Patents Issued in February 9, 2016
  • Patent number: 9253971
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for electrocution and disposal of pests, the apparatus including a reusable power source and a low cost disposable container. The reusable power source includes batteries and a circuit to provide a high voltage and low current signal to the disposable container, to electrocute small pests without presenting a risk to humans or pets. The disposable container is constructed from low cost material, for example, cardboard or plastic, and in one embodiment may be nested for efficient retail packaging. The nesting may be accomplished using tapered disposable containers or a series of decreasing size containers. A container floor includes conducting surfaces formed or glued on the floor. Internal leads and connector surfaces are similarly formed on sides and a rear of the container. The connector surfaces are configured to connect to the power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Inventor: Adrian Rivera
  • Patent number: 9253972
    Abstract: A device for subjecting a spatial area to acoustic oscillation in the ultrasound range or the ultrasound near range, the device provided with a housing having a plurality of irradiation surfaces wherein cylindrical cavities are formed as resonator spaces. The housing has a cylindrical inner space and is penetrated by a rotationally fixed vertical axis divided into two. The first part of the shaft is formed by an outer bearing flange and an inner bearing flange with distancing bolts screwed thereinbetween, and an electrical motor and a reduction gear arranged between the two bearing flanges. The second part of the shaft is formed by a pot-shaped sleeve to which a collector ring is fixed, a current collector lying on the collector ring in a sliding manner and connected to the rotating housing. Lines lead from the current collector through a borehole into the resonator space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Inventor: Susanne Kocker-Kunz
  • Patent number: 9253973
    Abstract: An intercepting device (e.g. a furniture coaster device) is placed under furniture (bed, sofa, chair. etc.), other climbable object, or the floor adjacent an object to intercept crawling arthropods and other crawling pests. The intercepting device can be used to monitor the presence of crawling arthropods and other crawling pests (such as bed bugs, ants, cockroaches, beetles, spiders, etc.), reduce pest numbers, and monitor efficacy of pest control procedures. The intercepting device includes pitfall trap surfaces that form multiple pitfall traps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignees: Purdue Research Foundation, Susan McKnight, Inc.
    Inventors: Susan McKnight, Changlu Wang
  • Patent number: 9253974
    Abstract: A motorized decoy provides lifelike feeding motion by rotating a decoy head through a full 360 degrees while passing through a longitudinal channel in the decoy body. The decoy body bobs in the water as the decoy head rotates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Inventors: Tyler J. Baskfield, Dennis L. McKinney
  • Patent number: 9253975
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a tool, a kit, and associated method for transferring a membranous tissue composed of cells derived from a living body. The tool can include a first sheet-like supporting member disposed on one side of the membranous tissue in a wet state, and a second sheet-like supporting member disposed on the other side of the membranous tissue in a wet state. The first supporting member and the second supporting member can be configured to entirely hold the membranous tissue, such that a frictional force between the first supporting member and the membranous tissue is larger than a frictional force between the second supporting member and the membranous tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: TERUMO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Ryohei Takeuchi, Tatsuya Shimizu, Katsuhisa Sakaguchi
  • Patent number: 9253976
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for preserving detached tissues, especially digits and limbs, which are detached as a result of traumatic amputation. By using the methods and apparatus, detached tissues can be preserved for greater lengths of time and are ultimately in a better condition for replantation surgery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Paragonix Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Lisa Maria Anderson, Jared Alden Judson
  • Patent number: 9253977
    Abstract: A method of incorporating biocides into wood or a wood product, the method including the steps of synthesizing a plurality of capsules each having an outer shell of polymer and incorporating within each said capsule an additive which includes an organic biocide, and then applying the said capsules to the wood or wood product in a manner whereby the capsules penetrate the wood or wood product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Tapuae Partnership
    Inventors: Peter James Hayward, Wallace James Rae, Jarrett Malcolm Black
  • Patent number: 9253978
