Patents by Inventor Chris Hawks
Chris Hawks has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 11793163Abstract: Animal drinkers of an activation unit provided with two arms engaging respective valve pin in an axially oriented manner when pivoting an activator. This reduces wear and leads to a longer service life of the drinker valve. The respective arm can moreover have a channel through which the water exits the drinker valve and can be fed in a targeted manner to the activator to ensure that all of the water exiting the drinker valve makes its way into the water collection tray.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2018Date of Patent: October 24, 2023Assignee: LUBING MASCHINENFABRIK LUDWIG BENING GMBH & CO. KGInventors: Chris Hawk, Michael Abelin
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Patent number: 11606935Abstract: An improved, self-balancing water distribution system uses siphon characteristics to maintain negative pressure within the water system and to enable distribution of water to one or more distribution points, such as drinker lines with drinker nipples, at a controlled pressure, for consumption by poultry. The system includes water conduit connected to and configured to distribute water from a water supply reservoir to the one or more distribution points. The water level of the water supply reservoir is used to control the water pressure within the system. A vacuum apparatus is connected to the water conduit to remove entrapped air within the system to help maintain negative pressure within the conduit and throughout the system.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2020Date of Patent: March 21, 2023Assignee: LUBING MASCHINENFABRIK LUDWIG BENING GMBH & CO. KGInventors: Chris Hawk, John Hawk, Charles O. Willis, Jr., Dustin Hicks, Shawn Willis
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Patent number: 11523589Abstract: Animal watering stations having a liquid piping system including watering lines, a supply line, and a return line. The supply line supplying liquid simultaneous to all watering lines and the return line returning of liquid to a liquid reservoir. In this way, a circulation of the liquid can be realized in at least parts of the liquid piping system and on the other hand the parallel fluidic circuit of the watering lines enables an easy adapting of the liquid pressure at the drinking valves.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2020Date of Patent: December 13, 2022Assignee: LUBING Maschinenfabrik Ludwig Bening GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Markus von der Assen, Chris Hawk, John Hawk, Dustin Hicks
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Publication number: 20200359598Abstract: Animal drinkers for beaked animals often have drinker valves (12) which are to be opened by activation units (13). In order for the respective drinker valve (12) to be opened, an elongate activation means (29) of the activation unit (13) is pivoted by the beaked animals. Conventional drinker valves of this type have above all the disadvantage that the respective valve pin (16) of the drinker valve (12) is always tilted in the same direction by the activation unit (13). This leads to unilateral wear and therefore to the respective drinker valve (12) being worn out in a rapid manner. The invention provides that the activation means (29) of the activation unit (13) is provided with at least one arm (30, 31). On account of said arm (30, 31) the respective valve pin (16) is able to be lifted in an axially oriented manner when pivoting the activation means (29). This reduces wear and leads to a longer service life of the drinker valve (12).Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2018Publication date: November 19, 2020Applicant: LUBING MASCHINENFABRIK LUDWIG BENING GMBH & CO. KGInventors: Chris HAWK, Michael ABELIN
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Publication number: 20200296924Abstract: Animal watering stations having a liquid piping system including watering lines, a supply line, and a return line. The supply line supplying liquid simultaneous to all watering lines and the return line returning of liquid to a liquid reservoir. In this way, a circulation of the liquid can be realized in at least parts of the liquid piping system and on the other hand the parallel fluidic circuit of the watering lines enables an easy adapting of the liquid pressure at the drinking valves.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2020Publication date: September 24, 2020Applicant: LUBING Maschinenfabrik Ludwig Bening GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Markus von der Assen, Chris HAWK, John HAWK, Dustin HICKS
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Patent number: 10772304Abstract: An improved, self-balancing water distribution system uses siphon characteristics to maintain negative pressure within the water system and to enable distribution of water to one or more distribution points, such as drinker lines with drinker nipples, at a controlled pressure, for consumption by poultry. The system includes water conduit connected to and configured to distribute water from a water supply reservoir to the one or more distribution points. The water level of the water supply reservoir is used to control the water pressure within the system. A vacuum apparatus is connected to the water conduit to remove entrapped air within the system to help maintain negative pressure within the conduit and throughout the system.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2018Date of Patent: September 15, 2020Assignee: LUBING Maschinenfabrik Ludwig Bening GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Chris Hawk, John Hawk, Charles O Willis, Jr., Dustin Hicks, Shawn Willis
