Patents Examined by Peter Helvey
  • Patent number: 9872554
    Abstract: Wearable articles and methods for configuring wearable articles and using wearable articles are described. A top portion, a front portion, a bottom portion, and a back portion are disclosed. At least one means for releasably configuring aspects of a wearable article is disclosed. At least one means on a wearable article for attaching, carrying and/or displaying items to it is disclosed. At least one means for adjusting the size of the at least one aspect of a wearable article is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: MOXIE ENDEAVORS, INC.
    Inventors: Kelly J. Galloway, Susan M. Barna, Kolay Johnson
  • Patent number: 9869248
    Abstract: A method of configuring a plurality of gas turbine engines includes the steps of configuring each of the engines with respective ones of a plurality of propulsors. Each propulsor includes a propulsor turbine and one of a fan and a propeller. Each of the engines is configured with respective ones of a plurality of substantially mutually alike gas generators, with the respective propulsor turbine driven by products of combustion downstream of the gas generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Gabriel L. Suciu, Brian D. Merry
  • Patent number: 9855787
    Abstract: A lift tab hanging structure is disclosed. An example apparatus includes a hanging member to hang from a support structure and a tab mechanism. The tab mechanism includes a support portion extending over the hanging member to be supported by the hanging member and an indexing portion extending from the support portion. The example apparatus further includes a cover panel having an edge hanging from the support portion of the tab mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: LSC Communications US, LLC
    Inventor: Paul F. Dobson
  • Patent number: 9849839
    Abstract: A system for securely locking a storage box in a bed for a pickup truck, includes a storage box housing, a storage box lid and a lock for the lid. A plurality of wheels align with dips in the bottom of the truck bed. Guide pins align with a dip to keep the storage box housing centered. Horizontal locking pins are positioned inside the housing having both a retracted position and a locking position, in which each locking pin is partly into the nearest side wall. At least one vertical locking pin is positioned inside the housing having both a retracted position and a locking position partly within a hole in the ridge of the bottom wall. Once locking pins are engaged, they can only be disengaged from inside the housing when the lid for the storage box is open. Various holes are reinforced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Inventor: George P. Buckland
  • Patent number: 9850033
    Abstract: A collapsible container (1) for liquids and the like comprising: two deformable membranes (2) placed side by side along an intermediate plane (2a) and comprising a plurality of mutually bound edges (3) able to define a housing volume for liquids and an aperture (4) made by two mutually unbound edges and able to form an inlet for liquids, the membranes (2) defining a rest configuration in which they are close to the mutual contact along the intermediate plane (2a) and a working configuration, elastically deformed and having an arrow in the direction of mutual removal, by defining a containment volume for liquids and the like, in which the deformable membranes (2) have a shape tapering from said aperture (4) to said opposed end (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Inventor: Girolamo Buonavoglia
  • Patent number: 9850031
    Abstract: Simulated commercial envelopes and methods of making are disclosed. An example envelope includes a first envelope portion having a front panel. A top flap is integrally formed with a top edge of the front panel about a first fold line, and a bottom flap is integrally formed with a bottom edge-of the front panel about a second fold line. A second envelope portion includes a rear panel free of any fold lines or flaps. The rear panel is to be secured to the front panel to form a pocket at least partially surrounding the mailer. The bottom flap is to be folded about the second fold line and to be secured to the rear panel on a side opposite the formed pocket. The top flap is to be folded about the first fold line and to be secured over the rear panel on the side opposite the formed pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company
    Inventor: Philip Medwell Brown
  • Patent number: 9851107
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel and improved apparatus and method for reducing the emissions of a gas turbine combustion system. More specifically, a combustion system is provided having a first combustion chamber and a premixer positioned proximate an outlet end of a combustion liner for mixing a second fuel/air mixture with hot combustion gases and burning the subsequent mixture to achieve reduced emissions levels. The premixer is positioned generally about the combustion liner and includes a plurality of channels and fuel injectors for introducing a fuel/air mixture, induced with a swirl, into a second, axially staged combustor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: ANSALDO ENERGIA IP UK LIMITED
    Inventors: Peter John Stuttaford, Paul Economo, Stephen Jorgensen, Donald Gauthier, Timothy Hui
  • Patent number: 9850032
