Patents Issued in June 27, 2017
  • Patent number: 9687726
    Abstract: A bowling pin setting system with a reconfigurable array of bowling pin retention mechanisms with a contracted configuration with two rows of five pin retention mechanisms and an expanded configuration wherein the pin retention mechanisms are disposed in an equilateral triangle. The array of pin retention mechanisms can be movable, such as by operation of a gantry or pivotable arms, between a pin setting position above a pin deck and a retracted position removed from above the pin deck. A bowling pin assembly and loading system with a pivoting magazine and at least one pin loading magazine can receive bowling pins from the pin deck, assemble the pins into an organized format, and load them into the array of pin retention mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Inventors: Tod S. Lyter, Clarence Leighton, Richard Arsenault
  • Patent number: 9687727
    Abstract: Card-reading shoes may include an input area configured to support cards therein. A card-reading system may be located within the card-reading shoe, the card-reading system including at least one sensor configured to detect at least a rank and suit of each card processed by the card-reading shoe. A toggle weight may be pivotally mounted proximate an output end of the shoe. The toggle weight may be configured to selectively rotate to enable cards to be removed from the card-reading shoe via the output end and to selectively remain stationary to prevent removed cards from being reinserted into the card-reading shoe via the output end. The card-reading shoes may optionally include a removable cartridge including a delivery end configured to enable manual removal of cards from the removable cartridge when the removable cartridge is removed from the input area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul K. Scheper, Attila Grauzer, James V. Kelly, James B. Stasson
  • Patent number: 9687728
    Abstract: The present invention is a system and method of playing word games wherein any letter of the alphabet can be switched to another by simple 180-degrees rotation. This unique feature fundamentally changes the usual manner by which word games are played. The resultant increase in available choices enhances user experience by providing more chances for beginners and more challenges for advanced players. In the embodiment described herein, elements of word games and solitaire are combined to provide a product that has both entertainment and educational values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Inventor: Alvin Sanico
  • Patent number: 9687729
    Abstract: A computer device has user interface configured to display user actuatable game elements and to detect user input when a user engages with a game element; and a processor configured to receive a detected user input and on detecting a match game condition to control the user interface to remove at least three game elements from the display and to provide on the user interface replacement user actuatable game elements, wherein the manner of providing each replacement game element has a graphical representation governed by a tile associated with each game element, wherein each tile has a selectable physics which controls at least one of (i) the direction in which it moves to replenish a vacancy left by the removed user game elements; and (ii) the speed at which it moves to replenish the vacancy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: KING.COM LTD.
    Inventors: Magnus Hansson, Niclas Alftberg, Tobias Nyblom, Rikard Jaksch
  • Patent number: 9687730
    Abstract: A system that incorporates the subject disclosure may include, for example, a processor coupled to a memory storing instructions and to a near field sensor. Execution of the instructions can cause the processor to perform operations including defining a zone corresponding to a portion of an accessory comprising the sensor, detecting a gesture of an object in the zone by sensing the object with the sensor, determining that the gesture is a new gesture not previously associated with the zone and not previously associated with a gaming action controlling presentations produced by a gaming application, associating the gesture with the zone and with the gaming action, subsequently detecting the gesture in the zone, obtaining the gaming action associated with the gesture, and transmitting the gaming action to the gaming application. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: STEELSERIES ApS
    Inventors: Jeffrey Nicholas Mahlmeister, Bruce Hawver, Jacob Wolff-Petersen, Kim Rom, Francis Arnold Grever, Tino Soelberg
  • Patent number: 9687731
    Abstract: A non-limiting example information processing apparatus that functions as a game apparatus includes a first LCD and a second LCD, and usually, a game screen of a single-play game is displayed on the first LCD and a list screen is displayed on the second LCD. In the list screen, an icon of a player of another game apparatus that is searched as a passer-by is displayed as well as icons of a player of another game apparatus that is registered as a friend and a player of another game apparatus that is determined as an acquaintance. That is, during a time that game processing of the single-play is being performed, the game screen is displayed and a list of a player who is registered and a player who exists in the neighborhood is displayed. The player sends an offer of a battle-play to a desired player through an operation using the list screen at an arbitrary timing during a time that the game processing of the single-play is being performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignees: NINTENDO CO., LTD., GAME FREAK INC.
