Patents Issued in February 14, 2017
  • Patent number: 9566491
    Abstract: The boxing training device is a striking machine with a pair of identical spaced apart upright members affixed to the adjustable base. A block is affixed to the uprights most proximal the top end with a head removably disposed on the block. The head can be selectively fitted with a display unit that offers electronic feedback to the user. An upper impact pad can replace the display unit. A crossbar is affixed to the double action spring hinge of the head. The crossbar has a removable impact pad on each end such that a strike on either pad causes a counterstrike from the opposite pad, as the crossbar provides resisted horizontal rotation about the head via the hinge. Various impact pads are provided and interaction is offered a user with metered measurement and recording of activity, with further interaction available for interplay with existing electronic media and devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Inventor: Greg English
  • Patent number: 9566492
    Abstract: Apparatus for teaching proper tackling technique to a football player includes a number of framework segments pivotally connected at framework segment ends. A latch mechanism in the framework is disengaged during tackling to prevent pivoting between two of the framework segments until a third segment with a tackling pad pivots a predetermined degree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Inventor: David Dunning
  • Patent number: 9566493
    Abstract: A housing type golf simulation apparatus and features the housing that the internal space is available having front, rear, upper and left/right side; monitor installation section which is provided backward in the rear side direction from the said front housing so that the monitor can be seated in the said front housing; golf simulation computer which is provided in the said internal space; and the monitor to be seated in the said monitor installation section. Thus, it is advantageous to implement various additional functions in the housing while installing, managing and moving the entire golf simulation apparatus in an integrated module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Inventor: Yong Hoon Kim
  • Patent number: 9566494
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for creating and viewing artificial reality (AR) messages at an event, such as a sporting event, and sharing the event on a social network thereby enhancing and expanding the participant and spectator experience. The AR messages include geo-referenced artificial reality words or symbols to indicate distances, tips, targets or other information to the participant. The event is shared with spectators, such as friends or a subset of friends in the participant's social network. In addition to creating an active gallery for an event, messages can be exchanged among participants and spectators and virtual goods, money, and donations exchanged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Inventors: Charles D. Huston, Chris Coleman
  • Patent number: 9566495
    Abstract: In a first aspect, a system for monitoring a swing is provided that includes a wireless device adapted to couple to a swinging object and to provide information indicative of a characteristic of the swinging object. The wireless device is a cellular telephone or personal digital assistant (PDA). Numerous other aspects are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Inventor: Brian M. Dugan
  • Patent number: 9566496
    Abstract: A racquet grip teaching device including a top clasp having five faces shaped and orientated to mate with a tennis racquet handle. The top clasp includes exactly five faces. The racquet grip teaching device includes a finger connector extending downwardly from the top clasp at a first end region of the top clasp. The device includes a finger guide disposed at an end of the finger connector, opposite of the top clasp, and shaped to receive a finger. The racquet grip teaching device includes a thumb connector extending downwardly from the top clasp at a second end region, opposite of the first end region. The teaching device includes a thumb guide disposed at an end of the thumb connector, opposite the top clasp, and shaped to receive a thumb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Inventor: Peter E. Mallett
  • Patent number: 9566497
    Abstract: A liner assembly for a protective helmet which includes a wrap-around pad designed to be engaged to the inner surface of a helmet. The wrap-around pad has multiple substantially circular cells spaced along a curved line around the inner surface. The assembly also has a crown pad and two jaw pads. Each jaw pad is an cell L-shaped cell. Each cell is made of an inner sheet, an outer sheet and multiple, outwardly-projecting hollow protrusions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: KRANOS IP CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert Erb, Cortney Warmouth, Vincent R. Long, Louis Anthony Vanhoutin, Ray Drake
  • Patent number: 9566498
    Abstract: A ski binding comprises a first recess for receiving a ski shoe pin, a locking member movable between a locking position and a open position, a biasing means to bias the locking member towards the locking position, and an activation member rotatably attached to the housing for rotation around a transversal rotational axis of the binding. The locking member has at least one outer portion that allows a ski shoe pin to force the locking member from the locking position towards the open position when the ski shoe pin enters the first recess. The activation member has an arm extending radially away from its transversal rotational axis. The activation member and the locking member are operatively connected such that when the arm rotates in the first rotational direction through a predetermined lower operational range, the activation member forces the locking member from the locking position to the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: ROTTAFELLA AS
