Patents Issued in July 6, 2010
  • Patent number: 7749022
    Abstract: A coaxial cable connector includes an outer body having a first end and an opposing second end, an inner body having a first inner end and a second inner end, and a post interconnected with the inner body. A fastener portion is at the first end of the outer body. A compression sleeve is disposed to fit on the second inner end. The post, the inner body, and the compression sleeve are movable with respect to the outer body between a first position in which the connector is not mounted to an equipment port and a second position when the connector is mounted to the equipment port. When the fastener portion is mounted to the equipment port, an indicator portion on the compression sleeve is made visible to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: John Mezzalingua Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy Amidon, Noah Montena
  • Patent number: 7749023
    Abstract: A plug connector for an electrical plug connection including a contact chamber housing, having a plurality of contact chambers for receiving a contact body each, which is introducible into the contact chamber and is primarily engaged in the contact chamber housing in its end position, and having a secondary locking element which is guided displaceably across the direction of introduction of the contact bodies and which, in its locking position, respectively protrudes laterally into the contact chambers with a locking projection for secondarily locking the contact bodies primarily engaged there.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Simmel, Wolfgang Pade
  • Patent number: 7749024
    Abstract: Disclosed is type THHN cable having a reduced surface coefficient of friction, and the method of manufacture thereof, in which the central conductor core and insulating layer are surrounded by a nylon sheath. A high viscosity, high molecular weight silicone based pulling lubricant for THHN cable, or alternatively, erucamide or stearyl erucamide for small THHN gauge wire, is incorporated, by alternate methods, with the nylon material from which the outer sheath is extruded, and is effective to reduce the required pulling force on the cable during installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Southwire Company
    Inventors: Terry Chambers, Randy D. Kummer, John Armstrong, Philip Sasse, David Reece, Hai Lam
  • Patent number: 7749025
    Abstract: There is provided a method of manufacturing a shielded connector which includes: a terminal-attached wire; a housing containing the terminal of the terminal-attached wire; a shielded shell integrated to the housing; a knitted conductor mounted to the wire; and a shield ring interposing the knitted conductor between the shield ring and the shielded shell so that the knitted conductor is electrically connected to the shielded shell. The method includes: inserting, into the shielded shell, a single core having a stepped portion formed in a opposed drawing direction; bringing a contact portion formed at the shielded shell into contact with the core; covering the shield ring on the shielded shell via the knitted conductor; and calking the shield ring, the knitted conductor, and the shielded shell from outer side of the shield ring to form, on the shielded shell, a calk-deformed portion contained into the stepped portion of the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Eiji Aoki, Tomokazu Yamane, Takeaki Kaneko
  • Patent number: 7749026
    Abstract: This invention relates to an isolator. Primarily, an insulation cover is inserted by a connector being disposed with a plug-in unit. At least one iron core is disposed around a tube at the other end of a connector. A front cover is connected with a fixing seat having a first space and a second space in which first and second ring capacitors are respectively received. An insulation sleeve is arranged between the first and second ring capacitors. One end of each ring capacitor is disposed with a circular spring correspondingly. The other end of the fixing seat is connected to an outer tube, the outer end of which is arranged with a terminal portion with a plug-in unit mounted therein. Thereby the simplified structure of the isolator with an isolated ground effect improves the impedance matching and has properties of better bandwidth flatness, lower insertion loss, and better return loss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Soontai Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chun-Yi Li, Chih-Pin Yao
  • Patent number: 7749027
    Abstract: An electrical connector system includes a substrate (1) connected to PHY side and an electrical connector (3) mounted on the substrate (1), a transformer (5) and a common mode filter (7). The electrical connector (3) is used to mate with a cable assembly and so forms a Cable side. The transformer (5) further includes a first wire (51) having two opposite ends electrically connected to the PHY side and a second wire (53) having two opposite ends. The common mode filter (7) has a third wire (73) and a fourth wire (75) physically separated from the second wire (53). The third wire (73) has an end electrically connected to one end of the second wire (53) and an opposite end electrically connected to the Cable side. The fourth wire (75) has an end electrically connected to the opposite end of the second wire (53) and an opposite end electrically connected to the Cable side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd
    Inventors: John Chow, Li-Chun Wu, Chao-Tung Huang, Yong-Chun Xu, Chih-Min Lin, Jie Zhang
  • Patent number: 7749028
