Patents Issued in March 22, 2016
  • Patent number: 9288989
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are herbicidal compositions comprising a synergistic herbicidally effective amount of (a) penoxsulam or an agriculturally acceptable salt thereof and (b) acetochlor or an agriculturally acceptable salt thereof. Also disclosed herein are methods of controlling undesirable vegetation, which comprise applying to vegetation or an area adjacent the vegetation or applying to soil or water to prevent the emergence or growth of vegetation (a) penoxsulam or an agriculturally acceptable salt thereof and (b) acetochlor or an agriculturally acceptable salt thereof, wherein (a) and (b) are each added in an amount sufficient to produce a synergistic herbicidal effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Dow AgroSciences LLC
    Inventors: Richard K. Mann, Nathalie Blanchier, Natalino Dalla Valle, Dominique Larelle
  • Patent number: 9288990
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are herbicidal compositions comprising a synergistic herbicidally effective amount of (a) penoxsulam, or an agriculturally acceptable salt thereof, and (b) pethoxamid, or an agriculturally acceptable salt thereof. Also disclosed herein are methods of controlling undesirable vegetation, which comprise applying to vegetation or an area adjacent the vegetation or applying to soil to prevent the emergence or growth of vegetation (a) penoxsulam, or an agriculturally acceptable salt thereof, and (b) pethoxamid, or an agriculturally acceptable salt thereof, wherein (a) and (b) are each added in an amount sufficient to produce a synergistic herbicidal effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Dow AgroSciences LLC
    Inventors: Richard Kevin Mann, Kirupanandam Ramesh Babu, Peter Nagy
  • Patent number: 9288991
    Abstract: A synergistic antimicrobial composition containing lenacil and zinc pyrithione is provided. Also provided is a method of inhibiting the growth of or controlling the growth of microorganisms in a building material by adding such a synergistic antimicrobial composition. Also provided is a coating composition containing such a synergistic antimicrobial composition, and a dry film made from such a coating composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignees: Rohm and Haas Company, Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth M. Donnelly, Pierre Marie Alain Lenoir, Lukas Thomas Johannes Villiger
  • Patent number: 9288992
    Abstract: Highly acidic, stabilized peroxycarboxylic acid compositions are disclosed as having both improved antimicrobial efficacy in comparison to conventional peroxyoctanoic acid and peroxyacetic acid compositions for sanitizing applications, and improved transport and shipping stability. In particular, low odor and low/no VOC compositions having dual functionality as both acid wash and sanitizing compositions are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Ecolab USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Junzhong Li, David D. McSherry, Richard Staub
  • Patent number: 9288993
    Abstract: A biological material is disclosed for exerting antagonism against vegetable pathogens, which contains Bacillus mojavensis R3B mutant strain deposited under # NCAIM (P) B 001389 according to the Budapest Treaty. The biological material according to the invention is an effective antagonist against the pathogens of vegetables, preferably tomato, pepper, lettuce and/or cabbage, in particular against the pathogens selected from the group of Xanthomonas vesicatoria, Pseudomonas syringae and Clavibacter michiganensis vegetable pathogen bacteria and Pythium debaryanum, Phytophthora infestans, Alternaria alternata and Fusarium oxysporum vegetable pathogen fungi.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Szegedi Tudományegyetem
    Inventors: László Manczinger, Csaba Vágvölgyi, Enikö Sajben, Árpád Nagy, Zoltán Szöke-Kis, Adrienn Nagy, György Turóczi, András Kovács
  • Patent number: 9288994
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling the proliferation of Pseudomonas, with the exception of the treatment methods applied to the human or animal body, characterized in that it uses protozoa of the Willaertia magna species, and also to a disinfecting agent containing such protozoa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: AMOEBA
    Inventors: Fabrice Plasson, Séléna Bodennec
  • Patent number: 9288995
    Abstract: This application relates to methods and materials for providing a benefit to a seed or seedling of an agricultural plant (e.g., an agricultural grass plant), or the agricultural plant derived from the seed or seedling. For example, this application provides purified bacterial populations that include novel seed-origin bacterial endophytes, and synthetic combinations of seeds and/or seedlings (e.g., cereal seeds and/or seedlings) with heterologous seed-derived bacterial endophytes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Symbiota, Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey von Maltzahn, Richard Bailey Flavell, Gerardo V. Toledo, Slavica Djonovic, Luis Miguel Marquez, David Morris Johnston, Yves Alain Millet, Jeffrey Lyford, Alexander Naydich, Craig Sadowski
  • Patent number: 9288996
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition, comprising a microorganism of species Penicillium bilaji and at least one compound (II) in a synergistically effective amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: BASF SE
    Inventors: Thorsten Jabs, Paul Cavell, Sarah Dunker, Alexander Wissemeier, Egon Haden, Tom Wetjen
  • Patent number: 9288997
    Abstract: A matchbox oven is disclosed. The matchbox oven includes a housing, a slider, a motor and a heat source. The housing includes a cavity and a first and second openings. The slider, which is configured for receiving food items, includes multiple stoppers serve as oven covers to prevent heat within the cavity from escaping through the first and second openings. The slider can be moved in and out of the cavity through the first and second openings by a motor. The heat source provides heat to the cavity for heating up any food item placed on a portion of the slider located within the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Ovention, Inc.