    Abstract: The present invention relates to novel sulfoperoxycarboxylic acid compounds, and methods for making and using them. The sulfoperoxycarboxylic compounds of the invention are storage stable, water soluble and have low to no odor. Further, the compounds of the present invention can be formed from non-petroleum based renewable materials. The compounds of the present invention can be used as antimicrobials, and bleaching agents. The compounds of the present invention are also suitable for use as coupling agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Ecolab USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Junzhong Li, Richard Staub, David D. McSherry, Keith G. Lascotte, Steven J. Lange, Frank Everts
  • Patent number: 9253979
    Abstract: Methods of controlling insects include applying at least one spinosyn compound to a locus of a neonicotinoid-resistant insect, such as a strain of Drosophila melanogaster resistant to a neonicotinoid compound. The spinosyn compound may be a mixture of spinosyn A and spinosyn D. The spinosyn compound may cause up to approximately ten times increased mortality in the neonicotinoid-resistant insect compared to an insect susceptible to a neonicotinoid compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Dow AgroSciences LLC
    Inventors: Thomas C. Sparks, Gerald B. Watson
  • Patent number: 9253980
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of dithiine-tetracarboximide compounds of formula I as defined in the description, and the N-oxides, and salts thereof for combating harmful fungi and seed coated with at least one such compound. The invention also relates to novel dithiine-tetracarboximides, processes and intermediates for preparing these compounds and also to compositions comprising at least one such compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: BASF SE
    Inventors: Bernd Mueller, Nadege Boudet, Jochen Dietz, Wassilios Grammenos, Jan Klaas Lohmann, Richard Riggs, Ian Robert Craig, Jurith Montag, Egon Haden
  • Patent number: 9253981
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an insecticidal water based suspension concentrate formulation comprising a water-soluble insecticide selected from the group consisting of N-cyanomethyl-4-(trifluoromethyl)nicotinamide and (EZ)-1-(6-chloro-3-pyridylmethyl)-N-nitroimidazolidin-2-ylidineamine and at least one water-soluble salt selected from the group consisting of magnesium sulfate (hydrated and anhydrous forms) and sodium sulfate, wherein the water-soluble insecticide is present in an insecticidally effective amount and methods of use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventors: Robin W. Dexter, Hong Liu
  • Patent number: 9253982
    Abstract: The novel active compound combinations comprising 2-[2-(1-chlorocyclopropyl)-3-(2-chlorophenyl)-2-hydroxypropyl]-2,4-dihydro-[1,2,4]-triazole-3-thione of the formula and the active compound of groups (1) to (24) listed in the description have very good fungicidal properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Bayer Intellectual Property GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Dutzmann, Klaus Stenzel, Manfred Jautelat
  • Patent number: 9253983
    Abstract: In order to provide a compound that shows a strong effect on controlling a plant disease, a triazole compound of the present invention (i) is a compound in which —OH group, —R2 group, and CH2—Ar group are bonded in cis configuration with a cyclopentane, (ii) is (?)-enantiomer or (+) enantiomer, and (iii) is represented by Formula (I): (wherein R1 represents an alkyl group; R2 represents a haloalkyl group; and Ar represents a substituted/unsubstituted aromatic hydrocarbon group or a substituted/unsubstituted aromatic heterocyclic group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: KUREHA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Taiji Miyake, Nobuyuki Araki, Toru Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 9253984
    Abstract: The present invention relates to herbicidally active compositions, which comprise 3-[5-(difluoromethoxy)-1-methyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)pyrazol-4-ylmethylsulfonyl]-4,5-dihydro-5,5-dimethyl-1,2-oxazole [common name pyroxasulfone] and at least one herbicide B and at least one herbicide B which is selected from group consisting of synthetic auxins and auxin transport inhibitors. The invention furthermore relates to a method for controlling undesirable vegetation, which comprises applying an herbicidal composition according to the present invention to the undesirable plants. Application can be done before, during and/or after, preferably during and/or after, the emergence of the undesirable plants. The herbicide A and the at least one herbicide B can be applied simultaneously or in succession.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: BASF SE
    Inventors: Bernd Sievernich, Anja Simon, William Karl Moberg, Richard R. Evans
  • Patent number: 9253985
    Abstract: The invention provides herbicide combinations and the use of herbicide combinations for controlling harmful plants in cereal crops wherein the herbicide combination in question comprises (A) a herbicide from the group of glufosinate derivatives of the formula (A1) in which Z represents hydroxyl, —NHCH(CH3)CONHCH(CH3)COOH or —NHCH(CH3)CONHCH[CH2CH(CH3)2]COOH, or an ester or salt thereof, and (B) a herbicide from the group of carboxylic acid derivatives of the formula (B1) in which X represents N or CH and R represents CO2H or a herbicidally active derivative thereof, and the cereal crops are tolerant, if appropriate in the presence of safeners, to the herbicides (A) and (B) present in the combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: BAYER INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY GMBH
