Patents Issued in July 4, 2017
  • Patent number: 9693546
    Abstract: A termite extermination method of the present invention includes putting a termite extermination device 1 at a termite habitat. The termite extermination device 1 includes an exterminating agent housing 3 that is at least partially formed of a moisture-proof film 12 and houses an exterminating agent 13 in an interior of the exterminating agent housing 3. The moisture-proof film 12 includes a laminate having a paper layer and a metal layer laminated one upon another. At least the paper layer is subjected to a rugging process. The laminate is disposed in the exterminating agent housing 3 so that the paper layer serves as an outermost surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: NATIONAL UNIVERSITY CORPORATION OKAYAMA UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Kenji Matsuura, Chihiro Himuro, Tomoyuki Yokoi, Yuya Suzuki, Kosaku Nozaki, Masanaga Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 9693547
    Abstract: A system for tracking and counteracting flying insects includes an imager, a unmanned aerial vehicle with an embedded counteracting device and a processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Inventor: Jean François Moitier
  • Patent number: 9693548
    Abstract: One or more sound producers disrupt auditory communications among animals in a defined locale. The sound is defined by (i) a frequency range commensurate with a communication frequency range used by at least one species to carry out auditory communications, (ii) colored noise in the frequency range, and (iii) a sound level of the colored noise in the frequency range at a perimeter region of the defined locale not to exceed approximately a peak sound level associated with auditory communications of one or more species.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: COLLEGE OF WILLIAM AND MARY
    Inventors: John P Swaddle, Mark K Hinders
  • Patent number: 9693549
    Abstract: Rodent shields are constructed from various gauge metal and are shaped to fit substantially flush against vertical members to prevent roof rats (Rattus Rattus) from traveling to and from their homes located in the upper parts of structures. The rodent shield can be installed on different diameter size vertical members by simply cutting the housing portions at the required length. The rodent shield is wide and the surface is sleek to prevent roof rats from firmly gripping the shield. The rodent shield can be used individually or used with multiple rodent shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Inventor: Manuel Gomez, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9693550
    Abstract: A decoy suitable for hunting geese comprising a silhouette portion, side body portions attached to the silhouette portion capable of being folded into a one dimensional appearance or unfolded into a three-dimensional honeycomb appearance resembling the body of a goose from below the neck to the tail, and a stake attached to the bottom of the silhouette portion for insertion into the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Inventors: Gary Jones, Brian Jones
  • Patent number: 9693551
    Abstract: The present invention relates to non-aqueous pesticidal dispersible concentrate formulations comprising from about 2 to about 10% of at least one pesticidal agent, from about 15 to about 25% of hexylene glycol, from about 65 to about 75% of propylene glycol, a hydrophobic silica, and a surfactant, wherein the weight percentages are based on the total weight of the formulation. Formulations of the present invention have superior storage stability but are non-phytotoxic to seeds when used as a seed treatment. The present invention also relates to ready-to-use products made from the concentrated formulations of the present invention. Further, the present invention includes methods of using the pesticidal dispersible concentrate formulations and ready-to-use products to achieve superior plant protection and disease control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: VALENT U.S.A. CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jane Liu, Toshiya Ogawa, Christopher B. Meador, Michael Seitz, Dair McDuffee, Karen S. Arthur
  • Patent number: 9693552
    Abstract: Biodegradable and nutritionally attractive composition comprising biocidal or antibiotic compounds and/or microbes having bio-adhesion and controlled buoyancy properties are selectively fed to an aquatic organism in open or closed water-bodies, and bioactive components are released upon contact with mucosal tissues such as gill, skin or along the digestive tract of the selected aquatic organism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: ADVANCED BIONUTRITION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Moti Harel, Brian Carpenter, Pete Schmalz
