Miscellaneous Patents (Class 119/174)
  • Patent number: 6321689
    Abstract: An animal rescue device 10 for suspension from the exterior periphery 102 of the side 101 of a swimming pool 100 wherein the device 10 includes a collapsible framework member 20 adapted to be attached to the swimming pool 100 and having a cross-piece element 21 attached to the upper end 31 of a sheet of netting 30; wherein, the lower end 32 of the sheet of netting 30 is provided with a negative buoyancy unit 13 which maintains the sheet of netting 30 in a vertical orientation relative to the side 101 of the pool 100 to allow an animal to climb out of the pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Inventor: Philip E. Fulmer
  • Patent number: 6305317
    Abstract: A whelping container is made of a flexible, plastic or rubber material and is inflatable. The container may include two or more subchambers, each of which includes its own separate inflation/deflation valve. The material used is employed in sufficient thickness to provide sufficient strength to resist damage from chewing or scratching by the mother or her puppies. The container has a floor partially defined by an inflation chamber to provide cushioning for the mother and puppies within the container. The top surface of the container overhangs the periphery of the floor to define a peripheral chamber about the periphery of the floor. This peripheral chamber serves the purpose of providing a place where a puppy can escape if the mother is in a position where she might roll over the puppy and otherwise smother it. Two sets of vents extend through walls of the container to vent the peripheral chamber to atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Inventor: H. Jay Spiegel
  • Patent number: 6287589
    Abstract: A contraceptive method of inducing ovulation in induced ovulation mammals, in particular the female cat, by stimulating mainly the cervical region of the vagina to trigger a cascade of hormonal reactions to cause ovulation and pseudo-pregnancy to eliminate the unwanted behavior of female cats in heat. The treatment consists in the introduction of an ovulator inside the vaginal cavity of the animal. This apparatus is similar in shape and size to the penis of a cat, is made of a soft flexible material and is safe and easy to clean. The method imitates the sexual behavior of cats by causing a repeated number of brief stimulations at the peak of the estrus cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Inventor: Richard Drapeau
  • Patent number: 6252496
    Abstract: An animal warning alarm device includes a housing having a hollow tube projecting forwardly therefrom and an electronic sonic generator attached to the housing for providing a sonic wave that is channeled out through the forward open end of the tube which is angled downwardly in a forward direction preferably at an angle of approximately 45° to the road surface beneath the vehicle, whereby the sonic wave that is emitted from the tube will be reflected off the road surface and produce a virtual sonic echo effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Inventor: Otto V. Jackson
  • Patent number: 6244217
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for improving grazing distribution and an animal feed supplement for use therein. The method comprises the steps of identifying a plurality of underutilized rangeland areas and providing an animal feed supplement in a first underutilized rangeland area. The animal feed supplement attracts the livestock to the first underutilized rangeland area and encourages the livestock to graze once there.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Hubbard Feeds, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Alan Robbins
  • Patent number: 6241688
    Abstract: The invention reffers to an equipment for collecting and analyzing ruminal fluid and urine, to may possible the diagnosis of ruminants' diseases, as well as the corresponding treatment and prevention. The equipment was designed with the purpose of collecting, in an easy manner, ruminal fluid and urine, to the end of a fast diagnosis be attained and inclusively performing the detection of the cattle's subclinical diseases directly in the field conditions. The equipment is easy and safe to employ, and facilitates the ruminal fluid applying from a healthy animal to a sick one, as well as the provision of other fluids and drugs directly to the rumen. The equipment consists of the following instruments: a) A tube with metallic head for collecting and applying the fluid to adult bovines. b) A tube with metallic head for collecting and applying ruminal fluid to calves and to small ruminants. c) A double metallic pump for collecting and applying ruminal fluid and other fluids. d) A 5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico
    Inventors: Jan Bouda, Leopoldo Henry Martinez Paasch, Adolfo Kunio Osorio Yabuta, Samuel Genaro Herrera Jardon, Rudolf Dvorak, Jaroslay Doubek
