Patents Issued in May 31, 2016
  • Patent number: 9351504
    Abstract: A frozen confectionery product, a method of manufacturing same, and an apparatus are provided. The apparatus manufactures a frozen confectionery product by rotary vertical extrusion. The apparatus comprises a nozzle at least one ice cream passage with at least one inlet port and an outlet portion, and at least one chocolate passage with respectively an inlet port and an outlet port. The outlet ports are provided in the nozzle and have elongated cross-sections, and each chocolate outlet port extends in parallel to an ice cream outlet port, so as to form annular or helical chocolate layers upon rotation of the nozzle and the container with respect to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Massimiliano Ricco, Jean-Michel Marchon
  • Patent number: 9351505
    Abstract: A process for extraction of crude oil from DDGS and producing corn distillers meal that may be used as a livestock supplement is disclosed. For example, the corn distillers meal may be used as a crude protein supplement for use in a livestock feed diet or a poultry feed diet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Novita Nutrition, LLC
    Inventors: Keith Bruinsma, Donald L. Endres
  • Patent number: 9351506
    Abstract: A food product having at least a first part and a second part, where the water activity of the first part is lower than the water activity of the second part, and a moisture barrier between the first part and the second part, wherein the moisture barrier is formed upon dehydration of an emulsion comprising lipid a biopolymer emulsifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventor: Antoine Bontemps
  • Patent number: 9351507
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of preparing food using rice oil which has increased levels of oleic acid and decreased palmitic and linoleic acids, for increased stability to oxidation and health benefits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: COMMONWEALTH SCIENTIFIC AND INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH ORGANISATION
    Inventors: Ella Zaplin, Sadequr Rahman, Zhongyi Li, Qing Liu, Surinder Pal Singh, Robert Charles de Feyter
  • Patent number: 9351508
    Abstract: The present application is related to starches that exhibit delayed gelling. In one embodiment, the application is related to compositions of a degraded gelling starch having a stabilizing group. A delayed gelling starch comprises a starch base material and a stabilization agent. Food products may comprise the delayed gelling starch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Corn Products Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph Trksak, Judith M Vaz, Erhan M Yildiz, Matthew Joseph Yurgec
  • Patent number: 9351509
    Abstract: Cellulose composites of cellulose and a hydrophilic gum, the cellulose composite giving a 1-mass % aqueous dispersion thereof, which has a storage modulus (G?) of 0.06 Pa or more when the pH thereof is 4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: ASAHI KASEI CHEMICALS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Haruko Obata, Naoaki Yamasaki
  • Patent number: 9351510
    Abstract: Stable thickener formulations and nutritional compositions having the stable thickener formulations are provided. In a general embodiment, the present disclosure provides a stable thickener formulation comprising from about 0.015% to about 0.05% by weight of carrageenan and from about 1.2% to about 4.0% by weight of starch. The stable thickener formulation can be used in nutritional compositions used to treat a variety of physiological conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventor: Erin Olson
  • Patent number: 9351511
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for modifying polyphenol containing plant material(s), wherein said method comprises: mixing at least one polyphenol containing material and at least one solvent to provide a mixture; heating the mixture to eliminate bacterial species present to provide a heated mixture; adding at least one polyphenol modifying strain of lactic acid bacteria and optionally at least one protein source, in optional order or simultaneously, to the heated mixture to provide a fermentation mixture; and subjecting the fermentation mixture to conditions suitable for fermentation of the fermentation mixture to provide a mixture of modified polyphenol containing plant material(s); and optionally eliminating the polyphenol modifying strain of lactic acid bacteria to provide a mixture of modified polyphenol containing plant material(s) free from living lactic acid bacteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: PROBI AB
    Inventors: Anna Berggren, Jan Alenfall, Mikael Nilsson, Inger Bjorck, Yvonne Granfeldt
  • Patent number: 9351512
    Abstract: A method is provided of prolonging the shelf life of probiotic lactic-acid producing bacteria formulated in oil, by using a specific moisture absorbing technology.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Biogaia AB
    Inventor: Elisabeth Sjoberg
  • Patent number: 9351513
    Abstract: A product for cooking a food in oil and/or fat is provided. An adjusted pH protein suspension is produced in an aqueous or dry form and includes myofibrillar proteins and sarcoplasmic proteins substantially free of myofibrils and sarcomeres. The amount of oil and/or fat absorbed by the food during cooking is substantially reduced while the food retains its color and taste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Proteus Industries inc.
