Patents Issued in January 24, 2017
  • Patent number: 9550093
    Abstract: A golf ball 2 includes a core 4, a mid layer 6 and a cover 8. The golf ball 2 further includes a large number of dimples 10 on a surface thereof. The surface has a northern hemisphere N and a southern hemisphere S. Each of the hemispheres has a high-latitude region 14, a mid-latitude region 18 and a low-latitude region 16. The number of planes that can divide a dimple pattern of the hemisphere so that divided dimple patterns are mirror symmetry to each other is one. Neither a dimple pattern of the high-latitude region 14 nor a dimple pattern of the low-latitude region 16 is rotationally symmetrical. A product THm of a thickness and a hardness for the mid layer 6, and a product THc of a thickness and a hardness for the cover 8 satisfy the following mathematical formula.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: DUNLOP SPORTS CO. LTD.
    Inventors: Kohei Mimura, Takahiro Sajima
  • Patent number: 9550094
    Abstract: Multi-layered golf balls containing a dual-core structure are provided. The core structure includes an inner core (center) made from a foam or metal-containing composition, or it has a hollow shell construction, and the outer core layer is made of a thermoplastic composition. Preferably, the thermoplastic composition comprises: a) ethylene acid copolymer, b) plasticizer, and c) cation source. A fatty acid ester such as ethyl oleate is preferably used as the plasticizer. The core assembly preferably may have a positive hardness gradient extending across the entire assembly. The core structure and resulting ball have relatively good resiliency at given compressions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Mark L. Binette, Robert Blink, David A. Bulpett, Brian Comeau
  • Patent number: 9550095
    Abstract: Multi-piece golf balls having at least one layer made from a polyamide non-ionomeric composition are provided. The polyamide composition consists essentially of about 40 to about 99% by weight polyamide; about 1 to about 60% by weight of an acid anhydride-modified polyolefin; and about 1 to about 60% of a fatty acid additive selected from the group consisting of fatty acid salts, fatty acid amides, and mixtures thereof. The ball includes a core, preferably a dual core construction; and a cover of at least one layer. In another preferred construction, a multi-layered core containing an inner, intermediate, and outer core layer is made. For example, the intermediate core layer may be made of a rubber composition; and each of the inner core and outer core layers may be made of the polyamide composition. The resulting ball has high resiliency along with a soft feel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Mark L. Binette, Brian Comeau, David A Bulpett, Robert Blink
  • Patent number: 9550096
    Abstract: 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 and a plurality of weight portions. The body portion may include a front portion, a rear portion, a toe portion, a heel portion, a top portion, a bottom portion having an outer surface associated with an outer surface curve, and a weight port region located at or proximate to the bottom portion. Other examples and embodiments may be described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Parsons Xtreme Golf, LLC
    Inventors: Robert R. Parsons, Bradley D. Schweigert, Michael R. Nicolette
  • Patent number: 9550097
    Abstract: A golf club head comprising at least one weight port and a cam weight sized to reversibly lock into the weight port is disclosed herein. The weight port includes a floor, a wall, a first seating tab extending from the wall, and a second seating tab extending from the wall, but no openings communicating with an interior of the golf club head. The cam weight, which preferably is composed of a single material, includes a cylindrical body, a first helical wing, a second helical wing, and a tool engagement feature. The helical wings give the cam weight a keyed shape, which matches the shape of the weight port when the seating tabs are taken into account.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Matthew Myers, James A. Seluga, Wee Joung Kim
  • Patent number: 9550098
    Abstract: A golf club and golf club shaft includes a tubular member having at least one neck portion with a reduced outer diameter and at least one relatively rigid two-piece sleeve secured to the tubular member in overlying relationship to each neck portion. The two-piece sleeve defines a small central gap filled by a compressible ring to allow the two otherwise longitudinally aligned sleeve pieces to pivot relative to one another under dynamic loading of the tubular member during a golf swing, and then upon reaching a limit point restrict additional deflection or bending of the tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: TAYLOR MADE GOLF COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Bret H. Wahl, Joshua J. Dipert, Ryuichi Sugimae
