Patents Issued in September 12, 2017
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Patent number: 9757618Abstract: A training device for monitoring a physical exercise is formed having a volume element, a sensor apparatus which is designed to detect a mechanical force and/or a pressure which a user exerts on the volume element while performing the physical exercise, and to generate a measurement signal on the basis of the detected force and/or the detected pressure, and an evaluation apparatus which is designed to compare the measurement signal generated by the sensor apparatus with a value range and/or a target value and to automatically generate an output signal on the basis of the result of the comparison.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2015Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: H4X e.U.Inventor: Andreas Hierzer
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Patent number: 9757619Abstract: An athletic parameter measurement device worn by an athlete during an athletic activity session includes a housing which attaches to the athlete, a display, a processor associated with the display, and an athletic parameter measurement sensor. During the athletic activity, the device detects, using the sensor, a vertical jump height of the athlete, and displays, during the performance of the athletic activity session, a representation of the vertical jump height on the display.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2016Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: James Meschter, James Molyneux, Aaron B. Weast
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Patent number: 9757620Abstract: A cured elastomer golf ball component is made by heating an elastomer compound containing an ethylenically unsaturated elastomer, an ethylenically unsaturated monomer, and first and second free radical initiators to a first crosslinking temperature T1 in a compression mold and partially crosslinking the elastomer, then heating to a second crosslinking temperature T2 and curing the elastomer component of the golf ball. Either: (i) the first initiator has a half-life of about 0.2-5 minutes at T1, the second initiator has a half-life of about 0.2-5 minutes at T2, and T2 is higher T1 by at least about 30° C.; or (ii) the second initiator's one-minute half-life temperature is at least about 30° C. higher than the first initiator's one-minute half-life temperature, T1 is within about 20° C. of the first initiator's one-minute half-life temperature, and T2 is within about 20° C. of the second initiator's one-minute half-life temperature.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2015Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: Feng Tay Enterprises Co., Ltd.Inventor: John C. Chen
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Patent number: 9757621Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball having excellent shot feeling and flight distance. The present invention provides a golf ball comprising a spherical core, a first resin layer and a second resin layer, wherein the first resin layer is formed from a first resin composition containing (A) a polyamide resin, (B) a copolymer and/or a metal ion-neutralized product thereof, and (C) a thermoplastic elastomer, and having a ratio (flexural elastic modulus/slab hardness) of a flexural elastic modulus (MPa) to a slab hardness (Shore D hardness) in a range from 3 to 5; and the second resin layer is formed from a second resin composition containing (D) a polyamide resin, and (E) a copolymer and/or a metal ion-neutralized product thereof.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2016Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: DUNLOP SPORTS CO., LTD.Inventors: Hidetaka Inoue, Toshiyuki Tarao, Mami Tanaka
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Patent number: 9757622Abstract: An ultra-low compression golf ball is disclosed herein. The core preferably has a PGA compression less than 30. The mantle layer and cover have approximately the same thickness. The cover comprises a thermoplastic polyurethane material and has a specific gravity greater than the core and mantle layer. The golf ball has a PGA compression less than 75 and a COR of at least 0.780.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2017Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: Callaway Golf CompanyInventor: David Bartels
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Patent number: 9757623Abstract: A thermoplastic multi-layer golf ball has a core center including a first thermoplastic material, a core layer including a second thermoplastic material, and a cover including a third thermoplastic material. The core center has a diameter of 21-29 mm and a surface Shore D hardness H1 of less than about 50. The core layer is at least about 5 mm thick with an outer surface Shore D hardness H2 of more than about 50. The cover has an outer surface Shore D hardness H3 of more than about 60. H3 is up to about 20 Shore D units higher than H2, and H2 is up to about 10 Shore D units higher than H1. The core layer has a specific gravity that is at least 0.1 g/cm3 greater than the specific gravity of the core center.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2013Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: Feng Tay Enterprises Co., Ltd.Inventors: Chen-Tai Liu, Chien-Hsin Chou
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Patent number: 9757624Abstract: A device includes a signaling means and a motion sensor, and logic for activating or controlling the signaling means in response to a sensed motion according to an embedded logic. The device may be used as a toy, and may be shaped like a play ball or as a handheld unit. It may be powered from a battery, either chargeable from an AC power source directly or contactless by using induction or by converting electrical energy from harvested kinetic energy. The embedded logic may activate or control the signaling means, predictably or randomly, in response to sensed acceleration magnitude or direction, such as sensing the crossing of a preset threshold or sensing the peak value. The visual means may be a numeric display for displaying a value associated with the count of the number of times the threshold has been exceeded or the peak magnitude of the acceleration sensed.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2016Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: May Patents Ltd.Inventor: Yehuda Binder
