Patents Issued in January 30, 2018
  • Patent number: 9877457
    Abstract: A novel maize variety designated X08K212 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are produced by crossing inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant by crossing hybrid maize variety X08K212 with another maize plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X08K212 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X08K212, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X08K212. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X08K212.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: PIONEER HI-BRED INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: David B Fischer, Russell Fox, Elliot Lee Heffner, Gary Edward Henke, Sara Johanna Elisabeth Larsson, Sara Jane Lira, Polly Suzanne Longenberger, Luis A Verde Chifflet
  • Patent number: 9877458
    Abstract: A novel maize variety designated X08K235 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are produced by crossing inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant by crossing hybrid maize variety X08K235 with another maize plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X08K235 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X08K235, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X08K235. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X08K235.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: PIONEER HI-BRED INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Russell Fox, Elliot Lee Heffner, Gary Edward Henke, Travis J Lee, Sara Jane Lira, Luis A Verde Chifflet, Brandon Michael Wardyn
  • Patent number: 9877459
    Abstract: An apparatus for drying piglets immediately after birth includes a container shaped and arranged for receiving up to three or four of the piglets having an opening arrangement for manual insertion by the worker of the piglets to be confined within the container during a drying period. The container has a system for applying air movement and optionally heat to the piglets while confined with the container for drying and a release arrangement having a door controlled by a settable timer or a system for detecting when the piglets are dry for allowing release from the container of the piglets after a sufficient drying time period has elapsed. The container includes a base mounted in each farrowing crate and a cover portion which is removable from one crate to another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Conception Ro-Main Inc
    Inventors: Germain Labrecque, Jacquelin Labrecque, Rudy Cabrera, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9877460
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide an animal urinary function measuring device and an animal urinary function measuring method each with high accuracy in sampling a urine amount of an animal. There are provided an accommodating portion which accommodates an animal other than humans, a collecting portion which is provided below the accommodating portion and collects urine discharged by the animal in the accommodating portion, a reticulated portion which is provided below the accommodating portion, allows the passage of the urine of the animal into the collecting portion, collects an object other than the urine, and whose wire diameter of a net thereof being not more than 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: LSI MEDIENCE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryoji Mizumachi, Hiroaki Fukuda
  • Patent number: 9877461
    Abstract: A deer feeder includes an upper enclosure, a collapsible middle sleeve, a bottom enclosure, and a feed distribution mechanism. At least three support members may be attached to the upper enclosure for holding the deer feeder in a vertical position. The upper enclosure, collapsible middle sleeve, and bottom enclosure may form a feed storage area that is rainproof. The feed storage area may be made rainproof by attaching a top opening of the collapsible middle sleeve to an inner wall of the upper enclosure and a bottom opening of the collapsible middle sleeve to an outer wall of the bottom enclosure. The feed distribution mechanism may include an auger for removing feed from the feed storage area and/or a centrifugal force mechanism for dispersing feed around the deer feeder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: CABELA'S INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Ronald D. Nelson
  • Patent number: 9877462
    Abstract: An automatic pet wet canned food dispenser robot has a robotic arm comprised of mechanical elements and motors, a can opener and a programmed microprocessor. The programmed microprocessor guides the robotic arm to grasp a food can and utilize the can opener to open the can and invert it and shake out the food contents into a bowl for a pet at predetermined times setup by the pet owner whose presence is not required at time of feeding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Inventors: Meena Anurag Taneja, Bruce Anurag Taneja
  • Patent number: 9877463
    Abstract: An apparatus for drying piglets immediately after birth includes a container shaped and arranged for receiving up to three or four of the piglets having an opening arrangement for manual insertion by the worker of the piglets to be confined within the container during a drying period. The container has a system for applying air movement and optionally heat to the piglets while confined with the container for drying and a release arrangement having a door controlled by a settable timer or a system for detecting when the piglets are dry for allowing release from the container of the piglets after a sufficient drying time period has elapsed. The container includes a base mounted in each farrowing crate and a cover portion which is removable from one crate to another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Conception Ro-Main Inc.
