Almond Patents (Class PLT/155)
  • Publication number: 20200315077
    Abstract: A new and distinct variety of almond tree (Prunus dulcis), which is denominated varietally as ‘Buralmondthree’, and which exhibits self-fertility, high productivity, very high quality nuts, a firm and durable and well-sealed suture that results in reduced damage by some of the common insect pests in almonds, increased resistance to Rhizopus stollinifer, and produces almonds which are mature for harvesting and shipment approximately August 15th to August 25th under the ecological conditions prevailing in the San Joaquin Valley of Central Calif.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventor: John K. Slaughter
  • Publication number: 20180160579
    Abstract: A new and distinct almond variety of Prunus dulcis named ‘VELA’, particularly characterized by self-fertility, large kernels and very high production. Other desirable characteristics include medium to late harvest time, well-sealed soft shells, and high quality, sweet kernels with high oil content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2017
    Publication date: June 7, 2018
    Inventor: Michelle Wirthensohn
  • Publication number: 20170347511
    Abstract: A new and distinct almond variety of Prunus dulcis named ‘MAXIMA’, particularly characterized by large kernels and very high production. Other desirable characteristics include early to medium harvest time, well-sealed semihard shells, and high quality, sweet kernels with high oil and vitamin E content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Michelle Wirthensohn, Andrew Granger
  • Publication number: 20170347512
    Abstract: A new and distinct almond variety of Prunus dulcis named ‘CARINA’, particularly characterized by self-fertility and very high production. Other desirable characteristics include very early to early harvest time, well-sealed semi-hard shells, and high quality, sweet kernels with high oil content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Michelle Wirthensohn, Andrew Granger
  • Publication number: 20170347510
    Abstract: A new and distinct almond variety of Prunus dulcis named ‘CAPELLA’, particularly characterized by self-fertility and very high production. Other desirable characteristics include early to medium harvest time, well-sealed hard shells, and high quality, sweet kernels with high oleic acid content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Michelle Wirthensohn, Andrew Granger
  • Publication number: 20170347509
    Abstract: A new and distinct almond variety of Prunus dulcis named ‘MIRA’, particularly characterized by self-fertility and very high production. Other desirable characteristics include early harvest time, well-sealed semihard shells, and high quality, sweet kernels with high oil content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Michelle Wirthensohn, Andrew Granger
  • Publication number: 20170347508
    Abstract: A new and distinct almond variety of Prunus dulcis named ‘RHEA’, particularly characterized by attractive medium sized kernels and very high production. Other desirable characteristics include medium harvest time, well-sealed paper shells, with kernels having high oleic acid content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Michelle Wirthensohn, Andrew Granger
  • Publication number: 20170094853
    Abstract: A new and distinct variety of almond tree is described, and which is denominated varietally as ‘Buralmondtwo’, and which further expresses self-fertility, and further produces well-sealed nuts which are mature for harvesting and shipment approximately July 27th to August 8th under the ecological conditions prevailing in the San Joaquin Valley of Central Calif.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Applicant: The Burchell Nursery, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Gerdts, John K. Slaughter
  • Publication number: 20160270275
    Abstract: A new and distinct variety of root stocks is described and which is characterized as to novelty by its resistance to Oak Root fungus and Root-Knot nematodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2015
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventor: Pamela Samantha Lewis
  • Publication number: 20160088781
    Abstract: A new and distinct variety of almond tree, which is denominated varietally as ‘Lone Star’, and which produces an attractive, light colored kernel, which is mature for harvesting on approximately August 19 to August 25 under the ecological conditions prevailing in the San Joaquin Valley of central California.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Applicant: The Burchell Nursery, Inc.