    Inventors: Erwin Hacker, Hansjörg Dietrich, Hubert Menne, Elmar Gatzweiler, Frank Ziemer
  • Patent number: 9253986
    Abstract: A wash product and method for both washing and disinfecting articles during a washing cycle where the washing can be done in a conventional washing machine using the combination of a conventional detergent for removing residue from the articles and a source of silver ions and a hydantoin for increasing the level of available silver ions to a level that is greater than the level of available silver ions normally available if the source of silver ions were used without the hydantoin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: KING TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventor: Joseph A. King
  • Patent number: 9253987
    Abstract: The present application relates to novel antimicrobial compositions and methods of using said antimicrobial compositions for inhibiting and treating microbial growth, microbial infections, inflammatory diseases, viral diseases, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and/or conditions that may be regulated or associated with microbial infections, such as cancer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Hyprotek, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick O. Tennican, L. Myles Phipps
  • Patent number: 9253988
    Abstract: The invention relates to the use of Bacillus licheniformis strain OBT618 (ATCC PTA-122188) for inhibiting Clostridium pathogens in a material such as water or manure contaminated with the pathogen. The strain can be added to drinking water, animal feed or animal litter to reduce disease caused by the presence of Clostridium in an animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Osprey Biotechnics, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Reuter, Steven J. MacKenzie, Lauren G. Danielson, Vincent Scuilla
  • Patent number: 9253989
    Abstract: Compositions and methods for enhancing plant growth and crop yield in legumes and non-legumes are described. The compositions include lipo-chitooligosaccharides in combination with chitins/chitosans or in combination with flavonoid compounds or in combination with a herbicide. The method includes applying the compositions to seeds and/or plants either concomitantly or sequentially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Novozymes BioAg A/S
    Inventors: Raymond Stewart Smith, Robert Martin Osburn
  • Patent number: 9253990
    Abstract: A food product applicator device has a frame on which a slidable die plate is mounted for reciprocating movement created by a pneumatic cylinder. A food hopper mounted on the frame above the die plate has a bottom opening through which food is pressed into apertures in the die plate. Tracks on the frame constrain the die plate to horizontal motion. The frame is about 1.6 times as long as the die plate. The lengths of the frame and die plate are such that when the die plate moves neither the leading edge nor the trailing edge of the die plate extends beyond the ends of the frame. A driver plate laterally spaced from the food hopper has fingers that can be lowered to eject food pieces from the apertures onto a substrate located on a shelf below the die plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Inventor: Vincent Barraco
  • Patent number: 9253991
    Abstract: A chewing gum with a liquid-fill composition and a surrounding gum region, with one or both containing active ingredients, such as herbal, medicinal and/or mineral elements or combinations thereof, present in an amount of at least about 0.05 mg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Inventor: Jack Barreca
  • Patent number: 9253992
    Abstract: An apparatus for loading material into a stent strut can comprise a cover sleeve. The cover sleeve is elastic so that it can reduce in diameter so as to press against the stent strut, and expand in diameter so as to be spaced apart from the stent strut. The stent strut can include a lumen into which material is injected. When pressed against the stent strut, the cover sleeve seals side openings to the lumen and prevents injected material from leaking out of the side openings during the injection process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Abbott Cardiovascular Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen D. Pacetti
  • Patent number: 9253993
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing frozen confectionery products comprising a coagulated protein system which contributes to the improvement of textural and sensorial attributes of the confections, in particular of products based on lower fat formulations. Such a protein system is used according to the invention in frozen confection prepared by conventional freezing alone or combined with low temperature freezing wherein it improves the microstructure and stability on frozen products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Madhavi Ummadi, Madansinh Nathusinh Vaghela, Aaron Beth Butterworth, Nirav Chandrakant Pandya, Bridgett Lynn McCune, Christophe Joseph Etienne Schmitt, Joumana Saikali
  • Patent number: 9253994
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods of improving growth performance, improving the efficiency of feed utilization, increasing feed digestibility, and decreasing mortality of immature and developing animals receiving animal feed. Methods of producing a crude keratinase enzyme extract and animal feed supplements for achieving the same are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: North Carolina State University
