Patents by Inventor Dan Kenneth Dixon

Dan Kenneth Dixon 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).

  • Patent number: 10362768
    Abstract: The invention provides extruded animal litters and methods of making and using such litters. The animal litters comprise an extruded mixture of from about 10 to about 90% of one or more clays and from about 90 to about 10% of one or more starches. The use of starches to produce the extruded litters result in litters that are less dense than conventional clay-based animal litters and are therefore easier to transport and use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: SOCIÉTÉ DES PRODUCTS NESTLÉ S.A.
    Inventors: Dan Kenneth Dixon, Nathan Foster Huck
  • Publication number: 20150090188
    Abstract: The invention provides animal litters that have an increased absorption rate and methods of making and using such litters. The animal litters comprise one or more animal litter particles that have been produced by fragmenting extruded animal litter particles that have a film on the surface of the particle that adversely affects the absorption rate. The fragmenting exposes the interior of the extruded animal litter particles, which does not have this film, to the external environment and increases the absorption rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventors: Dan Kenneth Dixon, Nathan Foster Huck
  • Patent number: 8904963
    Abstract: The invention provides animal litters that have an increased absorption rate and methods of making and using such litters. The animal litters comprise one or more animal litter particles that have been produced by fragmenting extruded animal litter particles that have a film on the surface of the particle that adversely affects the absorption rate. The fragmenting exposes the interior of the extruded animal litter particles, which does not have this film, to the external environment and increases the absorption rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Dan Kenneth Dixon, Nathan Foster Huck
  • Publication number: 20140311419
    Abstract: The disclosure provides comestible play treats that are adapted for contact-responsive, play-inducing movement. The shape of the treats makes them wobbly and prone to rocking, partially rolling and/or spinning when contacted by an animal. Also provided herein are methods of using the comestible play treats to induce play, increase the health and well-being of an animal, maintain ideal body weight, or improve the quality of life of an animal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: NESTEC SA
    Inventors: Dan Kenneth Dixon, Sandra Lyn, Michael E. Leiweke
  • Patent number: 8733287
    Abstract: The invention provides litter box assemblies useful for managing animal waste. In a general aspect, the litter box assembly includes an animal litter box, a litter fragmenting device attached to the litter box, and an optional hopper attached to the litter fragmenting device. The hopper can store an animal litter that has improved absorption capabilities after being fragmented by the litter fragmenting device. The invention also provides kits useful for making the litter box assemblies and using such litter box assemblies for managing animal waste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Nathan Foster Huck, Dan Kenneth Dixon, Michael Edward Leiweke, Stephen Andrew Wurth
  • Publication number: 20130206075
    Abstract: The invention provides litter box assemblies useful for managing animal waste. In a general aspect, the litter box assembly includes an animal litter box, a litter fragmenting device attached to the litter box, and an optional hopper attached to the litter fragmenting device. The hopper can store an animal litter that has improved absorption capabilities after being fragmented by the litter fragmenting device. The invention also provides kits useful for making the litter box assemblies and using such litter box assemblies for managing animal waste.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Inventors: Nathan Foster Huck, Dan Kenneth Dixon, Michael Edward Leiweke, Stephen Andrew Wurth
  • Publication number: 20110185978
    Abstract: The invention provides animal litters that have an increased absorption rate and methods of making and using such litters. The animal litters comprise one or more animal litter particles that have been produced by fragmenting extruded animal litter particles that have a film on the surface of the particle that adversely affects the absorption rate. The fragmenting exposes the interior of the extruded animal litter particles, which does not have this film, to the external environment and increases the absorption rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventors: Dan Kenneth Dixon, Nathan Foster Huck
  • Publication number: 20110185977
    Abstract: The invention provides extruded animal litters and methods of making and using such litters. The animal litters comprise an extruded mixture of from about 10 to about 90% of one or more clays and from about 90 to about 10% of one or more starches. The use of starches to produce the extruded litters result in litters that are less dense than conventional clay-based animal litters and are therefore easier to transport and use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventors: Dan Kenneth Dixon, Nathan Foster Huck
  • Patent number: D666378
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Societe des Produits Nestle S.A.
    Inventor: Dan Kenneth Dixon