a two stage trigger to fire the weapon. The device is adapted for engagement with the receiver of a conventional AK-47 in replacement of the original trigger mechanism and may be used with the original hammer or optionally may employ a replacement hammer which features limited contact with the trigger assembly to lessen the trigger pull required for firing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Inventor: Ronald Power
  • Unitary tree and shrub stabilizing device
    Patent number: 6772558
    Abstract: A unitary device for securing the root ball of newly planted trees and/or shrubs into proper position, for stabilizing the trees and/or shrubs to prevent shifting or toppling while the tree and/or shrub root systems are first developing. The device includes a horizontal cross member, and a couple of prongs perpendicularly depending from the horizontal cross member, all formed from a single piece of rod or tubing material. At the time of planting, after the root ball of the tree is set into an appropriate hole and the tree is in proper position, the free ends of the prongs of the device are driven into the ground such that the outer prong is retained in the firm portion of the soil, and the inner prong engages the root ball. The outer prong is of a sufficient length to be held securely in the soil, and the inner prong is both arranged in position and sized in length to engage the root ball securely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Inventor: James A. Mancini
  • Modular large animal trap
    Patent number: 6772555
    Abstract: A large animal trap for humanely capturing and restraining large feral animals, particularly feral hogs, is disclosed which is field assembled from pre-manufactured modular components. Animals are enticed into the trap by an animal baiting means. A sliding gate supported and released by a sliding gate latch means and gate locking means are further disclosed, which traps the animal once triggered and prevents the animal from raising the gate. The modular components are in the shape of flat square or rectangular wire mesh panels framed by square tubing. The sizes and in the shape of the modular components are especially advantageous for ease of transport to remote trapping locations. Once the individual components are placed in their proper positions to form the trap, they are joined together by fasteners, not requiring tools to secure. Said fasteners may be later removed when the user disassembles the trap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Inventors: Douglas K. Evans, Bradley D. Parish
  • Arrangement for supporting mortar shell into barrel of weapon
    Patent number: 6772693
    Abstract: A support member for supporting a mortar shell (1) into a barrel (2) of a weapon, and a method for attaching said supporting member (6) to a tail (4) in the mortar shell (1). The supporting member (6) includes a support element (8) provided with a rim flange (7) and a firing mechanism (15). The support element (8) is supported by means of one or more attachment pieces (10) against a front rim (23) in guiding fins (5) in the mortar shell (1). The attachment pieces (10) include a predetermined deformable point enabling the detachment of the fired mortar shell (1) from the supporting member (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Patria Vammas Oy
    Inventors: Mauri Kuru, Ari Makkonen
  • Ammunition reloading apparatus with feed mechanism
    Patent number: 6772668
    Abstract: Ammunition reloading apparatus includes a shell case support for holding a shell case, a container spaced above the support for holding shell loading material to be placed in a shell case during reloading, and an elongate charge bar underlying the container having a charge opening therein. The bar is mounted for movement between a first position in which the opening underlies the container to receive a charge of material and a second position where the material may be released to an underlying shell case. Control mechanism is operable to sense the presence or absence of the shell case on the support when the charge bar is in its second position. The control mechanism prohibits release of material from the charge opening when a shell case is absent and permits release of material to be dispensed to the shell case when a shell case is present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Robert Shields