    Inventor: Jason C. H. Shih
  • Patent number: 9253995
    Abstract: The present provides a soymilk machine/juicer with grinding function, comprising a pair of concentric rotator (13) and stator (14) that are vertically arranged in a house. There are at least two thread convex ribs (16) on said rotator (14), and the thread convex ribs (16) are evenly distributed on the outer surface of a rotator body (15). Rotary clearance is defined between the thread convex ribs (16) of the rotator (13) and the inner wall of the stator (14). The middle upper part of said rotator body (15) is a revolved portion with small upside and large downside. The clearance of the upside of the rotator body (15) corresponding to an upper filter net (17) on the stator (14) is largest, which is the smashing section for dealing with stuff after stuff is fed. The clearance of the middle part of the rotator body (15) corresponding to the middle upper part of an abrasive disc of the stator (14) is medium-size, which is for smashing stuff further.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: GUANGDONG XINBAO ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES HOLDINGS CO., LTD
    Inventors: Zhenyu Shi, Jiang Chen, Haihui Peng, Dongchuan Xing, Zhijian Ma
  • Patent number: 9253996
    Abstract: A sustainable method and system for producing bio-fuels from citrus peels and the recovery of limonene and pectin prior to fermentation of the peel solids. In one embodiment a sustainable method and system for the concurrent recovery of limonene and pectin from citrus peels is disclosed. The peels are optionally zested, mixed with water and an acid, and then exploded in a jet cooker or a pressurized extruder. The exploded peels are transferred to a flash vessel where the remaining limonene and water vapor are separated into water and limonene. The pectin fraction is removed from the flash tank and extracted by centrifuge, precipitation and/or filtration. The remaining peel solids are fermented in an anaerobic digester which produces methane, ethanol, acids, CO2 or other end products which can be used as fuel for power generation equipment sufficient to supply the processing system for sustainable operations as described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Frito-Lay North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Godfroid, Deepali Palta, Sridevi Narayan-Sarathy, William B. Small, II
  • Patent number: 9253997
    Abstract: A composition containing a compound represented by General Formula (I) below (see the definition in the specification for the symbols in the formula) or a salt thereof has an excellent CaSR agonistic effect and provides a pharmaceutical agent, a CaSR agonistic agent, a prophylactic or therapeutic agent for a disease that can be ameliorated through CaSR activation as well as seasonings and an agent for imparting kokumi.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: AJINOMOTO CO., INC.
    Inventors: Masayuki Sugiki, Toru Okamatsu, Tetsuo Yano, Shinya Taniguchi
  • Patent number: 9253998
    Abstract: The material container disclosed in present application, comprises a cylindrical body with end covers attached to its ends. Multiple holes are distributed across the end covers. A movable sliding rack is located inside the cylindrical body. The axial direction of movable sliding rack coincides with the axial direction of the cylindrical body. The movable sliding rack has at least two hollow columns which axis is in the same direction of the axis of movable sliding rack. Any two neighboring hollow columns are isolated by their walls. Water can be timely added into the cylindrical body through the holes, without damaging material container due to water pressure. Turning around one end cover allows the cylindrical body to be opened for food materials conveniently loading or unloading. It provides quicker loading and unloading for cup or bottle packed materials with the movable sliding rack, utilizing the space inside the cylindrical body efficiently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: CHIC Foods Technology Co., LTD
    Inventors: Peter James Maxwell Long, Guangming Su
  • Patent number: 9253999
    Abstract: The invention relates to a UHT system for heat treating temperature-sensitive food products, in particular desserts or dessert-like products, comprising a pre-heating zone and a subsequent high-heating zone. The aim of the invention is to achieve accurate and fast temperature adjustment of the food product leaving the pre-heating zone to the temperature conditions at the inlet of the high-heating zone in a UHT system of the generic type, and at the same time, with an equal dwell time for all partial amounts of the food product, to ensure that the food product is treated in a particularly thermally gentle manner and to keep the mechanical loading of the food product as low as possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: GEA TDS GmbH
    Inventors: Ludger Tacke, Norbert Busch, Deitrich Zimmermann, Hubert Assing, Uwe Schwenzow, Brigitte Schlag
  • Patent number: 9254000
