Patents Issued in March 10, 2016
  • Publication number: 20160067595
    Abstract: A word-forming game and methods to play the game are disclosed. In one implementation, the method includes obtaining a plurality of game pieces amongst which at least one game piece bears a rotatable indicia on a face thereof, wherein the rotatable indicia depicts a different set of one or more letters when viewed from different viewing orientations. The method further includes linearly arranging the game pieces on a gaming surface to form a first word, wherein the first word includes a first set of one or more letters depicted by the rotatable indicia when viewed from a first viewing orientation, and rotating the at least one game piece bearing the rotatable indicia to form a second word different from the first word, wherein the second word includes a second set of one or more letters depicted by the rotatable indicia when viewed from a second viewing orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventor: Martin Russocki
  • Publication number: 20160067596
    Abstract: Articles including a visual code and a touch code are described. In some embodiments, the articles are smart lottery tickets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Applicant: T+Ink, Inc.
    Inventors: John Gentile, Anthony Gentile, Terrance Z. Kaiserman, Tayler Kaiserman, Ed Ickowski, Lavern Perez, Mike Brody, Jan Thiele, Steven Martin Cohen
  • Publication number: 20160067597
    Abstract: An information display module for a motor-racing vehicle comprising: a housing attachable to the motor-racing vehicle; a display configured to display race-related information to spectators of said race, said information display module configured to use received information to determine the race-related information to be displayed, said race-related information comprising a relative position of said vehicle to one or more other vehicles in said race.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventor: Anthony Carl Hamilton
  • Publication number: 20160067598
    Abstract: A method for pausing a video during playback in an electronic device includes detecting that a video playing interface within a first user interface is covered by a second user interface, upon such detection, calculating a coverage ratio of the second user interface to the video playing interface, and determining that the coverage ratio is greater than a predetermined value, upon such determination, pausing the playing of the video.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: HAI-JUN MAO, CHIH-SAN CHIANG
  • Publication number: 20160067599
    Abstract: An animal-breeding mechanic enables the generation of an offspring virtual animal in an online game system by combining features of a male virtual animal and a female virtual animal. Relevant features may include a base color and optional pattern markings with a corresponding pattern color. Additional game aspects may include options for enhancing the likelihood of generating a successful offspring, decreasing the time for generating the offspring, and nurturing the offspring to maturity. Parameter representations for color features enable substituting color values for a specific virtual animal into source artwork to generate a variety of distinctive displays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: Sean Janis, Gregory Omi, Tim Wang, Vasudev Vadlamudi, Bruce Harlick
  • Publication number: 20160067600
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an interactive toy or gaming device for actuating various interactive play effects within a compatible play environment. The gaming device comprises a portable housing having an internal cavity configured to receive one or more batteries or other power sources for powering the device. Optional lighting, laser or sound effects may be provided as well as one or more optionally-powered infrared (IR) or radio frequency (RF) wireless communications devices. The interactive toy or gaming device may also comprise an optional RFID (radio frequency identification device) transponder that is operable to provide relatively short-range non-battery-powered RF communications with one or more receivers or transceivers provided within a compatible play environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: Jonathan A. Barney, Denise C. Weston
  • Publication number: 20160067601
    Abstract: A system, a machine-readable storage medium storing instructions, and a computer-implemented method are described herein for a Game Action Trigger Module (GATM) for trigger game actions. The GATM generates a virtual gaming environment comprising a concurrent display of a tile board and a game world separate from the tile board. The GATM receives a selection of a sequence of tile board virtual objects. The GATM identifies a location of a particular tile board virtual object in the selected sequence. The GATM identifies a target game world virtual object based on the location of the particular tile board virtual object in the selected sequence. The GATM applies a game action to the target game world virtual object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: Sumit Mehra, Sagar Patel, Peter Pao Lai, Sora Bai, David Baack, Katherine Lee
  • Publication number: 20160067602
