Patents Issued in March 6, 2018
  • Patent number: 9907312
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising at least one biological control agent. Furthermore, the present invention relates to the use of this composition as well as a method for reducing overall damage of plants and plant parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Bayer CropScience AG
    Inventors: Elke Hellwege, Wolfram Andersch, Klaus Stenzel, Bernd Springer
  • Patent number: 9907313
    Abstract: A system for overturning tanks, in particular tanks of kneading machines, includes a vertical supporting structure, an overturning unit, which is mobile along the structure between a lowered position and a raised position and can turn about an axis transverse to the vertical direction, and a system for driving the movement of said unit between said lowered position and said raised position. A further actuation system is provided for governing the movement of rotation of said unit independently of said movement between said lowered position and said raised position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Sancassiano S.p.A.
    Inventor: Davide Drocco
  • Patent number: 9907314
    Abstract: The invention provides a device and a method for processing slaughter animals, in particular slaughtered poultry such as chickens, and/or parts thereof. The device comprises a driving system for driving an element to be driven of the device. The, driving system comprises a driving element, a transfer element, which is driven by the driving element in use and which is rigidly connected during normal operation to the element to be driven, as well as overload protection means which are configured to rigidly connect the processing element and the transfer element during normal operation and to allow relative movement between the processing element and the transfer element in an overload situation if a force that acts between the processing element and the transfer element exceeds a threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: MAREL STORK POULTRY PROCESSING B.V.
    Inventors: Rene Johannes Theodorus Janssen, Richard Jozef De Schutter, Roger Pierre Hubertus Maria Claessens, Tim Petrus Wilhelmus Jaspers
  • Patent number: 9907315
    Abstract: A paw selector for maintaining poultry paws in an ordered, indexed manner so that each paw can be matched with the carcass from which it was removed is provided. The paw selector has a tray coupled to a rotatable shaft. Rotation of the shaft causes the walls of the tray to rotate, thereby urging paws on the tray over a stationary tray bottom. Upon reaching a void in the tray bottom, the paws drop through the void on a lower tray or into a predetermined receptacle for further processing. At least on sensor can maintain correlation between the paw and the carcass from which it was removed for disposal of any rejected paws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Inventor: Grover S. Harben
  • Patent number: 9907316
    Abstract: Disclosed is a gas supply device provided for a container in which a breathing plant is housed. The device supplies nitrogen-enriched air into the container. The device is provided with a malfunction diagnosis section which checks whether each of components of the device works properly or not and specifies a malfunctioning portion if an oxygen concentration of the nitrogen-enriched air does not fall to or below a predetermined concentration. The malfunction diagnosis section checks whether each of an air pump, a motor, and a switching mechanism works properly or not, and determines that an adsorbent is not working properly when it is determined that all of the air pump, the motor, and the switching mechanism are working properly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuma Yokohara, Masataka Nakano, Noritaka Kamei, Naohiro Tanaka, Atsushi Ozato, Yuusuke Fujimoto
  • Patent number: 9907317
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a molding machine, particularly for lollipops, with a die set that, during production, rotates around an axle. The present invention further relates to a molding machine with a container for the stick and to a method to assemble or disassemble a die set from the axle of a molding machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: GEA FOOD SOLUTIONS WEERT B.V.
    Inventors: Bruno Gerfried Baumeister, Davy Segers
  • Patent number: 9907318
    Abstract: Cooling assemblies having a sealable cooling chamber formed as the interior volume of a curved or spherical outer container and a sealable inner canister are disclosed. The outer container may be provided as a multi-layer container having an external elastomeric shell. The external elastomeric shell may have an inner framework including a plurality of longitudinal ribs and a reinforcing wall. A movable flap adjustable between a projecting condition in which the flap extends from the exterior surface of the outer container and a closed position in which the flap doesn't project may be provided for supporting the cooling assembly in a stationary condition and the flap may be used as a handle for opening a lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Industrial Revolution, Inc.