    Inventor: Philip R. McKee
  • Patent number: 9288998
    Abstract: A nutritive edible composite food product that includes a protein-containing material, a carbohydrate-containing material, a fat or fat-containing material, and a source of liquid. The materials are mixed together to form an extensible nutritive edible composite material possessing an average extensibility of at least about 100%, such that the composite material is capable of being processed by extrusion, sheeting or molding operations that require extensibility. The composite material is further processed, to create a food product comprising at least about 15% protein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Medwell Foods, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles H. Marsland
  • Patent number: 9288999
    Abstract: A vacuum tumbling system for marinating meat including a vacuum sensor; an airtight driver; an outer vacuum chamber configured to monitor and pull a vacuum; and an inner vacuum tumbling chamber configured to enclose a marinade mixture, liquid, and the meat, configured to be disposed inside the outer vacuum chamber, and configured to pull the vacuum from the outer vacuum chamber through a small hole which is recessed on a bottom surface of the inner vacuum tumbling chamber. The outer vacuum chamber monitors the vacuum through the vacuum sensor, pulls the vacuum through the airtight driver, and tumbles the inner vacuum tumbling chamber in response to the airtight driver being driven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: HOLLYMATIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Erik Bauer
  • Patent number: 9289000
    Abstract: A method of processing items such as pieces of meat, by providing a stream of items by means of a primary conveyor means, allocating at least partly by means of a computer system one or more of said items to one of at least two workstations where said items are processed, e.g. cut and/or trimmed, resulting in one or more processed items, registering in said computer system information about a return of at least one of said one or more processed items to said primary conveyor means, and returning said at least one of said one or more processed items to said primary conveyor means in accordance with said information about a return, wherein the method further comprises keeping track of said items including when they are taken out and put back on the primary conveyor. The invention further relates to a processing system for carrying out the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: MAREL HF
    Inventors: Brynjolfur Thorsson, Stefan Axelsson
  • Patent number: 9289001
    Abstract: A control system for monitoring an antimicrobial application system may include a controller having a monitoring program including an operations unit and an interface unit. The operations unit may include a sensor module operatively coupled to a plurality of sensors positioned to detect operation data associated with the application system in real-time. An adjustment module may adjust the operation of the application system. An analysis module may analyze real-time operation data and initiate a specified response when the analysis indicates that a trigger event has occurred. The response may include issuing a notification to a notification device or initiating the adjustment module to perform a control operation to modify the operation of the antimicrobial application system. A remote monitoring center may control multiple and remote application systems. Mobile devices and a control panel may be operable to interface with operations of the antimicrobial application system via the control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: SAFE FOODS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Justin Massey, Tim Yeaman
  • Patent number: 9289002
    Abstract: A batch processing control system for a shell egg pasteurizer controls the time and temperature in which batches of shell eggs are held in a pasteurization bath in accordance with a predetermined pasteurization protocol for designated egg size and start temperature. The predetermined pasteurization protocol is preferably statistically verified to optimize batches of eggs having the designated size and start temperature. The system also includes reporting software that generates daily reports to track each respective batch and verify that the batch has been pasteurized according to the statistically verified protocol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: National Pasteurized Eggs, Inc.
