Patents Issued in October 10, 2017
  • Patent number: 9782656
    Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a putting stroke analysis device for analyzing a putting stroke technique of a golfer. The putting stroke analysis device comprises a planar surface with a plurality of infrared emitters and co-operating infrared sensors thereon. A golfer swings their putter over the planar surface, above the plurality of infrared emitters and co-operating infrared sensors. An infrared beam, emitted by the infrared emitters, is reflected by the putter and is detected by one or more of the infrared sensors. The putting stroke analysis device has a processor which receives information from the co-operating infrared sensors and processes the information to determine putting characteristics of the putting stroke technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: ANVECK LIMITED
    Inventor: Desmond Burke
  • Patent number: 9782657
    Abstract: A universal swing training apparatus is provided that includes a sports-related implement and a slide mechanism. The implement includes a proximal section and a distal section that are spaced apart to form a gap there-between. The slide mechanism is inserted within this gap and is connected to the upper end of the proximal section and the lower end of the distal section. The slide mechanism includes a rail guide, a plurality of front ball bearings, a plurality of rear ball bearings, and a sliding rail assembly that are cooperatively configured to insure that this upper end and this lower end are coaxial when the sliding rail assembly is situated in a coaxial position on the rail guide, and permit a lateral shift of this lower end relative to this upper end during a swinging of the implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: BEST SWING ONE, LLC
    Inventor: Wen-Sun Hou
  • Patent number: 9782658
    Abstract: A ball pitching device includes: a body portion including an upper frame and a lower frame; a first rotation shaft portion supported by the upper frame; a pitching unit configured to pitch a ball and rotate about the first rotation shaft portion and including a first pitching wheel and a second pitching wheel; a first pitching angle adjusting unit adjusting a vertical pitching angle by adjusting a relative length between a bottom surface of the upper frame and the pitching unit; and a second rotation shaft portion connecting the upper frame to the lower frame to be rotatable on a horizontal plane. The first rotation shaft portion is disposed between a center of the first pitching wheel and a center of the second pitching wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: CLOUDGATE CORP.
    Inventor: Seongjun Kim
  • Patent number: 9782659
    Abstract: A walking training system according to the present invention includes a belt conveyor on which a trainee walks, a frame, a sensor, and a control device. The frame, positioned on both sides of the belt conveyor, allows an assistant to place each of the feet thereon. The sensor measures the presence state of a foot on the frame. The control device determines whether there are three or more feet on the frame based on the measurement result of the sensor and, if it is determined that there are three or more feet, performs abnormal-time control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Seisuke Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 9782660
    Abstract: An athletic training system (200) has a data recording system (202) and a data engine (204). The data recording system (202) is configured to record an athletic competition event. The event may have a first team of players competing against a second team of players. The data engine (204) is configured to receive data associated with the recorded athletic competition event. The data engine (204) processes the data and displays the data as a replay of the event in animated form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Tawiah
  • Patent number: 9782661
    Abstract: An athletic timing device includes a housing carrying a touch-less sensor. The device is self-contained and can be easily placed at generally any point on a surface used for athletic activities, e.g., a football field, basketball court, or a track. The collective design of the sensor and the housing facilitates activation of the sensor without interfering with normal athletic activities, i.e., activities can be performed and timed under normal conditions without physical contact between the timing device and objects involved in the athletic activity. Example activities that can activate the sensor include snapping a football, kicking a soccer ball, or sprinting away from (or back to) the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Daedalus Design, LLC
    Inventors: Brent Griffin, Maxim Markov, Samuel Dion
  • Patent number: 9782662
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are conformable protection pads, which can be integrated into articles such as clothing and protective cases. In one embodiment, an exemplary cushioning pad includes a first channel comprising a thickness and a width. The first channel includes a continuous upper layer and a continuous lower layer, which is at least partially bonded to the continuous upper layer. The cushioning region is disposed adjacent to the first channel, and has a thickness greater than the thickness of the first channel. The cushioning region further includes a cushioning material disposed between and bonded to the continuous upper layer and the continuous lower layer. A groove may be defined in the upper surface of the cushioning region, with a thickness less than the thickness of the cushioning region and greater than the thickness of the first channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: G-Form, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel M. Wyner, Richard B. Fox, Thomas Cafaro, Stephanie Rogers, Ami Newsham, David Foster
  • Patent number: 9782663