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Patent number: 9757625Abstract: A golf club 2 includes a shaft 6 having a weight of 50 g or less. The shaft 6 has a ratio of a center of gravity of 0.54 or greater. Respective EI values measured at intervals of 100 mm from a point 130 mm distant from a tip end Tp are defined as E1 to E10. A first region, a second region, and a third region are defined by boundaries at respective points having distances of 230 mm and 830 mm from the tip end Tp. In a graph on which the EI values are plotted, gradients of approximate straight lines in the first region, the second region, and the third region are defined as M1, M2, and M3, respectively. M1 to M3, E9/E6, and E10/E6 are fall within respective specified scopes. M3 is greater than M2.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2016Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: DUNLOP SPORTS CO. LTD.Inventor: Takashi Nakano
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Patent number: 9757626Abstract: Embodiments of golf club heads and methods to manufacture such a golf club heads are generally described herein. In some embodiments, the golf club head may include a ball-striking face and a protective aluminum oxide layer coupled to the ball-striking face of the golf club head. The protective aluminum oxide layer is associated with a hardness that is greater than that of the ball-striking face. In further embodiments, golf club heads may include a top portion and at least one of a plurality of interchangeable alignment indicia coupled thereto, which are configured to guide the golf club head relative to a golf ball.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2016Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: KARSTEN MANUFACTURING CORPORATIONInventors: Liang Quan, Anthony D. Serrano
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Patent number: 9757627Abstract: A golf club incorporating an interchangeable shaft system includes a shaft, a shaft sleeve, a club head. The shaft sleeve is coupled to an end of the shaft and is received in a hosel included in the club head. The shaft sleeve is removably coupled to the club head. Hosel and shaft sleeve alignment features provide discrete orientations between the shaft and club head.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2015Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Darryl C. Galvan, Richard L. Cleghorn, Gery M. Zimmerman, Eddie G. Perez, Sang Yi, Mark C. Myrhum, Stephen S. Murphy, Stephanie Luttrell
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Patent number: 9757628Abstract: A golf club incorporating an interchangeable shaft system includes a shaft, a shaft sleeve assembly, and a club head. The shaft sleeve assembly is coupled to an end of the shaft and is received in a hosel included in the club head. The shaft sleeve assembly is removably coupled to the club head includes portions coupled by a flexible coupling.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2016Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Scott A. Knutson, Gery M. Zimmerman, Joshua C. Stokes
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Patent number: 9757629Abstract: A golf club head comprising a body and a plurality of stiffening members is disclosed herein. The body comprises a face section, a sole section, and a crown section, and defines a hollow interior. Each of the plurality of stiffening members extends from the crown section to the sole section to reduce stresses placed on the face section during impact with a golf ball. The stiffening members are all located within 0.500 inch of a rear surface of the face section measured along a plane normal to the center of the face, and within 1 inch of the center of the face section along a horizontal axis parallel to the face section.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2016Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: Callaway Golf CompanyInventors: James A. Seluga, Matthew Myers
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Patent number: 9757630Abstract: Described are embodiments of golf club heads having an internal cavity and features that cause the golf club head to have an improved acoustic performance when striking a golf ball. Some embodiments include one or more weight tracks and/or weight ports formed in the sole for receiving adjustable weights. The golf club heads can include one or more internal ribs, thickened wall regions, and/or posts positioned within the cavity that increase the rigidity of the club head and improve the acoustic performance of the club head when striking a ball.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2015Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc.Inventors: Jason Andrew Mata, Rachel Elizabeth Gardner, Christian Reber Wester, Joe Hoffman, Brad Poston, Matthew David Johnson, Mark Vincent Greaney, Justin David Kleinert, Joseph Reeve Nielson, Christopher John Harbert, Nathan T. Sargent
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Patent number: 9757631Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides an ice hockey stick handle providing improved grip and tactile feel to a player, and having a cross-section symmetric about one centerline and asymmetric about another orthogonal centerline, a section line parallel and offset from said second centerline dividing said cross-section into a bottom profile comprising an irregular convex polygon with or without rounded and/or beveled edges, and a top rectangular profile with or without rounded and/or beveled edges. The sides of the cross-section may be linear or slightly concave.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2016Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: WM. T. Burnett IP, LLCInventors: Sam Lacey, Richard B. C. Tucker, Jr.
