Patents Issued in April 10, 2018
  • Patent number: 9936640
    Abstract: Method for packing harvested berries directly into clamshell packages during hand harvesting. A harvester utilizes an open-topped harvesting apparatus having a plurality of bottom assemblies for supporting a shipping tray that contains a plurality of clamshell packages. The method includes the step of securing the apparatus on the harvester's belt for carrying the shipping tray. The apparatus has a side supporter disposed thereon and below belt notch-like loops. The method also includes the steps of supporting the shipping tray on a plurality of bottom assemblies disposed on the apparatus; maintaining the bottom assemblies substantially horizontal to the ground with the side supporter when the apparatus is worn by the harvester; and storing a plurality of the clamshell packages in the shipping tray for receiving berries picked directly from the plant for eliminating multiple touches of said berries for improved fruit quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Naturipe Berry Growers, Inc.
    Inventors: Mario Aguas-Alvarado, Laura Vazquez-Contreras
  • Patent number: 9936641
    Abstract: A crop harvesting header includes a cutter bar arranged across a forward edge of a header frame structure, a draper or auger transport arrangement for transporting the cut crop for further processing, and a reel with tines mounted on angularly spaced tine tubes each driven in a pivotal movement around its own bat axis as the reel rotates. The tine tubes are mounted on bearings where each bearing includes a cylindrical collar carried by support members on the reel and a cylindrical bearing member within the collar. The hollow tine tube has its peripheral wall punched to define an indented recess at each end of a transverse hole so that opposed projecting portions projecting on the bearing member are pulled into the recesses by a transverse fastener through the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: MacDon Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Rheal Remillard
  • Patent number: 9936642
    Abstract: A pick-up, an agricultural implement, and a method for ejecting a foreign object by the crop pick-up and the agricultural implement are provided. The agricultural implement comprises a crop inlet to collect picked-up crop. The crop pick-up comprises a reel with pick-up fingers to pick up the crop from the field, an auger to transport the picked-up crop to the crop inlet of the agricultural implement, and a driver. The driver rotates the reel and the auger in a pick-up direction and a collection direction for picking up and transporting the crop, and a retrieval direction for retrieving already collected crop when a foreign object is detected in the collected crop. The crop pick-up further comprises an ejector to actively rotate the reel in an ejection direction for ejecting the retrieved crop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Bernard E. D. Depestel, Ward M. R. Byttebier, Stijn Van Belleghem
  • Patent number: 9936643
    Abstract: A helical auger flight has an inner edge, an outer edge, an inner face, an outer face, and a leading extremity that includes a prominence and a leading edge that extends from the outer edge to the prominence. The prominence extends outward from the leading edge of the leading extremity to an outer end having an upturned jut. A wear plate is releasably connected to the inner face of the helical auger flight. The wear plate extends from the outer edge of the helical auger flight to the prominence. A front extremity of the wear plate extends forwardly of the leading edge of the helical auger flight so as to be in a shielding relationship with respect to the leading edge of the helical auger flight, and a nose of the front extremity of the wear plated is seated in direct contact against a contact surface of the jut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Inventor: Ronald J. Kile
  • Patent number: 9936644
    Abstract: A round baler is provided with a bale-forming chamber that is surrounded by a pressing apparatus in the form of a single pressing belt or several pressing belts arranged one next to the other, wherein the pressing apparatus contacts a roller that can be driven and freely co-rotating rollers, of which at least one pre-tensioned roller is loaded by pre-tensioning apparatus in the sense of tightening the pressing apparatus such that it pre-tensions the pre-tensioned roller more strongly the farther this roller moves in a direction for loosening the pressing apparatus. The two ends of the pre-tensioned roller are each pre-tensioned by the pre-tensioning apparatus and can move independently of each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Jeremy Pourchet, Manuel Marques
  • Patent number: 9936645
    Abstract: An agricultural baler having a baling chamber is provided. The baling chamber includes a first wall and a second wall opposing the first wall. The first wall and the second wall extend longitudinally between a first end and a second end of the baling chamber, and the second wall forms a bottom surface of the baling chamber. The baler also includes a hinge disposed proximate to the first end of the baling chamber. The hinge is coupled to the second wall, and the second wall is configured to rotate about the hinge from a first position in which the second wall supports a bale within the baling chamber to a second position that enables the bale to move out of the baling chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Donald P. Keller, Dominick Rizzon, Josh Lounder, Shaun A. O'Donnell
  • Patent number: 9936646
    Abstract: A twine delivery needle is constructed so as to include metal tip and mounting base sections or regions joined together by a relatively light weight central section having a composite structural sandwich construction comprising a low-density rigid foam core encased within a thin, high strength, skin or covering comprised of plies of woven and substantially continuous fibers disposed within a hardened matrix resin material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Carl F. Demulder, Gregory S. McCunn
