Patents Issued in March 22, 2016
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Patent number: 9289646Abstract: A weight training assembly which attaches to a weight bar to train an athlete in upward thrust movements, specifically football linemen, the assembly including a T-handle attachment for application to one end of the weight bar and an anchor attachment mounted to the floor or a floor and wall junction securing the other end of the weight bar for pivotal movement, the T-handle portion held by the user for a standing military press motion or other creative lifting movement.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2015Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Inventor: Tommy Tully
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Patent number: 9289647Abstract: A seated exercise apparatus comprises a frame having a seat attached to the frame. A pair of opposed cranks are rotatably coupled to the frame such that they rotate about a first axis. A medial portion of each of a pair of elongated members is rotatably connected to the frame at a respective pivot joint. A first end of each elongated member has a handle and a second end of each elongated member is rotatably connected to a one end of a respective pedal arm. The pivot joints are located outside of a plane of motion of their respective right and left pedals, such that the apparatus can fit within a more compact form factor, especially in a longitudinal dimension. The pedals move in a reciprocating path having an elliptical shape, in which the major axis is more vertical than horizontal, giving a more up and down, natural, pedal motion.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2013Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: FLATIRON DESIGN, LLCInventor: Christopher R Merli
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Patent number: 9289648Abstract: A treadmill includes a support structure and a treadbase connected thereto. The treadbase has first and second opposing side rails extending along at least a portion of first and second sides of the treadbase, respectively. A deck is connected to and between the first and second opposing side rails. Front and rear pulleys are connected to and between the first and second opposing side rails. A continuous belt is trained around and rotatable about the front and rear pulleys. One or more vibration assemblies are connected to the deck and selectively create vibrations to cause the deck to vibrate. The vibrations are transferred to a user during the performance of exercise to provide various physiological benefits to the user.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2013Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: ICON Health & Fitness, Inc.Inventor: Scott R. Watterson
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Patent number: 9289649Abstract: A wearable device assembly has a housing supporting a controller, display and indicator system thereon. The controller has at least one sensor wherein activity of a user wearing the device is detected. The controller selectively illuminates the indicator system to indicate a level of activity of the user.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2014Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Aaron B. Weast, Jamian R. Cobbett
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Patent number: 9289650Abstract: Generally, a spike including a rotary position selector which allows selectable incremental fixed angular positioning of the spike, the spike adaptable to couple to a tool. Specifically, an ice axe having a rotatable spike which allows selectable fixed angular positioning of the spike in relation to the shaft of the ice axe.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2014Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: 2think, LLCInventor: Kevin E. Willey
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Patent number: 9289651Abstract: The invention provides a resin composition for golf balls having excellent resilience, flexibility and fluidity, and golf balls having excellent resilience and shot feel.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2013Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: DUNLOP SPORTS CO. LTD.Inventors: Akinori Kitamura, Kazuyoshi Shiga, Takahiro Shigemitsu, Yu Kawabata
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Patent number: 9289652Abstract: Golf balls comprising a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core comprises at least one intermediate core layer formed from a metallic, composite, or inorganic/organic hybrid composition.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2013Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Edmund A. Hebert, Mark L. Binette, Brian Comeau
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Patent number: 9289653Abstract: The invention is directed to a golf ball comprising: a single layer core and a cover layer disposed about the single layer core; the single layer core being formed from a substantially homogenous formulation and comprising a geometric center and an outer surface wherein the outer surface has a hardness greater than a hardness of the geometric center; the single layer core further comprising: an inner core region disposed about the geometric center; an outer core region disposed about the inner core region and adjacent the outer surface; and a boundary disposed between the inner core region and the outer core region at about 12 mm or less from the outer surface; wherein the boundary has a hardness that is greater than the hardness of the geometric center and greater than the hardness of the outer surface. In another embodiment, the boundary has a hardness that is greater than the hardness of the geometric center and less than the hardness of the outer surface.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2013Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Brian Comeau, David A. Bulpett, Douglas S. Goguen