    Inventor: Junichi Masuda
  • Patent number: 9687732
    Abstract: A non-limiting example information processing apparatus that functions as a game apparatus includes a first LCD and a second LCD, and usually, a game screen of a single-play game is displayed on the first LCD and a list screen is displayed on the second LCD. In the list screen, at least an icon of a player of another game apparatus capable of performing a communication is displayed. That is, during a time that game processing of the single-play is being performed, the game screen is displayed and a list of one or more players capable of playing a battle-play is displayed. The player sends an offer of a battle-play to a desired player through an operation using the list screen at an arbitrary timing during a time that the game processing of the single-play is being performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignees: NINTENDO CO., LTD., GAME FREAK INC.
    Inventor: Junichi Masuda
  • Patent number: 9687733
    Abstract: A game apparatus includes a micon, and the micon measures step counts in correspondence with the magnitude of accelerations indicated by acceleration data from an acceleration sensor when a user carries the game apparatus in a sleep mode in which the apparatus is closed. The step counts are converted into earned coins. In each of a plurality of games executed by the game apparatus, by using the earned coins, a special item is purchased, playing in a special course is permitted, a hint is displayed, and a game is played in fast-forward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kouichi Kawamoto, Kanako Tsugihashi, Ryutaro Takahashi
  • Patent number: 9687734
    Abstract: A game system includes a plurality of pedometers. The plurality of step count data respectively counted by the plurality of pedometers are acquired in the game apparatus. In the game apparatus, by utilizing the plurality of step count data, a predetermined arithmetic operation is executed, and the result of the arithmetic operation is reflected on the game. Alternatively, in a server, a predetermined arithmetic operation is executed by utilizing the plurality of step count data, and the result of the arithmetic operation is reflected on the game in the game apparatus. For example, game processing depending on the number of players walking in the same time slot is executed, or game processing according to the totalized value of the accumulated total step count values of the plurality of pedometers is executed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignees: Nintendo Co., Ltd., Creatures Inc.
    Inventors: Naoya Morimura, Hirofumi Matsuoka
  • Patent number: 9687735
    Abstract: A handheld game controller assembly adapted to combine with various portable electronic devices includes a game controller, a receiving receptacle, and an external retaining device. The game controller has a pair of holding portions and a transversal portion arranged between the holding portions. The receiving receptacle is fixed to the transversal portion. The external retaining device has a plugging unit detachably fixed to the receiving receptacle, an adaptor portion connected to the plugging unit, a supporting board obliquely extended from the adaptor portion, an extending board slidably connected to the supporting board, a prop stand pivotally connected to a top end of the extending board, and a pressing cover pivotally connected to the top end of the extending board. The bottom end of the prop stand can be rotated from the supporting position of the extending board, so that the external retaining device can stand independently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: DEXIN CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ching-Tsun Hong
  • Patent number: 9687736
    Abstract: This invention is a novel method of gameplay and game apparatus for playing for at least one player. The method of play elicits creativity by having players tell stories using their interpretation of abstract imagery. In one embodiment the game uses playing cards with abstract drawings. The game components may take other forms, such as a board game, or the game may be played in different media, such as electronic games, video games, computer games, and interactive network games. One aspect of novelty here is the use of abstract drawings, which the players can interpret in many different ways to expand the story. The context of the story, and possible side constraints, will prime the player's mind to see different things in each card. In this game of creativity and storytelling, players create and add to a story based on the abstract images. Testing has shown that this method of gameplay can improve players' perception of their creative ability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Inventors: Terrance Edward Boult, William Faigen, Christopher Kazimierz Malec, Travis Aaron Ray
  • Patent number: 9687737
    Abstract: In a server-implemented video game, a method for providing updates to a remote client regarding a plurality of objects located in a virtual space of the video game. The method comprises operations of receiving an update locus from the remote client, the update locus indicating a client-specified position within the virtual space of the video game; determining a distance of each of the plurality of objects from the update locus; determining an update rate for each of the plurality of objects based upon their determined distances; and sending updates regarding each of the plurality of objects to the remote client according to the determined update rates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Sony Interactive Entertainment America LLC
    Inventors: Nathan Scott Klee, Fraser Hutchinson
  • Patent number: 9687738
    Abstract: A method of and system for handling latency issues encountered in producing real-time entertainment such as games of skill synchronized with live or taped televised events is described herein. There are multiple situations that are dealt with regarding latencies in receiving a television signal with respect to real-time entertainment based on the unfolding games played along with the telecasts. Systemic delays, arbitrarily imposed delays of a broadcast signal and variances in the precise broadcast times of taped television programs have to be equalized so as to provide fair entertainment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Winview, Inc.