  • Patent number: 6242182
    Abstract: A method for determining the Rfp-Y or B-F haplotype of a chicken which involves a nucleic acid amplification-single-stranded conformational polymorphism (“SSCP”) method is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: City of Hope
    Inventors: Marcia M. Miller, Marielle Afanassieff, W. Elwood Briles
  • Patent number: 6236318
    Abstract: In a system for identifying a plurality of cattle bred on a livestock farm and detecting an estrus state thereof, an apparatus for detecting and identifying any one of cows in the estrus state, comprising a switch mounted on a caudal part of a corresponding one of the cows in such a manner that it can be operated when a different one of the cows mounts the corresponding cow, an encoder for generating an inherent identification code with respect to the corresponding cow in response to the operation of the switch, a radio transmitter/receiver circuit for transmitting the inherent identification code from the encoder externally by radio and receiving an external identification code by radio, a decoder for decoding the external identification code received by the radio transmitter/receiver circuit to detect an identification code value therefrom, a comparator for comparing the identification code value from the decoder with a prestored identification code value of the corresponding cow to determine whether the tw
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Republic of Korea (Management:Rural Development Admnistration)
    Inventors: Boh-Suk Yang, Sung-Jae Park, Gi-Sun Im, Sung-Jong Oh, Hyun-Suck Yang, Sung-Joon Lee
  • Publication number: 20010001176
    Abstract: The bolus is intended to be received in the reticulum of a ruminant. It comprises a body (10) having a housing (12) for containing a data interchange device (14). According to the invention, the body (10) is made of a material based on alumina, Al2O3, and/or on silica, SiO2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2001
    Publication date: May 17, 2001
    Applicant: The European Community
    Inventors: Gerardo Caja Lopez, Joan Francesc Vilaseca Vintro, Christophe Korn
  • Publication number: 20010000867
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for improving grazing distribution and an animal feed supplement for use therein. The method comprises the steps of identifying a plurality of underutilized rangeland areas and providing an animal feed supplement in a first underutilized rangeland area. The animal feed supplement attracts the livestock to the first underutilized rangeland area and encourages the livestock to graze once there.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Publication date: May 10, 2001
    Inventor: Mark Alan Robbins
  • Patent number: 6205955
    Abstract: The basic apparatus includes an abrasive layer and a grid. The grid is installed over the abrasive layer, a shorter distance from it along one of its edges and a greater distance from it at the opposite edge. The shorter distance is about ⅛ inch and the longer distance ⅜ of an inch. One quarter inch hardware cloth is an acceptable grid material. Preferably the apparatus is mounted on a generally vertical surface near a litter box, such as on the inside of a wall of a covered litter box. The abrasive surface may be replaceable and faces the grid and cats use the abrasive surface and grid simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Inventor: Michael Y. Diep
  • Patent number: 6202596
    Abstract: The bolus is intended to be received in the reticulum of a ruminant. It comprises a body (10) having a housing (12) for containing a data interchange device (14). According to the invention, the body (10) is made of a material based on alumina, Al2O3, and/or on silica, SiO2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: The European Community
    Inventors: Gerardo Caja Lopez, Joan Francesc Vilaseca Vintro, Christophe Korn
  • Patent number: 6179844
    Abstract: An animal tagging system that includes a punch assembly, a pen mechanism and a tag securing assembly. The punch assembly includes a spring biased handle assembly in connection with a set of punch jaws for punching hole through an animals ear. The handle assembly includes first and second handle ends. The pen mechanism and the tag securing assembly are storable in connection with the first and second handle ends of the handle assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventor: Rick Underwood
  • Patent number: 6167317
    Abstract: A layer flock management system including a layer information accumulator operative to accumulate information regarding each of a multiplicity of layers in a flock and a floor layer identifier operative to identify floor layers from among the multiplicity of layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: M.G.H. Agricultural Cooperative Society Ltd.