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Patent number: 9289654Abstract: A golf ball comprising a single layer core formed from a substantially homogenous formulation and comprising a geometric center and an outer surface; a hardness of the outer surface is greater than a hardness of the geometric center. An inner core region is disposed about the geometric center and has a first hardness that is less than those of the geometric center and the outer surface; an outer core region is adjacent the outer surface and has a second hardness that is greater than those of the geometric center and the outer surface; and an intermediate core region is disposed between the inner and outer core regions and extends radially from about 5 mm to about 15.75 mm from the geometric center and has at least a third hardness and a fourth hardness, each of which are related to the first hardness and the second hardness in various ways.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2015Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Brian Comeau, Douglas S. Goguen, David A. Bulpett
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Patent number: 9289655Abstract: The present invention is directed to a golf ball and, more particularly, a golf ball core having a curable core composition comprising a dithiane compound, a rubber based compound comprising cis-1,4-polybutadiene rubber, a crosslinking agent comprising a metallic salt of unsaturated carboxylic acid in an amount between 10 to 50 parts per hundred of rubber (pphr), a peroxide initiator, one or more filler materials, and optionally an organ sulfur compound, are used to provide soft and resilient cores.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2013Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Murali Rajagopalan, Michael J. Sullivan
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Patent number: 9289656Abstract: A multi-layer golf ball includes a core formed from an ionomer, an intermediate layer surrounding the core, and a cover surrounding the intermediate layer. The core has a material hardness measured on the JIS-C scale of from about 34 to about 70, and has an outer surface that includes a plurality of land portions aligned on a common sphere, and a plurality of grooves separating the respective land portions and extending radially inward from the sphere. The plurality of grooves includes both a first set of grooves, and a second set of grooves that are perpendicular to each other. The intermediate layer is formed from a rubber material and has a radial thickness measured from the common sphere of from about 4.0 mm to about 9.0 mm. Additionally, the core has a 10-130 kg compression deformation of from about 3.5 to about 5.5 mm.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2013Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: Nike, Inc.Inventors: Hideyuki Ishii, Jun Ichinose, Chen-Tai Liu
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Patent number: 9289657Abstract: A football with a free moving weight. Implementations may include an outer cover, a bladder within the outer cover, and a free weight within the bladder.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2014Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Inventor: Chris Rice
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Patent number: 9289658Abstract: Sports rackets and handles for rackets are set forth in the present disclosure. The sports rackets comprise heads with handles attached thereto, wherein the handles are beveled and include shoulders that flare outward from the sides of the handle.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2015Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Inventor: H. Stetser Murphy, Jr.
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Patent number: 9289659Abstract: A golf club head with a body and an adjustable alignment aid housed on a top surface of the body is provided. The adjustable alignment aid is pivotable relative to the top surface, either two-dimensionally or about an axis of rotation transverse to the top surface. The adjustable alignment aid may be coupled to the remainder of the golf club head through a resistive connection and may be shifted to assist a golfer in squaring the face of the golf club face to a perceived eye line and resulting in the golfer being able to better square the golf club head with the eye line at a point of contact. The golf club head may be a putter head.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2013Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventor: David N. Franklin
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Patent number: 9289660Abstract: A golf club head comprising a means for adjusting the location of the center of gravity, and the bias of the golf club head, is disclosed herein. In particular, the golf dub head of the present invention comprises a channel that includes a track. A slidable weight is movable along the track and is reversibly affixed to various locations along the track with a mechanical fastener. The track has a narrow end by which the slidable weight is threaded onto the track, and the narrow end is covered with a stopper to prevent the weight from disengaging from the track, and thus the channel.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2014Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: CALLAWAY GOLF COMPANYInventor: Matthew Myers
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Patent number: 9289661Abstract: A golf club head has a body defining a ball striking face. The body further has a first leg extending away from the ball striking face and a second leg extending away from the ball striking face wherein a void is defined between the first leg and the second leg. The body further defines a cover that extends over the void. The golf club head may further have support structures and adjustable weight members.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2014Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: Nike, Inc.Inventors: John T. Stites, Yoshimasa Fujita