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Patent number: 9757632Abstract: A device and method for launching a projectile, such as a golf ball, across a range. The device enables a golf ball to be launched across a golf course with greater control than is possible with a traditional golf club. The ease of loading the projectile into the launching device and swinging the launching device forward adds greater distance to the projectile due to an increase in angular momentum and back spin on the projectile. The device includes a C-shaped head defined by a nest, a pair of lateral retention arms, and a base. A distal portion is longer than a proximal portion to create backspin on the projectile. The concavity and lateral arms hold the projectile in place. The distal and proximal portions terminate at concave points that grip dimples on the projectile. The base is fixedly attached to a shaft, which is used for swinging the head.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2015Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: SYMTAR VENTURESInventors: John Cornelius Fryer, Christopher Paul Zaler
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Patent number: 9757633Abstract: An exemplary hockey puck includes a gyroscope within an outer shell. An exemplary method of controlling movement of a hockey puck includes holding a gyroscope within an outer housing of a hockey puck.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2015Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: 28 Engineering LLCInventor: Walter Douglas Bauman
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Patent number: 9757634Abstract: A training device and method for teaching a user the proper execution of various elements of an athletic swing. The swing training device incorporates a sliding member that simulates the impact of striking an object providing audible, visual and tactile feedback to the user pertaining to the proper execution of the swing, and displaces a force capture member a distance proportional to the force generated by the swing, and maintains this position until reset by the user. This allows the swing training device to quantify the force generated by the swing at the critical moment of impact. Further, the swing training device incorporates a movable stop that allows the device to be configured to provide for training methods that focus on the proper execution of specific swing elements, and it provides a means of quickly resetting the device for the execution of subsequent swing, thus maximizing training time.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2015Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: Rocky Mountain Athletics Company, LLCInventors: Joseph Reza Fierro, Matthew Michael Vellone
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Patent number: 9757635Abstract: An athletic swing trainer permits an athlete to swing a trainer at speeds far in excess of the athlete's conventional swing speeds and to confirm to the athlete that the practice swings made with the trainer at these extremely high speeds have been technically properly executed. Armed with this experience, the athlete is then able to swing the athlete's own conventional club, bat or racquet at speeds which, though lower than the athlete's trainer swing speeds, are significantly higher than the athlete's conventional club swing speeds. After six or seven trainer swings, an athlete's swing speed at point of contact of a conventional golf club, bat or racquet with a corresponding ball is typically increased in a range of 5 to 15%.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2013Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Inventor: James W. Sorenson
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Patent number: 9757636Abstract: The present invention is an athletic training device, principally for baseball, comprised of a frame having a rear tubular member, base tubular member, a front tubular member and an adjustable and extendable pole. A rigid pad is mounted to the rear tubular member. Rear and front foot stride bars are mounted to the base tubular member and the pole, respectively. A front lateral bar is connected to the front tubular member. Use of the device for a particular individual is accomplished by repositioning the stride bars, front foot lateral bar and pad. The device permits the user to self correct stance, stride and body positioning while hitting, fielding, catching or pitching a baseball or softball.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2015Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Inventor: Stephen F Schwarz
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Patent number: 9757637Abstract: A basketball training apparatus that is operable to simulate a defensive player for a user that is practicing their offensive skillset. The basketball training apparatus further includes a housing assembly having a lower portion and an upper portion that are perpendicularly secured. The housing assembly is moveably secured to a mounting block wherein the mounting block is disposed within the lower portion of the housing assembly. The housing assembly is operable to tiltably move from a first upright position to a second position wherein the upper portion is tilted towards the ground. A plurality of blocking members are releasably secured to the upper portion of the housing assembly extending outward therefrom. A visual inhibitor is movably coupled to the upper portion of the housing assembly and extends upwards therefrom. A frame is integrally secured to the mounting block and further includes a base having a wheel assembly.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2015Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Inventor: Kevin Glaser
