Patents Issued in July 4, 2017
  • Patent number: 9694252
    Abstract: A golf club comprises a shaft, a club head, and a connection assembly that allows the shaft to be easily disconnected from the club head. In particular embodiments, the connection assembly includes a removable hosel sleeve that allows a shaft to be supported a desired predetermined orientation relative to the club head. In this manner, the shaft loft and/or lie angle of the club can be adjusted without resorting to traditional bending of the shaft. In another embodiment, the club head has an adjustable sole that can be adjusted upwardly and downwardly relative to the strike face of the club head, which is effective to adjust the face angle of the club head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd P. Beach, Mark V. Greaney, Ian C. Wright, Kraig A. Willett, Nathan T. Sargent, Matthew D. Johnson, Gery M. Zimmerman, Kevin R. Harper
  • Patent number: 9694253
    Abstract: A golf club head, comprising a striking surface having an outer cover layer comprising a polyurethane or polyurea having a material Shore D hardness of 40 to 70, a layer thickness of 0.2 to 0.6 mm, and a flexural modulus of 5 to 110 kpsi.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Vincent Greaney, Bing-Ling Chao, Sanjay Mukatira Kuttappa
  • Patent number: 9694254
    Abstract: To provide a golf club head excellent in hitting sound and flight distance performance. A head includes a face, a crown and a sole. The crown has an inner surface on which grid-form rib is provided. When a region on which the grid-form rib is provided is defined as a rib region, an additional rib is further provided on the rib region. The additional rib is positioned on a heel side relative to a face center. Preferably, the grid-form rib is formed by intersection of first ribs extending in a substantially toe-heel direction and second ribs extending in a substantially face-back direction. Preferably, the additional rib is sloped to be closer to a back side as approaching to the heel side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: DUNLOP SPORTS CO. LTD.
    Inventor: Takeshi Ashino
  • Patent number: 9694255
    Abstract: A ball striking device, such as a golf club, includes a head with a face having an outer surface configured for striking a ball, a body connected to the face, an elongated, inwardly recessed channel located on the body and extending across a portion of the body, and an insert mounted within the channel. The insert includes a resiliently deflectable base member that engages the channel to retain the insert within the channel and a rigid outer member connected to the base member and forming at least a portion of the outer surface of the insert, where the outer member is made from a different material than the base member. Additionally, the insert has an outer surface that is substantially flush with at least one immediately adjacent surface of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew G. V. Oldknow, Robert M. Boyd, John T. Stites
  • Patent number: 9694256
    Abstract: A golf club head comprising a slidable weight for adjusting the location of the golf club head center of gravity, as well as the golf club head bias, is disclosed herein. In particular, the golf club head, which may be a wood or iron-type head, comprises a pair of rails extending along at least one surface, such as a rear surface of an iron type head or a channel disposed in a wood-type head, and a slidable weight comprising a pair of grooves sized to receive the rails. In some embodiments, an applique or one or more clips are applied over or to the rails to prevent the weight from disengaging from the golf club head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Matthew Myers, Denver Holt, James A. Seluga, Wee Joung Kim, Steven C. Sutton
  • Patent number: 9694257
    Abstract: A golf club head having multiple structural columns is disclosed herein. A body comprises a face section, a sole section, and a crown or return section, and defines a hollow interior. Each of the structural columns extends from the crown or return section to the sole section within the hollow interior to reduce stresses placed on the face section during impact with a golf ball. The structural columns are all located within 1 inch of a rear surface of the face section measured along a plane normal to the center of the face, and are spaced a distance of 0.500 to 2.00 inch from one another within the hollow interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: James A. Seluga, Matthew Myers
  • Patent number: 9694258
    Abstract: Described is a golf club with an outer surface comprising a low-friction ceramic material with suitable thickness and configuration. In one aspect, at least the striking surface and/or sole of a golf-club head is made of a low-friction material including at least one of: titanium nitride, titanium carbonitride, titanium oxynitride, titanium carbide, titanium aluminum nitride, aluminum titanium nitride, titanium silicon nitride, titanium niobium nitride, titanium zirconium nitride, silicon nitride, aluminum oxide, zirconium oxide, silicon oxide, zirconium nitride, chromium nitride, chromium carbonitride, chromium aluminum nitride, aluminum chromium nitride, titanium aluminum silicon nitride, and one or more combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: RGP INNOVATIONS, LLC
    Inventors: Jonathan P. Garino, Robert A. Ruggiero, Sr.