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Patent number: 9289662Abstract: A dual-core blade and method for manufacturing a dual-core blade are disclosed. The blade is formed with a first core portion and a second core portion comprising an epoxy having a plurality of expanded microspheres. The method of forming the two foams generally comprises sizing a foam core to form a first core portion and providing and preparing an epoxy mixture to form a second core portion. The first core portion and the second core portion of the epoxy mixture are placed into a preform, and the preform is heated slightly so as to cause the epoxy mixture to flow into the shape of the preform and around the first core portion. The first core portion and the second core portion are then bonded in a molding operation. The formed structure can form part of a hockey stick blade.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2014Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: BAUER Hockey, Inc.Inventor: Adam Gans
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Patent number: 9289663Abstract: A ball recovery and release system is configured to return a ball that is shot at a basketball structure. The ball recovery and release system includes a swing arm, rotationally connected to the basketball structure and configured to rotate from a back to a front of the basketball structure. A recovery rim is connected to the swing arm and further attached to a chute configured to direct the ball shot at the basketball structure. A plurality of net frame pole pivot brackets is attached to the recovery rim. A plurality of net frame poles is attached to a net frame pole pivot bracket. A recovery net is connected to all of the net frame poles. The ball is shot at the basketball structure and travels through the recovery net and down the chute.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2014Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Inventor: Robby Reuben Bollinger
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Patent number: 9289664Abstract: An apparatus for underwater activities including a vessel filled fully or partially with water, which vessel includes one or more open openings for entering the vessel, wherein the lower portion of the vessel is located within a body of water, all of the one or more open opening for entering the vessel are located in that portion of the vessel which is located under the surface level of the body of water, and that walls of the vessel are transparent, or the walls include sections that are transparent, for allowing observation of the activities taking place inside the vessel from outside of the vessel.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2013Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: WATERBOX OYInventor: Evgeny Lykov
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Patent number: 9289665Abstract: A portable training apparatus for assisting a user in developing ball batting skills is provided for use by either right or left handed batters. The apparatus releasably attaches to an existing structure, such as a chain-link fence. A post has a foot and a plurality of stabilizing members for attaching the post to a fence. A rotational means supplies the user a ball to hit.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2013Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Inventor: Kristopher Muller
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Patent number: 9289666Abstract: A baseball training apparatus occludes peripheral vision of each eye across the nose region of a baseball player by creating a visual divide that extends from and immediately adjacent to the nose along the central sagittal plane. In various embodiments, the visual divide is extendible, removable and replaceable, pivotal, and may incorporate scribes to vary shape or geometry. The visual divide may further be mounted from a pair of glasses without lenses, though other embodiments with and without lenses are contemplated. The eye divider is used to align or confirm alignment of a baseball player properly with the pitcher, to ensure that the batter has both eyes facing the pitcher.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2014Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Inventor: Eugene P. Glynn
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Patent number: 9289667Abstract: A hockey practice system for helping goaltenders and shooters to visualize scoring and goaltending angles in hockey. The hockey practice system generally includes a housing which houses an internal reel assembly. A plurality of reels within the housing include a plurality of cords which extend out of the front end of the housing to be magnetically secured to goalposts with a plurality of anchors. The rear end of the housing includes a blade sleeve into which the blade of a hockey stick may be inserted and retained. As the housing is moved with the hockey blade, the cords will define an area in which a puck would travel if shot. A camera on the front of the housing may also be included to record practice for future reference.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2014Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Inventor: Eric J. Niskanen
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Patent number: 9289668Abstract: A training sled including a pair of nonlinear runners is disclosed arranged in parallel relative to a center axis and a plane. A head crossbar may extend between first ends of the runners and may be joined thereto so as to form a U-shaped member with the runners. A weight bearing member may be affixed to and extend between the pair of nonlinear runners near mid-sections thereof. A rear crossbar may extend between and may be disposed above the plane of the runners proximate second ends thereof and may be joined thereto opposite the head crossbar.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2013Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: MARTY GILMAN, INC.Inventor: Neil F. Gilman
