Patents Issued in December 10, 2019
  • Patent number: 10499657
    Abstract: A baking apparatus produces endless strips of preferably liquid baking compounds on a baking surface carrier circulating in a machine frame, being heated at least in sections and transporting at least one endless baking surface through at least one baking zone disposed in a stationary manner in the machine frame. The baking zone contains a heating apparatus and extends from a baking compound application device as far as a strip removal apparatus. A rotatably mounted and driven hubless drum is provided as the circulating heated baking surface carrier. A follower roller is disposed pivotably about a steering axle and rolls on a rolling surface of the drum in a contact region. A tracking distance is provided between a point of intersection of the steering axle with the rolling surface and the contact region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Inventors: Johannes Haas, Josef Haas, Stefan Jiraschek, Ralf Dolezel
  • Patent number: 10499658
    Abstract: Apparatuses and systems are described for conveying and delivering foodstuffs. A foodstuff conveying and delivery apparatus includes a housing in which foodstuffs are conveyed, in particular, to a discharging or output point in order to be removed by a person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: R. WEISS VERPACKUNGSTECHNIK GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Reinald Weiss
  • Patent number: 10499659
    Abstract: A device for removing the windpipe of a harvested big game animal such as the windpipe of a deer. The device includes: (a) a line having a first end and a second end; and (b) a tapered member having an apex and a base. In use, the neck of a field dressed big game animal is cut open to reveal the windpipe of the animal. The first end of the line of the device is then passed into and through the windpipe so that the first end of the line is positioned in the body cavity of the animal. Then the first end of the line is pulled so that the tapered member engages the windpipe to remove the windpipe from the neck of the animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Inventor: Jeffery Dean Papenfus
  • Patent number: 10499660
    Abstract: A container refrigeration apparatus includes a CA system which controls the composition of the air in the container. The CA system includes a gas supply device which supplies nitrogen-enriched air, an intake duct which guides outside air to a first space on a suction side of an interior fan, and an exhaust duct which guides air in a second space on the blowout side of the interior fan out of a container. The exhaust duct has an inlet at a location where the flow of the air blown from the interior fan is blocked by a fan housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Noritaka Kamei, Kazuma Yokohara, Naohiro Tanaka, Atsushi Ozato
  • Patent number: 10499661
    Abstract: A method for making a granulated Stevia sweetener is described. The resulting sweetener has a desirably high solubility level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: PureCircle Sdn Bhd
    Inventors: Siddhartha Purkayastha, Avetik Markosyan
  • Patent number: 10499662
    Abstract: A method and system of producing extruded ice cream products includes providing a plurality of extruded ice cream products in an ordered arrangement on a plurality of trays and arranging the plurality of trays for movement along a conveyor line. The plurality of trays and the plurality of extruded ice cream products are arranged thereon for downstream processing. The method and system further includes sensing at least one of a vertical product height or a horizontal product position of the plurality of extruded ice cream products arranged on the plurality of trays using at least one sensor, and analyzing the sensed at least one of the vertical product height or the horizontal product position of the plurality of extruded ice cream products using a processor to determine suitability for downstream processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventors: Poul Erik Kristensen, Shane McBride
  • Patent number: 10499663
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a textured food product and a texturized food product comprises the steps of preparing a slurry, the dry matter of which comprises at least 35 weight-% legume protein, 10 to 45 weight-% oat bran, wholegrain oat flour or a mixture thereof, and 3.5 to 35% weight-% oat protein, wherein the oat bran, wholegrain oat flour and oat protein add up to no more than 65 weight-%. The slurry further comprises water 20-80%, preferably 30-40%, most preferably 35-40%, of the weight of the dry matter. The method further includes cooking the slurry in an extruder cooker and extruding it to form a texturized food product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: GOLD & GREEN FOODS OY
