Patents Examined by Emily Morgan
  • Patent number: 10362843
    Abstract: A gemstone is provided that has an improved brilliance, especially at the crown portion of the gemstone. The gemstone has a crown angle that is less than an ideal cut round diamond and, preferably the crown angle is less than 27 degrees. By reducing the crown angle of the gemstone, light entering one end of the crown portion may exit the opposite end of the gemstone. In addition, reducing the crown angle reduces the mass necessary for the gemstone. As a result, the gemstone has a width or diameter that corresponds to a larger mass gemstone that is cut according to conventional ideal proportions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Inventors: Leonard J. Strnad, II, Yoshihiko Kodama, Yoshiko Kodama
  • Patent number: 9856686
    Abstract: A hinge device includes a first fixed tubular half-shell having a working chamber defining a longitudinal axis, a second tubular half-shell rotatable about the longitudinal axis, a pivot rotating unitary with the latter which includes a single pass-through actuating member having a helical shape, a plunger member slidable along the longitudinal axis, and a tubular bushing having a pair of guide cam slots. A pin inserted within the pass-through actuating member is provided to allow the mutual engagement of the pivot and the bushing. The first tubular half-shell includes an end portion susceptible to rotatably support the pivot, the second tubular half-shell and the bushing are coaxially coupled to each other, and the bushing and the first tubular half-shell are mutually unitarily coupled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: IN & TEC S.R.L.
    Inventor: Luciano Bacchetti
  • Patent number: 9855916
    Abstract: Disclosed is an active hood hinge device for vehicles. The active hood hinge device includes an actuator bracket rotatably coupled to a mounting bracket of a vehicle body at one side, a locking lever rotatably coupled to the actuator bracket and driven by an operating force of an actuator, a long link rotatably coupled to the actuator bracket, and unfolded and rotated from the actuator bracket by a rotating force of the locking lever, and a hood bracket rotatably coupled with the long link and fixedly coupled to a hood panel at opposite sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corp.
    Inventor: In Hwang
  • Patent number: 9848678
    Abstract: A ring assembly includes an annular ring platform having a recess formed in a portion thereof and a column with an opening therein. A collar is received on the ring platform and has a sleeve that mates with the column. An ornamental portion has an anchor that extends through the collar and selectively mates with the column opening. A biasing spring is received in the recess of the ring platform and urges the collar outwardly from the ring platform. The ornamental portion selectively rotates relative to the ring platform whereby the anchor locks with the column and the spring urges the ornamental portion toward locked relation therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Inventor: Timothy J. Drouhard
  • Patent number: 9803405
    Abstract: An adjustable snap-acting hinge is provided. The hinge includes a first articulated quadrilateral and a second articulated quadrilateral, which can move on a working plane and share a first lever and a second lever and are provided respectively with a plate for coupling to a first element and with a plate for fixing to a second element. A contrast element is associated with the coupling plate and can be arranged in at least one position for use, which lies between a first position in which the contrast element is arranged at a maximum distance from the point of the first lever, and a second position in which the contrast element is arranged at a minimum distance from the point of the first lever. The hinge also includes locking means for keeping the contrast element in the position for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: D.G.N. S.R.L.
    Inventor: Daniele Zetti
  • Patent number: 9790725
    Abstract: A blocking device that includes a blocking pin movable on the first element between an unblocked position and a blocked position, and an actuating element secured to the second element and arranged to move the blocking pin. The blocking pin is fastened to the first element by a stressing element arranged to exert a force stressing the blocking pin toward its unblocked position between the unblocked position and an intermediate position of the blocking pin, and to exert a force stressing the blocking pin toward its blocked position between the intermediate position and the blocked position of the blocking pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Faurecia Interieur Industrie
    Inventor: Olivier Leborgne
  • Patent number: 9764433
    Abstract: An earring for a pierced ear includes an ornamental member and an earring post. The earring post includes a base, a first prong and a second prong. The earring post is made of a deformable metal so that the first prong and the second prong can be bent to secure the earring in an ear without requiring detachable pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Inventor: Stephanie Giorlando
  • Patent number: 9759002
    Abstract: A closing device for a furniture part having a carrier connected to the movable furniture part or the body part, and a closing lever which is impinged upon by a closing spring, the closing lever having a guide track for the carrier and being pivotable by the carrier when the movable furniture part is opened between a hold-closed position and a standby position, in which the carrier uncouples from the closing lever or which is stationary with respect to the movable furniture part for the carrier connected to the body part. A closing force is exerted by the closing lever onto the carrier as of a use position assumed by the carrier in the guide track. The distance of the carrier in the use position from the lever pivoting axis of the is at least 1.5 times the distance of the carrier in the closed position from the pivoting axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: FULTERER Gesellschaft mbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Muller, Adis Causevic, Edwin Grubel
  • Patent number: 9694485
    Abstract: A device and method for providing assistance in gripping items that is sanitary and flexible. In its simplest embodiment, the device is an elongated elastomeric piece with two ends, each end terminating in an enclosed aperture that can be attached to a device to be gripped. Alternate embodiments include an embodiment with a third hole for thumb assistance from the other hand for placing the strap around the hand of the user and the item to be gripped, an embodiment with a middle hole thereby providing three holes wherein the center hole wraps around the center of a baby bottle while the two end holes wrap around the top and bottom of the baby bottle while providing space between the top and bottom holes for the baby's hands, an embodiment with a y-strap for gripping hand tools and an embodiment with a center long hole to allow for the bend in the knuckles of the hand of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Inventors: Kerry Mellin, Merrily Mellin, Wendy Mellin
  • Patent number: 9648929
    Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter provides a system for the enhancement of the hoop portion of a hoop earring. Particularly, the disclosed system enables different and various design elements to be secured and optionally removed from hoop earrings. The disclosed earring assembly comprises an earring comprising a hoop member and a cover. The cover comprises a front face and a rear face attached to the front face, thereby defining a cavity for receiving the hoop member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Spirit Hoops, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur Henry Tew, Anna Carrington Tew, Joshua Richard Brown
  • Patent number: 9648928
    Abstract: An expandable band includes one or more expandable links and one or more expansion mechanisms. The expandable link is movable between expanded and contracted positions. The expandable link is biased toward the contracted position. The expansion mechanism can be manipulated to transition the expandable link between the expanded and contracted positions, thus expanding and/or contracting the expandable band. The expandable links may be X links, pantographs, and/or other linkages. The expansion mechanism may include one or more restrictors operable to restrict expansion of the expandable band. The expansion mechanism may also include one or more lock mechanisms operable to prevent and/or resist contracting of the expandable band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Motohide Hatanaka, Douglas J. Weber
  • Patent number: 9617774
    Abstract: In an aspect, a check arm for a vehicle door is provided, and includes a body, a pivot connector and an end stop. The body has a length and defines a longitudinal axis, and has a first body end and a second body end. The pivot connector is positioned at the first body end and is configured for pivotally connecting the check arm to one of a vehicle body and a vehicle door. The end stop is positioned at the second body end, and is positioned to limit the amount of withdrawal of the check arm from a check arm keeper on the other of the vehicle body and the vehicle door. The body includes a plurality of elongate structural fibers and a binder that connects the structural fibers together. Each structural fiber extends longitudinally along substantially the length of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: WARREN INDUSTRIES LTD.