    Inventors: Graeme Esarey, Lee Rawls
  • Patent number: 9907319
    Abstract: A dual-axis mixer for food products includes a product holder that is configured to hold a sealed product cup containing a food product to be mixed. The mixer has a primary axis of rotation about a central axis, and a secondary axis of rotation radially offset from the central axis. In doing so, the secondary axis positioned to rotate around the primary axis. Furthermore, the product holder is located at the secondary axis and is configured to rotate about the secondary axis. Rotation about the primary axis applies centripetal force to the food product, and the secondary axis rotates the product holder to churn the food product within the product cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Steak 'n Shake Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Sardar Biglari, David Milton
  • Patent number: 9907320
    Abstract: This invention relates to a machine for making, storing and dispensing yogurt, comprising a tank for processing a certain quantity of milk, a device for inoculating milk ferments inside the tank, a cylinder for keeping and storing the yogurt, which is connected to the processing tank, a tap for dispensing the yogurt coming from the keeping and storing cylinder; the machine also comprises a heating and cooling unit connected to the processing tank and capable of causing the milk to reach a first pasteurization temperature, a second inoculation temperature, at which a certain quantity of milk ferments is inoculated in the processing tank through the inoculating device, and a third fermentation temperature of the milk ferments; the heating and cooling unit is also connected to the keeping and storing cylinder to cool the yogurt coming from the processing tank and to bring it to a fourth cooling temperature and to a fifth storing and dispensing temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: ALI S.p.A.—CARPIGIANI GROUP
    Inventors: Roberto Lazzarini, Andrea Cocchi
  • Patent number: 9907321
    Abstract: Fluorine being present in the exoskeleton of crustaceans, and especially krill represents a problem for using krill as a source for food, feed, food additives and/or feed additives. There has been developed a process for removing such fluorine from krill material by subjecting the krill to disintegration and to an enzymatic hydrolysis process prior to or simultaneously with a removal of the exoskeleton particles producing a fluorine-reduced product. Inherent in the disclosed process is the ability to process krill material with a high polar lipid content for producing superior quality, low fluorine, products suitable for the food and feed as well as the pharmaceutical, neutraceutical and cosmetic industry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Rimfrost Technologies AS
    Inventors: Stig Tore Kragh Jansson, Jon Reidar Ervik, Leif Grimsmo
  • Patent number: 9907322
    Abstract: The invention provides protein compositions containing structured protein products having protein fibers that are substantially aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: SOLAE LLC
    Inventors: Matthew K. McMindes, Eduardo Godinez, Izumi Mueller, Mac W Orcutt, Patricia A. Altemueller
  • Patent number: 9907323
    Abstract: A nutritional compositions in a compressed solid form comprising about 5 to about 35% by weight of protein, about 5 to about 50% by weight percent of fat, and about 40 to about 70% by weight percent of carbohydrate, wherein the compressed solid form is readily dissolvable in water and has a moisture level of 4 to 17%. The nutritional composition, in certain embodiments, eliminates the need for scooping powder into narrow bottles, eliminates the need for transportation of loose powders for later reconstitution, and provides more precise serving sizes to ensure proper delivery of nutrients per feeding, while remaining readily dissolvable upon contact with a liquid. The disclosure further provides process for preparing a nutritional composition in a compressed solid form comprising cooling a powdered nutritional composition, contacting the cooled powdered nutritional composition with moisture, compressing the powdered nutritional composition under pressure, and drying the nutritional composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Mead Johnson Nutrition Co.
    Inventors: Dattatreya Banavara, Juan M. Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 9907324
    Abstract: A method of making a gelled composition that includes combining water and an effervescent tablet in a vessel, the effervescent tablet including at least 200 mg gelatin and an effervescent couple that includes an acid and a base, heating an aqueous composition (e.g., in a microwave oven), optionally adding cold water to the heated composition, and chilling the composition for a period sufficient for the composition to form a gel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Amerilab Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Kyle M. Johnson
  • Patent number: 9907325
    Abstract: Disclosed are emulsions including an aqueous phase with an emulsifier dissolved in the aqueous phase, an oil phase including oil droplets, and a solid weighting agent encapsulated in the oil droplets. The ratio of the solid weighting agent to the oil phase in the emulsion may be from about 1:5 to about 1:2000. The emulsions may be used with ready-to-drink and liquid concentrate beverages. Methods for making such emulsions are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Kraft Foods Group Brands LLC
    Inventor: Daniel T. Piorkowski
  • Patent number: 9907326
    Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a carbonated beverage comprising a stevia extract in which foaming is suppressed and a method for producing the same. A carbonated beverage comprising RebA and RebD and/or RebM, wherein a content of RebA is 500 ppm or less; a content of RebD and/or RebM is 486 ppm or less; ((RebD and/or RebM)/RebA) is 0.45 or more in a mass ratio; and a total content of RebA and RebD and/or RebM is 0.5 to 13.5 in Brix in terms of sucrose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: SUNTORY BEVERAGE & FOOD LIMITED
    Inventors: Soichiro Urai, Akiko Izumi, Koji Nagao
  • Patent number: 9907327
    Abstract: A refrigerator with an ultraviolet LED may be provided that includes: a first wall surface; a second wall surface; a reflector disposed between the first wall surface and the second wall surface, and comprising an inner curved surface and an outer surface disposed on the first wall surface and the second wall surface; a first base disposed on a first end of the inner curved surface of the reflector; a second base disposed on a second end of the inner curved surface of the reflector; a first ultraviolet LED being disposed on the first base, and configured to emit ultraviolet lights to the inner curved surface of the reflector; and a second ultraviolet LED being disposed on the second base, and configured to emit ultraviolet lights to the inner curved surface of the reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ji Hyoung Maeng, Dong Nyung Lim, Sang Jun Hong, Young Suck Byun, Dae Soo Jeong
  • Patent number: 9907328
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a structure composed of ?-cyclodextrin, a linker and a supporter, and a preparation method thereof. The cellulose-adipate-?-cyclodextrin structure of the present invention is effective in removing cholesterol from foods, and the use of the cellulose-adipate-?-cyclodextrin structure may reduce the onset of adult and chronic diseases due to excessive intake of cholesterol, thereby contributing to maintenance, recovery and promotion of health.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: MEDIENCE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sang Jae Park, Byung Sik Kang
  • Patent number: 9907329
    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 base to form an aqueous basic solution of animal muscle protein. The basic solution is mixed with a food grade acid 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: November 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Proteus Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen D Kelleher, William R Fielding, Wayne S Saunders, Peter G Williamson
  • Patent number: 9907330
    Abstract: A food product and process of making the same is provided which results in a high milk protein product having 10% to 25% milk protein content, higher phospholipids compared to unadulterated cow milk, a casein to whey ration of at least 50:50 and is shelf stable for at least six months. In the process whole milk and at least one milk protein source is mixed, heated and contacted with an acid or acidulating substance and co-precipitated to produce a semi-solid precipitate. The precipitate is mixed with starch and cooked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Cal Poly Corporation
    Inventors: Rafael Jimenez-Flores, Andrea M Laubscher
  • Patent number: 9907331
    Abstract: Some embodiments relate to nutritional supplements comprising rice protein isolate. Some embodiments of the nutritional supplement comprise less than about 90 mg of leucine per gram of rice protein isolate and less than about 50 mg of lysine per gram of rice protein isolate. Some embodiments pertain to methods of using the nutritional supplements described herein to achieve one or more of weight gain, weight maintenance, growth, muscle growth, muscle maintenance, decreased muscle loss, or improved exercise training results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Axiom Foods, Inc.
    Inventor: David Janow
  • Patent number: 9907332
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to decorating and printing of an edible design on a printable base media based on a user selected image. A central control device may provide, to a remote computing device, a graphical user interface for reviewing images, receive, from the remote computing device via the graphical user interface, selection of an image, generate print data based on the selected image, and transmit the print data to the remote computing device for printing with an edible media printer equipped with edible ink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Decopac, Inc.
    Inventors: Carlos A. Davila, Todd Brobst, Duane Wahlin, Elizabeth Glover, Douglas Boysen, John R. Anderson, Kent D. Whitten, Andy Schnoebelen
  • Patent number: 9907333
    Abstract: The object of the application is a method for measuring the quality of connection in a tobacco industry's rod-like article comprising a rod (1A, 1B) with a filler (2, 3, 5, 6) and a wrapper (4A, 4B), characterized in that the tested rod (1A, 1B) used in the tobacco industry's article is fixed in a measuring device in a seat (11) for fixing the rod (1A, 1B) in a rotary measuring table (10), then the rotary measuring table (10) is put in rotary motion, by means of the measuring unit the advancement of the filler (3, 6) of the tested rod from the wrapper (4A, 4B) is measured, and the quality of connection between the wrapper (4A, 4B) and the rod (1A, 1B) filler (3, 6) is determined on the basis of the extent of advancement of the rod (1A, 1B) filler (3, 6), and the centrifugal force. The object of the application is also a device for measuring the quality of connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: International Tobacco Machinery Poland Sp. z o. o.