    Inventors: John K. Slaughter, Timothy J. Gerdts
  • Publication number: 20150271964
    Abstract: A new almond variety (Prunus dulcis) designated as ‘Kester’ is provided that is well-suited for serving as a pollenizer of the widely-grown ‘Nonpareil’ variety. ‘Kester’ is cross-compatible with ‘Nonpareil’ and has good bloom overlap with this variety, making ‘Kester’ highly complementary to ‘Nonpareil’ in production systems. ‘Kester’ has demonstrated low potential for Noninfectious Bud Failure and other serious afflictions of almond. Further, ‘Kester’ displays desirable tree and nut qualities, along with exceptional yields.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2014
    Publication date: September 24, 2015
    Applicant: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Thomas GRADZIEL, Mario VIVEROS, Dale KESTER
  • Publication number: 20150173261
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a peach-almond hybrid tree, Prunus sp., and more particularly to a new and distinct variety broadly characterized by a large size, extremely vigorous, hardy, self-sterile, light producing and irregular bearing tree. The nut matures under the ecological conditions described in mid August, with the harvest date on Aug. 10, 2013. The tree is most useful for a commercial rootstock, which has shown to be compatible with all tested almonds. The tree has a strongly developed root system and has shown to be very drought tolerant, very tolerant to excess rain and irrigation, and somewhat resistant to nematodes while having an unknown susceptibility to crown rot, oak root fungus, crown gall, and bacterial canker. As a rootstock, the tree supports very heavy production from budded commercial almond varieties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Publication date: June 18, 2015
    Inventors: William Bright, Wendy Bright
  • Publication number: 20150113688
    Abstract: The invention provides a new and distinct variety of almond tree, named Bennett-Hickman, substantially as described and illustrated herein, which is somewhat similar to the ‘Nonpareil’ almond tree (unpatented), but which is distinguishable therefrom by possessing a heavier bloom, an extended bloom period, greener foliage that is retained for a longer duration of time, a sweeter kernel, with rare doubles, and a harvest period that runs approximately 14 days later than Nonpareil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventor: James Bennett
  • Publication number: 20100107286
    Abstract: A new and distinct almond variety of Prunus dulcis named ‘ZOHAR’, particularly characterized by self-fertile capability and production of high quality almond fruit with a large kernel fertile and produces almond fruit, of high quality and with a large kernel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventors: Doron Holland, Irit Bar-Ya'akov, Kamel Hatib, Reuven Birger
  • Publication number: 20100107287
    Abstract: A new and distinct almond variety of Prunus dulcis named ‘MATAN’, particularly characterized by self-fertile capability and production of high quality almond fruit with a large kernel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventors: Doron Holland, Irit Bar-Ya'akov, Kamel Hatib, Reuven Birger
  • Publication number: 20020157144
    Abstract: An improved Prunus dulcis variety is provided that is well suited for serving as a pollenizer for the widely-grown ‘Nonpareil’ variety (non-patented in the United States). Good bloom overlap in combination with good production quality is displayed. The tree exhibits an upright and spreading growth habit. Abundant lateral vegetative growth is produced on current season shoots which makes possible high tree productivity. Desirable fruit and kernel characteristics for shelled and possessed almond production are displayed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2001
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventors: Dale E. Kester, Thomas M. Gradziel, Richard N. Asay
  • Patent number: PP16977
    Abstract: A new and distinct variety of almond tree that is somewhat similar to the ‘Carmel’ and ‘Nonpariel’ varieties, but is distinguished therefrom in being slightly darker in color than the ‘Carmel’ and in having a larger kernel than the ‘Nonpariel’. In addition, the fruit is produced several days after both ‘Carmel’ and ‘Nonpariel’ varieties. The fruit is of medium size and has a soft shell. This new invention has a good flavor and is free from an unusual number of doubles (kernels in the shell).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Inventor: Mike Wassum
  • Patent number: PP12737
    Abstract: An almond tree named ‘Bluegum’ that is an early season pollinator, which produces high quality, marketable crops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Driver Nursery, Inc.
