Patents Issued in March 20, 2018
  • Patent number: 9919198
    Abstract: A system for providing automated exercise management includes: a motion sensor configured to be worn by a user during a prescribed exercise routine and to sense motion of the user's body during the performance of the prescribed exercise routine; a first wireless communication interface communicatively coupled to the motion sensor; and a user computing device having a second wireless communication interface configured to communicate with the first wireless communication interface communicatively coupled to the motion sensor; wherein the user computing device comprises a processor, a memory and an application, wherein the application is configured to provide instruction to the user regarding performance of the prescribed exercise routine; receive data from the motion sensor worn by the user, the data indicative of the user's performance of the prescribed exercise; and record the user's performance of the exercise as indicated by the received data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Breg, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Robert Romeo, Geoffrey Scott Siegel, Robert Allyn Haywood, Jr., David R. Brengle
  • Patent number: 9919199
    Abstract: Gloves, including athletic gloves, may include: (a) a front member, e.g., made from leather; (b) a rear member made from a mesh material (e.g., stretchable mesh) engaged with the front member for covering a back of a hand, wherein the rear member includes at least one support member fused to the mesh material of the rear member, wherein the support member is formed from a material (e.g., a TPU) that is less stretchable than the mesh material to which it is fused; (c) a thumb element engaged at least in part with the front member; (d) a closure system; and/or (e) one or more elastic components extending along a wrist area. The support member(s) may form at least one continuous, unbroken path across the rear member. When multiple support members are present, they may partially overlap. Also, methods for making such gloves are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Darien Curl, Carl L. Madore, Marci S. Duchene
  • Patent number: 9919200
    Abstract: A wearable motorized device comprising a shoe bracket, which can be fastened to a shoe; wheels that are installed on the left and right sides of the shoe bracket in parallel to support the wearer's lateral skating and longitudinal walking; a driving motor for rotationally driving the wheels; and a battery pack for powering the driving motor. The wheels are not coaxially installed on the two sides of the shoe bracket to drive the wearer's longitudinal skating, but instead are installed on the two sides of the shoe bracket in parallel to drive the wearer's lateral skating; the wearer can position his/her legs apart during skating, so the skating stability is improved. Its general contour does not significantly exceed the contour of the shoe in the longitudinal direction, thus and it will not strain the wearer when ascending or descending stairs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Inventor: Tiande Mo
  • Patent number: 9919201
    Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, a system for facilitating a card game is equipped with RFID antennas or interrogators operable to detect initial wagers placed by players on a table surface of the system. The system is further equipped with an electronic shoe which deals cards for the game and a processor with is operable to receive data both from the RFID antennas and the electronic shoe. Upon receiving data from an RFID antenna that a player has placed an initial wager based on initial odds and receiving data identifying some (but not all) cards dealt for a hand, the processor is operable to calculate adjusted odds for a re-characterization wager that would replace the initial wager, and output on a display of the system an offer for the re-characterization wager that corresponds to adjusted odds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Walker Digital Table Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Jay S. Walker
  • Patent number: 9919202
    Abstract: A modular pinball game truss system provides for lighting and other pinball game features, such as targets, ramps, ball pathways, bumpers, and ball-reactive game or decorative elements, features that move, make sounds, flash, display score, register points, illuminate, or otherwise react to a given pinball movement, to be easily added to existing games and changed at any time by individual game owners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Inventor: John A. Popadiuk, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9919203
    Abstract: A mahjong tile includes a main body, a cover, a magnet, an induction chip, and a transparent board. The main body has a chip trough at an inner side thereof, connecting poles protruding from a top surface thereof, and a tile face trough at a bottom thereof. The cover corresponds to the main body and has connecting holes and an accommodation trough at a bottom thereof. The magnet is accommodated in the accommodation trough. Upper and lower ends of the magnet are magnet poles of the magnet. The induction chip is for a sensor to read the suite and numeric of the mahjong tile. The magnet of the mahjong tile supplies magnetism, enabling the mahjong tile to be delivered for playing a computer game with the amusement of the real mahjong tile. This can prevent the players from touching the tiles and increase the fairness of the game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Inventor: Tzu-Hsiang Tseng
  • Patent number: 9919204
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a system comprises a game controller module, a trigger satisfaction module, a metadata module, and a marker module. The game controller module may be configured to receive user control signals and execute gameplay based on the user control signals. The trigger satisfaction module may be configured to determine whether one or more events that occur during the gameplay satisfy one or more trigger conditions of a trigger. The metadata module may be configured to generate one or more trigger satisfaction indicators based on the satisfaction of the one or more trigger conditions of the trigger. The marker module may be configured to associate the one or more trigger satisfaction indicators with video of the gameplay to generate one or more game event markers to be used to enable a viewer to jump to one or more game segments associated with the trigger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: ELECTRONIC ARTS INC.
