Patents Issued in October 3, 2017
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Patent number: 9776061Abstract: The disclosed technology is a training device particularly well suited for training fighters as well as people simply interested in personal fitness. The device comprises a body portion defining an elongated flexible shape configure to be associated with a cover portion such as a modified focus mitt. The focus mitt defines a planar region further defining a target zone to be hit by the trainee. The body portion provides a flex region configured to absorb at least part of the inertia associated with a strike on the target zone to reduce the load on the trainer and trainee.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2015Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Inventor: Matthew T Nussbaum
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Patent number: 9776062Abstract: An exercise machine rail system for improved exerciser mounting and dismounting, improved functional ergonomics, and reduced risk of exerciser injury when using an exercise machine. The exercise machine rail system generally includes either two rails in close relationship which are linked together via connectors or a singular rail. Bias members are disclosed as either extending along either outer side of the rails, internally to the rail, or underneath the rail. Due to the narrow nature of the rails used by the present invention, an exerciser is able to mount and dismount the exercise machine easily and efficiently.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2017Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: Lagree Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Sebastien Anthony Louis Lagree
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Patent number: 9776063Abstract: A sports training apparatus for training athletes to deliver a ball or other object at an appropriate arc. The sports training apparatus includes an adjustable horizontal target that is positioned between the athlete and the target. It gives guidance to the athlete at the time of release. The athlete's height, game being played, desired arc, technique employed and position on the court determine the appropriate configuration, placement, and use of the sports training apparatus described herein. Athletes use the sports training apparatus repeatedly to train, learn, and be able to repeat the desired arc for a particular shot in their sport.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2015Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Inventor: Peter Ogle
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Patent number: 9776064Abstract: The invention provides head, neck, chest, and spine logical impact protection and thermal-regulation device having a webbing adapted to encapsulate head and neck, wherein the webbing is composed of a plurality of reversibly deformable substrates that are capable of being cooled or heated; wherein the webbing further provides apertures interspersed between the reversibly deformable substrates to allow fluid exchange between the head, neck, chest, and spine and the regions exterior to the webbing; and a temperature indicator, wherein the temperature indicator measures the temperatures of the body surface underlaying the webbing.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2015Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Inventor: Robert D. Harty
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Patent number: 9776065Abstract: Ski or similar device for sliding on snow having a mounting plate (12) for a binding or for parts thereof, such as a binding plate and/or heel plate, which mounting plate is mounted on, especially bonded or welded to, the top face of the ski, wherein the mounting plate (12) is of foil-like form and is bondable or weldable onto the top face of the ski in such a manner that it effectively defines a structural unit therewith.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2005Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignees: Rottefella AS, Madshus ASInventor: Gunnar Bjertnaes
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Patent number: 9776066Abstract: A toe strap of a snowboard binding is constituted of one belt to fasten an upper portion of a tiptoe of a boot and another belt to fasten a tip of the tiptoe of the boot, and it is a problem to have a configuration to guide the toe strap so as to be fastened to an appropriate position with respect to a shape of the tiptoe portion of the boot when the boot is mounted. At least any one belt of the one belt and the other belt of the toe strap includes an extending portion that extends at least any direction of front and rear on a center position in a lateral direction, and the extending portion of the belt is configured to abut on the boot prior to a non-extending portion of the belt on an adjacent position when the boot is mounted.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2014Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: CAR MATE MFG. CO., LTD.Inventors: Hideyuki Naito, Taku Kanai
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Patent number: 9776067Abstract: Provided is a heeling apparatus. The heeling apparatus includes a sole including a forefoot portion and a heel portion. The heel portion has an opening formed therein. In one embodiment, the sole includes a removable portion. The heeling apparatus further includes a wheel assembly including wheel rotatably mounted to an axle and a mounting structure, wherein the wheel extends through the opening in the heel portion.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2016Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: Heeling Sports LimitedInventor: Roger R. Adams