    Inventors: Reetta Kivelä, Anna Häkämies
  • Patent number: 10499664
    Abstract: The present invention thus relates to a formulation comprising St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum, HP), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) extracts or a mixture of both, to improve survival to stressful and pathogens events, and also the feed conversion factor (greater weight gain and growth by delivered food). All of this, without affecting the fish smoltification ability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Universidad de Santiago de Chile
    Inventors: Margarita Paz Montoya Kunsting, Marcelo Andrés Cortez San Martin, Claudio Antonio Acuña Castillo, Sophia Charlotte Mejias Medina, Viviana Andrea Ahumada Muñoz
  • Patent number: 10499665
    Abstract: A complete ration, or diet, suitable for beef cattle in different fattening stages is provided, as well as a method for formulating the ration. All by-products of sugar manufacture are recycled and used to formulate the complete ration for beef cattle in different fattening stages, using sugarcane tip leaves and alkalized bagasse as raw materials, using molasses and corn flour as energy feed, using peanut bran, soybean residual, rapeseed meal, etc., as protein feed, using carbamide, dicalcium phosphate, limestone powder, bacteria strain and pre-mixture as other additives. The complete ration suitable for beef cattle in each growing stages can be flexibly formulated according to nutrients requirements of beef cattle in different growing stages. Comparing to the regular feed for the same fattening stage, the complete ration described can lead to a lower production cost and a lower ratio between feed and weight, and bring higher economic values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignees: GUANGDONG PROVINCIAL BIOENGINEERING INSTITUTE (GUANGZHOU SUGARCANE INDUSTRY RESEARCH INSTITUTE), GUANGXI STATE FARMS JINGUANG DAIRY INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Wenxing Tan, Ximiao Yi, Jiazhou Wei, Dafeng Liang, Hongqiao Wei, Bu Ma, Zengwei Huang, Zhijian Wei, Zhaopeng Wu, Guowei Chang, Yu Zhang
  • Patent number: 10499666
    Abstract: The present invention relates an oxygen free coconut water processing and packaging method. The method comprising the steps of establishing an inert trusted transfer environment and penetrating shell of a coconut with at least one of a self sealing probe. The method then modifies an atmospheric condition within the coconut by providing the inert gas at a desired atmospheric pressure to engender flow of the coconut water through an egress port. The coconut water is then sterilized by way of a cold micro-filter array. The method then circulating the coconut water between a chiller and the oxygen free collection vessel to maintain the coconut water at a predetermined chill temperature until filling. Product packages are filled within an aseptic ultra clean environment that encompasses the filler. The method also includes options for oxygen free cold brewing of coffee, teas, and other using coconut water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Inventor: Nilang Patel
  • Patent number: 10499667
    Abstract: A vapor-absorbing insert for non-ventilated delivery containers comprising a first and second layers of highly absorbent cotton fiber, and a third absorbent layer (which faces downward toward the food) having an applied layer of adhesive protected by a removable release layer which, when removed, exposes the adhesive for contact with the underside of the lid of a non-ventilated delivery container. The insert is pressed into a continuous laminated composite strip. The several layers may be bonded by pressure-induced interaction between the fibers of adjoining layers, and/or by adhesive fusing at their peripheral edges, and/or by spaced perforations which intertwine fibers between adjoining layers, after which the bonded layers are cut to shape. In use, upon peeling off the peelable anti-stick sheet, the element self-adheres to the underside of the food container lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Practical Applications, LLC
    Inventors: Glenn W. Milligan, Roxanne Jackson, Richard A. Frederick
  • Patent number: 10499668
    Abstract: A method for the manufacture an infant formula or an infant nutritional product comprising mixture of human milk oligosaccharides is disclosed. The method involves the catalytic hydrogenolysis of compounds of the general formula 1 and 2 with particular oligosaccharide profiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Societe des Produits Nestle S.A.
