Patents Issued in February 13, 2018
  • Patent number: 9889353
    Abstract: A putter head is provided. The putter head includes a putter face defining a groove pattern extending in a heel-to-toe direction of the putter face. The groove pattern includes multiple sets of grooves spaced apart from one another in a vertical direction of the putter face. The sets of grooves have different cross-sectional configurations to adjust a launch angle of a golf ball based on an impact location of the golf ball along the vertical direction of the putter face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: TRU2SPORTS LLC
    Inventors: Blair M. Philip, Jeffrey T. Halstead
  • Patent number: 9889354
    Abstract: A system is delineated for protecting golf bag contents. The system may comprise a golf bag; a telescopic member coupled to the golf bag, wherein the telescopic member resides in a stowed state substantially within the golf bag and is selectively moved to a deployed state to facilitate protecting the contents of the golf bag; and a cover coupled to the telescopic member, wherein the cover resides in a stowed state when the telescopic member is in its stowed state and is selectively moved by movement of the telescopic member to a deployed state for the cover to protect the contents of the golf bag. The system may be manufactured integrally with a golf bag or as a separate piece for installation on a golf bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Inventor: Michael C. Hennenberg
  • Patent number: 9889355
    Abstract: The disclosure herein provides a golf GPS device with a sensor mechanism to automatically switch between video and audio only modes of the device. More particularly, when a player attaches the golf GPS device to a piece of clothing or hat, the device automatically switches to audio-only mode. When the player detaches the golf GPS device, the device automatically switches to video mode, with or without audio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: DECA SYSTEM, INC.
    Inventors: Gi Su Lee, Jun Ha Park, Seung Jin Kim
  • Patent number: 9889356
    Abstract: A golf ball marker display device. At least one display face includes a plurality of reclined cavities that are cut into the display face. Each of the reclined cavities includes a finger access area. Each reclined cavity holds a plurality of golf ball markers in a fashion such that as the front most golf ball marker is removed the remaining golf ball markers remain stacked in an orderly presentation. A golf ball marker is removed by fingers reaching into the finger access area, grabbing the golf ball marker and then removing the golf ball marker from the reclined cavity. In a preferred embodiment there are four display faces arranged in the general shape of a pyramid to form a pyramid display face. The pyramid display face is preferably rigidly connected to a rotating base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Inventor: Owen Craig Pollard
  • Patent number: 9889357
    Abstract: Removable and re-attachable grips design to allow simple, fast changing of grips on shaft. The present disclosure relates in general to a re-changeable or interchangeable grip particularly suited for golf whose attachment requires three basic securing movements. In the first movement, heel components of the grip are first positioned onto the shaft, by either rotational torque or downward pressure, which result in securing the upper, proximal portion of the gripping sleeve onto the shaft. In the second movement, once the grip is situated and secured into place on the shaft, the grip is centered on the shaft by fastening toe components at the lower, distal portion of the grip sleeve onto the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Ready Grip Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David A. Barker, Jean-Paul Baudet
  • Patent number: 9889358
    Abstract: A ball, and in particular a baseball or softball, including one or more sensors such as accelerometers and/or inertial measurement units, and systems and methods using the same to improve a pitcher's pitching performance are described herein. In some embodiments, the ball may include one or more inertial measurement units and/or accelerometers capable of monitoring motion of the ball while it is thrown. Various types of pitches may be selected, and in response to the inertial measurement unit(s) and/or accelerometer(s) detecting certain parameters corresponding to a selected pitch, one or more indicators may be caused to perform an action. For example, one or more illuminating elements located on the ball may turn a first color in response to detecting parameters corresponding to the selected pitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Inventors: Jeffrey Kyle Greenwalt, Jeffrey Neal Frye, Richard Joseph Finn, Thomas Jay Nace, Aidan Conner Frye, Isaac Brady Frye
  • Patent number: 9889359
