Patents Issued in April 17, 2018
  • Patent number: 9943090
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and system for reducing or eliminating the possibility of cross-contamination between food to be cooked in a cooking device and food cooking in the cooking device. The methods and systems determine the placement into a cooking device of food product to be cooked by the distance sensor, determine a hygienic safe cooking time (HSCT) for that product based on the identification of food product to be cooked, and compare the HSCT to one or more remaining cooking times of food product cooking in the cooking device on levels below and/or above the desired placement of the food product to be cooked. Various methods of identifying the food to be cooked may be employed, both manual and automatic. As a result of the comparison, the methods and systems of the disclosure can identify safe carrier/tray level(s) for accepting placement of the food to be cooked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: CONVOTHERM ELEKTROGERAETE GMBH
    Inventor: Michael Schilling
  • Patent number: 9943091
    Abstract: A product having an internal substance protected by a rugged exterior shell is disclosed. The internal substance is reactive with the exterior shell but is separated therefrom by a coating on an interior surface of the external shell so that the product can be stored for a long period of time without the internal substance reacting with the exterior shell. The coating is meltable so that, when desired, the product may be heated (e.g. immersed in hot water or exposed to heat) in order to melt the coating so that the internal substance can react with the external shell so that the internal substance can excrete out of the exterior shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Inventor: Nicholas J. Singer
  • Patent number: 9943092
    Abstract: An improved liquid processing system including a first catalyst chamber with an inlet and an outlet where the outlet receives liquid to be processed, the liquid passing along the first catalyst chamber and exiting the outlet. Tubes are radially displaced within the first catalyst chamber such that the liquid flows around and over the tubes and where the tubes are filled with at least one magnet. A second catalyst chamber of like configuration is provided. The inlet of the second catalyst chamber is connected with the outlet of the first catalyst chamber A pump is connected with the liquid processing system such that liquid at the inlet of the first catalyst chamber is sucked into the first catalyst chamber at a first PSI and velocity and pushed into the second catalyst chamber at a second PSI and velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Inventors: Roy Lee Garrison, Charles Paul McNemar
  • Patent number: 9943093
    Abstract: An apparatus for pasteurizing and cooling food products comprises a pasteurizing tunnel, a first air processing unit associated with the pasteurizing tunnel, and a transfer unit for transferring the food products from the pasteurizing tunnel to a cooling tunnel comprising a second air processing unit, the pasteurizing tunnel comprising two thermally independent in-line sections consisting of a steam pasteurizing section and a pre-packaging section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: SINTECO IMPIANTI S.R.L.
    Inventor: Frank Adam
  • Patent number: 9943094
    Abstract: A method and a system for producing a change in a medium. The method places in a vicinity of the medium an energy modulation agent. The method applies an initiation energy to the medium. The initiation energy interacts with the energy modulation agent to directly or indirectly produce the change in the medium. The energy modulation agent has a normal predominant emission of radiation in a first wavelength range outside of a second wavelength range (WR2) known to produce the change, but under exposure to the applied initiation energy produces the change. The system includes an initiation energy source configured to apply an initiation energy to the medium to activate the energy modulation agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: IMMUNOLIGHT, LLC.
    Inventors: Frederic Avery Bourke, Jr., Zakaryae Fathi, Harold Walder, Wayne F. Beyer, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9943095
    Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods of altering/improving Durum wheat phenotypes. Furthermore, methods of breeding Durum wheat and/or other closely related species to produce plants having altered or improved phenotypes are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Montana State University
    Inventor: Michael J. Giroux
  • Patent number: 9943096
    Abstract: This document relates to food products containing highly conjugated heterocyclic rings complexed to an iron ion and one or more flavor precursors, and using such food products to modulate the flavor and/or aroma profile of other foods. The food products described herein can be prepared in various ways and can be formulated to be free of animal products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Impossible Foods Inc.
