Patents Issued in October 24, 2017
  • Patent number: 9795142
    Abstract: An odor eliminating solution comprises the active deodorizing and antimicrobial agents of silver nanoparticles dispersed in colloidal suspension in a solution containing excess sodium tetraborate decahydrate, commonly referred to as borax. The silver nanoparticles provide deodorizing and antimicrobial properties through the colloidal dispersion which provides a high surface area to volume ratio for the suspension. The sodium tetraborate decahydrate provides deodorizing and antimicrobial properties through its co-complexing ability with various substances. The combination of both provides the present invention with long term stability and deodorizing and antimicrobial activity. Furthermore, the present invention includes the method for formulating the odor eliminating solution through the combination of a silver nanoparticle source solution and an aqueous sodium tetraborate solution which results in a chemical reaction that synthesizes the silver nanoparticles from the silver cations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Wizard Labs, LLC
    Inventors: Wiley William Hitchcock, James Michael Puckett
  • Patent number: 9795143
    Abstract: The invention refers to formulae for biologic control of insect plagues in plants, free of chemicals, that include deposited Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki strains, as well as crystals from endotoxins derived from said strains. It also refers to the biologic control method for the protection of plants from insect plagues through the application of the said formula on plants, their parts, the soil, or their surroundings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: BIO INSUMOS NATIVA S.p.A.
    Inventors: Paulo Andres Escobar Valdes, Eduardo Patricio Donoso Cuevas, Gustavo Adolfo Lobos Prats
  • Patent number: 9795144
    Abstract: Methods for improving the ability of a population of biological agents to compete and survive in a field setting are provided. The improved, modified population of agents is able to grow, compete with other microbial strains and fungi, and provide protection for plants from pathogens. Modified biological agents and modified populations of such agents that are herbicide tolerant or resistant are selected or engineered. In this manner, the protection from disease-causing agents is enhanced. Such modified populations can be added to soils to prevent fungal pathogens and the associated diseases thereby promoting plant growth. The present invention is useful for enhancing the competitiveness of modified biological agents particularly over other microbial agents which are not herbicide resistant. Disclosed compositions include selected or engineered herbicide resistant biological agents and modified populations of biocontrol agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: AgBiome, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip E. Hammer, Janice C. Jones, Michael G. Koziel, Kelly S. Smith, Scott J. Uknes
  • Patent number: 9795145
    Abstract: Methods for improving the ability of a population of biological agents to compete and survive in a field setting are provided. The improved, modified population of agents is able to grow, compete with other microbial strains and fungi, and provide protection for plants from pathogens. Modified biological agents and modified populations of such agents that are herbicide tolerant or resistant are selected or engineered. In this manner, the protection from disease-causing agents is enhanced. Such modified populations can be added to soils to prevent fungal pathogens and the associated diseases thereby promoting plant growth. The present invention is useful for enhancing the competitiveness of modified biological agents particularly over other microbial agents which are not herbicide resistant. Disclosed compositions include selected or engineered herbicide resistant biological agents and modified populations of biocontrol agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: AgBiome, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip E. Hammer, Janice C. Jones, Michael G. Koziel, Scott J. Uknes
  • Patent number: 9795146
    Abstract: Methods for improving the ability of a population of biological agents to compete and survive in a field setting are provided. The improved, modified population of agents is able to grow, compete with other microbial strains and fungi, and provide protection for plants from pathogens. Modified biological agents and modified populations of such agents that are herbicide tolerant or resistant are selected or engineered. In this manner, the protection from disease-causing agents is enhanced. Such modified populations can be added to soils to prevent fungal pathogens and the associated diseases thereby promoting plant growth. The present invention is useful for enhancing the competitiveness of modified biological agents particularly over other microbial agents which are not herbicide resistant. Disclosed compositions include selected or engineered herbicide resistant biological agents and modified populations of biocontrol agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: AgBiome, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip E. Hammer, Janice C. Jones, Michael G. Koziel, Scott Joseph Uknes