    Inventors: Dominique Brassart, Gyula Dekany, Peter Erdmann, Andrea Schwarz, Norbert Sprenger
  • Patent number: 10499669
    Abstract: Composition having a blue color including a buffer, an anthocyanin, and a divalent ion source. The composition may comprise an anthocyanin and a divalent ion source, wherein the average variation of ?E*ab of the composition is less than 30% of the average variation of ?E*ab of a control composition after exposure of the composition and the control composition to a 400 to 765 W/m2 light source for a period of time. The composition may comprise an anthocyanin and a divalent ion source, wherein the composition exhibits a less than 20% change in the area beneath the reflectance colorimeter spectral curve of the composition from 430 nm to 530 nm measured over a period of time. In another aspect, a method of stabilizing a blue colorant is provided. The method may comprise combining a buffer, an anthocyanin, and a divalent ion source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Sensient Colors LLC
    Inventors: Gale D. Myers, Michael C. Jelavich, Leo H. Otto, Jeffrey R. Plodzien
  • Patent number: 10499670
    Abstract: [Problem] To provide a method for producing processed cooked rice that renders cooked rice excellent in terms of both easiness to be loosened and texture, and is useful for stabilization of both steps and quality. [Solution] A method for producing processed cooked rice comprising the step of cooking rice using two or more amylases having different optimum acting temperatures to thereby improve the easiness of cooked rice to be loosened and the texture. Preferably, the method for producing processed cooked rice comprises the step of cooking rice using one or more heat-resistant amylases having an optimum acting temperature of 60 to 100° C. and one or more amylases having an optimum acting temperature of 30 to 60° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: NISSIN FOODS HOLDINGS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kentaro Saeki, Yuichiro Takagi, Masashi Komatsu, Mitsuru Tanaka
  • Patent number: 10499671
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are a dried instant noodle improved in loosening at the time of eating and a method for producing the same. The method for producing dried instant noodles comprises: a loosening agent-attaching step in which a loosening agent for noodles is attached to gelatinized noodle strings; a first drying step in which, after the loosening agent-attaching step, hot air having a wind speed of 30 m/s or higher and a temperature of 60° C. to 160° C. is blown onto the noodle strings for 5 to 240 seconds to dry the noodle strings; and a second drying step in which, after the first drying step, the noodle strings are dried with hot air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: NISSIN FOODS HOLDINGS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yuma Ogino, Toshio Yoshinuma, Mitsuru Tanaka
  • Patent number: 10499672
    Abstract: Embodiments of the system can relate to a popcorn dispenser system that may be configured for tracking popcorn and/or other items associated with the dispensement of popcorn. Some embodiments can include the use of markers to generate tracking information. Some embodiments can include use of modifiable markers to generate additional tracking information. The popcorn dispenser system can include devices that facilitate producing popped corn on-demand, which may include providing popped corn from un-popped kernels in specified amounts, at specified times, and/or with specified flavors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: ValidFill LLC
    Inventors: Jeremy Wade, Peter Dorney
  • Patent number: 10499673
    Abstract: The present invention contemplates the creation of a low fluoride crustacean oil processed from a phospholipid-protein complex (PPC) formed immediately upon a crustacean (i.e., for example, krill) catch. Further, the crustacean oil may also have reduced trimethyl amine and/or trimethyl amino oxide content. The process comprises disintegrating the crustaceans into smaller particles, adding water, heating the result, adding enzyme(s) to hydrolyze the disintegrated material, deactivating the enzyme(s), removing solids from the enzymatically processed material to reduce fluoride content of the material, separating and drying the PPC material. Then, using extraction with supercritical CO2 or supercritical dimethyl ether, and/or ethanol as solvents, krill oil, inter alia, is separated from the PPC. In the extraction the krill oil can be separated almost wholly from the feed material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Rimfrost Technologies AS
    Inventors: Inge Bruheim, Stig Rune Remoy, John Cameron
  • Patent number: 10499674
    Abstract: Provided are takoyaki having a crisp texture on the surface and a soft and smooth texture inside and also having a high shape-retaining property. A takoyaki mix includes from 70 to 99.7% by mass of cereal flour and from 0.3 to 5.0% by mass of a thermo-reversible gelling agent that forms gel by an increase in temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: NISSHIN FOODS INC.
    Inventors: Takenori Watanabe, Tomoharu Makio, Kanako Kawata
  • Patent number: 10499675
    Abstract: A structure (10) includes a formed body (1) of a predetermined shape and a liquid film (3) formed on the surface thereof, the liquid film (3) being formed by using a dispersion solution obtained by dispersing, in a dispersion medium, a liquid that is incompatible therewith. The structure (10) exhibits slipping property to the emulsified product maintaining stability. Also disclosed is a method for producing the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignees: TOYO SEIKAN CO., LTD., TOYO SEIKAN GROUP HOLDINGS, LTD.
