Patents Issued in May 22, 2018
  • Patent number: 9974314
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for assembling a pizza, including a pizza sauce spreading station, a cheese spreading station and a pepperoni applying station. A robot including a stationary base and an articulating arm having a gripper attached to the end is operable to grip a pizza pan having pizza dough therein to allow said robot to move the pan throughout the pizza sauce spreading station, and to a rotary dial system including the cheese spreading station and the pepperoni applying station. The robot arm manipulates the pizza pan in the sauce spreading station and the rotary dial system manipulates the pizza pan in the cheese station and the pepperoni applying station to properly distribute the cheese and pepperoni on the pizza.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Little Caesar Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Cathryn Fritz-Jung, David Scrivano, David Strother, Amanda B. Thomas, Sean M. Heslip, Kent A. Deemter, Tyler W. McCoy, Bret A. Hoeksema
  • Patent number: 9974315
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a microencapsulated bacterial consortium for gluten degradation, which comprises: a) three different strains of commercially available lactic-acid bacteria; b) encapsulating agents; c) prebiotics; and d) trehalose; in combination with a proteolytic enzyme of bacterial origin and a proteolytic enzyme of fungal origin. Preferably, the microencapsulated bacterial consortium comprises: a) Lactobacillus plantarum ATCC 8014; b) Lactobacillus sanfranciscensis ATCC 27652; c) Lactobacillus brevis ATCC 14869; d) isolated protein from milk serum with 90% protein; e) maltodextrin with a dextrose equivalent of 10; f) arabic gum; g) maguey honey; and h) trehalose; in combination with a protease of bacterial origin and a protease of fungal origin. It also describes a process for obtaining the microencapsulated bacterial consortium, as well as the preparation of sourdoughs therefrom, and the use of said sourdoughs to obtain baking products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Inventor: Javier Gonzalez-De La Torre
  • Patent number: 9974316
    Abstract: Presented is a rib paring device with a linear motion drive, that features a piston rod, that is flexibly guided in the rib paring device in a direction that is longitudinal to the stationary direction of the rib paring device, and that exercises a driving force on the piston rod in the stationary line of action of the rib paring device, the direction of which will change directions periodically, and with combination made up of a blade and a blade holder that features a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of which is detachably connected with the piston rod and the distal end of which is detachably connected with the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: BIAX Maschinen GmbH
    Inventor: Marco Baumann
  • Patent number: 9974317
    Abstract: A method is disclosed of mechanically deboning animal thighs for separating and collecting meat there from and an apparatus and an alternative apparatus for performing the method, including automated individual processing steps. The processing steps include: grasping a thigh bone of an animal thigh at a hip knuckle with a bone holder; cutting tissue near the hip knuckle; and engaging the thigh bone adjacent the bone holder with a meat stripper. The processing steps further include: moving the bone holder and meat stripper away from one another in a direction substantially coextensive with the longitudinal extend of the thigh bone; allowing the meat stripper to pass over the knee knuckle; and collecting the meat separated from the bone. In particular the method includes and each of the apparatuses perform the process step of cutting tissue adjacent a knee knuckle of the thigh bone, prior to allowing the meat stripper to pass over the knee knuckle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Foodmate B.V.
    Inventors: Dirk Cornelis Stooker, Gerrit Hendrik Woltman, Jacobus Eliza Hazenbroek
  • Patent number: 9974318
    Abstract: Disclosed is a novel ?-galactosidase. Specifically disclosed are a ?-galactosidase derived from Bacillus circulans and a gene for the ?-galactosidase. The ?-galactosidase can be used, for example, in the production of milk, dairy products, fermented dairy products, galacto-oligosaccharides or supplements for foods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: AMANO ENZYME INC.
    Inventors: Toru Katase, Yukiko Hoshi, Miho Nagaya, Shotaro Yamaguchi, Masashi Minoda, Kazuhiro Nakanishi
  • Patent number: 9974319
    Abstract: A powder acid-sanding composition for confectionery products having partially neutralized polycarboxylic acid selected from malic acid, citric acid, fumaric acid, adipic acid, and mixtures thereof, and at least one of a sugar and sweetener. The partially neutralized polycarboxylic acid improves the stability in terms of acid migration into the candy and moisture uptake from the environment. Also, a method for acid-sanding of confectionery products using the powder acid-sanding composition, and the products obtained thereby. The obtained acid-sanded confectionery products have an improved shelf life and an immediately felt sour taste being of a constant strength at bringing it in the mouth and digesting it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: PURAC BIOCHEM B.V.