  • Patent number: 9795147
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to the field of cooking ovens for the preparation of foodstuffs in an enclosed environment including a visual flame along with a rotating cooking plate upon which foodstuffs are placed and are transported through various cooking regions before being removed from the cooking oven for consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Wood Stone Corporation
    Inventors: Harry Hegarty, Lawrence Byron Johnson, Kurt Eickmeyer, Bryan Martens, Greg Bird, Mark Stephenson, Brett VanLeeuwen
  • Patent number: 9795148
    Abstract: A meat inspection and sorting line comprising supply means, a radiation inspection facility, a cutting facility and a reject facility. Meat parts are brought together and fed into the radiation inspection facility by means of a conveyor in a layer of meat parts. An undesired object is detected by the radiation inspection facility by means of e.g. an X-ray technique and a part of the layer of meat parts containing the undesired object is identified and separated from the layer of meat parts by the cutting facility. The identified and separated part of the layer of meat parts containing the undesired object is rejected by the reject facility from the layer of meat parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: MAREL ICELAND EHF
    Inventors: Árni Sigurdsson, Hrafnkell Eiriksson
  • Patent number: 9795149
    Abstract: A positioning apparatus for positioning poultry legs which are conveyed suspended in a row has a bending device for bending and positioning the poultry legs, as well as a stationary holding and guiding device. The bending device forms a threading device for suspending the poultry leg in the region of the knee joint in a holding and guiding gap of the holding and guiding device. Co-running positioning elements are formed by driven pressing elements which grip the poultry leg from beneath on an axial side of the leg for bending and lifting. Each co-running positioning element forms with a stationary positioning element a functional pair of positioning elements. One of the two positioning elements engages in the hollow of the knee of the poultry leg, while the other positioning element is configured to rest against the thigh on the front side of the leg. Processing stations can be arranged along the holding and guiding gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Linco Food Systems A/S
    Inventors: Hermanus Godefridus Wilhelmus Ebbers, Wilhelmus Henricus Berendina Giezen
  • Patent number: 9795150
    Abstract: In a method for deaerating a liquid the liquid is pressurized to a pressure above atmospheric, after which it is guided to an upstream end of a nucleation valve. A low pressure resides on the downstream end of the nucleation valve and as the liquid passes the valve, bubble nucleation is initiated, forming the first step in a deaeration process. According to the method the temperature and pressure on the downstream side of the valve is controlled such that the static pressure is above the saturation pressure, while the lowest pressure as the liquid passes the valve is below or equal to the saturation pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventors: Fredrik Innings, Tomas Skoglund
  • Patent number: 9795151
    Abstract: Disclosed are hydrated fat compositions comprising a water-in-oil emulsion comprising (a) a continuous phase comprising: a solid fat comprising a fully-hydrogenated vegetable oil, a stearine fraction of a vegetable oil, or a mixture thereof, in an amount ranging from about 5 wt. % to about 40 wt. % of the hydrated fat; and a low trans-fat liquid vegetable oil in an amount ranging from about 20 wt. % to about 80 wt. % of the hydrated fat composition; (b) a dispersed phase comprising water in an amount ranging from about 5 wt. % to about 60 wt. % of the hydrated fat composition; and (c) an emulsifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: General Mills, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Staeger, Jennifer E. Folstad, Jeffrey F. Enz, Karen Marie Mandl Garrity, Eric A. Olson, Jon Duke Seibold
  • Patent number: 9795152
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for increasing the SUS content in an oil or in an olein fraction, comprising performing 1,3-selective enzymatic intraesterification on a natural starting oil or olein fraction prepared therefrom wherein the ratio between SUS and SUU is at least 1:1.5 and the SSS content is low, in particular close to 0%. Further, the present invention relates to 1,3-Selective intraesterified oil or olein, obtainable by performing the present method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Advanta Holdings BV