    Inventors: Thomas Holm, Øyvar Svendsen, Even Wøllo
  • Patent number: 9566499
    Abstract: A binding strap assist mechanism. The binding strap assist mechanism can be retrofit onto standard snowboard binding straps to bias the binding straps and an open configuration. Binding straps pass through the binding strap assist mechanism so that tensile stress along the length of each of these binding straps during use is not significantly conveyed to the binding straps assist mechanism. The tensile stress are thus isolated to the binding straps which are intended to carry such stresses. The present invention provides a safe and convenient feature to snowboard bindings and other bindings. Safety is achieved because even if the binding strap assist mechanism breaks or fails to function, the binding straps will continue to function as normal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Inventor: Daniel C. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 9566500
    Abstract: An electronic gaming table for hosting live table games involving wagers can include a physical surface, a dealer station, a plurality of player terminals, and a table controller. The physical surface permits the play of live table games with a live dealer and physical game components. The dealer station is situated proximate the physical surface and allows the presence of a live dealer who facilitates game play. Player terminals allow live players to play the games and include player terminal processors coupled to player interfaces having input and output devices. A table controller coupled to the player terminals controls various table functions and administers a live table game pitting a first hand against a second hand. Each of multiple live players can make different live game decisions independently based upon the same second hand, wherein resolution of the game varies by player depending upon the different live game decisions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventor: Jay Chun
  • Patent number: 9566501
    Abstract: Card shufflers usable in forming and dispensing randomized playing card hands for use in playing card games include a card input mechanism for inputting cards into the card shuffler, a card storage device for receiving cards from the card input mechanism and temporarily storing cards within the card shuffler, and a card output mechanism for outputting shuffled cards from the card shuffler. The card storage device may include a wheel configured to rotate within the card shuffler. The rotatable wheel may have a plurality of card storage compartments therein, each of which may be sized and configured to hold two or more cards therein. Related methods involve the use of such card shufflers in playing card games.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: James B. Stasson, Robert J. Rynda, James P. Helgesen, Troy D. Nelson, Paul K. Scheper, Ronald R. Swanson, Collin A. Helsen, Nathan J. Wadds
  • Patent number: 9566502
    Abstract: A baseball game board includes: a top plate; a pitching section including a ball container section and a discharge hole; a batting section; a pitching operation section; and a pitching lever extending from the pitching operation section to the pitching section and movable in forward and rearward directions. The pitching lever is disposed below the top plate, is rotatable in a left-right direction around a position between the pitching operation section and the pitching section, and includes a ball holding section provided at a front end of the pitching lever for receiving a ball dropping from the ball container section. When the pitching lever is moved forward, the ball held in the ball holding section and positioned below the top plate is delivered from the discharge hole to an upper surface of the top plate, thereby being discharged toward the batting section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: EPOCH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshihiko Takagishi, Nozomu Furuta, Jin Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 9566503
    Abstract: A method and apparatus that allows a player to play a massively single-player online game without directly interacting with other players, while affecting and being affected by other players playing the online game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: NINTENDO CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yoonjoon Lee
  • Patent number: 9566504
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an air cleaner for removing air pollutants from an air stream, for instance such as the cleaning exhaust/intake gas of an amusement machine, said air cleaner comprising a filter device including at least one filter layer (4a, 4b) held by a filter holder (5) in said airflow substantially perpendicular to a main flow direction thereof and including a plurality of preferably stick-shaped filter elements (6) neighbouring each other. In accordance with the present invention, the filter device has no closed surrounding along the circumference of the filter layers, but provides for an open side along at least a portion of the periphery of the filter layer. At least one circumferential side section (7, 8) of the filter layer parallel to or tangential to the longitudinal axis of an outermost filter element is formed as an open side free of flow control elements surrounding the filter layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignees: NOVOMATIC AG, DEXWET USA LLC