  • Patent number: 9693553
    Abstract: Storage stable polyhydroxylated aromatic ether adducts of polyalkylene oxide are described. Reactive compositions are formed by combining an ether adduct with an aldehyde, optionally further adding a phenolic-aldehyde prepolymer. The reactive compositions are cured by removing water, by acidification, or both. The cured compositions sorb solvated compounds from environments containing water. The cured compositions are also useful for pre-loading with compounds that are subsequently released at a controlled rate into environments containing water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Eco Verde Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Curtis Elliott
  • Patent number: 9693554
    Abstract: Plant growth accelerator comprising, as an active ingredient, 5-amino-4-hydroxypentanoic acid of formula (1) H2NCH2CH(OH)CH2CH2COOR1??(1) wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, a derivative thereof or a salt thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: COSMO OIL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jun Li, Yasunobu Ueda, Shigeyuki Watanabe, Yasutomo Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 9693555
    Abstract: The present invention relates to pesticide preparations and methods based on RNAi technology. The invention discloses target genes (fragments) useful in the control of Lepidoptera insects. Nucleic acid inhibitors or hosts expressing the nucleic acid inhibitors, based on the nucleic acid sequences of these target genes, can effectively kill Lepidoptera insects. The invention also discloses applications using the nucleic acid inhibitors or hosts expressing the nucleic acid inhibitors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Inventors: Haichao Li, Xuexia Miao, Hao Zhang, Yubing Wang, Yongping Huang
  • Patent number: 9693556
    Abstract: The present invention provides a compound of Formula (I) or an agronomically acceptable salt thereof, wherein: R2 is selected from the group consisting of (A1), (A2) and (A3) wherein X1 is N or CR7X2 is N or CR8X3 is N or CR9X4 is N or CR6R1, R3, R4, R5 R6, R7, R8 and R9 are as defined herein. The invention further relates to herbicidal compositions which comprise a compound of Formula (I), and to their use for controlling weeds, in particular in crops of useful plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Syngenta Limited
    Inventors: Yunas Bhonoah, Alison Clare Elliott, Steven Gaulier, Kenneth Ling, Glynn Mitchell, James Alan Morris, Paula Rocha Rzepa, Russell Colin Viner
  • Patent number: 9693557
    Abstract: Compositions (feeding deterrent/repellent for Halyomorpha halys) containing at least two compounds selected from tridecane, E-2-decenal, isolongifolanone, isolongifolenone, and at least one isolongifolenone analog having the following formula: wherein R1 is hydrogen, an oxygen, a C1-10 alcohol, aldehyde, alkyl, ether, or esters of said alcohol with a C1-10 saturated or unsaturated, straight or branched acid and R2 is hydrogen, an oxygen, a C1-10 alcohol, aldehyde, alkyl, ether, or esters of said alcohol with a C1-10 saturated or unsaturated, straight or branched acid; optionally there is a double bond between carbons 5 and 6 and R2 is hydrogen; and optionally a carrier or carrier material. Also methods for deterring feeding/repelling Halyomorpha halys involving treating an object or area with a Halyomorpha halys deterring feeding/repelling effective amount of at least one compound selected from the above compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: The United States of America, as Represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventors: Aijun Zhang, Christina Harris, Tracy C. Leskey
  • Patent number: 9693558
    Abstract: A crystalline form of mesosulfuron-methyl of formula (I), the crystal preparation process, the analyses of the crystal through various analytical methods and using the crystal to prepare stable agrochemical formulation. The invention also describes the use of various solvents towards the crystalline form preparation conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: ROTAM AGROCHEM INTERNATIONAL COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventor: James Timothy Bristow
  • Patent number: 9693559
    Abstract: To provide a high active herbicidal composition having a broad herbicidal spectrum. A herbicidal composition comprising (a) nicosulfuron or its salt, (b) prosulfuron or its salt and (c) at least one herbicidal compound selected from the group consisting of mesotrione, bicyclopyrone, dicamba, dicamba ester, bromoxynil, bromoxynil ester and their salts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: ISHIHARA SANGYO KAISHA, LTD.
