Patents Issued in October 4, 2016
  • Patent number: 9457269
    Abstract: A method comprises receiving an indication of a triggering event at a gaming device, determining a gaming content associated with the gaming device, identifying a public display on which is displayed non-gaming media content, and outputting the gaming content on the public display wherein the gaming content supersedes at least a portion of the non-gaming media content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Russell P. Sammon, Stephen Tulley, Daniel E. Tedesco, Robert C. Tedesco, Jeffrey Y. Hayashida
  • Patent number: 9457270
    Abstract: Methods and systems are described for a multiplayer video game on a peer-to-peer network in which players' game consoles can pass off or accept server or other management responsibilities for individual rooms, levels, or other virtual areas from other game consoles. Each player's game console can be either a ‘level server’ or a ‘level client,’ the level server's responsibilities including spawning and directing non-player characters, tracking objects, and/or conducting other management responsibilities of the room for the level clients. The level server can send updates such as save game states and other level checkpoints to its level clients for the specific virtual area that it manages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: SONY INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT AMERICA LLC
    Inventor: Glenn Fiedler
  • Patent number: 9457271
    Abstract: An embodiment of the present disclosure includes, for example, a method for receiving from a first device a request to initiate a video game with a second device, determining a location of the first device, detecting a difference between first computing resources of the first device and second computing resources of the second device, instructing the first device, the second device, or both to adjust a resource configuration to mitigate an aspect of the difference between the first computing resources and the second computing resources, and coordinating an exchange of first control information provided by the first device and second control information provided by the second device to enable a multiplayer session of the video game between the first device and the second device. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Earl Berner, Martha Aldaco, Tasos Kaiafas, Gregory Skasko
  • Patent number: 9457272
    Abstract: A method of and system for handling latency issues encountered in producing real-time entertainment such as games of skill synchronized with live or taped televised events is described herein. There are multiple situations that are dealt with regarding latencies in receiving a television signal with respect to real-time entertainment based on the unfolding games played along with the telecasts. Systemic delays, arbitrarily imposed delays of a broadcast signal and variances in the precise broadcast times of taped television programs have to be equalized so as to provide fair entertainment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Winview, Inc.
    Inventors: David B. Lockton, Mark K. Berner, Mark J. Micheli, David Lowe
  • Patent number: 9457273
    Abstract: A game program for a game in which first and second characters battle against each other, wherein the game program causes a computer to realize: a data storage function of storing a first panel database, including a plurality of panels that the first character posesses, and a second panel database, including a plurality of panels that the second character posesses; a panel selection function of selecting panels disposed in frames of a game display screen including a battle display region formed by one or more frames, from the first and second panel databases; a panel layout function of placing the panels selected by the panel selection function in the frames; a screen display control function of displaying the game display screen on a screen display unit; and an emphasized display function of emphasizing and displaying the panels disposed by the panel layout function on the screen display unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: GREE, Inc.
    Inventor: Hirohiko Atobe
  • Patent number: 9457274
    Abstract: This disclosure generally relates to systems and methods to provide graphical user interfaces in computer-implemented multiplayer games. The graphical user interface includes a friends panel that is operable between a collapsed condition and an expanded condition. The friends panel provides friends information display functionality, social network management functionality, and/or messaging functionality both in the collapsed condition and in the expanded condition. In the collapsed condition, the friends panel may comprise a friends bar that shows a row of friend cards or chiclets associated with respective friends of a host player associated with a displayed game instance, the friends bar being clear of a view of a virtual in-game environment shown in the game display, while the expanded friends panel may comprise a grid of friend cards or chiclets that functionally obscures the in-game environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventor: Curtis Lee
  • Patent number: 9457275
    Abstract: A comment data acquisition unit acquires comment data for display over a display image, and a superimposition processing unit 162 generates a superimposition image from the comment data. The comment data includes a scaling factor or information related to the scaling factor, and a display requirement determination unit determines whether the scaling factor of the display image and either a scaling factor or information related to the scaling factor included in comment data are in a predetermined relationship. When the scaling factor of the display image and either the scaling factor or the information related to the scaling factor included in the comment data are in the predetermined relationship, a superimposition image generation unit generates a comment image using display information included in the comment data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.