    Inventors: Germain Labrecque, Jacquelin Labrecque, Rudy Cabrera, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9877464
    Abstract: A restraint system for an animal includes a frame having top and bottom frame parts and a plurality of frame risers extending therebetween to maintain the top and bottom frame parts in a spaced apart manner; a perforated support surface affixed the frame; riser support members coupled to the frame, at least one of which is slidably coupled to the frame; a first riser arm affixed to a first riser support member; a first coupler coupled to the first riser arm; a second riser arm affixed to a second riser support member; a second coupler coupled to the second riser arm; and a first restraining loop configured to be placed around a neck of a first animal and to cross tie between the first coupler and the second coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Inventor: Charles Ross Simons
  • Patent number: 9877465
    Abstract: A restraining apparatus for an animal including a combination of a leash and a harness to be used in conjunction with a collar. The restraining apparatus includes a ring defining an opening. A coupling element for fastening to a collar on the animal is mounted to the ring. A substantially rigid arm is mounted to the ring and extends to a free distal end spaced from the ring, with the arm forming a substantially elongated opening with the ring. A leash may be attached to the ring. When the restraining apparatus is applied to the animal as a harness, the coupling element is fastened to the collar, and the leash is wrapped around the torso of the animal, engages the arm at the elongated opening, and may freely slide and tighten around the torso of the animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: THUNDERSHIRT, LLC
    Inventors: Philip J. Blizzard, Michael T. Schwartz
  • Patent number: 9877466
    Abstract: A fish-sorting system for sorting fish in a dragged fishing net (1), wherein the fish are actively sorted by means of a detection device (2, 3) which detects at least one size of a fish to be sorted; a processing unit which compares the size detected by the detection means (2, 3) with the desired size; and a sorting device (4) which retains fish in the fishing net (1) of a size greater than the desired size and which releases fish of a size smaller than the desired size from the fishing net (1) on the basis of the comparison between the detected size and the desired size carried out by the processing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: KALAPA BVBA
    Inventor: Piet Rommelaere
  • Patent number: 9877467
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a fishing reel wherein a bearing rotatably supporting a drive shaft securely shuts out water from its interior so as to maintain stable sealing and thus smooth rotation for a long period wherein such a bearing can be readily built in. In accordance with one aspect, the fishing reel of the present invention includes a drive shaft to be rotationally driven for winding a fishing line around a spool. The drive shaft is rotationally supported by a magnetic fluid sealed bearing having an inner ring magnetic fluid retained between an inner ring and a polar plate retaining a magnet and/or between the inner ring and the magnet, and an outer ring magnetic fluid retained between an outer ring and the polar plate retaining the magnet and/or between the outer ring and the magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: GLOBERIDE, INC.
    Inventor: Takeshige Ohara
  • Patent number: 9877468
    Abstract: A fishing weight (100) that includes an oblong body (104), for instance in the shape of a football. A passage (116) extends through the oblong body (104) to allow fishing line (140) to extend through the passage (116). The passage (116) is positioned so that the fishing line (140) pulls the fishing weight (100) in a “sideways” orientation through the water. In one embodiment, the passage (116) proceeds other than linearly through the oblong body (104) of the fishing weight (100).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Inventor: Jeffery Robert Brown
  • Patent number: 9877469
    Abstract: A vertical tackle box (1) in which leaders, lures and other fishing tackle may be hung in a vertical position from hooks (14) or pegs and further secured with straps or elastomeric cords (17) on opposing sides of the vertical tackle box. Flexible access covers (18) are preferably attached to the vertical tackle box by hinges (19) along upper edges to allow each access cover to be opened and folded back over the top of the vertical tackle box, thereby fully displaying the leaders, lures or other fishing tackle stored therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Inventor: Fermin A. Diaz
  • Patent number: 9877470
    Abstract: A robotic orchard spraying system having an autonomous delivery vehicle (ADV), autonomously delivering an amount of a premixed solution over path, the path identified by a forward-looking sensor. The ADV uses GPS to sense an area containing the path, and LiDAR as the forward-looking sensor. Also, a mobile control center, configured to wirelessly inform the autonomous delivery vehicle of the path within the areas and to confirm that the autonomous delivery vehicle is following the path within the area. Additionally, a mapper vehicle generates the path within the area, the mapper vehicle being configured to communicate information about the path and the area to the command center. The mapper vehicle senses the path with a forward-looking LiDAR sensor, and senses the area with a GPS sensor. Moreover, a nurse truck has a reservoir of premixed solution for replenishing a tank of the ADV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Crinklaw Farm Services, Inc.