    Inventor: Hector Gregorio Lara
  • Patent number: 9289003
    Abstract: A new type of cryoprotective agents that are useful for retaining the viability and metabolic activity of frozen or freeze-dried microbial cultures, is disclosed. The cryoprotective agent comprises compounds involved in biosynthesis of nucleic acids. Methods for the preparation as well as the uses of such cultures are given. Such cultures are useful as starter cultures in the manufacturing of food and feed products. Starter cultures of the invention include culture of lactic acid bacteria, e.g. Lactococcus species as well as other species.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: CHR. HANSEN A/S
    Inventors: Børge Windel Kringelum, Niels Martin Sørensen, Peter Sørensen
  • Patent number: 9289004
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a technique of producing an ultra-concentrated liquid coffee that is shelf-stable at ambient temperature without the need for refrigeration or freezing. This invention further relates to a process for manufacturing ultra-concentrated stabilized liquid coffee with enhanced freshness, aroma and flavor retention without acidity or bitterness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Inventor: Aly Gamay
  • Patent number: 9289005
    Abstract: An apparatus including a container for a frozen confection treat allowing the treat to be frozen and later to be consumed in a frozen state as a popsicle as well as allowing the treat to be consumed in a melted state via a combination-lid-straw. The treat may also be consumed via a spoon-end attached to a straw-lower-section. The combination-lid-straw may be solid or have a continuous through-hole therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Inventors: Therese Martin, Nathan Martin
  • Patent number: 9289006
    Abstract: A machine for the homogenization and thermal treatment of liquid and semi-liquid food products includes a tank for containing the food products; an electric first heater, operating on the food product to heat it and so thermally treat it; a heating plant with a thermodynamic cycle including at least a first heat exchanger; and a second heater including the first heat exchanger, operating on the food product to heat it and so thermally treat it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: ALI S.p.A.—CARPIGIANI GROUP
    Inventors: Andrea Cocchi, Roberto Lazzarini
  • Patent number: 9289007
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an acyl-CoA synthetase homolog protein from microorganisms of the genus Mortierella, a polynucleotide encoding the protein, and so on. The invention provides polynucleotides comprising an acyl-CoA synthetase homolog protein gene from, e.g., Mortierella alpina, expression vectors comprising these polynucleotides and transformants thereof, a method for producing lipids or fatty acids using the transformants, food products containing the lipids or fatty acids produced by the method, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: SUNTORY HOLDINGS LIMITED
    Inventor: Misa Ochiai
  • Patent number: 9289008
    Abstract: A Pediococcus acidilactici strain that is viable at temperatures above 65° C., is able to grow in aerobic and anaerobic conditions, and in a pH range between 1 and 6.2 and a consumable food product containing same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Imaglin Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Jhy-Jhu Lin, Susheel Bhanu Busi
  • Patent number: 9289009
    Abstract: The invention relates to the food-processing industry, particularly, to a method for manufacture and storage of honey-containing fruit and/or berry products. According to the invention, a fruit and/or berry juice and honey are mixed in the following proportions (weight percent): fruit and/or berry juice 75-93; honey 25-7, and the obtained product is stored at a temperature between ?10° C. to ?18° C. Upon unpacking, the product can be stored in a home refrigerator during 120 to 240 hours (dependent on the kind of the fruit and/or berry juice).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Inventor: Eduards Kravecs
  • Patent number: 9289010
    Abstract: In one embodiment of an apparatus and process for packaging foodstuffs or other materials in a rigid container sealed by a flexible cover, a desired quantity of material to be packaged containing or together with some water or other liquid is placed in the container, the flexible cover is secured on the container so as to leave at least one unsealed opening, the container is heated and/or placed in a partial vacuum to bring the liquid above its boiling point to cause or permit vapor generated by the boiling liquid to expel other gases from the container through the unsealed opening, and the container is sealed while gas or vapor is still flowing out of the container through the unsealed opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: ST. DALFOUR ET CIE SAS
    Inventors: Jean-Francois M. Bardou, Roland Guezennec, Jean-Pierre Lhommond
  • Patent number: 9289011
    Abstract: A method for producing lutein from one or more plants of genus Nicotiana is provided. The lutein can be derived inter alia from Nicotiana species biomass. A method such as is described in various embodiments herein also provides articles and compositions that include lutein produced from one or more plants of genus Nicotiana.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventor: Christopher Junker
  • Patent number: 9289012