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Patent number: 9757638Abstract: A golf practice tee and ball assembly that includes a support tee member, a support frame member, and support hitter member that can be efficiently used to practice golf swings anywhere. The support tee member includes an external base with a spiked end and an internal receiving cavity with the internal receiving cavity including an o-ring gasket. The frame member is an L-Shaped rod with a first section of the rod having a convex knob formed thereon and a second section having a mounting hole at one end and the support hitter member at the other. The support hitter member includes a mounting section with an end of the mounting section mountable to the mounting hole of the second section of the L-Shaped rod and another sectional end having an impact absorbent ball. The L-Shaped rod can be placed into the support tee member by forcing the convex knob through the o-ring of the internal receiving cavity. The mounted support hitter member and L-Shaped rod is then revolvable about the support tee member.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2016Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Inventor: Russell Orfe
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Patent number: 9757639Abstract: Various embodiments facilitate location-aware distributed competitions. In one embodiment, a system facilitates a distributed sporting event that includes multiple players traveling over non-uniform courses that are remote from one another. The system includes a manager that receives state information, such as location information, from client devices used by each of the players. The manager then transmits location information for each of the players to the client devices, which are each configured to present a graphical representation, such as a map annotated with the locations of each of the players. The system corrects for disparities between the non-uniform courses traveled by the players, for example by mapping a location on a course traveled by a first player to a location on a course traveled by a second player. Various mechanisms for establishing the mapping between non-uniform courses are also described.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2013Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: Seth E. Eisner TrustInventor: Seth Eisner
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Patent number: 9757640Abstract: A wearable device assembly has a housing supporting a controller, display and indicator system thereon. The controller has at least one sensor wherein activity of a user wearing the device is detected. The controller selectively illuminates the indicator system to indicate a level of activity of the user.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2016Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Aaron B. Weast, Jamian R. Cobbett, Kwamina Crankson, Michael Selby, Gwen Sullivan, Caroline Petra Annette Bleeker, Alex Mestas, Suniti Nina Walia, Allison Gourley, Kristopher L. Homsi, Demi Raven, James Zipperer, Edward Stephen Lowe, Jr., Tara Greer, Stephen Kob, Maria Ioveva, Cesar Marchetti
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Patent number: 9757641Abstract: A card shuffling machine for a game of chance includes a base portion and a rotatable body in communication with the base portion. The rotatable body portion includes a plurality of slots disposed therein. Each of the plurality of slots is configured to receive a card of the defined set of cards. Each of the cards includes indicia relevant to an outcome of the game of chance. The shuffling machine includes at least one reader associated with one of the plurality of slots and configured to communicate with the card disposed in the one slot to obtain information about the indicia of the card. The card shuffling machine includes a display in communication with the at least one reader for displaying the indicia of the card when the card is in the slot.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2014Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: Mark Hamilton Jones and Sheryl Lynn JonesInventor: Mark H. Jones
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Patent number: 9757642Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for revealing a winner. The current embodiments are in the field of toys and games and reveal a winner in play battle or sport. Specifically the device utilizes at least one sensing mechanism for revealing a winner. More specifically a device for revealing a winner can be Balloon Toys such as Balloon Swords. It uses sensing mechanisms to determine the moment a winner has won and then triggers a mechanism in the non-winners device to destroy itself. A device for revealing a winner may include a bladder fill able with fluid, a way to hold the bladder, a mechanism to detect a win event, a mechanism to notify the loser's equipment of the win event, and a mechanism to burst the bladder of the loser's battle/sport equipment based on their loss.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2015Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Inventor: Perry Scott Kaye
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Patent number: 9757643Abstract: A board game scoring assistive device having a panel that includes one or more apertures accommodating a player game piece or token and a particular manner keeping it positioned over the proper area or score, especially when the game piece is sized so that it covers more than just a single scoring position. This invention helps to alleviate the questions of which position the piece is in as well as where the piece had been in the event of an accidental jolt to the scoring area.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2014Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: Board Game Innovation, LLCInventor: William Roger Rigby