  • Patent number: 9550099
    Abstract: A lacrosse stick for reducing the rebound of a ball caught therein. The head of the lacrosse stick has a socket for receiving the shaft, and incorporates one or a plurality of flexible elastomer pads within or as part of the handle or socket, where the head and handle meet, to damp impact and rebound. The flexibility of the damping pads produces a “give” that minimizes the rebound of a pocket after being impacted by a ball. This pocket dampening limits the movement of the ball and makes the ball easier to control and to retain in the pocket. The precise location of the dampening material on the lacrosse head may be varied to control the degree of pocket “give” in response to, for example, the force on the pocket created by a ball impacting the pocket during a catch or swinging in the pocket during cradling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: WM. T. BURNETT IP, LLC
    Inventors: Joanna Lignelli, Anthony Abdelmalek, Mike Schmittdiel
  • Patent number: 9550100
    Abstract: A method and apparatus to improve swing velocity, hand speed, and time to impact when swinging weighted, club-like equipment such as sporting equipment and tools. The method and apparatus include an enlarged flange positioned on the handle of the equipment. The flange includes a greater size than the handle to contact against the user's hand. The apparatus may be manufactured on new equipment, or added to existing equipment. The device and methods also improve safety by preventing hand injury during a swing, and prevent accidental release of the equipment during a swing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Inventor: Daniel J. Grady, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9550101
    Abstract: An apparatus in which propping mechanisms and seat mechanisms augment a throwing game target with the ability to alternately function as a chair when it is not in use as a target. The throwing target components, the components of the propping mechanisms, and the components of the seat mechanisms are all capable of collapse or removal to facilitate the apparatus to be carried, transported or stowed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Inventor: John Janeri
  • Patent number: 9550102
    Abstract: A system includes a tackle training apparatus that comprises a cylindrical structure. The cylindrical structure comprises at least one recessed portion in a curved surface of the cylindrical surface. Each recessed portion of the at least one recessed portion corresponds to a security strap. The system comprises placing a first flat surface of the cylindrical structure on a playing surface of a practice field, wherein the cylindrical structure stands upright upon the playing surface. The system comprises placing a ball in a recessed portion of at the least one recessed portion, wherein the recessed portion and a corresponding securing strap secure the ball to the tackle training apparatus. The system includes a player approaching the cylindrical structure in a tackling disposition, wherein the player targets the ball with a facemask portion of a helmet worn by the player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Tackle Tech, LLC
    Inventors: Dillon George, J Raschke
  • Patent number: 9550103
    Abstract: A selectable boundary fencing strip that includes a plurality of light assemblies, in communication with the scoring controller and console. Light assemblies are embedded at predetermined locations within the fencing strip so as to indicate boundary lines, playing lines, hits, yellow cards and the command to fence. The strip includes a plurality of light sources, each controllable from a master control. The conductive top surface is perforated so that the light sources project through. Light sources in the strip provide visual cues for commencing to fence, warning cards and hits that are visible to spectators, fencers and the referee. In a further embodiment, the illustrative fencing strip is constructed and arranged with a plurality of panels along the sides of the strip that can be marketed for advertising sponsorship revenue. This revenue can be used to pay for the strip and/or underwrite activities of the fencing organization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Zivkovic Modem Fencing Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: Branimir Zivkovic
  • Patent number: 9550104