    Inventors: O. Hubert Flora, Jonathan J. Flora, Rodney D. Flora
  • Patent number: PP13220
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an almond tree, botanical classification Prunus dulcis cultivar ‘MARCHINI’, and more particularly to a new and distinct variety broadly characterized by a large size, vigorous, hardy, self-sterile, productive and regular bearing tree whose nuts mature under the ecological conditions described approximately the last week in August. The nut is medium in size and is enclosed by a soft, open shell that is easily removed by hand or by machanical shellers. The shelled nut may be marketed as a whole, blanched, sliced or diced product. The inshell nut is very suitable as a roasted and salted product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Inventor: Joseph C. Marchini
  • Patent number: PP13286
    Abstract: An improved Prunus dulcis variety is provided that is well suited for serving as a pollenizer for the widely-grown ‘Nonpareil’ variety (non-patented in the United States). Good bloom overlap in combination with good production quality is displayed. The tree exhibits an upright and spreading growth habit. Abundant lateral vegetative growth is produced on current season shoots which makes possible high tree productivity. Desirable fruit and kernel characteristics for shelled and possessed almond production are displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Dale E. Kester, Thomas M. Gradziel, Richard N. Asay
  • Patent number: PP19369
    Abstract: A new and distinct variety of almond tree as described, and which is somewhat similar to the ‘Nonpariel’ almond tree (unpatented), but which is distinguishable therefrom by producing a small to medium sized kernel of high quality and having a sweet flavor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Inventor: Robert L. Riddle
  • Patent number: PP19436
    Abstract: An improved Prunus dulcis variety is provided that is well suited for serving as a replacement for the premium quality ‘Marcona’ variety (non-patented in the United States). A distinctive heart-shape kernel in combination with very high kernel lipid quality is displayed. Good bloom overlap is displayed with the widely-grown ‘Nonpareil’ variety (non-patented in the United States) and pollen is cross-compatible with ‘Nonpareil’ and all major California almond varieties. The tree exhibits an upright-spreading growth habit with good productivity. Desirable fruit and kernel characteristics for shelled and processed almond production are displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Thomas Gradziel, Mary Ann Thorpe, Nancy K. Baysinger, Dale Kester
  • Patent number: PP15049
    Abstract: A new and distinct variety of almond tree which is somewhat similar to ‘Nonpareil’ (non patented) but distinguished therefrom by producing nuts that mature a week before ‘Nonpareil’ for harvesting, husking, shelling, and shipping, which further produces a high quality nut of medium size with a good shell. This new invention has a sweet flavor and is comparatively free of doubled kernels in the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Sierra Gold Nurseries
    Inventor: Mark Kochi
  • Patent number: PP19555
    Abstract: An almond tree (Prunus dulcis) named ‘Folsom’ that blooms and ripens in the early season and produces a high quality, marketable crop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Inventor: Albert Edwin Folsom
  • Patent number: PP20295
    Abstract: A new and distinct variety of Interspecific Almond tree. The following features of the tree and its nuts are characterized with the tree budded on ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock (non-patented), grown on Handford sandy loam soil with Storie Index rating 95, in USDA Hardiness Zone 9, near Modesto, Calif., with standard commercial almond growing practices, such as pruning, spraying, irrigation and fertilization. Its novelty consist of the following combination of desirable features: 1. The tree being self fertile with the ability to produce almonds without the use of pollinators. 2. Vigorous, upright growth of the tree. 3. Producing nuts that are well sealed and soft shelled. 4. Nuts having very good eating quality. 5. Nuts harvesting 7 to 10 days before ‘Nonpariel’ Almond (non-patented). 6. The pollen being compatible with ‘Nonpariel’ Almond (non-patented) and blooming in the same blooming season.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Inventors: Gary Neil Zaiger, Leith Marie Gardner, Grant Gene Zaiger
  • Patent number: PP21934
    Abstract: A new and distinct variety of almond tree is described and which is somewhat similar to the ‘Nonpareil’ almond tree (non-patented), but which is distinguishable therefrom by producing a larger sized kernel of high quality and having a sweet flavor when compared to the with ‘Nonpareil’ almond tree (non-patented).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Inventor: Bill Crocker
  • Patent number: PP22458
    Abstract: A new and distinct almond variety of Prunus dulcis named ‘MATAN’, particularly characterized by self-fertility and production of high quality almond fruit with a large kernel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: State of Israel, Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development, Agricultural Research Organization
    Inventors: Doron Holland, Irit Bar-Ya'akov, Kamel Hatib, Reuven Birger
  • Patent number: PP22613
    Abstract: A new and distinct almond variety of Prunus dulcis named ‘ZOHAR’, particularly characterized by self-fertility and production of high quality almond fruit with a large kernel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: State of Israel, Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development Agricultural Research Organization
