Patents Issued in January 28, 2014
  • Patent number: 8636537
    Abstract: A connecting terminal includes a housing having at least one base member and an actuating part coupled to the base member and lockingly engageable therewith in an open position and in a contact position. An insulation-displacement contact is configured to connect a cable. A first latching device is configured to contribute to a first interlocking of the base member and the actuating part in the open position and a second latching device is configured to contribute to a second interlocking of the base member and the actuating part in the contact position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Phoenix Contact GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Markus Kettern, Ralf Geske
  • Patent number: 8636538
    Abstract: A connection device with circuit integrity in case of fire where the connection device is configured for tapping into a flat cable without stripping an insulation where the flat cable is configured with plural high power current strands extending parallel and offset from one another in a plane, wherein the connecting device reaches about the flat cable and includes contact screws that are configured to be screwed into the flat cable, where a respective pair of contact screws is provided for the respective high power current strands, wherein the two contact screws of a pair are arranged so that one contact screw contacts one side of a conductor of the high power current strand and another contact screw contacts another side of the conductor of the high power current strand when the flat cable is connected, wherein the contact screws respectively include threads so that the conductor is laterally clamped by the two contact screws with the threads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Woertz AG
    Inventors: Tamas Onodi, Andreas Dreier
  • Patent number: 8636539
    Abstract: In a connector according to the Present Disclosure, a cable inserted into an insertion hole is inserted into a through-hole of a metal fitting contained in a support groove. The metal fitting contained in the support groove plastically deforms such that the size of the through-hole decreases when it is compressed in the depth direction of the support groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventors: Kotaro Kobayashi, Toshiya Oda
  • Patent number: 8636540
    Abstract: An electrical connector (100) comprising a housing (200) defining a front face and a first mating cavity recessed rearward from the front face for receiving a modular plug, an electronic module (400) mounted to the housing, a horizontal PCB (500) mounted under the electronic module, and an outer shell (700) shielding the electronic module and the housing. The electronic module has a vertical PCB(420) which includes a ground trace (421) joined to a conductor (427) that extends through a plated hole in the vertical PCB and that is connected to a conductive pin (722) of the outer shell through a conductive trace (56) of the horizontal PCB (500).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jian-Ming Bu
  • Patent number: 8636541
    Abstract: Axially compressible, F-connectors for conventional installation tools for interconnection with coaxial cable include adaptations for establishing electrical continuity despite inadequate nut tightening. Each connector has a rigid nut, a post penetrating the nut, a tubular body, and an end cap. The conductive post coaxially extends through the connector, linking the nut and body. A post end penetrates the coaxial cable. The connector may have a circumferential groove defined in the end cap mounting an annular D-ring which tensions contact between the post and nut. The connector may comprise a continuity coil seated within a post groove in spring-loaded contact with the nut and the post for promoting continuity. The connector may comprise a pressure spring and an O-ring seated within a post groove in spring-loaded contact with the nut for promoting continuity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: PerfectVision Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Chastain, Glen David Shaw
  • Patent number: 8636542
    Abstract: Coaxial connector comprising a signal contact member having a connecting terminal portion and a contacting terminal portion, a grounding contact member having an annular engaging portion for engaging with an outer contact member of a mating coaxial connector and a shell portion extending from the annular engaging portion to be connected with an outer conductor of a coaxial cable, and a housing for supporting the signal contact member and the grounding contact member. The connecting terminal portion of the signal contact member is positioned at the outside of the annular engaging portion of the grounding contact member to be connected with a core conductor of the coaxial cable and the contacting terminal portion of the signal contact member is positioned at the inside of the annular engaging portion of the grounding contact member for coming into contact with a central contact member of the mating coaxial connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Dai-Ichi Seiko Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akio Funahashi
  • Patent number: 8636543