    Inventors: David B. Lockton, Mark K. Berner, Mark J. Micheli, David Lowe
  • Patent number: 9687739
    Abstract: A method of and system for handling latency issues encountered in producing real-time entertainment such as games of skill synchronized with live or taped televised events is described herein. There are multiple situations that are dealt with regarding latencies in receiving a television signal with respect to real-time entertainment based on the unfolding games played along with the telecasts. Systemic delays, arbitrarily imposed delays of a broadcast signal and variances in the precise broadcast times of taped television programs have to be equalized so as to provide fair entertainment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Winview, Inc.
    Inventors: David B. Lockton, Mark K. Berner, Mark J. Micheli, David Lowe
  • Patent number: 9687740
    Abstract: The present invention is referred to a betting/gaming system where the client can bet on numbers with fixed odds. Each cycle consists of a main event and side event and starts with the draw of a set of numbers. Different main events are possible (draws n numbers out of a population of K numbers), as well as side events. The numbers may be drawn by a mechanical device (lottery machine) or generated electronically by a random number generator. Numbers can be drawn locally or on a remote site. This new system creates new a functionality to generate additional turnover/revenue streams during a “standard” lottery drawing process through different main events with new bets, additional side-events, betting during the drawing process, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Inventor: Walter Grubmueller, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9687741
    Abstract: One aspect of the disclosure relates to providing a drift in a game played on a computing platform with a touch-sensitive interface. In some implementations, the system may facilitate a drift input control. In some implementations, the drift input control may be the player tapping the touch-sensitive surface. The drift may depend on one or more parameters (e.g., the speed, the pressure, and/or other parameters) of the tapping on the touch-sensitive surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Kabam, Inc.
    Inventors: William Kim, Steven Pastro, Christopher Ko
  • Patent number: 9687742
    Abstract: Described herein is a method for in-game statistics entry and analysis that includes sequentially displaying a plurality of statistical data entry requests in a logical game flow order on a graphical user interface, and receiving data for each of the plurality of statistical data entry requests via the graphical user interface. Each data entry request is not displayed until data is received for a preceding statistical data entry request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Inventors: Jordan Sprague, Cameron Pribble, Chad Sims, Ryan Smith
  • Patent number: 9687743
    Abstract: A first information processing apparatus executes an application, and generates control data in accordance with a state of an execution of the application. The control data is transmitted to a second information processing apparatus. Video data is stored in advance in the second information processing apparatus. The second information processing apparatus receives the control data transmitted from the first information processing apparatus, determines a video to be reproduced based on the control data, and reproduces the video based on the video data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: NINTENDO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Toru Osawa, Satoshi Kira, Shinya Saito, Kenta Tanaka, Jumpei Horita, Kozo Makino, Yoshiteru Fukuda, Masayuki Kuwajima, Takashi Yoshimi
  • Patent number: 9687744
    Abstract: Low-proficiency players' motivation to participate in a battle game is enhanced. A server device calculates a difference ?P1 in a parameter between two characters belonging to the same group and successive in attack order, and performs presentation processing of increasing the effect of successive attacks by the two characters according to the difference ?P1 in the parameter. The parameter serves as an indicator for developing the battle game, and indicates, for example, the degree of proficiency in the battle game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: GREE, Inc.