    Inventors: Ryu Yamada, Hiroyuki Okamoto, Takashi Terada
  • Patent number: 9693560
    Abstract: The present application relates to biocidal substances comprising at least one isothiazolinone from the group consisting of 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one (BIT) and 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one (MIT), and at least one N-alkyl-guanidinium salt, methods for the production thereof, and their use for protecting technical materials and products which can be attacked by microorganisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: LANXESS Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Tanja Gerharz, Peter Wachtler
  • Patent number: 9693561
    Abstract: Compositions and methods for affecting dipteran hematophagous parasites. The compositions contain at least one dipteran semiochemical and at least one phagostimulant. The compositions may further include a pesticide. The semiochemical may be a floral attractant and the phagostimulants may be sugar-based. The compositions may be useful in attracting mosquitoes and/or repelling sand flies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: ISCA Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Agenor Mafra-Neto, Rodrigo Oliveira Da Silva, Carmem R. Bernardi
  • Patent number: 9693562
    Abstract: A liquid insecticide composition is provided containing a neonicotinoid-based compound, a silicone-based surfactant, and a water-soluble organic solvent. Furthermore, a method is provided for enhancing an insecticidal effect which includes using a silicone-based surfactant in combination with a neonicotinoid-based compound as an insecticidal active ingredient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Nippon Soda Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kaoru Nishimura, Rieko Nakamura, Rie Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 9693563
    Abstract: Complexes of boron and alkyl ether terminated silane polyethers are described. Compositions incorporating such complexes are also described. In addition to the boron-silane polyether complex, such compositions include water and one or more enzymes. Compositions further containing actives and/or polyols are also described. Uses for such compositions include disinfection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Vishalkumar Y. Joshi
  • Patent number: 9693564
    Abstract: An antimicrobial composition includes benzalkonium chloride in an amount of 0.06% w/w to 0.19% w/w and cocamidopropyl PG-dimonium chloride phosphate in an amount of 0.6% w/w to 1.9% w/w. The composition also includes propylene glycol in an amount of 0.4% w/w to 1.2% w/w and triethylene glycol in an amount of 0.1% w/w to 0.3% w/w. A polysorbate is included in an amount of 0.02% w/w to 0.08% w/w and water in an amount of 96.0% w/w to 99.0% w/w.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: SAFEHANDS SOLUTIONS, LLC
    Inventor: Jay Reubens
  • Patent number: 9693565
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising at least one biological control agent selected from the group consisting of Paecilomyces lilacinus strain 251 (AGAL No. 89/030550) and Coniothyrium minitons CON/M/91-08 (DSM 9660) and/or a mutant of these strains having all the identifying characteristics of the respective strain, and/or at least one metabolite produced by the respective strain that exhibits activity against nematodes, insects and/or phytopathogens, and at least and at least one further biological control agent (II) which is selected from the group consisting of bacteria in a synergistically effective amount. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a kit of parts comprising said composition and the use of said composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Bayer CropScience AG
    Inventors: Wolfram Andersch, Bernd Springer, Wolfgang Thielert, Peter Luth, Ute Eiben
  • Patent number: 9693566
    Abstract: An animal, bird, and repellent formulation and method for warding off deer, geese, birds and insects from shrubs, grass, water, walks, parking lots in around buildings and the like. The formulation is a mixture of water, rosemary oil, mint oil, cedar oil, kaolin clay, a thickener, preservative, white distilled vinegar and dried eggs. This formulation can be applied to a support medium, such as crushed eggshells, nutshells, or corncobs and then disbursed over the surface to be protected. The mixture can also be formed into a viscous composition and sprayed over the area. Additionally, this mixture can be applied to stagnate water to kill mosquito larvae or on a variety of surfaces to repel insects such as flies, spiders, beetles, ants and so forth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Inventor: James Messina, Sr.