    Inventors: Stephen D Kelleher, William R. Fielding, Wayne S. Saunders, Peter G. Williamson
  • Patent number: 9351514
    Abstract: The protein preparation produced from rape seeds has a protein content of less than 90% based on the dry mass, has a brightness L*, determined according to CIE-L*a*b* color scale, of at least 70 and also has at least water-binding, oil-binding and emulsifying functionality. The method for producing a protein preparation includes dehulling the rape seeds and a mechanical deoiling process, wherein only part of the oil is separated and/or wherein the process is carried out at a temperature, averaged over the duration of the pressing process, of less than 80° C., and/or an extraction process wherein the amount of non-protein material is reduced in the protein flour and then the grain size is prepared in order to obtain a pourable material having a predetermined particle size distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: FRAUNHOFER-GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG E.V.
    Inventors: Claudia Pickardt, Peter Eisner, Stephanie Bader, Klaus Muller, Hubert Zimmermann, Etienne Bernath, Florian Wild, Michael Frankl, Sigrid Gruppe, Klaus Schreiber
  • Patent number: 9351515
    Abstract: A Nutritional Composition comprising soluble extractable material from a lignocellulosic source. A method of producing a composition, comprising providing a lignocellulosic source, extracting soluble materials from the lignocellulosic source to produce soluble extractable material, and processing the soluble extractable material to yield a Nutritional Composition, wherein the Nutritional Composition comprises hemicellulose and exhibits pathogen blocking, anti-adhesion activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Georgia-Pacific Panel Products LLC
    Inventors: Anne Chace Hopkins, Matthew W. Lowe
  • Patent number: 9351516
    Abstract: The present invention is related to the field of reddening of food products. In particular the present invention relates to a two-phase fermentation method for boosting the nitrate reductase activity of Staphylococcus strains with nitrate reductase activity comprising a first aerobic phase in the absence of nitrate and a second anaerobic or oxygen limited phase with continuous nitrate feeding and use of the Staphylococcus strains for reddening of meat products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Chr. Hansen A/S
    Inventors: Carina Nissen, Tim Martin Seibert
  • Patent number: 9351517
    Abstract: Provided are compositions that contain water-soluble vitamin E derivative mixtures (compositions), such as tocopheryl polyethylene glycol succinate (TPGS), TPGS analogs, TPGS homologs and TPGS derivatives. The water-soluble vitamin E mixtures contain mixtures that include dimers and monomers of the vitamin E derivative, where the amount of dimer is greater than 12%, such as 29%, 35%, 50%, 60%, and the amount of monomer is less than 87%, by weight, of the water-soluble vitamin E derivative mixture. Also provided are products containing the water-soluble vitamin E derivative mixtures, including concentrates for dilution into aqueous beverages and compositions for direct ingestion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Virun, Inc.
    Inventor: Philip J. Bromley
  • Patent number: 9351518
    Abstract: Methods for concentrating phenolics in a solution and compositions related to the concentrated phenolics are provided. In particular, methods and compositions are described relating to concentrated phenolics obtained from cranberry feedstock extracts combined with fumaric acid as beverage additives. Additionally, methods for obtaining phenolics from feedstocks using resin absorbtion and elution are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc.
    Inventors: Lowell Vernon Dravenstadt, Paula Lent, Margarita Gomez, Harold L. Mantius, Lawrence Rose, Stephen Joseph Nojeim, Christopher McNamara, James Johnson
  • Patent number: 9351519
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tobacco preparation method, wherein a tobacco material is prepared through at least one extrusion process comprising compressing the material with an increase in pressure and temperature and mechanically processing and abruptly flash drying the material of an extruder outlet, wherein the tobacco material comprises a tobacco lamina material. The invention further relates to a tobacco preparation device comprising a dosing conveyor (2) and an extruder (3) which compresses a tobacco material with an increase in pressure and temperature and mechanically process and abruptly flash dries the material at the extruder outlet, wherein the components (3, 4) are designated as a unit which can be modularly delimited for processing a tobacco material comprising a tobacco lamina material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO (GERMANY) GMBH
    Inventors: Dietmar Franke, Gerald Schmekel
  • Patent number: 9351520
    Abstract: Cigarettes and cigarette components such as tobacco cut filler and cigarette paper, and methods for making cigarette components are provided that comprise nanostructured fibrils. The nanostructured fibrils, which can be formed and deposited in situ on tobacco cut filler and/or cigarette paper by laser vaporization controlled condensation or chemical reaction, are capable of acting as an oxidant for the conversion of carbon monoxide carbon dioxide and/or as a catalyst for the conversion of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide. Cigarettes are provided that comprise tobacco cut filler and cigarette paper, wherein nanostructured fibrils are deposited on, or incorporated in, at least one of the tobacco cut filler and cigarette paper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: PHILIP MORRIS USA INC.