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Patent number: 9289669Abstract: A method for measuring a physical quantity of an object by using a single light source and a planar sensor unit, and a virtual golf system using the same are provided. According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for measuring a physical quantity of an object by using a single light source and a planar sensor unit, the method comprising: detecting, by the planar sensor unit, a shadow of the object generated by light emitted from the single light source, wherein the planar sensor unit is disposed on a bottom surface opposed to the single light source; and measuring a physical quantity of the object based on information regarding the shadow.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2010Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Inventors: Jey Ho Suk, Yong Ho Suk
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Patent number: 9289670Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for conserving battery power during shipping for an impact activated device for transmitting a radiofrequency signal. The method comprises forming an impact activated device for transmitting a radiofrequency signal. The shot tracking device is shipped in commerce and received at a retailer. The shot tracking device is stored at the retailer, wherein the battery has at least 90% of its capacity until paired with a receiver.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2011Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: Callaway Golf CompanyInventors: Joseph Balardeta, Scott Denton
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Patent number: 9289671Abstract: A golf swing instruction device is provided that includes first and second members, each being moveable with respect to one another by way of coupling arms coupled there between. Positioning members, for a golfer's feet and the golf ball, may be moved along a length of the first and second members to help position the golfer with respect to the ball. The first and second members may be positioned next to one another, may be moved away from each other on a first end or on an opposing second end, or may be moved away from one another on both ends such that first and second members are spaced apart from one another. In these configurations, the device assists the golfer in shaping a golf shot, such as a straight shot, fade, draw or putt.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2013Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: HGH ENTERPRISES, LLCInventor: Eric Heddleston
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Patent number: 9289672Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a dumbbell attachment is provided. The primary object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus to aid athletes who train with weights, specifically dumbbells. The present invention will receive and support a dumbbell safely and comfortably.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2014Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Inventor: Kenroy Anthony Francis
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Patent number: 9289673Abstract: A golf cage system that uses the customer's garage door tracks as the frame for the cage. The cage is oriented to transfer loads from ball impact through the tracks to the frame of the door in a perpendicular direction to minimize track twisting. The cage has a ball striking drop panel suspended from a shaft mounted on rollers or end caps that ride in the tracks and fastened to the tracks in their active position. Side panels and a top panel are also supported on the rollers at their forward ends and supported on another set of rollers in the tracks at the distal ends of the tracks. Low profile tie-downs are epoxied to the concrete garage floor to facilitate unobstructed foot and tire traffic.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2014Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Inventor: Dillis V. Allen
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Patent number: 9289674Abstract: Example embodiments may relate to a system, method, apparatus, and computer readable media configured for monitoring a user performing an athletic movement and/or exercise and generating a combinatory fitness athleticism score. The score may comprise a fitness sub-score and a fitness sub-score. The athletic movement may comprise a plurality of drills configured to test a plurality of fitness attributes and/or a plurality of athleticism attributes of the user. At least one of the plurality of fitness attributes may be selected from the group consisting of: endurance, flexibility, strength and combinations thereof; and at least one of the plurality of athleticism attributes may be selected from the group consisting of: speed, agility, reaction, power, balance, and combinations thereof.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2013Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: Nike, Inc.Inventors: Paul T. Winsper, Kristopher L. Homsi
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Patent number: 9289675Abstract: A flexor for use in a ski binding or mounting plate for a cross country or touring ski, comprises an extending flexor arm and a holding and positioning portion, wherein the extending flexor arm is connectable to, or integral with, the holding and positioning portion such that the extending flexor arm can rotate and/or displace with respect to the holding and positioning portion around the point of connection between the two. The extending flexor arm is formed such that the amount of displacement of the extending flexor arm as a result of an applied force acting thereon follows a substantially linear relationship, up to a first desired amount of displacement. For a displacement of the extending flexor arm greater than the first desired amount of displacement, the amount of displacement of the extending flexor arm as a result of an applied force acting thereon follows an approximately exponential relationship.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2009Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: Rottefella ASInventors: Even Wollo, Thomas Holm, Oyvar Svendsen