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Patent number: 9776068Abstract: A vehicle for the movement of a driver includes a rolling element, a carrier element supported by the rolling element, a drive arrangement supported by the carrier element and configured to drive the rolling element, and a control unit, by way of which the drive arrangement is steered in a desired travel direction depending on the inclination of the carrier element and the inclination direction of the carrier element. The vehicle is configured such that during operation of the vehicle, the driver stands freely and balances on the carrier element. In a particular embodiment, the rolling element rolling is a ball and the vehicle can be moved in any desired travel direction via the drive arrangement, with the driver being in contact with the vehicle exclusively by way of the driver's feet, and as the case may be, further by way of the driver's lower legs.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2014Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: Innovated Transport Systems UG (haftungsbeschränkt)Inventor: Ulrich Sambeth
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Patent number: 9776069Abstract: A stroller-attachable skateboard apparatus comprises a skateboard, a connection rod and and an adjustable mounting bracket. The connection rod includes a board engagement portion, a stroller engagement portion and a rod axis. A rod securement interface of the skateboard receives the board engagement portion and rigidly retains it therein by way of an actuatable locking pin such that the rod axis extends laterally of the skateboard's longitudinal axis. The stroller engagement portion is axially receivable by a rod receiving element and releasably axially locked therein by way of a first spring-biased actuator element. The rod receiving element may be provided as part of the adjustable mounting bracket or as a pre-existing wheel axle end from which a stroller wheel has been removed. The mounting bracket facilitates highly-adjustable mounting of the skateboard to a frame member of a standard, unmodified stroller. The connection rod may also be adjusted for extension length.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2015Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Inventor: Travis Mckay
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Patent number: 9776070Abstract: A melding card game and method of play includes 114 numbered, face, ace, mulligan, joker, and wild cards. A round is played in which nine layout cards are dealt face-down to players and arranged in a grid. Each player turns at least one layout card face up and takes a turn. In the turn, each player draws a drawn card from a discard or draw pile and plays or discards the drawn card. If the player plays the drawn card, the player replaces a layout card with the drawn card. The players play one additional turn after an ender player turns all of their respective cards face up. A score for each player is then determined. A penalty is assigned to the ender player if another player has a lower score. Nine rounds are played. The player with the lowest total score is declared the winner.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2013Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Inventor: David B. Medansky
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Patent number: 9776071Abstract: An electronic card game system and method using NFC or RFID electromagnetic communication, including an initiator having a driving coil, a first card having a secondary coil with a capacitor, and a playing piece having a receiving coil. The initiator and the first card may be placed on a playing surface so that at least a portion of the driving coil and at least a portion of the secondary coil overlap. Similarly, the first card and the playing piece may be placed on a playing surface so that at least a portion of the receiving coil and at least a second portion of the secondary coil overlap. These overlapped coils allow a driving signal initiated at the driving coil to be transmitted through the secondary coil and received by the receiving coil.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2014Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: Mattel, Inc.Inventors: Nicholas S. Amireh, Vladimir Buzga, Vladimir Sosnovskiy
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Patent number: 9776072Abstract: An automatic playing card shuffler incorporating means for detecting marked cards. One or more light spectrum emitters or variable light spectrum illuminators transmit light at frequencies/wavelengths which is reflected off card backs through one or more spectrum filters causing invisible markings to become visible. A camera may capture images of the now visible markings. A camera and software collaborate to capture images and analyze the same for markings on the card backs such as smudges, nicks and scuffs and edge demarcations. The automatic playing card shufflers are configured to not only detect marked cards but to detect patterns relative to the card markings. The automatic card shufflers are communicatively linked with a casino management system and/or security system such that casino personnel may be alerted in real time to the discovery of marked cards.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2016Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: Shark Trap Gaming & Security Systems, LLCInventors: Michael Earnest Riordan, Louis Wilson DeGregorio, Keith Marty Taft
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Patent number: 9776073Abstract: A word game for being played among one or more participants includes a plurality of two letter word bits, each having a fixed letter combination, wherein the one or more participants attempt to create words of at least four letters by combining the word bits.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2015Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Inventor: Edgar C. Nicolas