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Publication number: 20200170223Abstract: An improved, self-balancing water distribution system uses siphon characteristics to maintain negative pressure within the water system and to enable distribution of water to one or more distribution points, such as drinker lines with drinker nipples, at a controlled pressure, for consumption by poultry. The system includes water conduit connected to and configured to distribute water from a water supply reservoir to the one or more distribution points. The water level of the water supply reservoir is used to control the water pressure within the system. A vacuum apparatus is connected to the water conduit to remove entrapped air within the system to help maintain negative pressure within the conduit and throughout the system.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2020Publication date: June 4, 2020Applicant: LUBING MASCHINENFABRIK LUDWIG BENING GMBH & CO. KGInventors: Chris Hawk, John Hawk, Charles O. Willis, Jr., Dustin Hicks, Shawn Willis
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Patent number: 10575503Abstract: An improved, self-balancing water distribution system uses siphon characteristics to maintain negative pressure within the water system and to enable distribution of water to one or more distribution points, such as drinker lines with drinker nipples, at a controlled pressure, for consumption by poultry. The system includes water conduit connected to and configured to distribute water from a water supply reservoir to the one or more distribution points. The water level of the water supply reservoir is used to control the water pressure within the system. A vacuum apparatus is connected to the water conduit to remove entrapped air within the system to help maintain negative pressure within the conduit and throughout the system.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2019Date of Patent: March 3, 2020Assignee: LUBING Maschinenfabrik Ludwig Bening GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Chris Hawk, John Hawk, Charles O. Willis, Jr., Dustin Hicks, Shawn Willis
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Patent number: 10548300Abstract: An electrically-controlled water flow regulator for use with a poultry watering system receives potable water at a first, high flow rate and reduces the water flow rate of the water provided to watering valves that dispense water to the flock within a poultry house. A variable control valve uses a needle-shaped cone to engage a mating port inside the housing of the regulator. A motor controls the linear movement of the control valve in incremental steps to adjust the water flow rate provided to the flock. A feedback component enables the variable control valve to maintain the water flow rate at a desired set point for the flock. The desired set point for the flock is controlled or automated to match the growth of the flock over their growth cycle. An electrical controller and suitable cabling enable multiple regulators to be controlled efficiently and cost-effectively.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2019Date of Patent: February 4, 2020Assignee: LUBING SYSTEMS, L.P.Inventors: Charles Willis, Shawn Willis, Dustin Hicks, Chris Hawk
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Publication number: 20190261605Abstract: An electrically-controlled water flow regulator for use with a poultry watering system receives potable water at a first, high flow rate and reduces the water flow rate of the water provided to watering valves that dispense water to the flock within a poultry house. A variable control valve uses a needle-shaped cone to engage a mating port inside the housing of the regulator. A motor controls the linear movement of the control valve in incremental steps to adjust the water flow rate provided to the flock. A feedback component enables the variable control valve to maintain the water flow rate at a desired set point for the flock. The desired set point for the flock is controlled or automated to match the growth of the flock over their growth cycle. An electrical controller and suitable cabling enable multiple regulators to be controlled efficiently and cost-effectively.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2019Publication date: August 29, 2019Inventors: Charles Willis, Shawn Willis, Dustin Hicks, Chris Hawk
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Publication number: 20190223413Abstract: An improved, self-balancing water distribution system uses siphon characteristics to maintain negative pressure within the water system and to enable distribution of water to one or more distribution points, such as drinker lines with drinker nipples, at a controlled pressure, for consumption by poultry. The system includes water conduit connected to and configured to distribute water from a water supply reservoir to the one or more distribution points. The water level of the water supply reservoir is used to control the water pressure within the system. A vacuum apparatus is connected to the water conduit to remove entrapped air within the system to help maintain negative pressure within the conduit and throughout the system.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2019Publication date: July 25, 2019Applicant: LUBING Maschinenfabrik Ludwig Bening GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Chris Hawk, John Hawk, Charles Willis, Dustin Hicks, Shawn Willis
