Patents Issued in November 13, 2018
  • Patent number: 10123541
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a synergistic mixture of biocidal effect comprising phenylpropanol and hop extract. Particularly, the mixture of the invention can be used in the fields of cosmetics, medicines and food.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: ISP INVESTMENTS LLC
    Inventors: Nelson Luís Perassinoto, Maria Regina Bartuccio Raponi, Tatiana Miyashiro Kumayama, Juliana Luri Yoshida Shitara, Juliana Garcia Da Silva
  • Patent number: 10123542
    Abstract: The present invention includes compositions and methods for increasing the absorption of nutrients by plants to increase their growth comprising: identifying a plant in need of enhanced nutrient uptake and growth when compared to non-treated plants; obtaining a whole leaf aloe vera extract and at least one plant nutrient selected from nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), or potassium (K); and mixing the whole leaf aloe vera extract into a plant growth media, wherein the plant absorbs the one or more plant nutrients at a higher rate and the plants have at least one of increased growth, increased grain size, increased grain yield, increased panicles, or an increase in the number of seedlings per plant when compared to the addition of the one or more nutrients alone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: Coats Agri Aloe, LLC
    Inventor: Billy C. Coats
  • Patent number: 10123543
    Abstract: A control circuit for a cooking oven. The control circuit includes a contactor. The contactor has at least one contact and at least one coil. A relay (such as a solid-state relay) is in series connection with the contactor. A heating element is controlled by the relay and is in series connection with the relay and the contactor. The controller also includes a controller. The controller is configured to bypass the relay and to control power to the at least one coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: THE MIDDLEBY CORPORATION
    Inventors: William S. Schjerven, Sr., James Jeffery Hanson, Ricky Joe Sullivan McIntosh
  • Patent number: 10123544
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tool for manual or especially automatic removal of tenderloins from half-carcasses of slaughtered animals. The tool comprises a circular knife blade, a blade housing supporting the knife blade, and a movable knife blade protector. The tool is connected to a motor capable of driving the knife blade. A tenderloin is partly cut free with the knife, the knife blade protector is activated to protect the knife blade and the tool is used to pull the tenderloin free from the half-carcass without damaging the tenderloin with the knife. The tool can be arranged on a robot and can be used for automatic removal of tenderloins from half-carcasses at slaughterhouses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: TEKNOLOGISK INSTITUT
    Inventor: Peter Andersen
  • Patent number: 10123545
    Abstract: A method and processing device for processing an organ package taken out from slaughtered poultry is provided. At least two cooperating rollers that define a nip between the rollers selectively allow preselected organs from the organ package to pass through the nip. The rollers during operation rotate in opposite directions in order to convey the organ package and simultaneously promote that the preselected organs pass through the nip, wherein the rollers have a cross-sectional diameter, the value of which varies as seen in the longitudinal direction of the rollers and depends on the location of the cross-section between an entrance portion and an exit portion of the rollers so as to provide each of the rollers with a superficial curved contour.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: Meyn Food Processing Technology B.V.
    Inventor: Cornelis Busch
  • Patent number: 10123546
    Abstract: An in-line shell egg pasteurizer has a clean-in-place system. Empty shell egg carriers are placed in the water bath for multiple cleaning cycles. The cleaning solution level is lowered to expose the shell egg carriers and the top parts of the water bath walls. An air perturbation is used to agitate cleaning solution held in the bottom of the water bath and clean heating coils and other components located in the bottom of the water bath. Sprayers (e.g., nozzles, cleaning spray balls, etc . . . ) mounted on a hood over the water bath clean the top parts of the water bath walls and the empty shell egg carriers placed in the water bath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: National Pasteurized Eggs, Inc.