    Inventors: David Curtis Crinklaw, Chase Schapansky, Richard Vaccari, Jeremy Bischel, Ryan Johnson
  • Patent number: 9877471
    Abstract: An acoustic signal for attracting rats comprising a playback recording or synthetic generation of vocalizations of rats or mice is provided. The vocalizations may be of rat pups, and may be characterized by sonic frequency components in the range of 1.8-7.5 kHz and/or ultrasonic frequency components in the ranges of 21-24 kHz, 40-50 kHz and/or 60-96 kHz. The vocalizations may be of adult male rats, including courting adult male rats, characterized by sonic frequency components in the range of 15-20 kHz and/or ultrasonic frequency components in the range of 20-100 kHz. The vocalizations may be of adult female mice, including nursing adult female mice, characterized by sonic frequency components in the range of 8-12 kHz and/or ultrasonic frequency components in the range of 25-100 kHz.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: SCOTTS CANADA LTD.
    Inventors: Stephen J. Takacs, Antonia E. Musso, Regine M. Gries, Gerhard G. Gries
  • Patent number: 9877472
    Abstract: A hunting stand is provided. A frame assembly includes a plurality of legs and a plurality of struts. A platform includes a pair of wheel spindles each extending from laterally from an opposing side of the platform. A seat is secured to an upper surface of the platform. The hunting stand includes an assemble position and a transport position. The assemble position includes the legs and struts of the frame assembly attached together in an upright position elevating the platform, and a top end of the ladder is secured to and extending downward from the platform in a vertical position. The transport position includes the legs and struts detached from one another, the pair of wheels secured to the pair of wheel spindles respectively and the top end of the ladder secured to and extending laterally from the platform in a horizontal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Mama Liz, LTD
    Inventors: Patrick Allen Ketz, Owen Gregory Rude
  • Patent number: 9877473
    Abstract: A kit of parts for making a turkey hunting decoy, the parts including right body portion, a left body portion and a fastener so that the skin portion of a turkey tail feather fan can be clamped between the right body portion and the left body portion by the fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Inventor: Darrell Duane Bartel
  • Patent number: 9877474
    Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a technology that enables long-term preservation while maintaining the function of an organ or tissue for transplantation. A further object is utilizing this technology to provide a technology for suppressing tissue disorder accompanying warm ischemia and reperfusion as well as restoring an organ from a cardiac arrest donor to a level compatible for transplantation. A method that employs perfusion by a perfusate etc. is provided, comprising each of the following steps of: (a) connecting a perfusate instream cannula for streaming said perfusate into said “organ or tissue,” (b) connecting a perfusate outstream cannula for streaming said perfusate out from said “organ or tissue,” and (c) perfusing a perfusate comprising an oxygen carrier and a blood coagulation inhibitor into said organ or tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Organ Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Takashi Tsuji, Masamitsu Oshima
  • Patent number: 9877475
    Abstract: An auto-nucleating device includes a tube containing a crystalline cholesterol matrix. The ends of the tube are closed by a membrane that is impermeable to the cholesterol but permeable to liquids contained in a cryopreservation vessel. The auto-nucleating device provides a site for ice nucleation during freezing of the liquid within the vessel. One such cryopreservation vessel is a flexible vial having a closed port at one adapted to be pierced by a needle to withdraw the liquid within, and an opposite end that is initially open to receive the liquid. Another vessel includes an adaptor mounted to liquid container with a tubular branch closed by a needle septum and another tubular branch provided with a barbed fitting for engaging a flexible tube that terminates in a needle septum. In another embodiment, the vessel includes an inlet and vent branch at the top of the container and an outlet septum at a bottom opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Cook General Biotechnology LLC
    Inventors: Erik John Woods, John K. Critser
  • Patent number: 9877476