  • Patent number: 9694259
    Abstract: A putter-type golf club head that, when oriented in a reference position, includes a striking wall extending in the heel to toe direction and defines a substantially planar striking surface for hitting a golf ball. A central elongate member is in communication with, and extends rearward from, the striking wall. An upper surface of the central elongate member includes a plurality of alignment elements. At least one of the plurality of alignment elements has a parallel visual indicator section, at least a portion of which extends substantially parallel to the striking surface. The width of the at least one of the plurality of alignment elements is substantially equivalent to the diameter of a golf ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: DUNLOP SPORTS CO. LTD.
    Inventors: Nick Trahan, Thomas Carlson, Chris Cooper, Adam Sheldon
  • Patent number: 9694260
    Abstract: A putter head having variable face thickness or multiple materials and adjustable weighting features is disclosed herein. The variable face thickness may comprise a plurality of geometric shapes on the striking face surface with spacing between them that decreases in a top to bottom direction, or the face may include a plurality of angled carbon rods. The putter also includes an adjustable weight cartridge that can pivot in a toe-heel direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Craig E. Abbott, Wee Joung Kim, Kevin P. Dacey, Bradley C. Rice, Brandon D. DeMille, Esteban Aguilar, Augustin W. Rollinson
  • Patent number: 9694261
    Abstract: A golf club head comprising features for adjusting the location of the center of gravity along all three axes is disclosed herein. In particular, the head comprises a body with a channel in its sole, at least one slidable receptacle sized to engage the channel, and a slidable weight. The channel preferably comprises a first floor and a pair of rails, while the slidable receptacle comprises a first base portion, a first bolt, and a first upper portion with a slot having a second floor and another pair of rails. The first upper and base portions grip the channel's rails when the first bolt is tightened. Similarly, the slidable weight comprises a second upper portion, a second base portion, and a second bolt, and the second upper and base portions grip the slot's rails when the second bolt is tightened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Christopher A. G. Nunez, Larry Tang
  • Patent number: 9694262
    Abstract: A putter comprising an adjustable hosel structure is disclosed herein. In particular, the putter comprises a hosel assembly comprising a shaft receiver and two interlocked bars that connect the shaft receiver to the putter head. A plurality of bolts connect the bars to the shaft receiver and the putter head, and these points of connection are joints about which the bars move, and which can be restrained to immobilize the hosel assembly or otherwise reversibly fix it in place so that a longitudinal shaft axis is aligned with a desired portion of the putter head. The hosel assembly preferably is adjustable along a horizontal, heel-to-toe axis, and is partially disposed, and secured, within a pocket on the heel side of the putter head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventor: Matthew Myers
  • Patent number: 9694263
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses related to golf club grips with attached or embedded RFID tags are described. In an embodiment, a RFID tag is attached to or embedded into a golf club grip and a RFID reader incorporated into a personal computing device may read or capture information associated with the RFID tag. The device may be configured to provide notifications to the golfer based on the captured information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: TAG GOLF, LLC
    Inventors: Chris Savarese, Susan McGill
  • Patent number: 9694264
    Abstract: Golf bag, comprising a front panel and a back panel having therebetween a bundle of shaft receptacles for therein receiving a golf club by the shaft thereof. Front and back panel are pivotably connected with each other at a bottom of the golf bag, and are adjustable relative to each other between a collapsed, substantially flat position in which front and back panel run substantially along each other, and a folded-out, substantially wedge-shaped position in which front and back panel diverge and in which between their free ends a presentation surface is located. The shaft receptacles terminate in the presentation surface and with mutual spacing are grouped in rows which nm along each other with an intermediate distance, so that golf clubs whose shaft is received in a shaft receptacle have their heads positioned on the presentation surface in rows spaced apart with an intermediate distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Bordeso B.V.
