Patents Issued in September 13, 2016
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Patent number: 9440115Abstract: The present invention provides a method for arranging dimples on a golf ball surface in which the dimples are arranged in a pattern derived from at least one irregular domain generated from a regular or non-regular polyhedron. The method includes choosing control points of a polyhedron, generating an irregular domain based on those control points, packing the irregular domain with dimples, and tessellating the irregular domain to cover the surface of the golf ball. The control points include the center of a polyhedral face, a vertex of the polyhedron, a midpoint or other point on an edge of the polyhedron and others. The method ensures that the symmetry of the underlying polyhedron is preserved while minimizing or eliminating great circles due to parting lines.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2011Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Michael R. Madson, Nicholas M. Nardacci
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Patent number: 9440116Abstract: In a golf ball having a surface divided by triangular concave sectors, an area of a surface of a sphere is divided into a plurality of areas forming spherical polyhedron and a plurality of dimples are formed for each of the plurality of areas. A triangular concave sector is formed by continuously forming a plurality of triangular concaves on each arc along great circles dividing the surface of the sphere into the plurality of areas. A planar shape of each of the plurality of triangular concaves is a triangle and the bases of the triangular concaves are arranged on the arc along the great circles. Peaks of adjacent triangular concaves are located at opposite sides with respect to the arc along the great circles.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2015Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: VOLVIK INC.Inventors: In Hong Hwang, Kyung Ahn Moon
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Patent number: 9440117Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball which shows a high spin rate on approach shots and an excellent stain resistance. The present invention provides a golf ball comprising a golf ball body and a paint film formed on a surface of the golf ball body, wherein a base resin constituting the paint film is a polyurethane obtained by a reaction between a polyol composition and a polyisocyanate composition, the polyol composition contains a urethane polyol including a polyether diol having a number average molecular weight from 800 to 3000 as a constituent component, the paint film has a 10% elastic modulus of 100 kgf/cm2 or less, and the 10% elastic modulus (kgf/cm2) (Y) of the paint film and a molar ratio (NCO/OH) (X) of NCO of the polyisocyanate composition to OH of the polyol composition satisfy a following equation (1).Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2014Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: DUNLOP SPORTS CO. LTD.Inventors: Toshiyuki Tarao, Kuniyasu Horiuchi
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Patent number: 9440118Abstract: Multi-layer golf balls having a hard, high compression center, a relatively soft intermediate layer, and a stiff outer cover layer, are provided. The outer surface hardness of the intermediate layer is less than that of both the center and the outer cover layer.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2014Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Scott Cooper, Derek A. Ladd
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Patent number: 9440119Abstract: Golf ball with a novel combination of spin rate, lift coefficient, drag coefficients, and optionally moment of inertia: a golf ball with a low spin rate, a high lift coefficient, a low drag coefficient, and optionally a high moment of inertia; and a golf ball with a high spin rate, a low lift coefficient, a low drag coefficient, and optionally a low moment of inertia.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2014Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Derek A. Ladd, Edmund A. Hebert, Laurent Bissonnette
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Patent number: 9440120Abstract: A ball holder for a table tennis table designed for non-intrusive mounting under a corner of a table tennis table. The ball holder can be manufactured in two parts for ease of sale and construction, with the two halves being easily assembled and secured by the user. The two halves can connect using a set of male and female tabs, and secure using a set of bolts. The full assembly can attach to the table tennis table through the use of four screws. Properly assembled, the ball holder can contain multiple table tennis balls in an easily accessible position, but without obstructing the players' range of motion or creating a hazard.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2014Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Inventor: Richard Lee
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Patent number: 9440121Abstract: A golf club component, such as a golf club head and/or a golf club shaft, can comprise a golf club component substrate having an outer layer of titanium carbide, typically comprising at least forty percent (40%) carbon content. Alternatively, a golf club component can comprise a golf club component substrate, at least a portion of which is enveloped by a first coating layer of, for example, electroplated nickel, a second coating layer of, for example, electroplated chromium or palladium, and a third coating layer of titanium carbide applied by physical vapor deposition. The titanium carbide layer is durable and can provide the golf club component with a desired aesthetic appearance, such as a black color. Additionally, the golf club component can be coated with a fourth coating layer, such as a layer comprising a sealant or clear coat material.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2013Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: TAYLOR MADE GOLF COMPANY, INC.Inventors: Xinhui Deng, Abram Stanley Harris