    Abstract: Improvements in a baseball practice batting tee that allows a person to strike a baseball off the top of the tee. The height of the tee can be from one or more adjustment mechanisms. The mechanism can be from finite detents with a pin in a hole or from a shaft frictionally being maintained in the tube. The top of the batting tee is formed with a spiral ridge to slightly rotate when a ball is struck off the top of the tee. The rotation allows the impact forces from impact with a baseball bat to be distributed from different directions on the top of the tee. The height adjustment is with an expandable washer that slides in a honed tube that has a constant diameter along the length of the tube to maintain a constant force to maintain the height of a ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Inventor: Philip Roland Ouellette
  • Patent number: 9889360
    Abstract: A swing training apparatus for baseball or softball that suspends or propels a tethered ball to be hit by a batter. The apparatus includes two elongated vertically spaced apart cords disposed, one above the other, connected at opposed ends to vertical upright members to extend therebetween relative to a horizontal axis in a taut tightly stretched or drawn condition. One or both cords may be formed of elastic material and may extend between the uprights generally parallel to, or slightly angularly relative to, the horizontal axis. A ball trolley with a practice ball is movably supported vertically between the two elongate cords. The ball trolley includes two pulleys, each mounted on a respective elongate cord in vertically opposed relation, and a practice ball is captured between and attached to the pulleys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Inventor: Orville Richard Wilson
  • Patent number: 9889361
    Abstract: A sports rebound wall is provided that includes: a rebound surface, at least one target area formed in the rebound surface, and a resistive matrix sensor formed on, or embedded in, the target area. The matrix sensor includes a first array of substantially parallel conductive tracks and a second array of substantially parallel conductive tracks. The first array and the second array are spaced apart from one another. The rebound wall has a matrix sensor that is capable of providing information about the force, location and timing at which the target area of the sports rebound wall is impacted. This is made possible by the specific construction of the matrix sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignees: WALLJAM LIMITED, IEE International Electronics & Engineering S.A.
    Inventors: Alain Noll, Alexander Treis, Julian Cox, Tim Worboys
  • Patent number: 9889362
    Abstract: Strand-filled punching bags including punching bags filled with a plurality of strands made from a variety of possible materials are disclosed. In some examples, the strand-filled punching bag includes a sheath that extends to and contacts a surface located below the punching bag, such as a floor, and is equipped with an additional abrasion sheath to help control the swing characteristics of the punching bag. In some further examples, the strand-filled punching bag includes a shorter sheath that does not contact the surface below the punching bag, and thus lacks an additional abrasion sheath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Inventor: Doug Hoggatt
  • Patent number: 9889363
    Abstract: An exercise method and an exercise device providing rebounding for the lower body, punching bag training for the upper body, and a combination of the two, with additional optional devices. The exercise device includes a rebounding device having a rebounding surface and a housing, a frame about the rebounding device having a support member extending horizontally above the rebounding device, and at least three double-ended punching bags. The punching bags can be positioned in a triangular configuration, as viewed from above. The exercise method includes positioning oneself between the three punching bags, bouncing on the rebounding device while punching the punching bags, and shuffling on the rebounding device to avoid being hit by one or more of the punching bags rebounding from being punched. While shuffling on the rebounding device to avoid being hit by a rebounding punching bag, a user continues to punch the punching bags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: KI-ZEN Power Systems LLC
    Inventor: Karla Myrick
  • Patent number: 9889364
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to portable golf ball launching device for analyzing golf balls for short game performance attributes. The preferred golf ball launcher is able to shoot a golf ball at the ground at preselected speed, spin rate and angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Toupin, William Souza, Glenn Grenier, Leonidas Amarant, Charles Hightower
  • Patent number: 9889365
    Abstract: An auxiliary weighted roller assembly attachable to a sports goal ground crossbar to stabilize the goal and to facilitate temporary or long term relocation for field maintenance, alternative field use, or storage consisting of a framework attachable to the crossbar and a pair of weighted rollers attached to the framework one each disposed on the front and rear of the crossbar and of sufficient diameter to raise the crossbar above the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Inventors: James H. Gravel, James Ritchie, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9889366