    Inventors: Doron Holland, Irit Bar-Ya'akov, Kamel Hatib, Reuven Birger
  • Patent number: PP11096
    Abstract: A new and distinct variety of almond tree which is somewhat remotely similar to the Nonpareil almond tree (unpatented) but which is distinguished therefrom by producing a crop which is mature for commercial harvesting and shipment approximately 8 days after the Nonpareil variety under the ecological conditions prevailing in Atwater, Calif.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Inventor: Charles Mancebo
  • Patent number: PP26083
    Abstract: The invention provides a new and distinct variety of almond tree, named ‘Bennett-Hickman’, substantially as described and illustrated herein, which is somewhat similar to the ‘Nonpareil’ almond tree (unpatented), but which is distinguishable therefrom by possessing a heavier bloom, an extended bloom period, greener foliage that is retained for a longer duration of time, a sweeter kernel, with rare doubles, and a harvest period that runs approximately 14 days later than ‘Nonpareil’.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Inventor: James Bennett
  • Patent number: PP27367
    Abstract: A new almond variety (Prunus dulcis) designated as ‘Kester’ is provided that is well-suited for serving as a pollenizer of the widely-grown ‘Nonpareil’ variety. ‘Kester’ is cross-compatible with ‘Nonpareil’ and has good bloom overlap with this variety, making ‘Kester’ highly complementary to ‘Nonpareil’ in production systems. ‘Kester’ has demonstrated low potential for Noninfectious Bud Failure and other serious afflictions of almond. Further, ‘Kester’ displays desirable tree and nut qualities, along with exceptional yields.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Thomas Gradziel, Mario Viveros, Dale Kester
  • Patent number: PP27952
    Abstract: A new and distinct variety of root stocks is described and which is characterized as to novelty by its resistance to Oak Root fungus and Root-Knot nematodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Inventor: Pamela Samantha Lewis
  • Patent number: PP28466
    Abstract: A new and distinct variety of almond tree is described, and which is denominated varietally as ‘Buralmondtwo’, and which further expresses self-fertility, and further produces well-sealed nuts which are mature for harvesting and shipment approximately July 27th to August 8th under the ecological conditions prevailing in the San Joaquin Valley of Central California.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: The Burchell Nursery, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Gerdts, John K. Slaughter
  • Patent number: PP29423
    Abstract: A new and distinct almond variety of Prunus dulcis named ‘MAXIMA’, particularly characterized by large kernels and very high production. Other desirable characteristics include early to medium harvest time, well-sealed semihard shells, and high quality, sweet kernels with high oil and vitamin E content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignees: Adelaide Research & Innovation Pty Ltd, Horticulture Innovation Australia Ltd
    Inventors: Michelle Wirthensohn, Andrew Granger
  • Patent number: PP29634
    Abstract: A new and distinct almond variety of Prunus dulcis named ‘RHEA’, particularly characterized by attractive medium sized kernels and very high production. Other desirable characteristics include medium harvest time, well-sealed paper shells, with kernels having high oleic acid content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignees: Adelaide Research & Innovation Pty Ltd, HORTICULTURE INNOVATION AUSTRALIA LIMITED
    Inventors: Michelle Wirthensohn, Andrew Granger
  • Patent number: PP29674
    Abstract: A new and distinct almond variety of Prunus dulcis named ‘CAPELLA’, particularly characterized by self-fertility and very high production. Other desirable characteristics include early to medium harvest time, well-sealed hard shells, and high quality, sweet kernels with high oleic acid content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignees: Adelaide Research & Innovation Pty Ltd, HORTICULTURE INNOVATION AUSTRALIA LIMITED
    Inventors: Michelle Wirthensohn, Andrew Granger
  • Patent number: PP29675
    Abstract: A new and distinct almond variety of Prunus dulcis named ‘MIRA’, particularly characterized by self-fertility and very high production. Other desirable characteristics include early harvest time, well-sealed semihard shells, and high quality, sweet kernels with high oil content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignees: Adelaide Research & Innovation Pty Ltd, HORTICULTURE INNOVATION AUSTRALIA LIMITED
    Inventors: Michelle Wirthensohn, Andrew Granger
  • Patent number: PP29676
    Abstract: A new and distinct almond variety of Prunus dulcis named ‘CARINA’, particularly characterized by self-fertility and very high production. Other desirable characteristics include very early to early harvest time, well-sealed semi-hard shells, and high quality, sweet kernels with high oil content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignees: Adelaide Research & Innovation Pty Ltd, HORTICULTURE INNOVATION AUSTRALIA LIMITED
    Inventors: Michelle Wirthensohn, Andrew Granger
  • Patent number: PP30228
    Abstract: A new and distinct almond variety of Prunus dulcis named ‘VELA’, particularly characterized by self-fertility, large kernels and very high production. Other desirable characteristics include medium to late harvest time, well-sealed soft shells, and high quality, sweet kernels with high oil content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignees: The University of Adelaide, Horticulture Innovation Australia Ltd.