    Inventors: Lucas Guillermo Pan, Eduardo Pedro Dubinsky, Martin Oscar Grondona, Andrés Daniel Zambelli, Alberto Javier Leon
  • Patent number: 9795153
    Abstract: The present invention relates to bite-sized ices, composed of natural ingredients and specially formulated with various Superfoods and everyday health boosters, a method for processing, and apparatus for packaging the same. The present inventive composition preferably comes in multiple flavors; each flavor preferably comprising a unique ingredient profile. The ingredients are mixed using a thermal process involving a hot fill hold such that the composition and the packaging are sterilized at the same time. The packaging allows the composition to be sold shelf stable and to be a freeze and eat product, thereby providing convenience to the consumer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Inventor: Paulette Suzanne Fox
  • Patent number: 9795154
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing modified gum arabic comprising treating gum arabic with an enzyme selected from the group of glycosidases at a concentration of 1 to 1000 units of enzyme per gram of gum arabic, a modified gum arabic obtainable by said method, an emulsion comprising the modified gum arabic and a beverage concentrate and ready-to-drink beverage comprising the emulsion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: RUDOLF WILD GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Thomas Heidebach, Matthias Sass, Axel De With
  • Patent number: 9795156
    Abstract: The invention describes compositions that include a stevia sweetener and a salt of a steviol glycoside, wherein the concentration of the components provide an improved taste profile where bitterness, after taste and/or lingering of the stevia sweetener is decreased or eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: E.P.C (Beijing) Plant Pharmaceutical Technology Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Jingang Shi, Hansheng Wang, Mingming Deng, Jien Ding, Yanyan Wu
  • Patent number: 9795157
    Abstract: Cereal grain is pretreated before milling, by selectively removing a first fraction of husk components of the cereal, wherein the first fraction includes the outer husk components of the dampened cereal, and wherein 0.2 to 2% by weight of the cereal is removed, then dampening and conditioning the cereal, then selectively removing a second fraction of husk components of the cereal, wherein the second fraction substantially contains dietary fibers of the dampened cereal. The method makes it possible to efficiently obtain contamination-free total dietary fibers. An apparatus for carrying out the method, and advantageous uses of the total dietary fibers are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: General Mills, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter Eugster, Jurgen Winter, Uwe Schill
  • Patent number: 9795158
    Abstract: A kitchen appliance for popping popcorn comprises a housing and a popping mechanism. The housing comprises a bottom housing portion adapted to sit stably upon a surface during operation of the appliance and adapted to receive popcorn that has been popped by the appliance and a top housing portion adapted to sit stably upon the bottom housing portion during operation of the appliance and selectively removable from the bottom housing portion. The popping mechanism heats unpopped popcorn kernels in order to cause the unpopped popcorn kernels to pop. The popping mechanism is affixed within the top housing portion such that, when the top housing portion is selectively removed from the bottom housing portion and placed upright on a surface, the popping mechanism does not contact the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Hamilton Beach Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Drew Carlson, Derek A McCullough
  • Patent number: 9795159
    Abstract: A method of popping popcorn in batches/cycles. A sensor on a popcorn popping machine senses pops of popcorn in the kettle. A system computer controller monitors the rate of popping sensed by the sensor and uses the beginning of the decline in the rate of popping as a basis for controlling heat to the kettle during a given cycle/batch. Activation of the dump mechanism, which terminates the popping cycle/batch, is initiated when the computer controller detects a predetermined programmed minimum count rate after the heat has been turned OFF.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Valley Popcorn Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale M. Cherney, Richard D. Sorenson
  • Patent number: 9795160