    Inventor: Hector Gregorio Lara
  • Patent number: 10123547
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing a fermented product by synergistic co-fermentation of Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: Compagnie Gervais Danone
    Inventors: Christophe Daval, François Debru, Damien Lavergne
  • Patent number: 10123548
    Abstract: An anti-oxidation frying device includes a frying vessel having an electrically conductive body configured to heat cooking oil carried therein by a heating unit. A removable basket, also formed of electrically conductive material, is configured to be carried within the frying vessel to enable the cooking of food in the heated oil. A rectification circuit is coupled to the heating unit, the body of the frying vessel, and the basket. During operation the rectification circuit converts AC power from an external power source into a rippled, rectified AC current signal that is supplied to the heating unit, body of the frying vessel, and the basket, so as to create a reducing environment of available electrons for absorption by the cooking oil and food as it is prepared, thus extending the life of the cooking oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Inventor: Lance P. Johnson
  • Patent number: 10123549
    Abstract: The invention relates to the production of confectionary articles with a shaped ornament or with a single-colored or multi-colored embossed design on one of the surfaces of the article. The main characteristic of the present invention consists in that a prepared chocolate/chocolate-like mass is fed into a full-scale mold in a dispersed dropping state through a nozzle at a drip rate ensuring plastic deformation of the drops as the drops slow down. The technical result of using the proposed invention is an increase in the quality of confectionary articles with a three-dimensional embossed decorative design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: MARS, INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Olga Evgenievna Savelieva
  • Patent number: 10123550
    Abstract: A method of producing a multi-layered confectionery shell and a method of producing a plurality of confectionery shells are provided. The distance the stamp is pressed into the mold cavity in a second phase is shorter than the distance the stamp is pressed into the mold cavity in a first phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: Kraft Foods R&D, Inc.
    Inventors: Thorsten Gustav, Paula Mora Castrillon
  • Patent number: 10123551
    Abstract: A novel system, machines and consumables, and method for preparation of cooled edible products from their ingredients, e.g. in a portioned amount constituting a defined number of servings which may be 1, 2, 3, etc. are provided. One example of such an edible product is ice cream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: SOLO GELATO LTD.
    Inventor: Barak Beth Halachmi
  • Patent number: 10123552
    Abstract: A sealed pack (440) contains quantities of ingredients to make an individual smoothie portion. The ingredients comprise a flavour ingredient (410) such as pieces of fruit (strawberries, raspberries, mango), a frozen portion of liquid (420) such as water, fruit juice, milk, coffee or tea; and a consistency ingredient (430) such as ice-cream, sorbet and yoghurt. The pack may be subjected to a temperature sufficiently low to maintain the frozen state of some of the ingredients in the pack (440). Also disclosed is a method of packaging the ingredients into the pack, or into first and second containers, or into a container with compartments for different ingredients in frozen and unfrozen states; and a method of preparing an individual smoothie using the sealed pack wherein the ingredients are blended with additional liquid; and an apparatus that uses sealed pack for automatically vending an individual smoothie portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: BARFRESH INC.
    Inventor: Riccardo Dario Delle Coste
  • Patent number: 10123553
    Abstract: A machine for making liquid and semi-liquid products includes a first container and first mixer for processing a basic product and a second container and second mixer for converting the basic product into a desired product. First and second heat exchangers are operatively associated respectively with the first and second containers. First and second drive units respectively drive the first and second mixers. A connecting duct allows transfer of the basic product from the first container to the second container. A separating element is associated with the duct and switchable between a separating configuration in which the transfer of basic product from the first container to the second container through the duct is prevented, and a connecting configuration in which a transfer of basic product from the first container to the second container through the duct is allowed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: ALI S.p.A.—CARPIGIANI GROUP
    Inventors: Andrea Cocchi, Roberto Lazzarini
  • Patent number: 10123554
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for manufacturing a feed product comprising the steps of: providing a lactylate product, wherein the lactylate product comprises at least 30 wt, % of C10-C16-fatty acid lactylates, in liquid form at a first location; transferring lactylate product in the liquid form to a transport unit; transporting the lactylate product in the transport unit to a second location, with the lactylate product being in solid form, in liquid form, or in an intermediate state during transport; if the lactylate product is solidified or partly solidified, converting the lactylate product to the liquid form in the transport unit; removing the lactylate product from the transport unit in liquid form at the second location; and, contacting the lactylate product in liquid form with a feed product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: PURAC BIOCHEM B.V.