    Abstract: An apparatus for coating a food item with a coating material. A food item receiving platform stages the food item for transport into the apparatus. A food item off-loading platform stages the food item for transport out of the apparatus. A coating hopper holds the coating material. A skewer supply holds food item skewers. A multi-axis robotic arm grasps one of the skewers from the skewer supply, skewers the food item on the receiving platform, transports the food item to the coating hopper, dips the food item in the coating material in the coating hopper, transports the food item to the off-loading platform, and releases the coated food item and the skewer onto the off-loading platform. A processor controls the desired operation of the multi-axis robotic arm. A user interface is used to selectively program the processor for the desired operation of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Inventor: Frank C. Raimondi
  • Patent number: 9254001
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of extracting and isolating certain compounds from tobacco. The resulting isolate can include more than 90% by weight of a given compound and can be used as a flavor component for tobacco material used in smoking articles and smokeless tobacco compositions. Exemplary compounds that may be present in the isolate according to the invention include, but are not limited to, solanone, neophytadiene, megastigmatrienone, ?-damascenone, norsolanadione, cis-abienol, ?-cembratrienediol, ?-cembratrienediol, sucrose esters, and lutein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Crystal Dawn Hege Byrd, Anthony Richard Gerardi, Michael Francis Dube
  • Patent number: 9254002
    Abstract: A tobacco solution containing water; a polysorbate compound; and an effective serving of tobacco constituents for vaporizing the tobacco solution for inhalation. The tobacco constituents may include nicotine, monoamine oxidase inhibitor, tobacco flavor, and tobacco aroma derived from tobacco.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: CHONG CORPORATION
    Inventors: Alexander ChinHak Chong, William Bartkoswki, Marshall Thompson
  • Patent number: 9254003
    Abstract: An enclosed smoking device including a dome sealingly engageable with a base member, and a solid bowl sealingly engageable with a socket extending through the base member, the bowl being heatable from the exterior of the device. The assembly of dome, base member, and bowl define an enclosed interior space to prevent the escape of smoke or vapor produced by the heating of a smokable material in the bowl. The dome further includes a choke and a non-projecting integrated mouthpiece. A method of using an enclosed smoking device wherein no smoke or vapor is permitted to escape from the device during the smoking operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: HK Industries LLC
    Inventors: Anthony Virga, Mitchell Schikora
  • Patent number: 9254004
    Abstract: A blank for hinged-lid packets for smoking articles comprises four panels extending side by side in pairs along a direction perpendicular to a direction of longitudinal extension of the packets obtainable from the blank; the blank is foldable along folding lines made between the pairs of panels and parallel to said direction of longitudinal extension, and an upper portion of one of the four panels is integral, on the outside of the selfsame four panels, with a portion forming the hinged lid of the respective packet. Also described is a method for making hinged-lid packets for smoking articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: SASIB S.P.A.
    Inventor: Matteo Lena
  • Patent number: 9254005
    Abstract: An electronic cigarette case is provided, and comprises a bracket configured to accommodate an electronic cigarette; the electronic cigarette case further comprises an elastic soft block mounted on the bracket and configured for holding the electronic cigarette. By implementing the electronic cigarette case in the present invention, the following advantages can be achieved. The electronic cigarette case adopts the elastic soft block to hold electronic cigarettes, so that the electronic cigarettes can be accommodated in the electronic cigarette case firmly and prevented from loosening. Furthermore, since the structure of the elastic soft blocks is made of soft rubber or foam, which has good elasticity and low hardness, the electronic cigarettes can be avoided from being scratched effectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: HUIZHOU KIMREE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. SHENZHEN BRANCH
    Inventor: Qiuming Liu
  • Patent number: 9254006
    Abstract: A portable cigar ashtray includes a cup-shaped base portion having a closed bottom, a side wall extending upwardly from the closed bottom, and an open top. A resting platform is disposed inside the cup-shaped base portion and spaced from the closed bottom. A retaining assembly is disposed near an upper end of the cup-shaped base portion and includes a retaining ring and a nub holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Inventor: Michael Abdallah
  • Patent number: 9254007