    Inventors: Uri Meron, Asaf Barut, Gilad Rafaeli, Uri Yankovitz, David Zvilichovsky, Rami Cahalon
  • Patent number: 6145236
    Abstract: An insect repelling device including a mat portion having a recess formed within an upper surface thereof. An insect repellent is disposed within the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Inventor: Randall King
  • Patent number: 6115672
    Abstract: Carbon sequestration of greenhouse gases (CO.sub.2 and CH.sub.4) is effected through enhancement of plant growth using defoliation techniques with and without grazing animals. Processes and devices for measurement of the verifiable quantity of carbon sequestered are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Environmentally Correct Concepts, Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Caveny, William K. Crispin, Robert L. Conley
  • Patent number: 6099482
    Abstract: A system and ingestible boluses for monitoring physiological parameters of animals. The boluses include circuitry for storing a selectable identification code, for sensing a physiological parameter, and for transmitting a data burst signal which includes information corresponding to the identification code and a sensed physiological parameter. In addition to the boluses, the system includes a receiver for receiving data burst signals transmitted from the boluses. According to one mode of operation, the bolus transmits data burst continuously at a preselected rate. The receiver can be coupled to a processor which can process data from the data burst signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Innotek Pet Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott A. Brune, Matthew R. Williams
  • Patent number: 6058883
    Abstract: A new washable/reusable animal bedding element for laying on the floor of a stable for providing a comfortable and hygienic bedding for an animal. The inventive device includes a core having an outer surface and a pair of opposite ends. An outer sheath is disposed around the outer surface of the core between the ends of the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Inventor: Anna Robins
  • Patent number: 6053127
    Abstract: In a method of teasing a mare to ovulation, an audio tape recording is made of the voice of a sexually aroused stallion or gelded teaser. The tape is repeatedly played in the vicinity of the mare over a period of several days to stimulate the mare to ovulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Inventor: Deborah Gullion
  • Patent number: 6012415
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for remotely reading programmed and programmable memories implanted in livestock and particularly, ruminants, for maintaining animal identification, temperature, medial history, etc. A bolus in commonly implanted in the rumen or first stomach of such an animal to prevent "Tarmumatic Retuculoperitonitis" commonly known as hardware disease in cattle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Magtronic ID, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerry S. Linseth
  • Patent number: 6006697
    Abstract: A method and system for dehorning cattle, the system including a unitary applicator that includes a backing, a receptacle for dehorning material, and an adhesive for use in applying and retaining the backing on the head of the calf with the dehorning material in contact with the horn bud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Inventor: Thomas Sullwold
  • Patent number: 5984875
    Abstract: A system and ingestible boluses for monitoring physiological parameters of animals. The boluses include circuitry for storing a selectable identification code, for sensing a physiological parameter, and for transmitting a data burst signal which includes information corresponding to the identification code and a sensed physiological parameter. In addition to the boluses, the system includes a receiver for receiving data burst signals transmitted from the boluses. According to one mode of operation, the bolus transmits data burst continuously at a preselected rate. The receiver can be coupled to a processor which can process data from the data burst signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Innotek Pet Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott A. Brune
  • Patent number: 5975020
    Abstract: Carbon sequestration of greenhouse gases (CO.sub.2 and CH.sub.4) is effected through enhancement of plant growth using defoliation techniques with and without grazing animals. Processes and devices for measurement of the verifiable quantity of carbon sequestered are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Enviromentally Correct Concepts, Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Caveny, William K. Crispin, Robert L. Conley
  • Patent number: 5969593
    Abstract: A Warning system in combination with a vehicle in which ultrasonic sound and ultraviolet is beamed in advance of the moving vehicle on a thoroughfare so that said sound and light may be heard and seen by an animal ahead of the moving vehicle to induce the animal to leave the road before it is struck by the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Inventor: George A. Will
  • Patent number: 5964182
    Abstract: A method and products are disclosed in which a fertilized egg is non-invasively infused with oxygen such that the structural integrity of the shell of the egg is not compromised. The method comprises the step of subjecting the external surface of the eggshell to the oxygen under a condition of at least one of vacuum and positive pressure. The oxygen is from a substance selected from the group consisting of oxygen, nascent oxygen, liquid oxygen, oxone, ozone, hydrogen peroxide, and potassium permanganate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Inventors: James P. Cox, Robert W. Duffy Cox
