Patents Issued in September 1, 2015
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Patent number: 9119997Abstract: A ferrule includes: an upper body which projects from an upper end face of a hosel portion; an inserted portion which is provided to project downwards from the upper body to be inserted into an interior of a hosel hole; and a groove which is provided circumferentially on an outer circumferential surface of the inserted portion, wherein a lower end portion of the inserted portion has a diameter which is smaller than that of an upper side of the inserted portion than the groove.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2012Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignee: BRIDGESTONE SPORTS CO., LTDInventor: Yasunori Imamoto
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Patent number: 9119998Abstract: An adjustable shaft and hosel assembly allows for dependent and independent adjustment of a golf club's face angle, loft angle, and lie angle. The adjustable shaft and hosel assembly comprises a shaft sleeve and a tubular adjustment piece, which may be a shim or a wheel, that encircles at least a part of the shaft sleeve and is disposed within a hosel bore.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2014Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignee: CALLAWAY GOLF COMPANYInventors: Broadus Perry Wall, Jr., Homer E. Aguinaldo, Denver Holt, James A. Seluga, Scott R. Manwaring
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Patent number: 9119999Abstract: A golf club head including a strikeplate including strikeplate stiffness, a strikeface, and backface opposite the strikeface. The head also includes a modulation mechanism at the backface, a plurality of frequency modulators, and a plurality of anti-stiffening features interspersed between the plurality of frequency modulators. The plurality of frequency modulators reduces an oscillation frequency of the strikeplate upon impact with a golf ball. The plurality of anti-stiffening features permit flexing of the strikeplate between the plurality of frequency modulators.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2013Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignee: Karsten Manufacturing CorporationInventors: Eric V. Cole, Jeffrey A. Blankenship
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Patent number: 9120000Abstract: A catching apparatus has a bent steel frame and a mesh work mounted to the frame. The catching apparatus has an upper portion that defines the target or gathering zone, and a lower portion that defines a pouch or sling into which objects caught in the upper portion collect. The apparatus has side openings permitting objects caught therein to be retrieved.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2013Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Inventor: Timothy Myles Weston
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Patent number: 9120001Abstract: A swiftly-assembling collapsible goal and a portable frame are provided. The goal includes a plurality of poles engaged together to form a frame of the goal. Engaged poles are associated with each other with a hinge disposed at a corner region therebetween. One of two engaged poles is provided with a tenon protruding from a first end thereof and the other pole of the two engaged poles is provided with a mortise slot at a second end of the other pole facing toward the first end. The tenon defines a wedge-shaped slot along an axis of the pole. An insert pin is engaged to the tenon with a wedge-shaped rib engaged in the wedge-shaped slot. The insert pin has two tabs laterally extending from two side surfaces thereof. The pole with mortise slot defines two slits in two sidewalls which define the mortise slot, for respectively receiving the two ribs therein. The tenon and the insert pin are received in the mortise slot.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2013Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Inventor: Husheng Huang
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Patent number: 9120002Abstract: The present invention provides a front unit (100; 200) of a sliding board binding, comprising: a holding device which is set up so as to engage a sliding board boot (20) and to hold it on the sliding board binding (10) pivotably about a transverse axis extending transverse to a sliding board longitudinal axis, the front unit (100; 200) being adjustable between a closed position, in which the holding device is raised in a configuration ready for operation so as to hold a sliding board boot (20) pivotably engaged, and an open position, in which the holding device releases the sliding board boot (20), the front unit (100; 200) being adjustable into a passive position, which is different from the open position and the closed position and in which the holding device is adjusted towards the sliding board (12) into a flat configuration.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2013Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Inventor: Fritz Barthel
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Patent number: 9120003Abstract: The disclosure herein is directed toward systems and methods for supporting a person and enabling motion of a person across a surface of snow while satisfying the countervailing requirements of increasing surface area for weight-carrying capacity on soft snow and reducing the opposing forces, like for example drag and friction, in hard snow. More specifically, a snowboard described herein includes an inner edge and an outer edge, and allows the rider to control the amount of board-to-snow contact. This snowboard is configured to improve rider support, increase speed and enhance safety performance.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2014Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignee: Gilson Boards, LLCInventor: Nicholas James Gilson
