Patents Examined by Kathleen Alker
  • Patent number: 8899189
    Abstract: A garment to reduce an animal's anxiety, fearfulness, overexcitement, or a combination thereof. The garment may include a central portion, flaps extending from opposite sides of the central portion, and, in some cases, a cinching member that extends from a central area of the central portion. The flaps may be fastened together around the chest and stomach of the animal, and the cinching member may be fastened to the central portion or one or more flaps to tighten the garment further, applying pressure to reduce anxiety, fearfulness, or over-excitement. Straps may be provided to secure the garment to the animal's neck. One material that may be used in making the garment is a fabric made of 55% cotton, 35% polyester, and 10% spandex. The animal may generally be any animal with four legs, for example, a dog or cat, or two arms and two legs, for example, a monkey.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Thundershirt, LLC
    Inventor: Philip J. Blizzard
  • Patent number: 8887436
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a portable pocket survival snare that includes a manually windable wire snare within a low profile body assembly that incorporates a mounting loop. The storable manually windable wire snare is held in position within the body assembly, using a snap-mounted mounting ring assembly that is snapped into position around the outside perimeter of the body assembly. The mounting ring assembly is also used to position the pocket survival snare during use. The present invention also includes an escape proof sliding-locking noose and when used in conjunction with other elements of the present invention, engages automatically during operation. The wire snare is secured within the present invention using a press fit pin and then weaving the wire snare through a series of stress-relieving through-holes and non-stress-relieving through-holes that are incorporated into the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Inventor: Andrew Carmen Putrello, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8881678
    Abstract: The invention relates to a scraping device (14) for removing objects from a floor surface (1c) of a rotary milking platform (1). The scraping device (14) includes a scraper (18) configured to come into contact with and move an object on the floor surface (1c) of the rotary milking platform (1) during rotation, and a suspension device selectively supporting the scraper (18). The suspension device selectively supports the scraper (18) in each of i) a first position adjacent to the floor surface (1c) of the rotary milking platform (1) and ii) a second position in which the scraper (18) is pressed against the floor surface (1c) with a first force. The suspension device is configured to move the scraper (18) from the first position to the second position when the object on the floor surface (1c) hits the scraper (18) during rotation of the rotary milking platform (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: DeLaval Holding AB
    Inventor: Jan Eriksson
  • Patent number: 8850781
    Abstract: A western safety stirrup is disclosed having an elastic band forming the outer side of the portion of the stirrup wherein a boot is to be placed, held at top and bottom by studs. The upper stud is recessed below the outer side of the stirrup so as not to catch on clothing or brush. The lower stud has a flattened head and protrudes at an angle downwardly, and is attached to the elastic band by means of a leather wrap having holes in each end to place over the lower stud. When outward pressure is placed on the elastic band, it pops off and the boot is released from the stirrup. A leather keeper flap over the band attached at its upper end allows for the elastic to break away while protecting against snagging and provides a more western aesthetic appearance to the stirrup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventors: Timothy J. Harvey, Robert Oaks
  • Patent number: 8839745
    Abstract: A leash caddy system for use with a retractable leash is provided. The retractable leash has a handle. The system comprises a cover with an attachment mechanism secured to the cover for releasably securing the cover around the retractable leash through the handle of the retractable leash. A plurality of guide hoops is mounted to the cover. A first securement mechanism associated with a first guide hoop and a fourth guide hoop secures the cover about the retractable leash. A second securement mechanism associated with the second guide hoop and the fourth guide hoop secures the cover about the retractable leash. Upon securing the cover about the retractable leash, the cover forms a pocket for receiving the cover therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Inventor: Kenny A. Johnston
  • Patent number: 8832993
    Abstract: An illuminated aerator dip net system is submerged into a body of water within a container. The dip net assembly has a net with a rigid air tube and lid with a handle attached as one unit. An aerator is attached to the top of the lid. A flexible air tube is connected to an air valve, which is attached to the rigid air tube. The aerator pumps oxygen through the air valve and through the rigid air tube to an air stone that is attached to the bottom of the net thereby oxygenating the body of water within the container keeping the bait alive. The aerator provides an electrical source and switch for a light that is mounted to the bottom side of the aerator. A hole provided in the lid of the dip net assembly allows the light to illuminate live bait within the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Inventors: Todd O. Emmons, Sr., Teresa C. Emmons
  • Patent number: 8832990