    Inventor: Michael Riedel
  • Patent number: 9907334
    Abstract: A method for opening cigarettes constituting cigarette waste in a device comprising a rotational drum (1) the inner wall of which is provided with at least one scraping away element (2, 2?, 2?) extending generally along the drum, and at least one rotational beater (4, 4?, 4?) located inside the drum (1) striking against the cigarettes, wherein the cigarettes fed into the rotating drum (1) and being lifted by means of at the least one scraping away element (2, 2?, 2?) and falling by gravity, are struck against by means of the at least one rotational beater (4, 4?, 4?) in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axes of the cigarettes with a force enabling their opening. A device for realization of the method of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: International Tobacco Machinery Poland Sp. Z O.O.
    Inventors: Marek Sieredzinski, Wojciech Janczyk
  • Patent number: 9907335
    Abstract: Improved delivery of additive materials to cigarettes is provided through the use of one or more capsules containing additive materials, such as flavor components, in the filter section of a cigarette. The capsule or capsules are provided between first and second absorbent members and the capsules are subjected to an external force, such as squeezing, by a smoker prior to or during smoking of the cigarette in order to release at least a portion of the additive material and expose the additive material to mainstream smoke passing through the filter. The capsules provide a barrier between the additive materials and other cigarettes components, such as sorbents or filter materials, in order to reduce additive material migration into the other cigarette components prior to desired use. An outer cover which is impermeable to the fluid within the capsules is provided about the capsule or capsules and the first and second absorbent members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Georgios D. Karles, Jeffrey Allen, Jose Nepomuceno
  • Patent number: 9907336
    Abstract: A porous carbon material suitable for incorporation in smoke filters for cigarettes has a BET surface area of at least 800 m2/g and a pore structure that includes mesopores and micropores. The pore volume (as measured by nitrogen adsorption) is at least 0.9 cm3/g and from 15 to 65% of the pore volume is in mesopores. The pore structure of the material provides a bulk density generally less than 0.5 g/cc. The material may be produced by carbonizing and activating organic resins and may be in the form of beads for ease of handling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO (INVESTMENTS) LIMITED
    Inventors: Maria Cashmore, Peter Rex White, Oleksandr Kozynchenko, Andrew Blackburn, Stephen Robert Tennison
  • Patent number: 9907337
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for controlling disabling of an electronic smoking device. An electronic smoking device includes a body through which a flow path at least partially extends, an air inlet in the body that is fluidly connected to the flow path, a liquid compartment for storing a liquid within the body, a vaporizer positioned in the body and configured to receive liquid from the liquid compartment and air from the flow path to generate vaporized liquid, an outlet in the body configured to receive vaporized liquid from the vaporizer, and circuitry connected to the vaporizer. In one embodiment, the circuitry is configured to shut off the electronic smoking device based on activation time of the vaporizer. In another embodiment, the circuitry is configured to shut off the electronic smoking device after a determined amount of usage has occurred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: FONTEM HOLDINGS 4 B.V.
    Inventors: Ramon Alarcon, Jason Healy
  • Patent number: 9907338
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for controlling dosing of an electronic smoking device. An electronic smoking device comprises a body through which a flow path at least partially extends, an air inlet in the body that is fluidly connected to the flow path, a liquid compartment for storing a liquid within the body, a vaporizer positioned in the body and configured to receive liquid from the liquid compartment and air from the flow path to generate vaporized liquid, an outlet in the body configured to receive vaporized liquid from the vaporizer, and circuitry connected to the vaporizer and configured to control dosage of vaporized liquid. A method for controlling dosage in an electronic smoking device comprises sensing an airflow, releasing a liquid into the airflow, activating a vaporizer to generate vaporized liquid, and controlling flow of airflow, liquid or vaporized liquid to control dosage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: FONTEM HOLDINGS 4 B.V.