    Abstract: A proximity sensor including a housing, a plurality of light pulse emitters for projecting light out of the housing along a detection plane, a plurality of primary light detectors for detecting reflections of the light projected by the emitters, by a reflective object in the detection plane, a plurality of primary lenses oriented relative to the emitters and primary detectors in such a manner that for each emitter-detector pair, light emitted by the emitter of that pair passes through one of the primary lenses and is reflected by the object back through one of the primary lenses to the detector of that pair when the object is located at a position, from among a primary set of positions in the detection plane, that position being associated with that emitter-detector pair, and a processor for co-activating emitter-detector pairs, and configured to calculate a location of the object in the detection plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: Stefan Holmgren, Sairam Iyer, Richard Berglind, Karl Erik Patrik Nordström, Lars Sparf, Per Rosengren, Erik Rosengren, John Karlsson, Thomas Eriksson, Alexander Jubner, Remo Behdasht, Simon Fellin, Robin Kjell Åman, Joseph Shain
  • Publication number: 20160067603
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to systems and methods for providing a marketplace of user-invokable instructions used by a game application in an expression of a game. The user-invokable instructions may include automation of tasks related to a game that would otherwise require manual intervention by users, intelligence that encode automatic reactions to game events such as surrounding conditions or attacks from others, and/or instructions for automatically performing one or more in-game tasks. A marketplace interface may facilitate offers to provide user-invokable instructions. Each offer may include consideration to obtain a corresponding set of user-invokable instructions. The consideration may include real world currency, one or more virtual items, an exchange for a task to be performed, an exchange for an alliance or other in-game cooperation, an exchange for another set of user-invokable instructions, and/or other consideration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Applicant: KABAM, INC.
    Inventor: Nathan Pacyga
  • Publication number: 20160067604
    Abstract: An augmented reality (AR) game system is disclosed wherein real-world objects are transformed into AR terrain elements and AR events generate real-world impact. The game environment is set up using real-world objects that include everyday objects and game pieces on a field of play. When viewed on the screen of a computing device executing the modules of the game system, the everyday objects are transformed into elements of an AR terrain while the game pieces can be augmented with various controls. Multiple viewing modes, for example, a third person view, a first person view or “POV” view from a selected game piece or a split screen view are contemplated for viewing the field of play. A subset of the augmented controls can be activated by the user to execute AR events some of which can have real-world impact. The AR events are executed based on game rules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: Jason Yim, Mikayel Saryan
  • Publication number: 20160067605
    Abstract: A system, a machine-readable storage medium storing instructions, and a computer-implemented method are described herein to display positions of symbols in a target sequence. In various embodiments, a Sequence Generator generates a target sequence of symbols to be identified by a player in a virtual gaming environment. The Sequence Generator generates an obscured display of the target sequence. The Sequence Generator receives from the player a first selected sequence of symbols to be played in a first game move in the virtual gaming environment. The Sequence Generator identifies a first shared symbol present in both the first selected sequence and the target sequence. Responsive to the identifying, the Sequence Generator changes the obscured display of the target sequence to reveal the first shared symbol at a first position in the target sequence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: Peter Pao Lai, Sora Bai, David Baack, Katherine Lee
  • Publication number: 20160067606
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for asynchronous gaming and progressive simulation of strategy game results derived from user input are disclosed. Using an application for a user device, such as a smart phone or tablet, users taking on offensive and defensive roles, respectively, choose respective offensive and defensive strategy definitions, and variations thereof, which may be displayed on the user device. Selected data pertaining to each strategy definition is transferred between the offensive and defensive users. The offensive and defensive strategy definitions are then integrated and simulated at a simulation engine. After simulation is complete, animations associated with and results of the simulation are provided to users along with optional commentary regarding the interaction and result of simulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Applicant: DRAW THE PLAY LLC
    Inventors: Marco Antonio Fernandez, Fredrick Anthony Wulf, II
  • Publication number: 20160067607
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for asynchronous American Football gaming and progressive simulation of football game results derived from user input are disclosed. Using an application for a user device, such as a smart phone or tablet, users choose football formations, plays, and variations thereof, which may be displayed on the user device. Selected data is transferred between a user in an offensive role and user in a defensive role pertaining to football formations, plays and schemes thereof. Offensive and defensive play definitions are then integrated and simulated at a simulation engine. After simulation is complete, animations associated with and results of the simulation are provided to users along with optional play by play commentary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Applicant: Draw The Play LLC
    Inventors: Marco Antonio Fernandez, Fredrick Anthony Wulf, II
  • Publication number: 20160067608