    Inventors: Hisayuki Kunigita, Jae-Hyun Park, Yeon-Sook Kim, Ju-Yeong Ji
  • Patent number: 9457276
    Abstract: In an embodiment there is provided a computer implemented method of controlling a user interface responsive to user engagement with a displayed game area on the interface, the method comprising the following implemented by at least one processor of a device, displaying a game area having a plurality of first game objects on said display, providing one or more characteristics of said first game objects and one or more action characteristics of at least one second game object, displaying said at least one second game object at a position on said game area, detecting user input re-arranging one or more of said first game objects, and activating said action characteristics of the at least one second game object in dependence on said detected input re-arranging said one or more first game objects to provide a sequence of two or more first game objects having one or more of the same characteristics adjacent the position of the second game object, and wherein at least one of the action characteristics of the second
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: KING.COM LTD.
    Inventors: Jakub Slaby, Mark Stephenson, Ben Hollis
  • Patent number: 9457277
    Abstract: A method has steps tracking states for objects in a virtual world by software (SW) executed by a processor from a non-transitory physical medium, noting that physics simulation is necessary to determine a change in display for a particular object, noting characteristics of the particular object, selecting from a plurality of modules, a specific physics simulation module optimized for objects having the characteristics of the particular object, and applying the physics simulation module selected to determine display change for the particular object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Roblox Corporation
    Inventors: Tim Loduha, Kevin Kaichuan He, David Baszucki
  • Patent number: 9457278
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method comprises identifying a user of a computer-implemented game to interact with a further user in pursuit of a common game objective. The identifying is performed based at least partially on the user not being directly related, as reflected within relationship data, with the further user. Interactions, within the computer implemented-game, between the further user and the user in the pursuit of the common game objective of the computer-implemented game are enabled responsive to the identifying of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Sudhanshu Pintu Sethi, Matthew Adam Ocko
  • Patent number: 9457279
    Abstract: Low-proficiency players' motivation to participate in a battle game is enhanced. A server device calculates a difference ?P1 in a parameter between two characters belonging to the same group and successive in attack order, and performs presentation processing of increasing the effect of successive attacks by the two characters according to the difference ?P1 in the parameter. The parameter serves as an indicator for developing the battle game, and indicates, for example, the degree of proficiency in the battle game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: GREE, Inc.
    Inventor: Koichi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 9457280
    Abstract: Disclosed are a method and a server for preventing search and bidding using an auto program in an item auction house of an on-line game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: INTELLECTUAL DISCOVERY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Woon Yong Kim, Chul Min Lee
  • Patent number: 9457281
    Abstract: A toy play set comprising a master toy member structured to interface with a family of accessory toy members. Each accessory toy member comprises an electronics identification means to be recognized by said master toy member. Each accessory toy member is also programmable to modify the personal characteristics of said accessory toy member according to a game play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Inventor: Peter Ar-Fu Lam
  • Patent number: 9457282
    Abstract: A ride control system includes a plurality of ride vehicles positioned within a course and configured to travel within the course. Each of the plurality of ride vehicles includes a vehicle controller configured to control movement of a respective one of the plurality of ride vehicles. Each of the plurality of ride vehicles also includes a position tracking system configured to facilitate identification of a location of the respective one of the plurality of ride vehicles within the course. Each of the plurality of ride vehicles further includes a vehicle transceiver in communication with the vehicle controller. The ride control system also includes a primary controller and a primary transceiver in communication with the primary controller. The ride control system further includes a primary wireless network formed by the vehicle transceiver and the primary transceiver to include at least the primary controller and the vehicle controller of each of the plurality of ride vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Universal City Studios LLC
    Inventors: Mark Bruce Maycock, Eric Vance
  • Patent number: 9457283
    Abstract: A toy having: an action figurine; an accessory configured to be removably secured to the action figurine; and a housing into which the action figurine and the accessory can be inserted, wherein the housing is configured to releasably retain the accessory and the action figurine therein after they have been inserted into the housing, the housing further comprising: a first actuation mechanism for releasing the action figurine from the housing when the first actuation mechanism is actuated, wherein the action figurine becomes dislodged from the accessory, and the accessory remains within the housing; and a second actuation mechanism for releasing both the action figurine and the accessory from the housing when the second actuation mechanism is actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Ruben L. Martinez
  • Patent number: 9457284