    Inventors: Keisuke Nyuu, Yoshiaki Okada, Tomoyuki Miyazaki, Mikio Asakura, Yosuke Akutsu, Shinya Iwamoto
  • Patent number: 10499676
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method for stimulating barrier integrity in a mammal by administering to a mammal a composition comprising: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA), and at least two distinct oligosaccharides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: N.V. NUTRICIA
    Inventors: Eric Alexander Franciscus Van Tol, Linette Eustachia Maria Willemsen, Marleen Antoinette Koetsier, Christopher Beermann, Bernd Stahl
  • Patent number: 10499677
    Abstract: Compositions and methods are described that promote health and increase a shelf-life of foods. The compositions may feature mixtures of fatty acids, vegetable gums, and oligosaccharides. When introduced into a food article, the compositions can act as a protective barrier for micronutrients, phytochemicals, and nutraceuticals such as may be found in food products, for example food additives, as the food products are stored and as the food products are being digested. The compositions can stabilize food products during prolonged storage and as ingested food products move through the digestive tract so that nutrients are available for absorption in a consumer's intestines. Methods for producing food additives using the compositions are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Inventor: Stephen C. Perry
  • Patent number: 10499678
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preventing oxygen from contacting coconut water during extraction from a coconut. The method comprises the step of penetrating the shell of a coconut with at least one of a self sealing probe. The self sealing probe forms a seal between the shell of the coconut and the outer surface of the self sealing probe, preventing non-inert gases from ingress into the coconut contacting the coconut water therein. The method then prevents the coconut water from egress along the outer surface of the self sealing probe and modifies an atmospheric condition within the coconut by providing an inert gas. The atmospheric condition is selected to engender flow of the coconut water through the inside of the egress port. The coconut water is transferred into an oxygen free collection vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Inventor: Nilang Patel
  • Patent number: 10499679
    Abstract: Disclosed is a food wash sensor system that includes a sensor disposed along a fluid flow path that can circulate a wash fluid through the food wash sensor system. The sensor can detect a concentration of an analyte in the wash fluid. The system also includes a reference fluid reservoir including a reference fluid, the reference fluid including a predetermined concentration of the analyte in solution, a delivery system fluidly coupled to the fluid flow path and operable to supply the reference fluid to the fluid flow path upstream from the sensor while maintaining the sensor in place along the fluid flow path, and a control and monitoring system configured to receive a signal from the sensor, the signal indicating the concentration of the analyte in the reference fluid at a first time, and control calibrating the sensor and validating the sensor over time based on the received signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: SMARTWASH SOLUTIONS, LLC
    Inventors: James M. Brennan, Danny Elmer Lindstrom, Christopher Michael McGinnis, Eric Child Wilhelmsen
  • Patent number: 10499680
    Abstract: A control system for mixing materials having a container to receive the materials, agitators, a driveline to drive the agitators at an output speed with an output torque, an power source to provide an input speed with an input torque, a continuously variable transmission that connects the driveline and the power source, and an electronic control unit configured to adjust a speed ratio of the continuously variable transmission to provide a linear relationship between the input torque and the output torque with a slope, when the input torque is below a control input threshold, and to follow a corrected linear relationship between the input torque and the output torque with a corrected slope smaller than the slope when the input torque is above the control input threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: KUHN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Bryan Rowntree, Jacob Veeder, Rodney Zimmerman, Aaron Wepner, William Bassett, Thomas J. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 10499681
    Abstract: Described are food products such as ready to eat cereal having a base and a coating; examples include a base, a slurry layer over the base produced by applying a slurry coating to the base, the slurry layer having less than about 80% sucrose on a dry weight basis, and a particulate layer on the slurry layer. The particulate layer can be produced by dry charging particulates onto the slurry coated base. Particulates include be one or more of pregel starch, high molecular weight dextrin, high molecular weight soluble fiber, partially soluble fiber, insoluble fiber, protein, low solubility non-sugar compound, or sucrose, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: General Mills, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Barrett, Daniel R. Green, Victor T. Huang, Christine M. Nowakowski
  • Patent number: 10499682
    Abstract: An antioxidant formulation for use with electronic cigarettes is provided and the formulation comprises: Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Trans-Resveratrol, polyphenol, and tertiary butyl hydroquinone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: New Age Beverage Corporation
    Inventors: Kedar Prasad, Gerald Haase
  • Patent number: 10499683