    Inventors: Nikolaos Vogiatzis, Symone Kok, Barbara Lara Veldhuis-Stribos
  • Patent number: 10123555
    Abstract: A method and system for producing fried food pieces is disclosed. The food pieces are immersed in a first edible fluid as a product bed, monolayered, and immersed in a second edible fluid. The food pieces may also be drained in vertical orientation on a draining belt having at least one vertical orientation member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: Frito-Lay North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean Eichenlaub, Justin French, Christopher James Koh, Austin Kozman
  • Patent number: 10123556
    Abstract: A method of cooking food, such as fish and vegetables, using steam during a cooking cycle comprises a preheating step where the cavity is heated toward a cooking temperature and a cooking step where the cavity is maintained at the cooking temperature. The preheating step comprises a dry preheating step where no steam is introduced into the cooking cavity and a steam preheating step where steam is introduced into the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Tamara Distaso, Stefania Fraccon
  • Patent number: 10123557
    Abstract: A thermal processing and control system (10) includes a thermal processing station (12) for receiving food products (14) being carried on a conveyor system (16). A first scanning station (18) is located upstream from a similar processing station (12) for scanning the food products being carried by the conveyor (16). A second scanning station (20) is located downstream of the thermal processing station (12). A diverter conveyor (24) diverts selected food products (14) from the conveyor (16) to a transverse conveyor (26) which is capable of positioning the diverted food product onto a temperature measurement station (28), whereat the temperature of the food product is measured, either manually or automatically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: John Bean Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Jon A. Hocker, John R. Strong, Ramesh M. Gunawardena
  • Patent number: 10123558
    Abstract: The present invention relates to Leuconostoc citreum CJGN34 KCTC 10974BP lactic acid bacteria, fermented foods including kimchi manufactured using the lactic acid bacteria as a starter, and lactic acid bacteria composition comprising of the lactic acid bacteria. The novel Leuconostoc citreum CJGN34 of the present invention enhances the general taste quality of kimchi; increases the intrinsic complex sour taste and carbonated taste of kimchi manufactured by traditional manufacturing method in wintertime; and regularly sustains the fermentation quality during the year; particularly, has an effect for controlling the deterioration of fermentation quality in the summer in which the taste quality deteriorates. Thus, the lactic acid bacteria of the present invention can be used as a starter in fermented foods including kimchi, or as a drug medicine in the form of a tablet or capsule mixed with carriers or additives, or a s probiotics for foods; or applied in cosmetic ingredients by mixing in a certain amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: CJ CHEILJEDANG CORP.
    Inventors: Bong Joon Kim, Ji-Young Oh, Min-Soo Kwon, Heon Woong Jung, Kang-Pyo Lee
  • Patent number: 10123559
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to systems and methods for combing ozone and water to deliver ozonated water in a rinse stream. The ozone rain pan finds particular use for rinsing food products traveling along a conveyor line with ozonated water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: GUARDIAN MANUFACTURING, INC.
    Inventors: Charles Smith, Thoram Charanda
  • Patent number: 10123560
    Abstract: A smoking article (10) incorporates a tobacco substrate including tobacco having a tobacco density of 150 mg/cm3 or less and a hardness of 60% or greater. The tobacco substrate can include a tobacco aerogel (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: Philip Morris Products S.A.
    Inventors: Firooz Rasouli, Gianluca Sechi
  • Patent number: 10123561
    Abstract: A method of producing smoking articles, the method comprising a first step of providing a continuous array of first filter members (42), second filter segments (20) and tubular members (40). A tubular member (40) is provided between each pair of consecutive first filter members (42) and a second filter segment (20) is provided between each first filter member (42) and each tubular member (40). Each second filter segment (20) contains one or more breakable capsules, wherein each breakable capsule comprises an outer shell and an inner core containing an additive. The continuous array of first filter members (42), second filter segments (20) and tubular members (40) is then wrapped with a continuous sheet of plug wrap (44) to form a wrapped filter array, wherein the plug wrap (44) has a basis weight of less than 90 grams per square meter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: Philip Morris Products S.A.