    Inventors: Michael Lewis, Hans Van Veenendaal, Jonathan Back, Thomas Bruckschlegel
  • Patent number: 9919205
    Abstract: Provided is a method of applying multiple crosshairs, and more particularly, a method of applying multiple crosshairs in a shooting game, in which a background and a target are displayed on a screen by a user's operation and crosshairs are displayed on the screen. The method comprises displaying multiple crosshairs on the screen, and upon receiving a shooting instruction, shooting a projectile toward the crosshairs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Inventor: Sin Woo Kim
  • Patent number: 9919206
    Abstract: An apparatus for executing a computer game are provided. The apparatus includes an output unit configured to transmit a first image generated based on a form of a first user participating in the computer game and a second image generated based on a form of a second user participating in the computer game to a display apparatus, and a control unit configured to predict a possibility of a collision between the first user and the second user, and to control transmitting warning information indicating the possibility of the collision to the display apparatus via the output unit, according to a result of the predicting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yun-jung Kim
  • Patent number: 9919207
    Abstract: A computer implemented method of presenting pre-show content to movie theater audiences includes receiving requests from an exhibitor, each request identifying a feature presentation, a feature presentation start time, and the length of a pre-show session preceding the feature presentation. At least one multiplayer game for each pre-show session is selected automatically based on at least one of an audience maturity rating of the feature presentation, a genre of the feature presentation, and the availability of other players attending at least one other feature presentation hosted by the same exhibitor at the same or a different location, and/or a different exhibitor at a different location. Optionally, the list of selected games is presented to one or more audiences for voting. Where a game to be played by members of different audiences is scheduled for the same time slot, a single instantiation of the game is presented to the multiple audiences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Kino, LLC
    Inventors: John T. Brenden, Dmitry Kozko
  • Patent number: 9919208
    Abstract: A video game system records video gameplay by a player interacting with an endpoint, such as a game controller. The recording includes recording a haptic track of haptic effects generated on the endpoint during the gameplay and recording a video track of video generated during the gameplay. The recording further includes encoding the haptic track with the video track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: William S. Rihn, David M. Birnbaum, Robert W. Heubel
  • Patent number: 9919209
    Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for enhancing documents, including using a graphical capture device, are described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventors: Martin T. King, Dale L. Grover, Clifford A. Kushler, James Q. Stafford-Fraser
  • Patent number: 9919210
    Abstract: To encourage viewer participation, games, contests and social interactions are able to be synchronized with programming such as television shows or commercials utilizing a second screen such as a cell phone, iPadĀ® or laptop computer. The programming is able to be television programming, Internet programming (e.g. a video displayed on a webpage or mobile device) or any other programming. The gaming is able to be any game such as a game of skill or chance, for example, a scavenger hunt or a treasure hunt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Winview, Inc.