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Patent number: 9120004Abstract: Sports stadium (1) with a turf field (100) and a surrounding spectators stand (3). The turf field (100) comprises a plurality of turf modules (101) supported on a fixed support base (105). The turf modules are movable on the fixed support base, thereby being removable from the fixed support base. The fixed support base (105) exhibits an aperture (111) constituting access to a storage room (107) below the fixed support base (105). The storage room is adapted for storage of the turf modules. A lift (115) is arranged to move turf modules through the aperture (111). An associated method is also described.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2012Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignee: Nutcracker Solutions ASInventors: Yngve Saltveit, Claus Johannsen
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Patent number: 9120005Abstract: A device for limiting rotation of a wheel, such as a wheel on a skateboard, comprising a physical stop secured against one wheel of the skateboard. Multiple physical locks may be used, each secured against single wheel. The physical stop may comprise a block of resilient material placed in a semi-compressed state into the gap between the skateboard deck and the wheel such that the block exerts pressure on the wheel sufficient to prevent the wheel from freely rotating. Alternately, the physical stop may comprise a holder at least partially surrounding the wheel and at least one protrusion from the holder adjacent a rolling surface of the wheel, where the protrusion is capable of functioning as a chock and substantially preventing the wheel from rolling against a surface.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2013Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Inventor: Roger Hansen
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Patent number: 9120006Abstract: A game method of play that combines features of the game of poker with features from a variety of competitive sporting events. A deck of 56 cards is utilized containing four suits and fourteen rank cards for each suit (the rank of “1” for each suit is added to a standard deck of 52 cards). Indicated on the face of each card is a scoring value associated with a particular sporting event competition. The players carry out the play of the game in a manner similar to that of poker, playing for a poker outcome using the poker values, as well as a scoring outcome using the sports scoring indicia on the cards accumulated in the player's hand. Depending on the embodiment of the game being played, winning can occur in three ways: by holding the best poker hand value; by holding the best scoring hand value; or by having the best cumulative scoring outcome over multiple hands.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2007Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Inventor: Edward L. Palmer
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Patent number: 9120007Abstract: A gaming system, a network gaming architecture, and related methods are disclosed that provides game content to server-based gaming platforms. Players access game content and place wagers on through a client server. The client server may act as a thin client to the gaming platform such that the client server establishes the communication link to a remote gaming engine that performs game play processing. The gaming system includes the remote gaming engine, which may comprise a game rules server configured to administer a set of game rules for the wagering game, and a deck server that randomly selects game pieces according to the set of game rules. A network gaming architecture includes separating functions that require regulation on one set of regulated servers, and functions that do not require regulation on at least one unregulated server.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2012Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.Inventors: Andrew Costello, Lance Lockwood, Justin Scott, Louis J. Castle, II
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Patent number: 9120008Abstract: A game apparatus includes a prize support section that supports a prize, a prize moving section that moves the prize supported by the prize support section by making a movement and a motion, a prize outlet that allows a player to remove the prize, and a prize guiding space that guides the prize toward the prize outlet. The game apparatus further includes a control section that controls the movement and the motion of the prize moving section based on operation information, and controls a motion force of the prize moving section based on motion force information, and a motion force change section that changes the motion force information based on a position of the prize moving section.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2010Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignee: BANDAI NAMCO GAMES INC.Inventors: Takashi Shiino, Kouji Sasajima, Makiko Sakurai
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Patent number: 9120009Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating vibration in a portable terminal are provided. The apparatus for generating vibration in a portable terminal includes a plurality of vibrators mounted and driven to generate vibration in a single vibration direction at positions separated from each other by predetermined distances on the portable terminal, and a controller for determining respective vibration patterns of the plurality of vibrators according to a control operation of the portable terminal and driving the plurality of vibrators according to the vibration patterns.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2010Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., LtdInventors: Yu-Dong Bae, Eun-Hwa Lee, In-Kuk Yun, In Kim, Po-Ra Kim
