Patents Issued in May 14, 2019
  • Patent number: 10285393
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a disposable, cost-efficient, and environment-friendly arthropod trapping device, method and system. In one embodiment, the arthropod trapping device includes a suspension element, an engagement section with a pest immobilizing surface and a contact lead segment. In some examples, the engagement section may include a fill indicator mark to indicate pest accumulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Red Band Traps, LLC
    Inventor: Tristan Vere Bailey
  • Patent number: 10285394
    Abstract: A system for deterring pinnipeds comprising a plurality of connected tracks interspersed with expansion joints, wherein the tracks and expansion joints are operatively coupled via connector keys that fit into a recessed channel running underneath the tracks and expansion joints, the tracks and expansion joints having electrically insulated recessed channels allowing for conductive wire to run throughout the tracks and expansion joints, the expansion joints further comprising two wells allowing for excess wire to be coiled and housed, acting as a spring and allowing for expansion, and the wire is connected to a power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Brian J Granger, William A Chambers, Kelly G Krueger, John E Hoopes
  • Patent number: 10285395
    Abstract: The mesh lid system for a garbage can is a protective system for garbage cans. It provides a barrier between the garbage can and the animals on the lid of the can and around the bottom of the can—two areas that are the most likely to be targeted by animals. It also prevents the lid from being opened by the animals. The barrier is made of a metal mesh material. The lid is kept closed by one or more bungee cords that may be attached to the metal mesh material and other parts of the garbage can.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Inventor: Vince Ehrenberg
  • Patent number: 10285396
    Abstract: A game tracking device for tracking a target that has been hit by a projectile is configured to attach to a projectile and includes a transmitter and a power source disposed within a transmitter housing having one or more catching members. The transmitter is operable to emit a locating signal that is capable of detection by a remote receiving device. The catching members include hooking elements or barbs configured to attach the tracking device to the target. The catching members remain in a retracted position where the hooking elements are generally concealed within the transmitter housing until deployed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Inventor: William K. Boyd
  • Patent number: 10285397
    Abstract: Apparatuses, devices and methods for covering a tree stand are disclosed. The methods include placing a collapsible cover in the size and shape of an artificial or simulated hunter in position on a tree stand for a period of time to allow game to become accustom to the artificial hunter; and removing the cover and replacing the cover with an actual hunter. The apparatuses include a cover having a top portion, a bottom portion, and a body portion extending between the top and bottom portions. A generally horizontally oriented support member is located above the top portion of the cover and extends between a first end and a distal end. A height adjustment mechanism is disposed on the distal end of the support member and attached to the top portion of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Inventor: Erick Swanson
  • Patent number: 10285398
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a molluscicide composition having a form of food bait and comprising at least one molluscicidal agent. In order to improve efficacy and ecological properties of a molluscicide it further comprises humic acid. The invention also relates to a method of preparing such a composition, a molluscicide dosage form comprising such a composition, as well as a method and use of such a molluscicide composition or a molluscicide dosage form in combating molluscs for an extended period in agricultural, horticultural and/or garden environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: ICB Pharma Spolka Jawna
    Inventor: Janusz Świętoslawski
  • Patent number: 10285399
    Abstract: A dispensable hydroalcoholic gel composition is provided. The dispensable hydroalcoholic gel includes a C1-4 alcohol, a polyacrylate thickener, and a glyceryl ester.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: GOJO Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Macinga, Sarah L. Edmonds, Kristin E. Hartzell, Kelly A. Dobos, Carol A. Quezada
  • Patent number: 10285400
    Abstract: Disinfectant compositions disclosed herein comprise at least one biocidal quaternary ammonium compound, hydrogen peroxide, and optionally inorganic acid and/or organic acid. Particularly, a composition comprising a biocidal quaternary ammonium chloride compound, hydrogen peroxide, and C1 to C8 carboxylic acid, mono-, di- and tricarboxylic acid enhances significantly its antimicrobial activities of either hydrogen peroxide or the quaternary ammonium chloride alone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Lonza Inc.