  • Patent number: 9693567
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for preparing rolled dough sheets are provided. In an example, a dough rolling system can include a rolling board having first and second major surfaces and a first plurality of grooves within the first major surface and a plurality of removable templates configured to insert within at least one groove of the first plurality of grooves, wherein the plurality of templates are configured to define a shape and a thickness for a final dough sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Inventor: Kathleen Piper
  • Patent number: 9693568
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a scrubber system for removing material from, or smoothing the surface of, an object. According to an example embodiment, the scrubber system comprises one or more scrubbing disks, spacer disks, and retaining collars configured for interlocking with other cooperatively configured scrubbing disks and spacer disks. The scrubbing and spacer disks are arrangeable end-to-end along a shaft extending therethrough and between opposed retaining collars to form a scrubber custom-configured for a particular application. The scrubbing disks may include one or more types arranged, with or without any spacer disks, in any desired configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Brush Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Terry Pulliam, William Bell
  • Patent number: 9693569
    Abstract: A smoke generator for providing smoke to a food smoking cabinet includes an upright enclosure with a fuel storage area located above a combustion chamber. An operating rod assembly including an operating rod, partition, and fuel agitator extend downwardly into the pellet fuel storage area. The operating rod may be manipulated from outside the enclosure to operate the agitator and selectively reposition the partition and relocate the agitator within the fuel storage area of the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Smokehouse Products, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy E. Wingerd, Homer W. Lindsey, Richard Furrow, Edward J. Farrell
  • Patent number: 9693570
    Abstract: A dough-like confectionery material contains a solid particulate, a liquid, and a diffusion controller. The dough-like confectionery material is an effective replacement for panned coatings, and it can be applied to an edible substrate, such as candy or chewing gum to form a layered confection. Methods and apparatus for forming layered confections are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: INTERCONTINENTAL GREAT BRANDS LLC
    Inventors: Vesselin D. Miladinov, Cesar Carlos Elejalde, Jesse Kiefer, Bharat Jani, Kishor Kabse, Matthew Allan Beam, Allen Aldridge, Jianping Chao
  • Patent number: 9693571
    Abstract: A machine for making and dispensing liquid, semi-liquid and/or semi-solid food products and which includes at least a cylinder for containing and processing basic products, means for heating and cooling the cylinder wrapped around at least part of the cylinder and a mixer unit positioned inside the cylinder which is able to mix the basic products during their processing; the machine also includes a supply duct for supplying the products into the cylinder, a dispensing duct for withdrawing the food products from the cylinder and means for recirculating the products contained in the containment and processing cylinder which are able to withdraw the products from the cylinder through the dispensing duct and to return them into the cylinder through the supply duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: ALI S.P.A.—CARPIGIANI GROUP
    Inventors: Andrea Cocchi, Roberto Lazzarini
  • Patent number: 9693572
    Abstract: The invention provides flaked fish analogs comprising from about from about 18 to about 25% protein, from about 3 to about 9% fat, and from about 60 to about 85% moisture. The compositions have a realistic fish-like appearance and texture, mostly due to the presence of “flakes” that mimic the flakes of real fish.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: NESTEC SA
    Inventor: Michael John Saylock
  • Patent number: 9693573
    Abstract: The invention relates generally to remote data collecting systems and methods. In a general aspect, the present invention provides a remote data collecting system comprising a measuring device having at least two scales in communication with a web server. The web server can be used to display data from the measuring device on a website to be accessed by one or more users, for example, using a computing device. The remote data collecting system is particularly useful for real-time, uncontrolled environment (e.g., in-home) product testing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: NESTEC SA
    Inventors: Xue Ling Wang, David Chih-Hung Chang, Bao Zhong Hu, Ruguo Hu
  • Patent number: 9693574
    Abstract: Provided are compositions that contain a modified food starch and one or more non-polar compounds. In some instances, the compositions contain a water-soluble derivative of vitamin E mixture, containing relatively high concentrations of dimer forms of the PEG-derivative of vitamin E. Compositions include concentrates, dilution compositions and compositions for direct consumption. Methods for preparing the compositions also are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Virun, Inc.