    Abstract: A track set is disclosed herein. The track set includes a track portion configured for receiving at least one device configured to traverse within the track portion, and a rotatable track portion. The rotatable track portion includes a receiving member and a generally spiral portion. The rotatable track portion is selectively rotatable about an axis. The receiving member is positioned to selectively receive the at least one device from the track portion as the rotatable track portion rotates. Movement of the device within the spiral portion generally maintains rotation of the rotatable track portion about the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric C. Ostendorff
  • Patent number: 9457285
    Abstract: A toy assembly is provided which may include a chassis defining a cavity therein, a flywheel mounted for rotation to the chassis within the cavity, a first transfer gear secured to a central portion of the flywheel and sized to mesh with a gear rack, and a clutch secured to the first transfer gear to frictionally engage the chassis and flywheel. The toy assembly may also include a housing secured to the chassis and defining a channel aligned with the first transfer gear to receive the gear rack and a spin shaft mounted to the chassis for translation between at least two positions to selectively raise at least a portion of the chassis up off of a surface therebelow. An input for rotation may have a charge wheel and be in communication with the flywheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Rehco, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Rehkemper, Steven Rehkemper, Adam Gelder
  • Patent number: 9457286
    Abstract: A system and method for remote device control are disclosed. A system incorporating teachings of the present disclosure may include a radio controlled toy and a controller for controlling the toy. In some embodiments, the controller may have an input mechanism and a housing component that defines a cavity, within which may be located a wireless wide area transceiver and a wireless local area transceiver. Some controllers may also have an operating system for the controller and an application resident on the controller and operable to convert inputs received via the input mechanism into commands for the toy. The controller may have a microprocessor operable to execute the application and to cause the commands to be communicated to the toy using the wireless local area transceiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Longview Mobile, LLC
    Inventors: Harlie D. Frost, William Reber
  • Patent number: 9457287
    Abstract: An illuminating building block with high light transmission having a positioning structure for an electric connection member and a method of manufacturing the same provide projection strips disposed on an interior surface of a top cover and arranged at intervals, and slots disposed between the projection strips. The electric connection members are inserted into the slots to preliminarily position the electric connection members and align elastic pieces of the electric connection members with hollow studs of the top cover. The elastic pieces would not be constricted in the top cover due to the misalignment between the elastic pieces and the hollow studs. Therefore, the elastic pieces can accurately pass through the hollow studs and be projected out of the top cover. When the illuminating building blocks are connected together, the connected building blocks can have a stable power transmission and illuminate together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: LONGMEN GETMORE POLYURETHANE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chia-Yen Lin, Yaping Feng
  • Patent number: 9457288
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a magnetic block toy, and more particularly, to a magnetic block toy which makes assembly of blocks firm because caps having serrated coupling parts are combined to both sides of a block body, and which has block bodies and caps of various colors, thereby arousing children's interest and promoting development of intelligence. The magnetic block toy according to the present invention includes: a block body having a pair of brackets each of which has a protrusion and a groove formed on the inner face to correspond to each other and are coupled with each other; caps which are respectively combined to both sides of the block body and each of which has a serrated coupling part formed on the outer surface; and a magnet which is disposed inside the cap to generate a magnetic force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Click-Block Corporation
    Inventor: So Young Choi
  • Patent number: 9457289
    Abstract: A toy gun capable of firing a projectile and simultaneously or near simultaneously, emitting smoke from the muzzle of a barrel of the gun after the projectile has been discharged from the muzzle. The toy gun has first and second rechargeable air pumps, with the first air pump automatically discharging stored air into a breech part of the barrel in order to propel a loaded projectile from the barrel, and the second air pump expelling stored air through a flow restriction device which serves as a pressure switch for actuating a smoke generator located adjacent to the muzzle. The second air pump also provides a low air flow rate through the smoke generator to expel smoke therefrom. The second air pump expels stored air much more slowly than the first air pump. The first and second air pumps are simultaneously triggered to release stored air by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Buzz Bee Toys (H.K.) Co. Limited
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Zimmerman, Chor-Ming Ma
  • Patent number: 9457290
    Abstract: Examples of a wave simulator for board sports and other uses are disclosed. An example wave simulator includes means for forming a wave, the means having at least one inclined side wall and a bottom corresponding to a desired wave shape. The wave simulator includes means for flowing water along at least partially along the inclined side wall and bottom of the flume to form a simulated wave. The wave simulator includes means for restraining a board rider in the means for forming a wave. Streamlines of the simulated wave are substantially parallel to a crest line of the simulated wave, and an inclined water flow ends in a downward arc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Inventor: Kenneth Douglas Hill