    Inventor: Petrus Leonardus Josef Bom
  • Patent number: 9694265
    Abstract: A golf club with improved weight distribution is disclosed herein. More specifically, the present invention discloses a golf club with a lightweight shaft allowing the golfer to achieve higher swing speed, while shifting the weight savings of the shaft to a grip portion of the club; counterbalancing some of the undesirable performance characteristics associated with a lightweight shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Ryan Margoles, Gregory D. Johnson
  • Patent number: 9694266
    Abstract: A sports training device includes a target having a mounting arm and an attachment. The mounting arm includes a set of front holes and a set of back holes. The hole sets are separated by at least a quarter of the circumference of an in situ support. The attachment includes a strap, hook, and tab. The first and the second ends of a strap are threaded through the front hole set thus forming a loop and then threaded through the back hole set. The strap ends are threaded through the holes on the tab. A hook is positioned on the loop. The tab includes a hole for the hook and two pair of tab holes for the strap. The first end is threaded through the first pair of tab holes while the second end is threaded through the second pair of tab holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Inventors: John Charles Marcin, Robert Henri Schenkkan
  • Patent number: 9694267
    Abstract: A method for analyzing sensor data from baseball swings (or swings in similar sports) that transforms data into a reference frame defined by the bat orientation and velocity at impact. The swing plane defined by these two axes provides a natural and robust reference frame for physically relevant measurements of swing characteristics. Illustrative swing metrics derived from swing plane reference frame data include: swing speed, defined as a rotational rate within the swing plane; total swing angle, defined as the angular change within the swing plane; and swing tempo, defined as the percentage of peak swing speed achieved halfway through the swing. Analyzing these metrics from multiple swings across multiple users identifies factors that contribute to peak performance. Metrics may be combined into multidimensional feature vectors that characterize a swing; these feature vectors may be used to group swings into swing styles or to match swings against similar players.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Blast Motion Inc.
    Inventors: James Thornbrue, Patrick Cherveny
  • Patent number: 9694268
    Abstract: A volleyball practice assembly includes a target unit that may be mounted to a support thereby facilitating the target unit to have a ball launched toward the target unit. The target unit registers when the ball strikes the target unit thereby facilitating the target unit to aid in accuracy training with respect to the ball. A control circuit is coupled to the target unit and the control circuit detects when the ball strikes the target unit. A remote unit is provided. The remote unit is in communication with the target unit such that the remote unit controls operational parameters of the target unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Inventor: Jacob Vincent
  • Patent number: 9694269
    Abstract: A golf aid for assisting a user in reading a green includes a user tracking system to determine the location of a user on a golf course, a heads up display, and a processor. The heads up display is configured to be worn on the user's head, and to display an image within a field of view of the user. The processor is in communication with the user tracking system and with the heads up display, and maintains a representation of a topology for each of a plurality of golf greens, receives an indication of the location of the user from the user tracking system, identifies one of the plurality of golf greens that is the closest to the user, and displays a representation of the topology within the field of view of the user via the heads up display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas A. Leech, Michael Wallans
  • Patent number: 9694270
    Abstract: The present invention is an ice-skate blade formed to increase the balance of a skater upon an ice-skate blade. The blade may incorporate indentations in one or more both of the following position: a portion of the front section of the skate blade; and a portion of the rear section of the skate blade. Such indentations may be a series of serrated cuts or otherwise formed notches in the lower blade edge. The blade may be formed in a variety of sizes, and may be connectable to a variety of skate boots. A skater utilizing the blade of the present invention will be assisted with regaining balance upon the blade upon experiencing unbalance, and assisted with maintaining balance upon the skate blade. The blade functions in a manner that allows a skater to learn and develop skating skills.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Inventor: Colin Edward Granger
  • Patent number: 9694271
    Abstract: The invention relates to a ski having a sliding surface and a ski upper face opposite the sliding surface, wherein a climbing aid can be attached to the sliding surface and the ski has a continuous through-hole in an area located before a contact surface, which through-hole extends from the sliding surface to the ski upper face. According to the invention, a securing element is arranged on the ski upper face which securing element comprises at least one holding element for the form-fitting connection to a corresponding counter element of the climbing aid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Fischer Sports GmbH
    Inventor: Josef Holovicz
  • Patent number: 9694272
    Abstract: A gaming table provides for use of RFID technology to track chip movement on a table game and to infer an association between a wager and a player position based on a chip identifier of a chip placed on a particular position of the table. In some embodiments, previous position history of the chip is also taken into account in determining a player position associated with a wager.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Walker Digital Table Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen Moore, Brian Besterman, Jeff Bischoff
  • Patent number: 9694273
    Abstract: Removal of game pieces or tiles from the recesses of a game board surface having a raised grid to prevent sliding of the game pieces on the board is facilitated by providing, in one embodiment, a flexible game board which can be bent into a generally U-shaped structure to form a funnel to deposit the game pieces into a receptacle by funneling action. An alternative embodiment provides for pivotably mounted full boards or portions of boards which are rotated on their pivots to deposit the game pieces in a receptacle forming the frame for the structure. Another embodiment provides a grid with a slot under it for receiving a smooth-surfaced marked game board surface under the grid. The game board can be pulled out from under the grid to let game pieces fall down into a receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Inventor: Vivian B. Goldblatt
  • Patent number: 9694274
    Abstract: The present invention is a card matching electronic board game with the object each individual player matching cards. Each player gets passed cards and can either accept or pass the card which must then be swiped in the player's station card swipe and then passes the card. If a player is too slow swiping light and sounds are activated at the player's station. A player who has the number of matching cards can then press a lighted press button. The electronic game board controller determines the number and location of active lighted press buttons needed, usually one less than the number of active players. The last player attempting to press a lit press button is the looser of the session with a predetermined number of losses decide when a player is out of the game. The last person not out of the game is determined the winner of the game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Inventor: John Milner McCary, Sr.