    Abstract: An augmented reality (AR) game system is disclosed wherein real-world objects are transformed into AR terrain elements and AR events generate real-world impact. The game environment is set up using real-world objects that include everyday objects and game pieces on a field of play. When viewed on the screen of a computing device executing the modules of the game system, the everyday objects are transformed into elements of an AR terrain while the game pieces can be augmented with various controls. Multiple viewing modes, for example, a third person view, a first person view or “POV” view from a selected game piece or a split screen view are contemplated for viewing the field of play. A subset of the augmented controls can be activated by the user to execute AR events some of which can have real-world impact. The AR events are executed based on game rules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: Jason Yim, Miyakel Saryan
  • Publication number: 20160067609
    Abstract: A real time physical reality immersive experience having gameification of actions taken in physical reality combines endurance events and gaming aspects to create a novel entertainment systems, methods, and apparatus, including Modular Efficiently Transformable Assembly Structures (METAS).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventor: Brian Fahmie
  • Publication number: 20160067610
    Abstract: A system, a machine-readable storage medium storing instructions, and a computer-implemented method are described herein for a System Tuner for customizing a player's experience. A System Tuner selects a hardness quotient, based on a player skill level, from a hardness quotient range, the player skill level for a player is calculated by a client computing device based at least on a plurality of game moves in a first game level completed by the player. The System Tuner provides the hardness quotient to a level definition file for a second game level. The level definition file modifies at least one feature of the second game level according to the hardness quotient. The System Tuner modifies the hardness quotient range based at least on a performance of the plurality of player's in the second game level and the respective hardness quotients assigned to each of those players for their game play in the second game level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2014
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: John Carlton Ware, Christopher Vance Haire, William R. Watters, John vanSuchtelen, Michael Waite
  • Publication number: 20160067611
    Abstract: A system, a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium storing instructions, and a computer-implemented method to adjust twitch response and collision determination to a player's skill level is provided. Gameplay information of a computer-implemented game is accessed. The gameplay information including input information indicating one or more attributes of gameplay input provided by the player. A gameplay skill level of the player of the player is estimated based on the one or more gameplay input attributes. Based on the estimated gameplay skill level of the player, respective values of one or more gameplay parameters that determine on-screen behavior of virtual in-game objects are modified, thereby a gameplay difficulty level is modified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: John Carlton Ware, Christopher Vance Haire, John vanSuchtelen, Michael Waite, Alexandros Ntoulas, Jeffrey Zakrzewski, Oliver Attila Tabay, Yuko Yamazaki, Paul Yih Yarng Chong, Sudhish Iyer, Amy Tan, Ameya Vilankar, Gaurav Narang
  • Publication number: 20160067612
    Abstract: A system, a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium storing instructions, and a computer-implemented method to modify a game based on playing style is provided. Player-specific playing style information that indicates one or more attributes of a playing style of a player is accessed. The playing style information is based on gameplay behavior of the player. Game parameters that defines at least some aspects of a game level forming part of the game is accessed. In an automated operation one or more of the game parameters are modified, thereby a difficulty of the game level for the player based on the one or more playing style attributes is modified. The modified game parameters are caused to be presented on a client device associated with the player of the game level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: Alexandros Ntoulas, Jeffrey Zakrewski, Oliver Attila Tabay, Yuko Yamazaki, Paul Yih Yarng Chong
  • Publication number: 20160067613
    Abstract: A system, a machine-readable storage medium storing instructions, and a computer-implemented method are described herein for a System Tuner for customizing a player's experience. The System Tuner creates an optimal game model based on game-related data of a plurality of players. The optimal game model corresponds to a player segment in the plurality of players. The System Tuner generates one or more rules for building a game variant based on the optimal game model. The System Tuner detects a first player accessing the game. The System Tuner determines a particular player segment to which the player belongs. The System Tuner generates a game variant based on an optimal game model for the particular player segment and sends the game variant to a client device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: Alexandros Ntoulas, Jeffrey Zakrzewski, Oliver Attila Tabay, Yuko Yamazaki, Paul Yih Yarng Chong
  • Publication number: 20160067614
    Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, an apparatus having a processor to detect a gaming accessory stimulation associated with a programmable layer of a number of programmable layers. The processor identifies a substitute gaming accessory stimulation of the programmable layer of the number of programmable layers of the gaming accessory. The substitute gaming accessory stimulation of the programmable layer is associated with the gaming accessory stimulation of the programmable layer of the number of programmable layers, according to a user profile of a number of user profiles associated with a user account. Other predetermined associations of stimulations of the gaming accessory with other substitute accessory stimulations are recorded in other user profiles of the number of user profiles, and the substitute gaming accessory stimulation is provided to a computing device to manage a gaming software application. Additional embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: Jacob Wolff-Petersen, Tino Soelberg
  • Publication number: 20160067615
    Abstract: A system, a machine-readable storage medium storing instructions, and a computer-implemented method are described herein for a System Tuner for customizing a player's experience. The System Tuner calculates a player skill level for a player. The System Tuner modifies at least one attribute of a second game level based on the player skill level prior to game play of the player in the second game level. The System Tuner detects game play of the player in the second game level. The System Tuner identifies a difference between a current rate of progression of the player and a reference rate of progression. The System Tuner triggers the modified attribute of the second game according to an extent of the difference between the current rate of progression and the reference rate of progression.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2014
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: Peter Pao Lai, Sora Bai, David Baack, Katherine Lee
  • Publication number: 20160067616
    Abstract: An augmented reality (AR) game system is disclosed wherein real-world objects are transformed into AR terrain elements and AR events generate real-world impact. The game environment is set up using real-world objects that include everyday objects and game pieces on a field of play. When viewed on the screen of a computing device executing the modules of the game system, the everyday objects are transformed into elements of an AR terrain while the game pieces can be augmented with various controls. Multiple viewing modes, for example, a third person view, a first person view or “POV” view from a selected game piece or a split screen view are contemplated for viewing the field of play. A subset of the augmented controls can be activated by the user to execute AR events some of which can have real-world impact. The AR events are executed based on game rules. Detection mechanisms such as colored detection can be used for detecting positions of game pieces within the field of play.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: Jason Yim, Mikayel Saryan
  • Publication number: 20160067617
    Abstract: Methods for a mobile device with a front facing camera to use the detected position of the user's face as a game controller as well as a method of displaying the live streaming face within the video with audio within a virtual environment. Using a reference frame which serves as the origin, the subsequent frames of the live streaming video are used to calculate the change in position of the face detected within the video frame, and calculations of position, rotation, speed and distance are used to position a game object. Additionally this is a method for having a live video stream with live audio textured onto 2D/3D objects within a virtual environment with only the perspective cropped face displayed. This provides the appearance of the face as stable and unmoving even when the device's camera and/or user's face are moving relative to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Applicant: BallCraft, LLC
    Inventors: Philip Tolk, Daniel Mosquera, Elizabeth Anne Stallone
  • Publication number: 20160067618
    Abstract: A method and device are for fantasy sport applications including receiving a plurality of ranking values associated with a sport player; assigning a corresponding weight value to each ranking value; determining a score value as a function of the ranking value and the corresponding weight value; determining a final ranking value as a function of the score values for the sport player; and generating a recommendation for the sport player as a function of the final ranking value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: James N. SLOAN, David M. FISHEL, Michael A. POLIKOFF, Jonathan G. KINNERSLEY, James R. KELLEY, Pierre Y. BECQUEY, Nathan M. RAVITZ
  • Publication number: 20160067619
    Abstract: A toy figure assembly can be interconnected to construct a toy figure. The mating parts of the toy figure assembly are structured for friction fit attachment and include an upper body part including a neck portion and a trunk portion; a lower body part including a rod portion, a stud portion, a legs portion, and a feet portion; and arm parts having a hand portion, a forearm portion, an elbow portion, an upper arm portion, and a shoulder portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: Harry Alexander Botterill, Brian E. Fontaine, Salvatore F. Lama
  • Publication number: 20160067620
    Abstract: A children's toy drum having a drum head that is partially reflective and partially light transmissive. Lights inside of the drum are visible through the drum head when illuminated, and when the lights are not illuminated the drum head acts as a mirror reflecting external light and obscuring visibility of the drum's interior. A second reflector can be positioned toward the base of the drum to generate a light tunnel or other visual effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Applicant: KIDS II, INC.
