Patents Issued in January 30, 2018
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Patent number: 9881427Abstract: A computer-implemented method, computer program product, and system for vehicle maintenance are provided. The computer-implemented method may include predicting a future vehicle location based on a vehicle location history; predicting future vehicle usage from user information, wherein the user information includes information collected from a user's social media account; identifying maintenance needs of a vehicle; and determining available times for vehicle maintenance based on the future vehicle location and the user information.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2015Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Emmanuel Barajas Gonzalez, Shaun E. Harrington, Benjamin K. Rawlins
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Patent number: 9881428Abstract: Vehicle data may be analyzed to predict potential component failures, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), or other mechanical failures relating to the vehicle. In one implementation the vehicle data may be received from a number of vehicles, the vehicle data including DTCs generated by on-board diagnostic (OBD) systems of the vehicles. The vehicle data may be evaluated using a predictive model to output predictions of DTCs that are likely to occur for a particular vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2014Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.Inventors: James Ronald Barfield, Jr., Stephen Christopher Welch, Marc Edmond Barbier
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Patent number: 9881429Abstract: Computer program products, methods, systems, apparatus, and computing entities are provided for segmenting operational data and identifying events of interest in the segmented operational data. With the events of interest identified, a total time between the events of interest can be determined.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2015Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: UNITED PARCEL SERVICE OF AMERICA, INC.Inventor: Mark J. Davidson
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Patent number: 9881430Abstract: A system includes plural, different sensors configured to be operably connected to a first vehicle. The sensors obtain status data indicative of a state of a cooling system of the first vehicle. The system includes a digital twin system having processors configured to modify the status data having sampling rates or resolutions that differ such that the status data that is modified has a common sampling rate resolution as that of other data. The processors create a digital twin matrix of the status data. The digital twin matrix is indicative of the state of the cooling system. The processors also determine a health score of the cooling system or simulate operation of the cooling system based on the digital twin matrix. The digital twin system is configured to change or control actual operation of the cooling system based on the health score or the operation that is simulated.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2017Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Tapan Shah, Suresh Govindappa, Paul Nistler, Babu Narayanan
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Patent number: 9881431Abstract: An aspect of the disclosure includes a security system and method having a key with nanoscale features. The key includes a body. At least one pattern member disposed on the body, the pattern member formed using a directed self-assembly polymer to define a pattern of random feature structures thereon, the feature structures having a width of less than 100 nanometers.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2016Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Benjamin D. Briggs, Lawrence A. Clevenger, Bartlet H. DeProspo, Michael Rizzolo
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Patent number: 9881432Abstract: A fuel authorization system enables data to be exchanged between vehicles and a fuel vendor, to verify that the vehicle is authorized to receive fuel. Each fuel island is equipped with a camera and a short range radio (RF) component. Participating vehicles are equipped with fuel authorization component including an IR transmitter and a RF component that can establish a data link with the fuel island's RF unit. When the camera senses a vehicle in the fuel lane, an RF query is sent to the vehicle. Participating vehicles respond with an IR transmission. An RF data link is then established between the enrolled vehicle and the fuel vendor to verify that the vehicle is authorized to receive fuel. Once the verification is complete, the fuel dispenser is enabled. In some embodiments, the IR data link is not required, as the camera can distinguish between multiple fuel lanes.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2014Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: ZONAR SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Charles Michael McQuade, Rick Fadler
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Patent number: 9881433Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring permission to be in a location comprising: a secured area having at least one entry point with a mechanical gate having an open and closed position; at least two wireless proximity sensors attached to a portion of (or the area adjacent to) the mechanical gate; a token device in communication with the wireless proximity sensors that determine a location of the token device relative to one of the wireless proximity sensors to provide a detection data point and a set of detection data points for the group of detection data points; and a system computing device that calculates the shared proximity of the token device. If the token device contains a valid ticket and the shared proximity of the token device is within a predetermined area the system computing device will cause the mechanical gate to go to the open position.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2015Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Inventors: Micah Bergdale, Matthew Grasser, Nicholas Ihm, Gregory Valyer