    Abstract: A filter material adapted for use as a filter element of a smoking article is provided, the filter material being in the form of a fibrous tow that includes a plurality of filaments of a degradable polyester and a plasticizer composition applied thereto, the plasticizer composition and the degradable polyester having a Relative Energy Difference calculated using Hansen Solubility Parameters of less than about 1.3. Exemplary degradable polyesters include polyglycolic acid, polylactic acid, polyhydroxyalkanoates, polycaprolactone, polybutylene succinate adipate and copolymers or blends thereof. Exemplary plasticizer compositions include one or more of dimethylisosorbide, propylene carbonate, methylbenzyl alcohol, glycerol carbonate acetate, glycerol carbonate ethyl ether, and mixtures thereof, optionally in combination with triacetin. Filter elements and smoking articles, such as cigarettes, that contain the filter material are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Andries Don Sebastian, Stephen Benson Sears, Thaddeus J. Jackson, Grady Lance Dooly
  • Patent number: 9289013
    Abstract: To provide a cigarette filter that can achieve both strength in a dry state and disintegration in a wet state, this cigarette filter has a filter plug containing a cellulose ester staple fiber, a pulp, and an alkali metal salt of a water-soluble anionic polymer. The filter plug has an alkali metal content of 2 to 100 ?mol per gram of the filter plug. The water-soluble anionic polymer may include at least one member selected from the group consisting of a polyacrylic acid and a polysaccharide having a carboxyl group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: DAICEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroki Taniguchi, Hiroki Karakane
  • Patent number: 9289014
    Abstract: An electronic cigarette includes a liquid supply including liquid material, a heater operable to heat the liquid material to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the liquid material and form an aerosol, and a wick in communication with the liquid material and in communication with the heater such that the wick delivers the liquid material to the heater. The heater is formed of a mesh material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: Christopher S. Tucker, Geoffrey B. Jordan
  • Patent number: 9289015
    Abstract: A bib apparatus for containing liquid is provided that is made of a light-weight material that can hold its shape. The bib apparatus connects around the user's neck and sits over the user's shoulders and under the chin or may connect around the user's chest. The bib apparatus contains a recess that drains into a drain hole. The drain hole extends into a reservoir member that can contain liquid or debris. The reservoir member can hang at an angle towards the user's chest so as to hold the shelf horizontally under the user's chin. The device described herein is applicable to seniors, physically and mentally-challenged patients and for use by dental and medical professionals in connection with related procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Inventor: Ellen Kassis
  • Patent number: 9289016
    Abstract: A strap assembly includes a chest strap and shoulder straps. Similarly configured left and right cups are provided. The strap assembly is attached to the cups whereby the strap assembly adheres the cups to a wearer. Each cup has curved upper, lower, interior and exterior edges. Each cup has inside and outside surfaces. A patch is operatively associated with each cup. Each patch has a linear upper edge and curved lower, interior and exterior edges. Each patch has inside and outside surfaces. Stitching couples the lower, interior and exterior edges of each patch to the lower, interior and exterior edges of an associated cup. A linear opening is formed along the upper edge of each patch. Piping covers the upper edge of each patch. The piping is adapted to allow the patch to move away from and back toward the cup between open and closed orientations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Inventor: Sharon Goff
  • Patent number: 9289017
    Abstract: A molded pad for a brassiere cup contains shaved polyurethane foam inserts interleaved between thin upper and lower polyurethane foam layers. Three shaved inserts can be used for positioning in the neckline, underarm and center front regions of the pad, with each insert providing a different level of firmness and elongation to the pad. The pad can be made by positioning the shaved inserts in between thin upper and lower polyurethane layers and molding the composite under heat and pressure to form a laminate having a bra cup shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: CHICO'S BRANDS INVESTMENTS
    Inventors: Glyn Raven, Donna Mines, Michelle Roach, Rosalind Scott
  • Patent number: 9289018
    Abstract: The system includes a garment having a series of electronic components affixed to a new or existing panel of said garment, which garment includes a flexible video display screen mounted on a portion of the garment outer surface and may contain a series of video cameras, communication systems, audio and video input and output devices, computer chips and transmission devices. A power generation system affixed to the garment or garment panel supplies the energy for its display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: TCB ENCORE, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Anthony De Mattei, Solomon Emeth
  • Patent number: 9289019
    Abstract: A protective covering can be quickly and efficiently applied to the skin including, without limitation, the underside of a foot. A sheet of durable material has a first side surface coated with at least one adhesive, and a second (opposite) side surface which can include a traction promoting material or tread design. The durable material can be pre-cut using cross-hatched pattern(s) of intersecting elongate cuts that divide the durable sheet material into segments or pieces. The durable sheet material can be sandwiched between two opposing and removable release liner sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Inventor: Adam Paul Cross