    Inventors: Khaled Saoud, Firooz Rasouli, Shahryar Rabiei, Shalva Gedevanishvili, Mohammad R. Hajaligol
  • Patent number: 9351521
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method of wrapping smoking article rods with a wrapper. A bobbin comprising a wound web (8) and individual spaced wrappers (2) is provided. The wrappers (2) each have a longitudinal axis (Lw) and are arranged side by side on the web (8). The bobbin is unwound, and an unwound section of the web (8) is guided across a support, preferably a support plate, wherein the wrappers (2) on that section of the web (8) are exposed. Individual smoking article rods (1), which have their longitudinal axes (Lr) generally arranged in parallel, are fed towards the support under an oblique angle (?) between the longitudinal axes (Lr, Lw) of the smoking article rods (1) and of the wrappers (2). Each smoking article rod (1) is rolled over one of the wrappers (2), wherein that wrapper (2) is taken up by that smoking article rod (1) and helically wound about that smoking article rod (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Imperial Tobacco Ltd.
    Inventors: Yves Drezen, Fabian Rieth
  • Patent number: 9351522
    Abstract: An electronic cigarette with a battery unit and a cartomizer unit which includes a cartomizer component which integrates a liquid chamber for receiving a liquid solution and an atomization chamber disposed adjacent to the liquid chamber and separated therefrom by a dividing wall, the dividing wall having a dividing wall opening formed therein, and a guiding wick that extends through the dividing wall opening from the liquid chamber to the atomization chamber to supply liquid solution from the liquid chamber to the atomization chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Inventor: Robert Safari
  • Patent number: 9351523
    Abstract: A skirt liner 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided with a skirt-type main body 10, and an abdomen and crotch tightening part 20 joined at one end side thereof to a region around a front waist part of the main body 10, extending from the one end side so as to cover an abdominal part and a crotch part, and joined at the other end side thereof to a back lower center of the main body 10, in which the portion of the abdomen and crotch tightening part 20 other than the one end side and the other end side is unjoined to the main body 10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: WACOAL CORP
    Inventor: Yuka Kitagawa
  • Patent number: 9351524
    Abstract: A brassiere and a decorative element having a relatively flat configuration, a set of suspension straps symmetrically arranged about a vertical plane between the brassiere cups serving to locate the decorative element symmetrically about the vertical plane above, and free of contact with a bridge between the cups, the suspension straps on each side of the decorative element including a first suspension strap attached to a mid-section of an associated cup and to an adjacent side edge of the decorative element and a second suspension strap spaced above the first suspension strap and attached to said adjacent side edge of the decorative element, the first and second suspension straps being arranged to maintain a face of the decorative element facing in a direction to which said cups project.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Inventor: Tracy Buescher
  • Patent number: 9351525
    Abstract: One embodiment of the invention is a shirt comprising a body portion for receiving a user's torso and first and second sleeves attached to the body portion. The first and second sleeves each have an elbow region including at least a first anti-slip pattern and a cuff region including at least a second anti-slip region. In use, an elbow pad may be disposed over an upper region of one sleeve such that an inner surface of the elbow pad contacts the first anti-slip pattern. A lower sleeve portion including the cuff region may be folded over the elbow pad such that the second anti-slip pattern contacts an outer surface of the elbow pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Shock Doctor
    Inventors: William Best, Bastien Jourde
  • Patent number: 9351526
    Abstract: A belt includes an inside belt surface, a belt coating layer provided on the inside belt surface and a plurality of belt teeth in the belt coating layer. A belt adjustment system and a belt fabrication method are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: SLIDEBELTS INC.