  • Patent number: 5952926
    Abstract: A new pet doorbell apparatus for providing a door bell system for pets to use to notify home occupants of their desire to enter or exit the house. The inventive device includes cover cap activator attached to the outside or inside of a home. The cover cap activator includes a base plate and a enclosing cover pivotally mounted to the base plate. The enclosing cover is movable from a first position to a second position when the enclosing cover is depressed by a pet desiring to enter a home. When the enclosing cover is depressed, a transmitter mounted to the base plate is activated by an activator extending from the enclosing cover. The transmitter sends a signal to a receiver so that speaker included in the receiver produces a sound to alert a person within the home to let the pet inside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Inventor: James M. Syverson
  • Patent number: 5944652
    Abstract: Disease resistance in chickens has been associated with the Rfp-Y system of major histocompatability genes in chickens. A method for breeding chickens to produce disease resistant offspring involves selecting at least one parent that has an Rfp-Y haplotype that is characteristic of disease resistance and mating that parent with a second parent to produce a disease resistant offspring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignees: City of Hope, Bd. of Trustees for Nor. Ill. Univ.
    Inventors: Marcia M. Miller, Marielle Afanassieff, W. Elwood Briles
  • Patent number: 5937789
    Abstract: An animal identification device for oral administration and which resides in an animals stomach. The device has a substantially solid body which has a density of at least about 3 gcm.sup.-3. The body comprises a substantially inert plastic material and filler which has a specific gravity of at least about 4.6. An electronic identification device is encapsulated in the body. A process for manufacturing the animal identification device, and a method identifying at least one animal by orally administrating the device is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignees: SEPR Australia Pty. Ltd., Societe Europeene des Produits Refractaires
    Inventor: James Edward Platt
  • Patent number: 5937790
    Abstract: An anti-stress agent for animals for reducing the growth inhibition or mortality of animals and a method of reducing stress using a feed composition having blended therein the anti-stress agent. The anti-stress agent for animals comprises one or more substances selected from L-ascorbic acid-2-phosphoric acid, a salt thereof and an L-ascorbic acid-2-glucoside, as an active ingredient, for inhibiting the increase of blood plasma lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), malate dehydrogenase (MDH) and aspartate aminotransferase (AspAT) and for inhibiting the increase of stress proteins in blood, which occur when animals are placed under stress. Also disclosed is a feed composition comprising the anti-stress agent, and a method of reducing the stress of animals by supplying the same as feed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Showa Denko Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shinobu Ito, Eiji Ogata, Masahiro Yamada
  • Patent number: 5901662
    Abstract: In order to fulfill the requirements in terms of biological compatibility and mechanical stability, a transponder-holding case is provided as implant in animal breeding and keeping, which case consists of a first case section and a second case section made of a biologically compatible synthetic material, with the two case sections being designed for being detachably fastened at one another, preferably through a self-sealing and self-locking threaded joint, so as to form a hermetically sealed holding space for a transponder to be received therein. For an improvement of the position-retaining function in the animal body at least one of the case sections presents at least one formed-in portion on ist outside, and at least on the outside of one case section a receiving area is provided for a preferably laser-engraved identifier mark.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: GSF-Forschungszentrum fur Umwelt und Gesundheit GmbH
    Inventor: Georg Menache
  • Patent number: 5901660
    Abstract: A communications system permits animal carried transponders, such as ear tag transponders, to be selectively addressed and detected when an animal is proximate to an unterminated wire. Addresses impressed on a frequency carrier on the unterminated wire are coupled to an animal's transponder using a near field coupling, such as an electrical field coupling. When an animal's address is detected, the animal's transponder responds with a data stream carrying a tone or with a signal of different frequency coupled to the unterminated wire. Coupling is enhanced by connecting signals to be transmitted and a receiver for signals to be received to the animal's body. The unterminated wire can be positioned along a feeding/water trough in an agricultural environment to detect when a particular animal feeds or around a gate to detect when an animal passes through the gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Bio-Enhancement Systems, Corp.