    Inventors: Elliot RADERMAN, Milton Aaron FLORES
  • Publication number: 20160067621
    Abstract: A toy track including a first track member and a second track member. The first track member has a first end and a second end and the second track member has a first end and a second end. A connector is positioned between the first track member and the second track member. The first and the second track members are each rotatable about a first axis by 360 degrees without uncoupling the first track member from the second track member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: Jason Moreno, Matthew Synowicz, Alpesh Patel, Joe Chan
  • Publication number: 20160067622
    Abstract: An infant mobile includes an arm and an axle or hub extending downward from the arm which is rotatable 360° in its axis. At least one translucent element extends outward from the axle or hub. At least one light emitting device is operatively associated with the translucent element to provide illumination to the translucent element. A motor is operatively associated with the hub or axle so that during use of the mobile, the motor causes the hub or axle to rotate 360° causing the translucent element to rotate relative to the arm of the mobile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: Inbal ADERKA, Benjamin Bearsch, Adam L. Hayes, Janet Villano, Ellen Diamant
  • Publication number: 20160067623
    Abstract: A toy bar for placement over or in front of a child to provide entertainment. The toy bar includes a tube component and first and second support members. The tube component generally includes a first end and a second end, and the first and second support members are generally removably attached to the tube component. Optionally, an LED light component fitted within the tube component. Optionally, at least one of the support members includes an electronic module, and wherein the electronic module can be programmed to activate one or more of a plurality of entertainment or soothing features including playing sounds, the LED light component, or a vibration unit. Optionally, one or more toys, loops or fasteners are coupled to the tube component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Applicant: KIDS II, INC.
    Inventors: Nicholas Brian HANSEN, Bradford REESE
  • Publication number: 20160067624
    Abstract: A playhouse assembly for constructing a dome-shaped housing. The playhouse assembly includes one or more contoured upper wall elements that connect to one another to form an upper wall of a dome-shaped structure, resembling an igloo. A transparent dome-shaped window is secured to the top of the upper wall in order to form the peak of the dome-shaped structure. Each upper wall element includes one or more rods extending from a lower edge thereof, wherein the rods can be inserted into a lower wall formed by snow. In some embodiments of the playhouse assembly, one or more lower wall elements are included, wherein each of the lower wall elements connect to one another to form the lower wall of the structure, rather than using snow to form the lower wall thereof. Further, a ring-shaped template is provided in order to guide a user when constructing the lower wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: Mary Hollowell, Denise Blaede
  • Publication number: 20160067625
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods of making polymeric swords and sparring instruments having improved mechanical properties. In one embodiment, a method of making a polyurethane sword includes centering a flexible support member on either a first half of a sword mold or on a second half of the sword mold; spraying a base coat paint on either the first half of the sword mold or on the second half of the sword mold; pouring a machine perfused polyurethane mixture into the first half the sword mold and into the second half of the sword mold and closing the sword mold by clasping the first half of the sword mold to the second half of the sword mold; heating the sword mold comprising the machine perfused polyurethane mixture in a heating apparatus; and removing the polyurethane sword from the sword mold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventor: Margaret LU
  • Publication number: 20160067626
    Abstract: A baseplate assembly, used with releasably coupleable playing pieces, includes a baseplate operably coupled to an image generating device. The baseplate includes a display region, having playing pieces coupling elements, and means for transmitting images generated by the image generating device to the display region. An image generating and playing-piece-interacting assembly includes a receptor operably coupled to an image generating device, having a display screen for generated images, including integrated visual and optically encoded message images, a playing piece at a location relative to the display screen having an optical display message sensor, and a messaging transponder. The optical display message sensor receives the generated images and generates a first signal at least partially based upon the optically encoded message image. The messaging transponder receives the first signal and generates and sends the receptor a second signal at least partially based thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Applicant: TECHNOLOGYONE, INC.
