Patents Examined by Kristen C Hayes
  • Pet beds and and methods of making and using the same
    Patent number: 11071277
    Abstract: Pet beds are disclosed. Methods of making and using pet beds are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: Eastern Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John Brian Steward, Joni Percoski
  • Animal harness and related methods of handling an animal
    Patent number: 11071282
    Abstract: A device and method for handling an animal comprising an animal harness. The animal harness comprises a girth strap further comprising a leash attachment point, a fixed chest strap coupled to opposite lateral regions of the girth strap, first and second attachment rings, and a free moving chest strap removably coupled, at both ends, to the attachment rings via releasable connectors. The animal harness may further comprise a midline strap coupled to the girth strap and the fixed chest strap. The straps may further comprise an adjustable slide buckle. The girth strap and the fixed chest strap may further comprise a releasable buckle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Inventor: Eric Wiese
  • Harness for animal
    Patent number: 11071283
    Abstract: A harness for an animal, including a chest strap, an abdominal strap and a back strap; the chest strap is provided with a tightening member, the tightening member comprising a buckle, a tightening strap and a lead ring. The tightening strap passes through the buckle, two ends of the tightening strap are respectively connected to two sides of the chest strap, and the lead ring is connected to a middle of the tightening strap. The harness of the present invention can be effectively used to restrain an animal from rushing and relief the animal from excessive stress, and also to prevent an owner from being dragged by the animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: Foshan Aikeli Trading Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yunfeng Xu
  • Working animal reaction handling
    Patent number: 11058095
    Abstract: A working animal reaction handling method monitors reactions of a working animal in an environment to conditions of that environment. The method uses an imaging device to obtain images of the environment, the images providing at least a portion of environmental data about the environment. The method ascertains, based at least in part on the environmental data, a cause of a reaction, of the monitored reactions, of the working animal, electronically signals a handler of the working animal with an alert about the ascertained cause of the reaction of the working animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Janani Janakiraman, Anna Astakhishvili
  • Stackable planter assembly
    Patent number: 11051461
    Abstract: A stackable planter assembly includes a plurality of planting boxes that each has a plurality of planting portions for have plants being planted therein. Each of the planting boxes has a drain that is centrally positioned between each of the planting portions for has water pass therethrough. The planting boxes are stackable on top of each other and having the planting portions on each of the planting boxes being offset with the planting portions on an adjacent one of the planting boxes. A plurality of receivers is each coupled to and extends outwardly from a respective one of the planting boxes. Each of the receivers is aligned with a respective one of the receivers when the planting boxes are stacked on top of each other. A plurality of poles is each extendable through respective ones of the receivers for retaining the plurality of planting boxes on top of each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Inventor: Erik Kiessling
  • Deer feeder power control and distribution system
    Patent number: 11051488
    Abstract: The invention provides an animal feeder augmentation apparatus, system and method of operation thereof. The apparatus provides for the controlled dispensing of animal feed from an animal feeder including a controller coupled to an actuator, where the controller provides power access from a battery to at least two communication modules, namely a low-power communications module and at least a first higher-power communications module. The low-power communication module includes a low-energy radio for substantially continuous operation when the animal feeder is being used. The first higher-power communications module includes a cellular telecommunications device for operation when the animal feeder needs to send or receive data outside of the range of the low-power communications module. The controller is coupled to the low-power communications module, and to the first higher-power communications module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Inventor: Benjamin A. Black
  • Hummingbird feeder with elastomeric ornamental feed port having an accessory mounting rib
    Patent number: 11033007
    Abstract: A hummingbird feeder is provided that includes a nectar container removably coupled to a feeding basin having at least one feed port opening therein and a feed port assembly fitted within the feed port opening. The feed port assembly includes an elastomeric feed port and a feed port accessory. The elastomeric feed port is preferably one molded piece including an ornamentally-shaped head having a diameter greater than the feed port opening and a plug sized to fit snugly within the opening. The outer surface of the plug has at least two ribs longitudinally spaced from one another to enable the feed port to be secured to the basin in at least two different positions including an intermediate position in which the feed port accessory is mounted on the plug and secured between the head and the upper surface of the basin adjacent the feed port opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: Woodstream Corporation
    Inventors: Luke Benjamin Haney, Andrew Gauker, Marko Lubic, Steven Charles Lorraine
  • Multiple cell voluntary milking method and system, comprising a mobile milking robot having a minimal footprint
    Patent number: 11019801
    Abstract: A voluntary milking system and method for treating dairy livestock having fore legs and hind legs, wherein the system comprises milking stalls voluntarily accessible to animals that are milked by mobile units configured to travel between the fore and hind legs of the animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Afimilk Agricultural Cooperative Ltd.
