Patents Issued in February 21, 2017
  • Patent number: 9573043
    Abstract: Boot binding systems for riding a snow gliding board, including a pair of boot bindings, each member of the pair having a toe latch pedal mechanism at the toe end of a baseplate on which the rider's boot rests, the toe latch pedal having dual function to either a) attach each boot binding to a ride mode interface in ride mode configuration or to b) attach each boot binding to a ski touring mode interface in ski touring configuration. In a “release position” the toe latch pedal is disengaged so that the baseplate assembly may be detached or switched between the ski touring mode interface and the ride mode interface in alternation. In a “lock position”, the toe of the rider's boot depresses the toe latch pedal and locks the boot binding onto the selected interface. As co-planar with the baseplate, the latch pedal also supports the rider's boot when in the lock position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Inventor: William J Ritter
  • Patent number: 9573044
    Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-function block for a snow sliding apparatus for enabling sliding on a surface of snow. The multi-function block is provided between a deck, constituting part of the snow sliding apparatus, and a bottom surface of a binding or boot, and spaces the binding or boot apart from the deck. A plurality of first fastening holes is formed in the multi-function block. At least any one of the deck, the binding and the boot is fastened to the plurality of first fastening holes. The first fastening holes are formed through at least any one of outside surfaces of the multi-function block. The multi-function block is formed in a three-dimensional shape having at least one pair of parallel outside surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Inventor: Ji Ha Yi
  • Patent number: 9573045
    Abstract: A skateboard assembly is provided, including: a base plate having a plurality of first through holes, an ear part formed on the base plate, a second through hole formed on an end of the ear part corresponding to the base plate, a first stopping part formed on an inner periphery of the second through hole, and a protruding part formed on the base plate and having a first groove. The ear part and the protruding part are disposed on a same side of the base plate. The second through hole has a cross section orthogonal to the base plate. The skateboard assembly further comprises buffer members, retaining members, wheel frames, keels and plates, which are assembled and coupled together by a plurality of fastening members, such that the skateboard is assembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Inventor: Po-Chih Lai
  • Patent number: 9573046
    Abstract: A card game and method of play is provided. It includes a plurality of game cards and a multifaceted die having a plurality of characters on the faces of said die. A rule set is also provided. It includes a plurality of rules, one of the rules of being that a player identify an adjective that corresponds with one of the plurality of characters on an upturned face of said multifaceted die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian M. Yu
  • Patent number: 9573047
    Abstract: A single deck shuffler includes a pre-shuffle bin, card-selector assembly, drive wheel and post-shuffle bin. The pre-shuffle bin is configured to accept a single deck of cards. While in the pre-shuffle bin, a modest downward force is applied to the single deck of cards. A base of the pre-shuffle bin is an independent member that selectively raises and lowers the deck of cards pursuant to a randomly-selected card number (e.g., 1-52). Once positioned correctly based on the randomly-selected card number, an upper body of the card-selector assembly moves forward to push a number of cards off the top of the deck corresponding to the randomly-selected card number thereby exposing a bottom card (i.e., the randomly-selected card) to a drive wheel. The drive wheel propels the card from the pre-shuffle bin into the post-shuffle bin. The process is repeated until each card is propelled into the post-shuffle bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Shark Trap Gaming & Security Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Earnest Riordan, Louis Wilson DeGregorio, Dino Louis DeGregorio, Steven Louis Forte, Westley Thomas Davis, Zachary Joseph Cook, Joseph William Riesen, Brendan John O'Toole
  • Patent number: 9573048
    Abstract: A shuffle board game system includes a shuffle board game apparatus and a method of playing a game. The board game apparatus includes a base, a symmetrical, enclosed, cross-configured shuffle board with a target pattern at the center with multiple playing pieces that can be distributed from each of the four ramps surrounding the board. The method of playing includes each of four players strategically launching their respective playing pieces from a ramp toward the target pattern or to block another player's ramp. Each player seeks to gain the most points based upon the proximity of their playing pieces to spaces within the target pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Inventors: Kurt Masching, Casey Jackson
  • Patent number: 9573049
    Abstract: Various embodiments are provided generally relating to providing a strum pad on a user device. In some embodiments, a musical arrangement may be provided on a user device. A score of the musical arrangement may be tracked as it plays. In some embodiments, gestures may be detected on the user device while the user device plays the musical arrangement. In response to detecting the gesture, a component piece for the musical arrangement may be outputted. In some embodiments, the outputted component piece may correspond to the tracked score of the musical arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: MIBBLIO, INC.
