Patents Issued in October 24, 2017
  • Patent number: 9795847
    Abstract: A golf club 2 includes a head 4, a shaft 6 and a grip 8. The shaft 6 includes a plurality of layers, a tip end Tp and a butt end Bt. If a distance between a center of gravity of the shaft and the butt end Bt is defined as Lg (mm), a shaft full length is defined as Ls (mm), and a ratio of the distance Lg to the shaft full length Ls is defined as a ratio of the center of gravity of the shaft, the ratio of the center of gravity of the shaft is 44.5% or less. If a torsional rigidity at a point of 90 mm distant from the tip end Tp is defined as GJt (kgf·m2), and a torsional rigidity at a point of 210 mm distant from the butt end Bt is defined as GJb (kgf·m2), GJb/GJt is 5.5 or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: DUNLOP SPORTS CO. LTD.
    Inventors: Hirotaka Nakamura, Tatsuya Yashiki
  • Patent number: 9795848
    Abstract: A double-sided sublimated article and method for producing the same is provided. The article may be a golf flag and is made up of a single piece of a three layer twill weaving fabric. The fabric is woven such that horizontal threads are visible and a vertical thread is not visible. Each side of the article may be simultaneously sublimated with an ultraviolet resistant ink to produce a double-sided sublimated article having images on each side in a correct orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Inventor: Steven Louis Fairchild
  • Patent number: 9795849
    Abstract: A ball net structure arranged to be portable, collapsible, and able to be configured into different arrangements for different nets and/or different sports-related activities. The ball net structure comprising a base structure including at least one support portion, at least one base extension, and at least one base extension hinge, wherein the at least one support portion and the at least one base extension are coupled to the at least one base extension hinge. At least one rod is removably coupled to the base structure and received by a net, wherein the net is adapted to exert a force on the at least one rod causing the at least one rod to exert a force onto said base structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: TRIAD SPORTS, INC.
    Inventors: David Nelson, John Lucas
  • Patent number: 9795850
    Abstract: A ball striking training device for training a user to strike a ball includes a bat. A recess is positioned in a front of the bat distal from a handle of the bat. A plurality of inserts is selectively couplable to the bat within the recess. A respective insert is positionable within the recess with a front face of the respective insert positioned proximate to the front of the bat. Each insert is selectively couplable to the bat such that a respective front face of the insert is positioned proximate to the front of the bat. The handle is configured to be grasped in the hands of a user, such that the insert is configured to strike a ball with the respective front face of the insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Inventor: Gregory Sancier
  • Patent number: 9795851
    Abstract: A climbing hold and a rock climbing system for use in rock climbing are disclosed. The climbing hold includes a climbing hold body which is provided with a conductive film and a circuit board. The rock climbing system includes a climbing wall, a main control unit, a control terminal, and a plurality of climbing holds. The main control unit includes a circuit board containing a microcontroller unit (MCU). The climbing hold circuit board and the main circuit board are electrically connected. The control terminal and the main control unit are electrically connected. When the climbing hold is being touched, the conductive film and the static electricity capacity of human body combine to cause a change in electrostatic capacity. The climbing hold circuit board can detect such a change instantaneously and send a status signal to the control terminal. Analysis can be performed by monitoring the status of every climbing hold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Billion Bright (HK) Corporation Limited
    Inventor: Kei Fung Tsang
  • Patent number: 9795852
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided various embodiments of a golf swing training device which is uniquely configured to maintain a desirable bent wrist condition through the entirety of the downswing (including golf ball impact) and follow-though or finish of the golf swing. More particularly, the training device constructed in accordance with the present invention allows the wearer/user to start the golf swing with the right wrist in its natural, generally flattened condition at address. Once the backswing of the golf stroke is initiated, the training device of the present invention allows the wearer/user to bend the right wrist back naturally, and at different amounts so as to represent the different amounts of right wrist bend a golfer may employ for shorter and longer strokes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Kyron, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Scott Shew, Lance Gordon Hussey, Ravi Kumar Sawhney
  • Patent number: 9795853
    Abstract: A watch can include a wrist strap, memory, an accelerometer, and a pressure sensor that responds to muscle movement at a wrist. Various other devices, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Inventor: Theodore Weissenburger Caldwell
  • Patent number: 9795854