    Inventor: Alen Kadiric
  • Patent number: 10123562
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing rods for use in the manufacture of cigarette filter elements, each rod having individual objects placed at predetermined spaced intervals along the length thereof, comprises means for providing a continuous supply of rod filter material, a first hopper means for providing a reservoir for objects, and a second hopper means for providing a plurality of individual objects. The second hopper means is positioned to receive objects from the first hopper means. The apparatus also comprises a reciprocating screen means between the first hopper means and the second hopper means, means for positioning individual objects from the second hopper to within the supply of filter material at pre-determined spaced intervals, means for forming the filter material into a continuous rod having individual objects positioned at pre-determined spaced intervals within that rod, and means for subdividing the continuous rod at pre-determined intervals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: R.J. REYNOLDS TOBACCO COMPANY
    Inventors: Timothy Frederick Thomas, Robert William Benford, Barry Smith Fagg
  • Patent number: 10123563
    Abstract: A humidity control device designed to fit inside a pocket, purse, or other small enclosure which contains a space to store materials in the humidity control device. The humidity control device is designed with a separate compartment within the space into which humidity control materials can be placed. The separate compartment within the humidity control device is designed with a lid which has an opening covered by a semi-permeable membrane which permits water vapor to travel from the separate compartment into the body of the humidity control device, thereby permitting materials which require some constant level of humidity to retain their ideal properties while being transported in the humidity control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Inventors: Marline Jackson, JoeAnne Jackson
  • Patent number: 10123564
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed comprising a vapor outlet, a first container for storing a first vaporizable colorant, a second container for storing a non-colorant vaporizable material, a mixing chamber coupled to the first container for receiving the first vaporizable colorant and the second container for receiving the non-colorant vaporizable material, configured for mixing the first vaporizable colorant and the non-colorant vaporizable material, and a vaporizer component configured for vaporizing the mixed first vaporizable colorant and the non-colorant vaporizable material to generate a colored vapor and for providing the colored vapor to the vapor outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: LunaTech, LLC
    Inventors: John Cameron, Dean Becker, Gene Fein
  • Patent number: 10123565
    Abstract: Disclosed are an information interaction method and an information interaction system, using at least two electronic cigarettes for information interaction. The method comprises the following steps: S1. at least one electronic cigarette in a preset distance sends taste information carrying a tobacco tar taste type and a taste comment to one or more other electronic cigarettes in the area; and S2. An electronic cigarette receiving the taste information saves, generates a prompt of, and/or forwards the taste information. By using the method of the present invention, tobacco tar taste information is shared, favorite tastes can be recommended between each other and disfavor tastes can also be provided for others as reference information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: SHENZHEN KIMSEN TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD
    Inventor: Zhiyong Xiang
  • Patent number: 10123566
    Abstract: An electronic cigarette includes a liquid supply including liquid material, a heater operable to heat the liquid material to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the liquid material and form an aerosol, a wick in communication with the liquid material and in communication with the heater such that the wick delivers the liquid material to the heater, at least one air inlet operable to deliver air to a central air passage upstream of the heater, and a mouth end insert having at least two diverging outlets. The electronic cigarette can also include an air flow diverter which directs incoming air away from a heating zone of the heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: Christopher S. Tucker, Geoffrey Brandon Jordan, Barry S. Smith, Ali A. Rostami, Charles E. B. Glenn, Sr.
  • Patent number: 10123567
    Abstract: An electronic smoking article, a method of manufacturing an electronic smoking article, and a method of achieving a smoking experience without combusting tobacco are disclosed. The electronic smoking article includes an authenticated first section, which includes an aerosol generation unit having at least one heater; an authenticated second section, which includes a power supply operable to apply voltage to the at least one heater for heating a liquid in at least a portion of the aerosol generation unit to form an aerosol; and a conductive ink circuit embedded within the first and second sections, and wherein the power supply and the aerosol generation unit are electrically connected upon joining the first and second sections, and wherein each of the first and second sections has a portion of the conductive ink circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventor: Eric Hawes
  • Patent number: 10123568
    Abstract: Present disclosure relates to a vaporizer assembly having multiple heating elements, and electronic cigarettes having the vaporizer assembly with multiple heating elements. In certain embodiments, the vaporizer assembly includes a heating element assembly. The heating element assembly includes an E-liquid storage tank internal wall defining multiple E-liquid openings to allow an external E-liquid storage medium and an internal E-liquid storage medium to receive E-liquid from an E-liquid storage tank. The heating element assembly also includes multiple heating elements. These heating elements are in direct contact with surface of the internal E-liquid storage medium to heat the E-liquid received from the E-liquid storage tank. When a user uses the electronic cigarette with multiple heating elements, the user turns on one or more of the heating elements to adjust the vaporization of the E-liquid. When all heating elements are in use, the electronic cigarette generates great amount E-liquid vapor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: SHENZHEN KANGER TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Xiaochun Zhu
  • Patent number: 10123569
    Abstract: An electronic cigarette comprises nicotine without harmful tar. The cigarette includes a shell, a cell, nicotine solution, control circuit, and an electro-thermal vaporization nozzle installed in the air suction end of the shell. The advantages of the present invention are smoking without tar, reducing the risk of cancer, the user still gets a smoking experience, the cigarette is not lit, and there is no fire danger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: FONTEM HOLDINGS 1 B.V.