    Inventors: Christoph Bichl, Heinz Winkler, Alois Homer, Erich Petein, Maximillian Vojta
  • Patent number: 9566505
    Abstract: Systems and methods for managing sharing of mini-games over a game cloud system include receiving a request to play a first game executed by the game cloud system, from a first user. The first user is enabled to play the first game, in response to the request, and a recorded video of the game play of the first user is generated. A share request is received from the first user to share the recorded video of the game play. The share request includes a location indicator identifying a location within the recorded video. A video clip is generated from the recorded video of the game play of the first user by including a portion of the recorded video defined in relation to the location indicator identified in the share request. The video clip is shared with one or more users based on information provided in the share request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Sony Interactive Entertainment America LLC
    Inventor: David Perry
  • Patent number: 9566506
    Abstract: A virtual world processing apparatus and method. Sensed information, which is information collected by a sensor is inputted. The sensed information is adapted, based on a sensor capability, which is information on capability of the sensor. Accordingly, interoperability between a real world and a virtual world or interoperability between virtual worlds may be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seung Ju Han, Jae Joon Han, Do Kyoon Kim, Won Chul Bang
  • Patent number: 9566507
    Abstract: A game controller includes a plurality of LEDs formed on the rear of a case. The plurality of LEDs are arranged two-dimensionally in its layout area. The game controller has a plurality of PWM control units which are provided inside the case and control the lighting of the plurality of LEDs, respectively. The PWM control units control the lighting of the LEDs based on a control signal from a game apparatus. The game apparatus acquires a captured image of the game controller, and acquires the position of the game controller in the captured image based on the positions of the LEDs in the captured image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
    Inventors: Teiyu Goto, Katsu Saito, Akio Ohba, Hiroyuki Segawa
  • Patent number: 9566508
    Abstract: A disclosed interactive gaming apparatus may include a flexible mat structure. The flexible mat structure may have at least one sensor module placed therein. The gaming apparatus may also include a main body having a computation module with gaming software installed therein. When the human operator motions, the sensor module may detect such motions along with data arising out of contact by the human operator on the flexible mat structure and deliver the same to the computation module. The computation module may compute the detected and enable a projector module to project an output image upon a surface of the flexible mat structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: ZEROPLUS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chiu-Hao Cheng, Chien-Yang Liu, Chih-Wei Pien, Tien-yu Wu
  • Patent number: 9566509
    Abstract: There is provided a system and method for adaptive rendered environments using user context. The method comprises determining user context data corresponding to a user of a virtual environment, altering a feature of the virtual environment using the user context data to obtain an altered feature, and rendering the altered feature of the virtual environment for display. The feature may include a non-player character in the virtual environment, such as eyesight focus of the non-player character or a physical action of the non-player character. The user context data may correspond to real world position data of a user and may be determined using a camera, for example through image recognition, or using a user device. Additionally, the virtual environment may include a cinematic, interactive game, or user generated content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Philippe Paquet, Steven Makofsky
  • Patent number: 9566510
    Abstract: An interactive game system that stage lighting style cues as part of the game, where the stage lighting cues cause external stage lighting equipment to create effects that are based on outputs from the game. Steerable lights can be steered to the player and sounds can be created that are directed to the player. A simulation system can also simulate the actions that occur. The computer assigns teams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Eddie's Social Club, LLC
    Inventors: Edwin Schlossberg, Jeremiah Harris
  • Patent number: 9566511
    Abstract: A center device communicates with one or more controller devices operated by one or more users. The center device is operable to: execute at least one application program; detect a respective connection with each of the one or more controller devices and to select one of the one or more controller devices for authentication; query the user of the selected one of the controller devices for requested authentication information; receive, from the selected one of the controller devices, authentication information provided by the user of the selected one of the controller devices; and permit the execution and manipulation of the output of the application program only when the authentication information provided by the user, and received from, the selected one of the controller devices matches the requested authentication information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.