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Patent number: 10299466Abstract: An electrically-controlled water flow regulator for use with a poultry watering system receives potable water at a first, high flow rate and reduces the water flow rate of the water provided to watering valves that dispense water to the flock within a poultry house. A variable control valve uses a needle-shaped cone to engage a mating port inside the housing of the regulator. A motor controls the linear movement of the control valve in incremental steps to adjust the water flow rate provided to the flock. A feedback component enables the variable control valve to maintain the water flow rate at a desired set point for the flock. The desired set point for the flock is controlled or automated to match the growth of the flock over their growth cycle. An electrical controller and suitable cabling enable multiple regulators to be controlled efficiently and cost-effectively.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2017Date of Patent: May 28, 2019Assignee: Lubing Systems, L.P.Inventors: Charles Willis, Shawn Willis, Dustin Hicks, Chris Hawk
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Publication number: 20190116766Abstract: An improved, self-balancing water distribution system uses siphon characteristics to maintain negative pressure within the water system and to enable distribution of water to one or more distribution points, such as drinker lines with drinker nipples, at a controlled pressure, for consumption by poultry. The system includes water conduit connected to and configured to distribute water from a water supply reservoir to the one or more distribution points. The water level of the water supply reservoir is used to control the water pressure within the system. A vacuum apparatus is connected to the water conduit to remove entrapped air within the system to help maintain negative pressure within the conduit and throughout the system.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2018Publication date: April 25, 2019Applicant: LUBING Maschinenfabrik Ludwig Bening GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Chris Hawk, John Hawk, Charles Willis, Dustin Hicks, Shawn Willis
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Publication number: 20170196204Abstract: An electrically-controlled water flow regulator for use with a poultry watering system receives potable water at a first, high flow rate and reduces the water flow rate of the water provided to watering valves that dispense water to the flock within a poultry house. A variable control valve uses a needle-shaped cone to engage a mating port inside the housing of the regulator. A motor controls the linear movement of the control valve in incremental steps to adjust the water flow rate provided to the flock. A feedback component enables the variable control valve to maintain the water flow rate at a desired set point for the flock. The desired set point for the flock is controlled or automated to match the growth of the flock over their growth cycle. An electrical controller and suitable cabling enable multiple regulators to be controlled efficiently and cost-effectively.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2017Publication date: July 13, 2017Inventors: Charles Willis, Shawn Willis, Dustin Hicks, Chris Hawk
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Patent number: 9603343Abstract: An electrically-controlled water pressure regulator for use with a poultry watering system receives potable water at a first high pressure level and reduces the water pressure level of the water provided to watering valves that dispense water to the flock within a poultry house. A variable control valve uses a needle-shaped cone to engage a round port inside the housing of the regulator. A stepper motor controls the liner movement of the control valve in incremental microsteps to adjust the water pressure level provided to the flock. A feedback component enables the variable control valve to maintain the water pressure level at a desired set point for the flock. The desired set point for the flock is controlled or automated to match the growth of the flock over their growth cycle. An electrical controller and suitable cabling enable multiple regulators to be controlled efficiently and cost-effectively.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2014Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: Lubing Systems, L.P.Inventors: Charles Willis, Shawn Willis, Dustin Hicks, Chris Hawk