  • Patent number: 9457291
    Abstract: A combined collector and distributor for a distillation column that includes a collector portion connected to a distributor portion. The distributor portion includes a channel-like distributor to distribute liquid into an underlying packing. The collector portion has spaced rows of collection elements that cover the open spaces and distribution elements of the distributor portion and one or more rectangular sumps into which descending liquid drains from the collection elements. The liquid in turn drains from the rectangular sump or sumps into a pre-distribution box located within a header of the distributor portion. The collection elements that cover the open spaces are set at higher positions than the collection elements covering the distribution elements to form chimneys to allow the ascending vapor to escape from the collector portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: PRAXAIR TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Steven C. Brown, John P. Ricotta, Andrew P. Dybdahl, Guang X. Chen
  • Patent number: 9457292
    Abstract: The invention concerns a process for the production of paraxylene and an apparatus suitable for said process. The process separates the overhead from a xylenes re-run into a xylene-rich stream and a xylene-lean stream. The xylene-lean stream is isomerized under conditions such that the xylenes are in the liquid phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventor: John Di-Yi Ou
  • Patent number: 9457293
    Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be a process for removing one or more sulfur compounds from a first liquid. The process can include passing the first liquid through a first inlet and a second liquid through a second inlet, and passing the first liquid through a first outlet and the second liquid through a second outlet of a vessel. The vessel may further have a plurality of vortex contactors. Often, the plurality of vortex contactors has a first vortex contactor, in turn including at least one wall and a frustum. The at least one wall can form a perimeter about an interior space and include a first side and a second side forming a passageway communicating the first liquid from an exterior to the interior space, and a frustum positioned proximate to the passageway and abutting the at least one wall for facilitating contacting of the first and second liquids to extract the one or more sulfur compounds from the first liquid to the second liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignees: UOP LLC, BORESKOV INSTITUTE OF CATALYSIS
    Inventors: Aziz Sattar, Daniel K. Aiken, Andrey Kuzmin
  • Patent number: 9457294
    Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be an apparatus for contacting a first liquid and a second liquid. The apparatus can include a vessel. The vessel can include a wall and a funnical frustum. The wall may form a perimeter about an interior space and include a first side and a second side forming a passageway communicating at least one of the first and second liquids to the interior space. The funnical frustum may be positioned proximate to the passageway and abut the wall for facilitating contacting of the first and second liquids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignees: UOP LLC, BORESKOV INSTITUTE OF CATALYSIS
    Inventors: Andrey Kuzmin, Aziz Sattar, Lev Davydov
  • Patent number: 9457295
    Abstract: Systems and methods for separating mine tailings from water-absorbing polymers and regenerating the separated water-absorbing polymers. The systems and methods include a separation assembly that is configured to receive an augmented mine tailings slurry that includes mine tailings, water, and a swollen water-absorbing polymer. The separation assembly separates the swollen water-absorbing polymer from the augmented mine tailings slurry to produce a dewatered mine tailings slurry. The systems and methods further include a water-absorbing polymer regeneration unit that is configured to receive the swollen water-absorbing polymer. The water-absorbing polymer regeneration unit at least partially releases water from the swollen water-absorbing polymer to produce a regenerated water-absorbing polymer, and as a separate output or product, the released water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Wei Ren, Paul L. Tanaka, Aaron Ortiz Gomez, Babak A. Jajuee, Chien-Chiang Chen, Robert D. Kaminsky
  • Patent number: 9457296
    Abstract: Operation of an oil-water separator or other liquid mixture separator is monitored. The separator uses a vessel through which a mixture of different liquid components flows horizontally. A plurality of ultrasound transducers is provided on a wall of the vessel at different heights at a common stage along the direction of the horizontal flow. Ultrasound at a plurality of different ultrasound wavelengths is transmitted through the vessel between transducers and ultrasound arriving transducers is detected. Parameter values of a model are fitted to the detection. A model is used that relates height dependent properties of liquid in the vessel to properties of the detected ultrasound transmission between transceivers, the model comprising at least a fittable parameter of a height dependent droplet size distribution in a least a sub-range of a height of liquid in the vessel. The model relating the droplet size distribution to ultrasound wavelength dependence of the properties of ultrasound transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Nederlandse Organisatie voor toegepast-natuurwetenschappelijk onderzoek TNO
    Inventors: Rik Jansen, Arno Willem Frederik Volker, Peter Van Capel
  • Patent number: 9457297