  • Patent number: 9694275
    Abstract: An electronic die capable of reporting roll results is disclosed. The die can include an acceleration measurement system capable of outputting roll data. A processor can then interpret the roll data and transmit it through a wireless interface to a monitoring device. The monitoring device can then show a user the roll result. Waking the electronic die from a low power mode is also disclosed along with customizing the electronic die with faceplates and protective covers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: SCOSCHE INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Scott Allan Hawkins, Scott Anthony Pennestri, Richard Donald Maes
  • Patent number: 9694276
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for pre-loading a translated cloud based application is described in the present disclosure. An application may be chosen for pre-loading by an emulator before a client device platform has requested the application. Once the application is selected, the emulator may begin to translate the application data into a format that is compatible with the client device platform. After translation, the data is stored in a memory so that it may be accessed upon the request of the client device platform. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: SONY INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT INC.
    Inventors: Jacob P. Stine, Victor Octav Suba Miura, Brian Michael Christopher Watson, Nicholas J. Cardell
  • Patent number: 9694277
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention split game processing and rendering between a client and a game server. A rendered video game image is received from a game server and combined with a rendered image generated by the game client to form a single video game image that is presented to a user. Control input is received by a client device and then communicated to a game server, potentially with some preprocessing, and is also consumed locally on the client, at least in part. An embodiment of the present invention processes and renders some or all of a character's interactions with game objects on the client device associated with the character. A character is associated with a client device when control input associated with the character is received from a user of the client device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: John Raymond Justice, J. Andrew Goossen, David Wu, Habib Zargarpour
  • Patent number: 9694278
    Abstract: An elongated member such as a bar includes spaced-apart infrared light illumination ports at opposite ends thereof. Exemplary spacing between the two spaced-apart light ports may be 20 centimeters or more. Each light port comprises an array of plural light sources. The plural light sources in each array may be directionally aimed to as to provide different illumination directions. The plural light sources in each array may emit different colors or frequencies of light. Example applications include targeting or marking capabilities for a video game or other system handheld pointing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenichiro Ashida, Junji Takamoto, Yoshitomo Goto, Fumiyoshi Suetake, Akio Ikeda, Susumu Inoue, Shin Sugiyama, Kuniaki Ito
  • Patent number: 9694279
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention monitor and dynamically manage game instances within a game service. A game service provides a remote gaming environment to which users connect over a wide area network, such as the Internet. For example, embodiments of the invention may forecast demand for a specific game title. The demand forecast is used to determine how many standby game instances are needed to meet demand as players join and leave game sessions. Games with higher demand may have more standby game instances ready for players to drop in. Games with less demand may have fewer active game instances running waiting for players to drop in.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: John Peter Bruno, Donald James McNamara, Hsiang-Ling Jamie Lin, Christopher Lane Boedigheimer, Per-Ola Anders Orvendal, Joseph Cusimano, Scott Q. Longstreet
  • Patent number: 9694280
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer readable media for enabling cross platform access to a previously purchased product (PPP) are provided. Cross platform access to the PPP can be accomplished by using a datacenter capable of locally rendering content of the PPP and distributing the rendered content for consumption by a platform other than the platform for which the PPP was designed. This advantageously enables end users to use other platforms and experience the PPP in a manner that emulates or substantially replicates the same experience the user enjoys when interacting with the PPP on its designed platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Sony Interactive Entertainment America LLC
    Inventors: Don Gordon, John Speck
  • Patent number: 9694281
    Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to a multimode gaming server that can run in game mode and video encode mode. Aspects of the invention can monitor demand for different computing projects in a data center and change the gaming servers into different modes to meet the demand. The arrangement of gaming servers in the different modes can be established to balance heat generation evenly throughout a data center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventor: Euan Peter Garden
  • Patent number: 9694282
    Abstract: Techniques are described for altering the gameplay of a computer game based on imported audio content. Embodiments of the invention receive a selection of external audio content to import into a computer game. Embodiments import the selected audio content into the computer game. One or more acoustic characteristics of the imported audio content are then determined by analyzing the imported audio content. Embodiments of the invention then affect one or more graphical elements of the computer game, based on the determined one or more acoustic characteristics of the audio content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Geoff Cullen, Serkan Hassan, Steve Rockett, Ciaran Rooney, Erasmus Talbot
  • Patent number: 9694283
    Abstract: Method, computer program and system for tracking movement of a subject. The method includes receiving data from a distributed network of camera sensors employing one or more emitted light sources associated with one or more of the one or more camera sensors to generate a volumetric three-dimensional representation of the subject, identifying a plurality of clusters within the volumetric three-dimensional representation that correspond to motion features indicative of movement of the motion features of the subject, presenting one or more objects on one or more three dimensional display screens, and using the plurality of fixed position sensors to track motion of the motion features of the subject and track manipulation of the motion features of the volumetric three-dimensional representation to determine interaction of one or more of the motion features of the subject and one or more of the one or more objects on the three dimensional display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Tarek El Dokor, Joshua E King, James E. Holmes, Justin R. Gigliotto, William E. Glomski
  • Patent number: 9694284
    Abstract: A system which employs a method of creating transferable map schemas, storing the map schemas to storage devices, receiving target device settings, re-sampling the map schemas to fit the target devices using the target device settings, delivering the re-sampled map schemas to the target devices is described. Thereby providing the innovation that map schemas may be accessed by more than one type of device, the method by which maps are scaled from a created map dimension with given details to either a larger map having the ability to be utilized on a more capable playing device or to a map or a smaller map having the ability to be utilized on a less capable device without losing the important game-specific required data is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Open Invention Network LLC
    Inventor: Carey Leigh Lotzer
  • Patent number: 9694285
    Abstract: According to one embodiment of the technology described herein, a audio headset system is provided, comprising: a speaker; a signal processor configured to process source audio received from an audio source, to produce processed audio from the source audio, and to output the processed audio to the speaker; and a control unit configured to control operation of the signal processor according to an audio profile, wherein the audio profile causes the signal processor to selectively mix, delay, phase shift, and equalize the source audio, thereby producing processed audio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Performance Designed Products LLC
    Inventors: Antonio Meneses, Gerard Lambert Block, Scott Michael Terrell, Thomas John Roberts
  • Patent number: 9694286
    Abstract: For cheat likelihood calculation, a method records client activity for a client. The client activity includes components of a game economy including burns calculated as a function of measurable client sacrifices to a game and earns calculated as a function of measurable game rewards from the game. The method calculates the cheat likelihood from the probability of the client activity being anomalous.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Inventor: Mohammad Iman Khabazian
  • Patent number: 9694287
    Abstract: A game server employs a notification system associated with purchase of an item in a game and is capable of promoting the purchase of the item, Specifically, a game server may include a notifier, when receiving a request for provision of a first item from a communication terminal, for sending a notification that the first item is provided to the communication terminal to a communication terminal; and an item provider, when sending the notification from the notifier to the communication terminal that the first item is provided, for providing a second item, in addition to the first item, to at least one of the communication terminal and the communication terminal that sends the request for provision of the first item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: GREE, INC.