  • Patent number: 9936647
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for trimming product in a mobile unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Inventor: Todd Reed
  • Patent number: 9936648
    Abstract: A packing element having a trapezoidal front panel (1) and trapezoidal rear panel (2), wherein the front panel (1) and the rear panel (2) each have a first pair of two opposite, parallel base edges (1a, 1b, 2a, 2b), and a second pair of nonparallel side edges (1c, 2c) bridging ends of the two base edges (1a, 1b, 2a, 2b), and wherein the front panel (2) and the rear panel (1) are connected to each other at their side edges, preferably in the edge region of their overlapping side edges (1c) such that an inner edge face of the front panel (2) facing the rear panel (1) is glued to an inner edge face of the rear panel (1) facing the front panel (2) and a space for receiving an article, preferably a conical article, preferably a flower pot or a flower bouquet, can be formed between the front panel (2) and the rear panel (1) by moving the panels away from each other, thereby forming an opening at least between the long base edges at the top, characterized in that a grab formation (4), particularly a strap (4) that c
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: WEBER VERPACKUNGEN GMBH @ CO. KG
    Inventor: Klaus Jahn
  • Patent number: 9936649
    Abstract: Grow light systems and methods for controlling the systems are described herein. The grow light system can include an integrated lamp and light emitting diodes (LEDs) structure that produces an energy signature highly conducive to plant growth, and that uses minimal energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: GLOBAL ENERGY & LIGHTING, INC.
    Inventor: Michael Whittingham
  • Patent number: 9936650
    Abstract: A securable enclosure for growing controlled plants including walls forming an environmentally isolated interior and securable entrance to prevent unauthorized access. An environmental control system regulates environmental conditions in the enclosure's interior in order to control levels of potential contaminants such as dust, mold, pollen, insects and chemical pollutants. A control unit is positioned on the exterior of the enclosure allows control of the environmental conditions without the need for physical access to the interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Podgrow, LLC
    Inventor: Joseph A. Palmieri, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9936651
    Abstract: Natural fiber mulch mats are prepared from natural fibers, bicomponent fibers, and optionally other synthetic fibers, and consolidated at a temperature sufficient to melt a lower melting polymer of the polymers used to prepare the bicomponent fiber. The mulch mat may be prepared without conventional binders and without a polymer netting, yet exhibits good handling properties and superior water holding properties as compared to melting-containing products, without the drawbacks of the latter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: PROFILE PRODUCTS, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Kevin S. Spittle
  • Patent number: 9936653
    Abstract: A valve body for an irrigation system is disclosed. The valve body is formed as a unitary molding and comprises a manifold arrangement integrally formed in the valve body and includes an inlet and at least one outlet. The manifold arrangement includes a valve receiving region located between the inlet and each outlet where each valve receiving region is operable to receive a valve to selectively control the flow of liquid between the inlet and each respective outlet of the manifold arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: ANTELCO PTY LTD
    Inventors: William Eric Antel, Lyall Causby, Robert Sigston, Malcom Fry
  • Patent number: 9936654
    Abstract: The invention discloses a Dendrobium in vitro crossbreeding method. The method can be used to greatly shorten the maturation period of fruits, to enable a hybrid to bloom in vitro in a short period so as to observe flower shapes and colors, and to cultivate a novel variety, thus accelerating Dendrobium breeding, the first such report internationally. Since in vitro Dendrobium blooms annually, it enables crossbreeding of varieties having different inflorescences in nature. In addition, the medium used at each stage of the invention utilizes Hyponex which has a unique composition and costs little, thus allowing for a high blossoming rate and rapid fruit development. Also, only simple plant tissue culture equipment is required for implementing the invention, thus the entire breeding method is simple and low cost, and provides conditions for cultivating of high-quality Dendrobium varieties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: SOUTH CHINA BOTANICAL GARDEN, CHINESE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES
    Inventors: Songjun Zeng, Kunlin Wu, Jianxia Zhang, Feng Zheng, Jun Duan
  • Patent number: 9936655
    Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH977140. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH977140, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH977140 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH977140.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Monsanto Technology LLC
    Inventors: Sandeep Bhatnagar, Gregory J. Holland, Gary R. Stangland
  • Patent number: 9936656
    Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH230932. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH230932, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH230932 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH230932.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Monsanto Technology LLC
    Inventors: Sandeep Bhatnagar, Gregory J. Holland, Gary R. Stangland
  • Patent number: 9936657
    Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH884093. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH884093, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH884093 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH884093.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Monsanto Technology LLC
    Inventors: Allen C. Faue, Richard G. Stelpflug
  • Patent number: 9936658
    Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV360779. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV360779, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV360779 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV360779 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV360779.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Monsanto Technology LLC
    Inventors: Franco G. Asoro, James R. Larkins
  • Patent number: 9936659
    Abstract: A novel maize variety designated PH2RH1 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant comprise crossing maize variety PH2RH1 with another maize plant are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH2RH1 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are provided. Hybrid maize seed, plants or plant parts are produced by crossing the variety PH2RH1 or a locus conversion of PH2RH1 with another maize variety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: PIONEER HI-BRED INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: Milorad Rosulj
  • Patent number: 9936660
    Abstract: A novel maize variety designated PH2R76 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant comprise crossing maize variety PH2R76 with another maize plant are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH2R76 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are provided. Hybrid maize seed, plants or plant parts are produced by crossing the variety PH2R76 or a locus conversion of PH2R76 with another maize variety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: PIONEER HI-BRED INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph D Anderson, Mark Jacob Gadlage
  • Patent number: 9936661
    Abstract: A novel maize variety designated PH2R72 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant comprise crossing maize variety PH2R72 with another maize plant are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH2R72 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are provided. Hybrid maize seed, plants or plant parts are produced by crossing the variety PH2R72 or a locus conversion of PH2R72 with another maize variety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: PIONEER HI-BRED INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph D Anderson, Mark Jacob Gadlage
  • Patent number: 9936662
    Abstract: A novel maize variety designated PH240F and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant comprise crossing maize variety PH240F with another maize plant are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH240F through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are provided. Hybrid maize seed, plants or plant parts are produced by crossing the variety PH240F or a locus conversion of PH240F with another maize variety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: PIONEER HI-BRED INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Terry R Colbert, Daniel Preston Gorman
  • Patent number: 9936663
    Abstract: A novel maize variety designated X13K484 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are produced by crossing inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant by crossing hybrid maize variety X13K484 with another maize plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X13K484 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X13K484, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X13K484. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X13K484.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: PIONEER HI-BRED INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: Andrew Jon Ross
  • Patent number: 9936664
    Abstract: A novel maize variety designated X05K698 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are produced by crossing inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant by crossing hybrid maize variety X05K698 with another maize plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X05K698 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X05K698, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X05K698. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X05K698.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: PIONEER HI-BRED INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: David B Fischer
  • Patent number: 9936665
    Abstract: A novel maize variety designated X08K236 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are produced by crossing inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant by crossing hybrid maize variety X08K236 with another maize plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X08K236 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X08K236, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X08K236. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X08K236.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: PIONEER HI-BRED INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Everton Alen Brenner, Andrew Jon Ross
  • Patent number: 9936666
    Abstract: A novel maize variety designated X05K658 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are produced by crossing inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant by crossing hybrid maize variety X05K658 with another maize plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X05K658 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X05K658, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X05K658. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X05K658.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: PIONEER HI-BRED INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: Eric Scott Riedeman
  • Patent number: 9936667