    Inventors: Deqing Lei, Philip Gerdon Sweeny
  • Patent number: 10285401
    Abstract: Self-indicating chemistries are provided for visual detection by a user of efficacious levels of peroxycarboxylic acid concentrations in a solution produced in situ. The self-indicating chemistries include a combination of dyes providing a visual color indication, such as a tri-color indicator system, such as a yellow, green, and red color system indicating in situ threshold levels of peroxycarboxylic acid concentrations in a solution employing the self-indicating chemistry. Systems, kits and compositions for a quantitative assessment of an in situ perhydrolysis reaction to generate peroxycarboxylic acids are provided. Methods of use are further provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: David D. McSherry, Junzhong Li, Richard Staub
  • Patent number: 10285402
    Abstract: The present application relates to compositions comprising 4-chloroindole-3-acetic acid (4Cl-IAA) or an analogue thereof, or a combination of the latter, in acid, salt or ester form. For example, such compositions can be used to curb weeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: PREMIER TECH TECHNOLOGIES LTÉE
    Inventors: Pierre Talbot, Alain Bélanger, George Kanellos, Shaun Purcell, Paul Lefebvre, Geneviève Roy, Dominique Lequere
  • Patent number: 10285403
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to agricultural mixtures comprising bispyribac and a C16 to C18 fatty acid methyl ester adjuvant system. The present invention is further directed to methods of increasing the activity of bispyribac with the mixtures of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: VALENT U.S.A., LLC
    Inventors: John Andrew Pawlak, II, Billy Corbin, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10285404
    Abstract: Herbicidal concentrate compositions containing glyphosate salts and tank mix compositions containing a combination of glyphosate salt and dicamba salt herbicides are described. A method of preparing a tank mix composition comprising a glyphosate component and a dicamba component is also described. The method includes combining a glyphosate concentrate composition, a dicamba composition comprising one or more salts of dicamba and dilution water to form the tank mix composition. The glyphosate concentrate composition comprises a glyphosate salt selected from the group consisting of the monoethanolamine salt, the potassium salt, and mixtures thereof at a glyphosate loading of at least about 240 grams acid equivalent per liter (g a.e./l), and the pH of a 5 wt. % acid equivalent dilution of the glyphosate concentrate composition is from about 5 to about 6.5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Monsanto Technology LLC
    Inventors: John Hemminghaus, Alison MacInnes
  • Patent number: 10285405
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a particulate matter comprising particles carrying an essentially dry combination of components comprising at least one natural oil and at least one surfactant, the components being selected such that upon contact with water, oil in water emulsion is formed. In particular, the emulsion formed is a stable emulsion, with stability of at least several hours, as observed by the lack of phase separation during that time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Nobactra Israel Ltd.
    Inventor: Giora Kritzman
  • Patent number: 10285406
    Abstract: An automatic cutting apparatus, applicable to presses for making pasta or to extruders for making snacks includes a main supporting structure, an annular support having a vertical axis, a main shaft arranged coaxially to the annular support, and elements for actuating the main shaft with a rotary motion about its own axis. The annular support can be associated with a press for making pasta or an extruder for making snacks below a die that has a vertical axis and is connected to the outlet of the press or of the extruder, or below a cutting accessory that is interposed between the die and annular support. The main shaft can be coupled to at least one blade that is adapted to act on the lower die face or with at least one blade of the cutting accessory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: NICCOLAI TRAFILE S.R.L.