    Abstract: An apparatus for fishing includes a fishing rod and a separate base unit onto which the rod can be mounted and readily removed. The rod is generally conventional and includes a reel mounted on a rod body for winding in the fishing line with a spool and a hand cranked rotor for winding the line around the spool. The base unit includes a cylindrical holding sleeve for mounting the rod body and a battery driven electric motor for driving the spool independently of the rotor by a drive shaft extending parallel to the sleeve. An adjustable pressure switch for activating the motor is connected between the holder and the base unit so that pulling force on the line pivots the holder around a pivot mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Inventor: Steven T. Morris
  • Patent number: 8826859
    Abstract: An animal drinker includes a base tray that is defined by an exterior drinking trough connected to an interior fluid reservoir by a passageway. The trough and the interior fluid reservoir are maintained at a consistent fluid level. An upper reservoir stores fluid above the interior reservoir and is in fluid communication therewith by an outlet positioned at the bottom. A buoyant float pan is positioned in the interior fluid reservoir of the base tray. A float stop is positioned between the float pan and the outlet of the upper reservoir to stop the flow of fluid from the upper reservoir to the interior fluid reservoir at a predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Harris Farms, LLC
    Inventor: Paul H. Slinkard
  • Patent number: 8814630
    Abstract: The instant invention describes a beehive constructed and arranged to contain one or more components which are assembled using minimal amounts of fastening devices. The beehive includes one or more hive bodies, such as deep hive bodies or honey super bodies preferably made of rot proof PVC board, which are designed to house or store a bee colony, bee brood, and honey. Each of the bodies is designed to contain one or more walls which are secured together to form the body structure. The bodies are constructed of a single unit structure having one or more integral hinged members that join two rigid members together, allowing the two rigid members to fold along the line of the hinge. By folding along the line of the hinge, a desired shape can be constructed and secured without the need for additional fastening devices, such as screws or nails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Inventor: Carl T. Rittberger
  • Patent number: 8813419
    Abstract: A trap (100, 100?) for pestiferous insects, such as stink bugs and the like, that takes advantages of innate behavioral characteristics of the target insect. The trap includes a lid (140) defining an entry aperture (170), an entry cone (110, 110?) on one side of the entry aperture, a vane assembly (160) on an opposite side of the vane assembly, and an entrapment chamber (102) that releasably engages the lid. A collar (120, 120?) on the entry cone facilitates insects dropping into the trap and prevents insects from exiting the trap after dropping in.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Sterling International Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney G. Schneidmiller, Qing-He Zhang, Marc Chapin
  • Patent number: 8806800
    Abstract: A fish release device is claimed, comprising a spring-loaded set of opposing members with tip portions capable of retaining the lip of a fish suffering from barotrauma to a depth sufficient to reverse the effects of barotrauma prior to releasing the fish. The opposing members cross over each other such that the jaws can be temporarily opened merely by tugging upward on the line attached to the device. Once the jaws are opened, the fish normally swims away rapidly, before the jaws close again. The device is small, compact, and can be used with a variety of fish species and sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Inventors: Randall D. Hupp, Timothy Gene Marshall
  • Patent number: 8800197
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a fishing rod holder having a generally annular mounting bezel which generally surrounds the mouth of a tube for receiving the butt of a fishing rod. The underside of the mounting bezel includes at least one blind hole or projecting mounting stud for receiving a fastener for mounting the rod holder without penetrating the exposed surface of the mounting bezel, providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance. A rod engaging member or pin engages grooves in the butt of a rod, allowing it to swivel. The amount of resistance of the rod engaging member or pin to swivel motion can be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Tigress Trading Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Roger S. Wilcox, Scott A. Wilcox
  • Patent number: 8789349
    Abstract: A bitless bridle with double cross under reinstraps for riding, driving, and training horses and similar animals that achieves improved control, comfort, and communication with the animal. The bridle is composed of a solid crownpiece that bifurcates, after a brow band attachment, into a cheek strap and an elongated reinstrap. The cheek strap connects to two nosebands which have solid rings attached to each end. The elongated reinstraps cross under the horse's jaw and pass through the first set of rings then cross under the jaw a second time and pass through the second set of rings to continue back to the rider's hands. Pulling on a single reinstrap applies pressure to the horse's nose and poll causing it to turn in the direction pulled. Pulling on both reinstraps cinches the noseband in place, causing the horse to slow down or stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Inventor: Jefferson Aaron Drumm
  • Patent number: 8776433