    Abstract: A combination receptacle for electrically or optically communicating information via a cable medium includes a first receptacle having at least one first contact arranged in a first footprint of the first receptacle, said first receptacle configured to receive a first connector, and a second receptacle having at least one second contact arranged in a second footprint of the second receptacle, said second receptacle configured to receive a second connector. The first footprint and the second footprint at least partially overlap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB
    Inventors: Ali R. Iranpour Feridani, Nlls I. Henrik Borjeson
  • Patent number: 7749029
    Abstract: A connector suitable for use in relatively high current applications such as encountered in certain battery operated devices. The connector uses molded male and female connector members that include flat connector pins, the male connector pins being inserted into the female connector member to make contact with the female connector pins. The female connector member has spaces for receiving the male connector pins that have minimum gaps of less than the thickness of the male connector pin, as defined by an elastic wall of the female connector member. The elastic walls deflect on insertion of the male connector pins and maintain a force holding the male connector pins in good contact with the female connector pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Inventor: James V. Pontillo, II
  • Patent number: 7749030
    Abstract: A battery terminal-cable connector provides an electrical connection between a battery terminal and a cable. The connector contains an integral cylindrical sleeve and flanges member, a cable fitting, a bolt, a pin, and a cam lever. The cam lever is movable between a first position that allows the flanges to separate and a second position that urges the flanges to contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Inventor: Michael W. Smith
  • Patent number: 7749031
    Abstract: A battery clamp includes a collar cooperating with opposing compression plates to engage a battery terminal. The clamp further includes a locking mechanism adapted to apply a compression force between the collar and the battery terminal. A method of securing a battery clamp to a terminal includes positioning a clamp around a terminal of a battery, wherein the clamp includes a collar and opposing compression plates. The method further includes engaging the collar to the terminal of the battery by applying a force to the compression plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary C. Detter, Jay Harold Garretson
  • Patent number: 7749032
    Abstract: A probe connector has an insulating housing having at least one inserting hole and an installing groove adjacent to the inserting hole for communicating with thereof. At least one probe pin assembly mounted to the inserting hole comprises a cylindraceous barrel, an elastic element received in the barrel, and a plunger mounted to the barrel and exposing from an end of the barrel. The barrel has a main body, with an opening formed thereon and facing the installing groove. A fixing element fixed in the installing groove has an elastic arm which is formed with a resting portion projecting into a chamber surrounded by the main body through the opening. The resting portion resiliently rests against a side of the plunger when the plunger is pressed downwards to deflect to contact an inner surface of the main body by an opposite side thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Cheng Uei Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Te-Hung Yin, Yung-Yi Chen, Shu-Fang Li, Jui-Pin Lin
  • Patent number: 7749033
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a novel amphibious surface vehicle (10) having a hull like chassis (11) with a plurality of rotary engagement devices (14) adapted for travel over various surface terrains and fluidic substances (17). Each engagement device includes rotors (16) having a multi-lobular periphery that provides improved tractive and propulsive attributes. The rotors are coupled through a driven eccentric hub (30) and phased by a non-circular internal gear pair (27, 37) so as to provide synchronized linear motion upon a weight bearing surface (15). The rotors with an overlapping contact ratio which produces increased traction and bearing area translating to improved overall performance upon a planar surfaces (15). This overlapping action becomes more paddle like when surface penetration occurs or by adjusting lever (19) aggressively changing the phasing incidence of the rotors (16), which is conducive to fluidic propulsion on water or other low shear strength substances (17).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Inventor: Gary Lee Paulus
  • Patent number: 7749034
    Abstract: An ergonomic pedaling apparatus for travel in water, enabling a user to practice swimming skills, comprising: an ergonomic supporting body for supporting the upper part of the user's body when frontally mounted over the body, where the body includes a curved triangular structure having three vertices constructed by three connected chassis members; three floatation units each connected to a separate vertex of the body; and a pedaling assembly comprising two scooped pedals enabling the user to progress in water by hand pedaling the pedals. The floatation units include: a first and a second back floatation units each comprising a float, where the floatability of the back floatation units is substantially equal and a third front floatation unit comprising two float parts vertically positioned one on top of the other. The floatability of the combined floats of the third floatation unit may be substantially equal to the floatability of each of the back floatation units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Nuvo Group Ltd.