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Patent number: 9120010Abstract: An electronic game playable in an amusement device having a display with a touchscreen configured to receive a plurality of touch inputs simultaneously includes a playing area having a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns which form a grid having a plurality of gaming spaces and game objects disposed within each gaming space. The player is permitted to select and move a plurality of game objects each in different rows or columns simultaneously. A match is achieved when a predefined number of game objects having a same first identifier selected from a predetermined set of first identifiers are in adjacent gaming spaces within a row or column.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2010Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignee: Megatouch, LLCInventor: Jeffrey D. Karn
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Patent number: 9120012Abstract: A first display device is placed so that its screen faces in a direction along a gravity direction axis, and a second display device is placed so that its screen faces in a predetermined axis direction perpendicular to the gravity direction axis. Based on data of a motion sensor which is outputted from an operation device including the motion sensor, an attitude of the operation device is calculated, and it is determined which of the first display device and the second display device the operation device faces. Then, based on the result of the determination, a predetermined position on either the screen of the first display device or the screen of the second display device is pointed to, and a predetermined game process is performed based on the pointed position.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2013Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignee: NINTENDO CO., LTD.Inventor: Hidemasa Akimoto
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Patent number: 9120013Abstract: The present invention relates generally to interactive advertising and more specifically to computer games allowing advertisers to market their products, prize giveaways, coupons and the like using a game of chance in an interactive manner. To play the game, a gamer may use for example a mobile device's image capturing means for scanning at least one coded advertising image within a coded frame for which an interactive game application animates a dynamic array of game frames and randomly selects a game frame from the dynamic array for display. The randomly selected game frame may comprise of multimedia content for vouchers, prizes, giveaways, that may be redeemed for cash or other prizes.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2013Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Inventor: Isaac S. Daniel
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Patent number: 9120014Abstract: The systems and methods described herein attempt to provide data capture and analysis in a non-intrusive fashion. The captured data can be analyzed for qualitative conclusions regarding an object's actions. For example, a system for analyzing activity of an athlete to permit qualitative assessments of that activity comprises a first processor to receive activity-related data from sensors on the athlete. A first database stores the activity-related data. A second database contains pre-identified motion rules. A second processor compares the received activity-related data to the pre-identified motion rules, wherein the second processor identifies a pre-identified motion from the pre-identified motion rules that corresponds to the received activity-related data. A memory stores the identified pre-selected motion.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2013Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignee: Home Box Office, Inc.Inventors: Timothy Mohn, Michael Gabriel, Jamyn Edis, Thomas Igoe, Despina Papadopoulous, Zachary Eveland
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Patent number: 9120015Abstract: An electronic device (1) has hold parts (1R, 1L) constituting respective right and left side parts of the electronic device 1 and being available to be held by a user. Operating sticks (3R, 3L) are provided on the respective hold parts (1R, 1L). A rear touch panel (21) is provided on the rear surface of the electronic device (1). The rear touch panel (21) is provided in at least an area located further upward than a positions P opposite from the operation sticks (3R, 3L). This layout of the rear touch panel (21) allows a user to smoothly operate the rear touch panel (21) while holding the hold parts of the electronic device.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2014Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.Inventors: Kenji Sakakibara, Takashi Sogabe, Kazuya Wakabayashi
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Patent number: 9120016Abstract: An interactive game designed for learning to play a guitar. A guitar may be connected to a computer or other platform, capable of loading music and displaying notes and chords and other feedback and visual learning aids on a display screen, allowing a user to read music and play along. The goal of the software or interactive game engine is for players to learn how to play a guitar. Users may operate the game in a number of modes with different goals, playing mini-games throughout the levels of the game. The game provides feedback and statistics to help users learn how to play the guitar.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2009Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignee: Ubisoft EntertainmentInventor: Joseph Charles Epstein
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Patent number: 9120017Abstract: A game description language is provided for human computation games, as well as a game platform or generator component that can generate the code base for the game. The game description language and schema framework can be used to represent the game logic and synchronization patterns of a human computation game. The automated code generation tool takes a file, e.g., a file made from the above game description language, or the like, as an input and generates a code base for the corresponding human computation game. These tools allow a prototype of a human computation game to be generated within minutes.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2012Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLCInventors: David M. Chickering, Edith Law, Anton Mityagin