    Inventor: Philip J. Bromley
  • Patent number: 9693575
    Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a manufacturing method of instant rice which may be restored to edible rice simply by adding hot water. The method includes a first pressurized-steaming step for steaming raw material rice under pressure while the raw material rice is being agitated, and forming a gelatinized layer on a surface of the raw material rice, a hydration step for hydrating the raw material rice having the gelatinized layer formed on the surface, a tempering step for making moisture content of the hydrated raw material rice uniform, a second pressurized-steaming step for steaming the hydrated raw material rice under pressure while the raw material rice is being agitated, and gelatinizing the raw material rice to a center, a dehydration step for dehydrating the raw material rice that is gelatinized to the center, and an expansion step for expanding the dehydrated raw material rice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Satake Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Fukumori, Hideaki Matsushima, Keishi Wakabayashi
  • Patent number: 9693576
    Abstract: Provided is a hydrolyzed pea protein based fermentation process employing Lactobacillus sp., the formed ingredient, food products comprising said ingredient and a method of enhancing the salty taste of food products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: GIVAUDAN SA
    Inventors: Tarun Bhowmik, Christopher Todd Simons, Stefka Ivanova Myaka
  • Patent number: 9693577
    Abstract: Spray dried nutritional powders include soluble calcium, protein, and at least one of a soluble citrate, a soluble phosphate, and combinations thereof as at least one chelating agent. At least a portion of the soluble calcium is calcium HMB. At least a portion of the protein is soluble protein. The spray dried nutritional powders have a weight ratio of soluble calcium binding capacity to total soluble calcium of from about 2.3:1 to about 12:1. The calcium HMB, the at least one chelating agent, and the protein are spray dried together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: ABBOTT LABORATORIES
    Inventors: Charles Helmke, Paul Johns, Ann Kensler
  • Patent number: 9693578
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing a probiotic fruit beverage comprising a high viable count of acid-adapted probiotic bacteria, such as strains of Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei, and to probiotic fruit beverage obtainable by such method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Chr. Hansen A/S
    Inventors: Tina Hornbaek, Caroline Trebbien Gottlieb, Tina Malling Thorsen, Peter Sommer
  • Patent number: 9693579
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method to eliminate gram negative bacterial pathogens from food or produce. This method includes the steps of exposing produce or food to an electrically conductive medium having an anode and a cathode; inserting the anode of the electrically conductive medium into a water flume; connecting the cathode of the electrically conductive medium to a conveyor belt to convey the produce or food through the water flume for increasing the negative electrostatic charge on the surface of the pathogen cells selected to cause cell lysis; and attaching one or more misters to the roof of a water chamber to disperse the water in the water chamber. When DC current is applied to any pathogen cell that is gram negative, it overrides the internal governing electrostatic charge controlling the pathogen cell causing cell lysis. This is the “Achilles heel” of gram negative bacteria pathogen cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Inventor: Lex Camany
  • Patent number: 9693580
    Abstract: A system providing for on-site reclamation and re-use of reclaimed antimicrobial solution includes a dispenser, at least one receptacle, piping, and at least one pump. The dispenser sprays antimicrobial solution toward moving raw food products. Unspent antimicrobial solution that did not contact the moving raw food products and rebound antimicrobial solution that did contact the raw food products combine to form a reclaimed antimicrobial solution. The reclaimed antimicrobial solution is collected in the receptacle and is pumped through the piping to a location for reuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Chandler Adams, Cayce Warf, Roger J. Tippett
  • Patent number: 9693581
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing, only with mechanical treatment, high-quality rice flour having a rounded particle shape, which is equivalent to fine flour obtained by using enzymes, has characteristics close to the characteristics of wheat flour, and is suitable for production of bread, cakes, noodles, and the like. In order to attain the object, a method for producing rice flour includes: providing primary crushing material rice subjected to soaking and adjustment of moisture content with a disintegrating and sizing device, fine grinding the primary crushed rice with an air mill, and then drying the fine ground rice with an air flow dryer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: NARA MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Katsuhiko Sasako, Hidetoshi Iwamatsu, Ryuta Yamazaki, Kwan-Hei Park
  • Patent number: 9693582