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Patent number: 9289676Abstract: A skateboard or longboard truck comprises a hanger and a baseplate assembly. A redesigned hanger, a large ball pivot, a load-redirecting pivot cup, a tapered kingpin and other improvements give the hanger a high kingpin ratio and a high angle of mechanical advantage, thereby improving the performance and turning characteristics of the truck.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2014Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: DASHBOARDS SKIMBOARDS COMPANY, LLC.Inventors: Lloyd W. Docter, Timothy R. Mackey
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Patent number: 9289677Abstract: A playing card delivery shoe used in the play of the casino table card game of blackjack.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2008Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.Inventors: Oliver M. Schubert, Attila Grauzer, Justin G. Downs, III, James V. Kelly
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Patent number: 9289678Abstract: Systems and methods for associating a wireless device to a host. The wireless device is associated to the host via a binding and discovery process. The binding process establishes the association. A unique identifier and other binding information is provided to the wireless device, which is stored in the wireless device to establish the link to the console. The binding information is retained in the wireless device. The discovery process enables the wireless device to join a session at hosted by the host. The host sends broadcast packets that are compared to the stored information in the wireless device. The broadcast packets are validated and authenticated to complete the discovery process. A visual indicator on the host and/or controller may indicate the success or failure of either the binding or discovery process.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2005Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Richard S. Lum, Wei Guo, Gary L. Gordon
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Patent number: 9289679Abstract: Provided is a program capable of facilitating an operation input made by a user. A computer-readable information storage medium has stored thereon a program for controlling a computer connected to an operation input device to function so as to obtain, for each time unit, an input value indicating specifics of the operation input of the user received by the operation input device, and to calculate, as an output value of a parameter to be operated, a value obtained by changing a reference value by a change amount, the reference value being determined by one of a plurality of obtained input values, the change amount being determined by each of the plurality of obtained input values.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2010Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.Inventors: Junya Okura, Toshitake Tsuchikura
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Patent number: 9289680Abstract: A game controller includes at least four load sensors for detecting a load applied on a support board on which player's legs are ridden, and the game controller transmits a load value detected as manipulation data by the four load sensors to a game machine. The game machine determines a necessary quantity of load values, and the game machine computes the necessary quantity of load values based on the detected load value from the game controller. Then, game processing is performed based on the necessary quantity of computed load values.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2013Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hitoshi Yamazaki, Takao Sawano, Tadashi Sugiyama
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Patent number: 9289681Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide techniques for suggesting actions to users of an immersive virtual environment based on previous user actions within the virtual environment. Generally, characteristics of actions performed by various users of the virtual environment may be stored in a searchable actions index. Subsequently, the actions index may be used to suggest actions based on similarity of the stored characteristics to those of a current user and/or actions. The suggested actions may be presented to the user as graphical indications visible within the user's view of the virtual environment.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2007Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Derek L. Bromenshenkel, Zachary Adam Garbow, Daniel Leonard Hiebert
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Patent number: 9289682Abstract: In a case where a predetermined action is performed by a game character, a determining section determines whether or not a result of the predetermined action is a predetermined result. A determining/predicting section executes at least one of a determination as to whether or not the game character has been brought into a situation that allows the predetermined action to be performed by the game character and a prediction as to whether or not the game character will be brought into the situation. A producing section produces a presentation effect relating to the game character based on a result of the determination performed in the past by the determining section, in at least one of a case where it is determined that the game character has been brought into the situation and a case where it is predicted that the game character will be brought into the situation.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2012Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: KONAMI DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT CO., LTD.Inventors: Yusuke Kurita, Shinichiro Yamazaki, Nozomi Akimoto, Yohei Mimata, Ryogo Yamasaki