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Patent number: 9120018Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to implement a technique for generating interactive events in a simulation, such as creating encounters in an online computer game. In one implementation, encounters are created based on the players and the environment and allow for interaction that is different for different players. Players can select encounters for interaction and choose how to handle the encounter. Encounters may have one or more objectives for participating players to resolve. The objectives for the same encounter may be different for different characters depending on the characteristics of the player characters. If multiple player characters interact with the same encounter, they may each be presented with different objectives, some or all of which may be competing. In addition, the objectives for an encounter may change depending on how other objectives are resolved.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2009Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignee: Daybreak Game Company LLCInventors: Shawn Lord, Andre Arsenault
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Patent number: 9120019Abstract: The field of the invention relates to systems and methods for managing user behavior in online multiuser systems, and more particularly to systems and methods that provide user-based arbitration for online multiuser systems. In one embodiment, a multi-user online system enables a first user to report a second user's behavior while online. The system receives the report and merges the report with the second user's recorded interactions with the online system related to the report to create an arbitration file. The arbitration file is then made available to a third user to review the arbitration file and determine whether action is warranted.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2012Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignee: RIOT GAMES, INC.Inventors: Steve Mescon, Christopher Burdick, Tom Cadwell
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Patent number: 9120020Abstract: Embodiments that relate to systems and methods for grouping players into a multiplayer game session are provided. In one embodiment, a first match request for a multiplayer game session is received and includes one or more requested player attributes. A plurality of other match requests are received, with one being a second match request including one or more requested player attributes. The first and second match requests are matched based on the requested player attributes. A notification of the match is sent to a client device of the first requesting player, with the notification configured to be received while the client device runs a user session different from the multiplayer game session. The notification includes a selectable element configured to instantiate the multiplayer game session on the client device in place of a user session when the selectable element is selected.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2013Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLCInventors: Theodore L. Michel, Paul Lyttle, Jefferson W. Ng, Micheal Dunn, Edmund Samuel Victor Pinto, Vance O'Neill, Eric Heutchy, Rankin J. Kern, David A. Straily, Stephen Paul Dolan, Justin Brown, Praneeth Kallu, Brahmnes Tsz Foon Fung, Vincent Bannister
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Patent number: 9120021Abstract: An interactive system adapted for lean-based control of ride or video game experiences. The system includes a vehicle seat and a motion base with a vehicle base upon which the vehicle seat is mounted. The system includes an actuator assembly moving the vehicle base and seat. A control system interprets sensor input signals and generates control signals to operate the actuator assembly to move the vehicle base and seat. Force sensors positioned in the vehicle seat sense forces applied by the passenger to the vehicle seat and transmit sensor data signals to the control system. The control signals operating the driver assembly are generated based on the sensor data, which is output from left and right sensors provided in a bench of the vehicle seat as well as in a front and a back support to provide X and Y-axis values based on passenger leaning in the vehicle seat.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2013Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignee: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.Inventors: David W. Crawford, Isaac D. Talamantes, Tyler Emptage, Jonathan Ackley, Bei Yang, Hao Wang
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Patent number: 9120022Abstract: A game control server apparatus connected to terminal devices of a plurality of players via a network, includes a developing stage management unit that determines, in a developing stage in which a common character commonly owned by a plurality of players in a same team is developed, a capability parameter of the common character based on an action of each of the plurality of players; and a team battle stage management unit that provides, in a team battle stage in which one team battles against another team, a common character in a team battle while setting a capability parameter of the common character to the capability parameter of the common character determined by the developing stage management unit, upon accepting a calling instruction from a player in the one team.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2013Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignee: DeNA Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yuuki Abe, Minehiro Nagata