    Abstract: A footprint of an electronic assembly formed from conductive pads on a surface of a printed circuit board. One or more vias may connect each pad to a conductive structure within the printed circuit board. The footprint may be such that the vias for the pads are aligned along columns, leaving wide routing channels between the columns. The pads may have different shapes. For example, some of the pads may each have two solder attachment regions that are electrically connected to a ground plane, while other pads may each have one solder attachment region that is electrically connected to a signal trace. The solder attachment regions may be arranged in such a pattern that they align with respective contact tails of a connector assembly. A signal path may be formed between a solder attachment region and a corresponding contact tail through a solder ball attached to the contact tail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Amphenol Corporation
    Inventor: David M. McNamara
  • Patent number: 8636544
    Abstract: Plug assembly including first and second plug connectors that are configured to be stacked with respect to each other. Each of the first and second plug connectors has a mating side that extends between leading and trailing ends along a plug axis. The mating side includes an attachment area and an exposed area that are laterally adjacent to each other. Each of the first and second plug connectors also has an electromagnetic interference (EMI) shield section coupled to the mating side at the attachment area. The mating sides of the first and second plug connectors interface with each other when the first and second plug connectors are stacked. The EMI shield section of the first plug connector engages the mating side of the second plug connector at the exposed area. The EMI shield section of the second plug connector engages the other mating side at the exposed area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Eric David Briant, Brian Keith McMaster, Jr., Daniel Lee Gorenc, John Eugene Westman
  • Patent number: 8636545
    Abstract: A electrical connector (100) includes an insulative housing (2), a shielding shell (7) enclosing the insulative housing, a ground plate (547, 5232) supported by the insulative housing and, a gap defined between an edge of the ground plate and the shielding shell and a conductive member (90, 91) positioned between the ground plate and shielding shell for filling the gap. The conductive member is provided to shield the electromagnetic interference (EMI) leaking from the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: John Chow, Zhi-Cheng Zhang, Zhi-Jian Liu
  • Patent number: 8636546
    Abstract: A connector (100) includes an insulative housing (1), a set of contacts (3) attached to the insulative housing, and a metal shell shielding the insulative housing. The insulative housing has a base portion (11) and a tongue portion (12) extending forwardly from the base portion. The base portion has a pair of first bumps (1124) protruding therefrom and located at two sides thereof, and a second bumps (1125) protruding therefrom and located between the first bumps. The metal shell has a pair of first notches (44) locating at two sides thereof and locking with the first bumps, and a second notch (45) located between the first notches and locking with the second bumps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jia-Yong He, Zhong-Hua Yao, Qi-Sheng Zheng, Hong-Bin Gong
  • Patent number: 8636547
    Abstract: There are provided a connector and a connector module which may commonly use mutually different interface schemes, and an electronic apparatus having the same. The connector includes a body having a fixed volume; and at least one coupling hole formed inwardly in a side of the body, and electrically coupled with a pin from the outside, wherein the coupling hole includes a first coupling unit having a predetermined first depth and electrically coupled with the pin from the outside, and a second coupling unit having a second depth deeper than the first depth and electrically coupled with another pin from the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Joo Young Ha, Young An Choi, In Taek Song, Hae Jin Jeon
  • Patent number: 8636548
    Abstract: A card edge connector includes an elongated housing extending along an elongated direction thereof, and having a first housing half, a second housing half being discrete from the first housing half, and a central slot formed between the first and the second housing halves. A plurality of contacts are retained in the housing, and each has a contact portion protruding into the central slot. A width of the central slot could be adjusted before mounting the card edge connector to a mother board for receiving different daughter boards with different thicknesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xiao-Zhi Fu, Ze-Lin Yao, Zhuang-Xing Li
  • Patent number: 8636549
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to multi-trace electrical connectors for harsh environments. More particularly, the present invention relates to bayonet rotary electrical connectors which maintain electrical connection dynamically, and which may have replaceable connector components. This type of connector is used, for example, in drilling operations where the connector must be rotated, for example during assembly, disassembly, or operation of bottom hole equipment or sensor or communications packages, and where the electrical connection may be maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Newsco Directional Support Services Inc.