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Patent number: 9776074Abstract: The practice bow and arrow set is an apparatus designed for indoor or outdoor use. The practice bow and arrow set displays a training targets of game animals. The game animals displayed in the target have appropriate target areas of the game animal highlighted. The target is displayed behind a transparent shield. The bow of the practice bow and arrow set can be a full size bow suitable for hunting. The arrow of the practice bow and arrow set is the size and weight of an arrow suitable for hunting but the tip of the arrow has been replaced with a suction cup. When shot at the target, the arrow adheres to the transparent shield allowing the shooter to see exactly where the arrow struck the target. The practice bow and arrow set comprises a bow, a plurality of arrows, a plurality of targets, a target display box and at least one telescoping leg.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2016Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Inventor: Janette King
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Patent number: 9776075Abstract: In some embodiments, a system comprises a game controller module, a trigger satisfaction module, a metadata module, and a marker module. The game controller module may be configured to receive user control signals and execute gameplay based on the user control signals. The trigger satisfaction module may be configured to determine whether one or more events that occur during the gameplay satisfy one or more trigger conditions of a trigger. The metadata module may be configured to generate one or more trigger satisfaction indicators based on the satisfaction of the one or more trigger conditions of the trigger. The marker module may be configured to associate the one or more trigger satisfaction indicators with video of the gameplay to generate one or more game event markers to be used to enable a viewer to jump to one or more game segments associated with the trigger.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2014Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: ELECTRONIC ARTS INC.Inventors: Michael Lewis, Hans Van Veenendaal, Jonathan Back, Thomas Bruckschlegel
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Patent number: 9776076Abstract: In some embodiments, a system comprises an interface, a set of compilation rules, a trigger indication selection module, and a compilation reel generation module. The interface may be configured to receive metadata corresponding to gameplay on a digital device. The metadata may include a set of trigger indicators associated with a set of gameplay events occurring during the gameplay. The set of trigger indicators may be based on a set of trigger conditions occurring during the gameplay. The trigger indicator selection module may be configured to select a subset of the set of trigger indicators based on the set of compilation reel rules. The compilation reel generation module may be configured to generate a compilation reel based on the subset of trigger indicators selected by the trigger indicator selection module, the compilation reel including video of the gameplay events corresponding to the subset of trigger indicators.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2014Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: ELECTRONIC ARTS INC.Inventors: Michael Lewis, Hans Van Veenendaal, Jonathan Back, Thomas Bruckschlegel
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Patent number: 9776077Abstract: Examples disclosed herein relate to systems and methods, which may receive wagers on one or more paylines. The disclosure relates to an electronic gaming system which allows a player to make one or more inputs via human gesturing, and associated methods.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2013Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: Cadillac Jack, Inc.Inventors: Mark Andrew Thompson, Ian Robert Scott
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Patent number: 9776078Abstract: Technology for a method for backing up and restoring application state across multiple devices is disclosed herein. The method includes running an instance of a computer application at a first electronic device, determining a backup event that occurs in the first electronic device, wherein the backup event suggests a backup of application state data and the application state data represent an application state of the computer application at the backup event, and transmitting the application state data of the computer application to a remote storage service, in response to the backup event. A second electronic device can retrieve the application state data from the remote storage service and restore the application state.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2013Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: RAZER (ASIA-PACIFIC) PTE. LTD.Inventors: Justin Quan, Michael A. Chan, Tom Moss
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Patent number: 9776079Abstract: In one aspect, a device includes at least one gyroscope, a processor, and a memory accessible to the processor. The memory bears instructions executable by the processor to identify a force-related parameter to apply at the device, and actuate the gyroscope to apply the force based at least in part on the identification.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2014Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: LENOVO (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD.Inventor: Mark Charles Davis