    Inventors: Marcello Niccolai, Marco Niccolai
  • Patent number: 10285407
    Abstract: A system and method for cutting a carcass. The system comprises a support assembly (12) movable along a first path and a second path adjacent to a first portion and a second portion of the carcass respectively; a retractable assembly (14) movable between an extended configuration when the support assembly is moved along the first path and a retracted configuration away from the carcass when the support assembly (12) is being moved along the second path; a first cutting tools (16) processing the first portion of the carcass when the support assembly (12) is moved along the first path, and disengaging from the carcass when the retractable assembly (14) is in the retracted position; and a second cutting tool processing the second portion of the carcass when the support assembly (12) is moved along the second path. The first cutting tool (16) is independently and separately movable relatively to movement of the second cutting tool (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignees: G.E. LEBLANC INC., SFK LEBLANC A/S
    Inventor: Thomas F. Bork
  • Patent number: 10285408
    Abstract: A method to capture data for animals to be slaughtered with an image capture unit that has an image capture range in which a surface of an animal to be slaughtered is captured visually and in which image points on the surface of the animal are captured. The capture unit provides image point data from the image points in transmittable form. An evaluation unit captures the point data and uses the point data to capture markings on the rear surface of the animal. The evaluation unit provides the markings as a storable capture result. Image points on the surface of the animal are captured in the image capture range. The points contain the markings. The capture unit transmits the point data. The evaluation unit captures the image point data. The method makes an association of an identification code for an animal with the point data. The evaluation unit provides the markings as a storable capture result with the code for the animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: CSB-System AG
    Inventor: Peter Schimitzek
  • Patent number: 10285409
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes various method, and apparatus embodiments for high speed rinsing solution application. One such apparatus embodiment includes a substructure having an elliptical track, a catheter delivery system including a plurality of carriages coupled to the track, wherein each of the carriages includes a respective catheter delivery mechanism, a carousel drive system configured to drive the carriages such that the carriages circulate about the substructure on the track, a rotary timing valve positioned above a central portion of the substructure, the rotary timing valve including a plurality of outlets each positioned at a respective radial position on the rotary timing valve, wherein each of the plurality of outlets is connected to a respective catheter delivery mechanism by a hose, and a hose table positioned between the rotary timing valve and the substructure and configured to support the hoses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: MPSC AUSTRALIA, PTY., LTD.
    Inventors: Andrew Michael Leiner, Earnest DeWayne Tooley, Ulises Pardo Arche
  • Patent number: 10285410
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for cutting open a slaughtered animal, in particular fowl, which is suspended with its legs from a suspension hook of a conveyor, in particular, but not limited to, making an incision in the belly of a slaughtered bird, wherein the method comprises the step of making a first incision in the skin of the slaughtered animal, which first incision extends substantially in a first direction of the slaughtered animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: MAREL STORK POULTRY PROCESSING B.V.
    Inventors: Erik Hendrikus Werner Peters, Marc Johan Halfman, Bastiaan Wilhelmina Johannus Elizeus Josephus Drabbels
  • Patent number: 10285411
    Abstract: The system for cleaning fresh and freshly-cut produce is designed to clean produce as soon as practicable after the produce is cut. As the produce falls downwardly, a spray manifold directs a produce-washing liquid upwardly so that the produce-washing liquid directly sprays and impacts the falling produce. The impact of the produce-washing liquid causes the produce to tumble and the descent of the produce is slowed, and consequently the produce is thoroughly coated and cleaned by the produce-washing liquid. In an alternative embodiment, a suspending fluid (preferably air) is simultaneously directed to the falling produce to slow the descent of the produce and further ensure that the produce is thoroughly washed and directly sprayed by the produce-washing liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignees: The United States of America, as represented by The Secretary of Agriculture, The Board of Trustees of The University of Illinois
    Inventors: Yaguang Luo, Bin Zhou, Patricia D. Millner, Arne J. Pearlstein
  • Patent number: 10285412
    Abstract: A method for producing fresh milk having a longer shelf life involves providing raw milk and performing an at least two-step centrifugal germ removal process of the raw milk before a standardization process of the raw milk is carried out. A method may also include performing a first step of a two-step centrifugal germ removal process before a skimming process separating skimmed milk is carried out and performing a second step of the two-step centrifugal germ removal process during the carrying out of the skimming process separating skimmed milk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: GEA Mechanical Equipment GmbH
    Inventors: Egon Baumeister, Michael Meyer, Heinrich Winkenhoff
  • Patent number: 10285413
    Abstract: A method of preparing a low calorie, Lactose-free and Phosphorus-reduced milk with multiple filtration, centrifugation, carbonation and phase separation steps to remove Lactose and Phosphorus from milk including skim milk. The method includes a filtration apparatus to employ ultrafiltration to remove Lactose and any component of Lactose. Ultra-Centrifugation is used additionally to increase and complete the removal of Lactose and to facilitate the reduction of Phosphorous in the final milk preparation. The process eliminates the conventional use of lactase enzyme to hydrolyze Lactose into its simple sugar components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Inventors: George H. Clark, Mary Ann Clark
  • Patent number: 10285414
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing an aromatised food or beverage product, wherein an aroma fraction is obtained from a plant extract, said aroma fraction is being contacted with a resin to remove undesired aroma compounds, and the aroma fraction from which undesired compounds have been removed are combined with a food or beverage composition to produce an aromatised food or beverage product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventor: Pu-Sheng Cheng
  • Patent number: 10285415
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a process for producing a confectionery product comprising heat resistant chocolate or a heat resistant compound mass and to the confectionery product, which is produced by this process. The process utilizes spraying water and/or a polyol (such as a sugar alcohol or a sugar) solution onto chocolate or a compound mass thereby inducing the formation of heat resistant chocolate or a heat resistant compound mass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Kraft Foods R & D, Inc.