    Abstract: Provided is a locking mechanism for a ski-binding, the locking mechanism comprising only one lever adapted to be pivoted between an engaged and a disengaged position. The lever further comprises at least one lug, the at least one lug adapted to engage with a notch formed in a mounting plate in an engaged position, and wherein the lug is adapted to hold the lever in a non-sliding manner when engaged with the notch. Explicitly, the locking mechanism does not comprise a second lever. Also provided is a ski-binding comprising only one locking mechanism, or adapted to receiving only one locking mechanism, and a mounting plate for use with the locking mechanism, and ski-binding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: MADSHUS AS
    Inventors: Gunnar Bjertnaes, Bjorn Ivar Austrem
  • Patent number: 9782664
    Abstract: Disclosed is a novel ankle strap and a toe strap that secures snowboard or splitboard rider's boots to corresponding boot bindings. The straps are generally made from a one-piece molding that includes indented portions on the outside surface of the molding that creates corresponding outdented portions on the boot-facing surface for cushioning. The indented portions are bound by ribs, the ribs forming a continuous interconnected rib structure. As the outdented portions flex, the continuous interconnected rib structure helps the strap maintain its shape and structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: SPARK R&D IP HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventor: William J Ritter
  • Patent number: 9782665
    Abstract: An inline frame for an inline skate, designed to mimic the properties of an ice hockey skate blade on ice. The inline frame includes at least one first connection part intended to be connected to a boot and at least two wheels positioned essentially in the inline frame's longitudinal direction. The unique thing about the inline frame is that it includes an upper chassis section and a lower chassis section which via a coupling element are arranged to be rotatable in the inline frame's longitudinal direction, and that the upper chassis section includes at least one first contact surface and that the lower chassis section includes at least one second contact surface, where at least one of the first contact surface and the second contact surface is curvilinear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: FLOW MOTION TECHNOLOGY AB
    Inventor: Per Mars
  • Patent number: 9782666
    Abstract: In one implementation, a game apparatus includes a base with a playing surface that has (i) a first end with a first designated area for cups and (ii) a second end; a game piece; a tether that attaches the game piece to the base so as to permit the game piece to move freely within the tether's range; and a first launcher that includes a mechanism to launch the game piece as a projectile, the first launcher being positioned at or around the second end to launch the game piece toward the first designated area for cups, wherein the first designated area for cups and at least a portion of the first launcher are within the tether's range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Scienz Group L.L.C.
    Inventors: Derek George Dahl, Samuel David Buss
  • Patent number: 9782667
    Abstract: A shooting simulation system. The shooting system includes a shooting simulation device for targeting a target and a computing device having a processor and a memory. The computing device has a processor and a memory. The memory stores a set of instructions and the processor executes the instructions whereby the instructions determine a target profile based on a current perceived parameter of the targeting of the target. The processor then assigns the determined target profile for use in determining a hit or miss of the targeting of the target by the shooting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Inventor: George Carter
  • Patent number: 9782668
    Abstract: Computer-implemented methods and systems for locating virtual elements that can be used or collected by players of a parallel reality game having a virtual world that parallels at least a portion of the real world are provided. In particular, the location of virtual elements in the virtual world is determined based on data associated with one or more real world conditions. Virtual elements can be located in the virtual world at locations corresponding to locations in the real world that encourage safe and effective game play. Locating virtual elements in the virtual world based on data associated with real world conditions improves the link between the parallel virtual world and the real world, enhancing the illusion that the virtual world is another dimension of the real world that the player can interact with through the parallel reality game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Niantic, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith P. Golden, Mark A. Aubin, John V. Hanke, Phillip Craig Keslin, James Dinkelacker, Charles Spirakis, Alexander Vladimirov
  • Patent number: 9782669
    Abstract: A system includes a wireless device having a radio frequency (RF) receiver, an RF transmitter, and means for producing sensory feedback to a user of the wireless device. A position-tracking system includes at least three antennae. The position-tracking system computes a multi-dimensional position of the wireless device using triangulation or trilateration based on time of arrival information from radio signals transmitted by the RF transmitter of the wireless device and received by each of the at least three antennae. A processor receives the multi-dimensional position of the wireless device determined by the position-tracking system, correlates the multi-dimensional position to a point of interest registered with an interactive software program that produces a virtual reality environment, and generates, in response to the multi-dimensional position correlated with the registered point of interest, data configured to activate the sensory feedback producing means of the wireless device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: POSITION IMAGING, INC.