    Inventors: Mariko Hino, Satoshi Hashimoto, Ken Kutaragi
  • Patent number: 9566512
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing input via a selectively arrangeable, multi-mode input controller is disclosed. A method and computer program product also perform the functions of the apparatus. The apparatus includes a processor, a first body having a first input device, a second body pivotably connected to the first body and having a second input device, and a memory that stores code executable by the processor, the code comprising code that receives indication of an orientation of the first body with respect to the second body and code that alters operation of the first input device based on the orientation of the first body with respect to the second body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Lenovo (Singapore) PTE. LTD.
    Inventors: Daniel Jordan Schantz, Michaela Rose Case
  • Patent number: 9566513
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for multiplayer team balancing in a virtual environment. A group activity is provided in which at least two teams of avatars participate. Each team has a respective plurality of distinct avatars, and each avatar is controlled by a respective player. The at least teams are in competition with one another to achieve a predefined objective when participating in the group activity. Upon it being determined, when the group activity is in progress, that a first player of a first avatar on a first team of the at least two teams is no longer available to participate in the group activity, a balancing action is performed in order to compensate for the first player no longer being available to participate in the group activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Inventor: Anthony Lam
  • Patent number: 9566514
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a game providing system, including: an allocation server connected to a plurality of client apparatus through a network; and a game providing server configured to execute a game application to be provided to the client apparatus allocated by the allocation server. The game providing server is a multiprocessing system which includes a plurality of game processing systems each of which can solely execute at most one game application. The allocation server sets the number of ones of the game processing systems which are to be allocated in order to execute one game application in the game providing server in response to a load to the game providing server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.
    Inventor: Hideyuki Saito
  • Patent number: 9566515
    Abstract: In a first aspect, a system for playing a video game is provided that includes (1) one or more sensors adapted to monitor one or more biometric parameters of a user and communicate the one or more monitored biometric parameters (MBPs); (2) a computing device adapted to communicate with the one or more sensors and to receive the one or more communicated MBPs; and (3) a video game having an avatar adapted to move an object on an incline, the video game adapted to execute on the computing device. The video game is adapted to control the avatar to perform an action in the video game based in part on the received one or more communicated MBPs. Numerous other aspects are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: PEXS LLC
    Inventors: Brian M. Dugan, Steven M. Santisi, Jean Pierre Latrille, Lieven Nuyttens
  • Patent number: 9566516
    Abstract: A game device is provided with an input reception unit that receives an operating input from a player, a control unit that controls a game in accordance with the timing of the operating input, and a screen generation unit that displays a screen of the game, wherein the screen generation unit generates and displays a screen of a player's character in the motion of making a shot, and a power determination unit and an impact determination unit determine the power or impact of a shot in accordance with the degree of the progress of the motion of making the shot at the point when the operating input is received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignees: SONY CORPORATION, SONY INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT INC.
    Inventors: Daisaku Ikejiri, Masashi Muramori, Toshiyuki Kuwabara, Kentarou Nakazawa
  • Patent number: 9566517
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a system and a method for visualizing synthetic objects within a real-world video clip. The embodiments allow interactive, synthetic objects or characters to appear as if they are “embedded” inside or form part of a video clip. These objects move independently of the environment within the video clip and are controlled by a user. In one embodiment the video frames are set as textures in the furthermost layer in a 3D environment viewer or 3D “engine”. In another embodiment separate layers of video frames are superimposed with the synthetic objects on an output screen and synchronizing the movements and the field of view settings to give the perception that only one camera is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Paofit Holdings Pte Ltd.