    Abstract: Devices for the preparation of depleted blood products that provide for the depletion of oxygen, carbon dioxide, or oxygen and carbon dioxide are described. In addition, devices for the replenishment of oxygen and other gases to an anaerobic blood product are described. Methods and systems incorporating depletion and addition devices are provided to optimize the preparation, storage and transfusion of blood products to a recipient are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: New Health Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven F. Levesque, Thomas R Ruth
  • Patent number: 9877477
    Abstract: Compositions and methods for repelling coffee berry borer. The compositions contain a substrate and a semiochemical capable of affecting the coffee berry borer intermixed within the substrate. The semiochemical may be verbenone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Inventors: Agenor Mafra-Neto, Josue Isaias Ponce, William H Urrutia, Carmem R. Bernardi, Rodrigo Oliveira Da Silva
  • Patent number: 9877478
    Abstract: Methods of reducing injury to crop foliage and achieving weed control using encapsulated acetamide herbicides are described. Herbicidal microcapsules comprising herbicide core material and a shell wall encapsulating the core material are also described. The microcapsules provide reduced crop injury through controlled herbicide release.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Monsanto Technology LLC
    Inventors: David Z. Becher, William Abraham, S. Douglas Prosch, Brett H. Bussler, Amanda C. Herr
  • Patent number: 9877479
    Abstract: The disclosure provides methods and compositions for modulating ethylene and auxin signaling and ethylene production in plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventor: Paul Brian Larsen
  • Patent number: 9877480
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to the treatment of grapes with 3?-methyl-(S)-abscisic acid, 3?-propargyl-(S)-abscisic acid, and/or salts thereof in order to enhance the color of the grapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Valent Biosciences LLC
    Inventors: Derek D. Woolard, Gary T. Wang, Rick Hopkins, Daniel C. Leep, Gregory D. Venburg
  • Patent number: 9877481
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are herbicidal compositions comprising a synergistic herbicidally effective amount of (a) penoxsulam or an agriculturally acceptable salt thereof, or clomazone or an agriculturally acceptable salt thereof, and (b) benzobicyclon or an agriculturally acceptable salt thereof. Also disclosed herein are methods of controlling undesirable vegetation in rice, which comprise applying to vegetation or an area adjacent the vegetation or applying to soil or water to prevent the emergence or growth of vegetation (a) penoxsulam or an agriculturally acceptable salt thereof, or clomazone or an agriculturally acceptable salt thereof, and (b) benzobicyclon or an agriculturally acceptable salt thereof, wherein (a) and (b) are each added in an amount sufficient to produce a synergistic herbicidal effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Dow AgroSciences LLC
    Inventors: Richard K. Mann, Carla N. Yerkes
  • Patent number: 9877482
    Abstract: The invention relates to the use of succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors, especially of fluopyram, for controlling Sclerotinia ssp., to a method for treating plants or plant parts for controlling Sclerotinia ssp. and to a method for treating seed for controlling Sclerotinia ssp. in the seed and in the plants which grow from the seed, by treating the seed with a succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: BAYER INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY GMBH
    Inventors: Ingo Wetcholowsky, Heiko Rieck, Gilbert Labourdette, Jose Augusto Geraldes
  • Patent number: 9877483
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods for producing a non ?-keto peracid that has lower toxicity and lower corrosivity. The present embodiments also provide methods and compositions for reducing microbes on a surface, methods, and compositions for preventing and reducing infectious vegetative bacteria on a substrate, and methods and compositions for treating a wound. In particular, compositions of the invention provide for a mixture of an ?-keto peracid and a non ?-keto peracid that works synergistically to reduce microbes on a surface, to prevent vegetative bacteria on a surface and to heal a wound in animals or humans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Armis Biopharma, Inc.