    Inventor: David B. Lockton
  • Patent number: 9919211
    Abstract: A method of and system for handling latency issues encountered in producing real-time entertainment such as games of skill synchronized with live or taped televised events is described herein. There are multiple situations that are dealt with regarding latencies in receiving a television signal with respect to real-time entertainment based on the unfolding games played along with the telecasts. Systemic delays, arbitrarily imposed delays of a broadcast signal and variances in the precise broadcast times of taped television programs have to be equalized so as to provide fair entertainment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Winview, Inc.
    Inventors: David B. Lockton, Mark K. Berner, Mark J. Micheli, David Lowe
  • Patent number: 9919212
    Abstract: A server apparatus for providing a game using game media to a user over a network may include a storage unit, an identifier obtaining unit, and a game content output unit. The storage unit may store identifiers and game media in association with each other. The identifier obtaining unit may obtain, from a terminal apparatus, an identifier selected through a user operation. The game content output unit may obtain a game content associated with the identifier obtained by the identifier obtaining unit and may output the game content to the terminal apparatus. The game content may not be identifiable using the identifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: GREE, Inc.
    Inventor: Seokhoon Choi
  • Patent number: 9919213
    Abstract: Zoom controls for virtual environment user interfaces are provided herein. In one embodiment a computing system includes a processor and memory configured to provide a virtual gaming environment. The virtual game environment when executed includes a graphical user interface that has a radial zoom controller. The radial zoom controller is configured to allow a user to selectively control a zoom view and the radial zoom controller has an arcuate slider that is placed into concentric relationship with an activation button that allows the user to control an action within the virtual game environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Hothead Games Inc.
    Inventor: Gregan Dunn
  • Patent number: 9919214
    Abstract: Entertainment system based on multiple choice competition games, which includes at least one terminal with a connection to a dedicated remote server, the system also including a module for playing an extract of a recording with a configurable duration on at least one terminal that can reproduce the recording, interact with a user, connect with a dedicated remote server, ask a terminal user a question and suggest multiple choice answers, the question being related to information characteristic of the extract of the recording, and the recording being selected independent of the terminal user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: TouchTunes Music Corporation
    Inventors: Guy Nathan, Tony Mastronardi
  • Patent number: 9919215
    Abstract: Various systems and methods for sharing electronic media are disclosed herein. According to particular embodiments, the system enables a user to select media (e.g., an image, a video, a gif, etc.) and compose a phrase to be associated with the media. In some embodiments, the system creates a post from the media and the phrase and enables the user to transmit the post to one or more other users to play (e.g., guess the phrase).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: BLUEBOARD MEDIA, LLC
    Inventor: Christopher J. DeCoufle
  • Patent number: 9919216
    Abstract: A video game processing program product causes a user terminal to realize functions to control progress of a video game in response to an operation of a user. The functions include: an updating function configured to update a position of a character on a virtual space on the basis of a moving operation by a user; a first displaying function configured to display a normal screen corresponding to the user on the basis of an update result; a second displaying function configured to display a photographing screen, on which an object other than a user character carries out a photographing action when the photographing operation is carried out, on the basis of a photographing operation; and a storing function configured to store at least a part of the photographing screen in a predetermined storage region on the basis of a storing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA SQUARE ENIX
    Inventors: Kei Odagiri, Hiroaki Ohno
  • Patent number: 9919217
    Abstract: Embodiments of systems presented herein may perform automatic granular difficulty adjustment. In some embodiments, the difficulty adjustment is undetectable by a user. Further, embodiments of systems disclosed herein can review historical user activity data with respect to one or more video games to generate a game retention prediction model that predicts an indication of an expected duration of game play. The game retention prediction model may be applied to a user's activity data to determine an indication of the user's expected duration of game play. Based on the determined expected duration of game play, the difficulty level of the video game may be automatically adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Electronic Arts Inc.