    Inventors: Marc Scott Hardy, Andrei Richard Frank
  • Patent number: 9566518
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed to reflect status in a virtual environment. An artist associated with audio content being played by a first user controlling a player avatar is determined. A companion avatar providing a virtual representation of the artist of the audio content is generated. The companion avatar is associated with the player avatar in the virtual environment. The companion avatar is configured to interact with the player avatar, and presence of the companion avatar conveys to one or more other users interacting within the virtual environment that the first user is currently listening to audio content of the artist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael J. Branson, Gregory R. Hintermeister
  • Patent number: 9566519
    Abstract: Provided is a game system capable of discriminating types of action performed by a game character in more detail. A reproduction data acquiring section (46) saves a game situation obtained within a reproduction subject period as reproduction data if a shooting action is performed, an action determining section (48) determines based on the reproduction data whether or not a dummy action was performed by an operation subject object other than an operation subject object that performed the shooting action, and a playback video outputting section (50) performs an output based on a determination result by the action determining section (48) in accordance with outputting of a playback video based on the reproduction data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hitoshi Otomo, Takeshi Okubo, Yoshinori Shiigi
  • Patent number: 9566520
    Abstract: As one implementation example, an application comprising a recreational game performs a method comprising displaying at least a portion of a recreational object. The recreational object comprises a central portion comprising a center and a plurality of arm members in which the arm members are joined to the central portion and balanced about the center, the arm members each comprising a channel for enabling air passage through the arm members and into the central portion in which the air passage affects a flight speed and a rotational speed of the recreational object passing through air. The method further comprises receiving input from an application user, the input operable to manipulate the recreational object to achieve a goal of the recreational game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Inventor: Lucian S. Naum
  • Patent number: 9566521
    Abstract: Provided is a managing technology of an on-line game which increases a usability of users and diversifies the service. An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a sports game character information managing method, including: receiving event information on at least one of a team and a player included in an on-line game from at least one of an organization and a medium related with a sports game corresponding to the on-line game; selecting at least one of players related with the event information; selecting a game character which matches identification information of the selected player; setting an improved capability point which is added to a capability point of the selected game character in accordance with the event information; and adding the improved capability point to the capability point of the game character which is stored in a game server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: INTELLECTUAL DISCOVERY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jeong Hun Kim, Sun Hwa Choi
  • Patent number: 9566522
    Abstract: A gaming device, method, and computer program product customize an electronic game using features of an image file, such as may be created by a digital camera or similar device. A gaming device comprises a processor capable of receiving an image file, extracting at least one feature from the received image file, and modifying the electronic game based on the extracted feature. The processor may modify the electronic game by adding a game object corresponding to the extracted feature. Alternatively, the processor may modify the electronic game by modifying a game object based on the extracted feature. The image file may be created by the gaming device or may be received from an external device. The extracted feature may be selected from the group comprising shape, size, location, orientation, color, and contrast. The processor may be further capable of preprocessing the image file.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
    Inventors: Jukka A. Holm, Matti S. Hamalainen, Kai Havukainen, Heikki Waris
  • Patent number: 9566523
    Abstract: A method for testing a new feature of an online gaming application is provided, including: receiving a gaming application request from a user; determining whether to add the user to a live test for a new game feature; if the user is added to the live test, then determining whether to assign the user to a test group or a control group; if the user is assigned to the test group, then, providing a gaming application including the new game feature enabled, evaluating gaming activity and social network activity of the user; if the user is assigned to the control group, then, providing the gaming application without the new game feature enabled, evaluating gaming activity and social network activity of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Ocko, Justin Driemeyer
  • Patent number: 9566524
    Abstract: An exemplary information-processing device includes: a switching unit configured to switch an operating mode of the information-processing device to an active mode or a sleep mode; a receiving unit configured to receive, when the information-processing device is in the active mode, an instruction to download data specified by a user; and a downloading unit configured to start download of the data when the operating mode of the information-processing device is switched from the active mode to the sleep mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: NINTENDO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Wabe, Teruhiko Goda, Eiji Tokunaga
  • Patent number: 9566525
    Abstract: A server device and the like that can make a whole game and SNS more active by promoting the movement of players between groups to enhance the mobility of game participants. A server device comprises: an information storage unit for storing information of a game in which a plurality of players are able to participate and which includes a battle event; and a control unit for accessing the information and executing an operation related to the game. The server device executes a predetermined step that includes performing, when a first player transfers from a first group to a second group, payment and receipt of transfer points as compensation for the transfer between at least two out of the first player, the first group, and the second group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: GREE, Inc.