    Abstract: Moisture is retained in cooked or thawed food by adding to the food an aqueous suspension of animal muscle protein obtained from animal muscle tissue. The aqueous suspension is obtained by mixing comminuted animal muscle tissue with a food grade acid to form an aqueous acidic solution of animal muscle protein. The acidic solution is mixed with a food grade base to precipitate the protein in an aqueous composition. The precipitated protein then is comminuted to form an aqueous suspension of comminuted animal muscle protein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Proteus Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen D Kelleher, William R Fielding, Wayne S Saunders, Peter G Williamson
  • Patent number: 9795161
    Abstract: Provided is a taste-improving agent that suppresses the unpleasant taste of potassium, such as harshness, irritativeness, and bitterness without reducing the salty taste of a potassium-containing food or drink. The taste-improving agent for a potassium-containing food or drink comprises a lactic acid-fermented yeast extract that is obtainable by fermenting a yeast extract with a lactic acid bacterium and contains 7.5 (w/w) % or more of lactic acid relative to the solid content of the yeast extract.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignees: RIKEN VITAMIN CO., LTD., KIKKOMAN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Kobayashi, Takehiko Watanabe, Takeharu Nakahara, Yoshikazu Endo
  • Patent number: 9795162
    Abstract: A system for monitoring environmental conditions of a tobacco curing site within which tobacco is cured is provided. A power supply of the system may include a supercapacitor configured to provide power, and a photovoltaic cell connected to and from which the supercapacitor may be chargeable. A temperature and humidity sensor may be positioned proximate the tobacco curing site and configured to measure a temperature or humidity within the tobacco curing site, and generate a signal corresponding to the temperature or humidity so measured. A local control unit may have a distal position relative the tobacco and be configured to receive the signal, and generate corresponding measurement data, and wirelessly transmit the corresponding measurement data to a remote control unit configured for display or analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: R. J. REYNOLDS TOBACCO COMPANY
    Inventor: Rajesh Sur
  • Patent number: 9795163
    Abstract: A smoking article, comprises a first and a second engaging surface (233a, 233b) spaced circumferentially, and a control element (250) movable between the first and second engaging surfaces. A ventilation area (270) is configured to be selectively covered by the movable control element. The control element comprises a first limiting edge configured to engage with the first engaging surface and a second limiting edge configured to engage with the second engaging surface to limit rotational movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO (INVESTMENTS) LIMITED
    Inventors: Karl Kaljura, Philip Russell Fawcus, Stuart Dunlop, Adrian Mordue, Ian Dunckley, Nick Harding
  • Patent number: 9795164
    Abstract: A smoking pipe with a jacket containing an inner glass tube. The glass tube has a hole in its wall that aligns with a hole in the jacket. The pipe has a bowl holder that holds a glass bowl with a stem that extends proximate to the hole in the glass tube. The joint between the bowl stem and an insert in the bowl holder can form a frosted glass fitting. End-caps with threaded inserts can match glass threads on the ends of the glass tube holding the glass tube in the jacket. A decorated metal bowl holder can be mounted on the jacket and decorated with gems, glass and the like. The pipe can be manufactured using different types of premium woods for the jacket for design and beauty. The use of an inner glass tube that contains the smoke eliminates contamination and cools the smoke for inhalation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Inventor: Jeff Hood
  • Patent number: 9795165
    Abstract: Some embodiments of a tobacco product package device can be used to enhance freshness and other characteristics of tobacco products or other products contained therein. Certain features can improve product freshness both during shelf life and during consumer use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company LLC
    Inventors: David Karl Bried, James Arthur Strickland, Mark T. Nielsen, Frank Scott Atchley, Lamar Eugene Walters, II, Gregory A. Pace
  • Patent number: 9795166
    Abstract: An electronic cigarette device includes an atomizer and a battery rod, a retaining member is provided on an outer peripheral surface of one end of the atomizer, and an engaging groove is provided on an end surface of one end of the battery rod and configured to accommodate one end of the atomizer, a side wall of the engaging groove is provided with a guide groove extending in a radial direction of the batter rod, a directing groove extending along a circumferential direction of the battery rod and in communication with the guide groove, and a retaining groove for accommodating the retaining member and extending from one end, away from the guide groove, of the directing groove towards the end surface of the battery rod, and a stopper is formed between the guide groove and the retaining groove to prevent the retaining member from moving towards the guide groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: HUIZHOU KIMREE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. SHENZHEN BRANCH