    Inventors: Rachel Fraser, Patrick O'Reilly Brown, Jessica Karr, Celeste Holz-Schietinger, Elysia Cohn
  • Patent number: 9943097
    Abstract: A nutritional composition for infants at risk of developing obesity later in life comprises a protein source, a lipid source and a carbohydrate source and has a protein content of less than 1.8 g/100 kcal and an energy density of less than 650 kcal/liter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Ferdinand Haschke, Corinne Renee Magliola, Philippe Steenhout
  • Patent number: 9943098
    Abstract: An energy composition includes a methylated xanthine, a choline derivative, and at least one flavorant in a sufficient amount to render the energy composition palatable. The energy composition may also include vitamins, amino acids, enzymes, preservatives, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: International IP Holdings LLC
    Inventor: Manoj Bhargava
  • Patent number: 9943099
    Abstract: An electrically powered juicer has a treatment module arranged to subject the expressed juice to a pasteurization or UHT process in order to prevent the rapid deterioration in quality of the expressed juice that otherwise occurs. The lifetime of the juice expressed by the juicer is considerably extended, allowing juice to be prepared in larger volumes than previously and thus negating the requirement for juicing on demand. The treatment module includes serially arranged heating means and cooling means, operative while the expressed juice is traversing a meandering pathway, and a thermostatically controlled element sited and configured to ensure that the heating operation is automatically repeated in the event that juice exiting the heating operation has not reached a predetermined temperature required for the pasteurization or UHT process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: KENWOOD LIMITED
    Inventor: Robert Fields
  • Patent number: 9943100
    Abstract: This method for producing stuffed food(s), each stuffed food including an outer envelope in a first food product, and an inner stuffing in a second food product, includes the following steps: providing a sheet of the first food product, and a roller of the second food product, and winding the sheet around the roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: FROMAGERIES BEL
    Inventors: Victor Da Ponte, Gerard Soudiere, Dominique Queste
  • Patent number: 9943101
    Abstract: A procedure and machine for reconstituting powders of vegetal origin by lamination process, in which the machine includes a lamination device, a set of frontal and posterior drag rolls, a hot air insufflator, a thermal chamber and a conveyor, so that the vegetal mass is pressed by laminating rolls to obtain a pellicle of vegetal material that is deposited over the conveyor circulating inside a terminal chamber for drying the formed pellicle of vegetal material, which can be reinserted in industrial process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: IOTO INTERNATIONAL INDÚSTRIA E COMÉRCIO DE PRODUTOS AROMÁTICOS LTDA
    Inventors: Gilson Luiz Torrens, Bianca Iodice
  • Patent number: 9943102
    Abstract: A rolling apparatus for use in rolling a cigarette that includes a rolled outer tubular member able to store a smoking material and a rolled filter member disposed within proximate an end of the tubular member. The rolling apparatus includes a cylindrical member, and a pair of elongated members coupled to a first end of the cylindrical member, the elongated members positioned substantially parallel to each other and separated by a distance to create a slot between the elongated members. The elongated members receive a filter sheet that is disposed through the slot and around the elongated members to permit a user to wrap the filter sheet around the elongated members to create the rolled filter member. The apparatus receives an outer sheet to permit the user to wrap the outer sheet around the cylindrical member and the rolled filter member to create the rolled outer tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Inventor: Trent Alan Bohl, Sr.