    Inventors: Koichi Suzuki, Eigo Isomura
  • Patent number: 9566526
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for gaming according to various aspects of the present invention may be implemented in conjunction with a multiplayer game. The game system may prompt a player of the multiplayer game to create a content stream bragging about an achieved score or motivating another player to play the game. The game system may record the content stream and make the recorded content stream accessible to one or more other players of the game. The game system may make the recorded content stream accessible to others through email or through a website, such as a social networking website.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Dazzletag Entertainment Limited
    Inventor: Mark Doorgeest
  • Patent number: 9566527
    Abstract: A method of fabricating an amusement park ride track utilizing stock, planar materials, namely comprising of creating elongated, curved structures from planar materials. A roller coaster track capable of being fabricated from multiple planar pieces without heating or bending. Other embodiments are described which utilize elongated, curved structures such as ski lifts, people movers, staircases and architectural structures. A jig is disclosed for providing for ease of manufacture of the elongated, curved structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Rocky Mountain Coasters, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Schilke, Fred Grubb, Dody Bachtar
  • Patent number: 9566528
    Abstract: A top launcher includes at least one track segment having a guiding path for translating a rotatable top thereon. Also included is a launching member moveable between a first position and a second position, the launching member resiliently biased toward the first position. Further included is an engagement portion of the launching member for engaging the rotatable top and launching the rotatable top as the launching member moves toward the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Christian Colquhoun
  • Patent number: 9566529
    Abstract: A toy top includes: a body and a shaft part respectively having first and second portions facing each other in an up-down direction in a combined state; and a sliding contact surface which is on the first portion and abuts a projection on the second portion by biasing force of a biasing member. The projection continuously slides from a first position corresponding to a most deeply combined state to a second position corresponding to an uncombined state. The sliding contact surface is an inclined plane which, in the combined state: as a whole, inclines with respect to a plane at right angles to a shaft line of the shaft part; has a level in the up-down direction being continuously lower from the first position toward the second position; and can keep abutting the projection at an arbitrary point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: TOMY COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventor: Yukihiro Shindo
  • Patent number: 9566530
    Abstract: The attachment between a puppeteer and a puppet is often ridged and fixed. The result is a puppet that does not look natural in some positions and movements and does not allow the puppeteer the flexibility to change articles, such as costumes or clothing, which are attached to the puppet. Methods and articles are described for creating natural looking puppet devices. These methods and devices allow illusion articles, such as a fake arm, to slide so as to have natural looking contact between the puppeteer and the puppet. The methods and articles also include means for reversible attachment of the puppet from the rest of the puppet device. The result is a puppet that has natural looking positions and movements and allows puppeteer the flexibility to make changes to the articles attached to the puppet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Inventor: Todd C. Sheets
  • Patent number: 9566531
    Abstract: An action character model includes a torso and a plurality of appendages including a head and at least one arm and one leg. A plurality of first magnets are attached to and project out of one of the torso or the plurality of appendages. A plurality of second magnets are disposed within the other of the torso or the plurality of appendages on which the first magnets are not attached. The other of the torso or plurality of appendages each bound a recessed socket extending from an exterior surface of the corresponding torso or appendage toward a corresponding one of the second magnets, each of the first magnets being at least partially received within a corresponding recessed socket so that each appendage is magnetically coupled with the torso and so that each appendage is rotatable on the torso.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Morphonauts LLC
    Inventor: Beau Jared Hacking
  • Patent number: 9566532
    Abstract: A rolling toy assembly that has a hollow body. The hollow body has an interior and a bottom surface with an open window that accesses the interior. A spherical mass is disposed within the interior of the hollow body. The spherical mass is too large to pass completely through the open window. An eccentric weight is coupled to the hollow body. The eccentric weight biases the hollow body into a tilted position wherein the bottom surface and the window are tilted at an angle of inclination. This enables the toy assembly to roll over small obstacles. A play platform is provided. The play platform has a top surface that defines at least one concavity. The concavity is surrounded by a peripheral rim bump. The toy assembly is placed on the play platform and is caused to roll by manually manipulating the play platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: FSD, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Edward Walterscheid, Leopold Elias Walterscheid