    Inventors: Navid Aghdaie, John Kolen, Mohamed Marwan Mattar, Mohsen Sardari, Su Xue, Kazi Atif-Uz Zaman, Kenneth Alan Moss
  • Patent number: 9919218
    Abstract: Virtual reality content in an online game may be provided by providing access to users attempting to join a game instance via virtual reality platforms and denying access to users attempting to join the game instance via non-virtual reality platforms. Virtual reality content in an online game may be provided by requiring users playing the online game via virtual reality platforms during a time period to achieve a first objective, and requiring users playing the online game via non-reality platforms during the time period to achieve a second objective. The first objective may require interaction with the virtual reality content and the second object may not require interaction with the virtual reality content. Virtual reality content in an online game may be provided by requiring all users to achieve an objective during a time period. The objective may require interaction with the virtual reality content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Aftershock Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Kent Wakeford, Tomi Huttula
  • Patent number: 9919219
    Abstract: A video game includes user generated content. The video game may be a music-based video game. Users may determine content to be played, and a server may provide the content to game devices for play, for example at predefined times, and/or to predetermined game players.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Activision Publishing, Inc.
    Inventors: Jamie Jackson, Dave Osbourn, Neil Wigfield, Chris Coates, Paul Turland, Pete O'Donnell, James Norris, Lee Roberts
  • Patent number: 9919220
    Abstract: A video game method has steps for receiving, at a network-connected server providing video games, a request from a first player to enter a particular game, determining by software executing on a processor on the network-connected server, from a non-transitory medium, instances of the particular game already in progress, accessing stored information regarding friends of the first player, determining if one or more friends of the first player are engaged in one or more of the games already in progress, and directing the first player to a particular one of the games already in progress wherein one or more friends of the first player are engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Roblox Corporation
    Inventors: Deepak Murali Chandrasekaran, Guruprasath Krishnamurthy, Andrew Gilmore Francis
  • Patent number: 9919221
    Abstract: A method of and system for conducting multiple competitions of skill for a single performance are described herein. User generated competition groups and system generated competition groups allow users to participate in multiple competitions at once based on answering the same questions or making the same selections related to a single event. The users are informed of each competition either via email, text message or when logging into the network via a website. The users select which competitions groups to join. After joining the desired groups, the users then make their selections related to the event which are transmitted to the network where results are tabulated and transmitted back to the users. The results are separated based on each competition group, so that users can continually know where they stand in each separate competition. With multiple competition groups, users are able to have varying success from the same performance in multiple competitions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Winview, Inc.
    Inventors: David B. Lockton, Mark K. Berner, Mark J. Micheli
  • Patent number: 9919222
    Abstract: An approach to facilitate providing leaderboards based upon in-game events within a game space. The leaderboards based on user progress to achieving one or more administrator defined objectives within the game space, where each objective requires the completion of one or more activities. An objective metric for the first user, indicating the first user's progress toward achieving the objective may be determined, based upon one or more activity metric values for the first user. The activity metric values providing an indication of the first user's progress toward completing activities required to be completed to achieve the objective, as defined by an administrator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Kabam, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Curtis, James Koh, Kellen Christopher Smalley, Michael C. Caldarone
  • Patent number: 9919223
    Abstract: A system is for assessing life and death in go games played on a computer, and includes an input-receiving unit for receiving input from a player, an assessment unit that assesses the life and death of target stones, and an output unit for outputting the results of the assessment in the assessment unit. The assessment unit receives input specifying one or more target stones, specifies the points on the board where a boundary and a board edge are within a prescribed distance from each other, revises the assessment area by expanding the assessment area, assesses an optional stone in the post-revision assessment area to be alive if said stone escapes and was a target stone, and if said stone was not a target stone, performs a life and death assessment after adding the condition that said stone is not captured and a target stone connected to said stone is alive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: PANDANET INC.