    Inventor: Elize Willem Bontenbal
  • Patent number: 9974320
    Abstract: A chewing gum base comprises food acceptable substituted polysaccharides wherein substituents on the saccharide units in the polysaccharides produce a degree of substitution of at least I.0. The polysaccharides may have branches with an average length of 1 to 15 saccharide units per branch. The polysaccharides may be linked saccharide units such as allose, altrose, mannose, gulose, idose, galactose, 3,6 anhydro galactose, glucuronic acid, mannuronic acid, galacturonic acid, aldobiouronic acid, fucose, rhamnose, arabinose, xylose, talose, acyl substituted glucose, fructose, lactose and combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: WM. WRIGLEY JR. COMPANY
    Inventors: Xiaoqun Mo, Jingping Liu, Kaichang Li
  • Patent number: 9974321
    Abstract: Disclosed are a fish protein oligopeptide with low allergenicity and slight fishiness, and industrial preparation method and application thereof. The method comprises the following steps: 1) washing fresh fish flesh and/or fish wastes, crushing, and adding water to obtain a mixture; 2) performing thermal denaturation on the mixture to obtain a denaturized protein solution; 3) centrifuging the denaturized protein solution to obtain a precipitate, and adding water into the precipitate and grinding, to obtain a slurry; 4) adjusting the slurry to pH 6-9, and sequentially adding a neutral protease, a papain and an alkaline protease to conduct enzymolysis, and after enzyme inactivation, to obtain an enzymatic hydrolysate; 5) centrifuging the enzymatic hydrolysate, and performing membrane filtration on centrifuged supernatant, to obtain the fish protein oligopeptide with low allergenicity and slight fishiness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: CHINA NATIONAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF FOOD AND FERMENTATION INDUSTRIES
    Inventors: Muyi Cai, Ruizeng Gu, Jun Lu, Tao Ma, Xingchang Pan, Zhe Dong, Yong Ma, Yaguang Xu, Yongqing Ma, Zhentao Jin, Liang Chen, Lu Lu, Wenying Liu, Ying Wei, Haixin Zhang, Yan Liu, Kelu Cao, Jing Wang, Guoming Li, Ming Zhou
  • Patent number: 9974322
    Abstract: A device includes a loosening room into which cooked rice is fed, an air blowing port which is configured to blow high-speed air toward the cooked rice in the loosening room; and a collecting room provided adjacent to the loosening room with a wall therebetween, the high-speed air is blown from the blowing port and is blown to the cooked rice in the loosening room such that the cooked rice is scatted and floated by blowing the air, and the cooked rice floating and moving over the wall is collected by the collecting room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Nissin Foods Holdings Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeru Yasuda, Noriyuki Machida, Kentaro Saeki, Hiroshi Kasuga, Mitsuru Tanaka
  • Patent number: 9974323
    Abstract: The present invention relates to granules comprising an active substance, obtained by spray-drying an emulsion comprising said active substance, solid particles, water and a water-soluble biopolymer having a molecular weight below 100 KDa. The invention further relates to a process for obtaining such granules and to products containing them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Firmenich SA
    Inventors: Pascal Beaussoubre, Pierre-Etienne Bouquerand, François Meyer, Nathalie Thiebaut, Kenneth Wong
  • Patent number: 9974324
    Abstract: By interposing a batter containing trehalose between a microwave-absorbing heat generator which generates heat with microwave energy and a noodle-strip food, a crisp texture and a freshly pan-fried flavor and aroma can be exhibited by the batter upon microwave cooking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: AJINOMOTO WINDSOR, INC.