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Patent number: 9440122Abstract: Golf club and golf club head structures include an inner wall or backstop arranged behind a ball striking surface of the golf club head and defining a gap between the inner wall and a rear surface of the ball striking surface. In some arrangements, the size of the gap may vary along a heel-to-toe length of the inner wall or backstop. For instance, the size of the gap may gradually increase from a first end of the inner wall toward a central region of the inner wall, and may gradually decrease from the central region toward a second end of the inner wall. In some examples, the inner wall or backstop may be connected to the golf club head, for instance, at a first end and/or a second end.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2013Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Robert Boyd, Mark J. Perry
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Patent number: 9440123Abstract: The invention provides a golf club head having a port for providing a view into the interior cavity of the club head. The club head further includes at least one rib positioned along an internal surface of the club head and adjacent to the port. The at least one rib is configured to provide sound tuning characteristics, increasing the frequency of the port, thereby improving acoustic properties of the club head, particularly the sound produced by the golf club head during ball impact.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2014Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Cobra Golf IncorporatedInventors: Tim A. Beno, Karl Clausen
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Patent number: 9440124Abstract: Embodiments of golf club heads and methods to manufacture golf club heads are generally described herein. In one example, a golf club head may include a body portion with a toe portion, a heel portion, a rear portion, a front portion with a strike face, a sole portion, and a top portion with a plurality of weight ports. The body portion may define a periphery of the golf club head. The golf club head may also include a plurality of weight portions with each weight portion disposed in one weight port of the plurality of weight ports. Other examples and embodiments may be described and claimed.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2014Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: PARSONS XTREME GOLF, LLCInventors: Robert R. Parsons, Michael R. Nicolette, Bradley D. Schweigert
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Patent number: 9440125Abstract: A golf club head comprising a three dimensional alignment feature is disclosed herein. In particular, the golf club head, which preferably is a putter, comprises a conical bore having a plurality of concentric rings. The concentric bore extends into a top surface of the head, and when a golfer has properly aligned his or her head relative to a golf ball and the club head, each of the plurality of concentric rings is fully visible to the golfer, with no part of any ring obscured by any other part of the golf club head.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2016Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Callaway Golf CompanyInventor: Matthew Myers
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Patent number: 9440126Abstract: Golf clubs and golf club heads having a weight member that is configurable in multiple positions to alter the performance characteristics of the golf club head are presented. In some examples, the weight member may be arranged in a sole of the golf club head and may include ends having different weighting characteristics. For instance, one end may be heavier or denser than another end of the weight member. The difference in weight characteristics may be due to different materials used to form the different ends, different construction of the ends, and the like. The position of the weight member may be adjusted to alter the performance characteristics of the golf club head. For instance, the weight member may be removed and rotated to position a heavier end where a lighter end was previously positioned.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2012Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Inventors: Robert Boyd, Hiroshi Kawaguchi, Andrew G. V. Oldknow, James S. Thomas
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Patent number: 9440127Abstract: Golf clubs according to at least some example aspects of this disclosure may include a golf club head and a shaft configured to engage with the golf club head which includes a grip engaged with the shaft. Further, the golf club may include a monitoring device, which includes a sensor and a transmitter. Additionally, the monitoring device may be configured to determine data related to the characteristics of a golf swing. Further, the monitoring device may be configured to transmit the data related to the characteristics of a golf swing to a remote computer.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2015Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Joshua M. Boggs, Brian Kammerer, Jeffrey A. Hadden, Gregory S. Kramer, Douglas A. Thornton, Sherry L. Jones, James H. Lua, Daniel F. Wisniewski
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Patent number: 9440128Abstract: The disclosure herein includes a grip for a golf club with a flexible tube and a layered sheet. The tube includes a tubular body and raised portions extending from the tubular body. The outer surface of the raised portions cooperates with the layered sheet to form a gripping surface. The grip reduces impact shock and provides a feeling of tackiness while providing increased variation in the physical characteristics of the gripping surface. The disclosure further provides a golf club grip that includes a resilient strip spirally wrapped about an underlisting sleeve having a cap and a nipple. The underside of the cap is formed a downwardly facing circumferential slot that receives the upper edge of the strip. The nipple is formed with an upwardly facing groove that receives the lower portion of the strip. The disclosure further provides for a panel style grip.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2015Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Inventor: Ben Huang