    Abstract: An adjustable golf swing training device for use with multiple different golf clubs having a template frame partially surrounding and defining a ball hitting area. A club selection bar slidably cooperates with the primary longitudinal frame section so that movement of the club selection bar with respect to the primary longitudinal frame section aligns the club indicia for one of the multiple different golf clubs with the club face alignment tab and establishes the location of the front foot marker and the back foot marker to inform a user of the proper foot locations for the golf club when a golf ball is positioned in the ball hitting area and aligned with the club face alignment tab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Inventor: Carlton Taft
  • Patent number: 9550105
    Abstract: A pacing system for pacing an activity receives a desired pace that includes a timing interval and generates a first pace signal based on the desired pace and corresponding to the timing interval. The system receives feedback on an actual pace of the activity and determines if the actual pace is different than the desired pace. When the actual pace is different, the system generates a second pace signal having a timing that is different than the timing interval. When the actual pace is not different, the system generates the second pace signal in accordance with the timing interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Lacroix, Danny Grant
  • Patent number: 9550106
    Abstract: An energy absorbing mouth guard is provided with several sets of open spaces. The sets are arranged in the guard at preferred locations. At least some of the sets have arrays of open spaces, where the arrays are arranged in a triangular pattern. Each array in the triangular pattern has three open spaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Akervall Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Johann Walter Schwank, Jan Anders Akervall, Valarie Thomas, Timothy Huang
  • Patent number: 9550107
    Abstract: An apparatus for sliding/gliding on a surface includes a long board and a short board connected to the long board through a hitch beam. The short board is connected to the hitch beam through an axle placed at an angle on the short board, and the long board is connected to the hitch beam through a stationary, non-rotating connection. A turn plate on the long board is connected to the short board so that as the turn plate rotates relative to the long board, the short board can be turned simultaneously with the lifting the lateral inside edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Inventor: Walter D. Shannon, II
  • Patent number: 9550108
    Abstract: A skateboard truck (200, 300), including a hanger (102?, 102??) carrying an axle (104), and a baseplate (108?, 108??). The axle holds a pair of wheels, which are steered in unison by the axle. The baseplate is coupled to the hanger to permit hanger rotation about a dynamic hanger rotation axis (138?). A static mechanism (202, 302) enforces a static pivot point at a locus (111, 109?) through which the dynamic hanger rotation axis passes during turning operation. Also, a dynamic mechanism (204, 402) causes the dynamic hanger rotation axis to pass through a plurality of dynamic hanger pivot points during that turning operation. Roll of the baseplate about a skateboard roll axis (152) is operable to cause a steering rotation of the axle, and also changes the action angle (150) of the truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Catapult Products, LLC
    Inventor: Daniel B. Blanchard
  • Patent number: 9550109
    Abstract: A method and system of generating and displaying a game of chance with a computer on an electronic device to a player, wherein the player places a wager on a primary poker hand dealt from a deck of cards and a secondary string bonus hand of one to five cards. The game may be played on site at a legal game casino, in a non-gambling mode on-line over the internet, or off-line on a home computer using a disc such as a compact disc. The game could also be played as a game in gambling or non-gambling mode at a tavern, bar, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Inventor: Timothy G. Nottke
  • Patent number: 9550110
    Abstract: A cashless play system for arcade games on passenger ships utilizes a key card reader to read patron identity information. The key card reader sends the patron identity information to a shipboard game play server and receives game play authorization information based on the patron identity information and patron data stored in a shipboard patron database. The key card reader activates the arcade game based on the game play authorization information and causes game play data to be stored in a game play database. Further, the game play server uploads game play data to a remote server, at a geographic location other than the geographic location of the passenger ship, and downloads game play server updates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: NAMCO USA INC.