    Inventors: Kazuya Hori, Masashi Sekine, Koichi Kunishima
  • Patent number: 9974325
    Abstract: An oral product includes a matrix including a mixture of a plurality of capsules, a powdered component, a viscous component and a binder and wherein the matrix is molded into a shape. In a preferred embodiment, the capsules provide functional and flavorful ingredients. In an embodiment, the matrix is enclosed in a porous material that forms a pouch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Danielle R. Crawford, Shon Gedevani, William R. Sweeney, Chris Irving
  • Patent number: 9974326
    Abstract: The present invention is an instant (agglomerated particle) scoopable protein food supplement powder composition containing at least 70%, more preferably 80%, and most preferably 85-90% animal protein or molecules derived therefrom, carbohydrate less than 10% and preferably undetectable, sodium less than 5% and preferably less than 200 mg per serving, ideally approximately 150 mg per serving. The powder is preferably in the particle size range of about 30-100 mesh, more preferably about 40-80 mesh.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Ancient Brands, LLC
    Inventor: Jordan Seth Rubin
  • Patent number: 9974327
    Abstract: A food processing apparatus including a tank having an inlet end for receiving food product and an outlet end for discharging food product, the tank having an inner wall defining a compartment and including a solid, imperforate wall portion, fluid being contained in the compartment, and a rotatable auger mounted in the compartment, the auger for advancing food product within the compartment from the inlet end toward the outlet end, the auger including flights having a flight wall with a radial edge, a clearance space being defined between the radial edge of the flights and the solid, imperforate wall portion of the inner wall. Flow of fluid through the clearance space may be inhibited. One of the inner wall and the flight wall may include a perforated wall portion. Flow of fluid between the first auger section and the second auger section may be provided through the perforated wall portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Lyco Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel D. Maupin, David R. Zittel
  • Patent number: 9974328
    Abstract: A method of preparing a composite foodstuff is provided and comprises providing a core, providing a barrier composition and applying the barrier composition to at least a portion of the core and providing a fat based coating having a lower fat content than the core. The fat based coating is applied to the barrier coated cores. The hardness of the fat based coating does not decrease over a period of storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Mars, Incorporated
    Inventor: Daniel Pohludka
  • Patent number: 9974329
    Abstract: An aerosol-generating system is provided, including a nicotine source; a volatile delivery enhancing compound source, wherein a volatile delivery enhancing compound comprises an acid; and a heating means for heating one or both of the nicotine source and the volatile delivery enhancing compound source, wherein one or both of the nicotine source and the volatile delivery enhancing compound source is encapsulated in a cylindrical polymeric capsule, and the cylindrical polymeric capsule includes a thermally conductive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Philip Morris Products S.A.
    Inventors: Frederic Ulysse Buehler, Robert Emmett
  • Patent number: 9974330
    Abstract: A package of smokeless tobacco includes a flavor patch located in the package to provide flavor to smokeless tobacco. Also disclosed is a method of packaging smokeless tobacco by combining a package with a flavor patch disposed inside the package, the flavor patch comprising a flavor and an adsorbent, so that the flavor patch resides in an interior of the package; and adding smokeless tobacco to the package with the flavor patch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew N. Carroll, Steven J. Hovjacky, Beverly C. Woodson
  • Patent number: 9974331
    Abstract: The invention relates to a water pipe head (2) comprising a capsule (12) including smokable material (10), a first sealing element (6) being detachably attached to a first surface of the capsule and a second sealing element (3) being detachably attached to a second surface of the capsule for sealing the capsule, a guiding element (8) having a first opening in which the capsule is held, an opposing second opening and an intermediate passage connecting the first opening and the second opening, and a longish element (7) being attached to the first sealing element and extending from the first sealing element (6) through the intermediate passage and through the second opening to the outside of the guiding element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: The Shisha Company Limited
    Inventors: Michael Portz, Willem Stephanus Malherbe
  • Patent number: 9974332
    Abstract: An electronic cigarette charging dock, an electronic cigarette case and a method for use thereof, the charging dock includes a positive electrode elastic pin and a negative electrode elastic pin which are cylindrical and used for being connected to a positive electrode and a negative electrode of the battery to form a charging circuit. The elastic pins are arranged around the base of the charging dock, while the elastic pins are being used, the inelastic parts of the elastic pins do not deform elastically to affect a normal use. A plurality of elastic pins are arranged parallel to each other and retract in the axial direction when in use, thus preventing short circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: HUIZHOU KIMREE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. SHENZHEN BRANCH