    Abstract: An apparatus for enrobing a product portion can include at least one polymer spray head adapted to create at least one flow of polymeric fibers to produce at least one polymer enrobing zone and a conveyor system adapted to move at least one product portion from at least one position below at least one polymer enrobing zone and to at least one position above at least one polymer enrobing zone to drop each product portion through one or more polymer enrobing zones a plurality times at different orientations to enrobe each product portion with polymeric fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: ALTRIA CLIENT SERVICES LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Nathan Carroll, Shannon Maxwell Black, Yan Helen Sun, William J. Burke, Robert Smith
  • Patent number: 9693583
    Abstract: A tobacco product is formed by rolling a sheet of material supplied by a roll or rolls (e.g. moistened tobacco leaves) and/or homogenized sheet tobacco about a slit mandrel to form a shaped tube. The shaped tube is then packaged for shipment to an end user or consumer. The shaped tube remains in the rolled, shaped tube form inside the package. After the shaped tube is removed from the package, a consumer can fill the tube with crushed tobacco leaves or other tobacco filler material of a favorite blend, thereby eliminating some steps in the making of a “roll-your-own” tobacco product. A liquid can be added to the sheet or to the finished tube to moisturize same. The liquid can include flavoring. The tubes are unfilled when packaged and sent to a consumer/end user in tube form so that they have a “memory” that helps hold a tubular cigar shape after they are filled with selected tobacco fill material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Blunt Wrap U.S.A., Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel S. Sinclair, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9693584
    Abstract: A simulated cigarette device with a substantially cylindrical cigarette-like shape comprising a reservoir of a pressurized composition including an inhalable substance and a propellant. A refill valve is in communication with the reservoir via which the reservoir is refilled. A breath-activated valve selectively controls the flow through a reservoir outlet and hence through an inhaling outlet in the device. The size of the reservoir, the pressure within the reservoir and the size of the reservoir outlet at its narrowest point are arranged so that, when the breath-activated valve is fully opened, the reservoir will discharge in less than 30 seconds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Kind Consumer Limited
    Inventors: Alex Hearn, Moritz Bolle
  • Patent number: 9693585
    Abstract: A simulated cigarette includes a housing having a generally cigarette-like shape and size; a reservoir of inhalable composition within the housing; an actuator controlling the flow from the reservoir; and an outlet passage from the actuator to an outlet in the housing from which outlet a user inhales the composition, wherein the housing adjacent to the outlet end has a deformable material at its outer periphery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Kind Consumer Limited
    Inventor: Alex Hearn
  • Patent number: 9693586
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an anti-tamper atomizer and electronic cigarette. Wherein the anti-tamper atomizer comprises a protective sleeve, a suction nozzle cap fixed on a first end of the protective sleeve, and a battery cartridge connector fixed on a second end of the protective sleeve; a vent pipe, a heater strip component and an oil storage cotton coated outside of the vent pipe and the heater strip component are arranged in the protective sleeve, the battery cartridge connector comprises a protective sleeve connecting part and a battery cartridge connecting part connected with each other, wherein the battery cartridge connector has a center hole extending along the axis of the protective sleeve, and a groove is formed at the adjacency of the protective sleeve connecting part and the battery cartridge connecting part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: HUIZHOU KIMREE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. SHENZHEN BRANCH
    Inventor: Qiuming Liu
  • Patent number: 9693587
    Abstract: There is provided an extractor for an aerosol-generating device configured to receive a smoking article including an aerosol-forming substrate and including a heater for heating the aerosol-forming substrate to form the aerosol. The extractor is configured to extract the smoking article received in the device, and includes a sliding receptacle configured to receive the smoking article, and a sleeve configured to receive the sliding receptacle. The sliding receptacle is slidable in the sleeve between a first position in which the substrate of the smoking article is positioned so as to be heated by the heater, and a second position in which the substrate is substantially separated from the heater. The sliding receptacle includes a support configured to support the substrate when the sliding receptacle and the smoking article are moved from the first position to the second position. There is also provided an electrically heated smoking system including the extractor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Philip Morris Products S.A.