    Inventor: Shinji Mizuno
  • Patent number: 9694288
    Abstract: A method for providing an activity involving a plurality of users in a plurality of virtual communities is disclosed. The method includes the steps of (a) creating the plurality of virtual communities based on the resources accessed or actions taken by the plurality of users, (b) keeping track of each of the plurality of user's resources accessed or actions performed, and (c) enabling the activity based on the resources visited and actions performed by each of the plurality of users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Inventor: Yongyong Xu
  • Patent number: 9694289
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of a chess game variant comprises a game board and four sets of eighteen chess pieces each. The game board has an inner zone and four panel zones thereabout. The inner zone presents eighty-one playing positions in a nine-by-nine square array. Each panel zone presents twenty-seven playing positions arranged in a three-by-nine rectangular array. The board includes universal rows which adapt for chess-like play on an unbalanced board. Each set of game pieces include institutional pieces and citizen pieces. Most of the citizen pieces are matched in status with corresponding institutional pieces, and are subject to rules of promotion which are driven, in part, by these status relationships. Most of the game pieces include covert or overt markings, which also drive game play and strategy. In certain aspects of game play, a player may take control of the game pieces of one or more opposing players.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Inventor: Elgin Delome Thomas
  • Patent number: 9694290
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention concern a virtual hunting apparatus that employs an imaging device mounted on top of the barrel of a simulated firearm such as a rifle or other toy. A cable can be used to connect the imaging device to the trigger of the simulated firearm. An imaging device can run a variety of applications and play videos. Pulling the trigger of the simulated firearm takes a picture of a target animal, records a video or plays a video of interest within the imaging device, without displacing a bullet or pellet to injure or kill the target animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Inventor: Ronnie Valdez
  • Patent number: 9694291
    Abstract: A system and method for interactive game support may be provided. A player may have a mobile device configured to run a game support application. The game support application may maintain game and player attributes and monitor interactions with game devices. In some embodiments, a command-control center server may be communicatively coupled with the at least one mobile device or game device so as to facilitate game management.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: LEGACY GAME SYSTEMS LLC
    Inventors: Sidney F. Fisher, Ford M. Ivey, Brian T. McGlauflin, Matthew Graham, Vipresh Jain
  • Patent number: 9694292
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for assisting the transfer of a physically-disabled person into or out of an amusement ride. The apparatus and method involve a base portion having an elevated seat and an associated extension. The base portion is mobile and can be positioned adjacent the amusement ride. The extension is then positioned within the amusement ride to provide a smooth platform that permits the passenger to slide from the elevated seat, down the extension and into an open seat in the amusement ride. The process is reversed to permit the passenger egress from the amusement ride. The base portion also includes at least one wheel assembly and feet upon which the base portion rests during use. When it is necessary to move the base portion, it is simply tilted onto the wheel assembly off of the feet for quick and easy transport. The elevated seat and extension are covered with a comfortable material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas D. Rebbie, Philip A. Zirkelbach, Richard W. Snyder, Torrence V. Jenkins, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9694293
    Abstract: A multipurpose game apparatus disclosed by the present invention includes at least a foundation, at least a combining slab and at least a shackle. The combining slab is provided with a wavy edge to facilitate installing the combining slab on a wavy slot of the foundation. When two foundations are connected together, two inverted hooks at an end of the shackle are hooked respectively in a snap hole on a left side or a right side of the foundation for positioning. Therefore, by combining the abovementioned elements, a game apparatus in all kinds of combinatorial change in routes can be formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Inventor: Yen-Po Chiu
  • Patent number: 9694294
    Abstract: A virtual-reality navigation controller includes a base and a seating portion. The seating portion includes a seat for supporting a weight of a user seated thereon and a back-rest coupled to the seat to move integrally with the seat and to support the user's back. The virtual-reality navigation controller further includes a vertical support to support the seating portion on the base, and a rotatable connector between the seating portion and the vertical support to tilt the seating portion about a rotational center of the rotatable connector when the user is seated on the seat. A radius of an arc formed by the tilting about the rotational center ranges from 300 mm to 800 mm. The virtual-reality navigation controller further includes a motion-detection controller to measure pitch corresponding to the tilt of the seating portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: OCULUS VR, LLC
    Inventor: Yury Anatolievich Petrov
  • Patent number: 9694295
    Abstract: An assembly of a toy and a capsule. The toy can be selectively removed from the capsule. Alternatively, the toys can be left inside the capsule and multiple capsules can be interconnected to produce a larger toy structure. Each capsule used in the system has a first half and a second half. The two halves selectively interconnect along a common seam. When the capsule is closed, the capsule's interior can only be accessed through an access opening. Each capsule comes with a toy figure that is held within its interior. The toy figure is mounted to a suction cup. The suction cup remains external of the capsule while the toy figure is inside the capsule. A neck links the toy figure to the suction cup through the access opening in the capsule. Different capsules can be interconnected to build a larger structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: KMA Concepts Limited
    Inventor: Steve Walterscheid
  • Patent number: 9694296
    Abstract: A system includes a drivable surface that includes location encoding markings. A mobile agent is provided that includes a drive motor, an imaging system for taking images of the markings, a vehicle wireless transceiver, and a microcontroller operatively coupled to the motor, the imaging system, and the vehicle wireless transceiver. A basestation is provided that includes a controller operatively coupled to a basestation wireless transceiver. Via wireless communication between the wireless transceivers of the mobile agent and the basestation, an action to be implemented by the mobile agent can be determined by the basestation and communicated to the mobile agent, whereupon the microcontroller of the mobile agent controls detailed movement of the mobile agent on the drivable surface based on images taken of the markings of the drivable surface by the imaging system to cause the mobile agent to implement the action on the drivable surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Anki, Inc.