    Inventors: Hiroko Taki, Tomoya Saeki, Hiroshi Oomoto
  • Patent number: 9919224
    Abstract: A puzzle apparatus includes a display region to present a puzzle, and a plurality of colored swatches arrangeable within the display region. There are unsolved arrangements and at least one solved pattern, all being presentable within the display region. Each colored swatch is a substantially solid color that is different from the color of every other swatch. The colored swatches can form a solved pattern whereby each respective swatch is adjacent therewithin only to the other swatches that are closest in color to the respective swatch. The solved pattern can include a halation effect across its correctly placed colored swatches, while unsolved arrangements do not include such a halation effect. Child color swatches can be disposed between primary parent color swatches to form color gradients across the swatches. The puzzle apparatus can be a computing apparatus that includes a processor, a display component, and one or more input devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Inventor: Gabriel S. Mott
  • Patent number: 9919225
    Abstract: An mƗl array of randomly selected tokens may be provided as a playing field, and a second nƗl array of randomly selected tokens may be provided as a hand. The player may select a cell within the mƗl array to replace the token in said cell with a token in a corresponding cell of the nƗl array. If the replacement results in a region of adjacent identical tokens in the mƗl array, the tokens may be removed and the player's score incremented. If no plays are possible from the player's hand, the player may draw a new hand of randomly selected tokens to replace the tokens and/or blank spaces in the nƗl array. Play continues until the player has exhausted a predetermined number of opportunities to draw a new hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: FUNKITRON, INC.
    Inventor: David Walls
  • Patent number: 9919226
    Abstract: A storage and charging device for game pieces is described which is associated with an interactive software experience, such that the storage and charging device corresponds to a virtual entity within the interactive software experience. The storage and charging device comprises a charging mechanism and a communication mechanism. The charging mechanism is arranged to charge at least one of the game pieces and the communication mechanism is arranged to communicate with the interactive software experience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: James William Scott, Haiyan Zhang, Nicolas Villar, Alexandra Keeley Bunting, Jonathan Leslie Venables, Simon Jay Carter
  • Patent number: 9919227
    Abstract: A method of mounting a game for a localization system including a portable storage device and a game console includes steps of searching for a targeted word unit in the portable storage device and game information in a small database of the portable storage device after the game console is connected with the portable storage device. When any cover information or setup-file information corresponds to a correspondence code in the small database, the cover information or setup-file information are returned to the application-program menu and displayed on a screen. Next, a game can be performed to read a first file, including a game main program, in the portable storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Inventor: Pao-Chen Lin
  • Patent number: 9919228
    Abstract: A track section for a ride having a vehicle, divided into a first block segment and a second block segment. The first block segment has a first high point and ends at a second high point. The second block segment begins at the second high point. A first linear drive is situated before the first high point, and a second linear drive is situated between the first high point and the second high point. The positions of the high points relative to one another and the design of the linear drives are coordinated so the vehicle can be brought to a standstill in the first block segment if entry into the second block segment is not enabled. A method for traveling over the track section is provided, wherein a change in direction of travel of the vehicle is produced if the second block segment is not enabled for entry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: MACK RIDES GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Thorsten Ortel
  • Patent number: 9919229
    Abstract: An inflatable landing pad has an air mattress capable of sustaining an air pressure, and an air supply tube for supplying air from an inflatable play structure to the air mattress. The air mattress is separated into a plurality of sections by vented baffles. A proximal end of the air supply tube is sealably attached to the air mattress around an aperture for directing air into the air mattress, and the distal end of the air supply tube includes a coupling for connecting to an air supply port of the inflatable play structures. The air mattress is adapted to be positioned adjacent an exit portion of an inflatable play structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Inventors: Sarmen Bagumyan, Arthur Bagumyan, Andranik Andy Bagumyan
  • Patent number: 9919230
    Abstract: Hip joint assemblies, and posable toy figures that incorporate the hip joint assemblies, including a pelvis housing having a front portion and a back portion, where the front and back portions in combination define side openings in the pelvis housing, and a contoured friction plate vertically disposed within the pelvis housing. The hip joint assembly further includes two leg sections, each leg section having a disk member attached via a hip post, and each leg combined with the pelvis housing so that the disk member lies within the pelvis housing and the hip post passes through a side opening so that the face of the disk member abuts a face of the contoured friction plate, and the frictional interaction between the disk face and the friction plate renders the attached leg posable as it pivots around the axis defined by its hip post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Josiah To Sang Li, Jian Sheng Hu, Wai Nang Lam, Sun Ho Chan
  • Patent number: 9919231