    Inventors: F. Dale Pratt, Kenneth A. Lambe
  • Patent number: 8636550
    Abstract: A protective cap protects a fusible link formed with a connection hole. A protective cap part is disposed on an extension of an axis of a stud bolt of a power source. The protective cap part is formed with a tool insertion hole into which a tool used for fitting a nut with the stud bolt is inserted. The stud bolt is inserted through the connection hole. A nut holder is provided inside the protective cap part. The nut holder holds the nut in a state where an axis of the nut is parallel to the axis of the stud bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Shinya Onoda, Motofumi Kato, Yoshinori Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 8636551
    Abstract: Embodiments include an electrical contact including a tubular body formed of a flexible and insulative material. The tubular body includes an inner surface. The electrical contact also includes at least one wire partially embedded into the tubular body such that at least a portion of the at least one wire is exposed within the inner surface of the tubular body. At least a portion of the inner surface of the tubular body and at least the exposed portion of the at least one wire forms a channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Hypertronics Corporation
    Inventor: Allyssa M. Skidmore
  • Patent number: 8636552
    Abstract: A surfboard has a surfboard body, an electric motor, and a propeller. An electric power circuit provides power to the electric motor from a source of electro-motive force within the interior of the surfboard body. Additional electrical components, which may be capacitor banks, limit the rate of acceleration of the surfboard body. Several different capacitor banks may be included to provide selectable rates of acceleration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Inventors: Paul T. Braden, Sterling Higashi
  • Patent number: 8636553
    Abstract: An assembly (10) is provided for mounting a hydrofoil, trolling plate or trolling motor (or other accessory) on the anti-ventilation plate (14) of a sterndrive or outboard motor (16) without the need to modify the plate or motor. The assembly (10) has lower and upper elements (20, 22) which are secured about the plate (14) by bolts (34). The upper element (22) has a bolt pattern (40) to mount the hydrofoil or other device. A catch (60, 88, 88a, 88b, 88c, 88d) mounted on the lower element (20) can be engaged in the trim tab or anode recess. Grip devices (50) can be mounted on the lower element (20) that are adjusted to grip the edges of the plate (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Sport Marine Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: James F. Corn
  • Patent number: 8636554
    Abstract: A buoyant rescue device for retrieval of drowning victims, particularly those that have fallen through floating ice, in the configuration of a catamaran with an opening in the bow to allow a ladder structure to rotate into the water. The ladder is pivotally mounted to the center of the craft and is lowered into the water the so the victim can climb the ladder onto the craft, or if the victim is injured or too weak to do so, a rescuer can provide a downward force at the top of the ladder and lift the victim out, such as a teeter totter would operate. The centrally located pivot point alleviates most of the listing or tilting and potential capsizing that would occur if a person were to climb onto the edge of the boat or if rescuers were reaching into the water to retrieve the person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Inventors: John Patrick Connolly, Joseph Patrick Farais
  • Patent number: 8636555
    Abstract: Provided is a technique for limiting the radial displacement between a metal shell and an insulator in a spark plug. At the time of manufacturing a spark plug with a metal shell and an insulator, the metal shell and the insulator are assembled together by, while allowing relative positional displacement between the metal shell and the insulator in an axial direction (O-O), limiting relative positional displacement between the metal shell and the insulator in a radial direction intersecting with the axial direction in such a manner that the amount of deviation between an axis of the metal shell and an axis of the insulator becomes less than or equal to a predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Keisuke Kure, Jiro Kyuno
  • Patent number: 8636556
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for resizing COTS AMLCDs or other electronic displays, as well as resized displays made using these apparatus and methods, are provided. The electronic display includes a front plate, a back plate, a perimeter seal spacing the front and back plates apart, and image-generating medium contained in an area between the front and back plates. A target portion of the display may be identified and separated from an excess portion of the display, e.g., by cutting and breaking the plates of the display, thereby creating an exposed edge along the target portion. The plates of the target portion are pressed towards one another, e.g., to stabilize or compress the target portion. An adhesive is applied to the exposed edge, and the pressure is released to draw the adhesive between the plates along the exposed edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Inventor: Lawrence E. Tannas, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8636557