    Abstract: An accelerated water removal low maintenance multi-hole golfing facility a plurality of golf holes and a plurality of water permeable and water shuttling sand bunkers. Each sand bunker has continuous bunker edge, a drain assembly, a synthetic tufted surface, a continuous integral edge overlapping polymer mesh, a non-woven dual smooth surfaced geo-textile, and a sand layer. Water flows from the continuous bunker edge over the synthetic tufted surface through sod the non-woven dual smooth surfaced geo-textile to the drain assembly preventing the drain assembly from clogging, thereby maintaining an unclogged drain assembly for the water permeable and water shuttling sand bunker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Inventor: Casey Jones
  • Patent number: 9795855
    Abstract: The invention is generally a system that enables a user to visually and graphically track their fitness goals using an interactive device connected to a server, wherein fitness progress data of the user is stored and made available to the user via a user interface, for example on a mobile device application or a webpage. The system of tracking fitness progress comprises a server, a database, and a device, for example a fitness booth, for taking images and gathering fitness progress data from a user. The information gathered at the fitness booth, including images, is stored in the database. Users are provided a graphical user interface to update and access their fitness progress data, thereby facilitating the user's tracking of their fitness progress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: FLEX BOOTH, INC.
    Inventor: Kiarash Jafarifesharaki
  • Patent number: 9795856
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of fitness and exercise equipment. More particularly, the invention relates to an easily removable and reusable absorbent fitness and exercise equipment cover with an integrated releasably attached towel for selectively covering a portion of exercise and fitness equipment during use. The invention provides for sweat absorption, enhanced grip on handgrips, the secure safe storage of the towel, and prevents user contact with bodily fluids of other uses that may be present on a surface of the exercise and fitness equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Inventors: Suzanne Seilus, Marci Crystal
  • Patent number: 9795857
    Abstract: A ball net structure arranged to be portable, collapsible, and provide the required structural support to receive or capture a projectile, such as but not limited to a soccer ball or baseball. The ball net structure comprises a support portion, first and second extensions, a first bracket pivotally coupling the first extension to the support portion, a second bracket pivotally coupling the second extension to the support portion, first and second flexible rods removably coupled to the support portion, and a net received by at least the first and second extensions and received by at least the first and second flexible rods. The net is configured to bend the first and second flexible rods from a linear state to an arcuate state, such that a net tension holds the net upright.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: TRIAD SPORTS, INC.
    Inventors: David Nelson, John Lucas
  • Patent number: 9795858
    Abstract: Systems for detecting a successful field goal are described herein. More specifically, the systems are directed at automated detection for a field goal attempt. The systems evaluate whether the football was kicked within the designated area (e.g., above the cross bar and between the two upright poles). The detection is performed through the use of cameras, lasers and detectors associated with the field goal post. In this way, the systems assist referees in determining the success of the field goal attempt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: PROSPORTS TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: John E. Cronin, Nick Reasner
  • Patent number: 9795859
    Abstract: A description is given of a shin guard (1) having a shin element (2) which is based on a hard plastics material or metal and has a concave inner side (16) which is curved transversally to a longitudinal axis (41) of the shin guard and encloses an interior (18) for accommodating a user's shin region. The shin guard is characterized in that at the lower end of the shin element (2), said lower end being directed towards the user's foot, it has a separate sliding element (3), which is based on a hard plastics material or metal and has a concave inner side (17), winch is adapted to the lower region of the shin element (2) and is curved transversally to the longitudinal axis (41) of the shin guard, as well as a convex outer surface (11), and in that the sliding element (3) is mounted such that it can be displaced dynamically essentially along the longitudinal axis (41), within defined limits, counter to a spring force directed towards the foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: LEKISPORT AG
    Inventor: Eberhard Heim
  • Patent number: 9795860
    Abstract: A roller mounting apparatus for an in-line roller skate blade comprises a body having a footware connector portion, a spacing portion adjacent the footware connector portion and a roller mounting portion adjacent the spacing portion. The roller mounting portion has roller mounts for mounting a plurality of rollers in tandem spaced apart positions such that contact points on outer surfaces of the rollers will lie on a first common curved line having no portion with a radius of curvature more than about 10 m, so that a contact point on a surface of a roller immediately adjacent to any given roller is spaced apart between about 0.1 mm to about 13 mm from a line tangent to the curved line at a point defined by the contact point of the given roller. A roller blade comprising the roller mounting apparatus is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Agility Blades Ltd.