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Patent number: 9120023Abstract: The lever, wheel and axle, pulley, wedge, screw, and inclined plane are the six Simple Machines of the Classical era. Over 2000 years ago a man from Syracuse used them to create a way to move water against the pull of gravity. The Archimedes' screw is still a standard for simple efficiency. In homage to those early machines and the dreamers who built them, the Human Flying Apparatus provides a carriage, wheels and an axle, a harness, and a braking and steering system and, in specific embodiments, thrusters, all suspended from a single rail, which allows a human being to soar in simulated flight that is safe, sustained, and suitable for all skill levels. “For once you have tasted flight, you will walk the Earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you long to return.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2014Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Inventor: Elizabeth Wales Burroughs
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Patent number: 9120024Abstract: A water based amusement structure includes: a ring shaped base; a dome like structure fixed on the ring shaped base, wherein the ring shaped base and dome like structure define an amusement area; a plurality of water carrying lines, wherein each water carrying line includes at least one opening for providing a splashing path; a plurality of lighting means for illuminating the amusement area; a plurality of at least one of the following: disco lights, beam lights, strip lights, laser beam lights, disco floor, ceiling lights, mounted fountains, entrance fog effect water jets, and sprinklers; a music system fixed inside the amusement area; a support structure having a base and an elongated portion fixed on the base, wherein the ring shaped base rests on the elongated structure; at least one ladder like structure; and a temperature control system with a fan provided in different locations for a cyclonic effect.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2013Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignee: Arihant Industrial Corporation LimitedInventor: Rajen S. Shah
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Patent number: 9120025Abstract: A rotatable core is described. The core includes a cylindrically-shaped housing having an indentation area. The indentation area is formed to guide a user where to place their finger for launching, such that by pressing down on the indentation area, the core is forced against a ground surface, which causes it to spin away from the user. Additionally, the core includes a housing with a cavity therein for receiving the object. A release mechanism is attached with the housing. The release mechanism includes a connector for connecting with a corresponding connector on the object and an expelling mechanism for expelling the object. Upon activation of the release mechanism, the connector releases the object and the expelling mechanism forces the object from the housing.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2011Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignee: JAKKS Pacific, Inc.Inventors: Jon Hudson, Dominic Laurienzo, Jared Wolfson, Jeremy Padawer, Jim McCafferty, Greg Leong, Steven Douglas DeLacy, Dennis Lee Chi Wai, Timmy Tsui Ka Tim
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Patent number: 9120026Abstract: A toy projectile apparatus and method are disclosed in which the apparatus may include an elongated body having a wall defining an open interior, a closed end and an open end. A base member may be positioned in the open interior and configured to be moveable along the length thereof. A spring may also be positioned in the interior of the body with one end contacting the closed end of the body and another end contacting the base member so that the base member is biased toward the open end of the body. A resilient member or cap may also be mounted on an exterior of the body at the closed end. One or more toy accessories may also be used in conjunction with the toy projectile apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2013Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignee: Hedeen International, LLCInventors: Clemens V. Hedeen, Jr., Kay Lee Hedeen, Michael T. Keyser
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Patent number: 9120027Abstract: A toy for providing input to a computing device includes a main body sized and shaped to fit within a grasp of a user of the toy. The toy also includes input switches mounted to the main body. Each of the input switches can switch between a first position and a second position responsive to an action performed on the input switch. The toy also includes a removable outer covering that is configured to substantially encapsulate the main body. A top surface of the covering includes openings sized and shaped to receive a portion of each of the input switches. The toy includes a programmable processing circuit enclosed within the main body. The circuit includes input ports coupled to the input switches. The circuit includes an output port coupled to a communications port to transmit output signals and programmable processing circuitry configured to operate in a plurality of operating modes.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2014Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignee: Zyrobotics, LLCInventors: Ayanna Howard, John Harding
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Patent number: 9120028Abstract: A toy track and brick adapter for toy tracks and bricks comprising a base having a top surface and a bottom surface with indentations in the bottom surface of the base for receiving building blocks. A first arm assembly and a second arm assembly mounted to the top surface generally perpendicular to the base distally disposed in a parallel relationship to grip toy tracks. Roadway retention lips are attached to the arm assemblies which in conjunction with the tension springs hold the toy track in place within the toy track and brick adapter. Also attached to the roadway retention lips are pull-tab accessory brackets configured to releasably connect a variety of useful, functional educational accessories such as side railings, overhead signs, stoplights, traffic controls, signs and the like to increase the versatility and constructive play value of the various toy systems.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2012Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Inventor: Roy Wilson