    Inventor: Qiuming Liu
  • Patent number: 9795167
    Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic cigarette and an atomizer assembly thereof. The atomizer assembly includes an air flowing pipe, a wick extending laterally through a sidewall of the air flowing pipe, and a heating member disposed within the air flowing pipe and engaging with the wick. The air flowing pipe defines opposite holes. The wick extends through the holes with opposite ends extending out of the air flowing pipe. The sidewall of the air flowing pipe further defines a cut communicating with the holes, to enable the wick being placed laterally into the holes. By virtue of the cut, two parts of the air flowing pipe divided by the cut are split off to form an open communicating with the closed holes, and the wick can be placed laterally into the holes via the open. Thus, the wick is easily installed without aligning and extending through the holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Shenzhen Smoore Technology Limited
    Inventor: Zhiping Chen
  • Patent number: 9795168
    Abstract: The present invention relates to vaporizer heating assemblies for electronic cigarettes. In certain embodiments, vaporizer heating assemblies include: heating assembly and electric conductor assembly. Heating assembly includes: heating assembly covers, round heating element mounting base, heating elements, and e-liquid media. Heating elements have heating wires formed in a large surface to ensure sufficient vaporization of e-liquid. Heating assembly covers define certain e-liquid conduit openings to allow the e-liquid to flow from outside of the heating assembly covers into the e-liquid media. The heating elements are in direct contact with the e-liquid media to generate large amount of vapor for its user. Electric conductor assembly includes: an electric connector base for a first terminal of heating elements, an electrode for a second terminal of heating elements, and an insulation cover to insulate the electric connector base and the electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Inventor: Xiaochun Zhu
  • Patent number: 9795169
    Abstract: Electronic cigarettes may include an electronic cigarette, and a replaceable vaporizer assembly. Electronic cigarette may include a mouthpiece, an E-liquid storage tank, an E-liquid storage tank cover, a cylindrical connector, and a vaporizer mounting base having an internal thread. The replaceable vaporizer assembly may include a vaporizer assembly mounting base having an external thread of the vaporizer assembly mounting base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Inventor: Xiaochun Zhu
  • Patent number: 9795170
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an E-liquid separation mechanism and an electronic cigarette having the E-liquid separation mechanism. In certain embodiments, the electronic cigarette may include an electronic cigarette body, a vaporizer, and an E-liquid separation mechanism. E-liquid separation mechanism includes a connecting base defining a first and a second connecting base E-liquid openings, a separator base defining a first and a second separator base E-liquid openings, a first separator block, and a second separator block. When first separator block is in a lower position, a first E-liquid supply path is formed to supply E-liquid from the E-liquid storage tank to the vaporizer. When second separator block is in a lower position, a second E-liquid supply path is formed. When first separator block is in an upper position, first E-liquid supply path is blocked. When second separator block is in an upper position, the second E-liquid supply path is blocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Inventor: Xiaochun Zhu
  • Patent number: 9795171
    Abstract: A compression garment, having: (a) a first portion that wraps at least partially around a body part to provide compression to the body part; and (b) a second portion that wraps at least partially around a body part; wherein the second portion is wrapped onto the first portion or is attached to the first portion such that the attachment of the second portion onto the first portion changes the elastic profile of the garment from a first elastic profile to a second elastic profile; and wherein the dimensions of the first and second portions are selected such that the relative amount of the circumference of the body part that is covered by each of the first and second portions of the garment results in a garment applying a pre-determined range of compression level fluctuation to the body part during wear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: MEDI MANUFACTURING, INC.