    Inventors: Konstantinos Paggios, Marlin Richard Thiele, Hartmut Heinrich Balzer
  • Patent number: 10285416
    Abstract: A first edible layer is placed atop a tray and inside a first annular member, leaving an annular gap around the edible layer. A spreadable material is spread atop and laterally on the first edible layer. A second annular member is stacked upon the first annular member with a second edible layer centered in the second member but with an annular gap between the two. Spreadable material atop and laterally to the second edible layer. The annular members each have an overall transverse dimension greater than its height. These members are part of a reusable kit with the first member has an outwardly projecting pair of handles A tool for shaping spreadable material is shown as a plate with an opposite pair of finishing edges, one being straight, the other undulating. The lower edge of the tool is located between the finishing edges, and has an opposite pair of guide notches. Each of the notches can be pressed against the edge of the tray to regulate the tool's working depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Inventor: George John Lipari
  • Patent number: 10285417
    Abstract: A machine for simultaneously making first and second liquid or semi-liquid products includes a first stirrer operating on a first container and a second stirrer operating on a second container. A thermodynamic heat treatment system includes a circuit filled with a heat exchanger fluid, a compressor operating on the fluid, a first heat exchanger affected by the fluid to exchange heat with the first container, and a second heat exchanger affected by the fluid to exchange heat with the second container. A first device for adjusting the flow rate of the fluid allows adjustment of the thermal power exchanged by the first heat exchanger. A second device for adjusting the flow rate of the fluid allows adjustment of the thermal power exchanged by the second heat exchanger. A control unit controls the first and second devices as a function of a measured operating parameter of the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: ALI Group S.R.L.—Carpigiani
    Inventors: Andrea Cocchi, Roberto Lazzarini
  • Patent number: 10285418
    Abstract: A system for converting an irregular flow stream of solid particulates into a continuously flowing stream of solid particulates is disclosed. The system comprises a bin adapted to receive the irregular particulate flow stream. A level sensor is adapted to produce an output signal representative of the volume of particulates in the bin. The bin level controller has a set point corresponding to a desired level for the volume of particulates in the bin and is adapted to receive the output signal from the level sensor. The bin level controller produces a bin level control signal proportional to the deviation from the set point signal. A movable valve is positioned proximate the outlet adapted to modulate the particulate flow stream out of the bin and a valve controller is operatively associated with the valve. The valve controller is adapted to respond to bin level control signals from the bin level controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Inventor: Robert O Brandt, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10285419
    Abstract: Heat exchange devices, including aseptic cooler devices, and systems including same are provided. Methods of using heat exchange device are also provided. In a general embodiment, the present disclosure provides heat exchangers having an open chamber configuration and including a first section containing a cooling or heating media and a second section containing a food product. The first section includes a level detecting device that is configured to maintain a level of cooling or heating media in the first section, while preventing the cooling or heating media from pressurizing the first section. The open chamber configuration provides an air break at a top portion of the first section that ensures that the cooling or heating media entering the first section is at, or close to, atmospheric pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Ediz Batmaz, Barbara Burzinski Hartliep, Ricardo Reyes-Trevino, Ernst Beutler
  • Patent number: 10285420