    Abstract: A method of enrobing a product portion in polymer strands includes mounting at least one product portion on a holding device and passing the at least one product portion through a polymer enrobing zone. The polymer enrobing zone can include a flow of polymeric fibers produced by a polymer spray head. The polymer fibers can wraparound the at least one product portion to produce an enrobed product portion. The holding device can hold the at least one product portion by passing at least partially through the body of the product portion. At least a portion of the holding device is removed from the enrobed product portion. In some cases, the at least one product portion includes smokeless tobacco.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Nathan Carroll, Shannon Maxwell Black, Yan Helen Sun, William J. Burke, Robert Smith
  • Patent number: 10499684
    Abstract: Methods of forming pyrazines from reactants derived from a plant of the Nicotiana species, including receiving an aqueous reactant solution including at least one tobacco-derived cellulosic sugar and at least one tobacco-derived amino acid, heating the reactant solution to a reactant temperature and holding the reactant solution at the reactant temperature for a reactant time to produce a reactant product including at least one tobacco-derived pyrazine, and isolating the at least one tobacco-derived pyrazine from the reactant product. Tobacco products incorporating the tobacco-derived pyrazines are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Michael Francis Dube, William Monroe Coleman, III, Chelsea Allison Cooke, Courtney Guenther Culbert
  • Patent number: 10499685
    Abstract: The method for manufacturing inductively heatable tobacco rods comprises the steps of providing a continuous profile of a susceptor and cutting the continuous profile of susceptor into individual susceptor segments. The method further comprises the steps of guiding an aerosol-forming tobacco substrate along a tobacco substrate converging device, positioning the individual susceptor segments in the aerosol-forming tobacco substrate and converging the aerosol-forming tobacco substrate to a final rod shape. Therein, the step of positioning the individual susceptor segments in the aerosol-forming tobacco substrate is performed before performing the step of converging the aerosol-forming tobacco substrate to its final rod shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Philip Morris Products S.A.
    Inventors: Ivan Prestia, Daniele Sanna, Christian Agostini
  • Patent number: 10499686
    Abstract: A breakable capsule such as a seamless breakable capsule useful in a smoking article or a smokeless tobacco product includes an outer shell formed of a cross-linked agar matrix including at least one filler, and an inner core surrounded by the outer shell which comprises a liquid or gel based composition of a flavorant and/or non-flavorant. The cross-linked agar matrix is reinforced with carboxymethyl cellulose that is dispersed throughout the agar matrix so as to fill empty spaces in the agar matrix and inhibit the composition from passing through the empty spaces of the agar matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventors: Munmaya K. Mishra, Alex Jordan, Kathryn M. Draper, Dwight D. Williams
  • Patent number: 10499687
    Abstract: A lighter holder attachment accessory for a water pipe includes an attachment component in the form of an elongated elastic strap of a rectangular configuration and adapted to snugly fit around and thereby securely attach to any diameter size of a tubular stem of the water pipe. The accessory also includes a holder component in the form of a continuous tubular sidewall being closed at a bottom end and open at a top end so as to form an interior compartment for receiving a pocket lighter therein. The holder component also includes an exterior attachment strip on the tubular sidewall such that with the pocket lighter received therein is detachably attachable to the elongated strap of the attachment component and may be temporarily detached therefrom so as to enable the lighter to be used without being removed from the interior compartment of the holder component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Inventor: Aaron M. Cook
  • Patent number: 10499688
    Abstract: An electronic vapor provision system includes a vaporizer for vaporizing liquid for inhalation by a user of the electronic vapor provision system; a power supply comprising a cell or battery for supplying power to the vaporizer; a sensor for measuring the rate of airflow through the electronic vapor provision system as a result of the inhalation by the user; and a control unit for controlling the power supplied to the vaporizer based on a cumulative airflow for this inhalation by the user, wherein the cumulative airflow is determined based on the measurements of airflow rate by the sensor. Such a system allows the user control over the amount of vaporized liquid obtained in a given inhalation based on the cumulative airflow for the given inhalation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Nicoventures Holdings Limited
    Inventor: Colin John Dickens
  • Patent number: 10499689
    Abstract: An electronic cigarette has a housing (2) formed by a plurality of thin rolled up layers with one or more grooves (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e, 6f, 6g) on an inside or outer surface of the housing (2). The housing (2) allows an opening to be formed to allow battery (3) gases to escape, avoiding over-pressurizing the housing (2), in the event of a battery (3) failure. The housing (2) may have a thickness of about 0.06 mm to about 2.5 mm. The layers may be bonded together by adhesives. The housing (2) may be formed around components of the electronic cigarette.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: FONTEM HOLDINGS 1 B.V.