    Inventor: Qiuming Liu
  • Patent number: 9974333
    Abstract: A simple vaporizing device with four concentric tubes and a wire mesh wick for volatizing, by vaporization, and inhaling one or more constituents of various vaporizable substances. The device is operated using the flame from a standard butane cigarette lighter or other flame producing devises as the sole heat source, and the user's inhalation process for air flow. Concentric tubes, an inner tube with two open ends to provide a direct pathway for the flow of air and vapor; and outer tubes with open ends, one moveable, are arranged to provide for the application, vaporization, and delivery of the vaporizable substance as a single dose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Inventor: Daniel John Disner
  • Patent number: 9974334
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to electronic smoking articles exhibiting improved moisture control of a reservoir contained therein. The reservoir can be formed of fibrous materials, such as cellulose acetate fiber, thermoplastic fiber, non-thermoplastic fiber, or a combination thereof. The disclosure further provides methods for forming electronic smoking articles and methods of packaging electronic smoking articles (including cartridges thereof) so as to improve moisture control of the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: RAI Strategic Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Grady Lance Dooly, Stephen Benson Sears, Karen V. Williams, Gary M. Dull, Steven L. Worm, Wesley Steven Jones, Steven Lee Alderman, Paul A. Brinkley, Jack Gray Flinchum, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9974335
    Abstract: An electronic vapor provision device comprising a power cell and a vaporizer, wherein the vaporizer comprises a heater and a heater support, wherein the heater is one the inside of the heater support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: NICOVENTURES HOLDINGS LIMITED
    Inventor: Christopher Lord
  • Patent number: 9974336
    Abstract: A power control circuit and a power control method for an electronic cigarette are provided. The power control method includes the following steps: detecting a sensing temperature of a heating wire; when the sensing temperature is lower than a preset temperature, providing a first switch signal according to a ramp signal and an input signal, and adjusting an operation current of the electronic cigarette according to the first switch signal; and when the sensing temperature is higher than the preset temperature, providing a second switch signal, and adjusting the operation current of the electronic cigarette according to the second switch signal, wherein an on-time of the second switch signal is less than an on-time of the first switch signal. The invention controls the temperature of the electronic cigarette by adjusting the on-time so as to avoid overheating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: uPI Semiconductor Corp.
    Inventors: Ya-Ran Xue, Heng-Li Lin
  • Patent number: 9974337
    Abstract: An electronic cigarette includes a housing having a wall defining an inner space, and an inlet and an outlet providing access to the inner space, a vaporizer to produce a vapour and being located in the inner space of the housing, an electrical power device to provide electrical power to the vaporizer and being located in the inner space of the housing. The electrical power device includes a first electrical contact member being electrically connected to one of an anode and a cathode of the electrical power device, and a second electrical contact member being electrically connected to the other of the anode and the cathode of the electrical power device. The vaporizer includes a vaporizer outer surface, a third electrical contact member located on the vaporizer outer surface, and a fourth electrical contact member located on the vaporizer outer surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Sluis Cigar Machinery B.V.
    Inventors: Oscar Slurink, Mark Leendert Meijer
  • Patent number: 9974338
    Abstract: Aspects of the instant disclosure relate to electronic cigarettes. More particularly, to electronic cigarettes including a circumferential light guide that distributes light transmitted by a light source, and controller circuitry that variably illuminates the circumferential light guide of the electronic cigarette based on a user's draw strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: FONTEM HOLDINGS 1 B.V.
    Inventors: Ramon Alarcon, Adam Hoffman, Christopher Myles, James R. Conrey
  • Patent number: 9974339
    Abstract: An electronic vaporizer device is provided for vaporizing or atomizing inhalants. The device comprises a separable and selectively connectable device having at least a first portion and a second portion. A novel threaded connection arrangement is provided with a male connector and a female connector. The male connector comprises a thread arrangement that is compatible with various devices. The female connector is adapted to receive only the male connectors of the disclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: NATIONAL CONCESSIONS GROUP INC.