    Abstract: A cuboid head figure has a head portion. The head portion is a cuboid and has a head front panel, a head rear panel, a head bottom panel, and a head top panel. The head front panel is parallel to the head rear panel. The head bottom panel is parallel to the head top panel. A plurality of magnets are installed in the head portion on an inside surface of the head portion. A slot is formed on the head rear panel and the head bottom panel. The head rear panel is perpendicular to the head bottom panel. A retainer connects to the head portion through the slot. The retainer has a retainer upper section that protrudes into the slot and engages the inside surface of the head portion. The retainer also has retainer side extensions that extend laterally from the retainer upper section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Inventor: Peter Chin
  • Patent number: 9919232
    Abstract: Mobile agents automatically manipulate components such as blocks on a working surface, to perform operations such as construction of generalized structures. The working surface and/or the components can have machine-readable codes to assist the agents in maintaining current knowledge of their respective locations. Agents identify components by type and location, and can move components according to directions; such directions can be provided by a user, or can be based on a pre-programmed directive, or can be determined dynamically based on current conditions or in response to actions of other agents. Agents may cooperate with one another. Agents can also respond to changes in the environment, alterations in works in progress, and/or other conditions, and may be configured to exhibit responses simulating emotional reactions. Different mobile agents can be associated with different character traits, which may be configured to change based on environmental conditions and/or the behavior of other mobile agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Anki, Inc.
    Inventors: Hanns Tappeiner, Boris Sofman, Patrick DeNeale
  • Patent number: 9919233
    Abstract: In some embodiments, extemporaneous control of remote objects can be made more natural using the invention, enabling a participant to pivot, tip and aim a head-mounted display apparatus to control a remote-controlled toy or full-sized vehicle, for example, hands-free. If the vehicle is outfitted with a camera, then the participant may see the remote location from first-person proprioceptive perspective.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: MONKEYmedia, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Justin Gould Bear, Rachel M. Strickland, Jim McKee
  • Patent number: 9919234
    Abstract: A toy storage and activity apparatus includes a housing including a left housing portion and a right housing portion forming an interior volume, and a hinged joint connecting the left and right housing portions. The hinged joint enables separation of the housing into an open configuration to provide access to the interior volume. The left and the right housing portions each form one or more magnetic interior compartments within the interior volume. The magnetic interior compartments have magnetic surfaces suitable for attaching a magnetic toy character and other magnetic toy models. The three-dimensional magnetic surfaces further include interior-facing indicia depicting a scene or imagery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Inventor: Rochelle Powell
  • Patent number: 9919235
    Abstract: Provided herein is a set of card-like structure and connector toys for building; the set comprising one or more card-like structures and one or more end cap connectors, wherein the one or more end cap connectors comprise one or more slots for inserting the card-like structures. Also provided herein is a connector toy or a kit of connector toys; comprising one or more slots for inserting card-like structures for building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: THE UPPER DECK COMPANY
    Inventors: Adam Kislevitz, Mary Sholl
  • Patent number: 9919236
    Abstract: A BMX starting gate includes a frame with a gate opening; a slider bar attached to a bottom surface of the frame; a gate pivotally attached to the frame at a connection point such that the gate aligns with the gate opening; a linkage bar attached to the gate proximate to the connection point; a lever attached to the linkage bar distal from the gate, wherein both the linkage bar and the lever are slidably attached to the slider bar; a strike plate attached to the lever distal from the linkage bar; an electromagnet attached to the frame, wherein the electromagnet is positioned to releasably engage with the strike plate; and a spring connecting the gate to the slider bar. Activating the electromagnet causes the electromagnet to engage the strike plate and cause the gate to extend outwardly from the frame. Deactivating the electromagnet allows the spring to return the gate to a non-obstructing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Inventor: Thomas Andrew Gross
  • Patent number: 9919237
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for reducing maldistribution of liquids and vapors in packed towers. An exemplary separation system includes a separation tower including at least two packed beds, and a vapor redistribution plate disposed between two sequentially disposed packed beds, wherein the vapor redistribution plate is configured to mix a vapor from a lower packed bed before introducing the vapor into an upper packed bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Srinivas N. Moorkanikkara, Edward J. Grave, John T. Cullinane
  • Patent number: 9919238
    Abstract: The present application relates to a distillation apparatus and a separation method, and according to the distillation apparatus and the separation method of the present application, it is possible to separate a material to be separated during the separation of a mixture of three or more components, for example, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate with high purity, and to achieve an object of saving energy during the separation and purification process of 2-ethylhexyl acrylate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: LG CHEM, LTD.