    Abstract: Provided is a packaging bag which can prevent a colorant contained in a multilayer film from staining a packaged object, as well as has high mechanical strengths such as high impact resistance and high pinhole resistance. In a packaging bag formed by forming a multifold film into a bag shape, the multifold film being formed by stacking a plurality of multilayer films, a colorant is contained in a layer of the multilayer films, the layer containing the colorant being not in contact with an object to be packaged. For example, the multifold film comprises two stacked multilayer film formed by flattening a tubular multilayer film. For example, the colorant is an inorganic pigment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: KYORAKU CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tomohiro Uesugi, Shinji Matsunaga
  • Patent number: 9850034
    Abstract: A self-opening bag includes front and real walls joined at their respective first and second side and bottom edges. The bag is folded at least once parallel to its side edges. At least one attaching feature is located on the outer surface of the bag adjacent the upper end and between the folded walls. The bag is releasably attached to a subsequent bag. The at least one attaching feature causes the bag to open as the bag is pulled from the subsequent bag. The once folded bag may be sealed at the bottom edges after folding to form a star-sealed bag bottom. The bags may be removably attached to each other at a perforation line and wound onto a compact roll for use with a bag dispenser. The bags may have an upper seam, a U-shaped cut and a pair of bag handles. The bags may be corona treated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Inventor: Daniel Brian Tan
  • Patent number: 9845121
    Abstract: An automobile spare tire anti-theft device is disclosed. In an embodiment, the device includes a cap and retainer assembly. The cap can be configured to cover a portion of the yoke and the cable coupling extending from the underside of the yoke, including for example an extension and spring assembly. The cap can be secured in place by engaging the cap retainer positioned on the opposite side of the hub of the rim. Example features of example embodiments of the cap and retainer are disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Spare-tite, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Pulice, Eric Kowalik, Thomas William Buffington
  • Patent number: 9833059
    Abstract: A tie strap includes an elongated flexible strap defining first and second opposed ends, a first surface and a second surface; a first fabric attachment pad secured to the first surface proximate the first end; a second fabric attachment pad secured to the first surface proximate the second end; a third fabric attachment pad secured to the second surface proximate the second end; and a fourth attachment pad secured to a personal item, the personal item being securable to the tie strap by passing the second end of the flexible strap on a first side of a belt or the like and pressing the fourth attachment pad against the second attachment pad and thereafter rotating the second end of the elongated strap and the personal item upwardly and thereafter folding the first end of the flexible strap upon the third fabric attachment pad and pressing the first attachment pad against the third attachment pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Inventor: Howard Earl Westbrook
  • Patent number: 9828141
    Abstract: An envelope assembly includes an original and a return address components. The original address component has a front side having an original address provided thereon, a rear side, and a first attachment portion provided around at least part of the perimeter of the original address component. The return address component includes a second attachment portion provided around at least part of the perimeter of the return address component and a return envelope portion, wherein the second attachment portion is attached to the first attachment portion The return envelope portion has a front side having a return address provided thereon, a rear side, and an interior for receiving return mailing materials. The rear side of the original address component faces the front side of the return envelope portion, and the return envelope portion is removeably attached to and separable from the second attachment portion by a first separation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Inventor: Alexander I. Brufsky
  • Patent number: 9821724
    Abstract: Described herein is a mounting apparatus, comprising a magnetic component, and a mount; wherein the magnetic component comprises one or more permanent magnet; wherein the mounting apparatus is configured to attach to a surface through a magnetic interaction between the magnetic component and a material that is ferromagnetic or ferromagnetic in the surface; wherein the mount comprises a plurality of clips which are configured to be mounted on an air vent in a vehicle. The mounting apparatus provides mounting of any appropriately sized electronic device in a vehicle, to allow convenient viewing and access to the device. The presently disclosed mounting apparatus also realizes a continuous rotation and continuous movement of the portable electronic device while it is held by the mounting apparatus, therefore facilitating user control of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Inventor: Ping Zhang
  • Patent number: 9821722