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Patent number: 9776080Abstract: A controller for interfacing wirelessly with a game console is provided, including the following: a housing defined by a main body, a first extension extending from a first end of the main body, and a second extension extending from a second end of the main body, the first extension and the second extension for holding by a first hand and a second hand of a user, respectively; a touch-sensitive panel defined along the top surface of the main body between the first extension and the second extension; a first set of buttons disposed on the top surface of the main body proximate to the first extension and on a first side of the touch-sensitive panel; and, a second set of buttons disposed on the top surface of the main body proximate to the second extension and on a second side of the touch-sensitive panel.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2016Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: Sony Interactive Entertainment America LLCInventors: Ryuji Nakayama, Ennin Huang, Nathan Gary
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Patent number: 9776081Abstract: An example game controller is removably attachable to a main unit having a main unit-side slide member and configured to execute a game process. The game controller having a front surface and at least first and second side surfaces relative to the front surface. The game controller includes a controller-side slide member. The controller-side slide member protrudes from the second side surface and is configured for slidably engaging with the main unit-side slide member in a slide direction. The controller-side slide member includes a lower surface and an upper surface. The lower surface extends from the first end to the second end of the controller-side slide member in a direction substantially perpendicular to the slide direction. The game controller includes a first operation control. The first operation control is provided on the lower surface.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2017Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: NINTENDO CO., LTD.Inventors: Kumpei Fujita, Shinji Hirose
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Patent number: 9776082Abstract: An example supporting device supports two game controllers. The supporting device includes a support section and a main section connected to the support section. The support section includes a first slide member and a second slide member. The first slide member is provided in an area of the support section toward a first side in a predetermined direction, and the second slide member is provided in an area toward a second side. The slide members are capable of slidably engaging with rail members of the respective game controllers in a predetermined slide direction. The first slide member includes a first terminal provided on a first opposing surface. The second slide member includes a second terminal provided on a second opposing surface. The main section includes a first grip portion for being gripped by a user, and a second grip portion for being gripped by the user.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2017Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: NINTENDO CO., LTD.Inventors: Toshiaki Iwao, Masaya Takei, Kumpei Fujita, Hiroki Ikuta, Shinji Hirose, Tetsuya Akama, Hitoshi Tsuchiya
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Patent number: 9776083Abstract: A human-machine interface involves plural spatially-coherent visual presentation surfaces at least some of which are movable by a person. Plural windows or portholes into a virtual space, at least some of which are handheld and movable, are provided by using handheld and other display devices. Aspects of multi-dimensional spatiality of the moveable window (e.g., relative to another window) are determined and used to generate images. As one example, the moveable window can present a first person perspective “porthole” view into the virtual space, this porthole view changing based on aspects of the moveable window's spatiality in multi-dimensional space relative to a stationary window. A display can present an image of a virtual space, and an additional, moveable display can present an additional image of the same virtual space.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2014Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.Inventors: Genyo Takeda, Howard Cheng
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Patent number: 9776084Abstract: A virtual-reality system includes a head-mounted display, a camera mounted on and protruding from a surface of the head-mounted display, and a compressible shock mount mounting the camera on the surface. The shock mount is to retract the camera towards the head-mounted display when compressed. The shock mount protects the camera from damage when the head-mounted display is dropped.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2015Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: OCULUS VR, LLCInventors: Boyd Drew Allin, Robin Michael Miller, Jared I. Drinkwater
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Patent number: 9776085Abstract: An example system includes: a plurality of information processing devices each having a game processing unit for performing processing involved in a game, a reproduction data generating unit for generating reproduction data to be used for reproducing game play, a relevant information accepting unit for accepting input of relevant information concerning the reproduction data, and a post transmitting unit for transmitting reproduction data and relevant information; and a server machine having a post receiving unit for receiving reproduction data and relevant information transmitted from the information processing device, a storage unit for storing reproduction data and relevant information in association with each other, and a relevant information transmitting unit for transmitting relevant information stored in the storage unit to the information processing device.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2013Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: NINTENDO CO., LTD.Inventors: Yusuke Shiraiwa, Kenta Sato, Shoichi Obayashi, Ryuhei Matsuura