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for sports throwing cage. The apparatus might be a pole with multiple curtain couplings and multiple points of contact, a support, and a bend. The curtain couplings hang a vertical net curtain. The support and the bend adapt the bent pole to provide an offset from the vertical net curtain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Inventor: Trevor Bowman
  • Patent number: 9889367
    Abstract: A system for refereeing a sports match including a portable processing device for compiling data associated with the sports match and eyeglasses including data display means for displaying the data associated with the sports match to a wearer of the eyeglasses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Inventor: Zvi Minkovitch
  • Patent number: 9889368
    Abstract: A personal transportation device having first and second elongated foot support member that are arranged substantially in parallel and approximate to some extent the experience of skiing. The lateral distance of the foot support members may be adjusted. Biased-direction caster wheels may be provided that permit propulsion from side to side movement as well as kicking off and other propulsion techniques. Tiltable steering assemblies are disclosed that may impart a tilting of a front wheel to achieve turning. Various embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Inventor: Shane Chen
  • Patent number: 9889369
    Abstract: A portable ice skating rink structure kit that includes a liner, sidewall, a wicket or slotted anchor block for supporting the sidewall, and sidewall connectors and liner clips. The skating rink may be used on hard or soft surfaces. The sidewall is supported by wickets for use with soft surfaces, such as ground, and slotted anchor blocks for use with hard surfaces, such as pavement. The slotted blocks may have slots of different depths to compensate for uneven ground underneath the skating surface and maintain a sidewall of even height. Once the sidewall is supported, a liner is draped over the playing surface and the sidewalls create a pool of water. The liner may be held in place with liner clips and staples. When temperatures fall below freezing, a smooth sheet of surface ice is created.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Inventor: Brian Ruffino
  • Patent number: 9889370
    Abstract: A packing box of shuffled playing cards has, in an assembled state, a shape of a rectangular parallelepiped with six faces, namely, a front face, a rear face, a left side face, a right side face, a top face, and a bottom face so as to encase the shuffled playing cards. The packing box includes zippers provided in two locations at a predetermined interval, each of which includes zipper-shaped cut lines arranged in parallel with a longitudinal direction of the rectangular parallelepiped shape, and has a central band in the central portion defined by the zippers provided in the two locations. A configuration is achieved in which by removing the two zippers along the cut lines formed by zipper lines or a straight slit, the left and right side faces of the packing box are removed such that the side faces of the shuffled playing cards would be exposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: ANGEL PLAYING CARDS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yasushi Shigeta
  • Patent number: 9889371
    Abstract: The invention generally pertains to a system and method for determining if a player has placed a bet in a bet spot on a gaming table, such as, for example, a main bet spot or a progressive or proposition bet spot. By way of example, the tabletop of a gaming table has a plurality of player positions having one or more bet spots positioned in proximity to each player position on the top surface. The tabletop has a light sensor associated with each bet spot and positioned beneath the gaming table layout to detect light intensity through the layout. A plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) are associated with each light sensor. The plurality of LEDs are located beneath the gaming table layout so as to illuminate through the material of the gaming table layout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Genesis Gaming Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Randy L. Knust, Eric Schoppe
  • Patent number: 9889372
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems, methods, devices, and non-transitory computer readable storage media for providing an electronic lottery scratchcard game. In particular, disclosed are electronic Hidden Object Puzzle games that combines the existing lottery mechanic of scratchcard games with the existing social genre of Hidden Object games. In a traditional scratchcard puzzle, a series of covered squares are scratched by the player to reveal symbols such as letters of the alphabet. In a Hidden Object game, a graphical user interface contains hidden objects that reveal symbols such as letters of the alphabet when selected by the user. Specific combinations of symbols such as words award monetary prizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Scientific Games International, Inc.