    Inventors: David L. Bishop, John P. Kneip, Alexander N. Orban
  • Patent number: 9550111
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for providing inputs to a game executing on a game server, is disclosed. A controller includes a circuit, a plurality of input controls interfaced with the circuit of the controller for producing controller data, and a communication circuit for connecting the controller with an internet access device. The communication circuit is configured to exchange controller data with a game server. The exchange of the controller data occurs without a communication link between the controller and a local game console. The game server is configured to execute a game play of a video game and drive interactivity of the video game using the controller data. The game server is remote from the local game console. The game server transmits a video feed of the game play to the game console.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Sony Interactive Entertainment America LLC
    Inventor: David Perry
  • Patent number: 9550112
    Abstract: Client position in a multi-client game is determined using dead reckoning. Clients send information to a server over a network. The server distributes this information to other clients. A client uses this information and dead reckoning to determine a character's position. The server may calculate the client's position using dead reckoning and send updates to clients when errors between actual and calculated positions exceed a threshold. Clients may calculate their position according to dead reckoning, and when an error between actual and calculated position exceeds a threshold, send updated information to other clients. This Abstract is provided for the sole purpose of complying with the Abstract requirement rules that allow a reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure contained herein. This Abstract is submitted with the explicit understanding that it will not be used to interpret or to limit the scope or the meaning of the claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Sony Interactive Entertainment America LLC
    Inventor: Robert Gutmann
  • Patent number: 9550113
    Abstract: An electronic device may receive a plurality of channels of game and/or chat audio during play of a game. The electronic device may detect one or more sounds on one or more of the audio channels during the monitoring of the plurality of audio channels. The electronic device may control, based on the detected one or more sounds, operation of a game controller that interacts with the game during play. The controlling of the operation of the game controller may comprise adjusting sensitivity of the game controller. The electronic device may determine directionality of the detected one or more sounds and adjust the sensitivity of the game controller based on the determined directionality of the detected one or more sounds. The electronic device may increase and/or decrease the sensitivity of the game controller in response to changes in the determined directionality of the detected one or more sounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Voyetra Turtle Beach, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Kulavik
  • Patent number: 9550114
    Abstract: The invention features methods, systems and computer program product for the provision of entertainment content and storytelling of a customized story based on trigger points in a GPS system. The trigger points can be pre-determined or conditional. The invention provides an interactive entertainment method that features an ongoing story that will be told based on the trigger points. Stories are tailored and customized to incorporate points of interest along a travel route.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Inventor: Robert Andrew Hohn
  • Patent number: 9550115
    Abstract: A gaming system installable in a urinal or toilet in which a removably attached pressure and location sensor assembly can be wirelessly coupled to a data server. The data server can include a user interface allowing the user to initiate a gaming session, such as through a touch screen monitor positioned above or nearby the urinal. The data server can collect and store data from the pressure and location sensor. The data server can be coupled to a plurality of touch screen monitors and pressure and location sensor assemblies for providing a multi-user gaming environment. Collected and processed data can be presented in real time on the touch screen monitors and can be stored in a database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Inventor: Christopher Anthony Silva
  • Patent number: 9550116
    Abstract: An improved controller (10) for a games console. The invention is a games controller (10) that is intended to be held by a user in both hands in the same manner as a conventional controller (1). Additionally, the controller of the invention (10) may comprise the same controls (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9) as a conventional controller (1). The controller of the present invention (10) is advantageous as it additionally comprises four 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: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Ironburg Inventions Ltd.
    Inventors: Simon Burgess, Duncan Ironmonger
  • Patent number: 9550117
    Abstract: A game system including a plurality of mobile game apparatuses, and a mobile game apparatus that can communicate with another game apparatus that exists within a communicable range by use of a radio communications unit. When a communicated state is established, exchanging conditions for exchanging game data are received and transmitted, and in a case the exchange conditions are coincident with each other, the game data are exchanged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shoya Tanaka, Masato Kuwahara, Toru Oe, Teruyuki Yoshioka
  • Patent number: 9550118
    Abstract: A system and method for providing players with real-time information on any device capable of running a web browser is provided. The system solves the problem of game interface overloads and also brings the following benefits: provides for control optimization and for more options for a team game play. A usual game play experience is completely simulated on any remote mobile device by allowing remote input of the game controls from the mobile device to the base platform (PC/MAC, etc) and streaming the video from the base platform to the mobile device. The mobile device acts as a “thin client” for the base platform. Adoption of the game to the mobile device is not required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Gaijin Entertainment Corp.