    Inventor: Edward L. Hill
  • Patent number: 9782670
    Abstract: A computer program, method, and system for participating in interactive events includes a personal input executing an event application, a client device coupled to a display and executing a display application, and a server executing a server application. The display application receives a request from a player to participate in an event, receives the event from the server application, shows the event on the display, and determines an event start time corresponding to a time at which the start of the event is shown on the display. The event application receives sensor data from a sensor, compares the sensor data to reference data to generate a score, forms a plurality of packets containing the score, and transmits the packets. The server application transmits the event to the display application, receives the score from the event application, and transmits the score to the display application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Ubisoft Entertainment
    Inventor: Björn Törnqvist
  • Patent number: 9782671
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: NINTENDO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kumpei Fujita, Shinji Hirose
  • Patent number: 9782672
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for gaming headset with enhanced off-screen awareness. One or more components may be identified or detected in input audio signals, which may meet particular positioning criteria, relating to a user of the system when the user is receiving output audio signals corresponding to the input audio signals. The input audio signals may then be processed to adjust characteristics corresponding to the one or more components and/or one or more other components in the output audio signals, as perceived by the user when receiving the output audio signals. The positioning criteria may include field-of-view of the user, with the one or more components corresponding to sounds in (or having source(s) within) the field-of-view of the user. The processing may be configured to enhance the one or more other components and/or to subtract or suppress the one or more components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Voyetra Turtle Beach, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Kulavik, Shobha Devi Kuruba Buchannagari
  • Patent number: 9782673
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a terminal display control method for using as a controller of a game a terminal device including a touch panel, which is configured to be integral with a display, includes selecting a controller image which is used in the game; setting at least one of a presence/absence of a function, a number, a size, a shape and a position of disposition, with respect to an operation element in the controller image; and making variable, in accordance with a content of the setting, a state of the controller image displayed on the display, and an operation standard of the operation element corresponding to an input on the touch panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: GREE, Inc.
    Inventors: Yushi Takagi, Toshiharu Yabe, Kenji Iguchi, Takuya Kai
  • Patent number: 9782674
    Abstract: The subject application describes an activity performed with or without a website, such as a game. The game can be played either when in contact with the website or when disconnected from the website. The game playing can be carried out for example on a mobile device. The game can be used to earn virtual cash on the website, when playing from the mobile device. The game can also be played when the mobile device is not attached to the website, in which case the points that are received are saved along with an encryption to avoid a user's improper increasing of the points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: GANZ
    Inventors: Howard Ganz, Karl Joseph Borst, John Alexander Larsen
  • Patent number: 9782675
    Abstract: Improved methods, systems, and devices for managing communications are provided. A user device may display all ongoing communications so that a user can visualize the communications network or some subset thereof (e.g., a subgroup or group of users). A system may maintain the user device in an instant ready-on mode of communication with the other user devices. A user may then initiate communications with a subgroup (e.g., a pair) or group without initiating a new connection. Accordingly, a user can simultaneously and fluidly communicate at the subgroup level, at the group level, or at the inter-group level. Moreover, users can function as independent actors that can freely form and leave subgroups as well as groups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: SHINDIG, INC.