    Abstract: Ice nucleation and supercooling are controlled by the presence of magnetite particles. Magnetite decreases supercooling and promotes ice nucleation. Therefore, freezing of liquid solutions occurs at higher temperature compared to supercooled solutions. Applying a magnetic field allows control of supercooling and ice nucleation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Atsuko Kobayashi, Joseph L. Kirschvink
  • Patent number: 10285421
    Abstract: [Problem] To make a color of a processed food containing anthocyanin pigment into a vibrant color. In this respect, using a common foodstuff that is cheap and highly safe, without adding a coloring agent, and not imparting an incongruous flavor to the food is preferred. [Means for Solving the Problem] To an anthocyanin pigment or a common processed food containing anthocyanin pigment is added, in an appropriate amount, a yeast extract containing 5 wt % or more of a peptide, 5 wt % or more of RNA, 4 wt % or less of free amino acid, and preferably further containing 15 wt % or more of dietary fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: KOHJIN LIFE SCIENCES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshie Yasumatsu, Yuki Saito, Kenichi Ason
  • Patent number: 10285422
    Abstract: A composition consisting of BSG and PLA is produced by the following steps: processing brewer's spent grains; mixing the BSG with the PLA at a specific proportion; the BSG and the PLA are well mixed by a binder and then subjected to a granulation process to form plastic granules. Adding BSG to the PLA can reduce the use of PLA. Furthermore, the composition consisting of BSG and PLA and the method for making the same are further utilized to make utensils, bottles, cans, containers, parts and other biological plastic products to achieve the purpose of adding value to the BSG.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: SHI XIANG INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shih-Ming Chen, Yeng-Fong Shih, Wun-Cyuan Jhang
  • Patent number: 10285423
    Abstract: Moisture is retained in cooked or thawed food by adding to the food an aqueous suspension of animal muscle protein obtained from animal muscle tissue. The aqueous suspension is obtained by mixing comminuted animal muscle tissue with a food grade acid to form an aqueous acidic solution of animal muscle protein. The acidic solution is mixed with a food grade base to precipitate the protein in an aqueous composition. The precipitated protein then is comminuted to form an aqueous suspension of comminuted animal muscle protein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Proteus Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen D. Kelleher, William R. Fielding, Wayne S. Saunders, Peter G. Williamson
  • Patent number: 10285424
    Abstract: The invention for which the protection is requested consists of a procedure for extracting a flavoring without caloric value based on sugar cane concentrates of the intermediate honeys and molasses obtained from sugar extraction by the sugar mills, which is mixed with artificial high yield sweeteners, where said additive provides said high yield sweeteners with the flavor of sugar cane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Inventor: Héctor Alejandro Álvarez De La Cadena Sillas
  • Patent number: 10285425
    Abstract: The invention describes stevia compositions that are devoid of or have minimal concentrations of rebaudioside C and/or dulcoside A to decrease the aftertaste associated with stevia compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: EPC NATURAL PRODUCTS CO. LTD
    Inventor: Jingang Shi
  • Patent number: 10285426
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a salt replacement product comprising homogeneous particles of: (a) 5-70 wt % of one or more extracts from fungi, like from mycelia or mushrooms; (b) 10-80 wt % of a chloride salt of a metal that is acceptable in food, chosen from calcium, magnesium, or mixtures thereof; and (c) optionally one or more powder stabilizing additives. The invention furthermore relates to a process for making the product, and to use of the product for salt replacement in baked dough products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Scelta Umami Holding B.V.