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Patent number: 9440129Abstract: An animal-shaped golf bag is a golf bag that houses, transports, and protects golf clubs and additional items. In addition to maintaining the original functionality of a golf bag, the animal-shaped golf bag additionally provides the aesthetic appearance of an animal. The animal-shaped golf bag features a main animal-shaped body with a club-receiving cavity for storing golf clubs. A rigid base is provided for stability when resting on a surface. A plurality of animal feature-shaped pockets is also present for storing the user's items and providing the aesthetic appearance of an animal. Additionally, the animal-shaped golf bag features a plurality of aesthetic ornaments and a plurality of aesthetic displays that further enhance the aesthetic appearance of an animal provided by the animal-shaped golf bag. The animal-shaped golf bag may be conveniently transported by means of a carry handle and a carry strap.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2014Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Inventor: Graal Umangil Gaerlan
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Patent number: 9440130Abstract: A shuttlecock includes: a set of feather units, a shuttlecock head, and a connecting arrangement which including a feather planting arrangement. The feather planting arrangement includes a set of feather planting members of the same number as the number of the feather units, each feather planting member has a feather planting end portion and an insertion end portion, a shaft member of each feather unit is inserted in the feather planting end portion while the insertion end portion of each feather planting member is inserted in the shuttlecock head. Further disclosed is a method of manufacturing the shuttlecock.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2012Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Inventor: Jianlin Dai
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Patent number: 9440131Abstract: A device for training a baseball/softball player to swing a bat with a positioning apparatus affixed to the bat and a guide component tethered to an adjustable cuff on the upper arm of the trailing arm. Interconnection of guide component and positioning apparatus prevents the hands and bat from casting away from torso through midpoint in the swing and Prevents barrel of the bat from preceding knob end of the bat prior to the point of contact with ball. Positioning apparatus disengages from guide component prior to point of contact with ball allowing player to complete the swing.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2015Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Inventor: Daniel Jay Mueller
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Patent number: 9440132Abstract: A rung wall ascender including a support frame and a rung ladder transport mechanism positioned at a variable angle relative to the support frame. The rung ladder transport mechanism includes a chain arranged as a loop with rung ladders attached to the chain so as to maintain a ladder-like configuration that rotates downward as the user climbs so as to achieve a continuous climbing experience. A hydraulic cylinder is positioned between the rung ladder transport mechanism and the support frame that adjusts an angle of the rung ladder transport mechanism with respect to the ground. A control for the hydraulic cylinder is positioned proximate to the user. A braking system regulates the speed of the rung ladder transport mechanism while the user is climbing.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2014Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Brewer's Ledge Inc.Inventors: George W. Brewer, Garnet Moore, W. Conant Brewer
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Patent number: 9440133Abstract: A modular airbag system may include at least one inflatable airbag configured to deploy outward on a side(s) of the airbag system, for example, in two opposite substantially horizontal directions, at least one airbag compartment, and one or more straps configured to strap the modular airbag system securely to one of a user's body and/or an object, and configured to release the modular airbag system from one of the user's body and/or the object.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2014Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: THE NORTH FACE APPAREL CORP.Inventors: Jon Davis, Ryan Lee, Matthew Edward Paduano, Austin Robbs, Christopher Kenji Tagumi
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Patent number: 9440134Abstract: Described herein are methods and apparatuses for simulating golf. For example, described herein is a system for simulating a golf game. The system includes a simulator with a golf ball launch area and a display and an exercise device. The exercise device and simulator are connected to a computer.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2011Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: FULL-SWING GOLF, INC.Inventor: Daniel Antonio Nicora