    Inventors: Jean-Louis Sirois, Christopher Macleod
  • Patent number: 9889373
    Abstract: A multilayer framework and architecture with variable video or digital gaming capabilities provides multiple levels of play, permitting players to engage in different ways. The different levels of play options include 1) a peer-to-peer competitive challenge level for “core” players, 2) a “follower” play option for players with restricted capabilities and access to portions of a game; and a 3) “bystander” play option that permits non-players in a network to either observe or play from a reactive perspective.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: CP Studios LLC
    Inventors: Brian Joseph Wiklem, Carrie Ann Cowan
  • Patent number: 9889374
    Abstract: A gaming system employs bioinformatics to improve gamer performance and enhance the gaming experience. The gaming system monitors biometrics of gamers using gaming accessories having sensors coupled to the gaming accessories (e.g., a mouse with pulse sensor). Biometrics can be used to assess a crisis or panic reaction of the gamer. The system can also assess the state of the game in real time via API feedback, and coach the player on how best to regain control. The system can also predict a gamer's loss of control by monitoring hardware statistics associated with the game, combined with gaming feedback and biometric data, and can determine how best to coach the player to correct problems. Predictive models can be used to predict a gamer's panic attack or loss of control before it occurs. When a crisis occurs, the system can automatically contact the gamer's teammates to assist the gamer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: STEELSERIES ApS
    Inventors: Kim Rom, Francis Arnold Grever, Jeffrey Nicholas Mahlmeister, Jacob Wolff-Petersen, Bruce Hawver, Tino Soelberg, Christopher John Nicolella
  • Patent number: 9889375
    Abstract: A multi-instance, multi-user animation platform includes a plurality of modeled parallel dimensions in a computer memory. Each of the parallel dimensions may be an independent model of a physical, three-dimensional space having corresponding features such that the parallel dimensions are recognizable as counterparts to each other. Avatars are located within corresponding ones of the parallel dimensions so as to prevent over-population of any one of the parallel dimensions by avatars. Avatars are animated within different ones of the parallel dimensions using input from respective users to provide virtual-reality data. A common space is modeled in the computer memory configured in relation to the plurality of parallel instances so that an object located inside the common space is visible from viewpoints located inside each of the plurality of parallel instances. Remote clients may output an animated display of a corresponding one of the parallel dimensions and avatars therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Inventors: Brian Mark Shuster, Gary Stephen Shuster
  • Patent number: 9889376
    Abstract: When an acquisition unit acquires image data of a game being played on another information processing apparatus, a display processing unit displays, using the acquired image data, an image of game play. A participation processing unit allows a user to join the game being played on the other information processing apparatus, and a transmission unit transmits operation information from the user to the other information processing apparatus. When the acquisition unit acquires image data in which the transmitted operation information is reflected in the progress of the game in the other information processing apparatus, the display processing unit displays, using the image data, an image of game play in which the operation information is reflected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.
    Inventors: Kenichi Imai, Shigeru Enomoto, Hiroshi Saito, Toshimasa Aoki, Satoshi Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 9889377
    Abstract: While a first mode is set, a processor causes a memory to store a result obtained by execution of an interactive application as first result data, in association with precedently obtained first result data, as a first result data group. While a second mode is set, the processor causes a result obtained by execution of the interactive application to be stored as second result data, independently of the first result data group and precedently obtained second result data. For any of a user who mainly uses an information processing device and a user who temporarily uses the information processing device, results for each user can be utilized not only primarily but also secondarily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kouichi Kawamoto, Masamichi Sakaino
  • Patent number: 9889378
    Abstract: A server includes a storage unit storing characteristic data objects of each user, each characteristic data object having a first parameter value representing an ability of the characteristic data object to exert power, a second parameter value representing an ability to reduce the first parameter value of each characteristic data object of another user different from the user having the characteristic data object, and one of attributes having a superiority-inferiority relationship relative to each other. The server further includes a receiving unit receiving a game proceeding instruction from a device of each user, and a parameter adjusting unit adjusting the second parameter value of each characteristic data object of the user of the device, based on a first number of characteristic data objects of the user that have an attribute superior to a first attribute assigned among characteristic data objects of a second user different from the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: GREE, INC.