    Inventor: Jeremy Heidl
  • Patent number: 9974340
    Abstract: An electronic cigarette having a function for detecting the operating voltage and current of an atomiser. A microcontroller (102) detects the operating voltage or/and the operating current of an atomiser, and when the operating voltage or/and the operating current exceeds a threshold value, a switch circuit (103) is disconnected, so that a battery rod ceases to supply power to the atomiser, and a power supply circuit (101) of the battery rod and the atomiser is disconnected, thereby having the effect of protecting the atomiser. In addition, power supply voltage and current mismatching between the atomiser and the battery rod is prevented, said mismatching causing operational irregularities such as the amount of vapor atomised by the atomiser being unstable, and burning. The switch circuit (103) has a simple and clever structure, costs are low, and reliability is high.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: HUIZHOU KIMREE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. SHENZHEN BRANCH
    Inventor: Qiuming Liu
  • Patent number: 9974341
    Abstract: A convenient smoking device is disclosed with a main body having a battery unit and a pipe that are parallel to each other. A first end of the main body includes a battery cap and a first seal ring, and may be detachably fixed to the first end of the main body by a nut. A fixing cap can also be provided on the main body, as well as a second seal ring for connecting the pipe with an atomizer. Both of the second seal ring and the fixing cap are fixed to the second end of the main body by a upper cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Zipline Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: James Matthew Watson
  • Patent number: 9974342
    Abstract: A highly effective firearm recoil absorbing combination is obtained by providing a shoulder mountable assembly containing a viscoelastomeric thermoset polymerizate pad possessing excellent cushioning and rebounding characteristics along with sufficient surface tack to cohesively steady a firing firearm against the pad. The assembly may securely affixed to the shoulder region of a garment or detachably mountable thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Inventor: Matthew Kriesel
  • Patent number: 9974343
    Abstract: Inflatable undergarment with an inflatable bladder to provide protection and comfort has a fabric garment portion. A rear area of the undergarment further includes an integral air bladder. The bladder covers the buttocks area and is selectively inflated using a manual pump located near the waistband of the undergarment. The bladder system further includes a release valve that allows air to be released from the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Inventor: Jonathan Harper
  • Patent number: 9974344
    Abstract: A wearable safety device assembly is disclosed. The assembly includes at least one sensor configured to obtain one or more signals from a user. One of the at least one sensors comprises a vestibular (and startling/surprise related) motion sensor specially configured to obtain vestibular (and startling/surprise related) signals. Vestibular (and startling/surprise related) data indicative of a user's vestibular (and startling/surprise related) state is extracted from the one or more signals and used to determine whether a user is undergoing an event such as a fall or a startling movement. When it is determined that a user is undergoing an event, the processor of the wearable safety device transmits an activation signal to the safety device. Optionally, the processor may transmit data and information related to the vestibular (and startling/surprise related) system and recorded signals to a data repository.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: GraceFall, Inc.
    Inventors: Allon Guez, Helen Guez
  • Patent number: 9974345
    Abstract: A hip protector system includes an inflatable airbag, a proximity sensor to measure a distance to a point on the ground surface, a gyro to provide spatial orientation of the waist plane of the user, an accelerometer to determine the vertical acceleration of the waist plane of the user and a micro-controller unit. The micro-controller unit calculates a height based on proximity measurement and spatial orientation, computes values of downward velocity based on a change of the height in time and based on the vertical acceleration integrated over time and correlates the downward velocities to validate a true height in time to the ground surface. The airbag is inflated to protect the user responsive to the true height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Hip Hope Technologies Ltd.
    Inventor: Amatsia Raanan
  • Patent number: 9974346
    Abstract: A garment, especially a sports garment, having a section which at least partially covers the body of a wearer, wherein the section has at least one venting element for allowing an air flow to flow from the outside of the garment through the section into the inner of the garment for cooling a part of the body of the wearer. To improve the cooling during the movement of the wearer of the garment an actuating mechanism is arranged for opening and closing the venting element in dependence of the movement of a part of the body of the wearer during the use of the garment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: PUMA SE
    Inventor: Jordi Beneyto-Ferre
  • Patent number: 9974347
    Abstract: The application relates to a flame blocking venting trap (FBVT) adapted to vent a garment, the FBVT comprising a proximal layer; a central venting layer superposed to the proximal layer; and a distal layer superposed to the central venting layer. The the proximal layer is forming a first fold with the central venting layer and the central venting layer is forming a second fold with the distal layer to act as a flow restricting apparatus configured to prevent air and flames to get through the FBVT from the outside of the garment and allow air to get through the FBVT from the inside of the garment. A garment including one or many FBVT is encompassed by the present application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: CODET INC.