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Patent number: 9757644Abstract: The DYNAMIC PAYMENT OPTIMIZATION APPARATUSES, METHODS AND SYSTEMS (“DPO”) transform requests for on-demand and flexible monetization and related services via DPO components into currency transfers, purchase receipt notifications, social networking communications and transaction analytics reports. In some embodiments, the DPO obtains a user product purchase request for a user engaged in an online experience at a point of sale device. The DPO parses the user product purchase request, and thereby identifies at least one attribute of at least one of: the user; the online experience; and the point of sale device. The DPO customizes one or more properties of a user interface for initiating a purchase transaction related to the user product purchase request, according to the identified at least one attribute of the user, the online experience or the point of sale device; and providing the customized user interface.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2013Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: PLAYSPIN INC.Inventors: Mark Rose, Afshin Shafie, Lex N. Bayer
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Patent number: 9757645Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of unlocking an information device, such as a smart phone, applying a touch screen as an input-output means, in which a game progressed by a gesture or the like performed on the touch screen 11 is implemented on an unlock screen, and the locking state of the corresponding information device is released as the game is progressed. Through the present invention, it is possible to induce interest a user and satisfy an aesthetic sense of the user in the unlocking process by getting out of a stereotyped conventional method of unlocking a touch screen 11 information device, which is focused only on functional factors.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2013Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: RSUPPORT CO., LTD.Inventor: Hyungsu Seo
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Patent number: 9757646Abstract: In an embodiment there is provided a device having a touch user interface configured to display a game board having a plurality of selectable game objects comprising tiles stored in at least one memory and displayed in a configuration on said game board, each game object having a boundary defined on the user interface, said user interface being configured to receive user input, and at least one processor in connection or communication with the at least one memory and the user interface and configured to detect a selection of a game object in response to touch user input within the game object boundary, detect a trajectory of the user input towards neighboring game objects, determine an angle of said trajectory with respect to an axis of the game board, and select at least one of the neighboring game objects in dependence on said trajectory and determined angle. The angle may be determined by comparison with predefined angular regions corresponding a game object or tile configuration.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2014Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: KING.COM LTD.Inventors: Adrian Catalin Dumitrescu, Virgiliu Ionescu
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Patent number: 9757647Abstract: An example game controller is removably attachable to a main unit. The game controller includes a controller-side slide member. The controller-side slide member protrudes from a first surface of the game controller and is configured to slidably engage with the main unit-side slide member in a slide direction. The controller-side slide member has a first end and a second end in the slide direction, and the game controller is configured to be attached to the main unit by inserting the controller-side slide member into the main unit-side slide member. The controller-side slide member includes a protruding portion and at least one terminal. The protruding portion protrudes from the first end side of the controller-side slide member in the slide direction and has a facing surface that faces the first surface of the game controller. The at least one terminal is between the facing surface and the first surface.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2016Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: NINTENDO CO., LTD.Inventors: Kumpei Fujita, Shinji Hirose
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Patent number: 9757648Abstract: In order to reduce influences of light from indoor lighting equipment or the like on the accuracy in detecting the position of an operating device, an operating device includes: left and right hold sections to be held by a user, each of which is provided with an operating member at an upper surface thereof; a central section which is a section between the left and right hold sections; and a light emitting surface adapted to emit light to be captured by an information processing apparatus through a camera, the light emitting surface provided at a front surface of the central section. The central section includes a portion which is located over the light emitting surface and is located on a more forward side than the light emitting surface.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2013Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: SONY INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT INC.Inventors: Takeshi Igarashi, Masaho Morita, Kazuyoshi Enomoto, Toshimasa Aoki