  • Patent number: 9943103
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a grasping device intended for use by golfers to hold a cigar above the ground. The device is constructed from a length of wire formed as two halves of a golfing tool. The two halves are intertwined into opposing halves, forming an actuator that may be squeezed to open a cigar grasper. An end is suited for use to repair ball marks and divots on a golf course.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Cigar Companion Concepts, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen Marconi, Fou Sen Huang
  • Patent number: 9943104
    Abstract: According to various embodiments of the disclosed technology, disclosed is a kit for storing a substance and one or more tools for preparing the substance for recreational or medicinal use. The kit may include a body with a first end and a second end; a grinder compartment positioned next the second end of the body, where the grinder compartment is configured to rotate about the body; at least a first item compartment and a second item compartment located in the body for storing tools needed to prepare a substance for recreational or medicinal use; a storage compartment for storing the substance; and a sidewall attached to a side of the body such that the sidewall slides in an upward and downward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: FD Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Nathan Simon
  • Patent number: 9943105
    Abstract: An ashtray device (1) for collecting cigarette or cigar ash and butts, the device comprising a separation mechanism (2) for separating the ash from the butts, and at least two containers (10, 11), wherein a first container (10) is positioned so as to receive the butts and a second container (11) is positioned so as to receive the ash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: R.A.S.T. INDUSTRY'S SRL
    Inventor: Pasquale Romanazzi
  • Patent number: 9943106
    Abstract: A package in the form of a pouch comprises a first flexible sheet part 6 and a second flexible sheet part 7. The pouch comprises a first permanent seal 14 between the first sheet part 6 and the second sheet part 7 along a first edge 12 of the pouch. The pouch comprises a second permanent seal 15 between the first sheet part 6 and the second sheet part 7 along a second edge 13 of the pouch opposite to the first edge 12. The pouch comprises a first temporary seal 16 between the first sheet part 6 and the second sheet part 7, the first temporary seal 16 extending across the pouch between the first permanent seal 14 and the second permanent seal 15. The pouch comprises a second temporary seal 17 between the first sheet part 6 and the second sheet part 7, the second temporary seal 17 extending across the pouch between the first permanent seal 14 and the second permanent seal 15.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignees: PARKSIDE FLEXIBLES (EUROPE) LIMITED, IMPERIAL TOBACCO LIMITED
    Inventors: Steve McCormick, Mark Shaw, Colin Little
  • Patent number: 9943107
    Abstract: An electronic cigarette (“e-Cig”) may include flavor enhancements to improve or add to the flavor of an e-Cig. The e-Cig cartomizer may include a flavor sticker, shell, booster, or mouthpiece that provides additional flavor to the user. In addition, the flavor enhancements may also provide or further enhance the smell of the e-Cig.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: SIS RESOURCES, LTD.
    Inventors: Aaron Arye Weigensberg, Eyal Peleg, Samuel Capuano, Yechezkel Stern, Bernard Juster
  • Patent number: 9943108
    Abstract: An electronic vapor provision device comprising a power cell, a vaporizer and a liquid store, wherein the vaporizer comprises a heater and a heater support, wherein the liquid store comprises a porous material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: NICOVENTURES HOLDINGS LIMITED
    Inventor: Christopher Lord
  • Patent number: 9943109
    Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic cigarette, including a cartridge, an atomizer device, and a cartridge fixing element to detachably connect the cartridge to the atomizer device. A cartridge body can be switched to be in a pre-mounting position and a mounting position to engage the cartridge fixing element. When in the pre-mounting position, a sealing element and a puncturing element of the cartridge are spaced by a certain distance or abut against each other, to ensure that a first sealing portion will not be punctured and E-liquid in the cartridge will not be contaminated before smoking. When in the mounting position, the installation of the cartridge is completed, a second sealing portion is punctured to communicate a liquid reservoir chamber with a liquid reservoir room, to allow the E-liquid in the liquid reservoir chamber to flow to the liquid reservoir room, and users can smoke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Shenzhen Smoore Technology Limited
    Inventor: Zhiping Chen
  • Patent number: 9943110
    Abstract: An electronic cigarette and a method for controlling atomization of the electronic cigarette are provided. The electronic cigarette includes an atomizer and a battery rod assembly. The atomizer is formed by detachably connecting a liquid cup assembly and an atomizer core. A control unit is provided to be electrically connected to the atomizer and the battery rod assembly. A conductive cartridge that is conductive is sleeved on the battery, and the suction nozzle and the conductive cartridge can be conducted. The control unit controls the battery to supply power to the atomizer to atomize cigarette liquid when detecting that the suction nozzle is conducted with the conductive cartridge, which effectively prevents an automatic operation of the atomizer and avoids a waste of the cigarette liquid and the energy while facilitating the user operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: HUIZHOU KIMREE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. SHENZHEN BRANCH