    Inventors: Niv Pinsky, Oren Drori, Doron Shalem
  • Method for obtaining information about a farm animal
    Patent number: 11013216
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for obtaining information about a farm animal, wherein a device (a) is attached to the head region of an animal, said device containing at least one acceleration sensor by means of which recurring acceleration data is measured, wherein the acceleration data is evaluated using automatic data processing means, and, as an outcome of the evaluation, is indicative of the activities and/or conditions of the animal. The acquired acceleration data is evaluated in order to detect the swallowing processes carried out by the animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: Smartbow GmbH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Auer
  • Interlocking tongue and groove vegetation planting assembly
    Patent number: 11006582
    Abstract: An interlocking tongue and groove vegetation planting assembly provides a self-supporting arrangement of pentagon-shaped plant containers and triangle-shaped plant containers that are alternatively stacked, and detachably fitted together with support blocks having a central tongue on one end and a pair of legs on an opposite end that fit together in a tongue-and-groove relationship through the support sleeve. Both the pentagon-shaped and triangle-shaped plant containers include a plant chamber, and an adjacent support sleeve. The plant chamber has multiple sidewalls sloped at an angle. The plant chamber also has a floor wall that forms drainage holes near the junction of the plant chamber and the support sleeve sidewalls. The pentagon-shaped plant container is half the width and length of the triangle-shaped plant container to allow sunlight to reach lower stacked triangle-shaped plant chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Inventor: Patricia Arroyo
  • Adjustable vehicle pet platform assembly and method of use
    Patent number: 11006612
    Abstract: An adjustable vehicle pet platform assembly and method of use prevents inadvertent or intentional activation of an air bag sensor incorporated in a seat portion of a vehicle seat by supporting the pet on a platform body. The platform body extends and retracts longitudinally to accommodate variously sized pets. The platform body is suspended in a spaced-apart disposition from the seat portion. A length and angle-adjustable front leg support elevates the platform body above the seat portion from the floor surface of vehicle. An angle-adjustable rear leg support supports the platform body from the rear portion of the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Inventor: Scott Andrew Ryan
  • Mobile milking robot with minimal footprint
    Patent number: 11006613
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system for treating dairy livestock having fore legs and hind legs, wherein the system comprises a milking parlor ramp, livestock stalls positioned along at least part of the milking parlor ramp, wherein each stall is configured to contain one dairy livestock, at least one vertical upright teat cup holder comprising teat cups and a mobile unit. The mobile unit comprises equipment for treating livestock and a processor, where the mobile unit is configured to travel between the fore legs and hind legs of the dairy livestock on the milking parlor ramp and use the equipment to perform at least one action related to a treatment of the dairy livestock. Also disclosed is that the equipment includes an arm configured to withdraw the teat cups from the vertical upright teat cup holder and connect them to the dairy livestock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: Afimilk Agricultural Cooperative Ltd.