    Inventor: John W. Stein
  • Patent number: 5887547
    Abstract: Carbon sequestration of greenhouse gases (CO.sub.2 and CH.sub.4) is effected through enhancement of plant growth using defoliation techniques with and without grazing animals. Processes and devices for measurement of the verifiable quantity of carbon sequestered are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Enviromentally Correct Concepts, Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Caveny, William K. Crispin, Robert L. Conley
  • Patent number: 5881673
    Abstract: A system for monitoring the time and number of times each cow in a herd is mounted for purposes of determining the most successful time to artificially inseminate cows. The system employs a single hand held receiving unit for remotely communicating with multiple individual recording units secured to the backs of the cattle. The receiving unit can remotely and selectively reset counters contained within the recording units and can remotely and selectively poll the recording units to obtain data on mounting activity for each cow. The data can be viewed on a display provided on the receiving unit or can be downloaded to a computer via a computer port provided on the receiving unit. The recording unit employs a unique switch for sensing mounting activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Inventors: Mark Beach, Scot Tomlinson
  • Patent number: 5881672
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for the application of collars to deer and other wild or domestic animals. The apparatus may be adapted for use with collars formed from flexible, relatively non-resilient material which have attachable ends, as well as collars formed from resiliently coiled materials. The apparatus includes a support assembly for holding a collar in an open position with its ends spaced apart from one another, and a trigger for effecting application of the collar when an animal places its neck over the support. When flexible, non-resilient collars are employed, the support is also adapted to propel at least one end of the collar about the animal's neck and contact the opposite end of the collar. The apparatus may also be employed in combination with an animal feeder or bait station to attract animals in the wild.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Department of Agriculture
    Inventors: J. Mathews Pound, Craig A. LeMeilleur
  • Patent number: 5873324
    Abstract: A protector is made of electrical insulating material. It has a central member sized and shaped to fit over the top of an insulator attaching a power wire to a support structure. The central member has a first connecting structure and a second connecting structure unitarily formed therewith and extending away. A first arm is connected to the first connecting structure to extend away therefrom; and a second arm is connected to the second connecting structure to extend away therefrom. The arms have apertures selectable for attachment to wires of different dimensions. The arms also have internal and external facing ribs to register with the internal and external facing ribs of the first and second connecting structures to effect a snug mechanical connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Inventors: John G. Kaddas, Carol B. Kaddas
  • Patent number: 5868178
    Abstract: A straw for storing a biological liquid such as animal semen, the straw comprising a fine tube open at both ends and closed by a plug engaged in one of said ends, said plug being formed by a powder suitable for transforming, on contact with the liquid, into a paste that is impermeable and leakproof, which powder is interposed between an external wad and an internal wad of a fiber material that is permeable to air and to liquids. The length of the external wad is at least twice as long as the length of the internal wad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Eurl Cryo Vet
    Inventor: Pascal Xavier Lecointe
  • Patent number: 5843754
    Abstract: A process of parthenogenic activation of mammalian oocytes which includes increasing intercellular levels of divalent cations in the oocyte; and reducing phosphorylation of cellular proteins in the oocyte. One method of accomplishing this is by introducing Ca.sup.2+ free cation, such as ionomycin, to the oocyte and then preventing phosphorylation of the cellular proteins within the oocyte by adding a serine-threonine kinase inhibitor, such as 6-dimethylaminopurine (DMAP).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: ABS Global, Inc.
    Inventors: Joan L. Susko-Parrish, David L. Northey, M. Lorraine Leibfried-Rutledge, Steven L. Stice
  • Patent number: 5839390
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for indicating when a female stock animal has been ridden or mounted by another stock animal comprises providing indicator means which is mounted on a female animal to be monitored. The apparatus is directly engaged by the other stock animal during riding or mounting and pressure applied to a smoothly curved actuator causes release of a signalling element to provide a visually observable signal. The device is re-setable by simple manual intervention and can be transferred to another animal after use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Janssen Pharmaceutica, N.V.