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Patent number: 9440135Abstract: A multilayer electronic support structure comprising at least one pair of adjacent feature layers extending in an X-Y plane that are separated by a via layer; said via layer comprising a dielectric material that is sandwiched between the two adjacent feature layers and at least one one non-cylindrical via post that couples said pair of adjacent feature layers through the dielectric material in a Z direction perpendicular to the X-Y plane; wherein said at least one non-cylindrical via post is characterized by having a long dimension in the X-Y plane that is at least 3 times as long as a short dimension in the X-Y plane.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2012Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Zhuhai Advanced Chip Carriers & Electronic Substrate Solutions Technologies Co. Ltd.Inventor: Dror Hurwitz
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Patent number: 9440136Abstract: A goaltender leg pad providing profile adjustment, toe attachment and/or toe thickness adjustment. The leg pad can include an adjuster element that configures adjacent pads at a user selected angle or configuration to provide a desired front profile of the leg pad. The leg pad can include an optionally elastic toe attachment strap joined with a foot pad and/or boot, and a redirection element slidably engaging the strap. The strap can secure the foot pad to the user's skate, and generally centrally locate the foot pad over the user's skate when the user transitions to a standing position and/or a crouching position. The leg pad can include a foot pad configured to engage the top of a user's skate. The foot pad can define a cavity within which a secondary pad can be selectively installed or removed to alter the toe thickness of the foot pad and provide desired performance.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2014Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Warrior Sports, Inc.Inventor: Peter B. Smith
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Patent number: 9440137Abstract: A toe-piece for ski-touring bindings includes a base plate coupled to two jaws. The base plate provided with holes for fixing by screws to the surface of a ski extending in the longitudinal direction from a front tip to a rear tail-end. The two jaws situated opposite each other and symmetrically with respect to a longitudinal axis. Each of the two jaws having a transverse arm and a vertical arm provided with a respective transverse conical pin, which arms are configured to rotate about an axis substantially parallel to the base plate and to the longitudinal direction between a closed and/or open position for retaining and/or inserting and releasing the toe of a ski-boot and an open and/or closed position for releasing and inserting and/or retaining the toe.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2015Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: SKI TRAB S.r.l.Inventor: Daniele Trabucchi
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Patent number: 9440138Abstract: A pool rack assembly for arranging a plurality of pool balls into an operative orientation upon a pool table comprises a containment assembly. The containment assembly includes a first containment member disposed in pivotal relation with a second containment member via a pivoting interconnection. The pool rack assembly is pivoted into a closed disposition to facilitate arrangement of the plurality of pool balls into the operative orientation therein, and pivoted into an open disposition for removing the pool rack assembly from the operatively oriented pool balls. An alignment module may be removably connected to the containment module, and includes at least one light source which projects one or more light indicators. The light indicators are used to align the pool rack assembly, and more importantly, the plurality of operatively oriented pool balls therein, upon a pool table with reference to the rail markers.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2014Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Inventors: P. Andrew Keyes, Steven E. Ruffe
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Patent number: 9440139Abstract: A method of playing a game bonus triggered by the rank of the player hand. In a first embodiment, a number of bonus hands is displayed, each assigned a bonus value. A number of bonus hands are chosen, the number chosen being dependent on the rank of the player hand. The values of the chosen bonus hands are revealed. Alternatively, a number of bonus hands is displayed, the number being dependent on the rank of the player hand. After the bonus values are revealed, the player is paid an amount based on the bonus values.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2011Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: New Vision Gaming & Development, Inc.Inventor: John Feola
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Patent number: 9440140Abstract: The war game using cards and dice includes a plurality of game cards having a distinct first subset of game cards including a plurality of Soldier game cards, a plurality of Base game cards, and a plurality of Supply game cards, a distinct second subset of game cards including a plurality of Area game cards, a distinct third subset of game cards including a plurality of Action game cards, and at least one dice. The goal of the game is to acquire two sets of “Area” cards. Each Area card is identified by an Area name, a corresponding Area flag, a numerical value, and a group area designation as discussed further below. A “set” of Area cards includes three Area cards having the same area name and/or flag. The game can further require that the two sets be in the same group area.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2015Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Inventor: Omar Khaled Alqattan
