Patents by Inventor Michael R. Gerbo

Michael R. Gerbo 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: 6668754
    Abstract: A nipple valve including a valve body with an outside surface in which are ground at least one semi-circular indentation which serves as a tool grip. The semi-circular indentation is formed in the shape of a trough with oppositely disposed open ends to permit a wrench to be placed and retained in position on the valve body during installation or removal of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Ritchie Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael R. Gerbo
  • Patent number: 5709170
    Abstract: The present invention provides an animal waterer having an animal alignment guide attached to the water supply line near the juncture of the terminal conduit and the nipple valve. The guide includes an interior portion attached to the water supply line and a pair of guide wings extending out on opposite lateral sides of the nipple valve about the same distance as the trigger of the nipple valve. The vertical position of the nipple valve is adjustable so that the nipple valve can be easily and quickly positioned at the most efficient drinking height for the size of animal being watered. One embodiment of the waterer includes a waterer fed by a flexible feed line, and supported by a chain to freely swing at an elevation of about two inches above the backs of the animals. A second swinging embodiment includes a suspension bracket which extends up from the vertical axis of the supply line for connection with a chain so that the waterer will hang straight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Assignee: Ritchie Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Gerbo, David J. Vavra
  • Patent number: 5603286
    Abstract: An animal waterer having an animal alignment guide attached to the water supply line near the juncture of the terminal conduit and the nipple valve. The guide includes an interior portion attached to the water supply line and a pair of guide wings extending out on opposite lateral sides of the nipple valve about the same distance as the trigger of the nipple valve. The vertical position of the nipple valve is adjustable so that the nipple valve can be easily and quickly positioned at the most efficient drinking height for the size of animal being watered. One embodiment of the waterer includes a waterer fed by a flexible feed line, and supported by a chain to freely swing at an elevation of about two inches above the backs of the animals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Assignee: Ritchie Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael R. Gerbo
  • Patent number: D466586
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Ritchie Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael R. Gerbo