    Inventor: Lik Hon
  • Patent number: 10499690
    Abstract: The aerosol-generating article is capable of being used with an electrically-operated aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating article is a consumable article having an outlet end, a distal end upstream from the outlet end, and a mid-point located an equal distance between the outlet end and the distal end. The article includes a first volatile liquid substrate contained within a first frangible capsule, the frangible capsule being located between the distal end and the mid-point, and a second volatile liquid substrate contained within a second frangible capsule, the second frangible capsule being located between the distal end and the mid-point. The article also includes a liquid retention medium, at least a portion the liquid retention medium being located between the distal end and the mid-point, wherein the article is configured to allow air to be drawn through the article from the distal end to the outlet end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Altria Client Services LLC
    Inventor: Michel Thorens
  • Patent number: 10499691
    Abstract: A non-combustion type flavor inhaler includes a housing/outer wall having an airflow path continuing from an inlet/air introduction hole to an outlet/a suction hole. An atomizing part/heat source atomizes an aerosol source without burning and sensor outputs a value that changes according to a user's puff operation. A heat source control unit controls a power supply output to the atomizing part based on an absolute value of slope formed by two or more response values derived from a value output from the sensor such that an aerosol amount falls within a desired range. The aerosol amount is an amount of an aerosol to be atomized by the atomizing part in one energization to the atomizing part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: JAPAN TOBACCO INC.
    Inventors: Manabu Takeuchi, Akihiko Suzuki, Takuma Nakano, Manabu Yamada
  • Patent number: 10499692
    Abstract: A brassiere includes a first wing and a second wing, a closure including a first closure portion on a first end of the first wing, and a second closure portion on a first end of the second wing; a pair of cups including a first cup connected to the second end of the first wing, and a second cup connected to the second end of the second wing; each cup including an inner contour shaped with an inner apex matching a breast to receive the breast in a natural bust point position, and an outer contour having a size larger than the inner contour and shaped with an outer apex spaced medially from the inner apex, and filling material between the inner contour and the outer contour; a gore connected between the first cup and the second cup; and a pair of straps including a first strap connected to the first cup and the first wing, and a second strap connected to the second cup and the second wing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Inventor: Laurie Braverman
  • Patent number: 10499693
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to selectively stiffenable assemblies, protective garments and systems that include such selectively stiffenable assemblies for protecting one or more body portions of an individual wearing the protective garment, and methods of protecting a subject from an impact with a protective garment worn by the subject. A protective may include a plurality of first shield segments forming a first arrangement, a plurality of second shield segments laterally offset from the plurality of first shield segments and forming a second arrangement, and a compression mechanism operably coupled to the plurality of first shield segments and to the plurality of second shield segments and configured to compress together at least one of the plurality of first shield segments and at least one of the plurality of second shield segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: ELWHA LLC
    Inventors: Hon Wah Chin, Elizabeth A. Sweeney, Alistair K. Chan, Jordin T. Kare
  • Patent number: 10499694
    Abstract: An article of apparel has a surface with a first part of a fastening system, and an attachment element has an outer area with a second part of the fastening system. The first part of the fastening system is joinable to the second part of the fastening system to attach the attachment element to the apparel. The first part of the fastening system is also separable from the second part of the fastening system to separate the attachment element from the apparel. The attachment element may be formed from a polymer foam material, may include a fluid-filled chamber, or may incorporate an electronic device, for example. In some configurations, the attachment element is secured to an exterior of the apparel. In other configurations, the attachment element is secured between two layers of the apparel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan P. Henry, David Turner
  • Patent number: 10499695