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Patent number: 9440141Abstract: A competitive table game includes a rapidly spinning game wheel, an annular collection area, a base, and a plurality of rollable playing pieces. The game wheel is rotatably connected onto the base while the annular collection area is concentrically positioned around the game wheel. During each game, the players roll the plurality of rollable playing pieces on a smooth top surface of the game wheel as the plurality of rollable playing pieces is tangentially positioned on the smooth top surface and released attempting to match the linear velocity at the respective position on the game wheel. Then the plurality of rollable playing pieces moves across the smooth top surface and drops into the annular collection area, where the winner of each game is determined according to the game rules of each different game and the positioning of the plurality of rollable playing pieces. Other embodiments are described and shown.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2014Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Inventor: Craig Joseph Bierly
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Patent number: 9440142Abstract: A blocking mechanism for a table-type amusement game, and a table-type amusement game equipped with a blocking mechanism. The blocking mechanism utilizes a series of blocking pins goes from a closed position, which blocks a playing piece from scoring to an upper open position, which permits the playing piece to score. The blocking mechanism may be manually or electrically operated. When the blocking mechanism is electrically operated, it may be activated by the insertion of a coin into a coin and/or bill acceptor of the type found on table-type amusement games.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2013Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Mega Mania Diversons LLCInventors: Donald C. Campion, Xiwen Jiang, Xi Qingyuan
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Patent number: 9440143Abstract: A virtual space is provided to users via client computing devices. Device information related to a client computing platform used by a user to interact with the virtual space may be obtained. Customized in-game capabilities available for the user may be determined based on the device information, which may include a description of or otherwise identify the client computing platform. The device information may include or otherwise by used to obtain device capabilities such as hardware, software, network, and/or other specifications. Different users using different client computing platforms may be provided with different in-game capabilities such as user roles, content items, levels, and/or other content or actions available for the user in the virtual space based on the client computing platform used by the users to interact with the virtual space.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2013Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: KABAM, INC.Inventors: Kent Wakeford, Clifford J. Harrington
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Patent number: 9440144Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer programs for configuring a computer program based on user are provided. One method includes an operation for detecting, by a controller, an object carried by a user, where the object includes a parameter value—e.g., a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag—that uniquely identifies the object from a plurality of objects. The parameter value is transmitted to a computing device executing the computer program, and the computer program determines if the computer program has user information associated with the transmitted parameter value. The computer program is configured utilizing the user information, when the computer program has the user information for the parameter value.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2011Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.Inventor: Anton Mikhailov
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Patent number: 9440145Abstract: A system and method for facilitating resource requirement reduction in an online game are disclosed. Instances of resource requirement reduction items may be offered for purchase in an online store associated with the online game. A given resource requirement reduction item may be configured to reduce a type of game action requirements for game actions requested by a player during a corresponding time period subsequent to the activation of the instance of the resource requirement reduction item by the player. The player may activate a purchased instance of the requirement reduction item in the online game to reduce the game action requirements specified in the instance.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2014Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: KABAM, INC.Inventors: John Kim, David McNeill, Albert Wei, Christopher Yu
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Patent number: 9440146Abstract: In a method of managing a location-based meta game, a presence of a device is detected at a location. The device is configured to execute a computer-implemented game. Based on the detecting of the presence of the device, the device is instructed to present a user of the computer-implemented game with an option to participate in a computer-implemented meta game associated with the location.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2011Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Zynga Inc.Inventors: Justin Rouse, Kevin Holme, Daniel Hurd, Jason Tomlinson, Grant Yang, Shawn Lohstroh, Jessica Oyhenart, David Chow
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Patent number: 9440147Abstract: A controller to which a second controller is connected arranges, based on predetermined integrated scenario information defining a first input region allotted for the controller and a second input region allotted for the second controller within data regions for packet input data, operation input data corresponding to an operation input from a user in the first input region, and data based on extended input data obtained from an extension apparatus in the second input region, generates packet input data, and transmits it to a device main unit.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2015Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.Inventor: Koji Hamada