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Patent number: 9757649Abstract: A device directed to a combination computing and input device. The computing device providing a plurality of sides, each of the plurality of sides are disposed between an electronic display screen and a back of the computing device. The input device communicates with the computing device and provides a pair of control modules adjacent to and confining the computing device on at least two opposing sides of the computing device. The input device further provides a structural bridge securing the pair of control modules one to the other, and a touch sensitive input module. The structural bridge adaptively and snugly accommodate the length of the computing device. A first of the pair of control modules features a retention mechanism communicating with the structural bridge. The retention mechanism adaptively secures the structural bridge such that the pair of control modules snugly accommodate the length of the computing device.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2017Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: Wikipad, Inc.Inventors: Fraser Townley, Kelly D. Gamble
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Patent number: 9757650Abstract: A system, a machine-readable storage medium storing instructions, and a computer-implemented method are described herein for a Game Action Trigger Module (GATM) for trigger game actions. The GATM generates a virtual gaming environment comprising a concurrent display of a tile board and a game world separate from the tile board. The GATM receives a selection of a sequence of tile board virtual objects. The GATM identifies a location of a particular tile board virtual object in the selected sequence. The GATM identifies a target game world virtual object based on the location of the particular tile board virtual object in the selected sequence. The GATM applies a game action to the target game world virtual object.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2014Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: Zynga Inc.Inventors: Sumit Mehra, Sagar Patel, Peter Pao Lai, Sora Bai, David Baack, Katherine Lee
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Patent number: 9757651Abstract: A method of processing a user input by an electronic device is provided. The method includes receiving a signal from an auxiliary electronic device, providing application information related to the auxiliary electronic device based on the signal, and identifying a program configured to receive a control signal transmitted from the auxiliary electronic device based on the application information.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2014Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jaeyoung Song, Jinho Jang, Ilgeun Bok, Sungjun Kim, Hyukgoo Lee, Wooseong Choi
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Patent number: 9757652Abstract: An example system includes: a server machine having a storage unit for storing reproduction data involved in reproduction of game play and a data transmitting unit for transmitting reproduction data stored in the storage unit; and an information processing device having a data receiving unit for receiving reproduction data transmitted by the server machine, a reproduction processing unit for displaying reproduction of game play at a display unit in response to reproduction data received by the data receiving unit, a character display processing unit for displaying one or a plurality of character objects at the display unit during reproduction of game play by the reproduction processing unit, and a character action processing unit for causing a character object displayed by the character display processing unit to take a predetermined action with reproduction of game play by the reproduction processing unit.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2013Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: NINTENDO CO., LTD.Inventors: Shoichi Obayashi, Chiharu Shizukuishi, Mai Yamamoto
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Patent number: 9757653Abstract: This disclosure relates to a system and methodology for dynamically adjusting the difficulty of a game based on upon the specific hardware configuration and/or network connectivity capabilities available to specific users in connection with the interaction of those users with the game. In exemplary implementations, dynamically adjusting the difficulty of playing a game based on hardware and network connectivity capabilities may be performed by processors executing computer program modules.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2017Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: Kabam, Inc.Inventors: Kent Wakeford, Clifford J. Harrington
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Patent number: 9757654Abstract: Methods for assembly and management of friends for crew participation in a social gaming program. One method includes providing a game activity within the social gaming program, and the game activity is identified as gated for crew participation. The method identifies parameters for assembly of friends to complete crew participation for the game activity that is identified as gated for crew participation. Then, querying data provided by the social networking system to analyze contact data of friends that are likely for crew participation, and sending an invite message to the friends that are likely for crew participation. The friends that are accepted are added as crew members for crew participation to complete the game activity. An in-game reward for each of the friends that are part of the crew participation is generated upon detecting completion of the game activity.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2011Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: Zynga Inc.Inventor: Andres Cantor