    Inventors: Wilhelmus Hubertus Henricus Antonius Van Den Elshout, Johannes Gisbert Gerardus Maria Klerken, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10285427
    Abstract: The invention relates to thickening compositions for thickening nutritional products to make the nutritional product suitable for consumption by dysphagia patients, said thickening composition comprising starch, xanthum gum and/or methylcellulose and galactomannan and/or glucomannan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: N.V. Nutricia
    Inventor: Edward Lucian Sliwinski
  • Patent number: 10285428
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device integrating crushing, pulping and enzyme deactivation of fruits, comprising a spiral feeder, a crushing cavity and a drive motor. The spiral feeder is disposed above the crushing cavity. The crushing cavity consists of an inner crushing cavity and an outer crushing cavity. The inner crushing cavity is internally provided with crushing blades and a comb-like cylindrical stator. The crushing blades are formed with a plurality of steam outlets. The outer crushing cavity is internally provided with a ring steam pipe. The ring steam pipe is also formed with steam outlets on the lower side. The outer crushing cavity is provided with a discharge hole. The device integrating crushing, pulping and enzyme deactivation of fruits completes enzyme deactivation and pulping at the same time, has a large production capacity and a high efficiency, and can meet requirements of industrial production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: JIANGNAN UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Zhengwei Cui, Jianfeng Yu, Haiying Chen, Liangfeng Wang
  • Patent number: 10285429
    Abstract: A system and methods are provided for removal of undesired portions of a fruit or vegetable, such as removal of calyxes from strawberries before they are flash frozen. An automated process for high-throughput fruit or vegetable calyx removal includes a loading system, an identification system, and a removal system. The loading system is configured to transport the fruit or vegetable through the automated process. The loading system may also orient the fruits or vegetables along an axis of the fruit and or align the fruit or vegetables in a desired pattern, orientation, and/or arrangement. The identification system is configured to locate the calyx and determines calyx position data and an optimal cutting path for individual fruit. The removal system uses data received from the identification system to separate the calyx from the fruit or vegetable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: California Strawberry Commission
    Inventors: Yang Tao, John Lin, Xin Chen, Gary E. Seibel
  • Patent number: 10285430
    Abstract: An electronic cigarette vaporizer includes a heating element and a microcontroller; the microcontroller monitors or measures electrical characteristics of the heating element and uses that to automatically identify the type of heating element and as a control input. The microcontroller automatically applies different heating parameter controls to the heating element, including optimal and maximum operating temperature, depending on the type of heating element that is identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: AYR LTD.
    Inventor: Dmitry Gorilovsky
  • Patent number: 10285431
    Abstract: Improved delivery of additives is provided through encapsulation. The encapsulated additives can be formed by encapsulating additives using co-ionic cross-linking, in-situ overcoating, and/or step-growth overcoating. By encapsulating additives, additives can be made heat and moisture stable and migration and/or loss of the additives within a cigarette, such as an activated carbon containing cigarette, can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Munmaya K. Mishra, Jay A Fournier, Kathy E. Paine
  • Patent number: 10285432
    Abstract: A method of forming a wrapped article, comprising the steps of: forming a continuous stream of material such as an agricultural product; moving the continuous stream of material along an elongated path; compressing the continuous stream of material to reduce the cross-sectional area thereof until a predetermined cross-sectional dimension is achieved; drawing the compressed continuous stream of material through a rod-forming arrangement, the rod-forming arrangement having a non-contact displacement transducer associated therewith; folding at least one web longitudinally around the compressed continuous stream of material to form a continuous rod of material; and detecting variations in rod density within the rod-forming arrangement from a signal obtained from the non-contact displacement transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: Dwight David Williams, Rosana C. Altoveros
  • Patent number: 10285433
    Abstract: A capsule rupture testing system includes a positioning channel configured to receive one or more smoking article filters therein. The smoking article filters include a filter material and a capsule object disposed therein. The system includes a smoking article positioning device configured to position the smoking article filter elements at a testing position within the positioning channel. The system includes a rupturing device that includes an actuating element configured to operably engage at least one smoking article filter element at the testing position. The testing position aligns the actuating element with an expected position of the capsule object. The rupturing device also includes a measuring element configured to determine a deformation measurement associated with deforming the filter element. The system also includes an analysis unit configured to analyze the deformation measurement and configured to determine a rupture point of the capsule object. An associated method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventor: Balager Ademe
  • Patent number: 10285434