    Inventor: Qiuming Liu
  • Patent number: 9943111
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods, systems, and apparatuses for vapor cooling. The methods and systems can be used in conjunction with all vaping devices including e-cigarettes, hybrid communication device electronic vapor devices, robotic vapor devices, modified vapor devices “mods,” electronic vapor devices, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: LUNATECH, LLC
    Inventors: John Cameron, Dean Becker, Gene Fein
  • Patent number: 9943112
    Abstract: An electronic cigarette comprises a main body. A smoking end, an atomization assembly for atomizing tobacco oil, and a battery assembly for powering the atomization assembly are arranged on the main body. A bottle for storing the tobacco oil is arranged at one end of the main body, away from the smoking end. The atomization assembly is arranged between the smoking end and the bottle. The bottle and the battery assembly are in parallel. An electrical connection component is arranged between the battery assembly and the atomization assembly. One end of the electrical connection component is connected to the battery assembly while the other end of the electrical connection component is resiliently abutted against a side wall of the atomization assembly. Easy assembly, stable and reliable electrical connection, and a great reduction to the possibility that the user sucks the tobacco oil are realized in the electronic cigarette.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: HUIZHOU KIMREE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. SHENZHEN BRANCH
    Inventor: Qiuming Liu
  • Patent number: 9943113
    Abstract: An atomizer and an electronic cigarette. The electronic cigarette includes an electronic cigarette body. Sequentially provided on the electronic cigarette body are a mouthpiece cover, an atomizing component, and a battery component. The mouthpiece cover covers an end surface of the atomizing component. Provided within the atomizing component are an e-liquid storage space used for storing an e-liquid, an atomizing core used for atomizing the e-liquid and electrically connected to the battery component, and a smoke channel used for discharging smoke to the mouthpiece cover and extended along the axis of the atomizing component. At least two smoke outlet gaps in communication with the smoke channel are formed on the end surface of the mouthpiece cover. The smoke outlet gaps are extended from the center of the end surface of the mouthpiece cover towards the periphery of the end surface of the mouthpiece cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: HUIZHOU KIMREE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. SHENZHEN BRANCH
    Inventor: Qiuming Liu
  • Patent number: 9943114
    Abstract: There is provided an aerosol-forming cartridge for an electrically operated aerosol-generating system. The cartridge includes a base layer and at least one aerosol-forming substrate disposed on the base layer and including a tobacco-containing material with volatile tobacco flavor compounds that are releasable from the aerosol-forming substrate. The base layer and the at least one aerosol-forming substrate are in contact at a contact surface, which is substantially planar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Philip Morris Products S.A.
    Inventor: Rui Nuno Batista
  • Patent number: 9943115
    Abstract: An electronic cigarette and an electronic cigarette-based control method are provided. The electronic cigarette includes an electronic cigarette body, which is provided with multiple atomizers, a battery, a smoking switch, an input module and a microprocessor electrically connected to the input module, the smoking switch, the battery and the atomizers. Multiple electromagnetic switches are electrically connected to the microprocessor, which are arranged opposite air intake holes of the atomizers one to one and used for opening or closing corresponding air intake holes. According to a trigger signal, the microprocessor enables the battery to power a target atomizer and a target electromagnetic switch to prevent an airflow from flowing through atomizers not operating, making the airflow only flow into the target atomizer, thereby increasing air into the target atomizer, the amount of vapor to be atomized and the concentration of smoke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: HUIZHOU KIMREE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. SHENZHEN BRANCH
    Inventor: Qiuming Liu
  • Patent number: 9943116
    Abstract: Provided are systems, methods and/or electronic vapor devices configured to analyze matter of at least one of smoke, vapor or other material in order to at least one of analyze, classify, compare, validate, refute and catalog said matter, then reference conditions in order to send system alerts triggered by defined analytical parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: LUNATECH, LLC
    Inventors: John Cameron, Dean Becker, Gene Fein
  • Patent number: 9943117