    Inventor: Koichi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 9687745
    Abstract: The field of the invention relates to multi-user online gaming systems, and more particularly to systems and methods that enable customizable teams for online active games. In an embodiment, the system includes an online game session server system communicatively coupled to a network for access by a plurality of users to establish a plurality of real-time interactive games sessions, wherein each game session includes at least one team and wherein the at least one team may be established in accordance with a preferred composition defined by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: RIOT GAMES, INC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Lin, Tom Cadwell
  • Patent number: 9687746
    Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method are described for managing audio chat for an online video game or application. For example, a system according to one embodiment comprises: an online video game or application execution engine to execute an online video game or application in response to input from one or more users of the video game or application and to responsively generate audio and video of the video game or application; and a chat subsystem to establish audio chat sessions with the one or more users and one or more spectators to the video game or application, the chat subsystem establishing a plurality of audio chat channels including a spectator channel over which the spectators participate in audio chat and a user channel over which the users participate in audio chat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Sony Interactive Entertainment America LLC
    Inventors: David R. Sullivan, Robert McCool, Stephen G. Perlman
  • Patent number: 9687747
    Abstract: A gaming device having a vertical housing for receiving a game sequence controller, an upper front flap and a lower front flap, the upper front flap being used to mount at least one screen for displaying games that can be controlled using the game sequence controller and the two front flaps being mounted on the vertical housing such that they can pivot in opposite directions to one another and being lockable relative to one another when closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: NOVOMATIC AG
    Inventor: Tobias Sprenger
  • Patent number: 9687748
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for powering and/or controlling a plurality of model devices, including at least one model vehicle. In one embodiment of the present invention, the system includes an adjustable transformer in communication with at least a model train. The adjustable transformer is configured to convert an AC voltage into first and second AC output voltages based, respectively, on positions of first and second input devices. The adjustable transformer includes a processor configured to receive input signals from the input devices, and to generate corresponding control signals, which are used by drive circuits to convert an AC voltage into first and second outputs. The processor is further configured to display data concerning the first output on a display, and to replace the data concerning the first output with data concerning the second output if a signal is received from a sensor, indicating that the user has interacted with the second input device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Lionel LLC
    Inventors: Jon Zahornacky, Neil Young
  • Patent number: 9687749
    Abstract: A device for one or more toy blocks includes a plurality of main unit bodies. The plurality of main unit bodies may have a same structure, shape and volume. Each of the main unit bodies is a tetradecahedron having six square surfaces and eight regular hexagon surfaces. The six square surfaces may be averagely divided into three groups and eight regular hexagon surfaces may be averagely divided into four groups. Two regular hexagon surfaces in a same group are parallel, and more than two main unit bodies are mutually spliced and/or fixedly connected to constitute a group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Inventor: Heng Zhang
  • Patent number: 9687750
    Abstract: A disc launching toy is disclosed comprising a main body and arms connected to the body. When one or both of the arms are pulled outwardly from the body, the body pivots upward. A disc launcher aperture is located at the bottom side of the body, such that when one or more of the arms are pulled outwardly from the body and the body pivots upward, the aperture swings up towards a generally horizontal presentation. Once the aperture reaches a substantially horizontal orientation, continued pulling of the arms causes the disc launcher to fire a disc, such that both the pivoting of the body and the launching of a disc result from a single, substantially continuous movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Rossi, Wei Bin Xie
  • Patent number: 9687751