    Abstract: A filter securing system including a filter unit body housing; at least one tubular filter element positioned in the filter unit body housing, the tubular filter element having a closed top and an open bottom; a dimple in either the filter unit body housing or the top of the tubular filter element; and a socket in either the filter unit body housing or the top of the tubular filter element that receives the dimple in either the filter unit body housing or the top of the tubular filter element to secure the tubular filter element to the filter unit body housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Erik P. Brown, Jeffery L. Haslam, Mark A. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 9457298
    Abstract: Electricity free operating water purification installation with a membrane filter and a system of automatic backwashing of that filter characterized in that during the operation a fixed percentage is diversed from the outflow of filtered water and is stored in a container under progressive pressure, which to a certain maximum pressure is cut of from a feedback to the membrane filter, so that consequently after filtration of a certain volume of polluted water through the membrane filter the pressure in the container will exceed the maximum resistible pressure by the one way closure, which then will open so that the contents of the container will be forced back through the membrane filter under higher pressure than the original filtration pressure, whereby is provided in automatic closure after the container is emptied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Inventor: Robertus Martinus Van Opdorp
  • Patent number: 9457299
    Abstract: The invention relates to a separation device (1) for separation of a constituent from a liquid mixture (5), comprising a vessel (2), an inlet (3) and at least one outlet (6), said inlet (3) being arranged above the outlet (6), a filter material (7) capable of binding the constituent and is arranged within the vessel (3) between the inlet (3) and the outlet (6) such that flow passes through the filter material (7). The filter material (7) is arranged in a cartridge (4) inserted into the vessel (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: BEKO TECHNOLOGIES GMBH
    Inventors: Werner Koslowski, Andreas Ostgathe, Herbert Schlensker, Johannes Sinstedten
  • Patent number: 9457300
    Abstract: A simple inlet filter element for use primarily in power steering columns which is comprised of a mesh filter, a magnet attached to the mesh filter and a button cap. The filter is installed in a port or conduit through which steering fluid flows and is held in place by the button cap element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: BBB Industries LLC
    Inventor: Joel Vale
  • Patent number: 9457301
    Abstract: A HEPA filter which utilizes spun bond scrim material and ePTFE membrane for use in an aseptic pharmaceutical filtration air handling system for installation and testing is provided. The installation and testing configuration includes the ePTFE filter with a low or ultra-low concentration of challenging aerosol in the upstream side of the filter along with a scanning device for determining the upstream concentration, all completed in situ within a pharmaceutical air handling system. At the downstream side of the ePTFE filter is positioned another scanner which may be a discrete particle scanner for calculating the penetration percentage of the aerosol through the filtering media of ultra-low concentrations. The system and configuration allows for exposure to ePTFE filtration media for certification by low or ultra-low concentrations of oil based challenging compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: American Air Filter Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael W. Osborne
  • Patent number: 9457302
    Abstract: An apparatus for separating particles from a fluid stream includes a flow chamber that has at least one inlet and at least one outlet. At least one ultrasonic transducer is located on a wall of the flow chamber. The transducer includes a piezoelectric array with at least two piezoelectric elements. The piezoelectric array includes a piezoelectric material to create a multi-dimensional acoustic standing wave in the flow chamber. A reflector is located on the wall on the opposite side of the flow chamber from the at least one ultrasonic transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: FloDesign Sonics, Inc.
    Inventors: Bart Lipkens, Jason Dionne
  • Patent number: 9457303
    Abstract: A particle separator comprises a pipeline that allows a fluid to flow in a curved direction of flow. The particle separator includes an inlet region, a curved deflection region, which in the direction of flow follows on from the inlet region, with an inside wall and an outside wall, and a delimitation body. The delimitation body at least in some sections extends between the inside wall and the outside wall in the interior of the deflection region and is curved in the same direction as the deflection region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignees: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH, DIEHL AIRCABIN GMBH
    Inventors: Ralph Schoenherr, Marc Ahlburg, Stefan Ertl, Ivo Schindler, Marco Hinz, Dariusz Krakowski, Alfred Huber, Ingo Hildebrand
  • Patent number: 9457304
    Abstract: A roof vent for ventilating the roof of a building to the atmosphere. The roof vent includes a flange portion to lay against the roof, the flange portion having an opening to let air vent from the interior of the building (e.g. an attic). The roof vent can optionally include a collar portion extending from the flange portion and enclosing, at least in part, about a periphery of the opening and a cap dimensioned and configured to cover over the opening (including the hole in the roof) and optionally over the collar portion. The cap is configured to provide a passage (between the flange portion and the cap) through which air can pass between the atmosphere and the opening. The roof vent also includes a corrugated filter plate, e.g. partially enclosed by the cap, and interposed between the central opening and the passage, the corrugated filter plate having a pore size sufficient to permit air to pass through but inhibit the passage of snow particles, cinder particles and/or water droplets there-through.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: SNOWVENTCO LTD.