    Inventors: Niv Pinsky, Efraim Garti, Doron Shalem, Adar Shachar, Haviv Amnon
  • Window planter including slidable compartments
    Patent number: 11006583
    Abstract: A window planter includes a first compartment including a first sidewall and a second sidewall. The first compartment is configured to house a first group of plants. A second compartment is slidably coupled to the first compartment. The first compartment includes a first outer sidewall. The second compartment is configured to house a second group of plants separated from the first group of plants by the first sidewall of the first compartment. A third compartment is slidably coupled to the first compartment. The third compartment includes a second outer sidewall. The third compartment is configured to house a third group of plants separated from the first group of plants by the second sidewall. At least the first compartment and the second compartment are configured to be secured to a window frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Inventor: Bruno Ieraci
  • Stem sensor
    Patent number: 10999977
    Abstract: A mechanized, non-disruptive plant touch, or contact, sensing system for detecting by touch, or contact, the precise location of plants and/or plant stems relative to a machine in motion, and then disengage the plant without significantly affecting the plant's health or development.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: Monsanto Technology LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Maddux, John E. Pritchard, Joshua W. Taylor
  • Fogponic plant growth system
    Patent number: 10999985
    Abstract: This invention relates to a modular, scalable fogponic plant growth system for growing plants individually with roots physically and fluidly isolated from one another. A high-pressure fluid delivery system operates above 150 psi and is configured for fluidly connecting at least one spray nozzle positioned within each root enclosure to simultaneously deliver fluid to the roots of each plant within a zone of root enclosures. A passive drain system continuously removes any unabsorbed fluid, such that the roots of each and every plant are physically and fluidly isolated from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Inventor: Michael C. Watson
  • Rotomolded vertical farming apparatus and system
    Patent number: 10986792
    Abstract: A growing system is provided that includes a rotomolded chassis that defines (i) an “interior” where plants are/may be located, and (ii) an “exterior” that at least partially defines a perimeter around the interior. The chassis generally includes stacking elements which allow one chassis to be stacked one upon the other. The disclosed growing system also generally includes (i) means for delivering liquid into the chassis, (ii) means for draining liquid from the chassis, and (iii) means for supporting plants that is conducive to their growing within the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: Just Greens, LLC
    Inventor: Roger Buelow
  • Substrate for hydroponic or soilless cultivation
    Patent number: 10980195
    Abstract: This invention is related to a new substrate (6) for soilless cultivation consisting of a three-dimensional reticular structure which is elastically compressible, with empty cells bounded by threads made of polymer or any other material which are chemically inert, hydro-phobic or weakly hydrophilic. For example, the substrate which consists of a lattice made of threads in polyethylene (6) compressed into a container (4) equipped with an irrigation system (3) and with a support (2) where the plants have been inserted (5). The system is a closed cycle wherein the stored solution (1) is recirculated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Inventors: Caterina Allera, Enrico Masella
  • Light sources adapted to spectral sensitivity of plants
    Patent number: 10973173
    Abstract: A method of stimulating plant growth in a controlled environment that includes providing a lighting assembly having a network of lighting elements such as light emitting diodes (LEDs) that provide light at a color tailored for an individual plant. The lighting assembly is positioned adjacent a plant such that the light produced is received by the plant. The lighting assembly additionally has a control assembly that includes driving circuitry that modulates the lighting elements to controllably provide predetermined periods of light and dark to stimulate continuous growth of the plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: SIGNIFY NORTH AMERICA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Zdenko Grajcar, Kevin Payne
  • Submerged feed disperser for aquaculture system
    Patent number: 10973211
    Abstract: A fish feed dispersing apparatus includes a helical dispersing tube attached to a fish pen with a mounting assembly. The helical dispersing tube has an inlet end that receives fish feed from a source, and includes a number of spaced apertures that disperse the received fish feed. A mounting assembly supports the dispersing tube, and includes two spaced-apart attachment members connected by a plurality of elongate members, and a plurality of hanger subassemblies. Each hanger subassembly has a first end attached to one of the elongate members and a second end that includes a clamp configured to engage the helical dispersing tube. The hangar assemblies are adjustable, and support the helical dispersing tube during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: InnovaSea Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney J. Dwyer, Joseph L. Laughlin, Francisco Javier Padilla Magan, Tyler Sclodnick
  • Lawn substitute and methods therefor
    Patent number: 10968146
    Abstract: A mechanically resilient variety of Rushia lineolata is presented, particularly in combination with a conditioned growth medium. In preferred aspects, the variety is clonally selected for a small growth profile and mechanical resiliency to resist damage from foot traffic, and the growth medium includes a porous low-density glass component, an acidic organic absorbent component, and a microbial organic component to enhance the desired properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: DLT Growers, Inc.
    Inventor: Jaime De La Torre