    Inventors: Leonid B. Rubin, Valery M. Nebusov, Vasili Y. Tarasenko, Benjamin Duperthal, George Rubin
  • Patent number: 9795861
    Abstract: Some embodiments disclosed herein provide an apparatus for joining two skis to form a splitboard. The apparatus can comprise a first attachment portion configured to attach to a first ski and a second attachment portion configured to attach to a second ski. The first attachment portion and the second attachment portion can be configured to engage to prevent splitboard skis from moving up and down relative to each other, from moving apart in a direction perpendicular to a seam of the splitboard, from sliding relative to each other in a direction parallel to the seam, and from rotating about the seam of the splitboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Inventors: Bryce M. Kloster, Tyler G. Kloster
  • Patent number: 9795862
    Abstract: A toe-piece for binding a boot to a gliding board, the toe-piece including a frame; two wings each pivotable in relation to the frame about an axis of rotation and supporting a lateral interface surface designed to come into contact with a front portion of the boot when the toe-piece is in a descent configuration. The toe-piece further includes a lateral release mechanism that includes a connecting element connected to the wings such that the displacement of the connecting element causes the rotation of the wings about their axes of rotation; a first elastic member, a first end of which is connected to the connecting member; and a body against which a second end of the first elastic member presses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: SALOMON S.A.S.
    Inventors: Daniel Soldan, Nicolas Legrand, Alain Berthet
  • Patent number: 9795863
    Abstract: A truck for a skateboard utilizes spherical balls mounted for rotation beneath the deck of the skateboard such that the balls are freely rotatable in a direction along the longitudinal axis and are less rotatable in a direction transverse to the axis such that the skateboard exhibits behavior expected from a snowboard in snow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Inventor: Michael Linder
  • Patent number: 9795864
    Abstract: A detachable modular electric skateboard which comprises a board body, wheel frames arranged at the bottom of the board body and provided with wheels driven by external force to travel together with the board body and the wheel frames, a traveling suspension part detachably installed at the end of the board body, and a power supply control part arranged at the bottom of the board body and provided with a detachably-installed battery assembly, and further discloses a remote control device for controlling the electric skateboard. Through the detachable traveling suspension part and the power supply control part, the advantages of existing electric skateboards and ordinary skateboards are integrated, a user can achieve the function switching according to requirements, and the detachable modular electric skateboard can replace daily vehicles driven by manpower and perfectly shows the recreational significance of ordinary skateboards serving as sports equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Inventor: Jian Bao
  • Patent number: 9795865
    Abstract: Cue sports tables are provided with associated automated sensor and positioning assemblies. This permits competitors to play each other on separate tables. The tables automatically sense ball positions on one table and communicate that to a positioner associated with another table. That positioner then automatically drives balls on that other table to a mimicking position. These systems also permit a shot to be replayed if desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Toccata Gaming International, LLC
    Inventor: Todd R. Stimac
  • Patent number: 9795866
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein describe systems and methods for games with individual and independent pieces that are configured to move to create new routes and boards. Embodiments may include a series of symmetrical or asymmetrical blocks that can be dynamically moved or repositioned to for a maze with shifting channels or patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Inventors: Jeb Belcher, Earl Wilson Belcher
  • Patent number: 9795867
    Abstract: A board game is disclosed that includes at least two remote-controlled figures moving on a game board. Each of at least two remote-controlled figures moves to knock over an opponent's building models situated at predetermined build sites on the game board. A method of playing the game is also disclosed that includes: each player selecting a remote-controlled figure and a plurality of building models; situating each remote-controlled figure at a predetermined start site on the game board; situating the building models at the plurality of predetermined build sites on the game board; and moving each remote-controlled figure to knock down an opponent's plurality of building models.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Inventor: Greg Hughes
  • Patent number: 9795868
    Abstract: A robotic gaming system is provided that includes a plurality of modular wall sections placed on playing surface. At least one robot is controlled by a player to navigate on the playing surface and interact with a plurality of scoring elements on the walls. A sensor associated with a scoring elements identifies when the robot successfully interacts with the scoring element to score a point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Inventor: Kenneth C. Miller
  • Patent number: 9795869
    Abstract: Apparatus comprising a set of shapes, the shapes derived from a hexagonal footprint, and wherein for each of the shapes, at least some of the vertices of the hexagon joined with straight lines to define a perimeter of a respective shape of the set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: HEXCEL DESIGNS LIMITED
    Inventor: Stephen William Cruwys Brazier
  • Patent number: 9795870