    Abstract: Apparatus for magnetically holding a shirt collar in a position and orientation on a shirt front, includes a collar stay attachable to a collar via adhesive or the like, or receivable in a pocket of the collar. The collar stay includes at least one magnet, or element of a magnetized material or a material attractable by a magnet. A magnet is positionable against an inside surface of the shirt front opposite the collar and is magnetically attachable to the collar stay through the shirt front, for holding the collar in a desired position and orientation. The stay can be a laminate or composite, and can be bendable or foldable into a desired shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Wurkin Stiffs Patent Holding, LLC
    Inventor: Jonathan B. Boos
  • Patent number: 9943118
    Abstract: An undergarment includes a main body comprising at least one panel of material, three openings having substantially equal dimensions, and three peripheral edges, where one peripheral edge is located between adjacent openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Inventor: Dustin Grzesik
  • Patent number: 9943119
    Abstract: An adjustable support brassiere comprises traditional bra elements—a bra band with closure; breast cups; and respective shoulder straps. Adjustability may comprise inner support cups having opposite ends being selectively attached on each breast cup, and a respective support strap being secured to each inner support cup, with a distal end of the support strap secured to an adjustment clip, which may releasably secure a portion of the shoulder strap. Adjustably securing different portions of the shoulder strap causes lifting and reconfiguring of the inner support cup to produce a desired amount of substantially vertical lifting to the woman's breast(s) in one embodiment, which is generally healthier for breast tissue than the typical inward displacement. Adjustments may be made by a woman throughout the day to alter her appearance as desired. Alternative embodiments permit lifting as well as inward/outward displacement, and may therefore serve as a minimizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Inventor: Brandon Solotoff
  • Patent number: 9943120
    Abstract: Aspects herein are directed to a bra with multiple pockets positioned at different locations on the bra to provide a variety of storage options. The bra comprises one or more portions comprised of layers of material where the pocket spaces are formed between the layers of material. The layers of material of the different portions are joined along their perimeter edges except for one or more select areas that form openings in communication with the pocket spaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Nicole Rendone
  • Patent number: 9943121
    Abstract: Disclosed are garments with selective wire management systems, as well as ports for adapting garments without selective wire management systems. Garments for wire management may include one or more ports which define an aperture through which headphone wire is passed. The ports provide both support to the headphone wire as well as to the garment, thereby preventing tearing of the garment more than is necessary to accommodate the wire. Further, ports may be selectively placed on a garment, as desired, to provide optimal entrance and exit placement of headphone wire. In addition to the ports, a channel may connect the ports, thereby selectively routing the wire along the garment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Inventor: Leon Sidney Gellineau
  • Patent number: 9943122
    Abstract: A system and method of evacuating a downed tactical operator from a hostile environment comprising adding an evacuation belt strap to a PALS grid on a body armor vest by using belt keepers. The evacuation belt strap is made by forming loops at the ends of the strap to function as handles to be grasped by rescuers of the downed operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: DAART-NET Industries LLC
    Inventor: Douglas Conrad
  • Patent number: 9943123
    Abstract: An ornamental swimsuit assembly interchanges ornamental members on a swimsuit through a snap fastening mechanism and extends colorful ribbons on to the swimsuit to enhance the visual appearance of the swimsuit. The ornamental members, such as rhinestones, are interchangeable and enhance the visual appearance of the swimsuit. A connector bracket enables straps on the swimsuit to be detachably attached to the body of the swimsuit. The assembly utilizes a snap fastening and thread mechanism to interchange the ornamental members to the swimsuit. The snap fastening mechanism involves a two-sided connection from the ribbon. The ribbon not only retains decorative caps and the ornamental members, but can also be extended in length through expander connectors to form bracelets, necklaces and other clothing types at a later date. In this manner, multiple ornamental combinations are possible between the swimsuit, the ribbon, decorative caps and the ornamental members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Inventor: Lauren O'Leary
  • Patent number: 9943124
    Abstract: Flexible LED light arrays particularly suitable for use in clothing and other articles are disclosed. The light arrays are disposed on flexible printed circuit boards (PCBs). The flexible PCBs include substantially sinusoidal metal contact traces, along which the LEDs are attached at an angle preselected to minimize stresses in the expected directions of bending. The flexible PCBs may have control electronics provided on separate, attachable control boards, which may be either flexible or rigid. The flexible LED light arrays may also be arranged in master-slave configurations with a number of arrays, in which one master control array or board is attached to a number of slave arrays and handles external communication for the slave arrays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Erogear, Inc.