    Inventors: Oren Oz, Yael Debby
  • Patent number: 7749035
    Abstract: A clamp for securing to a pipe or flowline for mounting buoyancy thereon, the clamp comprising: (i) a clamp body (2) having surfaces against which buoyancy may abut, (ii) a strap (6) for urging the clamp towards the pipe, and (iii) a radially resilient member (9) capable of expanding or contracting to conform to changes in diameter of the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Inventors: Robert Kenneth Oram, Kevan Frederik Stokes, Ewan George Lawrence Reid
  • Patent number: 7749036
    Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and a method for manufacturing a flat fluorescent lamp. The fluorescent lamp includes a plurality of discharge channels, a gas inlet connecting to the discharge channels, and an exhaust pipe connecting to the gas inlet. The process for manufacturing the fluorescent lamp includes exhausting air from the discharge channels through the exhaust pipe, diffusing a mercury vapor within the discharge channels, blocking a passage between the gas inlet and the most outer channel, and removing the gas inlet and the exhaust pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Mirae Corporation
    Inventors: Chung-Soo Kim, Do-Young Cho, Jeong-Wook Hur, Jong-Lee Park
  • Patent number: 7749037
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for forming an organic electronic device having at least two organic layers. The process includes (a) applying a first organic layer having a first organic material by a method selected from vapor deposition and liquid deposition from a first organic liquid medium; (b) applying a second organic layer having a photoactive compound directly over at least a portion of the first organic layer by liquid deposition from a second organic liquid medium, wherein the first organic material is sparingly soluble in the second organic liquid medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: William John Gambogi, Jr., Norman Herron, Eric Maurice Smith
  • Patent number: 7749038
    Abstract: A light emitting device fabrication method. The fabrication method of the light emitting device comprises providing a light emitting semiconductor device; positioning a plurality of luminescent particles at the optical path of the light emitting semiconductor device; and reducing the distance between the luminescent particles to enhance the molecular attraction between the luminescent particles, than the luminescent particles is coagulated to a luminescent powder layer by the molecular attraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Hong-Yuan Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wei-Yuan Cheng, Yu-Chao Wu
  • Patent number: 7749039
    Abstract: An organic light emitting display device and a method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. One aspect of the invention provides an organic light emitting display device including a first substrate including a pixel region in which an organic light emitting diode is formed, and a non-pixel region, the organic light emitting diode composed of a first electrode, an organic thin film layer and a second electrode; a second substrate arranged on the first substrate; a first encapsulating material provided between the first substrate and the second substrate of the non-pixel region; and a second encapsulating material provided in at least one side of the first encapsulating material and for reinforcing the first encapsulating material. The first encapsulating material includes at least one of a transparent glass layer and an opaque glass layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung Mobile Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jin Woo Park
  • Patent number: 7749040
    Abstract: A smoke production system for a model locomotive capable of accurately simulating the exhaust characteristics of an actual locomotive. The present invention accomplishes this by monitoring the rotation to the flywheel of the electric motor used to drive the drive wheels of the model locomotive. Various devices may be used to monitor the rotation of the flywheel. For example, a magnet is employed on the flywheel and a magnetically-reactive element such as a reed switch or Hall effect sensor is positioned adjacent to the flywheel. Alternatively, an opticoupler or cam may be used to track the rotations of the flywheel. A controller counts the rotations of the flywheel and actuates a smoke production device to emit smoke four discrete times for every rotation of the model locomotive's drive wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Inventor: Robert A. Grubba
  • Patent number: 7749041
    Abstract: A portable theater for children that has multiple features of a theater integrated together. The portable theater has a stage, refreshment stand, ticket booth and alternatively a dressing room or puppet theater. Each side of theater has one element for a total of four elements in any given theater. The theater allows children to enact not only a performance, but also other aspects of the theater experience like selling tickets, selling refreshments and changing between scenes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Inventor: Lisa Annette Leleu
  • Patent number: 7749042
    Abstract: The toy building set comprises interconnectable modular elements that include flat, substantially square bricks, each having two opposite, substantially square main faces, of which a first one is shaped with an array of recesses. Two first, adjacent, narrow side faces bear tabs projecting at right angles from the respective side faces. Two second, adjacent, narrow side faces bear forks projecting from the respective side faces so that the tabs of an adjacent brick can be inserted therein. Each fork is of a size and shape such that it is insertable in one of the recesses with a tight fit. The modular elements also comprise disc-shaped, peripherally toothed bricks, each having transverse openings in which the forks are insertable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Giochi Puliti S.R.L.