    Inventor: Steven M. Gottlieb
  • Patent number: 9782676
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for retaining system state of an online application such as a video game. For example, a method according to one embodiment comprises: executing a application on a server in response to user input from a client; transmitting video generated by the application over a network connection from the server to the client; detecting that the network connection has become unusable or impaired; responsively pausing the execution of the application from a current point of execution; and resuming the execution of the application from the current point of execution upon detecting that the network connection has become usable or unimpaired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Sony Interactive Entertainment America LLC
    Inventors: John Speck, Stephen G. Perlman
  • Patent number: 9782677
    Abstract: User log-in to a user account of an online game may be incentivized by providing awards to the users for logging in. Reengagement time periods for individual ones of the user accounts may be determined. The reengagement time periods may be determined to expire at times when a user may be logged out and/or may be expected to be logged out. By way of non-limiting example, the reengagement time periods may expire during wait periods for ongoing in-game tasks. The awards may be provided based on the expiration of the reengagement time periods and the user accounts conveying satisfaction of award redemption criteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Aftershock Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Topkins, Gaoqi Zheng, Devin Nambiar
  • Patent number: 9782678
    Abstract: Methods and systems for generating a highlight video of a critical gaming moment from a source computer game running on a game server are disclosed. The method, when executed by a processor accessible by a processing server, comprises receiving video recordings recorded using at least two game virtual cameras positioned at predetermined locations during a source game play, wherein at least one of the game virtual cameras was inserted into the source computer game using a SDK or a game connector module. Next, analyzing the received recordings to extract visual, audio, and/or metadata cues; generating highlight metadata; and detecting the critical gaming moment based on the highlight metadata. Finally, generating a highlight video of the critical gaming moment from the received video recordings based on the highlight metadata. In some embodiments, the highlight videos can be used to drive additional traffic to the game tournament and/or streaming platform operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Sliver VR Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jieyi Long, Mitchell C. Liu
  • Patent number: 9782679
    Abstract: An approach to facilitating interface-based game-space contest generation is provided. A user interface may be provided to an administrator. The user interface may be configured to receive user inputs from the administrator that include one or more performance criteria to be associated with a contest to be provided in a game space, one or more awards to be distributed in association with the contest, and one or more qualifications to participate in the contest. A notification that relates to the contest may be provided, based on the user inputs, in the game space. Performance scores of users that participated in the contest may be determined based on the performance criteria and activities that are performed in the game space by the participating users. Automated distribution of the awards to individual ones of the participating users may be facilitated in accordance with the performance scores of the individual participating users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Kabam, Inc.
    Inventors: Yuexin Chu, Alex Genco, Jason Lee, Clive Henrick, Matthew Curtis, Kellen Christopher Smalley, Michael C. Caldarone
  • Patent number: 9782680
    Abstract: One or more persistent customized social media environments are created allowing users to share content or an activity. The content or activity may comprise a shared media experience or shared participatory experience. Each user accessing the environment utilizes a device alone or in conjunction with other devices to complete a sharing experience. A persistent customized social media environment definition establishes a user environment which provides social networking services as well as content sharing and allows users who are connected to the persistent customized social media environment definition to experience instant messages, while those users who connect to the persistent customized social media environment at a later time will receive messages once they enter the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: FUTUREWEI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Lobb, Arnold Blinn, Bernhard Kotzenberg, Donald M. Gillett, John Darren Elliott
  • Patent number: 9782681
    Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed herein for a media guidance application that determines a control scheme for a video game and maps the performance of particular media guidance application operations, unrelated to the video game, to the particular user input type already mapped to a video game function such that when the user performs the video game function, the particular media guidance application operation is also performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Rovi Guides, Inc.