    Inventors: Samuel Rubin, David Leiberman
  • Patent number: 9573050
    Abstract: Examples disclosed herein relate to a snap-and-click display utilized to enhance the installation of a display on an electronic gaming device. The systems and methods may allow for easier installation of a display on the electronic gaming device via a snap-and-click display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Cadillac Jack, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Andrew Thompson, Prashant L. Shah
  • Patent number: 9573051
    Abstract: One aspect of the disclosure relates to altering a probability of fulfilling a game objective in a game space. The game objective may be associated with a set of potential reward items, the set of potential reward items including a first item. Probabilities of the first item from the set of potential reward items being provided to individual users as a reward for completing the game objective may be determined based on the rates of usage of the game space by the user. The probability of the first user being provided with the first item as a reward for completing the game objective may be determined based on the rate of usage of the game space by the first user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Kabam, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Curtis, James Koh, Kellen Christopher Smalley, Michael C. Caldarone
  • Patent number: 9573052
    Abstract: A position information acquiring unit acquires position information relating to positions of a plurality of body parts of a player. A determination unit determines whether or not the at least one of the plurality of body parts exists within a determination region including the reference position at a time point corresponding to the reference time. A body part information acquiring unit acquires body part information relating to a kind of the at least one of the plurality of body parts determined to exist within the determination region. An evaluation unit evaluates gameplay of the player based on the kind of the at least one of the plurality of body parts acquired by the body part information acquiring unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: KONAMI DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Naoki Tarama, Manabu Hazama, Hayana Honda
  • Patent number: 9573053
    Abstract: A method includes acquiring media content of a wagering game table at a wagering game establishment with a camera of a mobile device. A location of the mobile device is determined when the media content is acquired. A direction that a lens of the camera is facing when the media content is acquired is determined. The wagering game table is identified based on the location and the direction. Overlay imagery derived from wagering game activity of the wagering game table is downloaded into the mobile device from a server. The overlay imagery is composited onto the media content to create a composited media content. The composited media content is displayed on a display of the mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: BALLY GAMING, INC.
    Inventors: Dion K. Aoki, Mark B. Gagner, Sean P. Kelly, Nickey C. Shin
  • Patent number: 9573054
    Abstract: A computer implemented method defines game pieces for play which can complement a natural human tendency to be attracted by people's faces. The game is based on segmenting an image of a user's face under control of a programmed processor, the user's face being captured by the mobile application or provided to it, and then turned into a plurality of segments. A reconstituted image of a face made up of multiple segments from two or more different users for presentation to each respective user in a user interface. A user can select or be selected for a game, which once started has each user revealing a further part of their image to the other until either the whole image of both are revealed and the game is won and they can further communicate. Alternatively a user loses by having their image segment rejected with no further communication available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Grahame Keith Cohen
    Inventor: Grahame Keith Cohen
  • Patent number: 9573055
    Abstract: Provided is a game machine that can enhance the level of difficulty of a game. The game machine provides a music game in which touch operations are evaluated. Moreover, the game machine comprises a touch panel that, when a plurality of locations within a game region are touch operated, detects the positions of this plurality of touch operations. On the basis of the result of detection by the touch panel, the game machine acquires a particular position that is different from all the plurality of touch operation positions by using this plurality of touch operation positions as reference, and, on the basis of the result of this acquisition, evaluates the particular position as an evaluation of the plurality of touch operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: KONAMI DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Takao Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 9573056
    Abstract: Apparatus, methods and systems for interfacing a controller with a gaming system to interact with a computer program rendering interactive content on a display are presented. In one embodiment, a controller includes a handle, a connector and an attachment. The handle has an elongated shape, which includes opposite first and second ends, and is configured to be held by a single hand of a user during operation. The handle's second end, aimed towards the display during operation, holds the connector. The attachment includes two interfaces: a visual interface for communication with the gaming system, and a connector interface that is coupled to the connector in the handle. The attachment can be coupled and decoupled to the connector and allows the gaming system to visually track the location of the handle via the visual interface. In another embodiment, the attachment provides additional communication capabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Marks, Anton Mikhailov, Ennin Huang, Gary M. Zalewski
  • Patent number: 9573057
    Abstract: Various embodiment provide a method of interfacing an application controller with a remote display. The method can include the steps of providing an application on an application controller comprising a controller display; executing the application to retrieve a user input into the application controller; executing logic to render an output; and displaying the output on at least one of the controller display and the remote display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Electronic Arts Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Vange
  • Patent number: 9573058