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Patent number: 9881434Abstract: The invention relates to an intelligent portable personal security object including graphical personalization data visible from a face of the object, wherein the graphical personalization data are presented by electronic display. The invention also relates to a use of the portable object in the carrying out of secure electronic transaction; and/or in the authentication and visual monitoring of at least one person; and/or in logical access control for at least one user; and/or in the displaying of data other than graphical personalization data.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2009Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: GEMALTO SAInventors: Philippe Biton, Gérald Maunier, William Berges, Daniel Boucher
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Patent number: 9881435Abstract: Site based clustered APB security systems and methods are provided. Some systems can include a first plurality of access controllers located at a first site, a second plurality of access controllers located at a second site, and a host system supporting each of the first and second plurality of access controllers. A triggering event at a first of the first plurality of access controllers can cause the first of the first plurality of access controllers to transmit a triggering signal to the host system. Responsive thereto, the host system can identify the remaining access controllers in the first plurality of access controllers, transmit a status update to the remaining access controllers in the first plurality of access controllers, and avoid transmitting the status update to the second plurality of access controllers.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2015Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventor: Rajesh Gopalakrishna
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Patent number: 9881436Abstract: A coin escrow apparatus, which is installed in a machine, and controlled by a processor of the machine, includes a base, on which a plurality of coin barrels, a motor, a coin separator, and a plurality of gate devices are provided. The motor and the coin barrels are connected in series, so that the motor drives all the coin barrels to work. The coin separator is above the coin barrels to guide the coins to different coin barrels according to their sizes. The gate devices are provided under outlets of the coin barrels respectively to be controlled by the processor to open and close the outlets of the coin barrels respectively.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2017Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: Yongmart Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventor: Chih-Chen Juan
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Patent number: 9881437Abstract: In one embodiment, a money reception device has a storage device, a reject device, and a control device. The reject device rejects money which has been judged not to be a normal coin, out of received coins. After the money has been rejected, when storage of the money to be received again in the storage device is permitted, the control device controls the reject device so that the money to be received again is not rejected.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2016Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Yusuke Sato
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Patent number: 9881438Abstract: A method for printing stock anti-counterfeiting by using a feature image and a corresponding system is disclosed. The method comprises obtaining a feature code for identifying a printing stock by recognizing a first feature of the feature image printed on the printing stock; searching for pre-recorded first anti-counterfeiting information of the printing stock; obtaining second anti-counterfeiting information of the printing stock by recognizing a second feature of the feature image printed on the printing stock; and comparing whether a similarity between the second anti-counterfeiting information and the first anti-counterfeiting information reaches a first match threshold value to determine whether the printing stock is true or false. The first anti-counterfeiting information is embodied as a distinguishable material feature of the printing stock in a feature image region or features of color, shape and position of the image printed in the feature image region.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2014Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: RUSI Information Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.Inventors: Lixin Zhao, Hongzhou Chen, Ziming Chen, Wei Guo
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Patent number: 9881439Abstract: A container and a system for the processing of bank notes which are present as separate units. Beginning with a container for the processing of bank notes which are present as separate units, having a housing, open on one side, for the receiving of bank notes standing on their longitudinal edges, the container can be subdivided by means of separator elements, and the separator elements have free gaps toward the interstices formed therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2010Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: GIESECKE+DEVRIENT CURRENCY TECHNOLOGY GMBHInventor: Erwin Demmeler