    Inventor: Ettore Fulgenzi
  • Patent number: 7749043
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention an interactive toy includes a body, a head extending from a front portion of the body and a plurality of feet extending downwardly from the body. A pair of sensors are separately positioned on the left and right sides of the toy, and the sensors activate upon receiving a signal. A microprocessor is in communication with the pair of sensors controls a mechanical movements of the toy upon activation of the sensors. In one embodiment the mechanical movements of the toy include a pair of motors separately driving a gear spur meshed to a wheel. Each wheel extends from underneath the toy to drive the toy on a surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: REHCO, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Rehkemper, Jeffrey Rehkemper, Dennis O'Patka, Jackson Wilson, Michael Kass, Nicholas Grisolia
  • Patent number: 7749044
    Abstract: A manually operated air-driven music box which will generate music at a relatively constant tempo as a user moves the music box back and fourth in opposite directions through the air. The music box has a rotatable drum cylinder to activate tone arms. A first propeller on one end of a drive axle and a second propeller on an opposite end of the drive axle rotate the drive axle as the music box is moved through the air. A gear mechanism for the drive axle rotates the drum cylinder in the same direction as the drive axle is rotated by the propellers. The first propeller is constructed to rotate in a counterclockwise direction and the second propeller is constructed to rotate in a clockwise direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Inventor: Harald Herglotz
  • Patent number: 7749045
    Abstract: A system and method of conditioning acceleration signals and/or preventing “glitch” actions due to spurious signals, and/or causing termination a competition, and/or disabling a specific contestant in a competition involving remote controlled miniature race vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Inventors: Kerry T. Namanny, Keith E. Namanny, Kenneth D. Namanny, Barrett D. Moser
  • Patent number: 7749046
    Abstract: A toy vehicle may include a drive unit; a plurality of wheels; mechanical linkage coupling the drive unit to one or more of the wheels to permit energy stored in the drive unit to be discharged to drive the one or more driven wheels and propel the vehicle; and a user operable selector mechanism configured to permit a user of the toy to select, from a plurality of different speeds, a desired speed at which the vehicle is propelled when energy from the drive unit is discharged through the one or more driven wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Filoseta Miva, Jamie Cheung
  • Patent number: 7749047
    Abstract: A toy vehicle. The toy vehicle includes a body with at least one rollable wheel operatively connected to the body, and a pneumatic system operatively connected to the body and configured to store a pressurized gas and release stored gas upon a triggering event. A lifter is operatively connected to the at least one wheel and is configured to use energy from the pressurized gas to cause the toy to jump responsive to the triggering event, at least in part, by extending the at least one wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Steve Dunham
  • Patent number: 7749048
    Abstract: A method of operating a polishing apparatus in which a substrate is held with a carrier head supported by a movable support of the polishing apparatus, the substrate is brought into contact with a polishing surface at a polishing station of the polishing apparatus and the substrate is polished, the substrate is removed from the polishing surface, the support moves to transfer the carrier head to a different station of the polishing apparatus, and the polishing surface is conditioned. The conditioning overlaps with at least one of removing the substrate or moving the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: James C. Wang, Hung K. Nguyen, Sen-Hou Ko, Wei-Yung Hsu
  • Patent number: 7749049
    Abstract: Fluid jet polishing (FJP) is a method of contouring and polishing a surface of a component by aiming a jet of a slurry of working fluid from a nozzle at the component and eroding the surface to create a desired shape. During erosion, the end of the nozzle and the component are submerged within the working fluid, whereby air is not introduced into the closed loop of working fluid slurry. Any bubbles that are present in the system simply bubble to an air pocket at the top of the erosion chamber and are not re-circulated, thereby producing surfaces with very smooth surface finishes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Lightmachinery Inc.