    Abstract: A computer game terminal, and associated method and code, for operating an online interactive computer game. The terminal includes an interface receiving non-interactive user input data from a controller associated with the computer games terminal and an interface receiving interactive game data associated with at least one interactive game element. The terminal includes a display driver rendering a graphical representation of a computer game based on the non-interactive user input data and the interactive game data. The terminal includes a processor processing the received non-interactive user input data and the interactive game data, while inhibiting data interaction. The processing inhibits interaction between a displayed avatar associated with the user input data and a displayed avatar associated with the received interactive game data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Jason Avent
  • Patent number: 9573059
    Abstract: A method comprising executing a program on a server of a server center that generates and streams a user page in the form of streaming interactive video on a display of a user computer connected to the server via the Internet, the user page including a plurality of video windows, one or more of the video windows including streaming interactive video as well as simultaneously recorded video segments which are replayable by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Sony Interactive Entertainment America LLC
    Inventors: Stephen G. Perlman, Roger van der Laan
  • Patent number: 9573060
    Abstract: Improper communication using modified software is inhibited without checking game data itself. A system according to one embodiment realizes provision of an online game to a login user with HTTP communication between the server and the client terminal. The HTTP communication includes transmitting, by a terminal device, a HTTP request to which signature information generated based on the HTTP request and terminal-side key information is attached; checking, by the server, validity of the HTTP request based on comparison between the signature information attached to the HTTP request and signature information generated based on the HTTP request and the server-side key information of the login user; updating, by the server, the key information based on the HTTP request and the server-side key information; transmitting, by the server, a HTTP response; and updating, by the terminal device, the key information based on the HTTP request and the terminal-side key information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: DeNA Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuho Oku
  • Patent number: 9573061
    Abstract: The game program according to the present invention causes a computer to perform a registering process to register in advance in a storage unit attribute information specified by the player, an offering process to offer the game content to the player, a judgment process to compare the attribute information of the game content offered to the specified attribute information, a combining process to combine the game content offered with another game content to create a combined game content, and a recording process to record in the storage unit the combined game content as the game content owned by the player, without recording in the storage unit the game content offered as the game content owned by the player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: DeNA Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuji Ukai, Naoto Yoshie, Tomoyuki Ono
  • Patent number: 9573062
    Abstract: Methods and systems for generating spherical game videos for virtual reality (VR) streaming and replay are disclosed. The method, when executed by a processor, comprises first recording game environment around a virtual camera array inserted into a source computer game that lacks spherical video output, using a first subset of virtual cameras within the virtual camera array. Next, receiving game metadata of a source game play of the source game, configuring a local game play according to the received game metadata, recording a video of the local game play using a second subset of virtual cameras, wherein the second subset of virtual cameras is not equal to the first subset of virtual cameras, and generating a spherical video from the recorded game environment and the recorded local game play. The present invention aids the mass adoption of VR technology by easily generating VR content from existing computer games.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Silver VR Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jieyi Long, Mitchell C. Liu
  • Patent number: 9573063
    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: March 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael J. Branson, Gregory R. Hintermeister
  • Patent number: 9573064
    Abstract: A system and method combining real-world actions and virtual actions in a gaming environment. In one aspect, a massively multiplayer environment combines the real world actions and virtual actions of a participant to influence both character metrics and game play within one or more games provided by the service. In the real world or location-based events, game play occurs in and around links explicitly created between real world locations and virtual representations of those locations within the game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Peter Tobias Kinnebrew, Nicholas Ferianc Kamuda, Aron B. Kantor
  • Patent number: 9573065
    Abstract: Systems and methods for processing recommendations of online games to friends of social network are described. A method for processing recommendations includes identifying a gaming session of a user on an online game provider network, accessing a use profile of the user for the online games of the online game provider network, and accessing a social graph of the user to identify friends of the user and respective friend profiles from the social network. The method further includes producing a recommendation of an online game. The recommendation includes an identification of a target friend of the user and is being provided by examination of the use profile of the user and friend profiles in the social graph. The method includes providing the recommendation to the user. The recommendation also includes an offer incentive to the user to share the recommendation with the target friend.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Sudhir Kumar Rama Rao, Ara Nicholas Yessayan, Jr., Paul David Bettner, David Bettner, Paolo Malabuyo, Benjamin F. Gregorski, Michael Chow, Yie Lyn Choo
  • Patent number: 9573066
    Abstract: One aspect of the disclosure relates to determining prices for a protection extension in an online game. The protection extension may be implemented, for example, after a user's beginning protection and/or any other in-game protection period has ceased. The protection extension may be dynamically priced for individual users. The protection extension may be priced, for example, based on the user's power and/or strength in a game, and/or based on other factors. For example, the stronger the user is in the game, the more expensive the extension of protection, and the weaker the user is in the game, the cheaper the extension of protection. This may provide an opportunity for a less experienced player to build up their strength in a game, thus promoting further player engagement. Individualizing the price of protection extensions may provide other enhancements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Kabam, Inc.