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Patent number: 9881440Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for controlling and monitoring the storage and dispensing of beverage products; the apparatus comprising: a plurality of product registration devices for registering the presence of beverage products in one or more storage locations, each product registration device being associated with one beverage product or group of beverage products; a plurality of metering dispensers in a sales location from which one or more authorized users can dispense beverage products to customers; a plurality of locking means for preventing dispensing of a beverage product, each locking means being operatively linked to a different one of said metering dispensers; a plurality of user identifying devices for identifying authorized users, each user identifying device being operatively linked to a different one of said locking means so that an authorized user can unlock the said locking means and thereby dispense a beverage product from an operatively linked ‘metering dispenser; and a processor whiType: GrantFiled: April 3, 2013Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Inventor: Bernard Edgar Anning
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Patent number: 9881441Abstract: Systems and methods for determining sweepstakes winners involve a display providing a code to an end-user device and the end user-device providing the displayed code to a computer, which determines whether the displayed code is a winning code. Whether a code is a winning code can be based on a variable factor, such as a geographic location, a date, a time of day, a day of a week, a number of submissions by a particular person, valued activities performed by a particular person. The identification of a code as a winning code can be performed either before the code is provided to the display or after the code is received by the computer.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: THE MEYERS PRINTING COMPANIES, INC.Inventor: David Dillon
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Patent number: 9881442Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a gaming system and method for redeeming a winning ticket and/or a plurality of non-winning tickets having corresponding symbols for an award. Generally, in various embodiments, the gaming system of the present disclosure enables a player to: (a) redeem a winning ticket for a first award, and (b) redeem a set of two or more non-winning tickets having corresponding symbols for a second award. Thus, while an individual ticket may be a non-winning ticket when standing alone, the gaming system of the present disclosure enables that non-winning ticket to provide value to the player (in the form of an award) when combined with at least one additional non-winning ticket.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2016Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: IGTInventor: Rania F. Elkhoury
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Patent number: 9881443Abstract: A gaming system includes a housing having gaming components therein. The housing has a door opening and a door capable of rotating about a hinge axis defined by a set of hinge pins rigidly affixed to the housing. Attached to the door are a set of hinge arms having a set of specially shaped hinge slots positioned around the hinge pins. The hinge arms are additionally coupled to the housing by a set of spring components. When the housing door is not in a closed position, the spring components bias the door to an open position. When the housing door is in the closed position, the spring components bias the door in a direction defined by the hinge slots such that the door remains in a neutral position minimizing a spacing gap along one edge of the door. A set of roller guides align the door with a set of corresponding roller pins when the door approaches the closed position, and a locking mechanism is configured to latch the door to the housing in the closed position.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2015Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.Inventors: Stephen J. Maher, Michael Corristine, Gregory E. Klostermann, Andrew Lloyd
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Patent number: 9881444Abstract: A gaming system compatible with patron-controlled portable electronic devices, such as smart phones or tablet computers, is described. When a Player surpasses predetermined game play parameters on a game of an EGM, a bonus game or related game material may be “unlocked” and offered to the Player for download onto the Player's Portable Electronic Device (PED). Upon installation, the game or content may be viewed or played on their PED at a later time and at their leisure.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2016Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: IGTInventors: Dwayne R. Nelson, Steven G. LeMay
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Patent number: 9881445Abstract: A gaming machine arranged to implement a base game and associated method are described. The gaming machine includes a game implementer arranged to implement a game and to generate game state information indicative of the current state of the game as the game is played by a player; and a data storage device arranged to store the game state information as the game is played by the player; the game implementer being arranged to retrieve game state information and to recommence play of the game by the player when the game state information is retrieved.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2011Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: Aristocrat Technology Australia Pty LimitedInventor: James William Morrow
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Patent number: 9881446Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a gambling hybrid game having an omniscience mode are disclosed. The systems and method involve receiving an input from a player accepting an omniscience gambling proposition. The results of a gambling event associated with the omniscience gambling proposition are then determined and wagers are resolved. The results of the gambling event are then used to determine target information to provide a player to satisfy the omniscience gambling proposition.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2014Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: Gamblit Gaming, LLCInventors: Miles Arnone, Caitlyn Ross
