Patents by Inventor Dustin Hicks

Dustin Hicks 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: 11606935
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: LUBING MASCHINENFABRIK LUDWIG BENING GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Chris Hawk, John Hawk, Charles O. Willis, Jr., Dustin Hicks, Shawn Willis
  • Patent number: 11523589
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: LUBING Maschinenfabrik Ludwig Bening GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Markus von der Assen, Chris Hawk, John Hawk, Dustin Hicks
  • Publication number: 20200296924
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2020
    Publication date: September 24, 2020
    Applicant: LUBING Maschinenfabrik Ludwig Bening GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Markus von der Assen, Chris HAWK, John HAWK, Dustin HICKS
  • Patent number: 10772304
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: LUBING Maschinenfabrik Ludwig Bening GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Chris Hawk, John Hawk, Charles O Willis, Jr., Dustin Hicks, Shawn Willis
  • Publication number: 20200170223
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2020
    Publication date: June 4, 2020
    Applicant: LUBING MASCHINENFABRIK LUDWIG BENING GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Chris Hawk, John Hawk, Charles O. Willis, Jr., Dustin Hicks, Shawn Willis
  • Patent number: 10575503
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: LUBING Maschinenfabrik Ludwig Bening GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Chris Hawk, John Hawk, Charles O. Willis, Jr., Dustin Hicks, Shawn Willis
  • Patent number: 10548300
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: LUBING SYSTEMS, L.P.
    Inventors: Charles Willis, Shawn Willis, Dustin Hicks, Chris Hawk
  • Publication number: 20190261605
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2019
    Publication date: August 29, 2019
    Inventors: Charles Willis, Shawn Willis, Dustin Hicks, Chris Hawk
  • Publication number: 20190223413
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2019
    Publication date: July 25, 2019
    Applicant: LUBING Maschinenfabrik Ludwig Bening GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Chris Hawk, John Hawk, Charles Willis, Dustin Hicks, Shawn Willis
  • Patent number: 10299466
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Lubing Systems, L.P.
    Inventors: Charles Willis, Shawn Willis, Dustin Hicks, Chris Hawk
  • Publication number: 20190116766
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2018
    Publication date: April 25, 2019
    Applicant: LUBING Maschinenfabrik Ludwig Bening GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Chris Hawk, John Hawk, Charles Willis, Dustin Hicks, Shawn Willis
  • Publication number: 20170196204
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2017
    Publication date: July 13, 2017
    Inventors: Charles Willis, Shawn Willis, Dustin Hicks, Chris Hawk
  • Patent number: 9603343
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Lubing Systems, L.P.
    Inventors: Charles Willis, Shawn Willis, Dustin Hicks, Chris Hawk
  • Patent number: 9392773
    Abstract: An actuating means (25) for an animal drinker, the actuating means configured in such a way that the valve pin (14) is liftable by the actuating means (25) in order to open the drinking valve (12), preferably on a rectilinear longitudinal center axis (19) of the valve pin (14). In this way, one-sided wearing down of the drinking valve (12), in particular of the valve pin (14) and/or of a sealing surface (17) of the housing (13), is avoided. As a result, the useful life of the drinking valve (12) is extended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Lubing Maschinenfabrik Ludwig Bening GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Timothy Shawn Willis, Charles Ollin Willis, Jr., Barry Dustin Hicks
  • Publication number: 20150136262
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Charles Willis, Shawn Willis, Dustin Hicks, Chris Hawk
  • Publication number: 20140224180
    Abstract: An actuating means (25) for an animal drinker, the actuating means configured in such a way that the valve pin (14) is liftable by the actuating means (25) in order to open the drinking valve (12), preferably on a rectilinear longitudinal center axis (19) of the valve pin (14). In this way, one-sided wearing down of the drinking valve (12), in particular of the valve pin (14) and/or of a sealing surface (17) of the housing (13), is avoided. As a result, the useful life of the drinking valve (12) is extended.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Inventors: Timothy Shawn Willis, Charles Ollin Willis, JR., Barry Dustin Hicks