    Abstract: A hand-held bubble generating apparatus designed to mimic the appearance of a gun or a cannon. A housing may be coupled with a non-spill reservoir, and bubble generating liquid may be stored in the non-spill reservoir. A tube may communicate the bubble generating liquid from the reservoir to a bubble assembly support inside the housing. The bubble assembly support may hold a rotational bubble ring comprising a plurality of individual rings spaced about the outer circumference. When rotated proximate to and across a liquid dispensing section, each individual ring may receive enough bubble generating liquid to form a film across each ring. By rationing the amount of bubble liquid released on each individual ring, the device can incorporate a closed, non-spill reservoir. When air is generated and blown through the film of bubble generating liquid on each of the individual rings of the rotational bubble ring, bubbles are produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Wing Hing Manufacturing Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Wai Chung Lo
  • Patent number: 8636558
    Abstract: An entertainment system comprises an entertainment device and an interactive toy. The entertainment device comprises a wireless receiver arranged in operation to receive data descriptive of the physical capabilities of an interactive toy from an interactive toy, processing means to generate interaction signals, and a wireless transmitter arranged in operation to transmit interaction signals to the interactive toy, and in which the generated interaction signals are responsive to the data descriptive of the physical capabilities of the interactive toy. The interactive toy comprises a wireless receiver arranged in operation to receive a query signal requesting information about physical capabilities of the interactive toy, data provision means for providing data descriptive of the capabilities of the interactive toy, and a wireless transmitter arranged in operation to transmit the data descriptive of the physical capabilities of the interactive toy in response to the query signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Limited
    Inventors: Adrianna Maria Eyzaguirre, Peter John Hodges
  • Patent number: 8636559
    Abstract: A method of reducing manufacturing defects of semiconductor wafers during a back-grinding process. The method includes receiving a semiconductor wafer on a chuck table, wherein said chuck table has a surface upon which a front side of the wafer is placed, and wherein said chuck table has one or more holes in surface and one or more sensors placed in said one or more holes. The method further includes grinding at least a portion of a back side of the semiconductor wafer. The method further includes monitoring a parameter, while grinding, measured by the one or more sensors and adjusting the grinding based at least on the monitored parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chen-Fa Lu, Chiang-Hao Lee, Wei-Yu Chen, Chung-Shi Liu
  • Patent number: 8636560
    Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for removing magnetic or magnetized contaminants from a wiresaw cutting slurry during a wiresaw cutting process. The apparatus comprises a recirculating slurry dispensing system that defines the slurry flow pathway. The recirculating dispensing slurry system comprises a magnetic separator for removing magnetic or magnetizable contaminants from the slurry, wherein the purified slurry is discharged back into recirculation within the recirculating slurry dispensing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Cabot Microelectronics Corporation
    Inventors: Steven Grumbine, Ramasubramanyam Nagarajan
  • Patent number: 8636561
    Abstract: A polishing head for holding a workpiece when a surface of the workpiece is polished and a polishing apparatus provided with the polishing head, and more particularly a polishing head for holding the workpiece on a rubber film and a polishing apparatus provided with the polishing head. The polishing head and the polishing apparatus provided with the polishing head that can adjust the polishing profile on the basis of the shape of the workpiece before polishing and can stably obtain good flatness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignees: Shin-Etsu Handotai Co., Ltd., Fujikoshi Machinery Corp.
    Inventors: Hisashi Masumura, Hiromasa Hashimoto, Kouji Morita, Hiromi Kishida, Satoru Arakawa
  • Patent number: 8636562
    Abstract: A back-up apparatus for use with a surface treating apparatus can include a back-up plate having a pad attachment face and a back-up pad having a first pad face and a second pad face. The back-up apparatus can also include a porous interface layer. The interface layer can include an outer face. The back-up apparatus can also include a layer of a first adhesive on the outer face and extending into the interface layer, and a layer of a second adhesive provided on the layer of the first adhesive. The second adhesive can be selected to releasably adhesively bond to an abrasive sheet. The first and second adhesives can be selected such that the adhesive bond between the first adhesive and the second adhesive is stronger than the adhesive bond between the second adhesive and the abrasive sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Inventor: Miksa Marton
  • Patent number: 8636563
    Abstract: In a rotating grinding- or cutting tool, in particular a grinding wheel or grinding roller, on one body, a coating of abrasive material, e.g. cubic boron nitride (CBN) or diamond is applied. The body (2, 12, 22, 32, 42) has two side walls (2a, 12a, 22a, 32a, 42a; 2a, 12a, 22a, 32a, 42a) which are connected to each other on their peripheral region, with the side walls being constructed with fiber-reinforced composite, in particular carbon fiber-, glass fiber- or synthetic fiber-reinforced composite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Inventor: Norbert Asen