    Inventor: Lik Hon
  • Patent number: 10123570
    Abstract: An electronic smoke apparatus comprising an inhale sensor, a smoke source containing vapor-able smoke flavored substances, an electric heater for heating up the smoke flavored substances, and a power management controller to control power supply to operate the heater; wherein the power management controller is to adaptively supply operating power to the heater according to characteristics of a smoking inhaling event detected at said inhale sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventor: Loi Ying Liu
  • Patent number: 10123571
    Abstract: RABBUTT HOLE PANTS™, fashioned with a crotch opening for a lady to wear to arouse sexual interest. RABBUTT HOLE PANTS™ compliment two RABBUTT™ platform assemblies where the placement of a dildo in relation to a clitoral stimulator is provided for a lady's simultaneous stimulation while fornicating with the dildo, so the lady giver “gets” while “giving.”RABBUTT HOLE PANTS™ hold common dildos or RABBUTT™ in place for fornicating. With discretion, RABBUTT HOLE PANTS™ may be worn without an erect prosthetic in public to raise interest in sex.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Inventor: Leonard Storch
  • Patent number: 10123572
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermal shield 1 for at least partly surrounding a newborn infant by the shield 1 to protect it from undesired cooling or heating. The shield 1 comprises a first layer 3 and a second layer 4 both of a transparent material, which layers 3,4 are joined so that there is at least one air containing pocket 5 between the layers 3,4. When the thermal shield 1 is in use, the mutual arrangement of the first and second layers 3,4 allows the at least one pocket to be deformable to an amount necessary for establishment of acoustic contact between the skin of the infant 10 and an acoustic transducer 11 placed on an outer surface of the second layer 4. In some embodiments of the thermal shield, the at least one air containing pocket 5 is air tight, and acoustic contact can be established over an area of at least 1 cm2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignees: Morten Breindahl Holding ApS, BBW Design ApS
    Inventors: Morten Breindahl, Berit B. Weisenfeld
  • Patent number: 10123573
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are abdominal-restraint garments comprising an outer garment layer and an inner abdominal-restraint layer. The inner abdominal-restraint layer can be attached to the outer garment layer. In some embodiments, a front bottom and/or back bottom of the inner abdominal-restraint layer are attached to an inner side of the outer garment layer. The front top of the inner abdominal-restraint layer can be configured to be even with the front rise of the outer garment layer or extend above the front rise of the outer garment layer. The inner abdominal-restraint layer can be configured to extend across a garment-wearer's abdominal region. In some embodiments, the abdominal-restraint garment is a pair of pants, jeans, a pair of shorts, a skirt, leggings, or tights. Also disclosed herein are methods of assembling the abdominal-restraint garments disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: Spanx, Inc.
    Inventors: Tosha L. Hays, Laurie A. Goldman
  • Patent number: 10123574
    Abstract: A wireless push-up brasserie having unique construction providing lift and support is disclosed. A cup portion has innovative materials, fabric cuts, seams and layers providing push-up and push-in to a wearer's bust line. Further to the enhanced look, the invention also provides substantial comfort and feel. Specialized elastic bands are additionally included to shoulder straps and a chest strap providing lift similar to spring force. The invention also adds versatility to its design to include size adjustment and optional crisscrossed back straps or adjusted to be worn as a halter around the wearer's neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Inventor: Peta Wilson
  • Patent number: 10123575
    Abstract: A bra having one or more flexible elastomeric support strips is provided herein. The support strips are affixed to one or more of an outer-facing surface of the breast cups of the bra or to an inner-facing surface of the breast cups of the bra such that they provide support to at least the under portions of a wearer's breasts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Brenda K. Funk-Danielson, Matthew D. Nordstrom, Laura Tempesta
  • Patent number: 10123576
    Abstract: A wetsuit configured to improve a user's performance, enhance a user's speed and ease with which the user moves through water, provide better control of body temperature in diverse environments and reduce overall fatigue while wearing the garment. A wetsuit having an upper-torso portion, a free-floating flexible collar, sleeves biased in an arms-up configuration and configurable with a lower torso portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: ROKA SPORTS, INC.