    Inventor: Anders Kristofer Nelson
  • Patent number: 9943125
    Abstract: A releasable fastener system includes a first base material and a second base material being fastened together when the fastener system is in a fastened state and released from one another when the fastener system is in a released state. The fastener system further includes a stiffening member fastened to the second base material. A bottom loop is spaced from the first base material such that at least a portion of the stiffening member resides between the bottom loop and the first base material when the fastener system is in the fastened state. A top loop being spaced from the bottom loop such that a portion of the second base material resides between the top and bottom loops when the system is in the fastened state, wherein at least one of the top and bottom loops is fastened to the first base material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Point Blank Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Randall Jered LeMarbe
  • Patent number: 9943126
    Abstract: A waistband for an article of apparel comprising at least one embroidery tunnel is provided. The waistband comprises at least one cord comprising a first and second end affixed to the waistband, and an intervening portion movably coupled to the waistband with stitches that form the embroidery tunnel, the embroidery tunnel configured to distribute a tensioning force applied to the cord across at least a portion of the waistband. The embroidery tunnel forms a series of parallel courses across the waistband, with the cord able to move freely within the embroidery tunnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Y. Moore, Erika K. Anaya
  • Patent number: 9943127
    Abstract: Connectors for adjusting the location and/or orientation of a helmet accessory relative to a helmet are disclosed. In some embodiments, a connector may have a single lock and/or a single actuator that a user uses to selectively restrict or permit adjustment of the helmet accessory in multiple directions, including translating and/or rotating the helmet accessory relative to the helmet along one or more axes of translation and/or rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Revision Military S.a.r.L.
    Inventors: Stéphane Lebel, David Lefebvre, David Redpath, Curtis Herman, Lindsay Faye Slater
  • Patent number: 9943128
    Abstract: An impact sensing system includes a first impact sensor having a flexible dielectric layer, a first printed electrode on a first side of the layer, and a second printed electrode on a second side of the layer. The second printed electrode overlies and is moveable toward and away from the first electrode by deformation of the flexible dielectric layer. Further, the layer maintains a capacitance between to the first electrode and the second electrode that changes with a movement of the second electrode toward or away from the first electrode. The system further includes a first readout circuit electronically coupled with the first and second electrodes to measure a change in the capacitance and output a corresponding voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Western Michigan University Research Fund
    Inventors: Massood Zandi Atashbar, Margaret Joyce, Binu Baby Narakathu, Sai Guruva Reddy Avuthu, Michael Joyce, Ali Eshkeiti
  • Patent number: 9943129
    Abstract: Aspects herein relate to protective headgear for sports and to methods of using such headgear. In one aspect, the headgear has an external head-protecting shell that is soft to reduce the risk of injuring other players. In another aspect, the headgear has a rear closure arrangement that includes a bridge component for ease of putting on the headgear and for added protection at the closure area of the rear closure arrangement. In another aspect, fit pads of different sizes are removeably attachable to an cheekbone extension member of the headgear to provide a proper fit to the wearer's cheekbone. A face mask is integrated with the headgear in some embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Cascade Maverik Lacrosse, LLC
    Inventors: Jesse Newman, Nicholas Colville, David Winthrop Fream, Stephen Moore
  • Patent number: 9943130
    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. Various warp or weft knitting processes, including circular knitting, may be utilized to form the textile element. The textile element may be removed from a circular-knit tubular structure having two textile elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Bhupesh Dua, Edward Nathaniel Thomas
  • Patent number: 9943131
    Abstract: Footwear assembly comprising a foot bed in an interior area defined by an upper and positioned atop a sole assembly, wherein the foot bed has a plurality of air holes through the forefoot and/or arch portions, and has air channels connected to the air holes. A compressible convex pump in the foot bed's heel portion faces the sole assembly and is movable between expanded and compressed positions. In the expanded position, the pump supports a portion of the heel portion apart from the sole assembly to define an air chamber coupled to the air channels. Movement of the pump member from the expanded position to the compressed position causes the air chamber to collapse and forces air from the air chamber through the air channels and upwardly through the air holes into the interior area of the upper, wherein the pump member is biased toward the expanded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: LaCrosse Footwear, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan James Foust, Mark Christopher Thompson
  • Patent number: 9943132