  • Patent number: 8636564
    Abstract: A feeding device for suspension elements, for feeding flexible suspension elements into a packaging machine, in particular into a clipping machine, wherein the suspension elements are detachably disposed in the form of loops by an adhesive on a carrier strip transversely to the feeding direction and may be conveyed of said carrier strip to a delivery point at which a suspension element may be removed from the carrier strip. In the region of the delivery point for the suspension elements, a holding-down device is provided above the carrier strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Poly-Clip System GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jürgen Reitz, Manfred Waldstadt
  • Patent number: 8636565
    Abstract: A method for cooling electronic equipment can include flowing cooling air across a plurality of computer units and into a common warm air plenum located at a first end of the computer units; flowing air from the warm air plenum through one or more cooling units, and into an area located at a second end of the computer units; and controlling a flow rate of air out of the warm air plenum to maintain a predetermined pressure differential between the second end of the computer units and the first end of the computer units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Exaflop LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Carlson, William Hamburgen, Jimmy Clidaras
  • Patent number: 8636566
    Abstract: In a ceiling-embedded air conditioner, a panel fastening screw that fastens a decorative panel to an indoor unit body embedded in a ceiling is previously mounted to the indoor unit body and has an intermediate portion having a small diameter with no threaded portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Toshiba Carrier Corporation
    Inventor: Kenji Gajina
  • Patent number: 8636567
    Abstract: A damper for controlling fluid flow includes a main body, a stator and a rotor. The stator may be carried by the main body and include at least one blade having a predetermined shape. The rotor may be moveably connected to the stator and carried by the main body. The rotor may include at least one blade having a predetermined shape and may be moveable between an opened position and a closed position. The predetermined shape of the at least one stator blade and the at least one rotor blade may form a converging-diverging nozzle, and the stator and the rotor may be carried by the main body so that fluid flows through the main body substantially perpendicular thereto. The opened position may be defined as the at least one stator blade being aligned with the at least one rotor blade, and the closed position may be defined as the at least one stator blade being offset from the at least one rotor blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Airgonomix, LLC
    Inventors: Sean J. Fitzgerald, John C. Farrar, Robert F. Keimer, David L. Huie, Allen N. Williams, Matthew S. Ikemeier, Brendan T. Fitzgerald
  • Patent number: 8636568
    Abstract: A combine threshing system includes a rotor having and in-feed area at a front end of the rotor and a rotor body configured to convey material along a helical path from the front end of the rotor body to a rear end of the rotor body. The system also includes a substantially cylindrical threshing chamber positioned circumferentially around and spaced apart from the rotor body. The threshing chamber includes a lower portion substantially concentric with the rotor body and having an inner surface positioned a first distance from an outer surface of the rotor body and an upper portion having a first inner surface substantially concentric with the rotor body and positioned the first distance from the outer surface and a second inner surface that is substantially concentric with the rotor body, positioned a second distance from the outer surface and is greater than the first distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventor: Herb M. Farley
  • Patent number: 8636569
    Abstract: A threshing element includes a structure having an outside surface for threshing a crop material, and an inside surface. A body is operatively connected to a sensor. The body is secured to the inside surface of the structure, the body having a connecting feature for securing at least the body and the structure to each other. The structure is securable to a rotatable threshing rotor of a harvester threshing system. In response to operation of the threshing rotor of the harvester threshing system, the sensor outputs a signal corresponding to forces generated by contact between the outside surface of the structure and the crop material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Wayne T. Flickinger, Martin J. Roberge, Herbert M. Farley, Herman A. Cease
  • Patent number: 8636570
    Abstract: In some example embodiments, an apparatus that includes a wagering game chair for a wagering game machine that is configured to present a wagering game. The wagering game chair includes a seat having a seat bottom and a seat post that is part of a split-post configuration. The seat post has a top end and a bottom end, wherein the top end of the seat post is coupled to the seat bottom. The wagering game chair also includes a first electrical connector positioned within and approximately at the bottom end of the seat post. The wagering game chair includes a first electrical cable is electrically coupled to the first electrical connector, wherein the first electrical cable runs approximately a length of the seat post within the seat post. The first electrical cable configured to communicate audio of the wagering game, from the wagering game machine to a speaker coupled to the wagering game chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory J. Tastad