    Inventors: Vanessa Wickenkamp, Andrew Fundament, Andy Dustin, William J. Korbecki, Douglas J. Seyller
  • Patent number: 9782682
    Abstract: A wet play structure including a non-harnessed course and a harnessed course. The wet play structure can be located in an amusement park. The non-harnessed course and the harnessed course can be completely, or partially integrated to increase interaction between users. The wet play structure may include an elevated path configured to allow a user to traverse the elevated path. A track is configured to connect to a harness worn by the user while the user traverses the elevated path. In one aspect, the wet play structure may include a fluid conduit configured to transmit water onto the user while the user traverses the elevated path. In one aspect, a pool positioned beneath the elevated path and configured to contain water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Whitewater West Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyuma Alexei Frankowski, Tat K. Won, James A. Liggett
  • Patent number: 9782683
    Abstract: A motion simulator capable of being manufactured to have a small size so that an occupied area can be reduced, is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: MOTION DEVICE INC.
    Inventor: Jong Chan Lee
  • Patent number: 9782684
    Abstract: In some embodiments, extemporaneous control of remote objects can be made more natural using the invention, enabling a participant to pivot, tip and aim a handheld display device to control a remote-controlled toy or full-sized vehicle, for example. If the vehicle is outfitted with a camera, then the participant may see the remote location from first-person proprioceptive perspective.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: MONKEYmedia, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Justin Gould Bear, Rachel M. Strickland, Jim McKee
  • Patent number: 9782685
    Abstract: A Dispenser that converts into a spinning toy that is divided into a first, a second and a third section. The sections of the dispenser separate after the contents within the dispenser are consumed. The first, second, and third sections are connected to each other by a cord. After the dispenser is separated for use, the cord serves, when wound, as the means for providing a spinning movement of the toy when the toy is manipulated by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Inventor: Rolando H Perez
  • Patent number: 9782686
    Abstract: One variation of a conductive construction tape for electrifying a stack of bricks in a studded-brick building system includes: a tape substrate defining a first linear array of perforations that each define a circular cross-section configured to receive a stud extending from a brick in the studded-brick building system and offset from an adjacent perforation in the linear array by a standard stud offset distance between studs extending from the brick; and a conductive tape layer applied over the tape substrate; an electrically-conductive material extending along the first linear array of perforations and cooperating with the tape substrate to define a total nominal thickness less than a thickness of the studded building brick; wherein the perforated conductive tape is configured to transiently install horizontally between bricks in the stack of bricks to communicate electrical current laterally across the stack of bricks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Inventor: Rachel Hellenga
  • Patent number: 9782687
    Abstract: A magnetic block set of magnetically connectable magnetic block units. The magnetic block units have a block body with a plurality of geometrically or ornamentally shaped connection faces, a plurality of magnetic element chambers, a plurality of magnetic elements rotatably retained in respective magnetic element chambers, and a plurality of connection face receivers for each connection face, the connection face receivers being uniformly positioned and oriented radially from a magnetic element chamber center, uniformly dimensioned and shaped radially with respect to the magnetic element chamber center, and uniformly distributed tangentially with respect to the magnetic element chamber center of the respective magnetic element chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Gracewood Management, Inc.
    Inventor: Jim Matthews Bagley
  • Patent number: 9782688
    Abstract: A toy construction set that enables modular toy elements to be interconnected into a chain assembly. Each toy element has a pivot hub that defines an empty first interior chamber. A first yoke arm is coupled to the pivot hub that defines an empty second interior chamber. A second yoke arm is coupled to the pivot hub that defines an empty third interior chamber. The first interior chamber, the second interior chamber and the third interior chamber intersect form an internal resonance chamber. Formations are present on first yoke arm, the second yoke arm, and the pivot hub. The formations intermesh and enable different modular toy elements to snap together. The formations also generate noise as two interconnected toy elements are moved in relation to one another. The noise that is generated is enhanced by the resonance chambers within the toy elements that create the noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: KMA Concepts Limited
    Inventor: Peter John Cummings
  • Patent number: 9782689
    Abstract: Embodiments described provide an integrated hand-held catch net apparatus including a multi-axis sensor in electrical communication with a microcontroller and memory module to provide a plurality of colored light schemes and pre-programmed sounds/songs in responds to movement and tilting of the apparatus. Further included is a light toy figurine releasably attached to the catch net assembly to simulate capture both a fish or insect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Inventor: Michael Stiber
  • Patent number: 9782690
    Abstract: An arbor trap apparatus for use with a counterweight rigging system having at least one counterweight arbor. The apparatus may include a trap housing for attachment to a support structure, and at least one catch blade for attachment to the counterweight arbor. The catch blade may enter the trap housing as the counterweight arbor moves generally towards the trap housing, and the trap housing may engage the catch blade to prevent the counterweight arbor from moving generally away from the trap housing. The trap housing may transfer load from the counterweight arbor to the support structure and prevent a runaway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: GRID WELL INC.