    Abstract: A Gaming Chip/Poker Chip Tray includes a laser-type distance measuring device that measures the quantity of gaming poker chips located in each tray. As the device reads the quantity of chips per tray, the information is relayed to a processor which can display the added quantity in real-time. A microprocessor can control the laser reading device, and display. The real-time quantity can be displayed visibly with a digital display device or through a wired or wireless CPU device located on or away from the table containing the Counting Device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Inventor: Darrell Smith Ratliff
  • Patent number: 9795871
    Abstract: A gaming console composites a camera video overlay on gameplay video for broadcasting such that the gameplay area that is rendered by the gaming console is not obscured, even when the camera video overlay is composited on the gameplay video for broadcasting. The gaming console or a companion device of the gaming console can also allow a user to specify placement of the camera video overlay on the gameplay video for broadcasting, permitting the user to choose the portion of the gameplay video for broadcasting that is obscured by the camera video overlay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Steven P. Trombetta, Travis J. Muhlestein, Joanna Mason, Saswata Mandal, Corey E. Rogers, Ryan Y. Kim, Sudhakar V. Prabhu, Jesse D. Kaplan, Adam M. Smith
  • Patent number: 9795872
    Abstract: An exercise system for combining video game play with physical exercise includes an exercise machine that has a pair of handles. A gaming console is attached to the exercise machine. The gaming console is positioned on the handles such that the gaming console is accessible while the exercise machine is utilized. The gaming console stores electronic video games thereby facilitating video game play while exercising.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Inventor: Travis Kuhl
  • Patent number: 9795873
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a shooting game control method, which is executed by a computer incorporated in a device including a display and a touch panel, includes accepting a touch operation on the touch panel; displaying a first frame indicative of a shooting effective range on the display in accordance with a position of the touch operation; accepting an instruction for an attack on an attack target in a state in which the first frame is displayed; determining whether the attack target in a game image displayed on the display is within the first frame or not, at a time point when the instruction for the attack has been accepted; and controlling the attack on the attack target in the game image in accordance with a result of the determining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: GREE, INC.
    Inventors: Yuichi Tsuchiya, Norihiro Sawada, Tadashi Nagano, Takeshi Arakawa
  • Patent number: 9795874
    Abstract: A game controller is provided. In one embodiment, the game controller includes a main body. The game controller further includes a trigger device having a trigger body that pivots along a pivotal axis between a start point and a first stop point. The trigger body includes a top side that extends outside of the main body and a bottom side that extends within the main body. The game controller further includes a first adjustment mechanism having an adjustable contact surface that adjusts the first stop point to a second stop point by changing a point of contact below the bottom side of the trigger body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: CINCH GAMING EQUIPMENT LLC
    Inventor: James Hackney
  • Patent number: 9795875
    Abstract: Increasing a number of advertising impressions in a system configured to facilitate user interaction with an interactive environment containing one or more advertising targets is described. A scene of a portion of the simulated environment is displayed from a camera point of view (camera POV) on a video display. The scene may change as the camera POV changes in response to movement of the camera POV along a camera path during the user's interaction with the simulated environment. Modifying the camera path or a camera field of view can place more of an advertising target within the scene displayed on the video display to increase a likelihood of generating an advertising impression compared to a likelihood of generating an advertising impression without the modification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: SONY INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT AMERICA LLC
    Inventor: Gary M. Zalewski
  • Patent number: 9795876
    Abstract: A gaming machine includes a housing, in which a game sequence controller, at least one display device for displaying a gaming unit and at least one switching element, actuatable by a user and in contact with the game sequence controller, are arranged. At least one electromagnetic device coupled to the game sequence controller is associated with the switching element and, if the switching element is actuated, generates information that can be detected tactilely by the user in the form of a change of position and/or shape depending on the course of the game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: NOVOMATIC AG
    Inventors: Thomas Faul, Michael Rudolph Luft
  • Patent number: 9795877
    Abstract: Described embodiments include a real-time system, method, and apparatus. A system includes an incoming object sensor configured to acquire data indicative of a trajectory of an incoming projectile. The system includes a human tracking circuit configured to acquire data indicative of a location of a human present in a monitored geographic area. The system includes a processing circuit configured to (i) receive the data indicative of the trajectory of the incoming projectile; (ii) predict a spatial relationship of the trajectory of the incoming projectile relative to the location of the human; and (iii) determine a suggested movement by the human to evade the incoming projectile. The system includes a transmitter circuit configured to transmit the suggested movement to evade the incoming projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Inventors: Russell J. Hannigan, Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, 3ric Johanson, Jordin T. Kare, Tony S. Pan, Clarence T. Tegreene, Charles Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood, Jr., Victoria Y. H. Wood