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Publication number: 20150136262Abstract: An electrically-controlled water pressure regulator for use with a poultry watering system receives potable water at a first high pressure level and reduces the water pressure level of the water provided to watering valves that dispense water to the flock within a poultry house. A variable control valve uses a needle-shaped cone to engage a round port inside the housing of the regulator. A stepper motor controls the liner movement of the control valve in incremental microsteps to adjust the water pressure level provided to the flock. A feedback component enables the variable control valve to maintain the water pressure level at a desired set point for the flock. The desired set point for the flock is controlled or automated to match the growth of the flock over their growth cycle. An electrical controller and suitable cabling enable multiple regulators to be controlled efficiently and cost-effectively.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2014Publication date: May 21, 2015Inventors: Charles Willis, Shawn Willis, Dustin Hicks, Chris Hawk
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Patent number: 7502205Abstract: A control source and drivers for a thermal actuator fly height controlled heads in a disk drive system includes provisions for driving a heater element to dissipate various levels of power, and thus actuate the head by a desired amount, depending on whether the head is in a write mode or a read mode. Further, overshoot and undershoot are achieved as desired by providing initial values and equilibrium values and through the use of a control capacitor to provide a time constant to the drive signal to the heater element.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2004Date of Patent: March 10, 2009Assignee: Maxtor CorporationInventors: Tony Hurtado, Wentao Yan, Lin Guo, Chris Hawks, Don Brunnett, Thao Nguyen, Richard Oswald, Erhard Schreck
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Patent number: 7486459Abstract: A disk drive for storing data includes a drive housing, a storage disk that is rotatably coupled to the drive housing, a slider assembly positioned near the storage disk, and a drive circuitry. The slider assembly includes a head that interacts with the storage disk during a data transfer operation. The drive circuitry performs a performance test on the head at a first HtD spacing and at a second HtD spacing that is different than the first HtD spacing while the drive is operation. The slider assembly includes a slider mover that moves the head between the first HtD spacing and the second HtD spacing. The slider mover can move the head to the first HtD spacing during the data transfer operation if the result of the performance test is a first test result and the slider mover moves the head to the second HtD spacing during the data transfer operation if the result of the performance test is a second test result.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2005Date of Patent: February 3, 2009Assignee: Maxtor CorporationInventors: Erhard Schreck, Anthony R. Hurtado, Andrew LeFebvre, Chris Hawks, Thao Anh Nguyen, Scott Hughes, Bruce C. Schardt, Donald J. Brunnett
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Patent number: 7375915Abstract: A disk drive for storing data includes a drive housing, a storage disk that is rotatably coupled to the drive housing, a slider assembly positioned near the storage disk, and a drive circuitry. The slider assembly includes a head that interacts with the storage disk during a data transfer operation and a slider mover. The drive circuitry directs a first power level to slider mover to maintain the head at a first HtD spacing, and a second power level to the slider mover to maintain the head at a second HtD spacing, and a variable, transition power to the slider mover during a transition between the first power level being directed to the slider mover and the second power level being directed to the slider mover. The transition power is tailored to rapidly move the head between the HtD spacings.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2005Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: Seagate Technology LLCInventors: Erhard Schreck, Joerg Ferber, Michael Mallary, Anthony R. Hurtado, Chris Hawks, Scott Hughes
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Patent number: 7362534Abstract: A disk drive includes a rotatable storage disk, an actuator motor, a slider that magnetically interacts with the storage disk, and a drive circuitry. A portion of the slider moves between a first position wherein the slider does not contact the storage disk and a second position wherein the slider contacts the storage disk. The drive circuitry can detect when the position of the slider changes between these positions. In one embodiment, the drive circuitry monitors off-track movement of the slider to detect when the slider has moved between these positions. The drive circuitry can also current that is directed to the actuator motor that is used to compensate for off-track movement to detect when the slider moves between these positions. In yet another embodiment, the drive circuitry monitors a rotational velocity of the storage disk to detect approximately when the slider moves between these positions.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2005Date of Patent: April 22, 2008Assignee: Maxtor CorporationInventors: Erhard Schreck, Francis P. Crimi, Jingbo Yu, Michael Mallary, Scott Hughes, Duc Bahn, Mark Heimbaugh, Kazuhiro Saito, Andrew LeFebvre, Joerg Ferber, Xiaoping Hu, Douglas J. Krajnovich, Chris Hawks, Donald J Brunnett, Bruce C Schardt