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Patent number: 9881447Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer programs are presented for enhancing social collaboration in an online casino game. One method includes an operation for receiving bets from players playing in a first gambling mode in an online gambling room. The method also includes an operation for determining contributions to a community metric based on the outcomes of the bets, where all players in the online gambling room contribute towards the community metric. After detecting that the community metric reaches a predetermined goal, the online casino game enters all players in the online gambling room into a second gambling mode to achieve a room goal, where the value of the community metric does not change while players are in the second gambling mode.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2016Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: Zynga Inc.Inventors: Josh Guase, Nimai Malle, Nathan Ratcliffe
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Patent number: 9881448Abstract: An electromechanical gaming machine constructed to receive real credits from a user, and having an entertainment game controller connected to a game world controller, and a real world controller which together communicate game world information; receive a request to aggregate information; aggregate game world information; receive a gambling outcome; display gambling outcome; receive a wager request; determine gambling outcome; communicate gambling outcome; determine whether or not to generate an aggregation request; generate an aggregation request; disaggregate game world information, communicate wager request; receive gambling outcome; and communicate gambling outcome.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2017Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: Gamblit Gaming, LLCInventors: Miles Arnone, Frank Cire, Clifford Kaylin, Eric Meyerhofer
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Patent number: 9881449Abstract: A system for interactive gaming among a plurality of players includes a host computer system and a plurality of player terminals communicably coupled to the host computer system via a network. The plurality of player terminals are located at a plurality of licensed gaming locations. The plurality of player terminals are configured to engage the plurality of players in a common interactive game operated by the host computer system. The plurality of player terminals include means for dispensing player winnings from the player terminal.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2017Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: AG 18, LLCInventor: Brian Frenkel
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Patent number: 9881450Abstract: Various embodiments of gaming systems, gaming devices, and methods of the present disclosure provide one or more alternative wagering propositions to a player when the player's credit balance is less than (or, in certain embodiments, less than or equal to) a designated wager amount. If the player accepts one of the alternative wager propositions, the player risks an amount of the player's remaining credit balance for a chance to win an alternative award. If the player wins the alternative award, the gaming system enables the player to play one or more plays of the wagering game at the designated wager amount. If the player does not win the alternative award, the gaming system reduces the player's credit balance by the amount risked.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2016Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: IGTInventors: Adam M. Singer, Mark C. Nicely
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Patent number: 9881451Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a gambling hybrid game with an accumulated trigger and deferred gambling are disclosed. The gambling hybrid game monitors an accumulation of an activating element during play of an entertainment game and activates a gambling game in a manner dependent upon the amount of the activating element accumulated during the play of the entertainment game. The gambling game may occur only after a sufficient amount of the activating element has been accumulated and/or at a particular point in game play of the entertainment game. Awards of a game currency and/or real credits based on the results of gambling events in the gambling game may also be determined by the accumulation of the activating element.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2015Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: Gamblit Gaming, LLCInventor: Miles Arnone
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Patent number: 9881452Abstract: An augmented or replaced application outcome interleaved wagering system is disclosed. The system includes an interactive controller operatively connected to an application controller by a network, the interactive controller configured to: communicate application telemetry; receive application outcomes, advancement of an interactive application being based on the application outcomes; and receive a wager outcome. The system also includes a wager controller operatively connected to the application controller, the wager controller constructed to: receive application outcome requests; generate application outcomes; communicate the application outcomes; determine a wager outcome.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2014Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: Gamblit Gaming, LLCInventors: Miles Arnone, Frank Cire, Clifford Kaylin, Eric Meyerhofer, Caitlyn Ross
