Patents Examined by K. Smith
  • Patent number: 8061075
    Abstract: The present fishing jig is potted, battery powered, water activated, and light emitting. A jig is a kind of lure that is essentially a bare hook. A jig is a hook having two ends, with a barb located at one end and with a relatively small body, such as a small plastic ball, located at the other end near the eyelet. Components of the present jig are potted in plastic such that the jig is sealed against entry of water, such that seam breakage need not be a concern, and such that the jig can be dropped without internal components being jarred from their positions. The battery of the jig is a relatively small calculator, watch, coin cell, or button battery. Water activation occurs via exposed electrical leads such that the light emitting diode is activated only when the lure is immersed in water. The fish attracting light emitting diode, like a worm, confronts the barb of the hook such that fish striking the light source also likely strike the barb of the hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Inventor: Michael F. Herrick
  • Patent number: 7997231
    Abstract: The current invention provides an improved material for the repair, replacement, and/or enhancement of aquatic habitats. It is a composition for use as a replacement for concrete or as a coating for concrete in structures such as artificial reefs. The combination of calcium carbonate (preferably Aragonite), a resin (preferably a marine use resin or Dion ISO 6631), and a catalyst results in a composition that is strong, durable, easy to use, and compatible with aquatic life. The current invention can be used to fabricate structures for use as a foundation for the repair and regeneration of damaged coral reefs. The organically enhanced nature of the composition facilitates the attachment and growth of coral and algae and is compatible with other aquatic life. The composition can be fabricated into slab form and used as a surface for coral farming/seeding for eventual transplantation of live coral species.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Inventor: Madelaine Joy Fernandez
  • Patent number: 7263952
    Abstract: A chew toy comprises a generally spherical body having a plurality of circumferential channels for receiving and housing a plurality of rings therein. The plurality of channels are formed in an exterior circumferential surface of the body. The plurality of channels are formed parallel, perpendicular or diagonally to a central axis of the body. Each of the plurality of rings is defined by a toroidal form, each of the plurality of rings snap-fit into a corresponding one of the plurality of channels. Each one of the plurality of rings comprises a tasteful flavor appealing and attractive to a canine. Each one of the plurality of rings comprises a pleasant and appealing scent attractive to a canine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Our Pet's Company
    Inventor: Steven Tsengas
  • Patent number: 7080608
    Abstract: An apparatus for washing animals is disclosed comprising a container having a bottom surface and a platform spaced vertically from the bottom surface. An animal is positioned on a pad disposed on the platform. The pad and platform are shaped so that the washing liquid runs freely from the pad and platform to the bottom surface of the container. A trough is positioned adjacent the bottom surface of the container for receiving the washing liquid. A trough basket collects hair and other debris to keep the drain clear. An external well is positioned adjacent to the trough to provide an area for receiving a recirculating pump for use in minimizing the use of washing liquid required to wash the animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Inventors: Mark S. Arndt, Jeanne L. Caples
  • Patent number: 7055281
    Abstract: A clip and rope combination is disclosed for holding a fish. The clip is shaped to securely hold the fish by gripping the lip of the fish. The rope is coupled to the clip such that any force exerted on the rope increases the gripping power of the clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Plasti-Clip Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel Faneuf
  • Patent number: 6748902
    Abstract: An animal training device for administering audio and physical encouragement to an animal. An animal worn device comprising sod and shock producing elements is attached to a leash or lead. A transducer or similar strength measuring means is connected to the shock and sound producers of the animal worn device. The leash or lead is connected to the transducer. As the animal pulls of the lead, the transducer measures the strength of the pull. When the pull strength of the naimal reaches a first level, an audio tone is sounded. If the strength of pull exceeds a second level a shock is administered to the animal. In this fashion the animal learns not to pull to hard on a lead. In an alternate embodiment, the trainer has a transmitter with variable signal strength. The animal worn device had a receiver that senses the signal strength. IF the signal strength drops to a preset limit indicative of distance from the transmitter, a tone is sounded. Further signal drop results in the a shock being delivered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventors: Brian Boesch, Jon L. Roberts