    Inventors: Kellen Christopher Smalley, Stephanie K. Schultz
  • Patent number: 9573067
    Abstract: A handheld gaming device having a non-removable hard disk drive memory is used to perform gaming and non-gaming functions. The hard disk drive memory provides internal mass storage that is utilizable for storing various types of game-related information and non-game-related information. In one embodiment, the hard disk drive is configured to store selected portions of data in assigned regions of memory. The internal mass storage can be used to store saved game data, game specific data, and can be used as a buffer while streaming content from a remote server or drive. The internal mass storage also can be used to store other types of information, such as calendar information, personal appointments, maps, photographs, and other third party game related information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventor: Ankur Varma
  • Patent number: 9573068
    Abstract: What is disclosed is a virtual reality enhancement device that has a chamber in which a user is located, one or more pumps for pumping a fluid into and/or out of the chamber, and a series of ports for allowing the fluid to flow into and out of the chamber. The fluid circulates into and out of the chamber around the user in coordination with the 3-D visual and auditory experience provided to the user in order to enhance the user's haptic experience. The chamber can be used, for example, to simulate a user swimming or flying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Inventor: Kipling Martin
  • Patent number: 9573069
    Abstract: A toy figurine includes an internal lighting effect. The internal lighting is visible through the outer surface of the figurine and may be manipulated to produce various lighting effects. The internal lighting includes a lighting layer, a visual effects display layer and a diffusion layer. The light diffusion layer may include an external surface of the toy figurine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce Cannon
  • Patent number: 9573070
    Abstract: A plush toy having electronics therein for interacting with a user includes a non-rigid electrical component for detecting deformation thereof. The component, also referred to as a hug sensor, has an electrically conductive and compressible material and is movable from a rest, non-compressed position towards a compressed position by way of the application of an external force thereon (e.g., a hug or squeeze). The hug sensor has a resistance there across that is monitored by a microprocessor. Compression of the hug sensor causes changes in the resistance across the hug sensor. Changes in the detected resistance across the hug sensor result in activation of responses (e.g., playing of audio and/or movement). Varying responses may be activated as a result of varying changes in resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: HALLMARK CARDS, INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Robert E. Morley, Jennifer R. Garbos
  • Patent number: 9573071
    Abstract: A toy racetrack including a partial loop section is configured to maintain a partial loop configuration when maintained in an unloaded, freestanding configuration, and to collapse when in a loaded state in which a toy vehicle passes over such partial loop section. When a force is applied to the upper section of the pathway from a traversing toy vehicle, the added force shifts the center of gravity past the balancing point that maintains the partial loop section in its freestanding configuration, and the partial loop section collapses. A spring-loaded head may be provided at the end of the upper portion of the partial loop section, and may be configured to spring away from the partial loop section when contacted by a toy vehicle. A wind-up motor may be provided that drives a diverter in the base of the partial loop section, which may direct a toy vehicle through the partial loop section or onto an alternative racetrack path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn Yu, Douglas E. Bashaw, Paul W. Schmid, Michael W. Nuttall
  • Patent number: 9573072
    Abstract: A flipping and transforming toy vehicle capable of gripping toys, comprising a toy vehicle with elastic unfolding parts and flipping parts, toys to be gripped, an elastic gripping part and a snapping assembly. The elastic gripping part, the elastic unfolding parts, and the flipping part are folded and snapped through said snapping assembly to maintain the folded state. When the toy vehicle is pushed toward a toy such that the toy touches the snapping assembly, the snap connection of the elastic gripping part, the flipping part, and the elastic unfolding parts are released. When the snap connection is release, the elastic gripping part pops out to grip the toy, the flipping part turns downwardly to drive the toy vehicle to somersault, and each elastic unfolding part is unfolded, thereby transforming the toy vehicle from a vehicle form to a second form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignees: Alpha Group Co., Ltd., Guangdong Auldey Animation & Toy Co., Ltd., Guangzhou Alpha Culture Communications Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Dongqing Cai
  • Patent number: 9573073