    Abstract: An electronic cigarette sucking rod comprises a nozzle cover and a connecting module respectively inserted into opposite ends of the sucking cylinder, a conduit in the sucking cylinder, a liquid guiding component and an atomizing device between the liquid guiding component and the connecting module; the nozzle cover and the liquid guiding component respectively seal opposite ends of the liquid smoke compartment, opposite ends of the conduit are inserted into the through holes of the nozzle cover and the liquid guiding component, and a smoke passage extends through the liquid guiding component and the conduit. The liquid guiding component comprises a liquid separation seat and a liquid reservoir; the liquid separation seat comprises a seat body and a vent pipe; the vent pipe has its one end engaged with the conduit, and another end sleeved with the liquid reservoir and lead to the atomizing device; the liquid separation seat defines a liquid guiding hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: HUIZHOU KIMREE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD., SHENZHEN BRANCH
    Inventor: Qiuming Liu
  • Patent number: 9254008
    Abstract: A drug delivery system can include a cylindrical structure extending in a longitudinal direction and formed from a substrate of an electrically conductive material. The cylindrical structure can include multiple electrodes extending laterally on the substrate at respective longitudinal locations. The electrodes each have an electrical resistance small enough to conduct current laterally along the substrate without heating the cylindrical structure. The cylindrical structure can include at least one substrate portion extending longitudinally between a respective pair of electrodes. Each substrate portion can have an electrical resistance high enough to conduct current longitudinally between the electrodes and resistively heat the respective substrate portion in response to the current conducted therethrough. A dose of a drug can be disposed on each substrate portion and configured to volatilize into a gas in response to the resistive heating of the respective substrate portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Inventor: Timothy McCullough
  • Patent number: 9254009
    Abstract: A circularly knitted upper or lower torso garment, such as a brassiere or brief, and method of forming a circularly knitted brassiere are provided, the garment having a circularly knitted body formed of inner and outer layers, the circularly knitted body having at least one torso or waist band, the inner and outer layers overlapping along a fold line, and an elastomeric band positioned between the inner and outer layers proximate the fold line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: HBI Branded Apparel Enterprises, LLC
    Inventors: Michael D Abbott, Roger D Warren
  • Patent number: 9254010
    Abstract: A pocketed athletic garment. The garment includes an outer layer, an inner layer, and a waistband coupled to the outer layer and the inner layer, the waistband including a plurality of pockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Inventor: Tabitha Star Hedrick
  • Patent number: 9254011
    Abstract: A lighted belt keeper may include a housing comprising a power source compartment that opens to a first end, wherein a power source may be enclosed by a power source compartment closure. A cover may enclose the power source and power source compartment closure. The cover may removably attach to the first end of the housing. A light may attach to a second end of the housing. The housing and cover may attach to a base which may attach to a first end of a strap by a fastener. A second and a third fastener may be attached to the strap to removably hold the strap in position while the strap may surround an object such as a utility belt, pant belt or the like. In certain embodiments, instead of a strap, the base may have wings that removably attach to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Rescue Leaders, LLC
    Inventor: Matthew David Gallup
  • Patent number: 9254012
    Abstract: Improvements in a method to enhance eyelashes are disclosed. The method uses placement of multiple clusters along an eyelid. Because multiple flare lashes are used an installer can weave an alternating thread on opposing sides of the real lash and the false flair lashes. The thread is preferably thin and simulates the appearance of the human or false lash. The thread or hair is woven into the eyelash with a natural needle formed from horse, animal or human hair with a naturally tapering end and a slot cut or formed in the opposing end of the hair to accept thread. Glue is utilized to cement the real eyelashes to the false eyelashes and the thread or hair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Inventor: Trieu Dinh Pham
  • Patent number: 9254013
    Abstract: Headwear and blanket system and method, comprising a blanket having a first end comprising a lip having a snap or other securing means for removably securing the headwear to the blanket; wherein the headwear includes a snap or other means for removably securing itself to the blanket, preferably at the lip area of the first end of the blanket. The headwear may be detachably attached to the blanket using other means like hook and loop fasteners or button and button hole. The blanket and the headwear may comprise coordinating: themes, e.g., sports, colleges, schools, characters, animals as well as colors, style, and the like. The headwear may be secured in such a fashion as to surround the lip of the blanket of the first end of the blanket. The blanket may be partially or completely rolled up and stored inside the headwear for transportation and retail display purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: FRANCO MANUFACTURING CO., INC.