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Patent number: 9440148Abstract: A method and apparatus wherein complex physical interactions and collisions are modeled at a high level of detail while reducing the computational demands placed on the processing system. In one embodiment the method comprising the steps of defining a first object and a second object, each object adapted for colliding with the other object; assigning an interaction type for at least one of the first and second object in response to an object parameter; and selecting between a continuous simulation of a collision and a discrete simulation of the collision in response to the interaction type.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2010Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: TELEKINESYS RESEARCH LIMITEDInventors: Andrew Bond, Oliver Strunk, Adrian Gasinski
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Patent number: 9440149Abstract: Provided is an incentive granting device, comprising: a second game notifying unit 16 which notifies an existing user of the existence of a second game during the execution by the existing user of a first game app; an introduction code issuing unit 18 which issues an introduction code during the execution of the second game app by the existing user who has received the notification; and an incentive granting unit 20 which grants a prescribed incentive for the existing user's first game, with respect to a new user receiving an introduction from the existing user and downloading the second game app. By allowing an existing user to be aware of the existence of a second game during the execution of a first game, and to obtain an incentive for the first game by executing the second game and introducing a new user thereto, the existing user is given a motivation to proactively spread the word about the second game.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2013Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: POKELABO, INC.Inventor: Yuta Maeda
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Patent number: 9440150Abstract: A game device includes: a first requirement achievement determining unit operative to determine whether or not a requirement of gameplay predefined in a game is achieved based on a progress status of the game; a second requirement achievement determining unit operative to determine whether or not a result of determination by the first requirement achievement determining unit meets a predetermined condition; a display processing unit operative to display information related to the requirement of gameplay determined by the first requirement achievement determining unit as being achieved, and information related to the predetermined condition determined by the second requirement achievement determining unit as being met, where the first requirement achievement determining unit is implemented by game software and the second requirement achievement determining unit is implemented by system software.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2014Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.Inventors: Nobukazu Koyama, William Parks, Yasutaka Miwa, Masaharu Sakai, Shinichi Tanaka, Masaki Higuchi
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Patent number: 9440151Abstract: A virtual environment in which players are able to enter into financial transactions which result in a financial obligation such as a debt. If a player defaults on a debt, the debts may then be sold or otherwise transferred to a virtual collection agency, which may be able to mete out a consequence to the defaulting player. Alternatively, the consequence may be meted out by the game server or other entity.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2007Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Leviathan Entertainment, LLCInventors: Andrew S. Van Luchene, Raymond J. Mueller
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Patent number: 9440152Abstract: Fantasy sports information may be integrated with video content of games or sporting events. An example technique includes determining one or more athletes on a roster of a fantasy sports team of a user, receiving video content of a game or sporting event, and identifying at least one athlete of interest that is on the roster of the fantasy sports team of the user depicted in the video content of the game or sporting event. The video content may then be displayed along with a visual indicator associated with the at least one athlete of interest to indicate that the athlete of interest is on the roster of the fantasy sports team of the user. The visual indicator may comprise a name, symbol, logo or other identifier of an entity, such as a sponsor of the game or sporting event.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2015Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Inventors: David S. Thompson, David A. Divine
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Patent number: 9440153Abstract: The present invention is to provide a game apparatus with good operability which includes a card reader and a touch panel display and enables a player to operate a card even without looking the card reader with eyes and to perform an input operation while looking the touch panel display. The present invention includes a touch panel display, and a card reader including a panel on which a card used in a game is set. The present invention further includes a display support section which supports the touch panel display, and a panel support section which supports the panel of the card reader. Furthermore, the present invention is characterized in that the display support section supports the touch panel display such that at least a portion of the touch panel display is located above at least a portion of the panel in a vertical direction.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2013Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.Inventors: Yuuichi Tanzawa, Daisuke Miyata, Yoshimasa Asao, Tetsuro Uchida