    Inventor: Masaru Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 9889379
    Abstract: An example information processing system includes a display controller configured to display a screen that includes a plurality of subjects and at least one content generated by a user, the at least one content satisfying a predetermined timing condition for each subject in a display, at least one content for a subject being included in a plurality of contents posted with regard to the subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: NINTENDO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hisashi Nogami, Kiyoshi Mizuki, Kouichi Kawamoto, Ryota Oiwa, Ichiro Suzuki, Wataru Tanaka, Hideto Yuzawa, Shunsaku Kato
  • Patent number: 9889380
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to adjusting individualized content made available to users of an online game based on user gameplay information. In implementations, information relating to prospective usage of the online game is used to classify users according by user type, and content made available to the users is customized accordingly. Information relating to prospective usage may include predictive information such as demographic and geographic information, as well as game usage information for the users. User types may include resource collection, player versus player, and player versus environment. Customized content may include content made available to the users through the users in-game actions, such as exploring a map, researching a technology or skill, purchasing an in-game item, and completing an in-game achievement, including in-game items, in-game powers, in-game skills, in-game technologies, in-game pets, in-game transportation units, in-game units, and in-game buildings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Kabam, Inc.
    Inventors: Kent Wakeford, Clifford J. Harrington, Matthew Curtis, James Koh, Kellen Christopher Smalley, Michael C. Caldarone
  • Patent number: 9889381
    Abstract: One aspect of the disclosure relates to providing an online game for facilitating assumption of a player identity. The online game comprises a player account associated with the player. By facilitating assumption of a first player identity associated with a first player account, game support personnel and/or an administrator may be substituted for a player in the online game. The assumption of the first player identity may be accomplished through transmission and/or implementation of a private key stored on a client computing platform associated with the first player account, in order to facilitate a different client computing platform (e.g., associated with support personnel) to be authenticated to the first player account. This may allow the support personnel and/or an administrator to directly experience the player problems in the online game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Aftershock Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Bowman, Brian Brause
  • Patent number: 9889382
    Abstract: Techniques for “scraping” and/or obtaining fantasy sports data include accessing a fantasy sports server. The access may include accessing publicly available data, accessing data for which a user's username and/or password are required, and/or accessing data by operation of an applications programming interface provided by the server(s) or by a file transfer protocol (FTP) provided by the server(s), etc. Upon gaining access, fantasy sports information may be obtained for a plurality of users. The fantasy sports information may include fantasy team roster information, fantasy team game schedule, etc. The fantasy sports information may be used to create a profile of each of a plurality of fantasy sports users. The database may be used with an interleaver or other service to determine which of a plurality of video clips of athletes should be sent to each of a plurality of users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Clip Engine LLC
    Inventors: David S. Thompson, David A. Divine
  • Patent number: 9889383
    Abstract: An electronic device may be configurable to operate in a voice morphing mode, such as while processing chat audio and microphone audio for a player participating in an online multiplayer game via a game console. While operating in the voice morphing mode, the electronic device may be configured to modify particular audio (e.g., player chat) based on one or more parameter settings, corresponding to particular audio profile (e.g., corresponding to a particular character). The electronic device may initiate voice morphing based on command from the player, and/or based on a signal received by the electronic device, such as indicating a role of the player (e.g., the game character selected by and/or assigned to the player). Audio profiles and/or parameter settings may be preset, and may be stored for use thereof, such as in electronic device itself or in other location (e.g., the game console or a remote database).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Voyetra Turtle Beach, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Kulavik
  • Patent number: 9889384