    Inventors: Richard William Boychuk, Richard Joseph Nix
  • Patent number: 9782691
    Abstract: A carbon dioxide extraction system which recirculates CO2 and/or other gases in a continuous loop for maximum extraction efficiency and which recovers substantially all gases at the end of the extraction cycle for cost savings and greater workplace safety. The extractor utilizes a dual pumping system which can incorporate high vapor pressure CO2 and/or lower vapor pressure gases such as propane, butane, chemical refrigerants such as R134a, and other lower vapor pressure gases. The system allows the operators to work with supercritical CO2 alone with high pressure liquid pump(s), lower vapor pressure gases alone with modified refrigerant recovery pump(s), or a mixture of CO2 and lower vapor pressure gases using a combination of high pressure liquid pump(s) for extraction and modified refrigerant recovery pump(s) for full recovery of gases at the end of an extraction cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Inventor: Frederick J. Chess
  • Patent number: 9782692
    Abstract: A fluid supply system configured for supplying fluids includes a fluid packet supply unit configured for controlling supply of a sequence of fluid packets. The fluid packets include a packet of first fluid and a packet of second fluid, wherein the first fluid and the second fluid are media being prone to a phase separation upon direct interaction between the packet of first fluid and the packet of second fluid. The fluid supply system further includes a phase separation inhibiting unit configured for inhibiting phase separation by inserting an intermediate fluid packet between the packet of first fluid and the packet of second fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Klaus Witt, Konstantin Shoykhet
  • Patent number: 9782693
    Abstract: A high throughput, positive pressure, gravity operated dewatering system for hydraulic fluids, lubricating fluids, and petroleum based fluids comprises a gravity operated dewatering chamber receiving the industrial fluid and a source of positive pressure drying air coupled to the dewatering chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: SCHROEDER INDUSTRIES, LLC
    Inventors: Steven R. Evanovich, Martin Bauer, Andreas Schunk, John Kazimierz Duchowski
  • Patent number: 9782694
    Abstract: Systems and methods for treating a stream comprising hydrocarbons and an aqueous-based liquid are provided. The systems and methods may utilize a media composite comprising a mixture of a cellulose-based material and a polymer. In certain systems and methods, the media composite is capable of being backwashed. The stream comprising the hydrocarbons and aqueous-based liquid may be separated by contacting the stream with the media composite. In certain system and methods, the stream comprising the hydrocarbons and aqueous-based liquid may be coalesced by contacting the stream with the media composite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: SIEMENS ENERGY, INC.