    Inventor: Brigham Thomas Taylor
  • Patent number: 9351527
    Abstract: An attachable/detachable sleeve removably secured to the bra strap of the wearer before the wearer puts on the desired article of clothing. The sleeve can be constructed of a sheer fabric, such as, but not limited to, a chiffon-like material, that drapes over the shoulder and gives partial concealment or a veil like coverage as a short sleeve in a fashionable manner. With the article of clothing on the wearer, the sleeve appears as if it was always part of the original design of the clothing and the article of clothing covers the securement of the sleeve to the bra strap. The sleeve offers versatility as it can attach and remove easily from the bra strap and provides a unique fashion accessory that creates a comfortable solution to enhance and transform any outfit from daytime to evening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Inventor: Susan Costanza
  • Patent number: 9351528
    Abstract: A garment weight clip that suppresses unwanted movement of a garment, such as movement by a surge of air, and configured for discrete use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Inventors: Steven L. Grimes, Soheila Mozzafar
  • Patent number: 9351529
    Abstract: A system of tethers and a helmet cooperating with the tethers for controlling a driver's head during operation of a vehicle. The system of tethers includes a pair of side tethers for attachment to the sides of the helmet and to a head and neck restraint device and either at least two rear tethers having first ends for attachment to the helmet and second ends for attachment to shoulder straps or a support member or a single rear tether having an intermediate portion attached to a support member and opposed end portions for attachment to the helmet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: SIMPSON PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventor: Trevor P. Ashline
  • Patent number: 9351530
    Abstract: According to embodiments of the disclosed technology, systems, methods and devices are provided for wholly or partially obscuring the vision of a pet electronically using a cap worn on the head of the pet. In one embodiment, the cap has a screen or lens disposed proximate to the pet's eyes. The screen is capable of identifying an object or living thing that may be threatened by the pet, and wholly or partially obscuring the object from the vision of the pet to prevent the pet from being able to see and/or attack the object. An additional safety measure of the cap may be to completely darken or whiten the vision of the pet such that the pet is temporarily impaired from seeing anything. Still further, audio may also be used to distract or draw the pet's attention away the from target object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Inventor: Yee Chong Leung
  • Patent number: 9351531
    Abstract: A reflective head covering assembly increases visibility of a wearer in low-lighted environments. The assembly includes a head covering having a crown and a brim. The brim is coupled to and extends outwardly from a bottom edge of the crown. A strip has a reflective outwardly facing surface. An annular band is coupled to and extends around the crown. The strip is coupled to the band such that the outwardly facing surface faces away from the crown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Inventor: Ed Bennett
  • Patent number: 9351532
    Abstract: An article of footwear includes include an upper and a mesh material. The mesh material may be incorporated into the upper. The mesh material may include high tensile strength strands and non-high tensile strength strands. The high tensile strength strands and non-high tensile strength strands may interlock so that the high tensile strength strands are substantially held in place. The mesh material may be provided as a woven material or a knitted material. The mesh material can have a stylish design, which can be a plaid pattern, herringbone pattern, seersucker pattern, or other pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Converse, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey J. Mokos
  • Patent number: 9351533
    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: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Kimberly M. Blevens, Graeme McMillan, Enrique V. Santos
  • Patent number: 9351534
    Abstract: A water-vapor permeable shoe-sole combination (15) with an upper side (5) having at least on through hole (31) extending through the thickness of the shoe-sole combination, a barrier unit (35) with an upper side forming at least part of the upper side (50) of the shoe-sole combination, made of a water-vapor permeable barrier material (33) that forms a barrier against penetration of foreign bodies, by means of which the at least one through hole (31) is closed in a water-vapor permeable manner, a reinforcement device (25) formed for mechanical reinforcement of the shoe-sole combination (105), constructed with at least one reinforcement web (37) arranged on at least one surface of the barrier material (33) and at least partially crossing the at least one through hole (31), and at least one walking-sole part (117) arranged beneath the barrier unit (35).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates GmbH
    Inventors: Mark Peikert, Stane Nabernik
  • Patent number: 9351535
    Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear and a method of making the sole structure is disclosed. The sole structure can include an outsole and a midsole. The midsole includes a cavity with a protruding portion. A U-shaped or L-shaped transparent member is configured to cover the cavity so that the protruding portion remains visible from within the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Craig K. Sills
  • Patent number: 9351536
    Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper having an anterior area, a posterior area, a medial area extending between the anterior and posterior areas, and a lateral area extending between the anterior and posterior areas and that is opposite the medial area. The article of footwear also includes a sole assembly operatively coupled to the upper. Furthermore, the article of footwear includes a bladder having a base operably supported by the sole assembly, an anterior portion that extends from the base toward the anterior area, a posterior portion that extends from the base toward the posterior area, a medial portion that extends from the base toward the medial area, and a lateral portion that extends from the base toward the lateral area. The anterior, posterior, medial, and lateral portions are operably supported by the upper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric S. Schindler, Klaas P. Hazenberg, Dervin James
