Patents Examined by Monica L Perry
  • Patent number: 12369573
    Abstract: The present invention provides a floating locking device that includes two components that thread together adjacent the external perimeter, and an internal central locking mechanism that includes a compressing closing section and a receiving opening section (male and female) that can lock the device at a desired location on a fishing line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2025
    Inventors: Edward Scott Carlson, Charles A. Lanager
  • Patent number: 12369534
    Abstract: A multi-level vertical farm comprises a lift apparatus configured to carry growth trays from a bottom to a top position adjacent to a conveyor. The conveyor is configured to transport trays downwardly to near the bottom position and normally is fully loaded with adjacent trays along the entire conveyor. A growth tray in the lowest, bottom position is discharged out of that position to an irrigation or harvesting station. The discharge of a tray from the bottom position causes preceding trays to move downward, thereby opening a space in the top position for another tray, which may be lifted there. A computer system may be connected to the apparatus and programmed to start a motor of the lift apparatus to move the growth trays. The apparatus enables simulating a day-night plant growth cycle and using thermal convection to apply more warmth to higher positions, in a compact vertical arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2024
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2025
    Assignee: Area 2 Farms, PBC
    Inventor: Tyler Baras
  • Patent number: 12369562
    Abstract: An animal trimming chute for treating animals is described which comprises a belly band for lifting the animal in which a lifting device mounted at or near the front of the chute pulls the belly band upwards, while the sides of the chute are provided with protective shielding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2025
    Assignee: Appleton Steel, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryant Hess, Brennen Snow, David Hoerning
  • Patent number: 12369561
    Abstract: The hideaway dog kennel may comprise a dog kennel divider that may be pivotably coupled to a first room wall. The hideaway dog kennel may fold flat against the first room wall in a stored configuration. The hideaway dog kennel may be unfolded to reveal two divider walls of an individual dog kennel. A first divider wall and a second divider wall of the dog kennel divider may comprise a first kennel wall and a second kennel wall of the individual dog kennel. The first room wall may comprise a third kennel wall. A second room wall may comprise a fourth kennel wall. Two or more dog kennel dividers may be installed adjacent to each other to provide a group of dog kennels where the fourth kennel wall may be the second room wall or the first divider wall of an adjacent dog kennel divider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2025
    Inventor: Sharon K. Yetto
  • Patent number: 12364210
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a module and system for indoor farming. In some embodiments, an indoor farming module includes a container compartment divided into a grow zone and a control zone, wherein a grow zone comprises a chassis with a plurality of horizontal and vertical frame members configured to support a plurality of carts each carrying a tray with a plurality of plants and wherein the control zone includes an air blowing unit integrated so as to direct air between a drop ceiling and a structural ceiling of the indoor farming module and an air conditioning unit configured to condition an atmosphere in the grow zone by producing cool dry air that is blown into a plenum space located between the drop ceiling and a structural ceiling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2025
    Assignee: 80 ACRES URBAN AGRICULTURE, INC.