  • Patent number: 8636571
    Abstract: A method for managing horseracing bets is provided. The method includes receiving one or more bets. Each bet comprises a selection of five horse races selected from a plurality of horse races scheduled to be run at a track in a day, a selection of a respective horse for each of the five horse races selected and a bet amount. The method also includes combining each bet amount to form a betting pool and determining an amount of a total payout for the day based at least in part on the betting pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Cantor Index, LLC
    Inventor: Kenneth L. Miller
  • Patent number: 8636572
    Abstract: The invention provides displaying, in a lane, a section of repeatable inputs in a sub-lane of the lane. Cue data is loaded from a data file, which includes duration data and a plurality of cues to be displayed in the sub-lane. Then, the plurality of cues and a section indicator are displayed in the sub-lane, with the section indicator based on the duration data and indicating that the plurality of cues are repeatable inputs. Then, a timer is started that is independent of a timing window of any cue of the plurality of cues. Then, it is determined if an input is received for the sub-lane before the timer reaches a timing threshold. If it is, the timer is restarted and the plurality of cues is maintained as repeatable inputs. If it is not, the section indicator is modified to indicate that the plurality of cues are not repeatable inputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Harmonix Music Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas R. Applewhite, Bryn Bennett, Sylvain Dubrofsky, Michael Monsalvatge, Daniel A. Schmidt, Matthew J. Sharpe, Daniel C. Teasdale
  • Patent number: 8636573
    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: May 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    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: 8636574
    Abstract: A method provides a player tracking system and system gaming apparatus for playing non-base games by funding the credit side of a gaming cycle. The system further includes at least one gaming device having a base game. The player tracking system and system gaming apparatus includes a player tracking user interface. The player tracking user interface provides a player with an opportunity to select and play a non-base game that may be promotional-funded or player-funded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan M. Kelly, Robert W. Crowder, Jr., Dennis Lockard, Robert A Luciano, Jr., Jeffrey C. Tallcott
  • Patent number: 8636575
    Abstract: A game may be played in accordance with a variety of different strategies. For example, a game may have an aggressive strategy, a passive strategy, an optimal strategy, and so on. In some embodiments, a player may delegate one or more gaming decisions to an automated process that makes decisions according to one or more gaming strategies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: CFPH, LLC
    Inventors: Howard W Lutnick, Dean P Alderucci, Geoffrey M Gelman
  • Patent number: 8636576
    Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for presenting payouts in primary and/or secondary gaming activities. A plurality of concentric wheels, rings, or other shapes are provided, where each includes a plurality of different symbols, numbers, or other indicia that can be used as a part of a collective payout award. The wheels, rings, or shapes are rotated, and at least one segment designator is provided to demarcate segments of each wheel, ring, or shape as an active segment when the wheels, rings, or shapes stop spinning. The payout amount is based on the aggregate of the symbols, numbers, and/or other indicia presented via the segment designator(s) when the spinning wheels, rings, or shapes have come to rest. In an alternate embodiment, the segment designators are rotated, and demarcate segments of each wheel, ring, or shape as an active segment when the segment designators stop spinning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Inventors: Bradley Berman, Adam Martin
  • Patent number: 8636577
    Abstract: Systems and methods for configuring a gaming system. In one such gaming system, a plurality of real world engine modules are provided for a hybrid game, each real world engine module having a gambling game that is triggered by an element of an entertainment game of the hybrid game. A selection is received, from a player of the hybrid game, of a selected real world engine module of the plurality of real world engine modules, and triggering is enabled of the selected real world engine module's gambling game by the element of the entertainment game of the hybrid game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Gamblit Gaming, LLC
    Inventors: Miles Arnone, Caitlyn Ross
  • Patent number: 8636578
    Abstract: A mystery-bingo jackpot provides a bingo triggered jackpot with a maximum or upper limit. In one or more embodiments, the jackpot is guaranteed to be paid out before the jackpot increments beyond the upper limit. This allows the upper limit to published to entice players to play one or more base games associated with the jackpot. A plurality of trigger values may be generated to trigger bingo ball draws. The trigger values may be between a lower limit and the upper limit to ensure that a winning outcome occurs before the upper limit is reached. One or multiple jackpots may be offered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Olsen Gaming Inc.