    Abstract: An example terminal device includes a generally plate-shaped housing, an LCD provided on the front side of the housing, analog sticks, and first and second buttons. The analog sticks are provided respectively in left and right portions of the LCD above the center of the housing. The first and second buttons are provided on the back side of the housing so as to generally correspond to the analog sticks on the front side of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenichiro Ashida, Yositomo Goto, Takanori Okamura, Junji Takamoto, Masato Ibuki, Shinji Yamamoto, Hitoshi Tsuchiya, Fumiyoshi Suetake, Akiko Suga, Naoya Yamamoto, Daisuke Kumazaki
  • Patent number: 9889385
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention provide for management of storage space utilized by video game information based in part on the engagement of the video game user. For example, one aspect of the invention provides a method of providing information for play of a video game, comprising determining a storage parameter based on user game play related information, the storage parameter indicative of level of commitment of the user to the video game; outside of a game play session of the video game, providing, over a communications network, first information to a compute device associated with the user, the first information for use in providing for game play of the video game by the compute device, the first information being an amount of information determined based on the storage parameter; and during a game play session of the video game, providing additional information for use in providing for game play of the video game by the compute device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Activision Publishing, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Marr, Keith S. Kaplan
  • Patent number: 9889386
    Abstract: A connection structure for a toy track, comprising at least two groups of tracks, each group of tracks being formed by splicing a plurality of track units, sides of adjacent groups of tracks being spliced by an immediately detachable connecting member. By splicing sides of a plurality of groups of tracks by connecting members in an immediately detachable manner, a lot of consumption of material of large size may be avoided, and especially for wooden toys, the selection range of wood raw material is increased while effectively reducing the cost, which is advantageous for sustainable development; in addition, mating toy modules such as guideboards, signal lamps, building modules and natural landscape modules may be spliced together, and those modules not only play a role of decoration, but also greatly improve the attractiveness of this toy track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: ZHEJIANG ZONXIE ART & CRAFT CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Qiaozhong Lian
  • Patent number: 9889387
    Abstract: A water parcourse has a suspension system and exercise elements. Each exercise element is attached for arrangement in a predetermined position of use below, on, or above a water surface or in a predetermined rest position spaced apart from the water surface on the suspension system above the water surface. The exercise elements are movable from the position of use into a rest position and back. The suspension system is provided with at least one support structure and, arranged on the support structure, at least one of the components of a group that includes a shaft on which one or several winches are rotatably arranged; a pull rod system; and one or several deflection rollers, wherein for transfer of the exercise elements from the position of use into the rest position and back the support structure or the pull rod system can be changed in relation to a spatial position by means of at least one drive, with which the support structure or the pull rod system is in operative connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Inventor: Uwe Roth
  • Patent number: 9889388
    Abstract: A toy building block robot and a main control box thereof are disclosed. The main control box comprises a toy building-block robot main control housing, a toy building-block robot main control board, and a battery. The toy building-block robot main control board is installed in the toy building-block robot main control housing. The battery is connected to the toy building-block robot main control board, so as to supply power to the toy building-block robot main control board. A plurality of connection mechanisms are disposed on the toy building-block robot main control housing for engaging the toy building-block robot main control housing with other components of the toy building block robot. In the present disclosure, whether the assembly of the components in the main control box, or the engagement between the main control box and other components of the toy building block robot, can both be realized through a connection mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: UBTECH ROBOTICS CORP.
    Inventors: Lefeng Liu, Yumiao Wu, Dingkai Xing
  • Patent number: 9889389
    Abstract: A rotary evaporator is provided. The rotary evaporator includes a rotary drive and a piston support (11) for an evaporator piston which can be coupled to the rotary drive. The piston support (11) comprises two transverse carriers (19, 21) for supporting the evaporator piston at two support regions spaced apart from one another and a longitudinal guide (25) having a guide element (27), on which longitudinal guide the two transverse carriers (19, 21) are moveably arranged in order to vary the mutual spacing of the two transverse carriers (19, 21). The guide element (27) is displaceably guided in the longitudinal direction (23) in order to displace the evaporator piston between a coupling position with the rotary drive and a position spaced back from the rotary drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: HANS HEIDOLPH GMBH