  • Patent number: 9566533
    Abstract: A toy vehicle including a chassis, four running wheels, which are attached to the chassis, an activating element configured to steer the toy vehicle, and a steering device. The steering device includes a steering plate articulated onto all four running wheels. The steering plate is movable by the steering activating element relative to the chassis. The vehicle also includes four axle knuckles, each axle knuckle supporting one of the four running wheels, thee axle knuckles being articulated both onto the steering plate and also the chassis. The steering plate has a central portion extending along a longitudinal axis of the vehicle, and four cross-arms extending outwardly from the central portion, each of the cross-arms connecting to a respective one of the four axle knuckles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: BRUDER SPIELWAREN GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Paul Heinz Bruder
  • Patent number: 9566534
    Abstract: A user interface system for a toy includes a power drive unit, an encoder and a processor coupled with the power drive unit and with the encoder. The power drive unit actuates a drive element of the toy according to moving instructions received from the processor. The encoder detects motion of the drive element, and the processor sets a mode of operation of the toy according to the motion of the selected drive element and the moving instructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: WowWee Group Ltd
    Inventor: Davin Sufer
  • Patent number: 9566535
    Abstract: A device for making knotted string accessories from a plurality of individual strings has a base having a substantially planar surface and a central longitudinal axis, a plurality of string holders connected to and extending away from the substantially planar surface of the base, the plurality of string holders symmetric with respect to the central longitudinal axis and configured to retain one of plurality of individual strings between adjacent string holders and a securing member carried by the base and positioned along the central longitudinal axis. The securing member secures at least one string of the plurality of individual strings. An electronic device holder is carried by the base and is configured to hold an electronic device to be viewed by a user making a knotted string accessory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Inventor: David J. Crorey
  • Patent number: 9566536
    Abstract: The system and method of training an animal to jump using a variable length oxer. The oxer having one or more jump cups located on an adjustable length arm to provide for a jump of varying depth and/or height. The oxer mounts to a standard using a variety of mechanisms. The mount may comprise a jump cup. The oxer may comprise a counterweight and/or a support leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Equioxer, LLC
    Inventor: Andrea Manley
  • Patent number: 9566537
    Abstract: A multidimensional liquid chromatography separation system has a mobile-phase storage tank, a first liquid transfer device, a second liquid transfer device, a first sample introduction device, a second sample introduction device, a separation device, a collection, storage device, at least two drainage devices and a flow path switching device. A separation method for protein separation using the multidimensional liquid chromatography separation system has the steps of: 1) preparation in advance, 2) the first dimensional separation, 3) collection and storage of the intermediate fraction, 4) the second dimensional or multidimensional separation and repeating the steps 3) and 4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignees: XI'AN AOLAN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD., NORTHWEST UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: Xindu Geng
  • Patent number: 9566538
    Abstract: A chromatography column frame comprising at least two legs, a support arrangement connected to said at least two legs, and a holder connected to said support arrangement. Said holder is arranged to releasably hold an adaptor rod of a chromatography column, so that the adaptor rod is prevented to move in a horizontal direction and so the adaptor rod is allowed to move in a vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: GE Healthcare Bio-Sciences AB
    Inventors: Bjorn Haglund, Cheng Jiang, Martin Kling
  • Patent number: 9566539
    Abstract: A CO2 desorption method and equipment for performing this method is described. More specific, a method for desorbing CO2 from an absorption fluid without involving a traditional stripper but instead using a heat exchanger as a flash-tank is disclosed. Further described is the utilization of cooling heat from a condenser for cooling the lean absorbent fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: STATOIL PETROLEUM AS
    Inventor: John Arild Svendsen
  • Patent number: 9566540
    Abstract: The invention provides a filtering and centrifugation device, comprising a barrel, a volume in the barrel for receiving a fluid sample to be processed, a filter medium, at least one piston movable in the barrel to force fluid in the volume through the filter medium to produce a filtrate, and a space for pelleting particulate material. The device is centrifugeable, and said space is located in or communicates with the volume and is located preferably away from the filter medium such that the particulate material does not or at least not completely clog the filter medium during such centrifugation of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: EMD Millipore Corporation
    Inventors: Luc Felden, Sebastien Jouette