    Inventors: Chad L. Felch, Matthew R. Patterson, Shane P. Wiercinski, Eric A. Lorge
  • Patent number: 9782695
    Abstract: A hydraulic fluid de-aeration device for a hydraulically actuated variable valve actuation system is provided. The device includes a de-aeration bridge having a first end and a second end. The device includes a conical de-aeration chamber having an outer wall and a generally vertical center axis. The second end of the de-aeration bridge is offset from the center axis of the de-aeration chamber such that hydraulic fluid flowing from the de-aeration bridge is directed towards the outer wall of the de-aeration chamber. The device includes a cover with a vent hole for air that is expelled from the hydraulic fluid. A passage connected to the de-aeration chamber supplies the hydraulic fluid to a hydraulic fluid gallery of the variable valve actuation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Todd Simcina, John Stallmann
  • Patent number: 9782696
    Abstract: A screen decanter for decanting liquid from a reservoir, comprising at least one rack comprising screens and baffles forming the sides of a cavity; a frame attached to the screens and baffles and providing a barrier so that liquid cannot pass from outside into the cavity without passing through the screens; a patterned perforated drain pipe inside the cavity and leading to an opening through which liquids may drain out from the cavity. The pattern of the openings counteracts the hydrostatic head within the rack such that flow through the screens is uniform at all depths of immersion in the liquid reservoir. Preferably, the screens have a porosity of about 50 micrometers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: ClearCove Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Qausarali Goriawala, Alfred Bertoni, Jonathan M. Jacobs, Michael A. Butler, Terry Wright
  • Patent number: 9782697
    Abstract: An apparatus for refining a liquid stream using 180 degree redirection and inclined plates. The apparatus includes a first flow chamber, a second flow chamber, and a separation chamber. The first flow chamber directs the liquid stream downwards in a first direction at a first velocity, the second flow chamber directs the liquid carrier upwards in a second direction opposite the first direction, and the separation chamber is disposed between the first flow chamber and the second flow chamber. The separation chamber includes a redirection portion that has inclined plates across which the liquid carrier flows and, as the liquid slows from a first velocity to a second velocity, the solid particles fall out of the liquid carrier and collect in the collection portion of the separation chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: RECOVERED ENERGY, INC.
    Inventors: Richard Lewis, Kurt Scott
  • Patent number: 9782698
    Abstract: An apparatus for refining a liquid stream using 180 degree redirection and inclined plates. The apparatus includes a first flow chamber, a second flow chamber, and a separation chamber. The first flow chamber directs the liquid stream downwards in a first direction at a first velocity, the second flow chamber directs the liquid carrier upwards in a second direction opposite the first direction, and the separation chamber is disposed between the first flow chamber and the second flow chamber. The separation chamber includes a redirection portion that has inclined plates across which the liquid carrier flows and, as the liquid slows from a first velocity to a second velocity, the solid particles fall out of the liquid carrier and collect in the collection portion of the separation chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: RECOVERED ENERGY, INC.
    Inventors: Richard Lewis, Kurt Scott
  • Patent number: 9782699
    Abstract: An apparatus for refining a liquid stream using 180 degree redirection and inclined plates. The apparatus includes a first flow chamber, a second flow chamber, and a separation chamber. The first flow chamber directs the liquid stream downwards in a first direction at a first velocity, the second flow chamber directs the liquid carrier upwards in a second direction opposite the first direction, and the separation chamber is disposed between the first flow chamber and the second flow chamber. The separation chamber includes a redirection portion that has inclined plates across which the liquid carrier flows and, as the liquid slows from a first velocity to a second velocity, the solid particles fall out of the liquid carrier and collect in the collection portion of the separation chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: RECOVERED ENERGY, INC.
    Inventors: Richard Lewis, Kurt Scott
  • Patent number: 9782700
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for recovering mature fine tailings (MFT) from oil sands tailings ponds. Some examples include a hollow, fully enclosed around its perimeter, ideally of cylindrical form, open bottom structure (a hollow conduit), of predetermined geometry, which is placed at the pond surface. The hollow conduit can penetrate MFT deposits to or below a level at which MFT of required density is located. A width or diameter of the hollow conduit can be determined with respect to the MFT inflow velocity and the corresponding shear rate, so as to enable MFT flow into the hollow conduit at a rate matching a rate at which the MFT is removed from the pond (e.g., a recovery rate). An MFT fill level inside the hollow conduit can be kept constant and equal to a required fill level throughout MFT recovery operations. MFT can enter the hollow conduit during MFT recovery operations solely under action of hydraulic head pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Technika Engineering Ltd.