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Patent number: 9289683Abstract: Aspects of this disclosure relate to rewarding users of an electronic game for real-world physical activity. Further aspects relate to altering virtual items based upon physical activity. An electronic game may comprise or otherwise relate to an online world (such as a “Virtual World”). Users may be represented through customized graphical representations, such as avatars. An account of a user (or entity) may be associated a “virtual region.” A threshold level of real-world physical activity may result in obtaining a reward that may be associated with a virtual item. A reward may be configured to result in: (1) altering visual appearance of a virtual item within a virtual region; (2) altering a virtual characteristic of a virtual item, such that the first user may engage in at least one additional virtual activity using that virtual item; and/or (3) acquiring a new virtual item for a virtual region.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2012Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventor: Willoughby H. Walling
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Patent number: 9289684Abstract: A method, implemented as computer code being executed by one or more processors, in which a computing device displays computer game graphics showing a gameboard with multiple game elements that disappear when matched or switched, such as in a match-3, clicker or switcher game; and in which one or more of the processors are programmed such that: the gameboard includes an entry point and one or more exit points and the player completes a level of the game if he or she clears elements to make a path from the entry point to an exit point; and the game includes a virtual path though which the player progresses if he or she completes a level of the game; and that virtual path can, at some nodes, fork in several different directions and the position of the exit successfully reached in the gameboard determines which fork the player will take through the virtual path if the player completes a level.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2013Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: KING.COM LTD.Inventor: Sebastian Knutsson
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Patent number: 9289685Abstract: An approach for providing virtual throwing of objects is described. Execution of virtually throwing an object as represented by a first application on a first mobile device is detected. Throwing data for the object using sensor information and location information of the first mobile device is determined. A second mobile device is selected as a candidate to virtually catch the object as represented by a second application on the second mobile device based on the throwing data and location information of the second mobile device. A successful catch of the object by the second mobile device is determined based on the throwing data and the location information of the second mobile device.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2011Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: VERIZON PATENT AND LICENSING INC.Inventors: Devin C. Moore, Wade Peebles Thompson
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Patent number: 9289686Abstract: Techniques for recommending and establishing connections between users within a gaming social network, designed for connecting users having common gaming interests or characteristics. Embodiments include methods for recommending connections from members of an out-of-game social network, the gaming social network, and gaming activity participants; evaluating user profile information and user characteristics in a gaming social network and gaming activity in a game networking system to determine an appropriate set of connections for a selected user; and presenting graphical user interface content and configurations to enable the suggestion, review, and accepting of recommended connections in the gaming social network.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2012Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: Zynga Inc.Inventors: Shane Hall, Daniel McCaffrey, Dylan Sproule, Ben Hall, Timothy J. O. Catlin, Jason Allen, Clayton Stark
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Patent number: 9289687Abstract: A method is disclosed for providing comprehensive information of all game achievements on a single GUI of a gaming and media system. The achievements GUI lists all game achievements, whether locked or unlocked, and may visually differentiate between locked and unlocked achievements. Upon a user selecting a listed achievement, information relating to that achievement may be displayed on the same GUI, in an achievement descriptor area beside the area listing the achievements.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2014Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Brian Ostergren, Trisha Eileen Stouffer
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Patent number: 9289688Abstract: An improved controller (10) for a games console that is intended to be held by a user in both hands in the same manner as a conventional controller (1). Additionally, the controller (10) may include the same controls (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9) as a conventional controller (1). The controller (10) is advantageous as it additionally comprises additional controls (11A, 11B, 11C, 11D) located on the rear of the controller (10) in a position to be operated by the middle fingers of a user (12). The additional controllers (11A, 11B, 11C, 11D) may be paddle levers and may replicate the functions of one or more of the controls (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9) located on the front or top of the controller (10).Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2015Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Inventors: Simon Burgess, Duncan Ironmonger
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Patent number: 9289689Abstract: A method for indicating a pre-game environment quality level may include, for example, obtaining a profile associated with a video game, where the profile comprises desirable performance metrics for initiating the video game, performing performance metric measurements in collaboration with a computing device from which the video game is to be played, comparing the performance metric measurements to the desirable performance metrics, determining a discrepancy between the performance metric measurements and the desirable performance metrics, determining a gaming quality level according to the determined discrepancy, and presenting at the computing device a quality indicator based on the determined quality level. The presenting can further include graphically displaying the quality indicator and the discrepancy. Other embodiments are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2014Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: STEELSERIES ApSInventors: Bruce Hawver, Jacob Wolff-Petersen, Kim Rom, Francis Arnold Grever, Jeffrey Nicholas Mahlmeister, Tino Soelberg, Christopher John Nicolella