    Inventors: Joachim Carl, Maximilian Bayer, Walter Lohmann
  • Patent number: 9889390
    Abstract: A liquid-liquid extraction system (1) adapted for the flow of two or more liquids therein is disclosed. The system comprises a mixer settler sub-system (100) and a counter-current liquid-liquid extraction column (200). The sub-system (100) comprises one or more mixer settlers (110) connected in series, and the column (200) comprises either a mixing section (260) comprising an agitation means (261) and/or a static section (280) comprising an internal (281). The first outlet (131) of the mixer settler sub-system (100) is in fluid communication with the first inlet (221) of the column (200) and the second inlet (112) of the mixer settler sub-system (100) is in fluid communication with the second inlet (222) of the counter-current liquid-liquid extraction column (200). The invention further relates to a counter-current liquid-liquid extraction process for using said system 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Sulzer Chemtech AG
    Inventors: Jörg Koch, Juan Ramon Herguijuela
  • Patent number: 9889391
    Abstract: A degasser includes a vessel having a series of chambers. Liquid containing a gas is directed through the vessel and the chambers therein. A stripping gas is injected into the vessel and moves through the vessel in a counter-current direction relative to the flow of liquid. More particularly, the stripping gas moves from one chamber to another chamber in an upstream direction (relative to the flow of the liquid) and is mixed with the liquid in each chamber, causing gas in the liquid to be displaced. Displaced gas is vented from the vessel at a location near where the liquid enters the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Veolia Water Solutions & Technologies Support
    Inventors: Aaron Poon, David Salyer, Oscar Velastegui
  • Patent number: 9889392
    Abstract: A grease separator incorporating a vessel having an upper opening and an interior space, the vessel further having a floor, a front wall, a rear wall, a left wall, and a right wall; a water ejection port positioned at the front wall; left and right flow ports respectively positioned at the left and right walls; a separator baffle and a damping baffle; slide channels adapted for alternatively positioning the separator baffle at the left and right ends of the vessel's interior, the slide channels being further adapted for positioning the damping baffle oppositely from the separator baffle; and a submersible pump having a water intake port positioned at the lower end of the vessel's interior, the submersible pump having an output communicating with the water ejection port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Inventor: Teik Sim Quah
  • Patent number: 9889393
    Abstract: A plurality of hollow filter sheets have a suction pipe inserted therethrough to be stacked with a ring-shaped packing clamped therebetween. Therefore, a gap between the hollow filter sheet and the suction pipe is watertightly sealed. In the hollow filter sheet, a hollow portion is provided between two filters, and then a spacer with a surface having pits and projections is provided in the hollow portion. A narrow passage space allowing liquid to pass through is provided between the filter and the spacer by pressing the two filters against surfaces of the spacer with the packings and causing the filters to be deformed into a shape according to the surfaces of the spacer. The narrow passage space is smaller than a drainage space between the filters and the spacer that are not clamped by the packings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: AWA PAPER MFG. CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Koichi Nakagawa, Kosuke Tsuda
  • Patent number: 9889394
    Abstract: A filter device having a sonotrode connected to a filtration assembly. The filtration assembly has a filter body having a fluid passage. The filter body has a filter across the fluid passage. The filter assembly has a resonant frequency and the sonotrode is adapted to vibrate the filter assembly at or near the resonant frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Day, Michael Burcher, Nathan Wrench, Marek Myszko, Matthew Hayes
  • Patent number: 9889395
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for drafting or transferring water from a water supply to a fire pump in fire service include a strainer, the strainer having a hood member with an open bottom inlet having an inlet aperture, an outlet having an outlet aperture, a suctioning structure extending away from the open bottom inlet of the hood member, and the suctioning structure having a base offset from the open bottom inlet. Method of using the strainer including immersing a strainer in a water supply, fluidly connecting the outlet to a suction side of a pumping apparatus, activating the pumping apparatus, transferring water through the hood member, directing the strainer toward the bottom of the water supply and maintaining the strainer at the bottom of the water supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Inventor: Larry F. Reber
  • Patent number: 9889396