    Inventor: Rade Svorcan
  • Patent number: 9782701
    Abstract: A centrifugal-force separator for separating particles from a fluid has a housing having an inflow opening and an outflow opening. An axial core and a plurality of guide blades connected to the axial core are provided, wherein the axial core and the guide blades are disposed in the housing. The guide blades generate a turbulent flow of a fluid flowing in through the inlet opening into the housing in an inflow direction. The guide blades extend radially between a first helical line at the axial core and a second helical line at a housing wall of the housing. A first pitch of the first helical line is greater than a second pitch of the second helical line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: MANN+HUMMEL GMBH
    Inventors: Steffen Ackermann, Volker Greif, Michael Kraxner, Ulrich Muschelknautz
  • Patent number: 9782702
    Abstract: A filter assembly includes a housing and a first filter, a second filter, and a heat exchanger all positioned in the housing. The filter assembly also includes a first inlet and a first outlet and defines a first liquid flow path. The first liquid flow path may extend within the housing between the first inlet and the first outlet through the first filter and along a first side of the heat exchanger. The filter assembly further includes a second inlet and a second outlet and defines a second liquid flow path. The second liquid flow path may extend within the housing between the second inlet and the second outlet through the second filter and along a second side of the heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Pall Corporation
    Inventor: Alexander Carrion
  • Patent number: 9782703
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (10) for separating a heterogeneous mixture of matter into at least one retentate and one filtrate, comprising a housing (12) which is subdivided into a chamber for the heterogeneous mixture (20) of matter having at least one feed (14) and a filtrate chamber (21) having at least one outlet (16), a filter unit (22) which comprises at least one filter element (24), wherein the filter unit (22) is arranged in the chamber for the heterogeneous mixture (20) of matter, and a rinsing system (46, 47, 50, 50?) for cleaning the filter unit (22), wherein the rinsing system (46, 47, 50, 50?) has at least one rinsing port (46, 47) which is constructed so as to introduce a stream, oriented tangentially to the shell surface (54), of a first washing medium into the chamber for the heterogeneous mixture (20) of matter. The invention further relates to a method for cleaning a filter unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: BASF SE
    Inventors: Stefan Wittmer, Juergen Linder, Gerhard Welker, Marcus Wagner
  • Patent number: 9782704
    Abstract: A normal flow filtration system having a housing with one or more filters contained within a bowl and attached to the outlet of the system. Liquid enters the bowl, contacts the surfaces of the one or more filters. Impurities are trapped in the filter and the filtered liquid flows through to the outlet. Parameter(s) such as flow rate, transmembrane pressure drop and/or time are measured and when met, filtration ceases. A backflushing occurs through the filter(s) so as to remove the impurities from the filter. This backwashed material is directed to an outlet of the bowl that is connected to a drain. Additionally a port formed in the side of the housing adjacent an outer surface of the filter(s) can be used to provide a lateral washing of the filter(s). The system is then recirculated in a downstream manner to reestablish equilibrium and filtration is then restarted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: EMD Millipore Corporation
    Inventors: Felipe Merino, Luis Penacho, Miquel Iribarren, Antonio Vicente, Angel Cabria, Juan Carlos Pineiro
  • Patent number: 9782705
    Abstract: A tumbler may be used as defluidizer, dryer, coater, classifier, or dynamic filter. The tumbler includes a housing for rotatably supporting a removable screened drum on a plurality of rollers. The drum receives a solid/fluid slurry through an inlet chute. As the slurry travels through the drum, fluid exits the drum through a plurality of apertures in screens attached to the sides of the drum, while the solids continue along the drum's length until they reach one or more openings and exit the drum into an outlet chute. The outlet chute includes ridges that wrap around rings extending from the openings of the drum to prevent solids from escaping the outlet chute. To further dry the solids before they exit the drum, an air tube disposed within the drum is configured to direct air through the screens to an air blower intake positioned outside of the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: GALA INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Richard Thrasher, Duane Boothe, Kerry P. Morris, David Bryan, George N. Benoit