    Inventors: Ramon Alarcon, Jason Healy
  • Patent number: 9907339
    Abstract: An electronic cigarette comprises an electronic cigarette body which is provided with a smoking end, an oil reservoir, an atomization assembly, and a battery assembly. The oil reservoir is arranged at one end of the electronic cigarette body which is on an opposite side of the smoking end, and the atomization assembly is arranged in the oil reservoir, thus length of a whole electronic cigarette is shortened, and the electronic cigarette is portable. The oil reservoir is defined far away from the smoking end, so that a bad experience of sucking the tobacco tar by users can be effectively avoided. When smoking, the battery assembly close to the smoking end is held, and the oil reservoir is usually not supported by an external force, so that the oil reservoir outputs a uniform amount of the tobacco tar to the atomization assembly, and the stability of produced smoke is effectively ensured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: HUIZHOU KIMREE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. SHENZHEN BRANCH
    Inventor: Qiuming Liu
  • Patent number: 9907340
    Abstract: An electronic cigarette and method for assembling same is provided, wherein the electronic cigarette comprises an electronic cigarette body including a smoking end, an oil reservoir configured for reserving tobacco tar, an atomizer assembly configured for atomizing the tobacco tar, and a battery assembly electrically connected to the atomizer assembly and configured for supplying power to the atomizer assembly; the battery assembly and the oil reservoir are arranged in parallel; the atomizer assembly includes a heating wire assembly which is arranged at one end of the oil reservoir and is deposited outside the oil reservoir; a smoking channel is provided inside the electronic cigarette body, wherein the smoking channel is arranged outside the oil reservoir and is configured for discharging the smoke atomized by the atomizer assembly to the outside of the electronic cigarette body. The electronic cigarette can prevent the oil from penetrating into the smoking channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: HUIZHOU KIMREE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. SHENZHEN BRANCH
    Inventor: Qiuming Liu
  • Patent number: 9907341
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an E-liquid separation mechanism and electronic cigarettes having the E-liquid separation mechanism. The E-liquid separation mechanism includes an E-liquid storage tank assembly, and a vaporizer assembly. The E-liquid storage tank assembly and the vaporizer assembly are slidedly and rotatably connected through an E-liquid storage tank connector and a silicone gel sealing cover. When a user uses the electronic cigarette, the user pushes the E-liquid storage tank assembly down from an up position, and rotates the vaporizer assembly using an E-liquid separation control handler from a first position to a second position to allow E-liquid in the E-liquid storage tank to flow into a cylindrical E-liquid storage medium to be vaporized by one or more heating elements formed between a first E-liquid storage tank base opening and a first vaporizer E-liquid opening, and a second E-liquid storage tank base opening and a second vaporizer E-liquid opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: SHENZHEN KANGER TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Xiaochun Zhu
  • Patent number: 9907342
    Abstract: An undergarment is provided having a support system configured to comfortably support a male wearer's genitalia throughout aggressive athletic movements. Inside of the undergarment, an internal pocket is formed by a generally H-shaped insert that holds the male wearer's genitalia in a forward position and keeps the wearer's genitalia aligned with the internal portion of the athletic cup positioned at the front of the undergarment. Additionally, the H-shaped insert positions the male wearer's genitalia away from their legs, providing increased support and comfort for the wearer. A cross-wall defining the back of the internal pocket holds the wearer's genitalia to prevent it from dropping backward or downward, and presses against the wearer's perineum at its top edge to further aid in creation of a barrier that even further reduces the risk of chaffing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Inventor: Zachary Fisher
  • Patent number: 9907343
    Abstract: A flexible padding layer for use during competitive sports is provided. The flexible padding layer is comprised of a plurality of individual padding elements each joined on multiple sides with an adjacent padding element via a thin, connecting section. Each padding element further comprises openings and a three-dimensional surface configuration to allow for consistent mechanical properties throughout the padding layer as a whole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: WM. T. BURNETT IP, LLC
    Inventors: Sam Lacey, Betsy Barnhardt
  • Patent number: 9907344
    Abstract: Described is a wearable garment that converts into a sleeping bag for insulating a user from environmental elements. The garment includes a hooded jacket having two side portions covering a user's chest, a rear portion covering a user's back, two arm portions and a jacket hood. A lower pouch is removably secured at the bottom of the jacket and folds up to lie flat against the interior of the rear portion and jacket hood. This lower pouch is a recess contoured to fit the shape of a human lower body and having two feet shaped recesses at the bottom. By contouring the lower body enclosure to fit the shape of the legs and feet, excess air space is eliminated and overall insulation is improved. In this way the device provides a user with an easy to carry, non-cumbersome sleeping bag that protects the user from the outdoors and cold environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Inventors: Thomas Poore, Donna Poore
  • Patent number: 9907345