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Patent number: 9757655Abstract: According to the game control device, game control method, game control program, storage medium and game system of this invention, when composite processing on characters is performed, consumption points that are consumed in the composite processing are subtracted from the composition points corresponding to the user's user identifying information, and when the subtraction result is negative, predetermined point addition processing is performed until the subtraction result becomes zero or more. By performing the point addition processing as described above, the game control device, game control method, game control program, storage medium and game system can improve the user's operability without requiring the reselection of other characters to be composited.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2013Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: KONAMI DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT CO., LTD.Inventors: Masayoshi Suzuki, Hiroyuki Tomita, Minako Yoshida
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Patent number: 9757656Abstract: A system of determining winners of a contest through a progressive cascade of elimination sub-contests is provided. The system comprises means for a user to select a contest from a plurality of contests, means for a user to join a contest room of a contest so as to enable the user to participate the contest and join the contest room, means for the user to vote on other contestants' submitted contestant items, means for determining winners of a contest room, and means for enabling winners to move onto a higher level of the participated contest.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2014Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Inventor: Mark Tsang
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Patent number: 9757657Abstract: The information processing device relating to the present invention configures, in association with a stage where each of a plurality of players can engage in battle play, a player character owned by the player as a support character that provides support in a stage where another player engages in battle play, generates a game screen displaying a list view of support characters associated with the selected stage once a first player among the plurality of players performs an operation to select a stage, directs the selected support character and a player character belonging to the first player to engage in battle with an enemy character configured in the selected stage once the first player performs an operation to select a support character from the list, and provides benefits to a second player, from among the plurality of players, who owns the selected support character.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2015Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: DeNA Co., Ltd.Inventor: Takahiro Otomo
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Patent number: 9757658Abstract: Provided herein is a fairground ride, such as a ghost train or dark ride attraction, having a vehicle including a chassis and a passenger seat for passengers. The vehicle further includes a hexapod drive set on the chassis and a rotary table connected to the hexapod drive, whereby the passenger seat is swivel-mounted on the rotary table.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2016Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: SIMTECH SYSTEMS GMBHInventor: Bernd Kaufmann
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Patent number: 9757659Abstract: In an aspect, a toy character assembly is provided, and includes a housing, a toy character, at least one sensor and a controller. The toy character is positioned inside the housing and includes a breakout mechanism that is operable to break the housing to expose the toy character. The at least one sensor detects interaction with a user. The controller is configured to determine whether a selected condition has been met based on at least one interaction with the user, and to operate the breakout mechanism to break the housing to expose the toy character if the condition is met. Optionally, the condition is met based upon having a selected number of interactions with the user.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2016Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: SPIN MASTER LTD.Inventors: Hamid R. Hashemi, Anne N. Charbonneau, Victor Lai
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Patent number: 9757660Abstract: According to one aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter, there is provided an infant activity apparatus including a first arch extending between first and second ends thereof, and a second arch extending between first and second ends thereof, where the first ends are articulated to a first coupling element, and the second ends are articulated to a second coupling element, and where each of the coupling elements facilitates independent pivoting of the ends articulated thereto.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2015Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: TINY LOVE LTD.Inventors: Daniel Leibovics, Frederik Meir Aboukrat
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Patent number: 9757661Abstract: A bubble generating device and a method for producing bubbles. In one aspect, the invention can be an apparatus for generating bubbles comprising: a housing; a motor; an air flow generator operably coupled to the motor; a trough containing a bubble solution; a cam surface; a follower member comprising a bubble generating device, the follower member in operable cooperation with the cam surface; and the motor operably coupled to the follower member to drive the follower member along the cam surface.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2016Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: HONOR METRO LIMITEDInventor: Adam Hing Ping Chan