    Abstract: A stuffed animal has a primary passageway and an interior chamber. Primary fasteners open and close the primary passageway. A garment has a secondary passageway extending through the garment. A tunnel is defined between a first fabric section and a second fabric section. Stitching attaches the first fabric section to the stuffed animal adjacent to a left free edge. Second stitching attaches the second fabric section to the stuffed animal adjacent to a right free edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Inventors: Catherine E. Mazur, Gary M. Mazur
  • Patent number: 9573074
    Abstract: A toy building element comprising at least one first type of building element (1), on which a rotation shaft (3) located along an axis of rotation is arranged, and wherein the toy building set comprises at least one second type (6) of building element in which a rotation bushing (9) is provided which is configured for receiving and being interconnected with the rotation shaft on the first building element in such a manner that the two building elements can rotate relative to each other about the axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: LEGO A/S
    Inventor: Jan Ryaa
  • Patent number: 9573075
    Abstract: An illuminated toy construction apparatus including a plurality various shaped building members which are configured to be “popped” together to create a variety of characters and objects. Some of the building members include a docking cup and fitting while others are releasably connected by aligning with one another and “popping” together. The building members including a nipple fitting may be attached within a dimensioned channel to create a semi-rigid joint while the disc-shaped members form a hermetically sealed sphere. Further included is a base member which may be releasably connected to other adjacent members and further encloses at least one light emitting diode, motor, and base wheelset to allow the apparatus to move along a flat surface and create an interactive futuristic character or object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Kids Toy Clab, LLC.
    Inventors: Gavin Capriola, Devin Capriola
  • Patent number: 9573076
    Abstract: An adjustable vault apparatus for use on a ground surface includes a base and a pair of linear actuators mounted vertically at opposing sides thereof. Each linear actuator is adapted to move a bar support thereof vertically between a lowered position and a raised position. The bar supports are mutually opposing and adapted to support one end of an elongated jump bar at a bar trough thereof, by gravity. Each linear actuator moves the bar support in accordance to a control circuit electrically connected with each linear actuator and a power source. A control signal received by the control circuit, either wirelessly or by wired connection, causes the control circuit to actuate each linear actuator to either raise or lower each bar support in unison, and the jump bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Inventor: Christine M. Vaught
  • Patent number: 9573077
    Abstract: A cooling tower that concentrates solids is described, wherein the cooling tower employs a fill material and a set of louvers that are positioned adjacent to the fill material. The cooling tower also employs a buildup prevention system that is permanently affixed to the cooling tower. The build-up prevention system is positioned adjacent to the fill material and configured to reduce solid buildup on the fill material louvers in the set of louvers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: SPX COOLING TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Tom Ruisinger, Ken Mortensen, Bruce Weeks
  • Patent number: 9573078
    Abstract: This invention relates to solvents for extracting C1 to C4 carboxylic acids from aqueous streams. More specifically, the extraction solvents include one or more salts composed of a tetraalkylphosphonium cation and a carboxylate anion. The extraction solvents may further include one or more non-ionic liquid organic solvents as an enhancer. The extraction solvents are useful for extracting aqueous mixtures containing one or more lower carboxylic acids, such as monocarboxylic acids, alkoxycarboxylic acids, and halogen-containing carboxylic acids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Robert Thomas Hembre, Scott Donald Barnicki, Chester Wayne Sink, Christopher Hardacre, Jingyi Liu, Fei Qi
  • Patent number: 9573079
    Abstract: An apparatus for enhancing the coalescence of a dispersed phase from a continuous phase in an emulsion is presented. The apparatus includes at least one inlet for receiving the emulsion, at least one outlet for discharging the emulsion after coalescing the dispersed phase, and at least one article disposed between the inlet and the outlet. The article includes a plurality of regions disposed on a surface in a predefined pattern, wherein a portion of the plurality of regions is substantially wetting with respect to the dispersed phase, and a portion of the plurality of regions is substantially non-wetting with respect to the dispersed phase, and wherein the pattern includes a plurality of inter-connected regions that are substantially non-wetting with respect to the dispersed phase. A related article is also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Shyam Sivaramakrishnan, Oscar Max Sittner, Terje Glomsaker, Luc Stephane Leblanc, Ambarish Jayant Kulkarni, Vaibhav Bahadur, Yifan Gao