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Patent number: 9881453Abstract: A wager gaming machine may be configured not only to provide wagering games, but also to communicate with one or more hosts that can provide information and/or services pertaining to local wager gaming events, including but not limited to local tournaments, local restaurants, local messages (e.g., messages from other players in the gaming establishment), local social events, local sporting events, local dating opportunities, etc. Other hosts may provide information and/or services pertaining to business or finance (e.g., stock quotes), sports, news, weather, etc. Processes for conveying audio, video, etc., from host devices may be separate from processes used to control wager game presentations. At least some such processes may be able to output an associated “skin” on a video system of the wager gaming machine. These processes may involve providing one or more “widgets.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2015Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: IGTInventors: Jacob Graham, Gregory A. Schlottmann, Steven G. LeMay, Richard E. Rowe
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Patent number: 9881454Abstract: A multifaceted application resource interleaved wagering system is disclosed, including an interactive controller configured to: communicate application telemetry; receive application resource instructions; communicate additional application telemetry; receive application resource availability instructions; a wager controller constructed to: receive wager request instructions; determine a wager outcome; and communicate wager outcome data to the application controller; and the application controller operatively connecting the interactive controller and the wager controller, the application controller constructed to: receive the application telemetry; determine whether a wager is triggered; generate wager request instructions; instruct the wager controller by communicating the wager request instructions to the wager controller; receive the wager outcome data; determine application resources to award; generate application resource instructions; communicate the application resource instructions; receive the additType: GrantFiled: April 14, 2015Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: Gamblit Gaming, LLCInventors: Miles Arnone, Frank Cire, Clifford Kaylin, Eric Meyerhofer, Caitlyn Ross
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Patent number: 9881455Abstract: A game of accuracy and method for playing the same at a fuel pump comprising one or more players dispensing fuel or energy with the object of stopping the fuel pump's metering mechanism at a predetermined value. Exemplary embodiments of the game comprise a fuel pump, a metering mechanism for measuring the quantity of fuel or energy dispensed, a controller coupled with the fuel pump for starting and stopping the flow of fuel or energy therethrough, and a processor in communication with the metering mechanism. The method of playing comprises selecting a goal outcome, one or more players dispensing fuel or energy with the object of dispensing an amount of fuel or energy that corresponds with the goal outcome, and providing the one or more players with a prize in the event the amount of fuel or energy dispensed corresponds with the goal outcome.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2016Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: INDYTRADECENTER IN LLCInventor: Roger L. Wilson
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Patent number: 9881456Abstract: An electronic game machine allowing for a sponsored hybrid system includes: a real world controller coupled to a game world controller over a network, the real world controller constructed to provide a randomly generated payout of real world credits; an entertainment software controller coupled to the game world controller, wherein the entertainment software controller is configured to execute an entertainment game; and the game world controller coupled to the entertainment software controller, a non-player interface, and the real world controller by the network, wherein the game world controller is constructed to: access a database containing a player profile of the player and a sponsor profile of a non-player; receive from the non-player interface, sponsorship terms involving allocation of gameplay resources during sponsored gameplay of the hybrid game; allocate gameplay resources associated with the sponsor profile to the player profile based on the sponsorship terms; and allocate gameplay resources resultType: GrantFiled: December 12, 2016Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: Gamblit Gaming, LLCInventors: Miles Arnone, Caitlyn Ross
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Patent number: 9881457Abstract: Electronic card game devices and methods incorporate progressive jackpot operations controlled by a central server computer. If a system game device is selected by the central server computer to win a progressive jackpot award, the system game device is programmed to display secondary game outcome symbols on playing cards being displayed during game play to indicate winning of the award.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2016Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: VEGAS AMUSEMENT, LLCInventor: Julian J Kennedy
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Patent number: 9881458Abstract: A mobile device for a gaming system is disclosed, the mobile device providing an interactive controller configured to: communicate application telemetry; receive a wager outcome; receive an application resource; initiate a bonus goal; communicate additional application telemetry; receive and display bonus wager outcome; a wager controller constructed to: receive the wager request; determine a wager outcome; communicate the wager outcome; receive bonus wager request; determine a bonus wager outcome; and communicate bonus wager outcome; and the application controller operatively connecting the mobile device and the wager controller, the application controller constructed to: receive application telemetry; determine whether to trigger a wager; communicating wager request; receive and communicate the wager outcome; determine and communicate the application resource; communicate a bonus goal offer; receive additional application telemetry; determine whether the bonus goal is achieved; generate and communicate bonuType: GrantFiled: January 26, 2017Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: Gamblit Gaming, LLCInventors: Miles Arnone, David Chang, Frank Cire, Eric Meyerhofer