    Inventors: Julien Plojoux, Olivier Greim, Dani Ruscio
  • Patent number: 9693588
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a heating element assembly for e-cigarette. The heating element assembly includes a cylindrical ceramic e-liquid conduit to store e-liquid, at least one heating wire wound on the inside of ceramic e-liquid conduit, a base, and a cylinder on top of base. The ceramic wall around the ceramic e-liquid conduit forms a vapor path with an air intake at bottom and an air exhaust on top. The cylinder sits on the base to form a main cavity 300 that houses the ceramic e-liquid conduit. The cylinder has an e-liquid intake to receive e-liquid from an e-liquid storage. The e-liquid enters the ceramic e-liquid conduit through e-liquid intake, and the e-liquid is heated by the heating wire to generate vapor, and the generated vapor goes up through the air intake, the air exhaust, to exit the heating element assembly from the upper end of the vapor path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Inventor: Xiaochun Zhu
  • Patent number: 9693589
    Abstract: An innovative sleeping suit for infants, configured to provide warmth, a contained environment, and positive proprioceptive input, and thereby reduce neurological reflexive twitching or habitual waking patterns prevalent when infants are placed on their backs for sleeping and are not swaddled. The weighting in the suit is believed to reduce the neurological reflexive twitching and provides a swaddling effect to infants helping them to fall asleep and remain sleeping when on their backs. At least a portion of an anterior portion of the suit includes the weighting. The weighting may be accomplished by varying the thickness of the materials and/or quantity of layers of materials used on the anterior portion of the suit. The weighting may be distributed uniformly throughout the suit, the anterior portion of the suit, or can be strategically placed at proprioceptive target points along the anterior portion of the suit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Baby Merlin Company
    Inventors: Maureen A. Howard, Robert C. Howard
  • Patent number: 9693590
    Abstract: Garments that can be worn during early stages of pregnancy and postpartum are disclosed. The garments shape or contour the stomach or abdomen regions of the wearer to give the abdomen a smoother and slimmer appearance. The garments comprise at least one shaper stitch region that is adapted to apply a compressive force to the wearer's abdomen to shape the stomach or abdomen regions of the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Destination Maternity Corporation
    Inventor: Lisa A. Hendrickson
  • Patent number: 9693591
    Abstract: The invention is an anchor point device for use with a bra support underwire comprising: a unitary interface sleeve comprising a distal paraboloid section with an underwire cavity passing therethrough; a cylindrical section extending from the distal paraboloid section, the cylindrical section having the underwire cavity terminating therein; a proximal paraboloid section extending from the cylindrical section; and an anchor tab, configured as a geometric shape, a threaded component, a ribbed component, or a reinforced thread, attached to the interface sleeve. The invention provides reduced kinetic friction and kinetic wear between support underwires and ultra thin tubular fabric casings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Inventor: Ronald Steven Charnecky
  • Patent number: 9693592
    Abstract: This document describes techniques and apparatuses for attaching electronic components to interactive textiles. In various implementations, an interactive textile that includes conductive thread woven into the interactive textile is received. The conductive thread includes a conductive wire (e.g., a copper wire) that that is twisted, braided, or wrapped with one or more flexible threads (e.g., polyester or cotton threads). A fabric stripping process is applied to the interactive textile to strip away fabric of the interactive textile and the flexible threads to expose the conductive wire in a window of the interactive textile. After exposing the conductive wires in the window of the interactive textile, an electronic component (e.g., a flexible circuit board) is attached to the exposed conductive wire of the conductive thread in the window of the interactive textile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Karen Elizabeth Robinson, Nan-Wei Gong, Mustafa Emre Karagozler, Ivan Poupyrev
  • Patent number: 9693593
    Abstract: The present application describes clothing that incorporates an inflation system for individual protection of permanent use. The integration method of the inflation system provides the garments to offer freedom of movement and be aesthetically appealing, allowing its use in various activities in the water and preventing death by drowning. This system can be directly applied to any type of clothing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: DAMEL—CONFECAO DE VESTUARIO LDA
    Inventors: Vitor Manuel Gomes De Paiva, Patricia Laura Da Silva Ferreira, Gilda Maria Murta Santos
  • Patent number: 9693594
    Abstract: A protective device for a head of an individual person. The protective device forms a cap that includes a flexible headpiece and a segmented outer protective shell disposed about the flexible headpiece for distributing an impact load. The device covers and protects the front, top, sides and back of the head from impact injuries and rebound effects of high speed objects as seen for example, a baseball or softball moving at a speed of up to about 125 mph.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Harvest Moon Inventions, LLC
    Inventors: Mynor J. Castro, Caroline Vanlngen-Dunn, Ira Harold Dorfman
  • Patent number: 9693595
    Abstract: A helmet earpiece is provided which includes a body, a first feature configured to fit with a complimentary first feature associated with a helmet, and a second feature configured to fit with a complimentary second feature associated with the helmet. The first and second features on the body may be configured to fit with the respective complimentary first and second features associated with the helmet to mount the helmet earpiece to the helmet. The first feature may include an opening, and a lock adjacent the opening. The lock has an unlocked position and a locked position, where in the unlocked position, the opening may be configured to receive the complimentary first feature associated with the helmet, and in the locked position, the lock may be configured to retain the complimentary first feature in the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Revision Military S.a.r.L.
    Inventors: Stéphane Lebel, Dominic Giroux Bernier, Edward R. Hall