    Inventors: John H. Hunter, Ian J. Miller, John Nilson, Gregg Senechal, Jeff Wimperis
  • Patent number: 7749050
    Abstract: Methods for extending the service life of a CMP pad dresser having a substrate and a plurality of superabrasive particles disposed thereon which is used to dress a CMP pad are disclosed and described. The method may include dressing the chemical mechanical polishing pad with the dresser; determining superabrasive particle wear by measuring a mechanical property of the pad, dresser, or combination thereof; and responding to the mechanical property measurement by varying pressure and RPM between the pad and the dresser in relation to the superabrasive particle wear in order to extend dresser life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Inventors: Chien-Min Sung, Yang-Liang Pai
  • Patent number: 7749051
    Abstract: In the case of a method and an apparatus for manually aligning ophthalmic spectacle lenses (5), in particular semifinished products of progressive lenses, the spectacle lens is held for the purpose of machining the free side of the spectacle lens by a first holder via a connecting material situated therebetween. The holder is inserted into a cutout of a retaining device, the free side being machined. After machining of the free side of the spectacle lens, the first holder is inserted into a cutout of an adapter part that is provided with markings. Thereafter, the spectacle lens is aligned with the aid of the markings of the adapter part, the spectacle lens being held in a second holder via a further connecting material situated therebetween. The second holder is subsequently inserted in the retaining device. Finally, the first holder is removed from the spectacle lens together with the adapter part and the connecting material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss SMT AG
    Inventor: Michael Zaiser
  • Patent number: 7749052
    Abstract: One embodiment provides a retaining ring assembly. The retaining ring assembly comprises a retaining ring configured to circumferentially surround and retain the substrate within an inner surface of the retaining ring, and a flexure coupled to the retaining ring. The flexure is configured to maintain a gap between an inner surface of a carrier ring and an outer surface of the retaining ring, and the carrier ring is circumferentially surrounding the retaining ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Jin Yi, Jeonghoon Oh, Hung Chih Chen, Samuel Chu-Chiang
  • Patent number: 7749053
    Abstract: A device for generating a negative pressure in the sealed room of a tablet press and/or of an isolator, with a fan connected to the sealed room and an air opening towards the sealed room, wherein the intake side of an ejector is connected with the sealed room, the working fluid connection of which is connectable with a compressed air source via a valve, with a sensor which is connected to a negative pressure control unit which opens the valve when the sensor measures a pressure in the sealed room which is above a predetermined negative pressure value, a second valve being assigned to the fresh air inlet opening, which depending on the embodiment remains opened or is triggered and closed by the negative pressure control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Fette GmbH
    Inventors: Holger Behns, Enrico Gand, Linda Heck, Ralf Zingler
  • Patent number: 7749054
    Abstract: A modular straight separator bar for a rotor for a threshing system of an agricultural combine that is mountable on a single mounting lug and interchangeable with a rasp bar at a plurality of locations on the rotor. As a result, more straight separator bars may be mounted towards the front of the rotor providing the threshing system the capability of performing increased separation in the threshing process without interrupting the helical flow pattern of the crop material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Herbert M. Farley, Wayne Flickinger
  • Patent number: 7749055
    Abstract: A dual action corn cob separation and attendant corn cob separator, having a plurality of generally vertical or generally longitudinally elongated slots, and having disposed therebetween at least two of said slots, at least one generally vertical or longitudinal in-line row of smaller slots or openings, whereby whole corn cobs can be more effectively harvested.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventor: Jonathan E. Ricketts
  • Patent number: 7749056
    Abstract: To provide a game system in which each of the players in turn controls a common character (operation object) so as to enjoy a continuous electric game; and to provide a game system in which a previous player who has been replaced by another player still has willing to participate in the game. There is provided a game system to which a plurality of players can access via respective operation terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Sega
    Inventors: Hiroshi Ando, Shiro Takehara, Akihito Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 7749057
    Abstract: In a video game or simulator, suggested speed indicators are computed along a suggested driving line on a path (e.g., a race track) and displayed in a simple, progressive, and user-friendly format. The displayed speed indicators are based on a racer's current speed and target speeds attributed to individual locations along the suggested driving line on the path. The speed indicators provide a dynamic indication of where and how the player should slow down or speed up relative to their current speed as their racer travels along the path. The speed indicators are displayed (e.g., using color to represent different magnitudes of suggested acceleration and deceleration) along the suggested driving line in front of the racer so that the player can anticipate braking and acceleration actions as the path and the racer's speed change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Tipping, Mark Andrew Hatton
  • Patent number: 7749058