    Inventor: Kirill Yudintsev
  • Patent number: 9550119
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems for webgame interactions are provided. A first terminal sends a request for establishing a P2P channel to a second browser, when the first browser logs in to a webgame application on the first terminal. The P2P channel is established between the first browser and the second browser, after the first browser receives an accepting response to the request for establishing the P2P channel from the second browser. The first browser uses the P2P channel to transmit webgame application data between the first browser and the second browser. An exemplary browser can include a requesting module, an establishing module, and a processing module. Another exemplary browser can include a receiving module, an obtaining module, a responding module, an establishing module, and a processing module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: TENCENT TECHNOLOGY (SHENZHEN) COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventor: Dong Wang
  • Patent number: 9550120
    Abstract: A method for gamifying a toll image review process includes receiving an image of a vehicle that has utilized a toll road and identifying a region of interest of the image depicting an identifier of the vehicle. A second image is generated that includes the region of interest and is preprocessed to generate a plurality of images of the region of interest. Each of the images includes unique display settings. The images are displayed within a graphical user interface along with progress information for a first user. The progress information is related to an amount of vehicles to identify. Progress information is displayed for additional users. An input including the identifier is received using the user interface. Images related to an image of a second vehicle's region of interest are displayed. A progress of the additional users is monitored and then the displayed progress information is updated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Cubic Corporation
    Inventors: Charles F. Mitchell, Dennis Moore, Ashok Sinha, Michael Sinha, Stephen Bliss
  • Patent number: 9550121
    Abstract: A system and method for providing virtual spaces, where a character associated with a user can be manifested within instances of a plurality of the different virtual spaces. Since a single character can be manifested within instances of different virtual spaces, the character can be transferred by the corresponding user between instances of different virtual spaces and controlled by the user to interact with the different virtual spaces. When the user transfers the character between instances of different virtual spaces (and/or different types of virtual spaces), various aspects of the character may persist between the different virtual spaces (and/or the different types of virtual spaces). This may provide an enhanced continuity to the character between the different virtual spaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Raph Koster, John Donham, Sean Riley
  • Patent number: 9550122
    Abstract: A system may be configured to host a virtual space for access by users. The virtual space may be a game space in which users control one or more characters (or sets of characters) to achieve game objectives. The system may be configured such that the travel paths within the virtual world are determined dynamically. This may provide for travel which may have dynamic aspects at a lower cost than providing full interactivity between destinations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: MASLOW SIX ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
    Inventors: Derek Harp, Bengt Gregory-Brown, Pat N. Savelli, James J. Hooker
  • Patent number: 9550123
    Abstract: A forward direction line is set on a course, in a virtual game world, on which a player object is allowed to move. An advancing direction at a current position of the player object is determined based on the forward direction line. The advancing direction is determined as a direction in which the player object advances so as to control a movement of a player character in accordance with an acceleration instruction, and a leftward-rightward movement instruction from a player. Consequently, it is possible to assist the player in controlling a direction in which an object operated by the player moves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: NINTENDO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Eiji Akahori, Shingo Miyata, Toshiharu Izuno, Takuji Hotta, Kentaro Nishimura
  • Patent number: 9550124
    Abstract: An interactive environment image may be projected onto one or more surfaces, and interaction with the projected environment image may be detected within a three-dimensional space over the one or more surfaces. The interactive environment image may be a three-dimensional image, or it may be two-dimensional. An image is projected onto a surface to provide a visual environment representation of a virtual space including one or more of the virtual objects, which may be spatially positioned. User interaction with the projected visualized representation of the virtual environment space may be detected and, in response to user interaction, the projected visualized representation may be changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: MEP TECH, INC.