    Abstract: A fastening module is used to attach a first end of a first material to a second end of a second material to form a strap. The fastening module has a first attachment feature and a second attachment feature. The first end is attached to the first attachment feature. The second end is attached to the second attachment feature by wrapping the second end around a bar-like feature. The second end comprises a non-slidable magnetically attractive material near its tip and a slideable magnetically attractive material further from the tip. The tip of the second end is wrapped around the bar like feature and engages with the slidable magnetically attractive material to secure the strap. Adjustment of the strap can be accomplished by sliding the slidable magnetically attractive element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Inventor: Devin O'Neill
  • Patent number: 9907346
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus for use in reducing the impact to the head during sporting activities. The present disclosure provides a helmet cap that covers an underlying hard shell helmet. The helmet cap has a durable, energy absorbing outer shell, which lessens the initial impact to the helmet. The outer shell is formed into segments of padded material that may deform on impact. The outer shell has an inner surface that allows the outer shell to slide over the surface of a helmet thereby reducing forces applied to a wearer. The helmet cap may be securely attached to helmets without modification of the helmets. The helmet cap may include an adjustable fastener that allows the helmet cap to be securely attached to helmets of varying dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Inventors: Erin Linn Hanson, Wallace Lee Hanson, Jr., Robert F. Hoskin
  • Patent number: 9907347
    Abstract: A helmet can include a helmet body formed of a foam energy-absorbing material in which the helmet body includes inner and outer opposing surfaces. A plurality of lower slots can be formed completely through the helmet body and can be open at a lower edge of the helmet body. A plurality of upper slots can be formed completely through the helmet body and be open at a top portion of the helmet body to form a star shape. An S-shaped panel of the helmet body can include an undulating form from the alternating and overlapping positions of the plurality of lower slots and the plurality of upper slots. A reinforcing halo can be disposed within the helmet body to reinforce areas of weakness in the helmet body resulting from the plurality of lower slots and the plurality of upper slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Bell Sports, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott Allen
  • Patent number: 9907348
    Abstract: Provided is a functional headband having an integral cushion band that is applied to welding masks, protective masks, safety helmets, medical helmets, etc. The functional headband includes a main band configured to be worn on a wearer's head, supporting bands connected with the main band and configured to be placed on the wearer's head, adjustment bands connected with both ends of the main band and configured to be adjusted in length, a length adjustment lever configured to adjust the length of the adjustment bands, and cushion bands formed integrally at the supporting bands to cover the wearer's head, thereby supporting the wearer's head in a double supporting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: OTOS WING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Sung Won Huh
  • Patent number: 9907349
    Abstract: An article of footwear incorporates a seamless bootie or textile upper formed from a knitted component removed from a knitted textile element of unitary warp knit construction. The knitted component may include a first knitted component portion in the form of a seamless bootie and a second knitted component portion associated with the first knitted component portion. In some embodiments the second knitted component portion may be tucked-in or folded into a pocket of first knitted component portion, such as a knitted dynamic fit component portion or a knitted tongue component portion. In some embodiments the second knitted component portion may be wrapped around at least part of the first knitted component portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Julie A. Huffman, Amy Lyttle, Thomas G. Bell
  • Patent number: 9907350
    Abstract: An article of footwear and a method of manufacturing the article of footwear are disclosed. The footwear may include an upper and a sole structure. The upper incorporates a textile element with edges that are joined together to define at least a portion of a void for receiving a foot. The textile element may have apertures formed by omitting stitches and non-textile elements on the lateral side and in the heel area. Various warp or weft knitting processes, including flat knitting, may be utilized to form the textile element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Bhupesh Dua, Edward Nathaniel Thomas
  • Patent number: 9907351
    Abstract: An article of footwear and a method of manufacturing the article of footwear are disclosed. The footwear may include an upper and a sole structure. The upper incorporates a textile element with edges that are joined together to define at least a portion of a void for receiving a foot. The textile element may comprise one or more of an inner layer, outer layer, or intermediate layer of the upper. Various warp or weft knitting processes, including flat knitting, may be utilized to form the textile element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Bhupesh Dua, Edward Nathaniel Thomas
  • Patent number: 9907352
    Abstract: A waterproof breathable sole for shoes, which comprises, for at least part of its extension, at least two structural layers, a lower one provided with a supporting structure so as to form the tread, and an upper one that is permeable to water vapor. The lower layer has portions that are open onto the upper layer. A coating obtained by means of a plasma deposition treatment for waterproofing is provided on the upper layer. A layer is thus obtained that has structural functions and characteristics of resistance to damage and is at the same time waterproof and breathable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: GEOX S.p.A.