    Inventors: Tracy Alan Canipe, Michael Zelkind, Patricia Livingston
  • Patent number: 12364372
    Abstract: A towel is formed of an absorbent material for drying an object having one or more extensions protruding outward. The towel has a center portion and multiple extension panels extending from the center portion formed by a slit(s), resulting in each extension panel being independently moveable. Adjacent extension panels are optionally secured by a first and second means for securing such that the adjacent extension panels are removably connectable. In use, when placed over an object, e.g., a dog, for drying, the extension panels of the towel extend in length to the dog's paws and are used independently to dry the legs of the dog while allowing the remaining portions of the towel to remain in place over the dog.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2025
    Inventors: Thomas Carey, III, Megan Dortenzo, Sophie Zerbib
  • Patent number: 12356900
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a supplemental lighting method for vertical multi-layer cultivation of wrapper tobacco leaves, including the following steps: providing multi-layer vertical facilities, facilities including at least one cultivation rack having a plurality of layers; and providing supplemental lighting systems to each rack layer. For each rack layer the light intensity and light quality provided by the corresponding supplemental lighting system are set respectively according to a determined growth phase of the tobacco leaves during the cultivation process. The process includes cultivation of tobacco leaves through growth phases comprising a clumping period, a vigorous growth period, and a maturity period. During the clumping period, the light intensity provided comprises a first light intensity setting. During the vigorous growth period, the light intensity provided comprises a third light intensity setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2025
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2025
    Assignee: Tobacco Research Institute of Hubei Province
    Inventors: Jinpeng Yang, Chunlei Yang, Jun Yu, Zhilong Bie, Kaixiao Fan, Yuan Huang, Sicheng Liu, Chuanzong Li, Wenchang Huang, Gang Liu, Yong Rao, Liguang Chai, Yulei Zhao, Jiazhen Chen, Yu Song, Yiyang Zhang, Youlun Fan, Zhenxin Wu, Xin Wang
  • Patent number: 12359390
    Abstract: An eco-friendly netting for soil erosion control includes a netting body portion forming a pattern of netting apertures, the netting body portion being formed from a material that is at least partially biodegradable. The eco-friendly netting is provided as part of an erosion control blanket, where the erosion control blanket further comprises a layer of another material that is attached to the eco-friendly netting. A soil erosion control method includes providing the erosion control blanket with the eco-friendly netting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2025
    Inventors: Siby Pothen, Melissa Pothen
  • Patent number: 12349670
    Abstract: A method for reducing seed production of barnyard grass in paddy fields is provided in the present application. The method for reducing seed production of barnyard grass in paddy fields includes: 1: selecting plots; 2: monitoring plant height; 3: observing seeds; 4: mowing barnyard grass; 5: utilizing barnyard grass; and 6: measuring seed yield. The method includes no hormones or pesticides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2024
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2025
    Assignee: Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Inventors: Bo Liu, Ming Jiang, Haitao Wu, Yuanchun Zou, Wenguang Zhang, Luyao Wang, Yuan Pan, Xudong Zhang
  • Patent number: 12349618
    Abstract: A method of creating a wetland in a hot, arid, location includes identifying or establishing a channel of flowing water at the arid location, and installing therein a mat containing seeds, and/or seedlings, and a super absorbent polymer (SAP). Water from the channel is applied to hydrate the SAP, and both edible and dam-constructing vegetation is allowed to grow and mature from the seeds and/or seedlings. Beavers are then introduced into the arid location, which eat the edible vegetation and use the dam-constructing vegetation to construct at least one dam across the channel of flowing water, thereby forming a wetland that further encourages both the vegetation and the beavers to propagate. A perforated, transparent or translucent cover sheet can be placed on or suspended above the mat. A water barrier can be placed below the mat. The wetland vegetation cools and humidifies the environment by transpiration of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2025
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2025
    Assignee: VIRIDIS ARBOR LLC
    Inventor: Gary E. Abeles
  • Patent number: 12349662
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a bird feeder moveable from a first position to a second position. The bird feeder is preferably comprised of a seed tube for holding a substance, a seed tray having openings to receive and provide access to the substance, a shroud surrounding and protecting both the seed tube and seed tray and a cover secured to an upper end of the shroud. The bird feeder is also preferably comprised of a positioning mechanism to move the bird feeder from the first position, where access to the substance is provided, and the second position, where access to the substance is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2025
    Inventor: Paul L. Cote
  • Patent number: 12349667
    Abstract: A lure having a body with a line tie and one or more hooks attached to the body. The body includes pockets which are reflective such as by attaching a reflective material to the back wall of the pockets to make the lure more visible to a fish. Some prior art lures are not designed to reflect light or reflect light in one or a small number of directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2024
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2025
    Assignee: RMB Importing, LLC
    Inventor: Robin Hancock