    Inventors: Mark L. Davis, Timothy Alan Tabor, Roger H. Hoole, Jeffrey Taylor, John M. Black
  • Patent number: 9550125
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method and apparatus for providing a dynamic and scalable topology for virtual world environments. In one embodiment, the method may include determining, in response to a request of a user computer system to transfer from a first place to a second place in a virtual environment, an instance of a second place that satisfies the request. The method may also include directing the user computer system to a game server that provides the determined instance of the second place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: ROBLOX CORPORATION
    Inventors: David B. Baszucki, Erik S. Cassel, John Shedletsky, Matt Dusek
  • Patent number: 9550126
    Abstract: An information processing device that is connected via a network to a terminal device operated by a player, and provides a game space to the terminal device, has a memory component for storing item information related to items that the player can purchase with virtual currency and that allow the player to gain an advantage in a game, and player information related to the items possessed by the player and to the status of the player in the game; an item provision component that receives item purchase requests from the terminal device and updates the item information and player information; and a game processor that receives player input to the terminal device and executes processing to move the game forward on the basis of the item information and the player information, and the power of an item is changed according to the number of players who have purchased that item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: DeNA Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sho Kohigashi, Ryota Katsura
  • Patent number: 9550127
    Abstract: A padded grating system comprising sheets of multiple composite members secured together with multiple support bars or battens, wherein each composite member preferably consists of an elongated rigid bar with a foam layer adhered thereto which are encapsulated by a PVC or plastic water impervious tube or sleeve that has been heated and shrunk thereon. The sheets are specifically designed to be used in connection with water rides such as the FlowRider® and can be modularly installed on site to cover certain drainage areas. The composite members are preferably made by gluing the rigid bars onto a sheet of foam and cutting the foam sheet to form the composite members, and after the tube or sleeve has been heat shrunk around each one, the ends of the composite members are then cut and sealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Inventor: Thomas J. Lochtefeld
  • Patent number: 9550128
    Abstract: In an aspect, a toy character assembly is provided, and includes a housing, a toy character, at least one sensor and a controller. The toy character is positioned inside the housing and includes a breakout mechanism that is operable to break the housing to expose the toy character. The at least one sensor detects interaction with a user. The controller is configured to determine whether a selected condition has been met based on at least one interaction with the user, and to operate the breakout mechanism to break the housing to expose the toy character if the condition is met. Optionally, the condition is met based upon having a selected number of interactions with the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Spin Master Ltd.
    Inventors: Amy Pruzansky, David McDonald
  • Patent number: 9550129
    Abstract: A multi-player game platform comprising: at least one mobile electronic device (MED) comprising a processor and configured to execute programmable commands of a control software application; said at least one MED additionally comprising a display configured to provide GUI (Graphical User Interface) means for receiving user input and providing output to a user, a digital camera and communication components configured to communicate with at least one toy, said at least one MED is one of a master MED, wherein said control software application is a master application and a slave MED, wherein said control software application is a slave application; and at least one electro-mechanical toy wirelessly controlled by the control software application, said toy comprising a CPU, a digital memory, a chassis and at least one sensor, said digital memory configured to store a toy software application configured to manage the toy according to commands from the control software application, wherein said digital camera is conf
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Inventor: Tamir Nave
  • Patent number: 9550130
    Abstract: Hobby mechanical kits are provided. Kits illustratively include a hobby servo motor having a rotatable output shaft. The output shaft has gear teeth distributed around an outer diameter of the shaft. Certain embodiments of kits also include a hobby servo horn and a channel. The hobby servo horn has an inner diameter with gear teeth that correspond to the hobby servo output shaft gear teeth. The channel has a first panel, a second panel, and a third panel. The hobby servo horn and one of the panels of the channel include a star-shaped connection point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: ROBOTZONE, LLC