    Inventors: Moses A. Lipshaw, Sandra Ann Shaw, Dean J. Bender, Thomas Richardson, Teresa Kennerknecht
  • Patent number: 9795172
    Abstract: Breast-supportive garments comprise a left cup structure, a right cup structure, a first supportive panel, and a second supportive panel. The right cup structure is operatively coupled to the left cup structure. The first supportive panel extends from left of the left cup structure to right of the right cup structure, extending at least partially below the left cup structure and at least partially below the right cup structure. The second supportive panel extends from right of the right cup structure to left of the left cup structure, extending at least partially below the right cup structure and at least partially below the left cup structure. One of the first supportive panel and the second supportive panel extends substantially in front of the other of the first supportive panel and the second supportive panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Inventor: Jenny Lee
  • Patent number: 9795173
    Abstract: An inputting fingertip sleeve includes a sleeve and an inputting end. The sleeve has a curved linear structure. The inputting end is fixed on the sleeve. The inputting end includes a plurality of graphenes. A material of the sleeve is conductive, can be metal, alloy or conductive polymer. The inputting end is electrically connected with the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignees: Tsinghua University, HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kai-Li Jiang, Shou-Shan Fan
  • Patent number: 9795174
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein include an apparatus to prevent hyper-flexion of a joint that can include a sleeve having a first end and a second end and an upper portion and a lower portion, a first pad, the first pad being associated with the upper portion of the sleeve and configured for positioning within the included angle of a joint, a second pad, the second pad being associated with the upper portion of the sleeve and configured for positioning within the included angle of the joint, where the first pad is spaced apart from the second pad by a distance, and an angle of engagement, where the angle of engagement is a predetermined angle at which the first pad engages the second pad to resist further motion and to prevent hyper-flexion of a joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Inventor: Nathan Lee Fitch
  • Patent number: 9795175
    Abstract: A sleep apnea prevention sleep-aid mask is described. The sleep-aid mask is configured to secure the lips of a user together in a natural state, in order to encourage the respiratory system of the user to employ the nasal passages rather than the mouth for respiration. A pad equipped with a perforated mesh or channel is positioned over the lips and mouth of the user, and secured in position on the user via an adhesive, which temporarily affixes the pad to the face of the user. The sleep-aid mask is preferably shaped and sized according to the specific size of the user's face, and is configured to limit the effective diameter of the mouth of the user, in order to cause continued use of respiration via the nasal passages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Somnifix International LLC
    Inventor: Andre Michalak
  • Patent number: 9795176
    Abstract: A breast support garment. The breast support garment includes a first breast cup connected to a second breast cup, a connecting band having a first end connected to the first breast cup and a second end connected to the second breast cup. A first strap is connected to the first breast cup at one end and to the connecting band at a second end, and a second strap is connected to the second breast cup at one end and to the connecting band at a second end. The first and second straps extend from the first and second breast cups in a direction opposing one another and are each secured thereto at an obtuse angle with respect to the connecting band. When worn by an individual, the first and second straps are positioned over the acromion process of the scapula, thereby providing securement and comfort to the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Inventor: Charlotte Hazzard
  • Patent number: 9795177
    Abstract: A head-mounted impact sensing and warning device includes a band adapted to be worn around at least a portion of the head or helmeted area of a user; an impact sensing device configured to sense an impact sustained by the head or the helmeted area of the user; at least one visual indicating device operatively coupled to the impact sensing device, the at least one visual indicating device configured to produce a visual indicator when the impact sensing device senses an impact that exceeds a predetermined impact level, thereby providing a visual alert that the impact sustained by the head or the helmeted area of the user exceeded the predetermined impact level; and a unit housing containing the impact sensing device and the at least one visual indicating device, the unit housing being coupled to the band or the helmeted area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Inventor: Steven Douglas Weaver
  • Patent number: 9795178
    Abstract: A protective helmet that includes a hard outer shell including an inner surface, a hard inner shell slidingly connected to the hard outer shell where the hard inner shell is spaced apart from the hard outer shell and a leaf spring comprising a center portion anchored onto the hard inner shell, a first end arranged to slidingly contact the hard outer shell, and a second end arranged to slidingly contact the hard outer shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Inventor: Loubert S. Suddaby
  • Patent number: 9795179
    Abstract: A helmet cover that has an outer skin, an impact absorbing material and at least one vent comprising an aperture through the helmet cover is described. A helmet cover vent may be aligned with a vent in a helmet, thereby providing for improved ventilation and cooling, and may be attached to a helmet. A helmet cover vent may be configured as a tapered or flared vent, and may be an, air capture vent. The impact absorbing material may be configured over substantially the entire helmet cover surface, or may cover only a portion of the surface. In one embodiment, the impact absorbing material is configured as a discrete pad that is located where impact is most common, such as on the front, sides, or back of the helmet cover. A discrete pad may be interchangeable, allowing for customizing the type and location of impact absorption on the helmet cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Protective Sports Equipment International, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank Lytle
  • Patent number: 9795180
    Abstract: A helmet an include a shell, a liner disposed within the shell, a flexible band disposed between the shell and a portion of the liner to releasably couple the liner to the shell without glue, hook and loop fasteners, or snaps. The helmet can also include an energy-absorbing layer of expanded polystyrene (EPS) including a groove. The comfort liner can be attached to the energy-absorbing layer without glue, hook and loop fasteners, or snaps, and a flexible band can be releasably disposed between the energy-absorbing layer and the comfort liner. The helmet can also include a groove on an inner surface of an outer shell. An energy-absorbing liner can include expanded polypropylene (EPP), and a flexible band can be disposed between the outer shell and the energy-absorbing liner to provide additional energy management, to releasably couple the energy-absorbing liner to the outer shell, or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: BELL SPORTS, INC.