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Patent number: 9120029Abstract: This invention describes a set of building elements comprising a uniting plate (1) and a base plate (19). The uniting plate (1) comprises two plates (3) defined in a single plane, said two plates (3) are connected in a connection line (9), and a slot (5) is placed at said connection line; said slot (5) may engage with a slot on another uniting plate (1) to obtain uniting plates with their plates (3) in different planes. The base plate (19) being substantially planar having three parallel plates, which is placed in two planes, where the first (117) and third plate (119) is placed in one plane, are arranged on either side of the second plate (121), which is placed in the second plane, and where the two parallel planes define a space between the two planes to obtain one of the plates (3) of the uniting plate (1).Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2010Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignee: Mad House A/SInventor: Ole Vestergaard Poulsen
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Patent number: 9120030Abstract: A book assembly with a track, a slider, and a switch. The slider is visible and can be slid along the track by a user such as a child. The switch is activated by moving the slider in the track. Activating the switch plays a sound or lights a light.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2012Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignee: Leo Paper Bags Manufacturing (1982) LimitedInventor: Cannie Lam
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Patent number: 9120031Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a composition of a particulate coformulation which includes particles containing an active substance and an additive, wherein each particle contains a relative additive concentration increasing radially outwards from a particle center to a particle surface along a finite gradient. In one example, the particle surface is an additive-rich surface without a distinct physical boundary between the particle center and the particle surface. The relative additive concentration may have a continuous rate of change across the finite gradient. In some examples, an active substance: additive ratio of the particle surface is sufficiently low to form a protective surface layer around the active substance. Generally, the particle surface is free of the active substance.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2006Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignee: NEKTAR THERAPEUTICSInventors: Mazen H. Hanna, Peter York
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Patent number: 9120032Abstract: Provided is a microchip capable of integrating liquid evaporation as an operation on the microchip. In the microchip 10 having a gas flow path 13 inside, liquid is dispersed by capillary action and pooled in a pool portion 12 at a bottom of the gas flow path 13, and at least a part of the liquid pooled in the pool portion 12 is evaporated. As the capillary action is used, the liquid can be dispersed and pooled in the pool portion 12 at the bottom of the gas flow path 13 inside the microchip 10. Besides, the liquid pooled in the pool portion 12 remains in the pool portion by a surface tension even if gas is made to flow in the gas flow path 13 or the gas flow path is evacuated for evaporation. This enables highly efficient evaporation inside the microchip 10.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2008Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignees: JFE ENGINEERING CORPORATION, KANAGAWA ACADEMY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGYInventors: Katsuhiko Ohsaki, Shigeki Yamazaki, Takehiko Kitamori, Masaharu Ueno, Kazuma Mawatari, Yoshikuni Kikutani
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Patent number: 9120033Abstract: A feed liquid flows into a second-stage humidifier chamber to form a second-stage humidifier bath. A first remnant of the feed liquid from the second-stage humidifier chamber then flows into a first-stage humidifier chamber to form a first-stage humidifier bath having a temperature lower than that of the second-stage bath. A second remnant of the feed liquid is then removed from the first-stage humidifier. Meanwhile, a carrier gas is injected into and bubbled through the first-stage humidifier bath, collecting a vaporizable component in vapor form from the first remnant of the feed liquid to partially humidify the carrier gas. The partially humidified carrier gas is then bubbled through the second-stage humidifier bath, where the carrier gas collects more of the vaporizable component in vapor form from the feed liquid to further humidify the carrier gas before the humidified carrier gas is removed from the second-stage humidifier chamber.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2013Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignees: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, King Fahd University of Petroleum and MineralsInventors: Prakash Narayan Govindan, Mostafa H. Elsharqawy, Steven Lam, Maximus G. St. John, John H. Lienhard