    Abstract: This invention is a networked board game apparatus and method of playing a customized game for 2 or more players on recursively organized boards, and a method for applying the aforementioned to leadership, communications, and team building education, and further to apply the aforementioned to the specific form of Chess. Applied to form of Chess, the first board is identical to a chessboard. The second board is an 8× multiple of the first board. Tartary boards follow this exponential growth. Players alternate moving pieces to a game-ending condition. Two players lead, the next 32 players play on a second board. Each first board move changes the positions of a second board player's pieces by a uniform transformation where the first board piece's new position is a function moving the second board player's pieces, which then continue from their new positions, potentially affecting deeper levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Inventor: David John Kershaw
  • Patent number: 7749059
    Abstract: A poker game offers the possibility of sequential hand play and large payoffs. In one embodiment, a first set of cards is used to form a first poker hand. A draw feature may allow the player to discard cards and obtain replacement cards. If the first poker hand is a predetermined winning set of cards or has a first rank, then the outcome is a winning outcome. Otherwise, the game ends. If the first hand is a winning outcome, the player may be paid winnings or play a subsequent hand in which the player attempts to achieve a hand having a higher rank than the previous hand. If the second hand has a higher rank than the previous hand, the player may be paid winnings or continue playing. In one embodiment, payouts for particular ranks or hands increase as the game continues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventor: Elia Rocco Tarantino
  • Patent number: 7749060
    Abstract: A game system for playing a game between a plurality of players, the system comprising: a plurality of matching tile groupings, each one of the matching tile groupings defined by a plurality of tiles having a machine-readable identifier configured to identify its corresponding tile, wherein each one of the matching tile groupings is distinguishable from one another based on a distinct human-readable identifier disposed and viewable only on its bottom surface; a board comprising a plurality of distinct positions for placing each tile; and a scoring brick configured to: maintain each player's score, determine a penalty matching tile grouping and a bonus matching tile grouping, read the machine-readable identifier, and adjust the player's score, wherein the player's score is penalized for a penalty tile, and the player's score is rewarded for a bonus tile or for a predetermined number of consecutively read tiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Inventors: Frank S. Olmes, III, Michael Anthony Short
  • Patent number: 7749061
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention comprises a method including steps of populating a primary set of card positions with a first set of initial cards, determining at least one discarded card from the first set of initial cards, replacing the at least one discarded card from the first set of initial cards with replacement cards to form a final set of cards, and determining whether to include the at least one discarded card in at least one secondary set of card positions. If the at least one discarded card is to be included in the at least one secondary set of card positions, the method further provides for populating the at least one secondary set of card positions with the at least one discarded card. Some embodiments of the present invention also provide for determining a payout based on at least the final set of cards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Magdalena M. Fincham, Jason Krantz, Victor M. Garcia, Geoffrey M. Gelman, Daniel E. Tedesco, Stephen C. Tulley
  • Patent number: 7749062
    Abstract: An electronic game features captivating animations and rich selection criteria while offering the simplicity that makes the popularity of legacy games such as roulette, wheel of fortune and multi-line fruit machines casino games. One implementation of the present electronic game is configured as a 2D game tailored for slot machines. Solid 3D variants of the game extending beyond the established video slot machine form-factor are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Mudalla Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Jean-Marie Gatto, John Papanastasiou, Paul Girard, Sylvie Linard, Thierry Brunet de Courssou
  • Patent number: 7749063
    Abstract: A bonus game that operates in combination with a slot machine base game is provided. The bonus game includes a series of free spins or free evaluations in which symbols of a set of symbols are generated. The free spins also generate executor symbols that alone or in accumulation cause one of the symbols of the set to be eliminated or replaced. In either case the symbols remaining in the set have a higher probability of being generated and a higher probability exists that a larger award paying combination of the remaining symbols will be generated. The elimination sequence can be repeated a number of times further increasing the probability of generating a higher paying award for the player. The present invention is operable with different types of base games such as slot and poker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Matthew E. Belger, Karen M. Cregan
  • Patent number: 7749064
    Abstract: The present invention includes a variety of methods to calculate awards for a winning symbol combinations based upon the values assigned to some or all of the symbols or symbol positions not included in the winning symbol combinations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: PTT, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Mordecai Marks, Joseph Dominic Masci, Anthony Mark Singer
  • Patent number: 7749065