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Patent number: 9881459Abstract: In various embodiments, the present disclosure relates generally to a game including a path of different symbol display positions. The gaming system generates one or more symbols (and/or one or more awards) at one or more of the symbol display positions of a matrix or grid. The gaming system then randomly forms a path including a plurality of the symbol display positions and determines an award for the player based on which symbol display positions are included in the formed path.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2017Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: IGTInventors: Scott A. Caputo, Leandro Basallo, Rachael A. Bristol, Thomas Uster, Jodi Manela, Dacotah Petermann-Turner, Amity Wang, Benjamin J. Zoltewicz, Prashant Arora, David Hernandez-Diaz, Stephen J. Edwards, Matthew Falzone, Sean Mountain, Alexander Present, Todd Wong
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Patent number: 9881460Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a gaming system and method providing a bonus opportunity when a designated relationship exists between a plurality of randomly determined elements. The gaming system randomly generates a plurality of elements in association with a play of a secondary game. The gaming system determines whether a designated relationship exists between the randomly determined elements. If the designated relationship exists between the randomly determined elements, the gaming system determines a bonus opportunity associated with the randomly determined elements and provides the bonus opportunity to a player.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2013Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: IGTInventors: Leandro Basallo, Rachael A. Bristol, Colin M. Ferris, John Grime, Ana K. Rollins, Timothy L. Isaacson, Mark C. Nicely, Dacotah A. Petermann-Turner, Alex Present
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Patent number: 9881461Abstract: An enhanced interleaved wagering system is disclosed, including an interactive controller configured to: communicate application telemetry; display a wager outcome; communicate an indication to enter a tournament; communicate tournament application telemetry associated with the tournament; display a tournament award; a wager controller constructed to: receive wager request; determine and communicate the wager outcome; the application controller operatively connecting the interactive controller and the wager controller, the application controller also operatively connected to a tournament controller and constructed to: receive the application telemetry; determine whether to trigger a wager; communicate the wager request; receive the wager outcome; receive the tournament entry indication; receive tournament award; communicate the tournament award.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2015Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: Gamblit Gaming, LLCInventors: Miles Arnone, Frank Cire, Eric Meyerhofer
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Patent number: 9881462Abstract: Systems and methods for creating a plurality of seeds for a multiplayer tournament of an electronic game are disclosed. The system includes a server including a seed generator module, a seed sorter module, and a seed selection module. The seed generator module randomly generates the plurality of seeds. Each of the plurality of corresponds to a unique shuffle of cards of a game of the multiplayer tournament. The seed sorter module rates each of the plurality of seeds, and then sorts the plurality of rated seeds in accordance with one or more business goals. A seed selection module is configured to receive a player identifier and a tournament play count associated with a first player of the multiplayer tournament. The seed selection module is further configured to identify a rated seed for the first player in accordance with the player identifier and the tournament play count.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2016Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: AMI ENTERTAINMENT NETWORK, LLCInventors: Brennan McTernan, William L. Layne, Greg Nyce, Malcolm J. Harwood, Samir Tamri
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Patent number: 9881463Abstract: Provided is a gaming machine which does not bore the player through reel actions until completion of rearrangement of symbols. Under the condition where predetermined symbols are aligned on a payline when the symbols of a first scroll line of at least one of a plurality of scroll lines are being scrolled and symbols on the remaining second scroll lines are stopped, the gaming machine changes scrolling motion of symbols of the first scroll line.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2013Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignees: Universal Entertainment Corporation, Aruze Gaming America, Inc.Inventors: Masumi Fujisawa, Kenta Kitamura, Susumu Mio, Hidekazu Suzuki, Kazuo Okada