    Abstract: A smoking article comprises a rod of smokeable material such as tobacco and a tubular support in which the rod is slidably received. The tubular support is formed from a blank of sheet material that is wound in a spiral. Machinery for making the spiral blank is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO (INVESTMENTS) LIMITED
    Inventors: Kie Seon Park, Robert Whiffen, Gary Fallon, Frédéric Louis
  • Patent number: 10285435
    Abstract: A filter rod for a cigarette or other smoking article comprising a filter plug having a plurality of threads extending through at least part of the filter plug, and an apparatus and method for manufacturing such a filter rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO (INVESTMENTS) LIMITED
    Inventors: Andy Davis, William David Lewis, Edward Atwy, Paulo Oliveira
  • Patent number: 10285436
    Abstract: There is provided an adsorbent material comprising a porous carrier material having pores with a diameter greater than 20 nm and carrying additive particles on its external surface, wherein the additive particles comprise an additive and have a diameter of greater than 20 nm. There is also provided a smoking article filter element comprising such an adsorbent material, a smoking article comprising such an adsorbent material, and a method of preparing such an adsorbent material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO (INVESTMENTS) LIMITED
    Inventor: Peter Branton
  • Patent number: 10285437
    Abstract: A handheld vaporizer attachment device includes a finger engaging feature and a first coupling feature that frictionally engages the handheld vaporizer at a first joint between vaporizer components. The attachment device can further include a second coupling feature that attaches over the mouthpiece of the vaporizer or frictionally engages the vaporizer at a second joint between vaporizer components. In another example, the finger engaging feature includes an annular member held in place by a strap disposed between two coupling features. The attachment feature can be monolithically formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Inventor: Tamatha Lagina Russell
  • Patent number: 10285438
    Abstract: A storage case for storing a hinge-lidded box-type package, the hinge-lidded box-type package including a package body that has an open end at an upper part, and is capable of housing an object to be housed therein, and a lid part that is rotatably coupled to an edge of the open end through a hinge, and opens and closes the open end, the storage case having: a bottom surface wall; a rectangular tube wall body that is erected from the bottom surface wall, and forms therein a storage part that stores the package; and an insertion opening that is famed at an upper edge of the rectangular tube wall body, and enables the package to be inserted, wherein a slip-out regulating part that regulates slip-out of the package from the storage part is attached to the insertion opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: JAPAN TOBACCO INC.
    Inventor: Shinichi Iwata
  • Patent number: 10285439
    Abstract: Some embodiments of a smokeless tobacco system include a container including a plurality of preformed smokeless tobacco products configured to generally retain their shape and integrity during processing, shipping, and consumer handling. One or more of the preformed smokeless tobacco products are compressed between a lid and a base of the container to hinder movement of the one or more preformed smokeless tobacco products within the container. Each preformed smokeless tobacco product can include a moist smokeless tobacco in combination with a selected binder such that the final product is configured to have material properties providing improved handling, an improved mouth feel, and a satisfying flavor profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: Jason Andrew Macko, James Lindsay Clark, Shannon Maxwell Black, Andrew Nathan Carroll, Srinivasan Janardhan
  • Patent number: 10285440
    Abstract: A wrapping pouch for a smoking pipe is a device for securely storing smoking paraphernalia on a smoking pipe. The device features a flexible fabric strap that may be wrapped around the smoking pipe as well as at least one accessory pocket for storing various paraphernalia such as lighters, tobacco, and medical marijuana. Once the flexible fabric strap has been wrapped around the smoking pipe, a hook-and-loop fastener is able to hold the flexible fabric strap in place. The at least one accessory pocket may be opened or closed via an at least one cord sheathe, an at least one elastic cord, and an at least one cord clamp. Additionally, the device features an inner grip layer that prevents the flexible fabric strap from sliding on the smoking pipe. The device may additionally feature a plurality of aesthetic covers to improve the aesthetic appeal of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Inventor: Chase C. Martini
  • Patent number: 10285441
    Abstract: A novel lipid concentrate vaporizer apparatus comprises an elongate hollow tubular upper portion including an opening at one end, a lower portion including a bulbous closed second end, a solid stem extending away from the bulbous portion and a solid heating tip formed at the end of the stem. The upper and lower portions share a wall thickness and the bulbous end includes one or more air intake holes formed at a position above the stem and when the tip is heated to a temperature to vaporize and not combust the lipid concentrate contained in a vessel having a specific shape, the tip makes contact with the lipid concentrate and the resulting vapor is drawn into the upper portion via the holes by a user creating suction and inhaling at the opening at the one end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Inventor: Kevin Thomas Poss
  • Patent number: 10285442
    Abstract: A re-fillable and re-chargeable e-cigarette PV in which the PV indicates consumption of e-liquid using a visual indicator that extends or moves along the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: AYR LTD.
    Inventors: Kaveh Memari, Adrian Bennett, Ian Murison, Stephen Marsh