    Inventors: Sung Kyu Lee, Joon Ho Shin, Sung Kyun Kim, Jong Ku Lee
  • Patent number: 9919239
    Abstract: A multiple downcomer tray and a tray column comprising the same are provided. The multiple downcomer tray comprises: a tray body; at least one anti-jump plate disposed on the tray body to divide the tray body into at least two sections; and at least two downcomer assemblies disposed corresponding to the at least two sections respectively, in which each of the at least two downcomer assemblies comprises at least one tray floor, at least one downcomer and at least one liquid receiving pan which are disposed parallel to each other, and the liquid receiving pan and the downcomer are positioned at two sides of the tray floor respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Beijing Zehua Chemical Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Runxing Xie, Hongping Tang, Jiazhuo Lv
  • Patent number: 9919240
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling vapor recovery in a pressurized system. A first vessel is configured to receive gas or condensate from a station at a first pressure, the first vessel including a first output for outputting vapor to a liquid cooled compressor. A second vessel is configured to receive condensate from the first vessel, the second vessel being controlled to maintain a second pressure that is lower than the first pressure, the second vessel including a first output for outputting vapor to the first vessel, the second vessel including a second output for outputting condensate to a storage container. A second compressor is configured to maintain the second pressure at the second vessel, and a pumping network is configured to transport liquid from the compressor to the first vessel and the second vessel to increase temperatures at the first vessel and the second vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Targa Pipeline Mid-Continent Holdings LLC
    Inventor: Jimmy Don Shaw
  • Patent number: 9919241
    Abstract: A method for extraction of desirable compounds from cannabis provides for high-cannabinoid full spectrum (HCFSE) extractions, using CO2 at low temperature to extract the compounds in an extraction vessel. The CO2 with extracted compounds is transferred to a heated vessel which converts the CO2 to a gas, allowing the desired compounds to drop out and be removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Entheo Gardens Inc
    Inventors: Michael I Auerbach, William L Reilly
  • Patent number: 9919242
    Abstract: A water-vapor separation box for an instant-hot type water dispenser comprises: a box body, including: a water input tube, disposed on a side wall at an upper end of the box body; a first block plate, disposed on a rear side of a water output end of the water input tube; a second block plate, disposed at a rear side of the first block plate, to make the vapor flow upward; a water output tube, disposed at a rear side of the first block plate to directly flow the water out; a vapor output tube, disposed around outer perimeter of the water output tube, with vapor input elevation of the vapor output tube higher than the water input elevation of the water output tube; and a box cover, disposed over an upper opening of the box body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: XIAMEN RUNNER INDUSTRIAL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Guo-qiang Yu
  • Patent number: 9919243
    Abstract: The gas compression method/system restricts flow of emulsified liquid-gas mixture through many substantially radial capillary tube-passages in a rotating disk by either one-way valves, narrowing the passages, hydraulic impedance and/or reinforcement of coriolis forces in terminal end tail segments of the capillary passages. Compressed gas is released from peripherally collected compressed gas-liquid emulsion (beyond the terminal ends of the tubes) in a arcuate peripheral disc space when the compressed gas bubbles emerge from the peripherally collected emulsion. A compressed gas drain draws off gas from the peripheral space. Liquid drain draws off liquid from the space. In different embodiments, radial outboard flow through the capillaries is effected by various one-way valves which may be a single valve in the passage or multiple valves. Coriolis force in tail segments is enhanced by angular displacement in the direction of rotation. Valves may be used in combination with such tail-end segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Carnot Compression, LLC
