Issued Patents

This week I will focus on issued patents.  Below is a summary of selected patents that have been recently issued in textile related classification codes:

Gravity-loading body suit:   An elastic skin suit simulates gravitational loading. By selecting material(s) of appropriate dimensions and appropriate module of elasticity, and optionally integrating inelastic portions to maintain a desired surface distribution, the suit can be adapted to impose a loading regime that simulates the loading of terrestrial gravity in a more continuous, shoulder-to-ankle manner than current loading suits.  Patent:  8769712.  Inventors:  Waldie and Newman.  Assignee:  Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Impact marking vest:  A method and apparatus for use in facilitating force-on-force (FOF) training. Specifically, an impact marking vest (IMV) for use in registering a ballistic impact event upon a three-dimensional target surface.  Patent:  8769713.  Inventors:  Lee and Jones.  Assignee:  Apex Tactical Specialties, Inc.

Digit tip protection:  A digit tip protection device comprises a concave puncture-resistant member adapted to protect a pulp of a user's digit.  This is a shield that can be worn on the fingertips.  Patent:  8769714.  Inventor:  Meltzner.  Not Assigned.

Boot machine-device:  Boot machining device for angular adjustment of a boot sole. The device includes a support frame and a flat frame.  The frame is provided with an opening larger than the sole of the boot in order to provide access, a securing arrangement fixed in the support frame for securing the boot in the device such that it is accessible from the top side, an arrangement for adjusting and locking the angular position of the boot sole, and a machining tool carrier for supporting a machining tool.   Device is for use with ski boots.  Patent 8769750.  Inventor:  Hallander, et.al.  Assignee:  Solemate AB. 

Method of attaching a traction cleat to a shoe mounted receptacle:  A thinner shoe mounted receptacle results from a thin cleat attachment flange received in a shallow receptacle cavity. An angled interface between the cleat and receptacle provide a friction fit engagement to minimize inadvertent disengagement of the cleat and receptacle. Rotational locking occurring inside or outside the cavity further prevents inadvertent cleat rotation. Multiple positionally synchronized angular stops positively define the final angular orientation of the cleat in the receptacle.  Patent:  8769751.  Inventor:  Burt, et.al.  Assignee:  Pride Manufacturing Company, LLC

Automatic lacing system:  An article of footwear with an automatic lacing system is disclosed. The automatic lacing system provides a set of straps that can be automatically opened and closed to switch between a loosened and tightened position of the upper. The article further includes an automatic ankle cinching system that is configured to automatically adjust an ankle portion of the upper.  Patent:  8769844.  Inventor:  Beers, et.al.  Assignee:  Nike, Inc.

Dial of circular hosiery knitting machine of the type with cylinder and dial with yarn cutting device:   A dial of a circular hosiery knitting machine of the type with a cylinder and dial with yarn cutting device. The dial comprises a dial body which is disk-shaped which is provided with a cutting device.  The cutting sectors are arranged at sectors of the dial body which are intended to be free from needles. The cutting device comprises a cutter which is adapted to abut against the cutting edges of the cutting sectors to cut at least one yarn engaged by one of the cutting sectors in its rotary motion about the axis of the dial body with respect to the cutter.  Patent 8769996.  Inventor:  Lonati, et.al.  Assignee:  Santoni S.P.A.

Methods and devices for controlling a tufting machine for forming tufted carpet:  A control system for a tufting machine configured for forming tufted carpet. The tufting machine can have a system controller in communication with the tufting machine and with a plurality of yarn feed controllers for controlling operation of yarn feed motors that are configured to supply yarn from a source of yarn to the tufting machine. The system controller is programmable to enable input of a plurality of predetermined yarn feed profiles for selected stitches of a programmed pattern to be tufted such that, although at least two of the predetermined yarn feed profiles can be different, substantially the same feed length of yarn is used from each of the plurality of yarns.  Patent:  8770122.  Inventors:  Vaughan and Honeycutt.  Assignee:  Columbia Insurance Company.

Reed and weaving machine for weaving pattern formation in woven fabrics with additional pattern effects:  A machine for producing woven fabrics with additional pattern effects, one or more effect threads are supplied substantially in the warp direction and are moved over neighboring warp threads in the weft direction. To facilitate this, the reed includes first reed blades which, at their upper end, each include a sloping thread guide element projecting in the longitudinal direction of the reed, so as to at least partially extend over the upwardly facing opening of a neighboring reed gap. The reed further includes second reed blades having no such sloping thread guide elements. The guide elements guide the effect threads down into the proper reed gaps.  Patent:  8770235.  Inventors:  Wahhoud, et.al.  Assignee:  Lindauer Dornier Gesellschaft Mbh.

Jim Carson is a principal of RB Consulting, Inc. and a registered patent agent.  He has over 30 years of experience across multiple industries including the biotechnology, textile, computer, telecommunications, and energy sectors.  RB Consulting, Inc. specializes in providing management, prototyping, and regulatory services to small and start-up businesses.  He can be reached via email at James.Carson.Jr@gmail.com or by phone at (803) 792-2183.