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Patent number: 9776086Abstract: A computer-implemented method of transforming an image file by an image file transformation apparatus, the method including providing an image file in a pixel-based format having a plurality of pixels, dividing the pixels into a plurality of patches, sampling the pixels to generate boundary conditions relating to each of the patches, deriving Fourier coefficients of a solution to a partial differential equation according to the boundary conditions, and outputting the Fourier coefficients for each of the patches as a transformed image file.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2015Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: TANGENTIX LIMITEDInventors: Paul Edmund Fleetwood Sheppard, Timothy Alexander Ingham-Dempster, Michael Athanasopoulos, Peter Jack Jeffery, Hassan Ugail, Gabriela Gonzalez Castro
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Patent number: 9776087Abstract: An apparatus comprising a game engine circuit, a controller circuit and a replay circuit. The game engine circuit may be configured to generate a video signal that represents a real time game environment. The controller circuit may be configured to present signals received from a game user. The signals may be configured to control operations of an avatar of a game player within the real time game environment. The replay circuit may be configured to store a frame comprising (i) one or more portions of the video signal and (ii) one or more game restore points. The stored frames may be configured to (i) allow the game user to review a previously played portion of the game environment and (ii) resume playback in the real time game environment from one of the game restore points.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2007Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: Ambarella, Inc.Inventor: Jeffery R. Campbell
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Patent number: 9776088Abstract: A method obtains multiple recorded instances of play through a virtual environment and generating the virtual environment through which progress may be made by a player. At a first elapsed time, a position of the player is determined within the virtual environment. At the first elapsed time, data indicating a position within the virtual environment is obtained, and a difference between the obtained position and the determined position of the player is calculated. If the difference exceeds a first threshold, the method searches for a second recorded instance of play meeting criteria where, at the first elapsed time, the data indicates a position within the environment whose difference from the determined position does not exceed a second threshold. If a second recorded instance of play meets the criteria, a graphical element is incorporated into the environment at the position obtained from the first elapsed time within the second recorded instance.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2015Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe LimitedInventor: Paul-Jon Bowron
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Patent number: 9776089Abstract: One aspect of the disclosure relates to automatically triggering events (e.g., sales, promotions, gameplay-based events, and/or other events) in an online game based on varying levels of spend by users in the game. This automation of live operations in the online game may provide for management of revenue generation in the online game. The events may serve to draw users into the online game during traditional off-peak hours, may serve to entice user spending in the online game during times when spending would be low without an event, and/or provides for other enhancements.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2016Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: Aftershock Services, Inc.Inventors: Matthew Curtis, James Koh, Kellen Christopher Smalley, Michael C. Caldarone
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Patent number: 9776090Abstract: When processing images in a virtual environment in which a plurality of avatars respectively representing associated users evolve, an image processing method is employed comprising the following stages: an adaptation request is received for the display of the avatars on the terminal of a given user, the request comprising at least one adaptation criterion to distinguish the display of the avatars. The data representing the avatars is modified based on the adaptation criterion, and the modified data for an adapted display of the avatars is sent to the terminal of the given user. Additionally, the display of avatars in a virtual environment may be adapted. A corresponding image processing processor, virtual world server and communication terminal for implementing such methods are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2010Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: Alcatel LucentInventors: Abdelkrim Hebbar, Hakim Hacid, Abderrahmane Maaradji