    Inventors: Kurt R. Spenser, Robert A. Canales, Mark C. Stephens, Nathan Tracy
  • Patent number: 10123577
    Abstract: A nursing cover for a user, the nursing cover including a closed loop band having a front portion and a top opening through which the user is allowed to penetrate and a plurality of flexible boning supports disposed on the front portion. The plurality of flexible boning supports provides structural integrity while the user nurses an infant underneath the front portion to prevent the nursing cover from interfering with the infant being nursed by the user, to allow better circulation of airflow for the infant underneath the nursing cover and to provide a better line of sight for the nursing mother to view her infant underneath the nursing cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Inventor: LindyJo Larnard
  • Patent number: 10123578
    Abstract: A multi-purpose glove includes protective or shock absorbing padding over the pulleys and tendons of the boney prominences of the fingers and thumb between adjacent joints of the boney prominences or phalanxes. The center axis of rotation of the individual joints are provided with expandable material positioned to overlie specific finger and thumb joints thereby defining motion or flexion zones at these joints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: Hillerich & Bradsby Co.
    Inventor: James M. Kleinert
  • Patent number: 10123579
    Abstract: Based on a person's neck size, torso length measured from the neck to the waistline, and a constant that depends upon the type of knot that will be tied, a position for attaching a marker on a rear surface of the tie can be determined. The marker then provides a reference point to indicate where a broader portion of the tie should cross over the narrower portion after the tie is looped around a person's collar. This approach ensures that the tie will always be tied with the correct length of the broad end hanging below the knot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: TieQ, LLC
    Inventor: Nicholas A. Brunelle
  • Patent number: 10123580
    Abstract: An article of apparel is disclosed that includes zones with a textile having a structure that changes or is otherwise modified by a physical stimulus, such as the presence of water or a temperature change, to modify a property of the textile. The zones may be along a center back area and side areas of the apparel, and the textile may increase in air permeability when exposed to water. The zones may also be in an upper area of the torso and in a lower back area, and the textile may increase in texture when exposed to water. In some embodiments, slits are formed in the textile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Karin E. Carter, Michael R. Baron
  • Patent number: 10123581
    Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed for headwear including an eyewear retaining pocket. For example, the headwear may include a headwear body including a crown, a hat brim extending from the crown, and one or more slits disposed on a side panel of the crown, each slit providing access to a pocket formed in the side panel of the crown, the pocket including one or more strips of a retaining material coupled to an inner surface of the pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: Sunday Afternoons, Inc.