    Inventors: Douglas Broadhead, Gareth Kenworthy
  • Patent number: 9603421
    Abstract: A gem setting comprising a first wall with a first groove and a second wall with a second groove, the first wall and the second wall having a channel between them and the first groove facing towards the second groove such that when the plurality of gems are set into the channel the crown of the gems extends above the first wall top and the second wall top; four soldering prongs attached to the ends of the walls and a ring portion, wherein the ring portion is soldered to the four soldering prongs to enclose the plurality of gems in the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Inventor: Hasmukh Dholakiya
  • Patent number: 9585446
    Abstract: Ring protector made of non-elastic or elastic materials produced by common manufacturing techniques including, but not limited to, 3D printing or by skilled hands, to snuggly fit around a ring and completely surround the outside of a ring and any incorporated designs, stones or settings. The ring protector may contain padding or cushion material within any design recess to further protect the ring and any incorporated designs, stones or settings. Ring protectors made according to principles of this invention protect rings from damage while the ring both on and off the ring-wearer's hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventor: Eric Angelo Scalzo
  • Patent number: 9578934
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include systems, methods, and devices for securing a hair retention device hidden (at least partially) from view using a bracelet. Such embodiments include a bracelet having an annular shape. Further, the bracelet includes an annular cavity along a side of the bracelet to retain a hair retention device and an open cavity that allows a user to access the hair retention device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Inventor: Haley Waud
  • Patent number: 9572408
    Abstract: The invention relates to an item of jewelry, comprising a fastener (2), an outer part (3), and an inner part (4) rotatable therein. The fastener can move in a reciprocating manner relative to the outer part, and an entrainment means (5) is provided between the fastener and the inner part in order to rotate the inner part in one direction when certain movements are made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Joerg HEINZ GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Martin Heinz, Karl Burth, Dieter Luz
  • Patent number: 9545142
    Abstract: A handle for a luggage item is provided with at least one channel or conduit for receiving a strap for a duffel bag or similar luggage item. The handle is capable of selectively receiving at least one strap and further capable of being provided around or otherwise secured to a second strap. The handles may be used for single-handed carry of two or more straps and allow for the release or separation of the two or more straps as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Eddie Bauer LLC
    Inventors: Noah Pitchforth, Jesse Thompson, Brian Fletcher
  • Patent number: 9528308
    Abstract: The hinge device according to the present invention includes a plurality of shaft units arranged in parallel, and a link unit configured to connect each shaft unit and rotate about each shaft unit, wherein rotation of a first member and a second member, the first member and the second member being objects of hinge, is realized by rotation of each link unit using a plurality of rotation shaft as a base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignees: Seneka Co., Ltd., Shin Zu Shing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Pil Je Cho, Young Woo Huh
  • Patent number: 9522466
    Abstract: An extendable stick includes an elongate body comprising a first member, a second member, and a third member arranged in a telescopic nesting formation. A pulley system is disposed within the elongate body, wherein the pulley system is in operative communication with the first, second, and third members of the elongate body to extend the first member and the third member simultaneously outwardly from the elongate body and retract the first member and the third member simultaneously inwardly from the elongate body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Simon M. Conway, Linda J. Babinski, Kate Schreiber, Robert T. Wosewick, Stephen M. Oshgan, Paresh Shroff, Jason R. Gebhardt, Tomasz K. Kasprzycki
  • Patent number: 9518415
    Abstract: A rolling door operator comprises a rotary shaft, a centrifugal brake mechanism, and a unidirectional centrifugal mechanism, in which a latching tooth and plurality of slots are disposed around one end of the rotary shaft, and the unidirectional centrifugal mechanism includes an active pin with an axial latching face and a sliding face, the axial latching face being engaged with one of slots to latch the rotary shaft together only in the falling direction of a door curtain, and the sliding face having a bevel adjacent to the latching face to contact slidingly over the slots, so that the door curtain can be lifted up immediately in another direction, and without affecting normal opening function of the door curtain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Inventor: Chung-Hsien Hsieh