    Abstract: A planting container is suitable for forming planting columns by using ones with the same structure three-dimensionally stacked. The planting columns are arranged around a center line parallel to the gravity direction to set up a planting tower. The planting container includes a bottom wall and a side wall. The side wall extends from the peripheral of the bottom wall and both walls define a containing space. The side wall has a planting opening communicating with the containing space. The side wall has a top end and a bottom end. When two containers with the same structure are three-dimensionally stacked by each other, the bottom end of the upper container engages with the top end of the lower container. The side wall laterally tilts towards the center line relatively to the bottom wall, so that the planting column tilts towards the adjacent column and tilts towards the center line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Tien-Fu Huang, Chi-Hua Yu, Chen-Dao Shiao, Pei-Ying Chang
  • Patent number: 8763560
    Abstract: A foldable and portable shelter includes a base member and an upper member combined with the base member. The base member includes a bottom wall panel, a rear wall panel, and a front wall panel. Each of the rear wall panel and the front wall panel has a periphery provided with multiple first reinforcing ribs each having an arcuate concave surface. The upper member includes a top wall panel and two opposed side wall panels. Each of the top wall panel and the side wall panels has a periphery provided with multiple second reinforcing ribs each having an arcuate concave surface. Each of the second reinforcing ribs overlaps the respective first reinforcing rib so that the second reinforcing ribs cooperate with the first reinforcing ribs to reinforce the strength of the upper member and the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Inventor: Jui-Yang Chang
  • Patent number: 8756859
    Abstract: A stackable elevated planter has a rectangular or oval body that holds potting soil. Two or four legs sockets are attached to and extend away from the bottom of the planter body to define a rectangle. Legs are provided such that each leg has one end sized to fit within one of the leg sockets. The legs have a length less that the length of the rectangle and an average width which is less than one fourth of the width of the rectangle such that the four legs can be laid next to one another within the planter body and a similar second planter will fit within that planter. The body of the second planter may be positioned over the four legs such that the leg sockets of the second planter body extend beyond the four legs and the leg sockets of the second planter may rest on the top surface of the base of the first planter. An optional shelf that fits within the planter body for storage and is attached to the legs when the planter is assembled may also be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Adams Mfg. Corp.
    Inventor: William E. Adams
  • Patent number: 8745915
    Abstract: The present invention is a variable light fishing lure comprised of a plastic housing with an internal cavity for holding a submergible lighted element and an angled aperture for inserting the lighted element into the cavity. A plug is inserted into the angled aperture to prevent the lighted element from falling out of the housing. Water can be added to plastic housing before inserting the plug to adjust the buoyancy of the fishing lure. The outside of the plastic housing contains a striated pattern which allows light from the lighted element to shine through the housing. The lighted element can be easily removed from the housing and replaced with the same or another color lighted element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventor: Patrick McManigal
  • Patent number: 8739738
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a pet toy designed compatibly both to allow cleaning inside the toy as well as introducing and removing the food into/from the pet toy to be performed by a user in a significantly easy manner and to make the animal to be continuously engaged by the toy for a long time. A pet toy 1 has a flexible and axially flat body formed with a cavity disposed inside thereof that can accommodate an amount of food for an animal. The body comprises: a lateral band portion 3 defining an outer perimeter of an axially central part of the body; a first and a second coverings 4 and 5, each extending in the axial direction from the lateral band portion; and a slit 2 formed in the lateral band portion 3 so as to communicate with the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Kyoritsu Shokai Ltd.
    Inventor: Nobuhiko Kuwa
  • Patent number: 8726570
    Abstract: The flowerpot doily-supporting accessory includes a cross brace and a plurality of leg supports that extend downwardly therefrom. The cross brace is a curved bar that enables a doily to be draped thereon in order to form an assembly. The leg supports include at least one leg located on opposing sides of the cross brace which extend downwardly and include a pointed in for insertion into potting soil or a pumpkin. The assembly is adorned along a front surface of the flowerpot in order to provide a decoration thereon, and may alternatively be employed along a front surface of a pumpkin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Inventors: Andrew D. Heintz, Sharon K. Heintz
  • Patent number: 8726567
    Abstract: The invention provides a hand-held electronic device for injecting an agent into a tree with continuous pressure sensing technology for real-time measurements of the pressure within the tree. The pressure measurement information is conveyed to an onboard central processing unit for data collection, analysis and optimization of the speed of injecting the agent into the tree. By continually monitoring the pressure and injection power, the injection pressure can be modified to adapt to back pressure fluctuations. In one embodiment of the invention the agent is injected into the tree under a preprogrammed pressure profile. In another embodiment of the invention the agent is injected into the tree under a variable pressure profile until the fastest injection time is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Arborjet Inc.
    Inventors: Hamid Pishdadian, Russell V. Davis, Peter M. Wild