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Patent number: 9120034Abstract: A method of and a device for separating oil from water, or a lighter fluid floating on a heavier fluid or denser fluid. The device includes floating arms in V-shape formation that gather the fluids into a collecting channel which device thickens the layer of the lighter fluid to separate the lighter fluid using a drain where a self-adjusting float sits above the heavier fluid and below the lighter fluid. The lighter fluid is gravity discharged through a conduit into container to be later pumped out from the container or directly pumped from the drain.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2011Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Inventor: Stephen Richard Leventhal
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Patent number: 9120035Abstract: A mixture of unique organopolysiloxane, filler, and additional components are effective defoamers and may be used neat, or in the form of a powder or emulsion.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2013Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignee: WACKER CHEMIE AGInventors: Christof Brehm, Willibald Burger, Elisabeth Hoelzlwimmer, Martina Joachimbauer
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Patent number: 9120036Abstract: The invention relates to a process for obtaining at least one aromatic amine from a liquid mixture comprising water and the at least one aromatic amine by extracting with at least one nitroaromatic in an extraction column (1) to form an essentially water-comprising raffinate stream and an extract stream comprising the at least one nitroaromatic and the aromatic amine. The extraction column (1) is divided by a dividing wall (3) into two regions (5, 7), and, in the case of an amount of liquid for separation which is less than a minimum cross sectional loading of the entire extraction column (1), the liquid mixture to be separated is fed only to one of the regions (5, 7) of the extraction column (1) divided by the dividing wall (3). The invention further relates to a process for preparing an aromatic amine and to an apparatus for separating a liquid mixture comprising water and at least one aromatic amine by extracting with at least one nitroaromatic, comprising an extraction column (1).Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2014Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignee: BASF SEInventors: Tilmann Steinmetz, Michael Nilles, Lucia Koenigsmann, Andreas Heussler, Nikolaus Zafred
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Patent number: 9120037Abstract: Adsorptive bed devices include a scaffold in housing having a stress absorbing rigid structure and open cells filled with adsorptive beads. The scaffold restricts movement of the plurality of adsorptive beads, absorbs compressive stress induced by a hydraulic pressure gradient along a direction of liquid flow and transfers a portion of the induced compressive stress to the housing. In one embodiment the adsorptive bed in packed into a chromatography column, and in another embodiment the adsorptive bed is sealed in a monolithic block.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2013Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignee: SPF INNOVATIONS, LLCInventor: Gaston de los Reyes
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Patent number: 9120038Abstract: Embodiments of the invention describe components to be utilized on the design, management and implementation of a wastewater treatment system. Said wastewater treatment system may include containers that, for example, may be consistent with ISO specifications for intermodal containers. In some embodiments, these containers act in concert to perform the same wastewater management function (e.g., the containers may function together as equalization basins). In other embodiments, said containers may each perform a separate function (e.g., some containers may function as an aeration tank while others container may function as a membrane basin), or may each perform a plurality of functions. Furthermore, said containers may form an independent wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), or may be utilized to augment a pre-existing WWTP (e.g., a WWTP according to the prior art).Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2011Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignee: Liberty Evans, LLCInventors: James Phillip Reilly, Victoria Ann Jelderks
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Patent number: 9120039Abstract: There is provided method and apparatus for creating a longitudinally disposed, sharp pulse of liquid, useful for pulseback renewal of liquid-entry faces of a panel-bed liquid filter or a panel-bed liquid-powder contactor. Perforations are disposed along the wall of a tank in a path generally parallel to the tank's axis. Stoppers are provided for stoppering the perforations. With the perforations so stoppered, a liquid is introduced at high pressure into the tank. Thereafter, a quick unstoppering of the perforations releases the liquid from the tank in form of a longitudinally disposed, sharp pulse of liquid moving in a direction perpendicular to the tank's axis. If the tank is placed vertically alongside or within a space that in normal operation receives liquid from a panel bed, the sharp pulse can effectively pulseback the panel bed.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2010Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignee: Arthur M. Squires Irrevocable TrustInventor: Arthur M. Squires
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Patent number: 9120040Abstract: Poly(?-peptoid)s selected from the group consisting of poly(N-methyl-?-alanine)s (PMeA) and poly(N-ethyl-?-alanine)s (PEtA) and polyl(methyl-?-alanine-co-ethyl-?-alanine) copolymers (P(MeA-co-EtA) are found to be good anti-fouling materials in that they resist protein adsorption. A process for protecting a surface of an object from protein adsorption comprises the steps of binding such poly(?-peptoid)s to the surface. A medical implant is coated with such poly(?-peptoid)s. A medical drug delivery device is coated with such poly(?-peptoid)s. A filtration device has pores coated with such poly(?-peptoid)s, and an object placed in freshwater or saltwater and having a surface in contact with the freshwater or saltwater has that surface coated with such poly(?-peptoid)s.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2012Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignee: The University of AkronInventors: Li Jia, Lingyun Liu