    Inventor: Brian T. Pettey
  • Patent number: 9550131
    Abstract: A plurality of toy and accessory figurines are provided which may be arranged in any number of configurations to provide a response upon the formation of a closed electrical circuit. The toy figurines comprise two electrical contacts which, when closed with an external connection source, provide a response stimuli, such as one or a combination of light, sound and/or motion. The toy figurines may be configured to provide the closed electrical circuit. Alternatively, direct skin contact with the electrical contacts may provide the closed electrical circuit. The accessory figurines provide a further level of interaction. The accessory toy figurines comprise a magnetic switch which is actuated between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The magnetic switch is actuated to a closed configuration to close the electrical circuit when in proximity with a conductive metal, such as the electrical contact of the toy figurine, to deliver a response stimuli.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: LUMINATION LLC
    Inventors: Lee Loetz, Anna Lee
  • Patent number: 9550132
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for treating polyolefin granules in a treatment vessel comprising the steps of: —Providing a bed of granules in liquid in said treatment vessel —Withdrawing a first stream of liquid from said treatment vessel, wherein said first stream of liquid contains hydrocarboneous compounds —introducing a first stream of vapor into said treatment vessel —Withdrawing a second stream of vapor from said treatment vessel wherein said second stream of vapor contains volatile hydrocarboneous compounds —Recovering the granules from said treatment vessel wherein said first stream of vapor has a temperature from Tb to Tb+10° C., wherein Tb is the boiling point of the liquid at the applied pressure, and said first stream of vapor produces an upwards rising vapor stream in said treatment vessel, the superficial vapor velocity of which is no more than 0.2 m/s, and a plant suitable for conducting said process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Borealis AG
    Inventors: Michiel Bergstra, Kai Hagane, Manfred Jarzombek, Pablo Ivan Aguayo Arellano
  • Patent number: 9550133
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus (7?) for separating 1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene by fractional distillation of a mixture (31) that contains C9 or C9+ aromatic hydrocarbons, and possibly hydrocarbons with less nine nine carbon atoms. In an aspect of the invention, a first distillation step and a second distillation step are carried out in respective distillation chambers (75, 75?) defined by a cylindrical vertical container 501 and by an inner partition wall (85) of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: SIME SRL
    Inventors: Stefano Favilli, Luciano Scibola
  • Patent number: 9550134
    Abstract: A method for separating a second fluid or a particulate from a host fluid is disclosed. The method includes flowing the mixture through an acoustophoretic device comprising an acoustic chamber, an ultrasonic transducer, and a reflector. The transducer includes a piezoelectric material driven by a voltage signal to create a multi-dimensional acoustic standing wave in the acoustic chamber. A voltage signal is sent to drive the ultrasonic transducer in a displacement profile that is a superposition of a combination of different mode shapes that are the same order of magnitude to create the multi-dimensional acoustic standing wave in the acoustic chamber such that the second fluid or particulate is continuously trapped in the standing wave, and then agglomerates, aggregates, clumps, or coalesces together, and subsequently rises or settles out of the host fluid due to buoyancy or gravity forces, and exits the acoustic chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: FloDesign Sonics, Inc.
    Inventors: Bart Lipkens, Benjamin Ross-Johnsrud, Evgenia Zabolotskaya, Yuril Ilinskii
  • Patent number: 9550135
    Abstract: A draw latch retainer is used to secure a filter cartridge to a filter head. A cam actuated retainer extends from the head to engage a keeper in the top of the cartridge. Rotation of the cam draws the retainer and cartridge axially toward the head into an installed position. The retainer extends through an aperture in the upper portion of the cartridge to apply a retention force against the bottom side of the keeper. The keeper and upper portion of the cartridge supporting the keeper are configured to transmit the retaining force laterally across the top of the cartridge. A pair of axial conduits project from the cartridge and mount O-ring seals for implementing an axial sealing interface with passages in the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Clarcor Engine Mobile Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Justin R. Pribanic, TImothy M. Sasur, Michael C. Brauer, Kevin B. Downs
  • Patent number: 9550136