    Abstract: A novel maize variety designated X13K485 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are produced by crossing inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant by crossing hybrid maize variety X13K485 with another maize plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X13K485 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X13K485, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X13K485. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X13K485.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: PIONEER HI-BRED INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Russell Fox, Elliot Lee Heffner, Gary Edward Henke, Sara Jane Lira, Luis A Verde Chifflet
  • Patent number: 9936668
    Abstract: A novel maize variety designated X13K494 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are produced by crossing inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant by crossing hybrid maize variety X13K494 with another maize plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X13K494 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X13K494, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X13K494. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X13K494.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: PIONEER HI-BRED INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Russell Fox, Elliot Lee Heffner, Gary Edward Henke, Sara Jane Lira, Robert Lee Segebart, Jennifer Ann Steinke, Luis A Verde Chifflet
  • Patent number: 9936669
    Abstract: A novel soybean variety, designated 5PPRS22 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety 5PPRS22, cells from soybean variety 5PPRS22, plants of soybean 5PPRS22, and plant parts of soybean variety 5PPRS22. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety 5PPRS22 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety 5PPRS22, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety 5PPRS22, and methods of characterizing soybean variety 5PPRS22. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety 5PPRS22 are further provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: PIONEER HI-BRED INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Donnie G Glover, Mark Jeffrey McMahan Hood, Zachary Phillip Shearin
  • Patent number: 9936670
    Abstract: A system that includes a laser configured to generate a profile signal of at least a portion of a dairy livestock, a memory operable to store a teat detection rule set, and a processor. The processor is configured to obtain the profile signal and detect one or more edge pair candidates in the profile signal, compare the complementary distance gradients of each of the one or more edge pair candidates to a minimum distance gradient length to be considered an edge pair, and identify one or more edge pairs from among the one or more edge pair candidates based on the comparison. The processor is further configured to apply the teat detection rule set to the one or more edge pairs to identify one or more teat candidates from among the one or more edge pairs and determine position information for the one or more teat candidates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Technologies Holdings Corp.
    Inventors: Mark A. Foresman, Bradley J. Prevost
  • Patent number: 9936671
    Abstract: A training toilet for training a dog, cat or other animal, or for a young human child. A space above the first layer receives the trainee, and, upon receipt, activates a switch. The switch includes a pressure actuated mechanical switch or a motion detector switch, which changes state. Based on the change of state, a microcontroller operates to play a number of recorded responses, such as audible recorded encouragements to the trainee, played upon the start of use and exit from the top layer of the toilet. A programmed timing lapse for the plying of audible recordings ensures that the exit message is played only when there has been a predetermined lapse time between the entrance and exit of the trainee. Different modes are provided by different combinations of the recorded messages and different delay periods for the playing of encouragements, which are based on the mode switch operable by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: RAD Innovations
    Inventor: James S. Kong
  • Patent number: 9936672
    Abstract: A latching mechanism having a camming surface to engage the latching mechanism without human intervention when a door is traversed from an opened position to a closed position is disclosed. Other latching mechanisms are also disclosed. The latching mechanism may also be rotatable to engage the latching mechanism and prevent opening of the door from the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: DOSKOCIL MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: David Link, Hongkun Liang
  • Patent number: 9936673
    Abstract: An improved locking device is provided for one a livestock head gate in which two doors rollingly engaged on an overhead guide shaft for roving movement of said two doors toward one another into a closed position bracing a livestock animal between said doors and away from one another into an open position releasing said livestock animal. Primary and secondary shaft-receiving and locking members have respective first and second through-holes therein for receipt of the overhead guide shaft. A spring-receipt member is fixed to the primary shaft-receiving member for cooperation with a spring that tilts the primary shaft-receiving member into a locking position. The secondary movable locking member is retained beside the primary member in a manner enabling both tilting therewith and displacement relative thereto so as to bite onto the shaft at the perimeter of the second through-hole in the locking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Northquip Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Arthur Langrell
  • Patent number: 9936674