    Inventors: Edwin D. Neas, John D. Skinner
  • Patent number: 9877484
    Abstract: The pulvurent effervescent topical treatment compositions comprise: at least 50% wt. of a gas generating system which comprises both a gas generating constituent as well as a complementary reactive acid constituent, which constituents, when combined in the presence of water or another largely aqueous medium generates a gas, preferably carbon dioxide; 5-50% wt. of an anionic soap and/or anionic surfactant constituent; 0.0001-1.5% wt. of an antimicrobial constituent; 0.0001-3 an exogenous product of Sclerotium rolfsii, and, optionally one or more filler constituents, preferably based on materials which are inert with respect to the gas generating constituent and which also are inert with respect to the antimicrobial constituent; further optionally, one or more further constituents which may be included to provide a desired aesthetic benefit, e.g., a fragrance, colorant and/or a desired technical benefit, e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: RECKITT BENCKISER LLC
    Inventors: Iriny Boutros, Sarah Frances De Szalay
  • Patent number: 9877485
    Abstract: A composite filament includes a sulfonated polyester matrix and a plurality of silver nanoparticles dispersed within the matrix and methods of making thereof. Various articles can be manufactured from such composite filaments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: XEROX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Valerie M. Farrugia, Barkev Keoshkerian, Michelle N. Chrétien
  • Patent number: 9877486
    Abstract: Methods for improving the ability of a population of biological agents to compete and survive in a field setting are provided. By improving the population of biological agents, the modified population of agents is able to grow, compete with other microbial strains and fungi, and provide protection for plants from pathogens. In particular, 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 of biological agents can be added to soils to prevent fungal pathogens and the diseases they cause promoting plant growth. Therefore, the present invention is useful for enhancing the competitiveness of modified biological agents particularly over other microbial agents which are not herbicide resistant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: AgBiome, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip E. Hammer, Janice C. Jones, Michael G. Koziel, Kelly S. Smith, Scott Joseph Uknes
  • Patent number: 9877487
    Abstract: Provided herein are systems, devices, methods, and compositions for suppressing a population of certain species of insects such as flies. Compositions comprising an anaerobically fermented biomass, a dye and a particulate matter, are disclosed, some of which are selective in attracting a harmful insect, and are biodegradable, non-toxic and environmentally friendly. Systems and methods for use of the compositions are described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: EMEKATECH, LLC
    Inventors: Emeka J. Nchekwube, Cyprian Emeka Uzoh
  • Patent number: 9877488
    Abstract: A mixing paddle for mixing dough and for cutting and mixing dense ingredients such as butter and shortening into dry ingredients such as flour has roughened cutting blades oriented at many angles. Some blades are attached between a central blade support shaft and a symmetrical rim. The blades may have roughed cutting edges to increase variety in fat chunk size and to improve mixing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Inventor: Francis Walters
  • Patent number: 9877489
    Abstract: Roller board assemblies and methods of manufacture and use. A roller board assembly may include a roller board having a first roller board insert which is removably coupled to a housing and a second roller board insert which is also removably coupled to a housing. The removability of the first and second roller board inserts may allow for variation in the desired roller board insert configuration such as shape and size of grooves in the roller board, thus allowing for variation in the shape and size of the item to be rolled. A first coupler may couple the first roller board to the housing through a hole in the housing. A handle on the housing may allow a user to grip the housing and apply the motion required to roll an item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Inventor: Jennifer Cucci
  • Patent number: 9877490
    Abstract: A portable hoist provides motorized hoisting and coincidental skinning of game animals. The hoist is preferably secured to an existing motor vehicle and is made using an adaptable segmented frame. A top frame portion includes an electric cable winch and may rotate to any orientation to position a hanging animal carcass where desired. A base portion of the hoist includes a pair of clamps which grip a hide portion of the animal. The winch is then used to simultaneously hoist and remove the hide of the animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Inventors: Richard Lee, Matthew Michel
  • Patent number: 9877491