    Inventor: Arjuna Ragunath Karunaratne
  • Publication number: 20160067627
    Abstract: This invention is child-friendly craft toy consisting of tools for making paper chains by folding rectangular sheets, of paper. Included are means to make one or more precisely located and parallel creases in said rectangular paper to facilitate folding into a strip. Also included are means to make (three) precisely located and parallel creases in said strip to facilitate folding the strip into an interlocking paper chain link for assembly into paper chains. A crease tray is used in conjunction with a tapered stylus to make sharp precisely located creases in paper rectangles, said crease tray including at least one stop gauge to make precisely located ceases in said strip by pressing the strip against a gauge stop and against the opposite corner of said crease (the) tray. The outer segment creases of said paper strip are placed outside the quarter points of said strip to avoid fold interference and facilitate assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventor: Ward Curtis Smith
  • Publication number: 20160067628
    Abstract: A toy assembly includes: a platform configured to receive an object in a space extending from the platform; a dock configured to receive and hold a portable imaging device associated with a field of view, the dock being positioned relative to the platform such that the space extending from the platform overlaps with the field of view of the imaging device when the imaging device is received and held in the dock; a physical input configured to move in response to an applied manual force; and a movable connection between the physical input and the platform, the movable connection configured to move the platform relative to the imaging device in response to receiving a manual force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: Nicholas Reid, William Gajda, Benjamin Parry Taylor
  • Publication number: 20160067629
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed toward a novel pressurized vapor cycle for distilling liquids. In some embodiments of the invention, a liquid purification system is revealed, including the elements of an input for receiving untreated liquid, a vaporizer coupled to the input for transforming the liquid to vapor, a head chamber for collecting the vapor, a vapor pump with an internal drive shaft and an eccentric rotor with a rotatable housing for compressing vapor, and a condenser in communication with the vapor pump for transforming the compressed vapor into a distilled product. Other embodiments of the invention are directed toward heat management, and other process enhancements for making the system especially efficient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: David F. Bednarek, Jason A. Demers, Timothy P. Duggan, James L. Jackson, Scott A. Leonard, David W. McGill
  • Publication number: 20160067630
    Abstract: A liquid processing system is able to purify liquid such as water using an electromagnetic heater. The system, in one embodiment, includes a main boiler, a bottom boiler, a heating element, and a heating coil. The main boiler is structured to have a cylindrical shape and is configured to separate purified liquid from incoming liquid. The bottom boiler, configured to couple to the main boiler, holds at least a portion of incoming liquid for purification process. While the heating coil, which is situated adjacent to the heating element, is able to generate a magnetic field in accordance with an electrical current, the heating element produces heat needed for purification process in response to the magnetic field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: Joseph W. Kaminski, Charles J. Borg, Dariush Golpira
  • Publication number: 20160067631
    Abstract: An apparatus for collecting mineral particles in a slurry or the tailings is disclosed, including a collection area or tank having one or more collection surfaces configured to contact with a mixture having water and valuable material, the valuable material having a plurality of mineral particles of interest; and a synthetic material provided at least on the one or more collection surfaces, the synthetic material having plurality of molecules with a siloxane functional group configured to attract the mineral particles of interest to the collection surfaces. The one or more collection surfaces includes a conveyor belt that is driven through the collection area or tank, through a release area or tank, back through the collection area or tank. The mixture includes a pulp slurry having ground ore with mineral particles of interest forming part thereof, including mineral particles of interest of about 500 microns or larger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: Paul J. ROTHMAN, Mark R. FERNALD, Francis K. DIDDEN, Douglas H. ADAMSON