  • Patent number: 9573080
    Abstract: A separator of a mixture of liquid and gas, comprising an injection device, a separation chamber having a cylindrical internal surface and extending along a vertical axis, and a control chamber. The mixture is separated in the separation chamber into gas and liquid, with a cylindrical interface surface. The separation chamber comprises a first axial outlet for extracting the gas, a second outlet for extracting the liquid, and a third axial outlet in communication with the control chamber. The interface surface has, in normal operating conditions, a diameter lying between the diameter of the first outlet and the diameter of the third outlet. The control chamber is connected to the injection device by a return circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: TOTAL SA
    Inventors: Jacques Marty, Yves LeCoffre, Guillaume Maj
  • Patent number: 9573081
    Abstract: A process of producing degassed liquid sulfur using agitation gas to agitate the liquid sulfur being degassed while in contact with a degassing catalyst. Process gas may be blended with the agitation gas wherein the process gas contains H2S to accomplish substantial degassing rendering the liquid sulfur much safer in storage and transportation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: PHILLIPS 66 COMPANY
    Inventor: Alfred E. Keller
  • Patent number: 9573082
    Abstract: Water treatment apparatus includes raw water special air mixing nozzles (7); filtering tank (5) housing filter layer (4) including two layers of upper layer (2) and lower layer (3), the upper layer including a filter medium with a smaller specific gravity and a larger particle size than a filter medium of the lower layer; a water collection pipe (13) removing filtered water and supplying reverse cleaning water to the filter layer during reverse cleaning; drainage trough (12); and upper layer cleaning apparatus (10), in which the upper layer cleaning apparatus includes upper layer cleaning pipe support member (17), upper layer cleaning water pipe (18), surface-cleaning special air mixing nozzles (19), air suction pipe (20), and horizontal air pipes (31 and 32) and the raw water special air mixing nozzles (7) are attached to raw water inflow tank (70) provided on a part of the drainage trough (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: NAGAOKA INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hitoshi Mimura, Tadao Oiwa, Hui Lang Cai
  • Patent number: 9573083
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel filter (10) having a filter element (12) for separating water from the fuel. The water can be fed into a collection chamber (24) of the fuel filter (10) via a first conduit (26), which extends from the filter element (12) to the collection chamber (24). Provided in the first conduit (26) is a branching off of a second conduit (32), which enables fluid discharge from the first conduit (26). Preferably, a throttle (34) and in particular a press-fit throttle is provided in the second conduit (32), in order to regulate the amount of outflow. The second conduit (32) preferably branches off from the first conduit (26) at substantially a 90 degree angle to the first conduit (26), so that fluid flowing in the first conduit (26) primarily flows past the second conduit (32) and reaches the collection chamber (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: MANN+HUMMEL GMBH
    Inventors: Martin Weindorf, Pius Trautmann, Lisa Bester, Martin Veit
  • Patent number: 9573085
    Abstract: An oil sump, preferably made of plastic or metal, for motors or transmissions and having a filter housing, comprises a filter housing top shell, a filter housing bottom shell, a filter medium, a filter inlet, and a filter outlet, and an oil drain opening in the floor area of the oil sump, which is implemented in such a way that it is closable using an oil drain screw having external thread, which comes from the oil sump bottom side. The filter housing comprises an internal thread which is implemented to receive the external thread of the oil drain screw, the filter housing being at least partially fastened on the oil sump via the oil drain screw, which closes the oil drain opening and engages using its external thread in the internal thread on the filter housing side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: IBS FILTRAN KUNSTSTOFF-/METALLERZEUGNISSE GMBH
    Inventors: Markus Beer, Dietmar Sahm, Wolfgang Stausberg, Andreas Piehlk, Michael Jacob
  • Patent number: 9573086
    Abstract: An areaway drain cover with a top surface, a bottom surface, and a peripheral edge surface with a plurality of passages passing from the top surface to the bottom surface which allow water to pass through the passages while preventing leaves and debris from clogging the drain. The bottom surface also comprises a plurality of protrusions projecting downwardly from the bottom surface so that when the drain cover is placed over a drain, the protrusions allow the drain cover to be spaced horizontally above the surface on which the drain cover is resting so as to allow water to pass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Inventor: Micah Corder