    Inventors: Michael W. Lowe, Eamon Briggs
  • Patent number: 9795181
    Abstract: Various articles, such as footwear, apparel, athletic equipment, watchbands, and the like, and methods of forming those articles are presented. The articles are generally formed, in whole or in part, using rapid manufacturing techniques, such as laser sintering, stereolithography, solid deposition modeling, and the like. The use of rapid manufacturing allows for relatively economical and time efficient manufacture of customized articles. The articles may include one or more reinforcements configured to provide added durability to various regions of the articles. In addition, the articles may be formed from two or more materials in a single rapid manufacturing process. The rapid manufacturing additive fabrication technique may also include using of varying intensities of the laser to fuse material to form the articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Kelly B. Jarvis
  • Patent number: 9795182
    Abstract: A healthcare footwear article includes an upper shoe body and a sole member provided underneath the upper shoe body and is connected with the upper shoe body to form an integral body. The upper shoe body and the sole member is configured from a material consisting of approximately 70% to approximately 80% of silicon rubber by weight, approximately 5% to approximately 20% of negative ion powder by weight, approximately 2% to approximately 7% of antiwear agent by weight, approximately 5% to approximately 20% of titanium powder by weight, approximately 0.1% to approximately 1.5% of vulcanizing agent by weight, approximately 5% to approximately 10% of infrared ray powder by weight, and approximately 0.1% to approximately 8% of dye by weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Inventor: Hongguang Yang
  • Patent number: 9795183
    Abstract: A shoe in form of a slipper or sandal, includes a body 100 adapted to have a first fluid casing 12 and a second fluid casing 14, each having an elastic property, embedded in the front and rear portions of the body, respectively, and an instep strap 120 supported to the body in such a way as to be rotated in a specific section. A rotating shaft 16 is rotated in conjunction with the instep strap, and it includes a first connecting portion connected to the first fluid casing and a second connecting portion connected to the second fluid casing and an internal passage having respective check ball seating portions formed on the inside of the first and the second connecting portions, and with check ball received in the internal passage. When the rotating shaft is inclined by rotation of the rotating shaft, the check ball closely adheres to any one of the check ball seating portions by gravity or buoyancy and regulates a fluid flow to any one of the first and the second connecting portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Inventor: Yong Soo Kim
  • Patent number: 9795184
    Abstract: A shoe positioning plate has a shoe facing side surface, a sole surface and a shoe positioning member. The sole surface is configured to be a part of a shoe sole when the shoe facing side surface is attached the shoe sole. The shoe positioning member includes at least one abutment disposed on an opposite side of the shoe positioning plate from the shoe facing side surface and extending in an elongated direction of a shoe when the shoe positioning plate is attached the shoe sole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Yutaka Ueda, Junichi Kikuta, Toshiaki Aoki
  • Patent number: 9795185
    Abstract: Systems and methods of manufacturing a shoe outsole are provided wherein at least a portion of the resulting shoe outsole includes embedded particles. An example method includes applying adhesive to at least one region of the shoe outsole, depositing selected particles onto the adhesive to provide the shoe outsole with a first coat of particles, and at least partially curing the adhesive. The method continues by applying additional adhesive over the first coat of particles, depositing additional particles onto the adhesive to provide the shoe outsole with a second coat of particles, and at least partially curing the subsequent application of adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: The Topline Corporation
    Inventor: Paul William Daniels
  • Patent number: 9795186