    Inventors: Boris Sofman, Hanns W. Tappeiner, Mark Palatucci
  • Patent number: 9694297
    Abstract: A snow block erector set including a pair of substantially rectangular side walls, each side wall having a top edge, a bottom edge two side edges, an outside surface and an inside surface, each side edge of each side wall connecting one end of the top edge of each side wall to one end of the bottom edge of each side wall to form a top corner and a bottom corner, respectively, an aperture and lock pair disposed substantially on each of the top corners; a pair of substantially rectangular end walls, each end wall having two side edges; a pair of brace bars, each having two ends; and a channel disposed substantially along each side edge on the inside surface of each of the substantially rectangular side walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Inventor: Joseph M. McMahon
  • Patent number: 9694298
    Abstract: A toy construction kit is disclosed. The construction kit comprising a plurality of flexible construction pieces, each of said flexible construction pieces comprising bendable rod made up of a metal wire with a plastic surrounding the metal wire. In one embodiment, the plastic wire is flexible, said plastic surrounding said metal wire forming an elongated structure. Disks are spaced along the length of rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: HUNTAR COMPANY, INC
    Inventor: Jason Cheung
  • Patent number: 9694299
    Abstract: A bubble blowing assembly for blowing bubbles with manually pumped air includes a tubular housing that may be gripped by a user. A pump is operationally coupled to the tubular housing. The pump urges air into the tubular housing. A primary reservoir is operationally coupled to the tubular housing. The primary reservoir may contain a fluid. A nozzle is operationally coupled to the tubular housing. A fluid hose is operationally coupled between the tubular housing and the primary reservoir. The fluid hose selectively directs the fluid into the nozzle. A first air hose is operationally coupled between the tubular housing and the nozzle. The first air hose directs the pumped air into the nozzle. The nozzle generates the bubbles when the user pumps the pump. A secondary reservoir is coupled to the tubular housing. The secondary reservoir collects excess fluid from the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Inventor: Sam Kouso
  • Patent number: 9694300
    Abstract: A push toy having a puppet mounted on a first member. Pivotally cross-connected at one end of the first member is a second member having wheels and pivotally cross-connected at the other end of the first member is a third member used for steering. Cables connecting the third member to the second member extend along each side of the first member. The cables extend through the puppet and the feet of the puppet are connected to the second member. As a user pushes the push toy and steers the wheels turn as the puppet moves in a manner such that the puppet appears to be steering the push toy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Inventor: Everett Kesna Daley
  • Patent number: 9694301
    Abstract: A sample separation apparatus for separating a liquid sample includes a first separation unit for separating the sample, a first fluid drive for conducting the sample to be separated through the first separation unit, a second separation unit, arranged downstream of the first separation unit, for further separating the sample, a second fluid drive for at least partially conducting the sample through the second separation unit, and a fluidic valve having interfaces fluidically coupled to the first and second fluid drives and being switchable for performing the separation of the sample. The apparatus is configured for adjusting a pressure at a predefined position to a predefined value, wherein the predefined position is in a fluidic path between an outlet of the first separation unit and an inlet of the second separation unit or in fluid communication with this fluidic path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Konstantin Choikhet, Klaus Witt