    Inventor: Barbara Helen Meads
  • Patent number: 5833945
    Abstract: The present invention provides a phenotypically stable altered animal which exhibits unprovoked rage reaction indicative of high emotionality, stereotyped behavior and is useful as a model of psychotic behavior. The animals of this invention (F.sub.2) were obtained by inbreeding mature offspring (F.sub.1) of rats whose mothers received high tryptophan diets during their third trimester of gestation. There is also an increased body weight which evidences physical alteration. The present invention also relates to the preparation and use of animal models for the study of psychosis, pathological psychotic behavior in humans and the effects of tryptophan in successive generations. The prenatal effects of tryptophan on later generations can also be used to increase the body weight of experimental animals and livestock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Inventor: Moto Sakuma
  • Patent number: 5823140
    Abstract: Described is a process for determining excitants, attractants, incitants and stimulants for members of the Penaeus genus of the Class Crustacea including but not limited to Penaeus setiferus, Penaeus aztecus and Penaeus vannamei, as well as apparatus for carrying out such process. The apparatus for carrying out the process includes static tank means, flow-through tank means and Y-maze means each equipped with variable-focus camera means taken alone or in combination with one another. The variable-focus camera means platform is also described and is part of our invention. Also described is a method for exciting and/or attracting and/or stimulating and/or inciting members of the Penaeus genus of the Class Crustacea including but not limited to Penaeus setiferus, Penaeus aztecus and Penaeus vannamei (referred to collectively as Penaeus spp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignees: International Flavors & Fragrances Inc., Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Alan Owen Pittet, Phillip G. Lee, Jennifer C. Ellis
  • Patent number: 5814624
    Abstract: A method for obtaining an extract from urine of pregnant mares containing a natural mixture of conjugated estrogens by solid-phase extraction of the mixture of conjugated estrogens from the urine of pregnant mares on RP silica gel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Solvay Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Ivan Ban, Friederich Borchers, Henning Heinemann, Heinz-Helmer Rasche
  • Patent number: 5767080
    Abstract: A method for enhancing milk production in dairy cows is disclosed herein. The method comprises feeding dairy cows a feed ration comprising silage made from corn plants that are homozygous for at least one bm gene and, coextensively in time, administering biologically active somatotropin to the cows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Cargill, Incorporated
    Inventors: James F. Beck, Dale H. Storck, David P. Casper
  • Patent number: 5727500
    Abstract: A leash-mounted storage device includes front and rear pouches attached together and forming a channel therebetween. The front pouch includes a front opening for receiving a supply of disposable bags for picking up pet droppings. The rear pouch includes a top opening for receiving dirty bags after they are filled with animal waste. First and second hook-and-loop fastening straps are attached to the front pouch adjacent the opposite ends of the channel. The storage device is attached to a pet leash by slipping the leash through the channel, wrapping the first fastening strap through the hand loop of the leash, and wrapping the second fastening strap around an intermediate portion of the leash. Thus the storage device is securely attached to the leash. Instead of holding pet droppings, the storage device may also be used for holding a variety of other pet related items, such as pet toys, pet medication, water container, water dish, etc., or it may be used for holding personal items, such as keys, wallet, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Inventor: Meg Conboy
  • Patent number: 5714474
    Abstract: A method of catalyzing in vitro reactions using seeds containing enhanced amounts of enzymes is disclosed. The method involves adding transgenic, non-wild type seeds, preferably in a ground form, to a reaction mixture and allowing the enzymes in the seeds to increase the rate of reaction. By directly adding the seeds to the reaction mixture the method provides a solution to the expensive and problematic process of extracting and purifying the enzyme. Methods of treatment are also provided whereby a subject lacking a sufficient supply of an enzyme is administered the enzyme in the form of seeds containing enhanced amounts of the enzyme.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: Mogen International
    Inventors: Albert J. J. Van Ooijen, Krijn Rietveld, Andreas Hoekema, Jan Pen, Peter Christian Sijmons, Teunis Cornelis Verwoerd, Wilhemus Johannes Quax