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for the production of portions from at least one continuous strand of a food product, in particular for the production of meatballs. The machine comprises: an extrusion device which can deliver a continuous strand in a vertical direction, and a portioning device that includes at least one cutting system. The cutting system comprises cutting elements (30) which can be moved transversely to the vertical direction between an open position, in which the strand passes between the cutting elements, and a closed position for cutting the strand and forming portions of the food product. In addition, each cutting system comprises ejection means (5) for ejecting the forming portions downwards from the cutting elements. The ejection means include at least one lower channel (5, 105) that is fluidly connected to a compressed fluid such that compressed fluid can be injected into the lower channel when the lower channel is in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: MAREL FRANCE
    Inventors: Jacques Le Paih, Adrianus Van Den Nieuwelaar, Sigebertus Meggelaars, Yohann Pierre
  • Patent number: 9877492
    Abstract: A casing extender apparatus (30) includes a first actuator assembly (50) to raise and lower a pair of spaced-apart spanners (52a and 52b) from a position above the bunched casing rope (24) to a position adjacent the rope. A second actuator assembly (54) lowers a drawing member (56) to a position beneath the slack casing rope and then draws the slack casing rope upwardly between the spanners to form a loop (60) of slack casing rope upwardly between the spanners (52a and 52b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Tipper Tie, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel D. Griggs, William M. Poteat
  • Patent number: 9877493
    Abstract: A producing method of an aging delaying material for fruits or vegetables has steps of: adding and blending a silicon material, with the silicon material having porous structures or layer structures; gradually adding an ethylene reducing material and water or solvent in the silicon material during blending; and gradually removing the water or the solvent during blending until the water or the solvent is partially removed from the silicon material and the ethylene reducing material to form a dry mixing powder which is able to postpone fruits or vegetables becoming over mature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: PLASTICS INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT CENTER
    Inventors: Hsiang-Jung Tseng, Chia-Hsiang Peng, Ming-Hsien Sung
  • Patent number: 9877494
    Abstract: A process for making a fermented liquid drink comprising separating and selecting a colony of a suitable bacterial strain, preparing a seed liquid from a live culture of the colony, and culturing the seed liquid in a large scale liquid culture. The bacterial strain is of the genus of Acetobacter or Gluconobacter. The seed liquid is prepared by culturing the colony on a slant surface on a solid medium, followed by multi-stage active liquid culture. The multi-stage active liquid culture has an initial stage of small scale active liquid culture and at least one enlarged scale active liquid culture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Inventor: Shantung Hsu
  • Patent number: 9877495
    Abstract: Present embodiments generally relate to a sweetened soluble beverage component and a single-serve beverage cartridge for use with a single-serve coffee brewer. In some embodiments, the cartridge includes a cup, a lid and a single serving of sweetened soluble beverage component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: STARBUCKS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Christopher Charles
  • Patent number: 9877496
    Abstract: The invention relates to a piping bag (1) for applying foodstuffs (18) to a substrate (2), this piping bag (1) comprising a bag of plastic foil material, which bag is provided with a filling opening (4) and a dispensing opening (6), and wherein at least one portion of an outer side of the bag (1) comprises a rubber composition. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a piping bag (128, 129), comprising of forming the piping bag by co-extrusion of at least one plastic (101, 102) and one rubber (103) composition, wherein the rubber composition forms an outer side (22) of the piping bag (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: ONE WAY PLASTICS B.V.
    Inventor: Jan Cornelis Van Der Stratten
  • Patent number: 9877497
    Abstract: An inexpensive, cost-effective kit for making ice cream cakes with interchangeable ice cream cake molds. The ice cream cake kit allows the user to simply, quickly, and inexpensively create ice cream cakes of varying sizes and shapes in the home environment by simply changing the ice cream cake molds used with a tray that serves as the bottom of the ice cream cake form and a serving tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Inventors: Matthew Morris Fillekes, Jennifer Elizabeth Engel-Fillekes
  • Patent number: 9877498
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for producing an extruded protein product. In particular, a system for making an extruded protein product using a system that includes a die including channel having a transverse cross section that is a continuous loop along at least a portion of the length of the die is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: General Mills, Inc.