    Abstract: A bubble generating article is provided and includes a soap dispensing device, an agitation device having a plurality of paddles which are configured to rotate about an axis and an article structure, wherein the article structure defines a water receiving cavity and a soap receiving cavity. The water receiving cavity is configured to receive water from a water faucet, and the soap receiving cavity is configured to receive bubble soap from the soap dispensing device. Additionally, the water receiving cavity and soap receiving cavity are in flow communication with the agitation device such that water flowing into the water receiving cavity and soap flowing into the soap receiving cavity, contact at least a portion of the plurality of paddles, wherein the plurality of paddles rotate about the axis to cause the water and soap to mix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Inventor: Samuel Peckham
  • Patent number: 9687752
    Abstract: A sculpting kit is provided that allows individuals with a means to sculpt a three-dimensional object. Components which form the armature of the three-dimensional object may be adfixed to a planar surface as two-dimensional elements. The sculptured object may be prepared by using the kit to lay down successive layers of structures in a pre-arranged fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Inventors: Gayle W. Clark, Brian J. Mahan
  • Patent number: 9687753
    Abstract: A refrigerator system or cryopump includes a first refrigerator having at least first and second stages, and a second refrigerator. A thermal coupling between the first stage of the first refrigerator and a cold end of the second refrigerator is restricted to maintain a temperature difference between the cold end of the second refrigerator and the first stage of the first refrigerator. The refrigerator system or cryopump also includes a radiation shield in thermal contact with the cold end of the second refrigerator, and a condensing surface, spaced from and surrounded by the radiation shield, and in thermal contact with a second stage, e.g., coldest stage, of the first refrigerator. The restricted thermal coupling can be configured to balance the cooling load on the two refrigerators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Brooks Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Allen J. Bartlett, Michael J. Eacobacci, Jr., Sergei Syssoev
  • Patent number: 9687754
    Abstract: A system for extracting oil from oil-bearing plant parts has an extraction vessel supported by an upright stand, a separator vessel mounted below the extraction vessel, and an expansion filter vessel mounted downstream from the separator vessel. A source of hydrocarbon solvent supplies liquid gas to the top of the extraction vessel, while a recycling pump connected to the separator vessel facilitates transport of the solvent through the plant material in the extraction vessel. The solvent is recovered and re-circulated, while extracted oil is removed from the separator. A computer-based temperature control assembly having a cooling device and a jacketed injection coil regulates temperature of the solvent delivered to the extraction assembly. A thermal jacket is mounted on each of the separator vessel and the expansion filter vessel, with the thermal jackets supplying heat and cold to the interior of the separator vessel and the expansion filter vessel and helping evaporate and condense the solvent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Inventor: Matthew Ellis
  • Patent number: 9687755
    Abstract: An extraction tower includes a housing defining a light phase outlet at a top thereof, a heavy phase inlet at an upper portion thereof, a light phase inlet at a lower portion thereof and a heavy phase outlet at a bottom thereof; a heavy phase distributor disposed in the housing and communicated with the heavy phase inlet; a light phase distributor disposed in the housing and communicated with the light phase inlet; a packing layer disposed in the housing and located between the heavy phase distributor and the light phase distributor; and at least one layer of vertical plates disposed in at least one of the packing layers, each layer of the vertical plates comprising at least two vertical plates parallel or cross to each other, each vertical plate disposed in an axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Beijing Zehua Chemical Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Runxing Xie, Bin He, Hongping Tang, Weiyang Fei
  • Patent number: 9687756
    Abstract: A method for conducting maintenance on a chromatography column (1; 51), said column comprising a column tube (32), a top end cell (20) and a bottom end cell (26), where during chromatography said column tube (32) is secured between said top end cell (20) and said bottom end cell (26). Said method comprises the step of rotating at least the top end cell (20) 180 degrees around a horizontal axis before maintenance is conducted to the top end cell (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: GE Healthcare Bio-Sciences AB
    Inventors: Per Lofving, Kyril Dambuleff, John Davis
  • Patent number: 9687757