  • Patent number: 9351537
    Abstract: Articles of footwear may include selectively engageable traction elements that engage with a surface or the ground during certain activities and do not engage with the surface or the ground during other activities. The selectively engageable traction elements are caused to engage with the ground or surface when a portion of the footwear is flexed. When the footwear is in its unflexed position, the selectively engageable traction elements may not engage with the ground or surface. Selectively engageable fraction elements may be desired or may be useful during particular, targeted movements such as sharp turns, pivoting, sudden or abrupt starting and stopping motions, and the like and in changing environmental conditions, such as on various surfaces having different characteristics. Wearers of such footwear may benefit from the extra traction provided by the selectively engageable traction elements when performing the targeted movements and/or when wearing the footwear on surfaces with varying conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian D. Baker
  • Patent number: 9351538
    Abstract: An article of footwear may have an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The upper includes an illuminable panel and a plurality of strands positioned to extend adjacent and parallel to the illuminable panel. The illuminable panel has a surface with a covered area and an exposed area. The covered area includes a substantially opaque covering, and the exposed area is at least partially visible from the exterior of the footwear. The strands are located to correspond with the exposed area of the illuminable panel. Light from the exposed area of the illuminable panel may enhance, highlight, or otherwise increase the visibility of the strands or areas of the upper that include the strands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Spanks, Tiffany A. Beers
  • Patent number: 9351539
    Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, a controlled release buckle may comprise a buckle lock configured to engage a strap in a manner preventing the strap from moving in a loosening direction when the buckle lock is in a resting position, and to disengage the strap when the buckle lock is forced into a disengaged position, and a buckle lever configured to move the strap in a tightening direction when the buckle lever is pulled in a first direction, and to engage the strap in a manner preventing the strap from moving in a loosening direction when the buckle lever is pressed in a second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Bell Sports, Inc.
    Inventor: Eamon Briggs
  • Patent number: 9351540
    Abstract: A last assembly includes a plurality of retractable pins and a plurality of vacuum holes, both acting to hold footwear segments to the last assembly to facilitate manufacturing of, or modification to, an article of footwear. A method of making or modifying an article of footwear includes placing footwear segments on the last assembly by associating an extension portion of at least one footwear segment with the retractable pins, modifying the footwear segments and then removing the extension portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Sam Fisher, Jared M. Kilmer, Thomas Berend, Tony H. Le
  • Patent number: 9351541
    Abstract: A fixturing apparatus that includes a housing defining an interior space and having a trapezoidal cross-section, a first end, and an opposing second end, and is formed to include an aperture extending therethrough from the first end to said second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Inventor: Michael P. Fennell
  • Patent number: 9351542
    Abstract: A buckle assembly includes female and male buckle plates. The female buckle plate is formed with an insertion slot defined by a slot-defining wall having first and second wall faces, and has first and second corners. The first and second corners oppose each other, and are different in height with respect to a reference plane. The male buckle plate has a bent end portion that has upper and lower segments and a middle segment cooperating with the upper and lower segments to define upper and lower corners. The bent end portion is pivotable to the first corner by abutting the upper corner against the first corner, such that the bent end portion is rotatable relative to the first corner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: PLUS MEDITECH CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yueh-Hua Chiang, Fu-Lin Chuang
  • Patent number: 9351543
    Abstract: A releasable fastener assembly which includes a first panel carrying an area of a first engagement material; and a second panel carrying an area of a second engagement material. The first and second engagement materials are releasably securable to one another. A portion of a perimeter of the area of the second engagement material defines a recess which extends in a direction nonparallel to an edge of the second panel and into the area of the second engagement material. The recess is accessible from the edge of the second panel. Further included is a method for using the releasable fastener assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Central Lake Armor Express, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles C. Raymond
  • Patent number: 9351544
    Abstract: A coupling structure includes: a rod-shaped rod attached to a first end of an accessory; and a receiving portion attached to a second end of the accessory and an insertion hole portion, which receives the rod, and an accommodating portion. The receiving portion includes: a cylindrical slider into which at least a tip end portion of the rod is inserted and which is slidable and rotatable in the insertion hole and the accommodating portion; a guide groove configured to restrict the movement of the slider to switch the position of the slider to a first position or a second position; and a locking pin that inhibits the movement of the rod in the receiving portion in a pull-out direction when the slider is located at the first position and that allows the rod to move when the slider is located at the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: JEWEL KOBE Company Limited