    Abstract: A unitary item holder enabling the cooling and solidification of items within a vehicle having an air conditioning system and an associated air vent, especially those which have melted within the vehicle. The item holder includes a plate having a plate axis, a pocket, and a directly opposing hook end configured for sliding within the air vent and anchoring around a slat horizontally extending therein, such that the cool air from the conditioning system can be used to cool and solidify the items. The hook end is defined via the plate extending downwardly away from the plate axis. The pocket includes a pocket defined via the plate extending upwardly away from the plate axis for holding the melted items. In an example embodiment, the pocket further includes a cooling component for retaining coolness such that items can also remain cool and solidified when the vehicle is not running.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Inventor: Doug Jones
  • Patent number: 9820555
    Abstract: Embodiments of universal adapter system including a belt adapter for a belt, such as a tactical belt, configured to couple one or more pack adapters secured to a respective load bearing pack, such as a backpack. Other embodiments of the universal adapter systems may be described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Tyr Tactical, LLC
    Inventor: Jason Beck
  • Patent number: 9814288
    Abstract: The present invention provides a unit-expandable communication device case that can achieve various functions. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the unit-expandable mobile communication device case includes a case, couplers, and a unit. The case has a flat plate which has a plurality of coupling holes formed with regular intervals in any one of a column direction and a row direction, and is detachably attached to a mobile communication device. The couplers are coupled to the coupling holes. The unit has one or more coupling holes and detachably attached to the case by being coupled to the couplers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: ROBOTIS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Byoung Soo Kim
  • Patent number: 9810911
    Abstract: A strap system for a head-mounted display system includes a rigid bar, semi-rigid segment, and rigid segment. The rigid bar includes a lateral slot and a vertical slot. The rigid segment includes a first end to fixedly couple to the semi-rigid segment and a second end opposite to the first end. The second end of the rigid segment inserts into the lateral slot from the first end of the rigid bar. The strap system further includes one or more compression springs coupled to the rigid segment, and a shuttle to press against the one or more compressions spring so as to slide along the lateral dimension. The strap system also includes an adjustment strap fixedly coupled to the shuttle and extending beyond the second end of the rigid segment and through the vertical slot on the rigid bar to adjustably couple to the outer surface of the rigid bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: OCULUS VR, LLC
    Inventors: Robin Michael Miller, Jared I. Drinkwater, Lesley Ribble Magrath, Peter Wesley Bristol, Joseph Patrick Sullivan
  • Patent number: 9809371
    Abstract: A consumable product package assembly includes at least one consumable product and a package for enclosing the at least one product. The package includes an elongate body portion surrounding the product and a longitudinal seal extending at least partially along the length of the body portion. The seal has a pair of longitudinally spaced notches extending transversely to the distal edge of the seal. The notches define a grasping tab therebetween to initiate tearing of the body portion of the package transversely about the product. The body portion further includes at least one score location extending between the notches to weaken the package thereat to facilitate controlled tearing of the body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Intercontinental Great Brands LLC
    Inventors: Paul Veternik, Marcela Maia Lopez, Anderson Silva
  • Patent number: 9808686
    Abstract: An accessory bag for a main bag is provided and may include a main body extending along a longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end. The main body may be movable between a collapsed state having the first end disposed proximate to the second end and an expanded state having the first end separated from the second end. The accessory bag may further include an attachment device associated with one of the first end and the second end that selectively attaches the main body to the main bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Pierre Pactanac, Heather LeAnne Herron, Mark Andrew Alan, Harlan Charles Peden, III, Sherry Lynn Jones, James Huang Lua
  • Patent number: 9809262
    Abstract: An assembly for connecting a spare wheel to a motor vehicle with a tether, the spare wheel having at least one bolt hole, includes an eyelet bracket having a first member angled with respect to a second member, the first member connectable to the tether and the second member defining an eyelet, a rod that defines an axis and is connected to the first member, the rod configured to be disposed in the bolt hole of the spare wheel, and a clip connected to the second member, the clip having a retaining feature extended towards the rod and a tab extended through the eyelet. The second member of the eyelet bracket prevents the eyelet bracket from rotating about the axis and the retaining feature of the clip prevents the eyelet bracket from moving in one direction along the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: DURA Operating, LLC
    Inventors: Stanislaw Skiba, John Sayeau