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Audet
  • Patent number: 9974348
    Abstract: invention relates to clothing support devices, and more particularly, discreet belts that support clothing, such as trousers, skirts, or the like, around a waist of a user. Provided is a discreet belt that includes a belt body formed from a flexible, elongated elastic strap adapted to be used in at least one fastening element and at least one adjusting element. Various embodiments, variants and method aspect are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Inventor: Leslie Wilkins-Gaudio
  • Patent number: 9974349
    Abstract: Protective helmet, in particular for sports use, is disclosed; The helmet includes a shell structure shaped so as to at least partially cover the head of a user; and a nape-rest element fixedly connected to the shell structure at the nuchal area of the user; The nape-rest element is constrained to the shell structure in a movable manner between a fitting position, in which it is in substantial contact with the inner rear wall of the shell structure to allow the occipital protuberance of the cranium to be passed over, and a use position in which it is separated from the inner rear wall of the shell structure and in substantial contact with the nuchal area of the user wearing the helmet, the helmet also includes a spring element to force the nape-rest element in the use position in which it is separated from the inner rear wall of the shell structure and in substantial contact with the nuchal area of the user wearing the helmet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: KASK S.P.A.
    Inventor: Angelo Gotti
  • Patent number: 9974350
    Abstract: One or more battery-operated fans are integrated into a hard hat and pull air through a filter to remove contaminants in the air. The filtered air passes through one or more channels in the hard hat and exits the hard hat through an air curtain exit located near the user's face. The exiting air leaves with sufficient velocity to form an air curtain. A user wearing goggles or other protective eyewear will have the filtered air current pass in front of the eyewear. Paint and other contaminant particles that are in the air will not be able to contact the outer surface of the eyewear, as the particles will not be able to pass through the curtain of filtered air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Poma 22 LLC
    Inventors: Steve Harvey Perusse, Steve Harrington, Joy Salvatin Lee, Bill Campbell, Judy Emaus, Joshua Lee, Bryan Brutlag
  • Patent number: 9974351
    Abstract: Provided is a shoe including a sole and an upper, where the upper includes an inner upper and an outer upper. The inner upper includes 90% or more of a wool fiber and the outer upper includes a combination of 50 to 80% by weight of the wool fiber and 20 to 50% by weight of a synthetic fiber based on the total weight of the outer upper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Inventor: Min-Su Heo
  • Patent number: 9974352
    Abstract: The present invention provides a power generating device, comprising a first shell, a sensor module, a second shell, a magnetic module and a cover. The sensor module is disposed in the first hollow portion. The second shell is disposed on the first shell. The magnetic module is configured on the fixture tank of the second shell. The magnetic module is held in the fixture tank by the cover. When an external force is applied on the power generating device, the cover makes the magnetic module move in the sensor module along the direction of the external force, and an induced current is generated on the induction coil. The restoring force is applied to the magnetic module by the sensor module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Inventor: Shen-Ko Tseng
  • Patent number: 9974353
    Abstract: The convertible shoe consists of: a top portion having a stylized upper, a footbed, and an underside with bottom side attachment; an insert with top side attachment and a bottom side attachment; and a bottom portion having a top side attachment and a tread on the bottom. The top side attachment of the bottom portion and insert are identical, and the bottom side attachment of the top portion and insert are identical. The bottom side attachment is sized and configured to correspond to, and attach to, the top side attachment, such that the top portion can attach directly to the bottom portion to create a low-heeled shoe, or attach to the insert which is attached to the bottom portion to create a high-heeled shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Inventor: Sarah Melissa Mulholland
  • Patent number: 9974354
    Abstract: A toe engaging apparatus or shoe insert includes one or more layers. Each layer is removably held to a neighboring planar layer. Each of the layers have a thickness, a longitudinal length, and a height; the height being such that the layers fits against a front wall of a target shoe. The layers are sized and shaped such that when affixed to the front wall area of the target shoe, the layers reduce the internal length of the target shoe, thereby effectively decreasing the size of the target shoe. The toe engaging apparatus optionally includes a mechanism for holding the plurality of layers against the front wall of the target shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Inventors: Diana Irving, James Irving
  • Patent number: 9974355
    Abstract: A padded foot support with a ball of foot depression is a shoe insole designed to alleviate pressure from the second and third metatarsals of a foot by redistributing pressure to the first, fourth and fifth metatarsals. A forefoot depression traverses into the top surface of a pad body made of an elastically compressible material in the second and third metatarsal region, slightly forward and inside of center on the forefoot portion of the pad body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: HEELHO LLC