    Inventors: Antoine Bourque, Stephen Devan Mootoo
  • Patent number: 9457305
    Abstract: Iron containing a steam generator connected to steam outlet holes by a steam conduit with at least one filter for retaining mineral particles carried by the steam, wherein the steam conduit has a mineral deposit collection cavity with a mineral deposit removal orifice closed by a detachable plug that is accessible from outside the iron, and wherein the filter can be detached from the iron through the mineral deposit removal orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: SEB S.A.
    Inventor: Frederic Collet
  • Patent number: 9457306
    Abstract: A method for filtering a gas includes sparging a gas through a liquid within a compartment of a container. In one embodiment the container can comprise a flexible bag. The sparged gas is passed from the container through a gas filter of a filter assembly. A partial vacuum is applied to the gas filter so that the partial vacuum assists in drawing the gas through the gas filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Life Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Nephi D. Jones, Christopher D. Brau
  • Patent number: 9457307
    Abstract: A filter system is provided with a housing having a housing wall and a cover, the housing having a longitudinal axis. An inlet is arranged on the housing and feeds a fluid to be filtered into the housing. An outlet is arranged on the housing and discharges the filtered fluid. Filter elements each having at least one filter medium are arranged in the housing. At least one of the filter elements extends along the longitudinal axis. The filter medium has pleats extending along the longitudinal axis with outer and inner pleat edges. The outer pleat edges extend on the first side of the filter medium and the inner pleat edges on the second side of the filter medium and are opposite the outer pleat edges. The filter medium has a variable flow resistance along the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: MANN+HUMMEL GMBH
    Inventors: Michael Kaufmann, Klaus-Dieter Ruhland, Imre Marton
  • Patent number: 9457308
    Abstract: A filter element has a filter body having a longitudinal axis, wherein the filter body has a first end with a first end face and a second end with a second end face opposite the first end in direction of the longitudinal axis. The filter body is provided with inner and outer circumferential surfaces permeable for a medium to be filtered. A first end disk is arranged at the first end face and a second end disk is arranged at the second end face. The outer circumferential surface of the filter body has at least one fluid-tight area that is impermeable for the medium to be filtered. The fluid-tight area is an incoming flow protector or an improper handling protector resting on the outer circumferential surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: MANN+HUMMEL GMBH
    Inventors: Michael Kaufmann, Klaus-Dieter Ruhland
  • Patent number: 9457309
    Abstract: There are provided an air leakage preventing structure and an air cleaner having the same. The air leakage preventing structure includes: a partition unit having an inlet opening formed on one side thereof to allow air to be introduced therethrough and having a rib formed to be protruded from the circumference of the inlet opening; an air blowing fan coupled to the partition unit and rotating to allow air to be introduced through the inlet opening; a motor unit connected to the air blowing fan to rotate the air blowing fan; and an air guide unit connected to the rib formed to be protruded from the partition unit to form an outlet opening, and preventing air leakage when air introduced through the net opening flows out through the outlet opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignees: COWAY CO., LTD, WINIX INC.