    Abstract: A safety screen assembly includes a shroud sleeve with an upstream end that defines a flow inlet. A spring seat is disposed downstream from the shroud sleeve and includes a flow outlet. A screen spool is operatively disposed between the flow inlet and the flow outlet and includes a tubular body with an inner passage, a screen disposed within the inner passage, and a plurality of bypass passages formed in the tubular body. The tubular body is in sliding engagement with the shroud sleeve in both a first position and a second position, the shroud sleeve closing the plurality of bypass passages from fluid flow when the tubular body is in the first position, and the plurality of bypass passages being open to fluid flow when the tubular body is in the second position. A spring biases the tubular body of the screen spool toward the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Richard J. Carpenter
  • Patent number: 9550137
    Abstract: Various systems are provided for an interface between an oil filter element and an oil filter mount of an oil filter. In one embodiment, an oil filter comprises an oil filter element adapted to be fittable over an outwardly projecting step of a first oil filter mount and fittable on a second oil filter mount without an outwardly projecting step, the oil filter element having an opening adapted to sealably engage with a base of the first oil filter mount and a base of the second oil filter mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Paul John Fontecchio
  • Patent number: 9550138
    Abstract: A gravity-driven fluid filtering system that includes a universal fluid (typically water) filter and a plurality of differently sized fluid dispensing adapters. The universal fluid filter includes: at least one gravity-driven fluid filter media; a housing having an interior and at least one fluid inlet aperture configured to allow a fluid to be treated to enter the interior of the housing by a force of gravity and into contact with the at least one gravity-driven water filter media spaced within the interior of the housing; and at least one treated fluid outlet aperture configured to deliver treated fluid to at least one of a plurality vessels each having a differently sized fluid receiving aperture. The plurality of differently sized fluid dispensing adapters each having a sloped and contoured fluid receiving portion, which is different for each adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Scott Hugh Bradford, Marco Casucci, David P. Cooper, Nihat O. Cur, Beth M. Jackson, Timothy A. Kee, James W. Kendall, Italo Renzo Menegon, Verne H. Myers, Ginger Elayne Patera, Mark M. Senninger, Gordon Jay Stannis, Sara Manfredini-Taube, Torsten Rickard Mathias-Tingstrom, Joel Graham Vanfaasen
  • Patent number: 9550139
    Abstract: A filter cleaning apparatus has a top section and a base section. The top section rests on a housing support. A lid in the top section is connected to the top section by a hinge. Internally, there is a threaded rod supporting a cone and a positioning nut. The positioning nut is used to secure the position of the cone. When a filter is to be placed in the apparatus, the position of the cone is adjusted with the positioning nut. A filter is then placed thereon and the lid closed. A locking mechanism secured the lid in place. A textured disk is positioned on the underside of the lid. When a crank handle on top of the lid is turned, the textured disk is turned thereby turning the filter resting on the cone. As the filter turns, cleaning mechanisms remove debris which pass through openings for removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Inventors: Vincent James Madonia, Gerald Madonia
  • Patent number: 9550140
    Abstract: A separator method and apparatus that includes a rotatable drum defining an annular passageway therein, a plurality of blades coupled to the rotatable drum and located in the annular passageway, each of the plurality of blades including a leading section, a trailing section, a concave surface, and a convex surface, the concave and convex surfaces extending from the leading section to the trailing section, each of the plurality of blades disposed circumferentially adjacent to at least another one of the plurality of blades so as to define blade flowpaths therebetween, and a housing at least partially surrounding the rotatable drum and defining a fluid collection chamber fluidly communicating with the annular passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Dresser-Rand Company
    Inventors: William C. Maier, Gocha G. Chochua
  • Patent number: 9550141
    Abstract: A device for filtering contaminated air includes an air filter, an intake fan driven by an electric motor, a filter housing, to which the air filter can be fastened by means of a threaded connection, and a battery for driving the electric motor, wherein the intake fan has a guide blade and an impeller, and the intake fan is arranged in a chimney-shaped shell on the filter housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: TB-SAFETY GMBH
    Inventor: Niklaus Keel
  • Patent number: 9550142
    Abstract: A device is disclosed for conducting an adsorption/desorption swing reaction. The desorption step of the reaction is conducted at least in part at a temperature below 100° C. Dry steam is used for purging the reactor and the adsorbent bed in the reactor. For this purpose the device has a water reservoir, and a vacuum source in fluid connection with the water reservoir and the reactor. During the desorption step the vacuum source causes water to evaporate, and the water vapor to flow through the reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Inventors: Timo Roestenberg, Gerrit Brem