    Abstract: A portable storage case or “lunch bag” configured expressly for pet use, with the device configured to hold a water bottle, food and water dish, pet treats or food, waste bags, and medication for the pet to provide caring pet owners a practical, comfortable and efficient means of quenching their animal's thirst and providing them with a hearty snack when engaged in a walk or otherwise on the go away from home.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Inventor: Jo-Marie White Bailey
  • Patent number: 9936675
    Abstract: A method of promoting efficient water drinking by animals uses any one of a number of container embodiments. A first embodiment of container contemplates five sub-chambers separated from one another by parallel partitions, with each partition having a small weep hole near its bottom to equalize water level in each sub-chamber. Each sub-chamber has an elongated length dimension and a width that is relatively narrow and designed to approximate the width of an animal's tongue. When an animal is drinking water from one of the sub-chambers of this embodiment, as the tongue is lapping, the sides of the tongue are close to the inner walls of the sub-chamber, thereby precluding some of the water resting on the tongue from falling off the tongue as the water is lifted into the animal's mouth. In this way, the efficiency of drinking using the lapping technique is enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Inventor: H. Jay Spiegel
  • Patent number: 9936676
    Abstract: An identification tag for an animal is provided. The tag includes a male portion defining a shaft, an enlarged portion proximate a first end of the shaft, and one or more sharp edges on a second end of the shaft. The one or more sharp edges are oriented to cut a pathway for the shaft through material contacting the second end of the shaft. The tag also includes a female portion defining a recess. The recess is configured to connect to the second end of the male portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Inventor: Kim G. Ulmer
  • Patent number: 9936677
    Abstract: A protective apparel is provided that includes a body component configured to saddle a dog. The protective apparel may include at least one body securing mechanism to secure the body component to the dog. The protective apparel may also include at least one footwear element and at least one coupling mechanism, the coupling mechanism configured to couple the at least one footwear element to the body component. The at least one coupling mechanism may be removably attached to the body component and/or to the at least one footwear element, thereby allowing the protective apparel to be easily stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Inventor: Christian Slater
  • Patent number: 9936678
    Abstract: A pressure distribution element holding a ring, attachable to the horizontal chest strap of a chest harness which is closable-openable by a hook-and-loop fastener, by connecting the chest strap loop section and the chest strap hook section comprising a chest strap connecting portion, and a vertical connecting element connecting the horizontal chest strap of the dog harness to the belly strap, forming a loop around the belly strap by folding back on itself, comprising at least a loop section, continued in a lower loop portion resting on the belly strap of the dog harness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: JULIUS-K9 LLC
    Inventor: Gyula Sebő
  • Patent number: 9936679
    Abstract: A pet leash accessory assembly may be utilized with a variety of off-the-shelf accessories including, but not limited to, flashlights, pet waste bags and personal attack deterrents. The pet leash accessory assembly allows an off-the-shelf accessory to be attached at different locations on the lease, for example attached to the leash handle or strap, and to be attached to many different types of leashes, for example, flat, thin leashes and round, rope-like leashes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Inventor: Drew A. Roberdeaux
  • Patent number: 9936680
    Abstract: A system for remote care of an animal includes a robotic animal caregiver that includes a housing, a wireless data communication system disposed within the housing and wirelessly communicatively coupled with an external data communications system, and a microprocessor in communication with the wireless data communication system disposed within the housing. The system further includes a smart collar to be worn by the animal operable to determine a geo-location information of the animal and communicate with the microprocessor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Botsitter, LLC
    Inventors: Krystalka R. Womble, Robert L. Piccioni
  • Patent number: 9936681
    Abstract: A flexible fishing lure is provided that includes a outer shape having a transverse opening for receiving a plurality of alternatively formed lure fin members allowing a user to change the action of a lure by fin selection without replacing the lure. Multiple internal channels within the lure are adaptively provided for receiving a variety of scent sticks, sound generators, light generators, flavor generating means. Flow internal channels extend from a front opening to gill openings allowing a water flow along an inserted scent or flavor stick member to pass through the lure body and exit proximate fin, nair, belly, or other locations simulating an injured or wounded fish leaking bodily fluids or blood. Other features to simulate wounded features. Replacement fins and weighting constructions allow a user to tailor a weight and action enabling a circling or injured motion during retrieval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Inventor: Jeffrey Mancini
  • Patent number: 9936682