    Abstract: A phase splitter for separating a multiphase fluid into a relatively light phase and a relatively heavy phase includes a separator tube which comprises a fluid inlet through which the multiphase fluid enters the apparatus, a heavy phase outlet through which the heavy phase exits the apparatus and an inner diameter surface which defines a flow bore that extends between the fluid inlet and the heavy phase outlet. A swirl element positioned in the flow bore downstream of the fluid inlet causes the multiphase fluid to rotate and separate the heavy phase from the light phase. The light phase forms an elongated core which extends axially through the flow bore radially inwardly of the heavy phase from proximate the swirl element toward the heavy phase outlet. A core stabilizer is positioned in the flow bore between the swirl element and the heavy phase outlet and engages the distal end of the light phase core to thereby inhibit the light phase from exiting the apparatus through the heavy phase outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: FMC Separation Systems, BV
    Inventor: Mohamed Reda Akdim
  • Patent number: 9687758
    Abstract: A foam removing device, containing: a liquid container; a foam-containing liquid supply pipe; an air bubble outlet pipe; a foam-removed liquid outlet pipe; an inner rotating cylinder; a liquid supply opening; and an air bubble outlet, wherein the inner rotating cylinder contains a foam-removed liquid guide hole formed therein, where the foam-removed liquid guide hole is configured to guide the foam-removed liquid reached to an area adjacent to a perimeter surface of the inner rotating cylinder by the centrifugal separation into a foam-removed liquid accommodating space between an outer surface of the inner rotating cylinder and an inner surface of the liquid container, and a foam-removed liquid outlet opening is provided in the foam-removed liquid accommodating space of the liquid container, where the foam-removed liquid outlet opening is configured to connect the foam-removed liquid outlet pipe with the liquid container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Satoshi Nakazawa, Shuji Hanai
  • Patent number: 9687759
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for cyclone separation of a fluid flow into essentially a gas phase fraction and a liquid phase fraction, by bringing the fluid flow into rotation so that said fluid flow is separated into a central zone essentially containing the gas phase fraction, and an outer annular zone essentially containing the liquid phase fraction, comprising: a housing (2); a swirl element (6) for rotation of the fluid; a gas phase outlet (5); and a liquid phase outlet (4); whereby the gas phase outlet and the liquid phase outlet both connect to a common collecting chamber outside the housing. The invention also relates to a vessel provided with at least one such apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Sulzer Chemtech AG
    Inventor: Rombout Adriaan Swanborn
  • Patent number: 9687760
    Abstract: A system for separating a heavy fraction from a liquid includes an upper section in fluid connection with-an inlet, an impeller within the upper section and a flow restrictor positioned below the impeller having a diameter less than the diameter of a a lower section housing to form a gap between the flow restrictor and the lower section housing. An inlet of a conduit is positioned radially inward from an interior wall of the lower section housing and below the flow restrictor. The conduit includes an outlet outside of the lower section. The lower section is generally cylindrical from the top of the gap to a baffle positioned below the flow restrictor, which defines a settling section. The lower section further includes a slurry outlet in operative communication with the settling section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Inventor: Gregory S. Antoun
  • Patent number: 9687761
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a backflow collection system and a method for reclaiming backflow from a wellbore. The backflow collection system, in one embodiment, includes a collection vessel having an upper section and a lower section, the collection vessel having a side opening configured to receive backflow from an oil/gas well, as well as a discharge port proximate an upper end of the upper section configured to discharge pressurized gas from the collection vessel. The backflow collection system, in this embodiment, further includes an elevated auger positioned in relation to the collection vessel and configured to receive solid and liquid matter from a bottom opening in the lower section of the collection vessel, the collection vessel designed such that when fluid is contained therein it acts as a liquid/gas seal to prevent the pressurized gas from exiting through the bottom opening in the lower section of the collection vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Granbury Thompson Group, LLC
    Inventor: Bruce Thompson
  • Patent number: 9687762