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Patent number: 9757662Abstract: Heat integrated distillation column for separating components in a fluid mixture. The heat integrated distillation column is provided with a stripper part (S), a rectifier part (R) and a compressor (2) between the stripper part (S) and the rectifier part (R). Furthermore, a heat exchange assembly for transferring heat between the stripper part (S) and the rectifier part (R), and a mass transfer assembly for condensation and vaporization in the heat integrated distillation column are provided. The stripper part (S), the rectifier part (R), or the stripper part (S) and rectifier part (R), comprise a channel formed by adjacent channel assemblies (6), each forming a structural part of the heat integrated distillation column and a functional part of the heat exchange assembly and of the mass transfer assembly. A plate (8) and a structured packing in the form of two or more corrugated plates (7) are provided.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2012Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: Stichting Energieonderzoek Centrum NederlandInventors: Odolphus Simon Leo Bruinsma, Markus Friedrich Fischer
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Patent number: 9757663Abstract: Disclosed is a collector tray for collecting liquid in a pressure vessel such as a distillation column. The collector tray includes a liquid collecting surface having a curved shape such that the liquid collecting surface is generally upwardly concave or upwardly convex, and includes at least one chimney through the collector tray. The collector tray can be formed by attaching a plurality of collector tray panels to one another to form the collector tray having the liquid collecting surface. Methods for installing the collector tray and retrofitting a pressure vessel are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2015Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: CHEVRON U.S.A. INC.Inventor: Jaan Taagepera
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Patent number: 9757664Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for the automation of the extraction of a liquid substance from a material. The disclosed systems include multiple tanks and valves under computer control providing for the safe transport of a solvent through the material under computer control. Solvent transport is accomplished by heating and/or cooling selected tanks or vessels to cause the solvent to evaporate or condense as desired. Tank and/or solvent heating and cooling is controlled automatically. Thus, in all embodiments the use of external pumps can be avoided.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2015Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Inventor: David McGhee
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Patent number: 9757665Abstract: A hydrocarbon emulsion treatment system includes a treatment tank having a gas vent for operating the treatment tank near atmospheric pressure. The treatment tank separates water and oil in the emulsion for discharge to separate water and oil tanks respectively. According to a preferred embodiment, the treatment tank and the oil tank are supported on a common frame including an integral secondary containment structure providing secondary containment to both the treatment tank and the oil tank. The treatment tank is supported at greater elevation than the oil tank to allow the flow of oil from the treatment tank to the oil tank primarily under force of gravity.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2015Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: Black Suede Hydro Carbon Processing, Ltd.Inventors: Michael Warner, Dean Andres
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Patent number: 9757666Abstract: The liquid recovery filter includes several embodiments, each of which provides for the recovery of liquid otherwise trapped within the filter housing and element. Each embodiment includes a series of vents, purge ports, and passages that communicate fluidly with the filter housing and filter core. Certain vents and purge ports are initially opened following filtration operations to allow pressurized gas to flow into the housing, thereby forcing residual unfiltered liquid through the filter. When this has been accomplished, another vent is opened to the filter core to allow filtered liquid to flow from the downstream or outlet passage from the filter core. Some embodiments have the filter outlet located above the filter, and include a downstream drain port extending from the filter core. The downstream drain port provides for the recovery of filtered liquid when the vent or purge port is opened in these embodiments.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2012Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics CorporationInventor: Zhenwu Lin
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Patent number: 9757667Abstract: A system and process for recycling machining waste into a solid/scrap material component and a recyclable machining coolant. The system and process comprise collecting the waste machining waste and mechanically separating the machining waste into a solid/scrap material component and a machining waste liquid component. The machining waste liquid component is decanted to separate oils and solids from the recyclable machining coolant. The machine recyclable machining coolant is then filtered through at least a first filter and preferably a second, finer mesh filter. The recyclable machining coolant is then exposed to UV light to kill bacteria and microorganisms. Lastly, ultrapure water is added to dilute the recyclable machining coolant and form the recycled machining coolant. If desired, a virgin machining coolant can be added to the recycled machining coolant, to replenish any additive(s) stripped during the recycling process, prior to resale of the recycled machining coolant.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2013Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Inventor: Donald Edward Bigos, II