    Abstract: A device for loading a fishing reel with line from a line supply spool by a single person. This device has a base with two side walls with corresponding holes, a plastic bendable tension rod, and suction cups attached to the bottom of the base. The tension rod produces downward pressure on supply spool when threaded through side wall hole, then through center hole of supply spool, then through corresponding through hole on the other side wall, holding it in place. The tension rod when in place as above also produces tension on fishing line which can be loaded to reel by attaching line to reel through rod guides and turning reel crank. The suction cups attached to base allow line loader to be used by one person anywhere you have a non-porous surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Inventors: Stephen Douglas Baggett, William Charles Baggett
  • Patent number: 9936683
    Abstract: A sustained release pheromone formulation is provided in which once it is secured to a branch or other support, the likelihood of falling off is significantly reduced, and which is capable of being quickly attached to a small or large branch. The sustained release pheromone formulation includes a first and second sheet parts which are provided by bending a single polymer sheet so that they are arranged in a face-to-face manner, the sheet parts each having an engaging hole therethrough; a bend part located between the sheet parts; at least one sex pheromone substance carried on at least a part of the sheet parts; and slits each extending from the bend part to the engaging hole in each one of the sheet parts. This formulation can be secured to the rod-shaped support by guiding the rod-shaped support to the engaging holes via the slits and engaging with the holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryuichi Saguchi, Naoki Ishibashi, Takehiko Fukumoto, Satoshi Ogitani
  • Patent number: 9936684
    Abstract: A furniture piece including an insect control barrier comprising a plurality of insecticide strips is provided. The insecticide strips are strategically located on the furniture piece to intersect travel paths from a support surface to prime harborage or feeding locations on the furniture piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Blockhouse Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Perko
  • Patent number: 9936685
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises an upper air guide hood and a lower air guide hood spaced from each other. Spray nozzles are arranged between these two air guide hoods. The air guide hoods hang above or just in the tops of the crops. During the migration of the apparatus the crop is as it were torn open by the wind and/or by contact with the apparatus, so that the spray liquid is distributed among the crop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Inventor: Henricus Johannes Godefridus Maria Hoeben
  • Patent number: 9936686
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the management of a soil pest is disclosed and which includes a source of high voltage electricity; at least one capacitor for storing the high voltage electricity; a multiplicity of electrodes inserted into a soil location having a soil pest to be managed, and an electrical switch which is controllably opened and closed so as to form a pulse of electricity which is passed through the soil location and between the electrodes so as to effect the management of the soil pest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Lisi Globa, LLC
    Inventors: Jason D. Crisp, Ekaterini Riga, Gordon J. McComb
  • Patent number: 9936687
    Abstract: Devices, apparatus, systems, and methods for providing deer scent stakes with removable caps to access reusable cylinders that can hold scented balls that can replenished with deer scents. The stakes can be placed at pre-determined distances in order to be used as yardage type markers for hunters to estimate the shooting distance to the deer target that approaches the stake(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Inventors: Cecil Melvin Keen, Kenneth Wayne Forrester
  • Patent number: 9936688
    Abstract: The invention provides methodologies and apparatus for producing devitalized soft-tissue implants where the implant retains metabolically non-viable and/or reproductively non-viable cells, and preferably retains large molecular weight cytoplasmic proteins, such implants produced both in small quantities and in commercializable quantities. Such soft-tissue implants include vascular graft substitutes. A devitalized graft is produced by subjecting the tissue sample to an induced pressure mediated flow of an extracting solution, optionally followed by inducing a pressure mediated flow of a salt solution, then washing the tissue to produce the devitalized graft. The devitalized grafts produced are uniform and non-immunogenic. The inventive method allows for the production of multiple devitalized soft tissue implants, where processing time is significantly less than prior art processes and the number of implants produced per day is increased over prior art processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: LifeNet Health
    Inventors: Lloyd Wolfinbarger, Jr., Perry Lange, Alyce Linthurst-Jones, Eric Moore, Barry Nolf
  • Patent number: 9936689
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for preserving detached tissues, especially digits and limbs, which are detached as a result of traumatic amputation. By using the methods and apparatus, detached tissues can be preserved for greater lengths of time and are ultimately in a better condition for replantation surgery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Paragonix Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Lisa Maria Anderson, Jared Alden Judson
  • Patent number: 9936690
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the processing of tissue and cellular material during cryopreservation and/or processing for microscopy. The method and apparatus maximizes heat transfer coefficients by using liquid-free cryopreservation protocols and maximizing glass transition characteristics through increasing pressure during cryopreservation. Cooling rates combined with megapascal pressures reduced the required concentration of cryoprotective agents (CPAs) needed for ice-free cell and tissue cryopreservation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: James Dale Benson