    Abstract: A transformable article of clothing wearable by a person in a plurality of configurations. According to various embodiments, a transformable article of clothing comprises a central tubular portion coupled to a first member and a second member is configurable between a shawl and a scarf. In another embodiment, a transformable article of clothing comprises a first continuous loop coupled to a second continuous loop and is configurable among a hat, a hood, a scarf and a hand warmer. In yet another embodiment, an article of clothing comprises a mask portion and an ear muffler portion selectively retained on ears of the wearer. In still another embodiment, a transformable glove comprises a hand portion, a thumb portion, a first finger portion and a second finger portion with an opening in at least one of thumb and finger portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Inventor: Ping Wu
  • Patent number: 10499696
    Abstract: A support article, method or system for comfort and/or to promote relaxation and physical support for a wearer. A support article with an elongated member with a central section and depending sides adjustable sleeves. A method including: draping an elongated support device about one or more of the neck, a shoulder, the shoulders, and/or the back of a wearer; and, inserting one or more of the wearer's hand, wrist, forearm or arm through a corresponding sleeve to provide comfortable support. The support article serves to isometrically stabilize or structurally support one or more of the head, neck muscles, and vertebrae, to quickly achieve and maintain relaxation. The support article can relieve neck, shoulder, arm, hand, and back tension by counterbalancing a wearer's cervical spine with the weight of his or her arms. The support article provides warmth and enfolding comfort, facilitating relaxation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Inventor: Marilyn Mitchell
  • Patent number: 10499697
    Abstract: The neck wrap towel is a garment. The neck wrap towel is worn around the neck of a person. When worn normally, the neck wrap towel drapes over the anterior side of the person. The neck wrap towel is further fitted with a plurality of findings that are configured for use in travel or sporting activities. The neck wrap towel comprises a primary textile, a bottle pocket, a secure pocket, one or more fasteners, a loop and clip combination, and a light. The bottle pocket, a secure pocket, the one or more fasteners, the loop and clip combination, and the light are attached to the primary textile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Inventor: Matthew Posta
  • Patent number: 10499698
    Abstract: An ultra-slim fastener for a bra includes male and female parts mounted on fabric pieces. The male part has a planar body having a downwardly depending leg terminating in an outwardly projecting foot extending parallel to the body. The female part has a substantially planar frame defining a cavity for reception of the foot. The cavity is roofed in towards the innermost end of the frame only, thereby defining an open mouth towards the outermost frame end. In embodiments, a fabric strip forms a backing for the frame and the bottom of the cavity is closed off. The second piece further includes an overlay mounted partially above the frame and on the fabric strip, sandwiching the frame between the overlay and the fabric strip. Embodiments are provided for use with reversible garments. Such a fastener will be very thin yet very strong.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Dubrosky & Tracy Patent Service Corp.
    Inventors: Gerhard Fildan, Karl Wanzenböck
  • Patent number: 10499699
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for interlocking a shared bicycle and an intelligent safety helmet, and the method comprises the following steps: (1) providing an electronic frame lock and an intelligent safety helmet for using cooperatively on a shared bicycle respectively, interlocking both of them when the shared bicycle is parked; (2) checking the current state information of an electric lock and a safety helmet lock simultaneously when a user uses the mobile intelligent terminal to scan the shared bicycle; (3) unlocking of the electric lock and the safety helmet lock when the verification is passed; (4) wearing an intelligent safety helmet before using the bicycle; (5) beginning to record the trip information by the intelligent helmet after the user puts on the intelligent safety helmet; (6) stopping the voice broadcast function and terminating the recording of the trip information when the state information of the electronic frame lock and the safety helmet lock which is checked shows that the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Dongguan University of Technology
    Inventor: Baiman Chen
  • Patent number: 10499700
    Abstract: A helmet includes a shell, a brim, ridges, and multiple flexible structures. The shell is shaped to receive a user's head. The brim covers the user's forehead and areas above the temples and ears and protrudes from the outer surface of the shell. The ridges are located along the back and top of the helmet and also protrude from the outer surface of the shell. The flexible structures, which are made of a material that is more flexible than the shell, the brim, and the ridges, are positioned in separation gaps between the shell and the brim and ridges. The shell, brim, ridges, and flexible structures are fused together as a single unibody. When the helmet is subjected to an impact on the brim or the ridges, the corresponding flexible structure deforms so that the brim or ridge moves relative to the shell. The deformation of the flexible structure attenuates the force of the impact, which improves the helmet's ability to protect the user from impacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: ZAM Helmets Inc.