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Patent number: 9776091Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system for a game application host system and game application that can determine the hardware characteristics of a user computing system for use during online matchmaking in a multiplayer game application. The game application can include a hardware analysis module that can evaluate the user computing system to determine the speed and operational characteristics of the hardware. The hardware characteristics can be used for matchmaking by a matchmaking module of the host application system to select hosts and users for a game match. The hardware analysis module that can run tests, such as a data throughput analysis and a processing analysis, to evaluate and rate the user computing system. The ratings can be incorporated into the matchmaking analysis along with other matchmaking characteristics, such as latency, player skill level, geographical location, and other existing matchmaking characteristics, in order to selects users for game matches.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2015Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: ELECTRONIC ARTS INC.Inventors: Jacques Etienne Lebrun, Daniel Martin
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Patent number: 9776092Abstract: A ranking method and system for providing a ranking of a game group is disclosed. The method includes creating a game group including a user and at least one member among the user's registered friends who have joined a game service, based on a game group creation request received from a user terminal. The method further comprises calculating a ranking of the user with respect to other members of the created game group based on a ranking inquiry request received from the user terminal, and providing the user terminal with the calculated ranking of the user. The user terminal drives a game service platform associated with a plurality of games and provides the game group creation request information and the ranking inquiry request information through the game service platform.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2015Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: K-INNOVATIONInventors: Seong Youn Joo, Kyung E Moon
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Patent number: 9776093Abstract: A computer device having a user interface configured to display user actuatable game elements in a game board and to detect user input when a user engages with a game element in a move; 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 generate replacement user game elements for a subsequent move; and a graphics rendering component operable to render the game elements on the user interface, each game element having a graphical representation on a tile having a background appearance, wherein the processor is configured to determine on detecting the match game condition if at least one tile in the match game condition has an attained background appearance and if so to apply the attained background appearance to each tile of the match condition.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2015Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: KING.COM LTD.Inventors: Tobias Nyblom, Magnus Hansson
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Patent number: 9776094Abstract: A mahjong game system using touch panel includes: a computer, and four player consoles in communication with the computer by a wired or wireless communication method. The computer includes a touch panel at the top side for displaying game pictures and a mahjong game program installed therein and providing a speech recognition process for identifying multiple specific voice commands. The four player consoles are individual touch panels having an elongated shape. Each player console defines a tiles-in-hand displaying portion and a command displaying portion. Further, a voice sensor is installed in the computer or each player console.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2015Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: Egenpower Inc.Inventor: Yao-Hsi Chiu
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Patent number: 9776095Abstract: A restraint system for use in a vehicle may include a seat; a belt system having at least one belt and at least one belt-adjusting mechanism; and at least one buckle. The belt-adjusting mechanism may be disposed at a first side of the seat and the buckle may be disposed at a second side of the seat. An end portion of the belt may be connected to the belt-adjusting mechanism; and the belt system may have a locking member for locking with the buckle. The restraint system may also include a belt pretensioner that includes a force transmission member; and an actuator configured to actuate the force transmission member for tightening the force transmission member and/or the belt. The actuator may be configured to be actuated and/or triggered by an operator.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2015Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Inventor: Jörg Beutler
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Patent number: 9776096Abstract: This invention is a relative motion amusement ride comprising having an inner compartment with a rider's area, a rotational drive and vertical drive attached to the inner compartment, a set of light panels disposed along an inner wall of the rider's compartment and along the perimeter of the rider's area; a light panel controller in communications with a database of images and computer readable instructions for displaying images on the set of light panels and door light panel wherein such display is cooperatively associated with the motion of the rider's compartment to coordinating the physical movement of the inner compartment and the image on the light panels to provide relative motion to the rider; an inner speaker for providing audio information in the rider's area wherein the audio information is coordinated the physical movement of the inner compartment and the image on the light panels.Type: GrantFiled: July 4, 2016Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Inventor: Gerald L. Barber