  • Patent number: 9289020
    Abstract: A tailoring device. The tailoring device may comprise a tube and a rod, wherein the tube may comprise a channel and one or more slits. The rod may be configured to be inserted through the channel of the tube and secured inside the tube. The slits may be used to partition the tube into one or more smaller tubes. A user may tailor a garment by inserting a measured piece of the garment into the channel of the tube and securing the measured piece of garment inside the tube by inserting the rod through the channel and into the tube while securing the garment inside the tube. The tube and rod may be removed from the garment and may be configured to reusable and easy to use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Inventor: SiDi Huang
  • Patent number: 9289021
    Abstract: Protective gear such as a helmet includes multiple layers including an outer ball bearing layer and/or one or more energy and impact transformer layers. The ball bearing layer exposes multiple ball bearings on the outer surface of the protective gear to deflect and diminish shear forces and other rotational forces imparted onto the outer surface. In many examples, the ball bearings on the outer surface prevent the transfer of shear and rotational forces from the surface of a helmet onto a skull. The energy and impact transformer layers may also include various structures and materials used to dissipate mechanical energy applied to an outer layer or outer shell layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Brainguard Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Avery A. Kwan, Robert T. Knight
  • Patent number: 9289022
    Abstract: Protective gear includes an outer shell layer connected to a middle shell layer through an outer energy and impact transformer layer. The middle shell layer is connected to an inner shell layer through an inner energy and impact transformer layer. The outer and inner energy and impact transformer layers flexibly connect the shell layers to absorb impact forces, rotational forces, shear forces, etc., and allow the various shell layers to move and slide relative to the other shell layers. The outer and inner energy and impact transformer layers may be constructed using gels, fluids, electro-rheological elements, magneto-rheological elements, etc. The protective gear may be formed as helmets or body protection for various activities and protect users from not only impact and penetrative forces, but rotational and shear forces as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Brainguard Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert T. Knight
  • Patent number: 9289023
    Abstract: An impact attenuating bladder for lining a helmet shell, the bladder having: a top layer and a bottom layer of fluid impermeable material defining a fluid containment chamber; a fluid outlet in flow communication with the fluid containment chamber; and a fluid release control valve in flow communication with the outlet, the control valve having: a sacrificial elastic membrane with an inside surface in flow communication with the fluid containment chamber and an outside surface, where the outside surface is disposed in an initial configuration when the bladder contains fluid at a minimum initial pressure, and in a rupture configuration when the bladder contains fluid at a maximum rupture pressure; and a membrane rupture device with a membrane engaging tip disposed a predetermined initial distance from the membrane in the initial configuration, and engaging the membrane in the rupture configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: 2156389 ONTARIO, INC.
    Inventor: Jeff Archbold
  • Patent number: 9289024
    Abstract: A protective sports helmet that includes an energy attenuating faceguard mounting system, which includes at least one dynamic connector that secures the faceguard to the helmet shell without a connection point in the shell's brow region. The lack of a brow region connection point results in a gap or clearance between the faceguard and the shell that has a functional interplay with the dynamic connector upon an impact to the faceguard. In general terms, when a substantially on-center impact to the faceguard occurs, the faceguard is displaced towards the shell and the connector bracket flexes outward relative to the helmet shell to help dissipate impact energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Riddell, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Withnall, Michael Wonnacott, Vittorio Bologna, Thad M. Ide, Ralph Infusino, Nelson Kraemer
  • Patent number: 9289025
    Abstract: A flat-to-heel convertible outsole allows a user to transition from a flat-bottom, low-wedge shoe style to a high-heel shoe style. A collapsible heel includes an upper heel, a lower heel, and a heel pin. The upper heal is connected to an arch platform in order to form a single foot supporting structure. The heel pin is hingedly connected to the upper heel, while the lower heel is telescopically connected to the heel pin opposite the upper heel. In this way, the lower heel can be positioned in an extended configuration or a stowed configuration. When in the extended configuration, a locking mechanism connected to the lower heel engages a lock notch of the upper heel in order to secure the lower heel to the upper heel. When in the stowed configuration, the lower heel is positioned within a heel recess that traverses into the arch platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Inventor: Aashika Damodar