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Patent number: 9881464Abstract: A core module for an Automated Transaction Machine (ATM) includes a housing including a plurality of cassette bays, a first document delivery system, and a second document delivery system. The first document delivery system is capable of transporting a document between the cassette and the second document delivery system via a first transport path. The second document delivery system is capable of transporting a document between the first document delivery system and an other ATM location via a second transport path.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2016Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: Diebold Nixdorf, IncorporatedInventors: Brian Jones, Michael J. Harty, Thomas A. VanKirk, William D. Beskitt, Jeffrey M. Eastman, David A. Peters, Clinton L. Boley
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Patent number: 9881465Abstract: A computing device includes one or more memory devices storing executable instructions, one or more processors configured to execute the instructions, a programmable display screen configured to display text-based information, a user activity sensor, a battery configured to provide power to the one or more processors, and a battery status visual indicator. The battery status indicator is located on a surface of the computing device and is configured to display, in response an indication from the user activity sensor of an interaction by a user with the computing device, non-text-based information indicating a status of the battery.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2015Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: GOOGLE LLCInventors: Alexander Friedrich Kuscher, Simon Arscott, Adam Rodriguez
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Patent number: 9881466Abstract: A beacon or annular light generator assembly includes a top cover and an associated bottom cover centered on a vertical axis with a ring of light-emitting elements situated between the top and bottom covers. Upper and lower reflectors are integrated into the lower side of the top cover and into the upper side of the lower cover. These reflectors are surfaces of rotation, about the vertical axis, of a horizontal parabola whose focus lies substantially on the ring of light-emitting elements. A cylindrical collimating lens lies radially outside the ring of light-emitting elements, and concentrates the center portion of the light onto the horizontal plane. Light outside the center portion is redirected by the upper and lower reflectors parallel to the horizontal plane. A multiple array may be formed of two or more such annular light generator assemblies stacked upon one another.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2015Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: UNIMAR, INC.Inventors: Terry L. Zarnowski, Michael A. Marley
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Patent number: 9881467Abstract: A method and system for avoiding haptic effects conflict is presented. A haptic enabled device configured to generate haptic effects associated with a first signature is used by a user. The system detects an additional source of haptic effects and determines a second signature associated with the haptic effects produced by the source. The system determines a preferred set of haptic configurations and modifies either the first or second signature based on the preferred set of haptic configurations to achieve a minimal conflict between the first and second signatures.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2016Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: Immersion CorporationInventor: Vincent Levesque
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Patent number: 9881468Abstract: An apparatus comprising: a timing difference processor configured to determine a timing difference between an audio signal and an associated tactile signal, and further configured to delay at least one of the audio signal and associated tactile signal dependent on the timing difference; and at least one feedback processor configured to output the audio signal and associated tactile signal, at least one of the audio signal and associated tactile signal having been delayed dependent on the timing difference.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2012Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: Nokia Technologies OyInventor: Marko Tapani Yliaho
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Patent number: 9881469Abstract: A method for monitoring a predetermined space, comprising the following steps: a) preparing at least one first volumetric sensor for detecting a first movement signal representative of movement in an authorized zone of said space; b) preparing at least one second volumetric sensor for detecting a second movement signal representative of movement in an unauthorized zone of said space; c) processing said first signal and second signal for identifying a movement in said space.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2013Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Inventors: Filippo Guerzoni, Cesare Micheli
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Patent number: 9881470Abstract: Various embodiments involving a smart-home device are presented. It may be determined that the power supply interface has ceased receiving power from the structure's wired electrical system. In response to determining that a power supply interface of the smart-home device has ceased receiving power from a structure's wired electrical system, a power loss indication may be stored that comprises a timestamp. A network connection may be determined to be available. A notification may be transmitted of information from the stored power loss indication to a remote server via the available network connection.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2014Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: Google Inc.Inventors: Andrew Baynes, Scott McGaraghan, Anthony M. Fadell, David Sloo