  • Patent number: 9795878
    Abstract: An improved computer implemented process for providing an interactive game event for two or more users. A game event is configured to comprise one or more independently progressing sub-processes (SP1-SP6) into which groups of game characters (C1-C3) are selected. Selected game characters (C1-C3) are provided with a set of allowed interaction functions for activation in the sub-process (SP1-SP6). The state of the sub-process (SP1-SP6) is changed in response to a game character (C1-C3) activating an interaction function from the set of allowed interaction functions, and the set of allowed interaction functions of the game characters (C1-C3) is updated in response to state change of the sub-process (SP1-SP6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: QUICKSAVE INTERACTIVE OY
    Inventors: Ville Kalle Arponen, Timo Kämäräinen
  • Patent number: 9795879
    Abstract: A system and method of pausing a game in a cloud gaming system including playing a game on a first game console included in the cloud gaming system, pausing the game at a selected point in the game and capturing game state data for the paused game. The paused game can be resumed by retrieving the game state data and applying the game state data to a selected game console and resuming the game at the selected point in the game on the selected game console.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Sony Interactive Entertainment America LLC
    Inventor: Roelof Roderick Colenbrander
  • Patent number: 9795880
    Abstract: A method and system to transfer assets between interactive social games is described. In some embodiments, the method generates a visual expression of a transfer mechanism in a first computer-implemented game. The method further generates the visual expression of the transfer mechanism in a second computer-implemented game. The transfer mechanism is capable of transferring an in-game asset from the first computer-implemented game to the second computer-implemented game. The method transfers the in-game asset from the first computer-implemented game to the second computer-implemented game using the transfer mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventor: Manuel Uris Bronstein Bendayan
  • Patent number: 9795881
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling groups of game entities in a video game in a collective, coordinated, and/or collaborative manner are presented herein. Groups of individual game entities may be formed. Individual groups may be associated with a group entity. Control inputs may be received that are related to group entity actions to be performed by the group entities in the virtual space. The group entity actions may be related to one or more group actions to be performed by the game entities included in the groups in a collective, coordinated, and/or collaborative manner. The one or more group actions may be implemented by executing individual game entity actions to be performed by the individual game entities included in the groups. The individual game entity actions may be determined based on the group entity actions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Sandeep Kharkar, Daren Smith, Jason Scanlon, Duane Johnson, Paul Mombourquette
  • Patent number: 9795882
    Abstract: A system and method for receiving an ordered set of images and analyzing the images to determine at least one position in space and at least one motion vector in space and time for at least one object represented in the images is disclosed. Using these vectors, a four dimensional model of at least a portion of the information represented in the images is formulated. This model generally obeys the laws of physics, though aberrations may be imposed. The model is then exercised with an input parameter, which, for example, may represent a different perspective than the original set of images. The four dimensional model is then used to produce a modified set of ordered images in dependence on the input parameter and optionally the set of images, e.g., if only a portion of the data represented in the images is modeled. The set of images may then be rendered on a display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Inventors: Gregory S. Rabin, Steven M. Hoffberg
  • Patent number: 9795883
    Abstract: Operational management of a multi-media system includes assessing end user performance with respect to operation of a multi-media device in the multi-media system. Upon determining a performance value derived from assessment of the end user performance exceeds a pre-defined threshold value, the operational management further includes identifying accommodation options that specify modifications to the operation of the multi-media device and/or operations of another multi-media device in the multi-media system that is engaged in a media activity concurrent with the end user of the multi-media device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: John G. Musial, Abhinay R. Nagpal, Sandeep R. Patil, Sri Ramanathan
  • Patent number: 9795884
    Abstract: An interactive gaming system is disclosed. The system comprises at least one sensor that conveys information to the system about the physical, intellectual, mental, emotional, psychological or other type of ability of a user. The system uses the information to assess the existence and extent of a disability, and then implements a change to an aspect of the gaming environment, thus optimizing the gaming experience for the game player by accounting for the game player's disabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: DATADNA, INC.