  • Patent number: 9573087
    Abstract: A filter assembly includes a filter body, a removable filter cartridge, and a bypass valve with incinerable and non-incinerable portions. The bypass valve includes a valve seat and a movable valve closure element removable with the removable filter cartridge and incinerable. The bypass valve includes a return member remaining in the filter body. A method is provided for controlling bypass valve-opening threshold pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Cummins Filtration IP, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerard Malgorn, Ismail Bagci
  • Patent number: 9573088
    Abstract: A method for filtering air of about 1 to about 10 microns particles at a greater than 40% filtering efficiency is provided. The method includes providing an air filtering device having a base, a fan functionally attached to the base, an air filter releasably attached to the base, and a substantially air impermeable outer sleeve; and activating the device for at least about 20 minutes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Dana Paul Gruenbacher, Steven James Schroeck, Jessica Elizabeth Leon, Paolo Dal Bo, Uwe Schober
  • Patent number: 9573089
    Abstract: A filter frame for holding a filter provided with a plurality of folds so as to alternately form ridges and troughs includes: a first frame portion including a first holding portion, having a side corresponding to a first side of the filter, for holding the filter; a positioning portion, provided on the first holding portion, for determining a position of the filter; and a second frame portion including a second holding portion for holding the filter by sandwiching the filter between the first and second holding portions. The second holding portion is provided so as to be capable of opposing the first holding portion via the filter and has a side corresponding to a second side of the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yoshimasu Yamaguchi, Takashi Uno
  • Patent number: 9573090
    Abstract: The present invention involves the use of nanoporous carbons derived from partially or fully demetalized metal carbides in personal protection equipment for the reversible absorption/adsorption of both broad and specific targeted gases. These materials have been specifically processed to provide enhanced effective loadings against specific harmful volatile organic compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Somnath Sengupta, Robert A. Burton, Barry W. Treadway, Christopher L. Rector, Pierre-Alain S. Auroux, Siddharth Singh, John E. King
  • Patent number: 9573091
    Abstract: A decorative sheet includes a decorative base layer; an adhesive layer disposed on a surface of the decorative base layer; and an odor absorbing scuff resistant layer disposed on an opposing surface of the base layer from the adhesive layer. The odor absorbing scuff resistant layer includes an odor absorbing agent and silicone-acrylic particles. The decorative sheet maintains odor absorbing properties while being resistant to scuffs and scratches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Takahide Okuyama
  • Patent number: 9573092
    Abstract: A machine (1) for gas production, including one or more cylindrical members (2), each of which is associated with two heads that are fixed to the ends of each one of the cylinders (2); adjacent heads, associated with adjacent cylinders, being mutually connected to form a modular manifold; wherein each one of the heads is provided monolithically and made of plastic material by injection molding. The head made of plastic material allows to provide specific tanks for providing onsite gas generators. The advantages of the machine, which is preferably but non-limitatively made of high-density polyethylene or glass-reinforced polypropylene, are: low cost of the raw material and of the molding process, wide and easy availability of the raw material, high repeatability of the production process and very short production times, as well as very low production costs for each manufactured object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Inventor: Marco Pruneri
  • Patent number: 9573093
    Abstract: A method for removing components to be separated from industrial gases using an absorption and desorption processes having liquid absorbents. At least one absorption device and one desorption device are provided, at least a part of the laden solution leaving the absorption device is diverted before being heated and delivered to the head of the heat transfer section. The laden partial stream is heated by the steam rising from the lower part of the desorption device through heat exchange in the heat transfer section. The remaining stream of cold, laden solution leaving the absorption device is expanded by so the relief valve and the heat exchanger into a pressure relief vessel, such that the stream leaving the heat exchanger separates into a liquid and a gaseous state. The pressure in the pressure relief vessel pressure is lowered so that the total energy demand in absorption and desorption processes is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: THYSSENKRUPP INDUSTRIAL SOLUTIONS GMBH
    Inventor: Johannes Menzel