  • Patent number: 9289026
    Abstract: An article of footwear is disclosed having at least one elongated heel support member. The elongated heel support member may be angled and extend from a heel region to a midfoot region, in order to disperse forces applied by a wearer's heel during movement. The heel system may include two heel support members, each associated with a side of the article of footwear. The article of footwear may also include a series of ribs in the midfoot region, which may abut a front edge of the heel support members. Finally, the article of footwear may include asymmetric side flaps extending downward from an upper plate so as to overlap a midsole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Kimberly M. Blevens, Graeme McMillan, Enrique V. Santos
  • Patent number: 9289027
    Abstract: A footwear item (1) for tilting a wearer's foot to address bio-mechanical problems. The item includes a foot receiving component (2) for receiving all or part of a wearer=s foot. The item also includes first and second wedge components (4,5), each having first and second respectively inclined surfaces (4a, 4b, 5a, 5b), the first surface (4a) of the first wedge component being mountable against a lower surface of the foot receiving component, and the first surface (5a) of the second wedge component being mountable against the second surface (5b) of the first wedge component. The mounted position of the second wedge component on the first wedge component is rotationally adjustable about an axis perpendicular to the second surface of the first wedge component, for altering the angle of inclination of the second surface (5b) of the second wedge component with respect to the first surface (4a) of the first wedge component, to thereby apply an adjustable tilt to the foot receiving component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Inventors: Marcel Wadman, Alexis Wadman
  • Patent number: 9289028
    Abstract: A footwear sole having a variety of cushioning materials to prevent, reduce and/or eliminate foot fatigue, plantar fasciitis, and metatarsal injuries as a result of improper weight distribution to the bottom of the foot. These cushioning materials can possess differing densities and can be arranged in such a fashion so as to force the impact of the body's weight on the foot to dissipate outwards rather than straight down. The sole includes a multi-layered metatarsal design and a multi-layered heel design. When the force of the body's weight is directed downwards, it results in the wearer's heel and metatarsal absorbing the body's weight, The present invention helps to prevent or reduce this by dissipating the force outwards from the foot. An expandable ball can also be included within the heel design for further absorbing impact at heel strike.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Inventor: William T. Anderson
  • Patent number: 9289029
    Abstract: An article of footwear including an outer sole assembly, the outer sole assembly extending lengthwise from a rear end to a front end, widthwise between a lateral side and a medial side, and heightwise between a free surface and a connection surface, the outer sole assembly including a core made of a first material. The core of the outer sole assembly includes a plate that demarcates the connection surface, as well as at least one boss that projects from the plate towards the free surface. The outer sole assembly includes an outer layer made of a second material, the outer layer at least partially demarcating the free surface, the outer layer at least partially covering the plate and at least partially covering a boss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: SALOMON S.A.S.
    Inventor: Philippe Miette
  • Patent number: 9289030
    Abstract: A framework-chamber arrangement for an article of footwear, and an article of footwear having a sole structure including a framework-chamber arrangement, is provided that can cooperate to provide various advantageous features, such as multiple-stage cushioning and specialized attenuation of and reaction to ground contact forces. The framework-chamber arrangement can include a fluid-filled chamber forming laterally extending arms and a framework having corresponding recesses formed therein and receiving a lower portion of the chamber. The fluid-filled chamber can be retained within the framework without a bond being formed between lower regions of the chamber arms and the framework. Peripheral portions of some of the chamber arms can be spaced apart from adjacent portions of corresponding channels while in a relaxed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Lee D. Peyton, Andrew C. Richards
  • Patent number: 9289031
    Abstract: A lacing cord is used in an article to be laced that includes shoes, clothing and bags. The lacing cord basically includes a core wire and at least one protruding part. The core wire includes at least one wire member. The at least one protruding part is provided to a peripheral section of the core wire so as to intersect with an axial direction of the core wire and to protrude radially outward from the peripheral section of the core wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Atsushi Sakaue, Kanji Kirimoto
  • Patent number: 9289032
    Abstract: A sole structure including a cleat assembly is disclosed. The cleat assembly includes a covering member, an actuating assembly and a cleat sub-assembly. The cleat sub-assembly includes a cleat member that can extend in length under a force applied by a foot. The actuating assembly directs force applied by a foot at the covering member to the cleat member so that the cleat can extend and penetrate further into a ground surface. The actuating assembly can include a pivot plate that pivots about an angled portion of the cleat sub-assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Perry W. Auger, Andrew Caine