    Inventors: Gregory T. Short, Geoffrey C. Zatkin, Christopher R. Taylor
  • Patent number: 9795885
    Abstract: System and method for providing cross-game virtual containers in online games are disclosed. Virtual items usable in multiple online games may be packaged in a cross-game virtual container. Instances of cross-game virtual container may be presented for purchase by user in a virtual store. The price of a given instance of cross-game virtual container may be set as a fraction of the total of the individual prices of the virtual items in the given instance of cross-game virtual container. After an activation of a purchased instance of cross-game virtual container by a user in one of the online games, virtual items in the purchased instance of cross-game virtual container may be made available for access to the user in respective online games. In some examples, a notification may be generated for informing the user of the availability of the virtual items in the activated instance of cross-game virtual container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Aftershock Services, Inc.
    Inventors: John Kim, Kevin Chanthasiriphan, Kevin Lee
  • Patent number: 9795886
    Abstract: One aspect of the disclosure relates to determining prices for a protection extension in an online game. The protection extension may be implemented, for example, after a user's beginning protection and/or any other in-game protection period has ceased. The protection extension may be dynamically priced for individual users. The protection extension may be priced, for example, based on the user's power and/or strength in a game, and/or based on other factors. For example, the stronger the user is in the game, the more expensive the extension of protection, and the weaker the user is in the game, the cheaper the extension of protection. This may provide an opportunity for a less experienced player to build up their strength in a game, thus promoting further player engagement. Individualizing the price of protection extensions may provide other enhancements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Aftershock Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Kellen Christopher Smalley, Stephanie K. Schultz
  • Patent number: 9795887
    Abstract: The field of the invention relates to multi-user online gaming systems, and more particularly to systems and methods that enable a spectator's experience for online active games. In a preferred embodiment, an online multiuser game system includes a user matching system configured to match users for a game session, wherein the user matching system is enabled to match a first user with another user based at least in part on behavior data in the first user's profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: RIOT GAMES, INC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Lin, Paul Sottosanti
  • Patent number: 9795888
    Abstract: A computerized on-line photo identification game presented through a computer program provides a subject matter category and steps for registration of website visitors to become photo-submitting players or to become photo subject matter identifying photo identifying players who receive photos of specific subject matter within the subject matter category submitted by photo-submitting players and identify the subject matter shown in the photos by name, by matching the subject matter to stored text in the program database, or both, and in which the photo identifying players may be rated by factors including concurrence with the majority of photo identifying players in identification and in which they may also be rewarded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Inventors: Howard A. Green, Joseph Gene Cannata, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9795889
    Abstract: The game program that relates to the present invention directs a computer to execute a process that involves extracting all of the groups that can be constituted by combining a plurality of characters owned by the player from among a plurality of groups respectively composed of a plurality of pre-associated characters, a process that involves assembling a deck constituted by combining groups consecutively selected from all of the extracted groups, and a process that involves conducting a battle game during which the deck is engaged in battle by causing the deck to generate the special effects associated with each selected group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: DeNA Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akihiro Suga
  • Patent number: 9795890
    Abstract: The mobile sheet flow water ride apparatus of the present invention utilizes a rigid inclined structure. Ride surfaces, aisle surfaces, and surround fences are covered with protective inflatable air cushions. The ride apparatus of the present invention has non-retractable transport wheels and uses a multitude of adjustable jacks to take the load off the transport wheels and support the ride apparatus. The ride apparatus utilizes a 15,000 gpm double-suction pump driven by a 460-horsepower diesel engine that is transported in its own trailer. Water is pumped from a main storage tank through a horizontally-oriented nozzle that 2.438 meters wide and 6.35 cm high at supercritical speed. The water rushes up the slope, over a berm at the top of the slope, and back into the main storage tank through a square main return grate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Inventor: Jerry Boyc Bradshaw