  • Publication number: 20160067632
    Abstract: A machine (1) for processing polymer materials has a rotor (2) rotatable around an axis of rotation (A); a stator (3) slidingly and sealingly coupled with the rotor (2); at least one circumferential recess (7) which extends by an angle of less than 360° into the stator (3) and forms with the rotor (2) a processing channel (8) of the polymer material; at least one inlet channel (11) for feeding the polymer material to the processing channel (8); and an outlet channel (12) for evacuating the polymer material from the processing channel (8).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Applicant: Nexxus Channel S.r.l.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Ponzielli
  • Publication number: 20160067633
    Abstract: Open filtering equipment for a water treatment station, for open filters with a filter bed such as sand, coal, etc., comprising a plurality of support legs (10), a plurality of frames (20) supported on said support legs (10), each having at least one opening (22), said plurality of frames (20) being suitable to cover the bottom of a filter, and a plurality of filtering assemblies with a flat upper surface, each of them attachable on a frame (20) covering an opening (22) thereof, and each filter assembly comprising a filtering grid (32) for filtering the water from the filter bed by filtering.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: Campillo Jara, Martin Gonzalez
  • Publication number: 20160067634
    Abstract: Microstructure separation filters are provided herein, as well as chromatography and other separation devices. An exemplary filter device includes a microstructure filter has a plurality of layers of alternating sacrificial and/or structural material which have been etched to create inlet channels and outlet channels. Adjacent ones of the inlet channels and the outlet channels are spaced apart from one another by cross channels that filter a fluid from the inlet channels to the outlet channels. The cross channels include filter features formed by etching away of a portion of the layers. The device also includes a housing configured to receive the microstructure filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventor: Brian Edward Richardson
  • Publication number: 20160067635
    Abstract: An enhanced liquid filter bag is disclosed. The enhancements to a liquid filter bag disclosed herein include the addition of an internal filter cartridge and the addition of a liquid impermeable liner material that directs the flow of liquid to a centrally located void in the internal filter cartridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventor: Fred Geyer
  • Publication number: 20160067636
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an a multi-cage type ballast water filtering apparatus having a function of automatically controlling simultaneous backwashing, and a method of automatically controlling the simultaneous backwashing. The apparatus includes a body, and filtering units connected to each other to form a packaged structure in the body. Each filtering unit includes a filter filtering ballast water, and an automatic washing unit backwashing the filter. The apparatus further includes a first pressure sensor measuring the pressure in space between the body and the filters, and a second pressure sensor installed on each of some of the filtering units to measure the pressure in the filter of the corresponding filtering unit. When a difference between pressures measured by the first and second pressure sensors exceeds a predetermined range, the automatic washing units of all of the filtering units are simultaneously operated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Applicant: PANASIA CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Soo-Tae LEE, Tae-Sung PYO, Su-Kyu LEE
  • Publication number: 20160067637
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a press screw separator (1) for separating solid components from a slurry containing solid and liquid components, comprising a housing (2), a frame (5) arranged in the housing (2), a cylindrical screen (4) which is arranged at least partially in the frame (5), and a screw (3) for pressing out the slurry, which screw is arranged within the screen (4) and is mounted so as to be rotationally movable about a longitudinal axis (6) of the screen (4), wherein the frame (5) is mounted in the housing (2) without any clearance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Applicant: Röhren- und Pumpenwerk Bauer Ges.m.b.H.