    Inventor: Whitman Kwok
  • Patent number: 10499701
    Abstract: A one-piece-vamp manufacture method includes: (1) weaving preparation: arranging different required raw material color yarn, hot melt silk and stretch yarn at a main color opening yarn feeding orifice, a match color opening yarn feeding orifice and a stretch yarn yarn feeding orifice; (2) weaving U shape tube fabric: a vamp machine weaving in an order of a starting opening, an outer toe cap, an outer shoe body, an outer heel, an outer shoe opening to an inner shoe opening, an inner heel, an inner shoe body, an inner toe cap; (3) stitching an inner toe cap stitch eyelet; (4) stitching the outer toe cap stitch eyelet; (5) forming a one-piece-vamp semifinished product; and (6) reshaping, setting and shape fixing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: SINCETECH (FUJIAN) TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Qinglai Cai, Jingwei Cai, Jianfei Xu, Lizhi Cai
  • Patent number: 10499702
    Abstract: A smart module for a smart shoe includes a second cover, a first cover, an antenna, a circuit board, and a power supply unit. The second cover cooperates with the first cover to form a housing for receiving the antenna, the circuit board, and the power supply unit. The antenna and the power supply unit are electrically connected to the circuit board. The power supply unit supplies power to the circuit board and the antenna. The first cover includes at least one positioning member. The antenna includes at least one positioning hole. The circuit board includes at least one positioning hole. The positioning holes in the antenna and the circuit board align with and receive the positioning member of the first cover to ensure that the antenna and the circuit board are mounted at appropriate locations in the first cover. Therefore, the smart module facilitates easy assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Goldtek Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chao-Shen Chen
  • Patent number: 10499703
    Abstract: Linear movement of a heel strike sequence for a shoe insole can be converted into rotational movement. This rotational movement can cause rotation of an interior of a generator. Rotation of this interior of the generator can cause an electricity to be generated and outputted. The generator can be considered a source of damping, so at the start of the heel strike sequence the generator can be non-engaged. After some time, the generator can be engaged and in turn rotate. This can allow for standing inertia to be more quickly overcome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: The Government of the United States, as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Nathan Sharpes
  • Patent number: 10499704
    Abstract: A sole for article of footwear includes a midsole component having an inner surface and an outer surface opposite the inner surface. A plurality of blind holes each extends from the outer surface toward the inner surface. The plurality of blind holes are arranged in an auxetic configuration in the outer surface. Each hole in the plurality of holes extends towards the inner surface. The plurality of blind holes is arranged in a pattern that provides a tunable performance characteristic. The patterns of blind holes vary between different regions of the midsole component to provide different types of responses in the different regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Tory M. Cross, Bryan N. Farris, Elizabeth Langvin
  • Patent number: 10499705
    Abstract: An article of footwear may include an upper forming a void within the footwear, a sole structure secured to the upper, and a chamber that encloses a pressurized fluid. The sole structure includes a depression. The chamber is located within the void of the upper and located on the depression of the sole structure. The chamber may include a plurality of fluid-filled subchambers, a manifold, and a connection fluidically-connected at least one of the subchambers to the manifold. The subchambers may enclose the pressurized fluid at different pressures. The subchambers may be separated from one another by a bonded area in the direction extending between the heel and toe of the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott C. Holt
  • Patent number: 10499706
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing an upper for an article of footwear includes: forming a foam layer; forming a preliminary upper by laminating an outer layer, an inner layer, and the foam layer intermediate to the outer layer and the inner layer; and molding the preliminary upper to a shape having a contour to substantially fit at least a portion of a foot to provide at least a portion of an upper for an article of footwear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Reebok International Limited
    Inventors: William Marvin, Kevin Leary, Paul E. Litchfield, Thomas Piacentini