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Patent number: 9881471Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic article surveillance tag that comprises at least one receptacle for receiving a pin. Each of the at least one receptacle comprises a plurality of balls supported by a ball cage for releasably locking the pin in the receptacle, a cone shaped cup arranged in contact with the plurality of balls, a first spring for supporting the ball cage into the cone shaped cup, and a conductive element, the first end of which is arranged in contact with the cone shaped cup and the second end of which is arranged in contact with a contact element inside the electronic article surveillance tag for conducting electrical current from the pin to the contact element.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2016Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: NOCCELA OYInventors: Riku Tapio Miettinen, Heikki Tapani Talvitie
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Patent number: 9881472Abstract: A tag and a hybrid security system with the tag are disclosed. A combination tag combined a passive RFID tag and an AM tag includes a passive RFID tag; an AM tag; and an enclosure housing the RFID tag and the AM tag. The hybrid security system includes a pedestal embedded with an EAS antenna and a RFID antenna; and a RFID reader, wherein the pedestal is configured to sense the AM tag of the combination tag and trigger the RFID reader to read the RFID tag of the combination tag when presence of the AM tag is sensed. A security tag is also disclosed, including an enclosure having a PP top housing and a PP bottom housing; an AM tag housed in the enclosure; and a lock mechanism securing the security tag onto a person's wristband; wherein the security tag has a color characteristic for identification of persons.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2016Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: Sonne International Company LimitedInventors: Bik Kwan Bikie Wong, Wai Man Lau
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Patent number: 9881473Abstract: An RFID loss-prevention system (LPS) permits authorized items to leave a facility and may perform a security action if an unauthorized item leaves the facility. A checkout reader first authorizes an item tagged with an RFID tag to exit a facility by reading an identifier from the tag, obtaining an exit authorization, and sending the identifier to a database. A reader system configured to direct at least two beams along a facility exit path reads tagged items exiting the facility, determines at least one of a travel direction and a tag location, and uses the determination to indicate that a tag is exiting or has exited the facility. The LPS then uses the database to determine if the exiting/exited tag is authorized to leave the facility.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2016Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: IMPINJ, INC.Inventors: Christopher J. Diorio, Alberto Pesavento
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Patent number: 9881474Abstract: This patent specification relates to apparatus, systems, methods, and related computer program products for providing home security/smart home objectives. More particularly, this patent specification relates to a plurality of devices, including intelligent, multi-sensing, network-connected devices, that communicate with each other and/or with a central server or a cloud-computing system to provide any of a variety of useful home security/smart home objectives.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2014Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: GOOGLE LLCInventors: Anthony Michael Fadell, Matthew Lee Rogers, Yoky Matsuoka, David Sloo, Shigefumi Honjo, Scott A. McGaraghan, Michael Plitkins, Maxime Veron, Isabel Guenette
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Patent number: 9881475Abstract: Methods, computer systems, and computer-storage medium are provided for managing patient alerts using a mobile device. A mobile device associated with a patient caregiver receives a critical alert related to the patient, and the alert is presented on the mobile device. The alert includes important contextual information that enables the caregiver to make a quick assessment of how to effectively address the alert. The alert includes options for accepting the alert or rejecting the alert. Acceptance of the alert enables the caregiver to communicate the alert to selected caregivers that can assist in managing the alert. Rejecting the alert causes the alert to be automatically communicated to additional caregivers associated with patient.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2017Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: Cerner Innovation, Inc.Inventors: Damon Herbst, Cassie Lyn Bahr, Rajneesh Mehra, Jamie Brothers
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Patent number: 9881477Abstract: An embodiment of a device includes a sensor and a communicator. The sensor is configured to be attached to a body portion of a subject, to sense an object, and to generate information related to the object. The communicator is configured to provide the information to a determiner-notifier that is configured to determine, in response to the information, if the body portion may contact the object, and to generate a notification in response to determining that the body portion may contact the object. Such a device (e.g., attached to, or part of, a shoe) may be useful to warn a subject of a potential collision between an object (e.g., stairs, furniture, door jamb, curb, toy) and a body part (e.g., foot, toes) in which the subject has lost feeling, the ability to feel pain, or proprioception. And such a warning may help the subject to avoid inadvertently and repeatedly injuring the body part.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2015Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: ELWHA LLCInventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Jordin T. Kare, Eric C. Leuthardt, Mark A. Malamud, Tony S. Pan, Elizabeth A. Sweeney, Clarence T. Tegreene, Charles Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood, Jr., Victoria Y. H. Wood