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Patent number: 9440154Abstract: A swing includes a body including a concave central portion including an upper surface defining a recessed seat adapted to support a user, a lower surface that is on an opposite side of the central portion as compared to the upper surface, and a peripheral edge surrounding the concave central portion. The peripheral edge includes a plurality of tether openings, and a tether system is engaged with the plurality of tether openings. A first tether section of the tether system extends between first and second ones of the tether openings along the lower surface of the body, and a second tether section of the tether system extends between third and fourth ones of the tether openings along the lower surface of the body, such that the first and second sections of the tether system support the central portion of said body.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2015Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Quality Innovative Products, LLCInventors: Gregory Cordray, Kirk Palmerton
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Patent number: 9440155Abstract: An amusement and leisure slide comprises at least one sliding trail forming a three-dimensional curve supported with fastenings attached to a portion of the sliding trail to an axial part disposed on a support and configured to rotate about a substantially horizontal rotation axis. The sliding trail comprises an inlet arranged in vicinity of the rotation axis of the trail and an outlet allowing a rider to exit the trail. The curve of the sliding trail is configured to form a sliding path between the inlet and the outlet extending in a volume around the rotation axis of the trail, said sliding path being driven by a motor. The sliding trail may include a dry or wet sliding tube, sliding rail(s) for guiding carts or wagons, or a sliding tube provided with rail(s) arranged inside the tube for guiding carts or wagons.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2013Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: FISCHER DESIGN-CONCEPTS SARLInventor: Jean-Francios Fischer
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Patent number: 9440156Abstract: A method of operating a ride system to provide passengers a flying roller coaster experience. The ride system includes a train of vehicles, with each of the vehicles including seat assemblies that have a seat and seat back for receiving a passenger. The vehicles are supported by the track to roll along the track, and the ride path is adapted for gravity-based movement of the train of vehicles in at least portions of the ride path. The track includes a vertical segment, and the ride system includes a station including a platform assembly with horizontal platforms vertically spaced-apart to provide multi-level loading. The train is positioned on the vertical segment with each of the vehicles proximate to an end of one of the horizontal platforms. The seat backs are substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the track to provide vertical loading and, then, vertical launching from the station.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2015Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.Inventor: Nicholas J. Comorre
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Patent number: 9440157Abstract: A yoyo capable to be electrically accelerated when held by hands, characterized in that, it comprises two spinning bodies (1), a connector (2) connecting the two spinning bodies (1) as a whole, side shaft sleeves (3) provided at center positions of outer sides of the spinning bodies (1), an electrical acceleration mechanism provided inside the spinning bodies (1), and a bearing (4) disposed between the two spinning bodies (1) for winding a yoyo string. The electrical acceleration mechanism is connected to the spinning bodies (1). By pressing the side shaft sleeves (3), the electrical acceleration mechanism operates and thus drives the spinning bodies (1) to spin simultaneously. The side shaft sleeves (3) can be pressed to start spinning and accelerating the spinning bodies (1); when the spin speed is high enough, grab the yoyo string and then release the yoyo; the player can then have sufficient time to perform various yoyo tricks. Accordingly, even a short player can play the yoyo.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2013Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Inventor: Dongqing Cai
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Patent number: 9440158Abstract: In certain implementations, secured communication with an action figure or action figure accessory may be provided. As an example, a device may be detected within a short wireless communication range of the action figure or action figure accessory. A wireless connection may be established between the action figure or action figure accessory and the device based on the detection. A first key may be obtained. First encrypted information may be received from the device via the wireless connection, and processed based on the first key to determine a second key. An identifier associated with the action figure or action figure accessory may be obtained. Second encrypted information may be generated based on the second key and the identifier, and provided to the device via the wireless connection. The second encrypted information may be used to obtain a virtual counterpart of the action figure or action figure accessory.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2015Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Jumo, Inc.Inventor: Keiichi Yano