    Abstract: A geocomposite with a geonet and a geotextile. The geotextile has a nonwoven fabric layer and a woven fabric layer, with the nonwoven fabric connected by needle-punching to the woven fabric whereby fibers of the nonwoven fabric extend through and beyond the woven fabric, and the woven fabric and fibers of the nonwoven fabric extending through the woven fabric are bonded to one side of the geonet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: GSE Environmental, LLC
    Inventors: Mengjia Li, Darrell L. Heathcott
  • Patent number: 9889397
    Abstract: An air passage device for installation into a mounting opening in a wall of a housing for components generating waste heat, such as a switching box, has a base housing with a fan support for a fan and a design cover with a fan grid having sheet elements. At least one swivellable sheet element or at least one flexible, tongue-shaped side wall section, separated from the remaining side wall surface of the side walls of the design cover by slits running transversely to the longitudinal direction of the side wall, is formed in the region of the upper side wall of the design cover facing away from the swivel axis for swivelling the design cover. The sheet element and the tongue-shaped side wall section are constructed as a detachable and lockable detent connection, able to be actuated by a finger, between the design cover and the base housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: PFANNENBERG GMBH
    Inventor: Andreas Pfannenberg
  • Patent number: 9889398
    Abstract: Filter cartridge arrangements, features thereof and assembly for use therewith, are provided. Selected filter cartridge features disclosed are particularly well adapted for use with a safety or secondary filter cartridge, usable with media thereof projecting into an open interior of a main filter cartridge, in use. An example filter cartridge is described, with a non-pleated end and a pleated end, although variations are also described. Advantageous main cartridges are also described. Methods of assembly and systems for use are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Campbell, Michel Baseotto
  • Patent number: 9889399
    Abstract: A filter cartridge arrangement for use in air cleaners is provided. The filter cartridge arrangement includes a media pack including a plurality of inlet flutes and outlet flutes extending between first and second opposite flow faces and formed from an arrangement of facing sheet secured to corrugated sheet. An example cartridge includes a preform secured to the media pack. In some forms, the preform includes an arrangement extending over one of the flow faces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Benny K. Nelson
  • Patent number: 9889400
    Abstract: The invention relates to an on-site medical gas production plant (100) comprising a unit (50) for purifying gas, such as air, a first compartment (A) for storing purified gas, and a main gas line (10) fluidically connecting the gas purification unit (50) to the said first storage compartment (A). It furthermore comprises a three-way actuated valve (VA) arranged on the main gas line (10) upstream of the first storage compartment (A), and furthermore connected to the atmosphere (at 12) via a vent line (11), as well as an operating device (4) which controls at least the three-way actuated valve (VA), and at least a first gas analysis device (D1) of which a first measurement line (29) is fluidically connected (at 28) to the main line (10), upstream of the three-way actuated valve (VA), and which is electrically connected to the said operating device (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Société Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procédés Georges Claude
    Inventor: Paul Edwards
  • Patent number: 9889401
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for flow management and CO2-recovery from a CO2 containing hydrocarbon flow stream, such as a post CO2-stimulation flowback stream. The apparatus including a flow control zone, a gas separation zone, a pretreatment zone, and a CO2-capture zone. The CO2-capture zone is in fluid communication with the pretreatment zone to provide CO2-capture from a pretreated flowback gas stream and output a captured CO2-flow stream. The CO2-capture zone includes a flow splitter to direct a first portion of the pretreated flowback gas stream to a CO2-enricher to provide an enriched CO2-stream for mixing with a second portion of the pretreated flowback gas to form a mixed stream. The CO2-capture zone further includes at least one condenser to output the captured CO2-flow stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Harish Radhakrishna Acharya, Roger Allen Shisler
  • Patent number: 9889402
    Abstract: A dehumidifying base material and a device for forming the dehumidifying base material are provided. The dehumidifying base material is formed from a raw base material including a metal layer, an upper adhesive film, a lower adhesive film, an upper absorbent material layer, a lower absorbent material layer, an upper release film, and a lower release film. The raw base material is placed on a material placement part and passes a first release roller, an upper absorbent adhesive part, a second release roller, and a lower absorbent adhesive part sequentially to form the dehumidifying base material. The dehumidifying base material with an absorbent material applied onto two sides thereof is compressed, and is rolled by a base material rolling part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Ming-Lang Hung, Pen-Chang Tseng, Hsing-Ting Chen, Yu-Hao Kang