    Inventor: Michelle Wirthensohn
  • Patent number: PP32301
    Abstract: A new and distinct variety of almond tree (Prunus dulcis), which is denominated varietally as ‘Buralmondthree’, and which exhibits self-fertility, high productivity, very high quality nuts, a firm and durable and well-sealed suture that results in reduced damage by some of the common insect pests in almonds, increased resistance to Rhizopus stollinifer, and produces almonds which are mature for harvesting and shipment approximately August 15th to August 25th under the ecological conditions prevailing in the San Joaquin Valley of Central California.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: The Burchell Nursery, Inc.
    Inventor: John K. Slaughter
  • Patent number: PP33622
    Abstract: A new and distinct variety of interspecific almond tree. The following features of the tree and its fruit are characterized with the tree budded on ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock (non-patented), grown on Handford sandy loam soil with Storie Index rating 95, in USDA Hardiness Zone 9, near Modesto, Calif., with standard commercial fruit growing practices, such as pruning, thinning, spraying, irrigation and fertilization. Its novelty consists of the following combination of desirable features: 1. The tree being self-fertile with the ability to produce almonds without the use of pollinators. 2. Vigorous, upright growth of tree. 3. Producing nuts that are well sealed and soft shelled. 4. Nuts having very good eating quality. 5. Nuts harvesting approximately 5 to 10 days after ‘Nonpareil’ Almond (non-patented).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Inventors: Gary Neil Zaiger, Leith Marie Gardner, Grant Gene Zaiger
  • Patent number: PP34044
    Abstract: A new and distinct variety of almond tree (Prunus dulcis) denominated varietally as ‘Booth’ is described, which produces an attractively light-colored kernel that is mature for harvesting on approximately August 19 to 25 under the ecological conditions prevailing in the San Joaquin Valley of central California.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignees: The Irene Booth Trust for Richard D. Booth, The Francis and Christine Booth Family Trust
    Inventors: Richard D. Booth, Francis R. Booth
  • Patent number: PP34178
    Abstract: The present invention provides a new and distinct variety of almond tree, named ‘PY2’, substantially as described and illustrated herein, which produces an improved yield, is a compatible pollinator with other varieties, and is ready for harvest at approximately the same time as other varieties. The ‘PY2’ variety is a good replacement for inter-planting with other varieties by providing compatible pollination, similar bloom and harvest times, and improved nut yield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Inventor: Phillip Martin Yori
  • Patent number: PP34559
    Abstract: A new and distinct variety of almond tree that exhibits self-compatibility, high fruit quality, and late flowering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: Centro de Investigación y Tecnología Agroalimentaria de Aragón
    Inventor: Maria Jose Rubio-Cabetas
  • Patent number: PP35421
    Abstract: The present invention provides a new and distinct variety of almond tree, named ‘PY1’, substantially as described and illustrated herein, that is a pollinator for existing varieties, and which produces nuts with rare doubles that are similar to existing varieties, with a crop having a fresh earthy taste, that is well suited for roasting, seasoning, oil and flavoring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Inventor: Phillip Martin Yori
  • Patent number: PP35678
    Abstract: A new and distinct variety of almond tree, which is denominated varietally as ‘Buralmfour’, is described with self-fertility and which produces an attractively light-colored kernel that is mature for harvesting on approximately August 19 to August 25 under the ecological conditions prevailing in the San Joaquin Valley of central California.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: The Burchell Nursery, Inc.
    Inventors: John K. Slaughter, Timothy J. Gerdts