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Patent number: 9440159Abstract: Toy vehicles having a toy vehicle body having front and back ends, front and rear axles, each axle having first and second wheels fastened onto respective ends thereof, the wheels having elastic tires thereon, the front and rear axles being mounted to the toy vehicle body with the axles being parallel to each other, a motor within the toy vehicle body, and a source of electrical power within the toy vehicle body, the motor being disposed with an axis of its motor shaft passing through an axis of one of the axles and contacting the side of a tire on the wheel adjacent the motor shaft to drive the tire and thus both wheels on the respective axle in rotation to propel the toy vehicle, the side of the tire contacted by the motor shaft facing the second tire and wheel on the same axle.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2012Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Shoot the Moon Products II, LLCInventors: Johan Vreugdenhil, Paul S. Rago, David B. Small
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Patent number: 9440160Abstract: The invention features an event wave simulating apparatus used at an event, concert or performance etc. by spectators, fans, etc. to show their enthusiasm and/or support for the event. Users may express their enthusiasm or support by simulating a wave when the apparatus is waved. The apparatus includes a first section which is connected with a second section which includes a closed enclosure. The apparatus also includes two sleeves within the first section, where each sleeve is configured to receive a user's arms and where the sleeves extend into the first section.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2015Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Inventor: Roeh Ben Isra-El
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Patent number: 9440162Abstract: A system and method for treating waste water includes: receiving waste water at a first pressure and a first temperature, the waste water including dissolved solids and volatile organic compounds; pressurizing, by a pump, the received waste water to a second pressure greater than the first pressure; preheating, by a preheater, the pressurized waste water to produce distilled water and a pressurized/preheated waste water; heating, by a heater, the pressurized/preheated waste water to a second temperature greater than the first temperature to produce pressurized/heated waste water; removing, by a flash evaporator, dissolved solids from the pressurized/heated waste water by evaporation to produce steam and brine water, wherein the brine water has a total dissolved solids content greater than a total dissolved solids content of the received waste water; and crystallizing, by a plasma crystallizer, the brine water to produce a solid mass of waste product and steam.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2012Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Aquasource Technologies CorporationInventor: Shyam V. Dighe
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Patent number: 9440163Abstract: System and method of treating waste water includes: receiving waste water at a first pressure and a first temperature, the waste water comprising dissolved solids and VOCs; pressurizing the waste water to a second pressure; preheating the pressurized waste water to a second temperature to produce distilled water and pressurized/preheated water; heating the pressurized/preheated to a third temperature to produce pressurized/heated water; removing dissolved solids from the pressurized/heated water, by an evaporator operated at a third pressure less than the second pressure, to produce steam and brine water; and crystallizing the brine water, by a crystallizer operated at a fourth pressure greater than the second pressure, to produce a solid mass waste product and steam. Steam produced by the crystallizer, at the fourth pressure and a fourth temperature, is a heat source for the preheater and/or heater, and steam produced by the evaporator is a heat source for the crystallizer.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2012Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Aquasource Technologies CorporationInventor: Shyam V. Dighe
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Patent number: 9440164Abstract: System and method of treating waste water includes: receiving waste water at a first pressure and temperature, the waste water comprising dissolved solids and VOCs; pressurizing, by a pump, the received waste water to a second pressure greater than the first pressure; preheating, by a preheater, the waste water to a second temperature greater than the first temperature producing distilled water; further heating, by a condenser, the pressurized/preheated waste water to a fourth temperature greater than the second temperature; still further heating, by a heater, the pressurized/further heated waste water to a third temperature greater than the fourth temperature; and removing, by a flash evaporator, dissolved solids from the pressurized/heated waste water by evaporation producing steam and brine water, the brine water having a TDS content greater than a TDS content of the received waste water. The brine water may be crystallized to a solid mass.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2012Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Aquasource Technologies CorporationInventor: Shyam V. Dighe
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Patent number: 9440165Abstract: A method for regenerating a cryopump includes stopping a pressure sensor for the cryopump, starting to heat a cryogenic surface for adsorbing gas molecules, starting the rough evacuation of the cryopump while the pressure sensor is stopped, and terminating the rough evacuation while the pressure sensor is stopped. This method may include activating the pressure sensor after the rough evacuation has been terminated.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2013Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd.Inventor: Kakeru Takahashi