    Inventors: Hyun-Jin Hong, Chan-Jung Park, Sang-Woo Kang
  • Patent number: 9457310
    Abstract: A filter element arrangement is provided which includes a media pack comprising Z-filter media, a preform and an overmold sealing a portion of the interface between the preform and the media pack, and also forming an air cleaner seal for the filter element. The overmold preferably comprises molded, foamed, polyurethane. A variety of media pack shapes can be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Schrage, Troy Murphy, Donald Raymond Mork
  • Patent number: 9457312
    Abstract: A method for reversible capture and release of carbon dioxide comprises the steps of providing a solution of a defined tetranuclear complex or mixture thereof, in which adsorption sites are provided by coordinated solvent molecules such as water molecules. The solution is exposed to the atmosphere or to a gas stream containing carbon dioxide to sequester carbon dioxide, and the pH of the resultant reaction mixture is adjusted to facilitate the release of carbon dioxide. The solution which is used to sequester carbon dioxide is a solution of a polynuclear transition metal compound having the formula: (I) and the tetranuclear transition metal compound that has sequestered carbon dioxide is of the formula: (II).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: THE PROVOST, FELLOWS, FOUNDATION SCHOLARS, AND THE OTHER MEMBERS OF BOARD, OF THE COLLEGE OF THE HOLY AND UNDIVIDED TRINITY OF QUEEN ELIZABETH NEAR DUBLIN
    Inventors: Wolfgang Schmitt, Annemarie O'Toole
  • Patent number: 9457313
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a power generation process in which a portion of the carbon dioxide generated by gaseous fuel combustion is recycled back to the power generation process, either pre-combustion, post-combustion, or both. The power generation process of the invention may be a combined cycle process or a traditional power generation process. The process utilizes sweep-based membrane separation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Membrane Technology and Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard W. Baker, Timothy C. Merkel, Johannes G. Wijmans
  • Patent number: 9457314
    Abstract: A fluid separation apparatus is described, including a casing and a separation module. The casing includes a mixed fluid inlet, a separated fluid outlet through which a selectively separated fluid is discharged, and a residual fluid outlet. The separation module has a set of serially arranged separation elements disposed therein and is insertable into the casing from an end of the casing. The separation module includes a first connection jig disposed between adjacent separation elements, second connection jigs disposed at two ends of the set of serially arranged separation elements, and a coupling jig coupling the first and the second connection jigs to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: JGC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Syuichi Oguro, Nobuhiro Yamada, Yasushi Fujimura
  • Patent number: 9457315
    Abstract: The invention relates to a novel film, membrane or powder media made from fluoropolymers, especially PVDF-based and ETFE-based polymers, which are suitable for separating gases, especially carbon dioxide, from a gas mixture. The novel film has good selectivity, high permeance, good mechanical properties, and exhibits a high resistance to oxidant and acid attack. The separation film is especially useful in harsh and corrosive environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Arkema Inc.
    Inventors: Ramin Amin-Sanayei, Caiping Lin, Cedric Airaud, John Schmidhauser, Scott R. Gaboury
  • Patent number: 9457316
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of emissions control and, in particular to a new and useful method and/or system by which to control various types of corrosion and/or precipitation issues in at least a portion of a wet flue gas desulfurization (WFGD) scrubber system. In one embodiment, the method and/or system of the present invention relies on the supply of at least one reducing agent to the slurry of a wet flue gas desulfurization scrubber to lower the oxidation reduction potential in the absorber slurry contained within the wet flue gas desulfurization scrubber. In still another embodiment, the method and/or system of the present invention control the oxidation-reduction potential in at least one bleed stream of an absorber slurry, filtrate, and/or solution from a wet flue gas desulfurization scrubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventors: Richard F DeVault, Paul J Williams, Sandy P Ulbricht, Shannon R Brown
  • Patent number: 9457317
    Abstract: An oxidation catalyst is disclosed, which contains Ce and Ga, and a Ce—Ga composite oxide containing a solid solution in which a part of Ce is substituted with Ga. This oxidation catalyst is obtained in such a manner that pH of a mixed solution obtained by mixing a Ce-containing solution and a Ga-containing solution together is adjusted, and a precipitate obtained by coprecipitating Ce and Ga is dried and baked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hideaki Morisaka, Yasunari Hanaki
  • Patent number: 9457318
    Abstract: The present invention provides anion exchange membranes, processes for producing same and uses thereof. The anion exchange membranes according to embodiments of the present invention achieve a desirable combination of low resistance, high permselectivity and low degree of dimensional swelling. Anion exchange membranes according to embodiments of the present invention are also cost effective.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Research and Development Authority
    Inventors: Charles Linder, Ora Kedem, Rami Messalem
  • Patent number: 9457319
    Abstract: An acidic gas separation laminate including: a porous support formed by laminating a porous film and an auxiliary support film; an acidic gas separation facilitated transport film; a permeating gas channel member; a sealing unit which is formed by impregnating the porous film, the auxiliary support film, and the gas channel member with an adhesive in the lamination direction thereof along the peripheral edge at a width of 5 mm or greater such that the permeation rate becomes 60% or greater; and a stress buffer unit which is adjacent to the sealing unit, has a permeation rate of the adhesive of less than 60% at least in the porous film, and is formed by impregnating at least the gas channel member with the adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Narita, Kenichi Ishizuka