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Patent number: 9776097Abstract: An artificial eye for use with an animatronic figure or a robot. The artificial eye includes an outer shell formed with a wall defining a spherical inner void space. The outer shell includes a transparent outer or forward portion or half joined with a rear portion or half. The artificial eye includes an inner eye or sphere including a hollow, semi-spherical shell, and the inner eye is positioned in the inner void space of the outer shell. The artificial eye includes an electromagnetic drive positioned within the hollow, semi-spherical shell of the inner eye. The electromagnetic drive supports the inner eye a distance from inner surfaces of the outer shell wall, and the drive includes a pivot joint such as a gimbal operable to pivot the inner eye. The inner eye is supported by a central pivot joint and driven by components centrally located and hidden within the inner eye.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2015Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.Inventors: Lanny S. Smoot, Peter Anastasios Chevako, Eli Joseph Romaire
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Patent number: 9776098Abstract: A pillow includes a compressible fill material and a flexible shell covering the fill material. A track is at least partially embedded in the flexible shell, and a clip is slidingly engaged with the track. The clip defines an opening for attaching an item to the pillow. Various kinds of items may be attached. In another variation, a slipcover includes a flexible shell configured to conform to an outer shape of a particular pillow, and also includes a track at least partially embedded in the flexible shell. A clip is slidingly engaged with the track and defines an opening.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2010Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: The Boppy Company, LLCInventors: Paul Fair, Kristin A. Tidwell, Catherine P. McNeil, Clarice Bonzer
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Patent number: 9776099Abstract: A liquid droplet-making composition is provided. The liquid droplet-making composition may provide a liquid droplet with improved retentivity by including cellulose ether and a saccharide.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2014Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: LOTTE FINE CHEMICAL CO., LTD.Inventors: Kwang Nam Ko, Eun Jung Lee
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Patent number: 9776100Abstract: A discharge platform comprises an air propulsion mechanism that propels the discharge platform through the air. The discharge platform also comprises a special effect storage device that stores a special effect and is operably connected to the discharge platform. Further, the discharge platform comprises a processor. In addition, the discharge platform comprises an air delivery special effect mechanism that discharges a special effect from the special effect storage device toward a destination after receiving an instruction from the processor and during propulsion of the discharge platform through the air by the air propulsion mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2014Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Clifford Wong, John Bouman, Kevin Kelley, Ken Wagner
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Patent number: 9776101Abstract: A light absorbing configuration for a venue in which images are projected to a display screen located at or near a front of the venue, may comprise a light absorbing structure deployed on one or more front portions on one or more of a ceiling, side walls, or a floor of the venue. The light absorbing structure comprises grooves formed at least in part by a first type of light reflective surfaces configured to receive a portion of light rays directly reflected off the display screen and a second type of light reflective surfaces configured to receive light rays reflected off the first type of light reflective surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2015Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: Dolby Laboratories Licensing CorporationInventors: Martin J. Richards, Douglas J. Gorny
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Patent number: 9776102Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for heating and manipulating a fluid to heat the fluid, evaporate water from the fluid, concentrate the fluid, separate the fluid into fractions; and/or pasteurize the fluid, comprising a closed-loop heating subsystem coupled to a primary fluid-to-fluid heat exchanger, and one or more fluid manipulation subsystems also coupled to the primary fluid-to-fluid heat exchanger.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2013Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: PHOENIX CALIENTE LLCInventor: Franklin Alan Frick
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Patent number: 9776103Abstract: A process and system for separating butenes and butanes by extractive distillation using a polar solvent is disclosed. The process may include: contacting a hydrocarbon mixture including butanes and butenes with a lean solvent mixture in an extractive distillation column to form an enriched solvent fraction comprising butenes; recovering an overheads fraction comprising butanes and a bottoms fraction from the extractive distillation column; feeding the bottoms fraction to a stripper including a stripping section and a wash section; recovering the lean solvent mixture as a bottoms fraction and a stripper overheads fraction comprising butenes and water from the stripper; condensing the overheads fraction to form a water fraction and a product butenes fraction; feeding water as reflux to a top of the stripper wash section; feeding at least a portion of the condensed water fraction intermediate the top and bottom of the stripper wash section as a second reflux.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2016Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: Lummus Technology Inc.Inventors: Kevin John Schwint, Robert J. Brummer