    Inventor: Tina Lorraine Goodman
  • Patent number: 9974356
    Abstract: An article of footwear may include an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper, the sole structure including a midsole with an outsole secured thereto, wherein one or more arcuate inserts within recesses or cavities extending into the midsole are exposed through one or more apertures in the outsole. These inserts provide unique cushioning and support properties, particularly during “banking” (e.g., leaning to one side or pushing off to the side from the medial or lateral side of the foot). The inserts provide the structural benefits of dome or arch shapes that are formed in the mid-sole and open to the underside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Foxen
  • Patent number: 9974357
    Abstract: An article of footwear may have a sole including an outer member having an outer surface and an inner surface disposed closer to a wearer's foot than the outer surface. The outer member may include at least a first flex groove formed as an elongate recess in a first flex groove region, causing both the inner surface and the outer surface of the outer member to curve upward. The sole may include a reinforcing member disposed closer to the wearer's foot than the outer member, and may be relatively more rigid than the outer member. The reinforcing member may include a first bridge portion disposed in the first flex groove region and joining the first portion and the second portion together. The lateral width of the first bridge portion may be less than the lateral width of the first portion, and less than the lateral width of the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason P. Humble, Cory B. McCullagh
  • Patent number: 9974358
    Abstract: A sole structure for an article of footwear and a method of making the sole structure is disclosed. The sole structure can include a plurality of slots. The slots are associated with connecting portions that connect portions of the sole structure in the generally longitudinal direction and provide for increased fit, flexibility and stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark C. Miner
  • Patent number: 9974359
    Abstract: Soles for footwear and footwear are disclosed. The sole may include a midsole having a first surface. The sole may additionally include an outsole having a second surface and a plurality of first recesses. The second surface may be attached to the first surface. The first surface and the plurality of first recesses may define a plurality of chambers. One or more chambers of the plurality of chambers may include trapped air. The midsole may further include first protruding portions that extend downwardly from the first surface toward one or more first recesses of the plurality of first recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Chinook Asia LLC
    Inventors: Robert Kent Scofield, Sangmin Lee
  • Patent number: 9974360
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an article comprises etching an etched feature on a surface of a first polymeric sheet, and forming a fluid-filled bladder element from the first polymeric sheet, with the fluid-filled bladder element having a sealable internal cavity that retains fluid. The method includes assembling the bladder element in the article so that a first portion of the bladder element having the etched feature is exposed to view, and a second portion of the bladder element is blocked from view by the article. An article includes the bladder element with the etched feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Taryn Hensley, Dervin A. James
  • Patent number: 9974361
    Abstract: A portable inflatable foldable shoe, including an inflatable shoe-shaped soft bag and solid bearing blocks, where the inflatable shoe-shaped soft bag is of a hollow cavity structure and includes a sole and a vamp; more than two solid bearing blocks are arranged, the sole is divided into a middle supporting cavity and a supporting folding cavity by the solid bearing blocks, the region connected with the two regions of a front sole region and a heel region is the middle supporting cavity, the region connected with the adjacent bearing blocks is the supporting folding cavity, each solid bearing block has upper, lower, left and right surfaces, and is tightly adhered to the corresponding inner wall of the shoe-shaped cavity of the sole, and each solid bearing block is provided with more than one air passage that run through the entire block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Inventor: Di Zeng
  • Patent number: 9974362
    Abstract: A coloring system includes an assembly for retaining articles to be colored and an actuator for moving the assembly. The assembly can be translated horizontally, raised and lowered and rotated by the actuator. The coloring system may include a fluid control system that allows gas to be removed from a container of the assembly while the container is immersed in a liquid coloring agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc..
    Inventors: Jared S. Baggen, Anna Schoborg, Feng Ye
  • Patent number: 9974363
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a fastening system that either attaches to existing buttons or attaches directly to an article of clothing. In preferred embodiments, the fastening system has a first portion that attaches to a button hole or a first part of the article and a second portion that attaches to a button or second part of the article. The first portion and second portion detachably attach to each other by means of a twist-lock, magnetic mechanism, or some other attachment mechanism. Alternatively, the fastening system can be built directly into an article without augmenting an existing button and button-hole fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Inventor: Robert Bolen