    Inventors: Mario Polegato Moretti, Antonio Ferrarese, Bruno Mattioni
  • Patent number: 9907353
    Abstract: A energy sole including a base structure extending a length of a shoe sole, a flexion extending from the base structure, a toe arm extending forward from the flexion, and a heel arm extend rearward from the flexion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Inventors: Paul Walter Lester, Brian Dean Owens
  • Patent number: 9907354
    Abstract: An article of footwear has a sole structure with interconnected compliant components. The sole structure includes a sole plate, inner sole structure and lasting board. The inner sole structure is placed in between the sole plate and lasting board. The inner sole structure provides compliant components that protrude through the sole plate towards a ground surface. The compliant components are interconnected by channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Caleb W. Dyer
  • Patent number: 9907355
    Abstract: An article of footwear may include a sole and a stability element. The sole may have a receiving channel extending from a sole bottom surface toward a sole top surface. The receiving channel may have a first groove at an outer perimeter of the receiving channel and a second groove at an inner perimeter of the receiving channel. The stability element may have a first tongue protruding from an outer perimeter of a body of the stability element and a second tongue protruding from an inner perimeter of the body of the stability element. In an exemplary aspect, the first groove of the receiving channel is configured to receive the first tongue of the stability element, and the second groove of the receiving channel is configured to receive the second tongue of the stability element as the stability element is maintained, at least in part, within the receiving channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Elizabeth Barnes, Deborah L. Lawless, Gregory R. Leedy
  • Patent number: 9907356
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a performance enhancing shoe sole that includes an anterior support structure and a posterior support structure that are connected by a first support structure. The anterior support structure and posterior support structure are flexible bent spring structures. The first support structure provides a plantar interface that includes a midfoot arch. The shoe sole is positionable in a shoe to provide shock absorption and controlled energy return from the posterior support structure to the first support structure. The shoe sole is an interconnected bent spring system that can be a single ribbon of flexible material defining multiple pivot angles or a multi-layered cantilevered flexible bent spring. The shoe sole can also include inserts that dampen shock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Inventors: Howard Baum, Alan Malmut
  • Patent number: 9907357
    Abstract: A fluid-filled chamber is provided and includes a first barrier layer, a second barrier layer, a foam structure, and a tensile member. The second barrier layer is secured to the first barrier layer to define an interior void between the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer. The interior void contains a predetermined volume of fluid. The foam structure and the tensile member are disposed within the interior void, whereby the tensile member includes a plurality of fibers extending in a first direction between the first barrier layer and the second barrier layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Bryan K. Youngs
  • Patent number: 9907358
    Abstract: An upper for an article of footwear comprises one or more tactile-feedback members. The tactile-feedback members include a first ridge and a second ridge formed in one or more textile elements of the upper. The first ridge and the second ridge protrude from an outward-facing surface of the textile elements and away from the inward-facing surface of the textile elements and extend toward a midfoot region of the upper from a rear-foot region. The first ridge and the second ridge further comprise an arch shape, and the first ridge is superior to the second ridge. The upper may further include other tactile-feedback members, including a finger pad on the heel side of the upper, the finger pad comprising a non-textile material, and a forefoot grip extending over at least a portion of the superior surface of the upper in the forefoot region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Elmar Ariola, Cory B. McCullagh, Tim Sites
  • Patent number: 9907359
    Abstract: An article of footwear with various types of guide elements is disclosed. The article of footwear provides a set of tensile elements that can be moved through the guide elements to switch between a loosened and tightened position of the upper. The tensile elements may be routed through a guide element associated with the upper that can provide compressive strength and support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Tiffany A. Beers
  • Patent number: 9907360
    Abstract: An article of footwear includes an outsole and an upper positioned above the outsole and including an opening having opposed edges thereof. A plurality of eyelets extends along the opposed edges of the opening, and a tongue extends from the upper into the opening. A plurality of rows of loops is found on an upper surface of the tongue, with each row containing a plurality of loops, and each row being positioned between a pair of opposed eyelets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: CONVERSE INC.
    Inventors: Brodrick Foster, Aristides A. Membreño
  • Patent number: 9907361
    Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole structure. A set of tensioning members extend over the upper and into channels formed in the sole structure. The tensioning members travel through the channels and exit a rear opening of the sole structure where they may be tensioned using a manual or automatic tensioning device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Rushbrook