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Patent number: 9776104Abstract: Disclosed are processes and apparatuses for producing a crystalline product. The processes and apparatuses may extend the operational time of an evaporative crystallizer by providing an internal volume or large deposit inventory for fouling deposits to reside without impacting the unit operation.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2012Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLCInventors: Timothy C. Frank, J. W. Moore, Paul A. Larsen, Pramod D. Patil, Robert M. Whittingslow, Paul A. Gillis
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Patent number: 9776105Abstract: A method of processing thin stillage in an ethanol refining operation is provided. The method comprises treating thin stillage upstream of a concentration or evaporation step with an inverse emulsion comprising at least one anionic flocculant and an emulsifying agent selected from a sorbitan ester of a fatty acid, an ethoxylated sorbitan ester of a fatty acid, and combinations thereof, thereby forming treated thin stillage; clarifying the treated thin stillage via at least one of dissolved air flotation and induced air flotation, thereby forming clarified thin stillage and a float layer comprising oil and solids; separating the oil from the solids of the float layer; and recovering the oil.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2010Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: Nalco CompanyInventors: John H. Collins, David W. Scheimann, Jason S. Van't Hul, Philip M. Eastin
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Patent number: 9776106Abstract: The system for a continuous dewatering recirculating for removing particulate such as coal combustion residue from a water stream. The system includes multiple dewatering and recirculation containers, each having a submerged flight conveyor and lamella settlings plate located therein, at least one dewatering and recirculation container receives ash water stream overflow.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2015Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: United Conveyor CorporationInventors: Daniel Charhut, Ronald Bugar, Saurabh Rastogi, Kenneth Lauridsen
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Patent number: 9776107Abstract: An apparatus for recycling of fibers pre-impregnated with resin may include a container configured to receive a predetermined amount of solvent and a predetermined amount of fibers pre-impregnated with resin. The apparatus may also include an energy source configured to provide sound energy into the container in order to facilitate the removal of resin from the fibers, and a controller configured to control a frequency of the sound energy provided by the energy source into the container.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2016Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: WICHITA STATE UNIVERSITYInventors: Ramazan Asmatulu, Vamsidhar Patlolla
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Patent number: 9776108Abstract: The present inventions relate to water and wastewater treatment devices including stationary cloth filter media support structures which support structures also form the effluent plenum for the filtered influent.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2012Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: AQUA-AEROBIC SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Peter G. Baumann, Lloyd W. Johnson, David Smith, Eugen O. Bergmann
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Patent number: 9776109Abstract: The invention relates to a method for filtering a suspension in a filter device comprising a sequence of steps, including piping the suspension into the filter chamber between the filter cloths, directing the suspension through the filter cloths, discharging a liquid fraction of the suspension through the first duct and the second duct out of the filter chamber and through the first outlet of the first recess plate and the second outlet of the second recess plate as a filtrate, and piping a drying gas from the head piece into the filter chamber through the first duct and discharging the same through the second duct. The invention further relates to such a recess plate that is designed for packing a plurality of specimens of the recess plate into a pack between a stationary head piece and a moveable end piece of a filter device.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2012Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: OUTOTEC (FINLAND) OYInventor: Bernd Böhnke
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Patent number: 9776110Abstract: A filter (5) for a return line (L1, L2) for hydraulic oil to a hydraulic tank (2), which filter (5) has a filter element (11). The filter (5) is arranged to filter the hydraulic oil through the filter element (11) when the hydraulic oil is below a first oil level (H1) in the filter (5), and the filter (5) has an arrangement (15) to cause the hydraulic oil to bypass the filter element (11) when the oil level (H) in the filter (5) exceeds the first oil level (H) without causing any significant back pressure.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2010Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: Atlas Copco Rock Drills ABInventor: Anders Nydahl