    Inventor: Eric Olsen
  • Patent number: 8636579
    Abstract: A gaming machine for playing a wagering game includes a game display, a transmissive display, and a controller. The game display includes a plurality of mechanical reels bearing symbols configured to display randomly selected arrays of symbols. A transmissive display overlays the game display and is configured to display a video reel and to display a randomly selected symbol thereon. A selectable pay line extends through at least some of the mechanical reels and the video reel. The controller is configured to award an award related to the selectable pay line when a winning combination of symbols are displayed along the selectable pay line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy M. Hornik, Allon G. Englman
  • Patent number: 8636580
    Abstract: According to a slot machine of the present invention, a free game is executed when a predetermined condition is satisfied. In the free game, an amount of payout is determined based upon an amount of game media, which is obtained by dividing a total amount of the game media betted in the normal game by the number of BETs. Further, game media of the determined amount of payout are paid out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Universal Entertainment Corporation
    Inventors: Yukinori Inamura, Hiroki Saito
  • Patent number: 8636581
    Abstract: A method of gaming comprising: determining which of a plurality of gaming devices, each operable for independent play of one or more games, are eligible for an additional game; initiating an additional game; and determining in response to initiation of the additional game, which eligible gaming devices will participate in the initiated additional game, the determination including a random determination in respect of at least one of the eligible gaming devices to determine whether the respective eligible gaming device will participate in the additional game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited
    Inventor: Sek Joung
  • Patent number: 8636582
    Abstract: A gaming system where in one embodiment, as players play the primary games of the gaming devices, players are enabled to join one of a plurality of teams associated with a secondary team game. Each of the teams includes a plurality of players. The gaming system periodically monitors at least one factor or parameter of each player's gaming activity to determine a score for that player. In one embodiment, the scores for each of the players on each team are accumulated to determine that team's cumulative score. If a team's cumulative score reaches a winning value, the gaming system provides a prize to one or more of the players on that team. The gaming system enables players to switch from one team to another in attempt to be on a particular team when that team's cumulative score reaches a winning value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventor: Daniel J. DeWaal
  • Patent number: 8636583
    Abstract: An embodiment of a gaming device includes a game having at least three choices, wherein each of the choices either trumps or is trumped by one of the other choices, and a processor programmed to determine if an outcome enhancing condition is satisfied, enable a player to elect to enhance an outcome if an outcome enhancing condition is satisfied, enable the player to select one of said choices, select one of said choices, determine an outcome based on a comparison of the player's choice with the processor's choice, provide a win outcome if the player elected to enhance an outcome and the comparison of the player's choice with the processor's choice results in a draw determination, provide a draw outcome if the player elected to enhance an outcome and the comparison of the player's choice with the processor's choice results in a lose determination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Robert F. Bigelow, Jr., Damien C. Ennis, Michael P. Khamis
  • Patent number: 8636584
    Abstract: A gaming machine is provided, which awards loyalty points to players playing the game who have identified themselves to the machine. The machine is arranged to award loyalty points to the player and to play two game means wherein, the first or base game may be provided by the slot machine game as a stand alone function with no dependence upon a supporting communications network, the second game may be linked game in which a plurality of network connected machines (50) participate with control of the game being provided by a central game controller (60), while the communications network (62) is controlled by a network controller (61). A first game mode is available to all players and a second enhanced game mode is made available to players who have reached a predetermined threshold of loyalty points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Natalie Bryant, Scott Olive
  • Patent number: 8636585
    Abstract: A gaming apparatus, such as a slot machine, that randomly determines a combination of symbols and pays prizes according to a determined payout table, is used to perform a gaming method similar to conventional slot machine play, but that permits greater interaction with the player. The gaming method provides the player with the option of increasing an amount wagered after at least one of the symbols has been determined. The method additionally provides the player with the option to randomly determine a symbol or symbols a second time, or to force a symbol to be the same as a symbol already determined, optionally at additional cost. The method includes making appropriate adjustments to a payout table, depending on the player's actions during game play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Intellectual Ventures I LLC
    Inventor: Gary Stephen Shuster
  • Patent number: 8636586
    Abstract: Certain embodiments provide a method and system for awarding a progressive prize. The system includes a bank of gaming machines accepting different bets per play as selected by a player. A random number is selected from a predetermined fixed range of numbers that does not change during play of a gaming machine. The player is allotted one or more numbers for each credit bet. The allotted numbers represent a subset of the predetermined fixed range of numbers. A feature game is triggered for the progressive prize based on a numerical comparison between the selected random number and the number(s) allotted to the player. Certain embodiments provide a trigger condition for a feature outcome based on an event having a probability related to credits bet per game at a gaming machine. A probability of success in the feature game may be higher than a probability of success in the base game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited
    Inventor: Scott Olive