  • Patent number: 9795891
    Abstract: An apparatus for soothing a child is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a cart, a conveyor belt, and a stabilization frame. The cart is configured to receive and support a child seat, and includes a plurality of downwardly extending wheels. The conveyor belt is disposed below the cart to support the cart. The conveyor belt has an uneven surface. The wheels of the cart role over the uneven surface while the conveyor belt operates. The stabilization frame extends higher than the conveyor belt, surrounds the conveyor belt, and is configured to maintain the cart over the conveyor belt while the conveyor belt operates. Movements created by the wheels of the cart rolling over the uneven surface are transmitted via the cart to the child seat, which can have a soothing effect on a child seated therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Inventor: Cody Logan
  • Patent number: 9795892
    Abstract: A family of toy cars includes a plurality of components, which cooperatively translate a motive force applied to a finger engagement structure into motion of the toy car in a horizontal plane. The toy car system includes a chassis, a body, a finger engagement structure, a pair of front wheels rotatably coupled to the chassis, and a pair of rear wheels rotatably coupled to the chassis. Each of the front pair of wheels may be coupled to the front suspension by a castered coupling. The toy car may include a steering linkage between the front wheels configured such that the front wheels turn in unison in response to the motive force applied to the toy car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Thoughtfull Toys, Inc.
    Inventors: David E. Silverglate, Brian Gulassa, Steven Asher Silverglate
  • Patent number: 9795893
    Abstract: Pseudo magnetic monopoles made from a plurality of building blocks, each having one outer surface that is substantially a north magnetic pole and an opposing outer surface that is substantially a south magnetic pole. The building blocks are assembled to form a hollow object having an inner surface and an outer surface, with all of the north or south poles of the building blocks facing outwardly, such that entire outer surface of the object is substantially either north or south. The building blocks may be magnetized before or after they are assembled to form the hollow object. The hollow object may be a sphere. The building blocks may have tapered side surfaces to minimize gaps between the building blocks when they are assembled to form the hollow object. A plurality of the objects may be provided in kit form as a teaching tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Inventor: Richard H. Harrington
  • Patent number: 9795894
    Abstract: A levitation device that includes a housing, an adjustable launch platform, a base magnet, an adjustable attractor or repeller magnet, a leveling mechanism, and a spinning top incorporating a magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Inventor: Joseph Chieffo
  • Patent number: 9795895
    Abstract: Atmospheric water generators, systems and methods are presented involve user authentication, recording and tracking of water volumes dispensed by respective users over periods of various lengths, controlling component noise level and timing, and cleaning, heating and cooling the collected water more efficiently. The generators may be placed in network communication with other such generators to exchange water availability information therewith, or may communicate with a central server element by way of LAN, Internet, cell tower, peer-to-peer mesh or satellite. Information is conveyed to the user regarding the amount of water they consume from the water generators, and their resulting positive impact on the environment. Water dispensing data may be shared on the users' social media accounts, or used as inputs for competitions or games in order to further engage the user. User authentication may be accomplished by way of biometrics or an RFID/NFC tag embedded in the user's water vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Skywell, LLC
    Inventor: Ronald M. Dorfman
  • Patent number: 9795896
    Abstract: An adsorption method adsorbs a substance by using a tube-shaped apatite crystal. The apatite crystal may be a monocrystal given by a general formula M25(PO4)3X (M2 denotes at least one element selected from the group consisting of divalent alkali earth metal and Eu, and X denotes at least one element or molecule selected from the group consisting of halogen element and OH). The outer form of the apatite crystal may be a hexagonal prism in which the aperture of a hole formed on a top surface or bottom surface of the hexagonal prism may be hexagonal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kiminori Enomoto, Hisayoshi Daicho, Yu Shinomiya