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Patent number: 9289690Abstract: A method for computing a social game in a social media providing a computing environment in which members are visualized with their avatars respectively associated with the members and the members socialize. An environment in which the members play a master game and a slave game is provided, in which the slave game is a battle card game. Playing history data of the master game and playing history data of the slave game are stored and managed. The playing history data card information of cards possessed by each of the members is described; and a process of managing the slave game is provided, the process including a card-issuing process in which a member-avatar card that is used for playing the card game and is derived from each member is issued and is possessed by any of the members.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2014Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: DeNA Co., Ltd.Inventor: Taku Kojo
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Patent number: 9289691Abstract: A video game includes a peripheral device that senses the presence and identity of toy objects near or on the peripheral. Each of the toy objects includes an identification device such as an RFID tag. Each of the toys is also associated with a corresponding game character or object. The peripheral device provides lighting effects based on characteristics of the game character or aspects of the game play sequence thereby enhancing the user's gameplay experience.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2015Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: Activision Publishing, Inc.Inventors: Robert Leyland, I-Wei Huang
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Patent number: 9289692Abstract: Systems and methods for using an interactive television program guide application to access fantasy sports contests are presented. In some embodiments of the present invention, the interactive television program guide application may display information indicating to a user that one or more programs is related to a fantasy sports contest. In some embodiments of the present invention, the application may provide to the user a schedule of programs related to one or more fantasy sports contests in which the user participates. The application may provide additional features to fantasy sports contestants including automatic recording of programs related to a user's fantasy sports contest, playback of highlight video clips for events that affect a user's fantasy sports contest standing, and targeted advertisements for fantasy sports contests.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2015Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: Rovi Guides, Inc.Inventor: David Barber
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Patent number: 9289693Abstract: A motion simulation device includes a base and a first arm rotatably coupled to the base about a first axis. The device further includes a drive element rotatably coupled to the base about a second axis. A second arm is rotatably coupled to the drive element about a third axis. A first end of the first arm is rotatably coupled to a capsule, and a first end of the second arm is also rotatably coupled to the capsule. The first arm and drive element are selectively rotatable to control the pitch and the elevation of the capsule.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2014Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: Hogan Mfg., Inc.Inventors: Donald Morris, David Johnson
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Patent number: 9289694Abstract: In one embodiment there is a toy skateboard having two configurations. In the first configuration, a pair of non-motorized truck assemblies are attached to the deck, and the upper surface of the deck has a finger engaging region for a user's fingers to engage and move the skateboard. In the second configuration, the rear non-motorized truck assembly is replaced with a motorized rear truck assembly, wherein the movement of the skateboard is controlled by the processor in response to remote signals. In addition, the processor may detect a back EMF voltage generated by the rotation of a motor caused by a manual manipulation of a wheel controlled by the motor. The processor would have sleep and wake states and would transition between the two when the detected back EMF voltage reaches a pre-determined value.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2014Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Assignee: Innovation First, Inc.Inventors: David Anthony Norman, Robert H. Mimlitch, III, Raul Olivera
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Patent number: 9289695Abstract: A folding toy figurine includes a lid formed from a flat foldable stock and has a top wall and side walls when it is folded into erect position. The toy also has a box component which is formed from flat foldable stock which, when folded into erect position, has a bottom wall, walls and a hollow interior. At least one of side walls has a small slot therein and a lid fitting snugly over the box component to form a hollow box. The toy has parts that are loosely held inside the box. At least one of the parts is removable from the interior of the box and insertable into said small slot in side wall, from the exterior thereof. The invention also provides a method of making parts with boundaries for insertion into slots.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2012Date of Patent: March 22, 2016Inventors: Omid Sadri, Michael Weaker