    Inventors: Robbin Lacy, Russell Hodgdon, Gulnara Iskhakova
  • Patent number: 10123582
    Abstract: An impact sensor for characterizing impact at a headpiece comprises: a flexible base; an acceleration sensor provided on the flexible base and configured to generate impact data; a control unit provided on the flexible base and configured to receive the impact data from the acceleration sensor; a power source provided on the flexible base and in communication with the acceleration sensor and the microcontroller; a communication module provided on the flexible base and configured to send impact data for processing; and a housing enclosing the flexible base, the acceleration sensor, the microcontroller and the power source, the housing shaped and constructed for mounting an interior surface of the headpiece such that it is flush with internal geometry of the headpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: I1 SENSORTECH, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel Crossman, Scott E. Clark, Richard Stewart Eady
  • Patent number: 10123583
    Abstract: Systems and methods for sensing and monitoring various athletic performance metrics, e.g., during the course of a game, a practice, a training session, training drills, and the like, are described. These systems and methods can provide useful metrics for players and coaches relating to athletic performances in various sports, including various team sports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: James Molyneux, Aaron B. Weast, Brandon S. Burroughs
  • Patent number: 10123584
    Abstract: A removable and adjustable insert for footwear has slots placed in the insole and/or midsole of the shoe to allow access to the arch and/or metatarsal and/or heel regions of the insole and/or midsole. In an embodiment, an insert placed into the arch insert slot that establishes how much the arch protrudes above the remainder of the top surface of the insole. One or more inserts are provided having different thicknesses so that the height of the arch can be varied by the user or at the direction of a third party, such as a doctor or a trainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: DASHAMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Tony L. Torrance, Philip Majure, Robert K. Scofield
  • Patent number: 10123585
    Abstract: Soles for a shoe have a midsole with a base body and a plurality of deformation elements, and an outsole with a first outsole region and a plurality of first outsole elements. Pressure load on one first outsole element of the plurality of first outsole elements leads to a deformation of at least one of the plurality of deformation elements which are associated with the one first outsole element of the plurality of first outsole elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: adidas AG
    Inventors: Daniel Stephen Price, Angus Wardlaw, Christopher Edward Holmes, Falk Bruns, Robert Leimer, John Whiteman, Timothy Kelvin Robinson, Heiko Schlarb, Warren Freeman
  • Patent number: 10123586
    Abstract: An article of footwear and method of making an article of footwear are disclosed. The article includes an outsole having an outsole member. The outsole member includes a first piece and a second piece. The first piece is spaced from a base by a first vertical distance. The second piece is spaced from the base by a second vertical distance, the first vertical distance being greater than the second vertical distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: James C. Meschter
  • Patent number: 10123587
    Abstract: An adjustable bladder system for an article of footwear is disclosed. The bladder system includes an outer bladder that may be inflated using an external pump. In addition, one or more tensile members may be disposed internally to the outer bladder to provide enhanced support. A valve member may also be disposed internally to the outer bladder. The valve member can include a contoured edge to provide a contoured shape for the outer bladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Amy E. Gishifu, Elizabeth Langvin, James Molyneux, Lee D. Peyton, Ty A. Ransom, Nicola J. Reynolds, John F. Swigart
  • Patent number: 10123588
    Abstract: An article of footwear may include a first ground engaging member extending substantially downward from a baseplate, the first ground engaging member may have a substantially triangular cross-sectional shape in a substantially horizontal plane, the first ground engaging member having a first sidewall edge, a second sidewall edge, and a third sidewall edge forming vertices of the substantially triangular cross-sectional shape. In addition, a first sidewall may have a concave portion that is concave in the substantially horizontal plane. Further, the first ground engaging member may be disposed proximate a peripheral edge of the outer member with the first sidewall edge disposed opposite the concave portion of the sidewall, and the first sidewall edge oriented facing toward the peripheral edge. Also, the concave portion of the first sidewall may be oriented in a substantially lateral direction, facing away from the peripheral edge of the outer member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Inventors: Bryant Russell Klug, Tetsuya T. Minami, James Molyneux
  • Patent number: 10123589
    Abstract: A lacing system configured to selectively adjust the size of an opening on an object and allow for the incremental release of the lace within the lacing system. The lacing system can have a reel comprising a housing, a spool supported by the housing, and a knob supported by the housing. The reel can be configured so that cable is gathered in the channel formed in the spool when the spool is rotated in a first direction relative to the housing, and so that cable can be incrementally released from the spool when the spool is rotated in a second direction relative to the housing. In some embodiments, the reel can include a rotation limiter which can be configured to prevent over-tightening of the lacing system and/or to prevent rotation past the substantially fully loosened state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: Boa Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark S. Soderberg, Michael Joseph Nickel, Sean Cavanagh, James Paul Goodman
  • Patent number: 10123590
    Abstract: A buckle assembly is configured to securely attach to a component and may include a buckle housing and a securing member. The buckle housing may include a first connecting protuberance or first protuberance-retaining structure, and a second connecting protuberance or the second protuberance-retaining structure. The securing member may include the other of the first connecting protuberance or the first protuberance-retaining structure, and the other of the second connecting protuberance or the second protuberance-retaining structure. The first protuberance-retaining structure is configured to slidably receive the first connecting protuberance in a sliding direction. The second protuberance-retaining structure is configured to securely retain the second connecting protuberance so that the buckle housing is secured with respect to the securing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Scott D. Kolasa, John S. Pontaoe