  • Patent number: 12342796
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an adjustable spring system, which is comprised of a central rod positioned partially within a member. A spring is positioned over the central rod, confined in the area in between the lower cap and the member. The member is attached to and capped by an end cap, and the member is threaded onto the central rod. As such, rotation of the end cap or the member directly correspondingly rotates the member, which moves up or down along the length of the central rod. When the adjustable spring system is installed within a bird feeder, it allows an operator to choose the amount of compression of the spring, which in turn affects the ability of the central rod to move with respect to the seed tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2025
    Inventor: Paul L. Cote
  • Patent number: 12342772
    Abstract: An apparatus for cultivating plants can include a cabinet including an outer case forming an outer appearance, an inner case forming a cultivation space, and an insulating material disposed in a space between the inner case and the outer case; a door configured to open and close the cultivation space; a temperature adjustment device provided in the cultivation space to adjust a temperature of the cultivation space; a cultivation shelf configured to be disposed in the cultivation space, on which plants for cultivation are disposed; and a suction duct provided between the outer case and the inner case and configured to pass through the insulating material; in which an inlet of the suction duct is connected to the opening of the outer case, and an outlet of the suction duct is connected to the opening of the inner case so that outdoor air flows thereinto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2025
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventor: Kiyoung Lim
  • Patent number: 12336650
    Abstract: A removable plant holder system in a first embodiment having at least one first plant holder assembly having a coupling-frame, an extension arm-member having a proximate end, and a distal end; wherein the plant holder system includes the at least one first plant holder assembly. The at least one first plant holder assembly is defined by the coupling-frame and the extension arm-member integrally combined for use. As such the extension arm-member is defined by the proximate end attached to the coupling-frame, and the distal end is thus able to act in a capacity for hanging a plant therefrom; the coupling-frame configured for removable attachment with a railed deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2025
    Inventor: Patrick Sullivan
  • Patent number: 12324408
    Abstract: An excrement treatment material is composed of a grain that has a hydrophobic property. The grain contains a water-absorbent material as a main material, and contains baking soda.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2025
    Assignee: DAIKI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Junji Yoshinaga, Shinobu Hatanaka, Takahiro Hosoya
  • Patent number: 12327496
    Abstract: Methods of marking living leaf tissue and apparatuses for effecting such marking are disclosed, and may include orienting a plant such that the living leaf tissue is in a marking position, retaining the living leaf tissue in the marking position, and marking the living leaf tissue with a mark applicator, wherein marking the living leaf tissue introduces a permanent deformation in the living leaf tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2025
    Assignee: Hortech, Inc.
    Inventor: David S. MacKenzie
  • Patent number: 12324535
    Abstract: A tree stand includes a projection comprising a plurality of ribs for insertion into the cut end of a tree trunk to thereby engage and support the tree, wherein the projection is upwardly-orientated, and the ribs are upwardly-orientated. A method of securing a cut tree within a tree stand includes providing the tree stand and using mechanical force to insert the projection of the tree stand into the cut end of the tree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2025
    Inventor: Joseph Noblett
  • Patent number: 12324377
    Abstract: A mushroom grow assembly, comprising a top cover, a base assembly, a post, a transparent cover, and an extractor fan. The top cover includes a concave wall with a peripheral edge, a top opening, through openings and an upper receiving housing. The base assembly includes a lateral wall, a bottom wall and lower receiving housing. The post has a bottom wall that is mounted to the lower receiving housing and a top edge that is introduced inside the upper receiving housing. The transparent cover is mounted to the edges of base assembly and the top cover, surrounding said post. The top cover further includes a light assembly and a water chamber disposed inside said upper receiving housing. The post is filled with mushroom inoculated substrate. The base assembly, in an upside down disposition, can replace the top cover to allow at least one additional mushroom grow assembly be stacked below.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2025
    Assignee: FORAGER CORP.
    Inventor: Humberto Hoyos
  • Patent number: 12317864
    Abstract: A body-worn structure includes a support enclosure provided with a front harness, the front harness is provided with a first traverse belt and a second transverse belt, the first traverse belt is connected with the second traverse belt. Two ends of the first traverse belt are respectively fitted with left and right female buckles. Two ends of the second traverse belt are respectively fitted with a second traverse belt male buckle and a corresponding second traverse belt female buckle to facilitate clasping each other together; either side of the second traverse belt male buckle or the second traverse belt female buckle is provided with at least a fixing ring; the second traverse belt female buckle is replaceable alternatively by the second traverse belt male buckle and vise versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2025
    Inventor: Che-Wen Lin