  • Patent number: 5711249
    Abstract: A method and apparatus of marking livestock, objects and surfaces comprising:selecting a marker cartridge containing a marking means of a selected type, colour or design;securely engaging the marker cartridge into a marker cartridge receiver;attaching the cartridge receiver to a user's wrist with a strap; andmarking livestock, objects and surfaces with the selected marking means in the marker cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: Genesis Industries Incorporated
    Inventor: Gerard Bert Winders
  • Patent number: 5697326
    Abstract: A method for the examination of the condition of a ruminant animal including sampling odours from at least one part of the animal with an olfactory sensor thereby to identify specific aspects of the animal condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: British Technology Group Limited
    Inventors: Toby Trevor Fury Mottram, Arthur Leonard Wilkin
  • Patent number: 5637312
    Abstract: A chemical enhancer for ruminant animal digestion of organic matter roughage is presented, the addition on a ppm based of total feed ration of one or more formate salts to the ruminant diet improves or enhances the digestibility of low digestible roughage allowing the treated roughage as a substitute for more traditional and expensive feed rations such as alfalfa hay without loss of energy available to the animal. The use of formate salts in the ppm range based on total diet increases the anaerobic microbial activity thus enhancing digestibility rather than just enhancing the availability of dissolved organics and can be utilized in feedlot roughage rations for improved weight gain, range cattle weight maintenance and milk production for mother cows, dairy roughage diets providing milk production in a safe and an environmentally friendly methodology to both meat and milk production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Inventors: Richard W. Tock, Carl R. Richardson
  • Patent number: 5634432
    Abstract: The need to positively identify ownership of cattle is well recognized and understood and has given rise to the practice of hot iron branding. This method, however, has proven less than satisfactory and a variety of alternate methods have been explored with varying degrees of success. One such method utilizes a transponder encased in a pellet and deposited in the cow's reticulum where it remains until slaughter. This method, lacking an active source of electrical energy, is severely limited in its range of data transmission and in addition is unable to power other sensors for monitoring various bodily functions such as temperature. The present invention discloses a method and apparatus which overcomes these shortcomings by providing an active source of electrical power within the reticulum of the animal and which comprises an elongate, cylindrical zinc tube closed at one end and having an integral dividing wall with an elongate solid carbon rod extending coaxially therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Inventors: Gerald E. O'Grady, Andris A. Kveps, Geoffrey A. DeBoer, Norman J. Ward
  • Patent number: 5604478
    Abstract: A portable chime system that is operable by a pet to alert the pet owner that the pet desires something such as to be let in or out of a building. The chime system includes a switch unit that may be placed on the ground or floor near a door and which may be activated by a pet applying pressure to the top of the unit. The switch unit is designed to avoid misfiring or nonfiring. The chime system also includes a remote chime unit that can be positioned in a different room or area than the switch unit. When the pet activates the switch unit, the switch unit sends a signal to the chime unit to sound a chime located within the chime unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Assignee: Tamara L. Grady
    Inventors: Tamara L. Grady, Andrew Krochmal
  • Patent number: RE36322
    Abstract: A device that automatically repeats a prerecorded message for training a bird to mimic the message. The device is sized such that it may be attached to a bird cage by adjustable clips. The device electronically records and stores a message spoken by the user and plays back the message through a speaker for the bird at intervals determined by a timer. A user may record any type of message that the user wishes for the bird to learn. The message may be of variable length up to 60 seconds in duration. The user may select a delay interval between one second and thirty minutes by utilization of the timer. Once the user activates the play-back, the device will play the prerecorded message at a selected volume, automatically repeating in intervals equal to that selected by the user. Thereafter, the device will continue to repeat the prerecorded message at the selected interval until the user deactivates the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Inventor: Russell C. Whitaker