    Abstract: Improved soles and insoles for shoes, in particular sports shoes, are described. In an aspect, a sole for a shoe, in particular a sports shoe, with at least a first and a second surface region is provided. The first surface region comprises expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (“TPU”). The second surface region is free from expanded TPU.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Adidas AG
    Inventors: Stuart David Reinhardt, Darren Michael Wood, Angus Wardlaw, Timothy Kelvin Robinson, John Whiteman
  • Patent number: 9795187
    Abstract: An adjustable heel support member includes a base portion and an extended portion. The extended portion comprises a lateral portion, a medial portion and a rearward portion. The heel support member further includes a fastening member that can be used to adjust the lateral portion, the medial portion and the rearward portion to resize the heel support member. In some cases, the fastening member may be an elastic ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Sergio Cavaliere
  • Patent number: 9795188
    Abstract: A lace securement device prevents laces on a shoe from coming untied. The device includes a head, a first arm coupled to and extending from an edge of the head, and a second arm coupled to and extending from the edge of the head. The second arm is couplable to the first arm in spaced relationship to the head defining a closed position forming a loop extending from the edge of the head for receiving laces on a shoe therethrough. The first arm and the second arm are positioned adjacently for abutting and securing the laces such that the loop prevents the laces from coming untied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Inventor: Sophia Sargissian-Sarian
  • Patent number: 9795189
    Abstract: An drawstring clamping device having a first member and a second member. The first member has a first member base, a first tower structure secured to the first member base at a first tower structure first end, and a second tower structure secured to the first member base at a second tower structure first end. The second member has a second member base with an aperture disposed therethrough. The aperture is configured to adjustably engage the first tower structure and the second tower structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Thingz, LLC
    Inventors: Scott Cooley, Arthur Todd Parkhouse
  • Patent number: 9795190
    Abstract: In traction cleat and receptacle system in a shoe outsole, unauthorized cleats are prevented from connection to a receptacle by a projection in the receptacle cavity and a recess in the cleat attachment stem for receiving the projection. A locking arrangement includes an annular array of twelve locking teeth on a boss surrounding the receptacle cavity, wherein every fourth tooth has a steeper side angle to in cooperate with mating cleat locking posts. A cylindrical shroud prevents the locking posts from damaging the outsole material during cleat rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Pride Manufacturing Company, LLC
    Inventors: John Robert Burt, Lee P. Shuttleworth
  • Patent number: 9795191
    Abstract: A sewing system for attaching or re-attaching buttons is provided. Embodiments of the sewing system have a single- or multi-strand thread of one to ten woven threads, the threads having a length of at least one inch with one needle pre-attached, terminating in free strands, an opposing end securement, or two needles attached to opposing ends of the thread. The appearance of a professionally sewn button is provided while eliminating the need to make multiple passes through the button holes and fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Inventor: Howard Jacobson
  • Patent number: 9795192
    Abstract: A buckle includes a female member and a male member. The female member has a cavity and two side openings located on two opposite sides of the female member and connected to the cavity. The male member is partially detachably plugged into the cavity and includes a base part, two engaging parts and a releasing part. The two engaging parts are disposed on the base part. The releasing part is disposed between and connected to the two engaging parts. Each of the engaging parts includes an engaging portion and an arm portion located between and connected to the engaging portion and the base part. When the releasing part is moved with respect to the base part, the engaging portions are moved close to each other by the releasing part so that the two engaging portions are respectively disengaged from the two side openings of the female member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: WUJAY INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Ko-Ping Huang