    Inventors: Otto ROISS, Dietrich EICHLER
  • Publication number: 20160067638
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vibrating device (1) that comprises: a supporting structure (2); a first rotating shaft (3) rotatably connected to the supporting structure (2) and having a first eccentric mass (4) secured thereto; and a second rotating shaft (5) rotatably connected to the supporting structure (2) and having a second eccentric mass (6) secured thereto, wherein the first (3) and second (5) shafts are concentric and rotate in opposite directions. The device is light in weight, has adjustable masses and can be coupled to other devices of the same type. Moreover, the device is characterized in that the supporting structure (2) comprises a base (7) and two independent lubricated cavities (8a, 8b) and a plurality of elongate elements (9) that connect the lubricated cavities (8a, 8b) to the base (7).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventor: Marcelo Raddemacher
  • Publication number: 20160067639
    Abstract: The application generally relates to digital Engine Integrity Protection (EIP) systems for filters for internal combustion engines and methods of using the digital EIP systems. A pre-programmed digital chip is integrated in filtration hardware such that the Engine Control Unit (ECU) or another controller installed on the engine or vehicle can read encrypted digital signal from the chip when electrically connected with the filter hardware. Based on the read information from the chip, the ECU or controller can determine whether the filter associated with the chip is a genuine filter or a non-genuine filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2014
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Applicant: CUMMINS FILTRATION IP, INC.
    Inventors: Abhijit Shimpi, Andy Lesmana, Adeeze Okoye, Joseph Okoro
  • Publication number: 20160067640
    Abstract: A precision pool cleaner, it may include a swimming pool filter made to clean pool water including of one submersible pump with flexible tubing, a reducing coupling and a container filled with polyfiber with holes drilled in the bottom; then placing it in the water plugging in into an outlet causing the water to be filtered thru the pump and pushed thru the drum out the bottom causing the water to be clean and blue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventor: Clint Jackson
  • Publication number: 20160067641
    Abstract: Fiber webs that include an acid scavenger are provided. In certain embodiments, the acid scavenger may be immobilized within a resin and/or on the fiber web. In some embodiments, such fiber webs are used in filter media. The filter media may be suitable for filtering fluids that contain one or more acids. The acid scavenger may serve to complex and/or neutralize acids in the vicinity of the fiber web, thereby rending the fiber web more durable against degradation in acidic environments. The respective characteristics and amounts of the acid scavenger on the fiber web may be selected to impart desirable properties to the fiber web, including enhanced mechanical and performance properties (e.g., relatively high strength and lifetime) during filtration. Filter media formed of the fiber webs may be particularly well-suited for applications that involve filtering lubricating oil or hydraulic fluids, though the media may also be used in other applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Applicant: Hollingsworth & Vose Company
    Inventor: Augusto Rodriguez
  • Publication number: 20160067642
    Abstract: There is provided a frame assembly 200 adapted for installation in a filter housing of an air handling system. The frame assembly is arranged having a frame 210 which is adapted to receive a filter unit of a predetermined size. The frame assembly further comprises a clamping mechanism 230 arrange for clamping the filter unit. An actuator 231 of the clamping mechanism is arranged at a front member 211 of the frame and is operable between an open and a closed position while activating the clamping mechanism to clamp the filter unit. An actuator element 232 facing a back member 212 of the frame is arranged such that a free distance between the actuator element and the back member during operation of the actuator corresponds to the predetermined filter unit size, thereby enabling operation of the actuator only if an inserted filter unit abuts the back member of the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2013
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Applicant: Camfil AB
    Inventor: Pascal NATIONAL
  • Publication number: 20160067643
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an air handling system including a casing structure formed from a cohesive sheet of material. The air handling system also includes a first side wall of the casing structure including a first section of the cohesive sheet of material. The air handling system also includes a first support portion extending inwardly from the first side wall. The first support portion includes a folded portion of the first side wall. The air handling system also includes a second side wall disposed substantially opposite the first side wall. The second side wall includes a second section of the cohesive sheet of material. The air handling system further includes a second support portion extending inwardly from the second side wall. The second support portion includes a folded portion of the second side wall. The first and second support portions are configured to support a filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: Jeffrey N. Nichols, Bart A. Balthazor, Wayne E. Romero, Tony M. Clark, Thomas J. Martin, Carla M. Barrier, Emily E. Zimmerman, Robert A. Parks, George T. Mayo, IV
  • Publication number: 20160067644
    Abstract: A modular utility system comprising of filter modules, fans modules, ancillary equipment modules, material separator modules, baler modules, compactor modules, HVAC modules and geo-thermal cooling modules where the modules can be linked together via a common electrical and mechanical interface to create a total utility system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2014
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventor: Martin Scaife