    Inventor: Masafumi Matsumori
  • Patent number: 9351545
    Abstract: An earring backing that retains the earring frontispiece with an upward tilt. A contact plate that resides in contact with the back of the earlobe of a user is coupled to a support structure that defines a channel for an earring post. The channel defines an acute angle with the contact plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Inventor: Melecey M. Kent
  • Patent number: 9351546
    Abstract: The present invention relates to mirage effect jewellery having a rest frame (10) and a plurality of stones (20). The stones (20) are mounted independent of one another such that dimensional variation is absorbable without impairing robustness and appearance of jewellery. At least the upper portion (39U) of the projections (50) gripping the stones (20) is nearly of the same color as the color tinge of the cardinal stone (21) and peripheral stones (22). The refraction and total internal reflection of light beam (60) falling on the mirage effect jewellery (100) is nearly the same as on a one piece diamond.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Inventor: Shishir B Nevatia
  • Patent number: 9351547
    Abstract: A ferrous alloy is provided for coining The ferrous alloy includes a composition of: 4.00-10.80 wt % of chromium (Cr), 8.00-25.00 wt % of nickel (Ni), 3.00-6.00 wt % of copper (Cu), and a balance of iron (Fe) and incidental impurities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: CRS Holdings Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher F. Pilliod
  • Patent number: 9351548
    Abstract: A privacy umbrella includes a canopy, and at least a portion of the canopy includes a section made of a one-way material that allows an individual under the canopy to see outward through the one-way material, but which prevents people outside the canopy from obtaining a good view through the one-way material into the interior of the canopy. The canopy could have only a single panel of one-way material, multiple panels of one-way material, or one or more windows of one-way material. Alternatively, the entire canopy could be formed of a one-way material. The one-way material could be formed from various different materials or layers such that the one-way functionality is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Inventor: Monica D. Lorenz
  • Patent number: 9351549
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally pertains to articles of luggage that are integrated with child seats so that children may sit on the luggage articles during transport. In one exemplary embodiment, an article of luggage, such as a suitcase, has a retractable seat and a plurality of wheels. The retractable seat resides within a cavity in the luggage article when positioned in a retracted position. A user can pull the retractable seat from the cavity to position a seat back in an extended position. While in the extended position, a child can sit on the article of luggage and lean back against a back of the seat. The back of the seat or other component of the article of luggage can be pulled or pushed such that at least one wheel of the article of luggage rolls on a surface in order to move the article from one location to another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Inventor: John Kraljic
  • Patent number: 9351550
    Abstract: A wheel deployment apparatus having a retractable wheel assembly. The wheel deployment apparatus includes a deployment cable functionally coupled to and extending from the wheel assembly. The apparatus includes a retractable handle assembly having a primary tube telescopically nested with a secondary tube. The wheel deployment apparatus includes a shuttle slidably coupled between the primary tube and the secondary tube and coupled to the deployment cable through a slot in the retractable handle assembly. The wheel deployment apparatus includes a shuttle cover functionally disposed over the slot having a hole through which the deployment cable extends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Retrac Enterprises INC
    Inventors: Joseph I. Arthur, Aron Bacs, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9351551
    Abstract: A personal armband storage device includes a body portion having an opening for access to a storage compartment, a back plate attached to the body portion. The personal armband storage device is resistant to slippage during physical activity due to increased friction between the back plate and the upper arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: ARMPOCKET ENTERPRISES
    Inventors: Mark E. Morgan, Jytte L. Nielsen
  • Patent number: 9351552
    Abstract: A harness is provided for a tablet computer having a display side and an opposite back side. The harness includes a one-piece harness body formed of a single material and shaped to fit against the back side of the tablet computer. There is an opening in the harness body proximate a center of the harness body. There is a first strap extending across the harness body proximate a center of the harness body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Inventors: Donald H. McNeil, James R. Thompson
  • Patent number: 9351553
    Abstract: Implementations described and claims herein provide dual function bag that includes features that accommodate work-related materials and recreational materials. The dual function bag includes a housing formed from a front side and a back side connected by a ventilation strip and a base strip. The bag further includes a first and a second attachment that extends from its respective side. The first and second attachments are coupled at a connection point to form a receiving space adjacent to the ventilation strip. The receiving space is adapted to receive one or more articles. A carrying strap is coupled to the connection point, and the connection point is adapted to cinch the one or more articles in the receiving space when tension is applied to the carrying strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Apera, LLC
    Inventors: Paul Fair, Andrew Youngs