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Patent number: 9120041Abstract: A filter arrangement is provided, as well as methods of assembly and use. Advantageous features, relating to a preferred filter cartridge and a preferred slide arrangement, are provided. A filter cartridge is provided that includes a plurality of projections spaced from one another around a central axis. Also, a liquid filter assembly arrangement is provided that includes a plate arrangement having a central liquid flow channel, the central liquid flow channel including a cartridge positioning projection arrangement therein, comprising at least one projection extending radially toward a central axis.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2013Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.Inventors: Enrico Greco, Fabrizo Buratto, Mauro Cantoni, John Connelly, John Hacker
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Patent number: 9120042Abstract: A device for removing oil mist and odors from an airstream comprising a base having an air inlet in the lower end thereof for receiving an airstream. A first tubular filter has a first end and a second end. The first end is closed, and the second end is mounted on the base wherein the first tubular filter defines an inner chamber that is in communication with the air inlet. A second tubular filter is mounted on the base. The second tubular filter surrounds the first tubular filter and defines an outer chamber therebetween. An opening is formed through the base. The opening connects the outer chamber with the air inlet. A valve element is disposed in the base. The valve element allows flow from the outer chamber to the air inlet when pressure in the outer chamber exceeds pressure in the air inlet.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2013Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignee: American Sterilizer CompanyInventors: Prantik Guha Biswas, Peter J. Buczynski, Kenneth J. Klobusnik
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Patent number: 9120043Abstract: A filter life sensor assembly within an air handling system is disclosed. The air handling system includes an air flow intake, an air flow exit, and a filter disposed between the air flow intake and air flow exit. The filter sensor assembly comprises a bypass connecting the air flow intake to the air flow exit, a dielectric sensor adjacent the bypass, wherein the dielectric sensor generates an electrical signal in response the air flow passing through the bypass.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2006Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Ronald C. Johansson, Vivek Bharti
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Patent number: 9120044Abstract: An operational monitoring apparatus for a fume extraction filter assembly having a pressure sensor assembly and a data processor. The pressure sensor assembly senses fluid pressure at an outlet to a downstream filter, fluid pressure from an inlet to an upstream filter, and fluid pressure from fluid flowing from an outlet of the upstream filter to the inlet of the downstream filter. The data processor processes fluid pressure difference values between the respective inlet and outlet of each filter.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2013Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignee: Bofa International LimitedInventor: David Lawrence Cornell
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Patent number: 9120045Abstract: A sinter plant gas cleaning system includes a fabric filter device for removing dust particles from a process gas drawn from a sinter strand of a sinter plant. A duct is adapted to allow the process gas drawn from the sinter strand to pass by the fabric filter device. A measurement device measures a concentration of organic compounds of the process gas drawn from the sinter strand. A control system receives a signal from the measurement device and controls the flow of process gas through the duct.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2014Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignee: ALSTOM Technology LtdInventors: Peter Wieslander, Lena Loren
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Patent number: 9120046Abstract: This disclosure describes examples of a filter media for use in filter devices, e.g., pulse filter cartridges found in power generating systems. Embodiments of the filter media include a base media and a membrane, which partially covers one or both sides of the base media. In one embodiment, the membrane covers a membrane area of at least one side of the base media, wherein the membrane area is less than a total area of the side on which the membrane is disposed.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2012Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignee: BHA Altair, LLCInventors: Etienne Rene Jarrier, Martin Gregory Hatfield, Paul Sherwood Bryant
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Patent number: 9120047Abstract: An air filter media construction or arrangement is disclosed. The air filter media construction or arrangement includes strips of media comprising corrugated sheets secured to facing sheets and forming inlet and outlet flutes secured to one another in a stack. Blocked stacked arrangements and slanted stacked arrangements are shown. Such stacked media is provided with molded end pieces to secure and seal opposite side edges of the media strips. Also described are serviceable filter cartridges and air cleaners including the filter cartridges. Methods of assembly and use are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2013Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.Inventors: Bruce Boehrs, Gregory Reichter, Stephen Sabelko, Paul Wendt