    Abstract: A filter cartridge for operatively engaging a manifold having an ejection cam and an insertion cam. The filter cartridge includes a filter element and inlet/outlet portion in fluid communication with the filter element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Brian J. Tubby, Laurence W. Bassett
  • Patent number: 9687763
    Abstract: A filter medium for removing metallic particles, in particular for liquid filtration, is provided. The filter medium is comprised of a substrate, an adhesive layer containing magnetic particles applied onto the substrate, and at least one nanofiber layer arranged on the adhesive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: MANN+HUMMEL GMBH
    Inventors: Nico Behrendt, Anton Kreiner, Bjoern Schmid
  • Patent number: 9687764
    Abstract: Audible features are provided for a fluid filter assembly and a filter cartridge for use with a fluid filter assembly. The audible features generate sound when the filter cartridge is installed in the filter system so as to provide a signal indicating proper installation. Sound can also be created when the filter cartridge is removed. The filter system can also be provided with features for reducing clogging of the fluid path leading to the filter element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Reinhard Krause, Gregory Sergeevich Chernov, Natarajan Venkatakrishnan, Kevin Farrelly Nolan
  • Patent number: 9687765
    Abstract: An improved process and an improved apparatus for minimizing attrition of catalyst particles, especially propane dehydrogenation catalyst particles, entrained in a combined flow of such particles and an entraining gas in a catalyst recovery means during separation of such particles from the entraining gas, by use of a pre-treatment step in which the combined flow is at a rate between 7.6 and 15.2 meters per second are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Pretz, Mark W. Stewart, Don F. Shaw, Brien A. Stears, Madhusudhan M. Kodam, Ben Freireich
  • Patent number: 9687766
    Abstract: A filter assembly including a rectangular inlet frame having a rectangular inlet opening, a rectangular outlet frame, a housing body being collapsible to have a flattened shipping state and an erect state, the collapsible housing body in the erect state being rectangular and interposed between the rectangular inlet frame and the rectangular outlet frame in an assembled state, and at least one filter having filter media installed in the rectangular inlet opening in generally sealing relation thereto and projecting from the inlet frame toward the outlet frame in the assembled state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Clarcor Air Filtration Products, Inc.
    Inventors: LaMonte A. Crabtree, Richard Keith Chesson, Jr., Ronald Jay Geil, Jr., Jeffrey A. Sinclair
  • Patent number: 9687767
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for extracting and filtering air laden with fine dust, having at least one filter cartridge which is arranged in a filter chamber and which has an in particular cylindrical, vertical filter wall surrounding an internal cartridge hollow chamber, which filter wall is impinged on by the laden air from the outside such that the fine dust is deposited on the outer surface of the filter wall, and having compressed-air nozzles which are arranged in the cartridge hollow chamber and by means of which the deposited fine dust is blown off the filter wall outer surface, such that the blown-off fine dust passes downward into at least one fine-dust collecting chamber in order to be removed from there, wherein there is connected to the fine-dust collecting chamber a dust line which serves for the discharge of the fine dust and which leads to a fine-dust separator by means of which the fine dust is removed from the air, and wherein a return line leads from the fine dust separator to the fine
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Inventor: Gerhard Kemper
  • Patent number: 9687768
    Abstract: A filter device has a filter housing and a plate-shaped filter element that is arranged in the filter housing. The filter element has oppositely positioned lateral surfaces that form an inflow side for a fluid to be filtered and an outflow side for the clean fluid. A first clean fluid outflow opening is introduced into the filter housing for discharging the clean fluid. An outflow pipe passes through the filter element for discharging the clean fluid through a second clean fluid outflow opening provided at the outflow pipe. The first clean fluid outflow opening is arranged at a spacing relative to the outflow pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: MANN+HUMMEL GMBH
    Inventors: Fabian Wagner, Robert Hasenfratz, André Roesgen, Christian Thalmann, Frank Pflueger
  • Patent number: 9687769
    Abstract: An air filtration system for a passenger compartment of a vehicle includes a HEPA filter for filtering air from an air inlet into filtered air, the HEPA filter including a fine particulate filter and a gas filter, and air passageways formed in the vehicle and configured to convey the air from the air inlet to the HEPA filter, and to convey the filtered air from the HEPA filter to the passenger compartment