    Inventors: Goeran Walther, Bernhard H. van Lengerich, Steven C. Robie, James N. Weinstein
  • Patent number: 9877499
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for processing at least one food product. For example, the invention relates to a process of preparing cooked food products, for example fried food products with reduced oil content. A two-step process is performed on the food product before cooking or frying. The food product is first contacted with a first composition comprising at least one divalent cation (e.g. Ca2+ and/or Mg2+) and at least one acid (e.g. carboxylic acid). After removing from the first composition, the food product is contacted with a second composition comprising okra, a part thereof, or an extract thereof, and at least one hydrocolloid. The invention also relates to the compositions used as well as to the food product or at least one such fried food product with reduced oil content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: HOLISTA BIOTECH SDN. BHD.
    Inventors: Christiani Jeya Kumar Henry, M. Rajendran a/l V. Marnickavasagar
  • Patent number: 9877500
    Abstract: Natural beverage products and methods for making the same are disclosed. The natural beverage products comprise an acidulant comprising lactic acid and at least one of tartaric and citric acids, optionally other natural carboxylic acids and no phosphoric acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: CONCENTRATE MANUFACTURING COMPANY OF IRELAND
    Inventors: Thomas Lee, Pei K. Chang, Fari Talebi, Todd A. Zaniewski, Manuel Antonio Arce Garcia, Hang Chen
  • Patent number: 9877501
    Abstract: Stevia compositions are prepared from steviol glycosides of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni. The compositions are able to provide a superior taste profile and can be used as sweetness enhancers, flavor enhancers and sweeteners in foods, beverages, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: PureCircle Sdn Bhd
    Inventor: Avetik Markosyan
  • Patent number: 9877502
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a food dehydrator including: a body having a front door detachably mounted on the front surface thereof, a plurality of air inlet holes formed on the rear surface thereof and a plurality of body air discharge holes formed on the side surfaces thereof; an inner casing having a dry room formed at the internal space thereof, a plurality of inner casing air inlet holes formed on the rear surface thereof, a plurality of first air outlet holes and second air outlet holes formed on the side surfaces thereof; a fan adapted to supply the external air to the dry room; and a heating member disposed behind the fan along an air flowing path so as to heat the air supplied to the dry room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Inventor: Weh Gu Ha
  • Patent number: 9877503
    Abstract: A hand operable juicer having a handle extending from beneath a juice receptacle is described. The handle has a drive link end that couples with a drive mechanism to rotate a drive shaft that extends up through a drive shaft conduit and couples with a pulping crown. Gear and crank type drive mechanisms are described. In some embodiments of the invention, the drive mechanism is configured to provide a rotational advantage, whereby a certain degree of rotation of the handle around the pulping crown rotational axis produces a higher degree of rotation of the pulping crown. The hand operable juicer described is easy to operate and easy to clean.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Radius Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin Foley, James Eldon
  • Patent number: 9877504
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a conditioning system for nutritional substances. The conditioning system obtains information regarding the nutritional substance to be conditioned, the desired conditioning, and the desired properties, including nutritional content, of the conditioned nutritional substance, and dynamically controls the conditioning in response to this information optimize the organoleptic properties of the conditioned nutritional substance, while minimizing any detrimental changes to the nutritional content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Iceberg Luxembourg S.A.R.L.
    Inventor: Eugenio Minvielle
  • Patent number: 9877505
    Abstract: A method is disclosed comprising receiving, at a central server, via a transient data session characterized by a session limit, usage data related to an anonymous electronic vapor device, determining, by the central server, a usage profile based on the usage data, transmitting, by the central server, the usage profile to the anonymous electronic vapor device, determining the session limit has been reached, destroying the usage data, and providing a notification to the anonymous electronic vapor device that the usage data has been destroyed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: LUNATECH, LLC
    Inventors: John Cameron, Dean Becker, Gene Fein
  • Patent number: 9877506
    Abstract: A carbon heat source (10) is equipped with: a cylindrical section (11) provided with a cavity (11A) through which there is ventilation communication in the longitudinal axis direction (L) of the carbon heat source (10); and an ignition end (12) which is provided further to the ignition side of the carbon heat source (10) than the cylindrical section (11). Therein, a groove (12A) which connects with the cavity (11A) is formed on the end surface (E) of the ignition side of the ignition end (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Japan Tobacco, Inc.
    Inventors: Takeshi Akiyama, Tomohiro Kobayashi, Manabu Yamada