    Abstract: An support insole includes a middle medium sandwiched between flexible upper and lower layers, wherein upper layer has a forefoot region with a metatarse protrusion that projects upward from an upper surface of the upper layer to a certain height, a midfoot region with inner and outer arch sides, wherein the inner arch side has an inner arch protrusion that projects upwardly from the upper surface to a certain height and wherein the outer arch side has a plurality of outer arch protrusions that project upwardly from the upper surface to a certain height, a hindfoot region with a heel support protrusion that projects upwardly from the upper surface to a certain height, wherein the top face is dented inwardly so as to form a concave recess such that the support insole is ergonomically designed to provide comfort for a wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Fusco Industrial Corporation
    Inventor: Chen-Yu Tsai
  • Patent number: 9943133
    Abstract: A plurality of orthotic systems are provided. One bi-layer system is constructed from a single sheet of fabric that is molded into two layers. One tri-layer system includes a base layer; a mid-layer; and an upper layer. The upper layer is joined to the mid-layer and the mid-layer is joined to the base layer. The coupling of the base layer, the mid-layer and the upper layer create a rear spring section, a mid-spring section and a front spring section in which the upper layer is suspended over the mid-layer and the heel portion is suspended on the proximal heel end of the base layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Inventor: Barry A. Butler
  • Patent number: 9943134
    Abstract: An article of footwear may include an upper and an outsole bonded to the upper. The outsole may include multiple discrete lugs distributed across a bottom exterior surface of the outsole. The article may further include a compressible foam midsole contained within the upper. The midsole may be non-destructively removable from the upper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Matt Holmes, Eric P. Avar, Jeongwoo Lee, Fanny Ho, Bryant Klug
  • Patent number: 9943135
    Abstract: The indoor or outdoor performance action sports product has a series of layers including a breathable, rapid dry, moisture transfer, thermal regulating performance comfort nonwoven insulation material, naturally adapting to temperature changes during active performance combined with a water resistant or waterproof fabric or material or a combination thereof. The performance action sports product may also include a series of layers including a breathable, rapid dry, moisture transfer, antimicrobial, performance nonwoven material wherein the fiber combinations provide extended comfort and performance with adjustable temperature regulation during indoor or outdoor performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: SOLID WATER HOLDINGS
    Inventor: Baychar
  • Patent number: 9943136
    Abstract: A shoe upper includes a mesh covering unit having opposite first and second surfaces and including a plurality offirst and second yarns, and a fabric layer disposed on the second surface. Each of the first yarns has a first core yarn, and a first coating layer wrapped around the first core yarn and made from a thermoplastic material. The first and second yarns are interknitted to form a plurality of holes extending through the first and second surfaces, and to have first portions of the first coating layers and first portions of the second yarns forming the first surface, and second portions of the first coating layers and second portions of the second yarns forming the second surface The first portions of the first coating layers at the first surface are larger in surface area than the second portions of the first coating layers at the second surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignees: Huge Development Limited, Jiunn Jang Textile Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ho-Pin Lin, Hsuan-Chia Su
  • Patent number: 9943137
    Abstract: A charm holder device for attaching charms to a heel breast of a shoe located between the shank and the heel of the shoe. The charm holder device includes an attachment portion attached to the shoe, a shoe engaging portion coupled to the attachment portion and a charm engaging portion with a charm keeper coupled to the shoe engaging portion. The charm keeper receives charms or beads. The attachment portion may be attached to the outsole of the shoe only or be in a bore located on the heel breast of the shoe and extending from the insole to the outsole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Inventor: Susan Leo
  • Patent number: 9943138
    Abstract: Provided are, among other things, shoes and shoe components, together with systems, methods and techniques for manufacturing the same. One representative embodiment involves a shoe that includes: a sole having a main structure; a strap anchor that has attachment points and is at least partially embedded within the main structure; and a strap that is attached to and/or looped through one or more of such attachment points and that is configured for strapping the shoe to a wearer's foot. Also, in this embodiment, the strap anchor includes a number of strap anchor components attached in a unit, each such strap anchor component including a number of the attachment points and being at least partially embedded within the main structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Dynasty Footwear, Ltd.
    Inventor: John C. S. Koo
  • Patent number: 9943139
    Abstract: An article of footwear with an automatic lacing system is disclosed. The automatic lacing system provides a set of straps that can be automatically opened and closed to switch between a loosened and tightened position of the upper. The article further includes an automatic ankle cinching system that is configured to automatically adjust an ankle portion of the upper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tiffany A. Beers, Michael R. Friton, Tinker L. Hatfield