  • Patent number: 9289033
    Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method for manufacturing a hook member of a hook-and-loop fastener. The method comprises the steps of: providing a plurality of plastic monofilaments (such as polypropylene (PP) monofilaments); forming a plurality of loops on each of the plurality of plastic monofilaments such that each of the plurality of plastic monofilaments has a plurality of loop portions and flat portions between adjacent loop portions; covering the flat portions of the plurality of plastic monofilaments with a web of substrate; fusing the flat portions of the plurality of plastic monofilaments to the substrate so as to fix the plurality of loop portions of the plastic monofilaments onto the substrate; and converting the plurality of loop portions into a plurality of hook elements to thereby producing the hook member that comprises a plurality of hook elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Taiwan Paiho Limited
    Inventor: Allen Cheng
  • Patent number: 9289034
    Abstract: A continuous fastener element in a fastener stringer has a plurality of fine projections disposed on a circumferential surface of a monofilament continuously along a length direction of the monofilament and a plurality of recesses disposed between the projections. A cross-sectional shape of the projection is curved convexly, and a cross-sectional shape of the recess is curved concavely. A curvature of the convex curved surface of the projections is set to be larger than a curvature of the concave curved surface of the recess in a cross-section of the monofilament. At least the projections disposed on the upper and lower leg parts are twisted with respect to an extension direction of the upper and lower leg parts, and a plurality of the projections disposed on the upper leg part or the lower leg part in a twisted state face the same direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshimichi Yamakita, Takashi Mori, Tadahiro Inomata
  • Patent number: 9289035
    Abstract: In an embodiment of the disclosed technology, a bracelet is generally formed of a circular wire band that is elastically deformable. That is, at least a portion of the band is bendable by a user such that the band returns to its original form when released by the user. The bracelet has a “clasp” portion, which is a hollow tubular member, affixed to one end of the band. Another end of the band forms a bend for retaining the end of the band inside the hollow tubular member. The hollow tubular member has a portal at one end for receiving the bend. The portion of the band near the bend is deflected slightly to enable passage through the portal of the bend. Upon passage through the portal, the bend releasably fastens the two ends of the band to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: OORI Trading, Inc.
    Inventor: Gwi Yon Kim
  • Patent number: 9289036
    Abstract: The invention relates to a watchstrap (1) including a plurality of mutually hinged elements (7) which each comprise at least one link (2, 3, 4, 4?) and at least one recess consisting of at least one hole (15, 15?) for receiving therein a linking member (10, 11, 12). Next to the open ends (16) of at least some of said holes (15, 15?), a clearance (20) of the linking member (10, 11, 12) is provided, preventing any contact at said point between the latter and said links (2, 3, 4, 4?).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: ROLEX SA
    Inventors: Adrien Catheline, Benjamin Celant, Jérôme Tyrode
  • Patent number: 9289037
    Abstract: Hardened cobalt alloys for forming jewelry, including finger rings as well as methods and processes for producing such alloys. In one illustrative embodiment, such an alloy can contain cobalt in an amount of from about 35 wt % to about 65 wt %, in combination with chromium in an amount of from about 16% wt to about 32 wt %, and molybdenum in an amount of from about 8 wt % to about 31 wt %. Aluminum, silicon, boron, titanium, and other hardness enhancing materials may also be present. Hot investment casting may be used to form items from the alloys, which may then be shaped or polished to a final form. Annular finger rings constructed from these materials may have a white appearance similar to white gold or platinum, may have increased resistance to scratching compared to traditional cobalt chromium rings, and may be easily be removed by cracking in an emergency situation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: MYTHRIAL METALS LLC
    Inventors: Zhou Yansheng, Liu Jianjun
  • Patent number: 9289038
    Abstract: An umbrella is provided that has a transverse member mounted canopy control module. The umbrella has a support structure and a canopy. The support structure has a first support member having an upper end and a second support member. The second support member has a first end disposed adjacent to the first support member and a second end disposed away from the first end. The second support member extending along a longitudinal axis disposed transverse to the first support member. The canopy has an upper hub. The upper hub is coupled with the second support member. The umbrella also has an enclosure disposed at the first end of the second support member. A canopy control mechanism is at least partially disposed in the enclosure to alter the configuration of the canopy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Inventor: Oliver Joen-an Ma