    Inventor: Hugo Washington Perez
  • Patent number: 9254014
    Abstract: In the preferred embodiment, a partial length slit is introduced in the inwardly facing wall of a boot in both the exterior and corresponding interior portions of the boot. Included in the midst of the slit, between the exterior and corresponding interior portions, is a piece of elastomeric fabric which preferably is stitched in.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Stuart Weitzman IP, LLC
    Inventor: Stuart Weitzman
  • Patent number: 9254015
    Abstract: A universal, readily interchangeable, and non-gaiter cover for wrapping around and decorating only the shaft of an any sized and mundane boot. The universal, readily interchangeable, and non-gaiter cover includes a decorative substrate, and apparatus for universally and readily interchangeably maintaining the decorative substrate around only the shaft of the any sized and mundane boot. The decorative substrate is for universally and readily interchangeably wrapping around only the shaft of the any sized and mundane boot and not the foot of the any sized and mundane boot so as to at least eliminate potential damage to the universal, readily interchangeable, and non-gaiter cover caused by normal flexure of the foot of the any sized and mundane boot, and in so doing, decorates only the shaft of the any sized and mundane boot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Inventor: Samantha Nugent
  • Patent number: 9254016
    Abstract: A kit and a method which is used to convert a non-cycling shoe into a cycling shoe which is capable of attaching a cycling cleat. The kit includes a device, fasteners, a template and instructions. The device is a contoured plate which has the appropriate geometry and holes to attach an SPD type cycling cleat. The device may possess ground contact preventing members on the bottom surface to prevent the cycling cleat from contacting the ground while the shoe is used for walking. The template is used to confirm and mark the ideal location for the holes that must be cut thru the shoe sole to accommodate the cleat attachment area and fasteners for the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Inventor: Erik Henry Tews
  • Patent number: 9254017
    Abstract: An expandable bootie is disclosed. The bootie includes a main body composed of fabric, wherein the main body is shaped in the form of a foot having a longitudinal axis, and a zipper that commences at a toe portion of the main body, and extends in a spiral path around the main body such that the spiral path twists at least three hundred and sixty degrees around the main body. The bootie further includes a portion of fabric disposed between mating tape members of the zipper, wherein when the zipper is closed the portion of fabric is contracted and wherein when the zipper is open the portion of fabric is extended and the main body has a longer longitudinal length, and a strap comprising a strip extending substantially horizontally and connected to an ankle portion of the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: DM3, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Murtha, Dawn May
  • Patent number: 9254018
    Abstract: Provided is an automated shoe closure including a sole and a plurality of motors disposed in the sole. The motors are configured to expand or contract one or more shoe panels. The shoe panels each include one or more connectors configured to connect the shoe panels to each other when the shoe panels are in an expanded state. A plurality of slits are disposed in the sole. Each of the slits is configured to expand and contract a corresponding shoe panel therethrough. An expansion button is disposed in the sole. A retraction button is disposed in a side of the sole, and a charging port is disposed in the sole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Inventor: Derrick Bliss
  • Patent number: 9254019
    Abstract: A device for tying a shoelace includes a planar-shaped body member including a first opening, a second opening, a third opening, and a fourth opening. Each of the openings is configured to allow the shoelace to be inserted there through. The first, second, third and fourth openings may be arranged in a two-by-two array, wherein the first and second openings form a first row of the array, and wherein the third and fourth openings form a second row of the array. The first and fourth openings may be coupled to one another by a first slit, and the second and third openings may be coupled to one another by a second slit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Inventor: Eileen Sloan
  • Patent number: 9254020
    Abstract: There is provided a slider for slide fastener. A pull tab holder body includes flanges extending in a width direction and a longitudinal direction. A slider body includes slide groove portions formed in a front end portion of an upper blade to receive the flanges. One of the pull tab holder body and the slider body has a protrusion portion protruding toward the other. The other of the pull tab holder body and the slider body has a recess portion. The flanges are inserted into the slide groove portions and upper surface portions of the upper blade located above the slide groove portions are crimped toward the flanges, so that the protrusion portion is engaged with the recess portion and the pull tab holder body is fixed to the slider body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventor: Yohei Miyazaki