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: TESLA, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph Mardall, Adam Maser
  • Patent number: 9687770
    Abstract: A fluid filtering device includes a casing, a fluid filter, an input pipe, an output pipe, an input pressure gauge, an output pressure gauge, and an automated fluid drain controller. The outer input and output ends of the input and output pipes, and the control output end of the automated fluid drain controller are located outside the outer surface of the plates, and the input and output gauge heads are mounted at the outer surface of the plates. By such arrangements, the pressure difference between input and output pressure can be checked readily, so as to maintain the filtering efficiency while reducing the risk of danger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Inventor: Po-Hui Chen
  • Patent number: 9687771
    Abstract: Various high performance, high efficiency filter media are provided that are cost effective and easy to manufacture. In particular, various filter media are provided having at least one layer with a waved configuration that results in an increased surface area, thereby enhancing various properties of the filter media. The filter media can be used to form a variety of filter elements for use in various applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Hollingsworth & Vose Company
    Inventors: David T. Healey, Richard E. Gahan
  • Patent number: 9687772
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a nitrogen adsorbent having nitrogen selective adsorptivity by including an organic-inorganic hybrid nanoporous material having a coordinatively unsaturated metal site with density of 0.2 mmol/g to 10 mmol/g in a skeleton, surface or pore; and use thereof, such as a device separating nitrogen from a gas mixture containing nitrogen and methane, a pressure swing adsorption separation device and a temperature swing adsorption separation device for separating nitrogen provided, a method for separating nitrogen and methane from a gas mixture containing nitrogen and methane, a device for separating nitrogen, oxygen or argon, a method for separating nitrogen, oxygen or argon from a gas mixture containing nitrogen, oxygen or argon, and a method for preparing nitrogen or high purity inert gas all separated from a gas mixture containing nitrogen and inert gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology
    Inventors: Jong-San Chang, Young Kyu Hwang, Ji Woong Yoon, Do-Young Hong, U-Hwang Lee, Sukyung Lee, Kyung Ho Cho, Dong Won Hwang, Youn-Sang Bae, Seung-Joon Lee
  • Patent number: 9687773
    Abstract: An aircraft fuel deoxygenation and tank inerting system includes an inert gas source, a fuel deoxygenation system, and an air/fuel heat exchanger. The inert gas source is configured to supply inert gas having an oxygen concentration of less than 3%. The fuel deoxygenation system is adapted to receive fuel from a fuel source and the inert gas from the inert gas source. The fuel deoxygenation system is configured to remove oxygen from the fuel and thereby generate and supply deoxygenated fuel and oxygen-rich purge gas. The air/fuel heat exchanger is adapted to receive compressed air from a compressed air source and the deoxygenated fuel from the fuel deoxygenation system. The air/fuel heat exchanger is configured to transfer heat from the compressed air to the deoxygenated fuel, to thereby supply cooled compressed air and heated deoxygenated fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Russell W. Johnson, Peter M Michalakos, Eric Blumer, Alexander Bershitsky, Charles Lo
  • Patent number: 9687774
    Abstract: A method for capturing ammonia present in combustion flue gas subjected to carbon dioxide removal using a water wash unit included in a chilled ammonia process. The method includes combining a CO2 loaded liquid and a wash water liquid to form a CO2 enriched wash water liquid that is then brought into contact with the combustion flue gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Technology GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Charles Balfe, Rameshwar Shamrao Hiwale, Joseph Paul Naumovitz
  • Patent number: 9687775
    Abstract: A hydrogen permeation membrane is provided that can include a metal and a ceramic material mixed together. The metal can be Ni, Zr, Nb, Ta, Y, Pd, Fe, Cr, Co, V, or combinations thereof, and the ceramic material can have the formula: BaZr1-x-yYxTyO3-? where 0?x?0.5, 0?y?0.5, (x+y)>0; 0???0.5, and T is Sc, Ti, Nb, Ta, Mo, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, In, Sn, or combinations thereof. A method of forming such a membrane is also provided. A method is also provided for extracting hydrogen from a feed stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignees: University of South Carolina, Clemson University Research Foundation
    Inventors: Fanglin Chen, Shumin Fang, Kyle S. Brinkman