    Abstract: System and method for conducting a slot-keno wagering game. A plurality of objects, some of which bear one of a plurality of symbols are provided. The symbols on the plurality of objects are initially hidden from a player. Each of a plurality of stations is associated with one of the plurality of symbols and each of the plurality of stations receives the objects bearing the associated symbols. A wager input is received from the player for a selected one of the plurality of stations. After receiving the wager input, the objects to be revealed are randomly selected. The symbols are revealed and the objects bearing the revealed symbols are moved to the stations associated with the symbols on the revealed objects. The player is provided with a first award in response to a predetermined number of the revealed objects appearing in the selected one of the plurality of stations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventor: Allon G. Englman
  • Patent number: 7749066
    Abstract: Novel enhanced gaming systems employ unique, specialized, for example, FIRESTAR ™ type of indicia disposed upon at least one location of a plurality of pre-mapped locations housed on, for example, a multiplicity of bingo-type of cards. Percentages of indicia arrayed on, for example, card sets are controlled by a gaming proprietor's or operator's configuration settings as are the respective locations of the subject indicia, for example, by using a random number generator to induce players to participate in multiple opportunities to garner prizes, for example, for achieving a bingo-type of victory concomittant with pre-established winning requirements and a pre-selected occurrence of a unique specialized indicum. Progressive reports serve to keep players, proprietors/operators and gaming authorities apprised of earnings both in terms of amounts, odds and related data on occurrence of the same indicia in real time providing unique inducement and tracking value in both hard copy and electronic form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Gametech International, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Hartman, Calvin Nicholson, Joseph Kisenwether
  • Patent number: 7749067
    Abstract: An electronic game card allows participants to play multiple game faces, and enables simultaneous game play at different locations. A plurality of display faces are displayed on each card, and additional faces are stored for simultaneous play. Most probable winners of the stored faces are displayed along side the display faces so that the participant can follow stored faces as well. The card may be electronically networked to a local computer which in turn is networked over a larger area to a remote central computer to thereby increase the number of participants in the play group and to increase jackpots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Inventor: John J. Frain
  • Patent number: 7749068
    Abstract: A gaming device having a plurality of locations including a destination location, a player symbol and an award associated with a plurality of the locations. The gaming device includes a setback condition associated with one of the locations, wherein when the player symbol moves to the location having the associated setback condition, the player symbol is relocated based on the setback condition to one of the locations further from the destination location and an advance condition associated with one of the locations, wherein when the player symbol moves to the location having the advance condition, the player symbol is relocated based on the advance condition to one of the locations toward to the destination location. The player symbol is moved to at least one and preferably a plurality of the locations and the player is provided any awards associated with the locations of the player symbol until the player symbol is moved to or beyond the destination location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Ryan W. Cuddy, Tonja M. Ferry, Anthony J. Baerlocher
  • Patent number: 7749069
    Abstract: Coin-operated player-operable entertainment machines, such as fruit machines with symbol-selecting reels, are linked to a common display device. The machines are used to play games which may result in wins, dependent upon at least one machine parameter. The machine parameter may be the percentage pay out for which the machines are set, i.e., the proportion of stake value returned as awards. The percentages may be different for different machines and this may be shown on the common display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: IGT-UK Limited
    Inventor: Dov L. Randall
  • Patent number: 7749070
    Abstract: A gaming device including a rotatable symbol display having a plurality of sections and a plurality of symbol modifying indicators. Each of the sections includes a value which is modified by a modifier generated by an activated symbol modifying indicators. The modified awards are added together and provided to the player in the game. In one embodiment, a selection display including a plurality of selections is displayed to the player. The selections are associated with each of the symbol modifying indicators. The gaming device enables the player to pick one or more of the selections to activate one or more of the symbol modifying indicators. The player picks the selections until the player picks a selection including a terminator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Anthony J. Baerlocher, John H. Zielinski
  • Patent number: 7749071
    Abstract: A gaming device including a plurality of reels having a plurality of symbols including one or more selectable symbols. The gaming device displays the selectable symbols on the reels when a triggering event occurs and enables the player to pick at least one of the selectable symbols appearing on the reels. The gaming device provides a value symbol or a wild symbol associated with the picked symbol when the player picks one of the selectable symbols. If the picked symbol reveals a value symbol, the gaming device provides a value associated with the value symbol to the player. If the picked symbol includes a wild symbol, the gaming device displays a wild symbol in at least one symbol position of the reel including the picked symbol. The gaming device evaluates any symbol combinations on the reels and provides an award associated with the wining symbol combinations to the player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Daniel M. Marks, Anthony M. Singer, Howard M. Marks