    Inventors: Mark A. Cherry, Robert A. Alderman, D. Hans Shillinger
  • Patent number: 9919244
    Abstract: A clarifier in a wastewater treatment plant is provided with a submerged launder for effluent, the launder preferably having an integral density current baffle and scum baffle. In one embodiment an existing launder is modified, with its vertical leg replaced with a sloped plate defining launder conduit triangular in cross section, and with a sloping portion of the plate forming a density current baffle. Openings in the sloped plate permit entry of effluent liquid, and the liquid level in a clarifier is controlled without an overflow weir plate. In another form submerged pipe with entry holes serves as the launder, with support brackets integral with a density current baffle. A third form of the launder is a box formed beneath the shelf of an existing internal launder in the clarifier, again with a density current baffle extending down from the box. In another version an existing launder is covered and sealed, and holes are drilled through the launder wall to admit effluent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Ovivo Inc.
    Inventors: Tor Heimdal, John Vorwaller, Hugh Ryan Clark, Todd Kline, Ralph Petrone, Bruce A. Hugo, Roger Peters, Tyson Beaman
  • Patent number: 9919245
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a collapsible filter apparatus. The collapsible filter apparatus includes an expandable top fluid retention portion, a filter portion and a collapsible funnel portion. These elements are joined to one another so as to provide fluid in need of filtering an expanded receptacle that can be collapsed for storage and transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Town & Country Linen Corp.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Beyda, Gina Barnaba, Louis Francis Henry, Christopher Mellen, Zhenguo Lin, Qinghong Yin, Linhai Que, Xiaoyuan Xie, Joy Mangano
  • Patent number: 9919246
    Abstract: A filter device for fluids with a fluid inlet (14) and a fluid outlet (24). A filter element (9) is enclosed by an end cap (21) on its lower end facing a bottom part (5) of the filter housing (1). The end cap has a passage (29) forming a fluid connection to the filter element inner filter cavity (17) and can be fixed to an element retainer (23) of the filter housing (1). The element retainer (23) includes a retaining piece (35) open towards the filter element (9) with a fluid channel (37) leading to a housing connection (24). The end cap (21) has a connecting piece (27) in the retaining piece (35). The retaining piece (35) forms an opening (43) connected to the fluid channel (37) leading to the element retainer (23). A sealing (45, 47) seals the opening from the open end of the retaining piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: HYDAC FILTERTECHNIK GMBH
    Inventors: Richard Eberle, Micha Kreibig
  • Patent number: 9919247
    Abstract: A filter bag assembly for a juice press is assembled from a unitary sheet of fabric and at least one coupling member and/or belt. The fabric sheet is foldable along a transverse fold line and then along left and right fold lines to form a seamless bag having left and right side margins each having four sheet layers. A left coupling member may be arranged to gather at least two of the four sheet layers of the left side margin, and a right coupling member may be arranged to gather at least two of the four sheet layers of the right side margin. Each belt connects the left side margin to the right side margin. Preformed holes in the fabric sheet are positioned to allow the coupling members and belt(s) to be installed to retain the folded bag. The assembled bag is inexpensive and the fabric sheet is replaceable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Inventor: Eric Wettlaufer