Patents Issued in May 29, 2018
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Patent number: 9981143Abstract: The present invention provides a device for rejuvenating a region of skin or mucosal tissue, comprising: a pulsed electromagnetic frequency generator; a plurality of electrodes in communication with the pulsed electromagnetic frequency generator and an RF tissue diathermy device. The electrodes apply the pulsed electromagnetic power and the RF tissue diathermy to the tissue, heating it such that one portion of the region of mucosal tissue is maintained at a predetermined temperature range T1 while another portion of the region of mucosal tissue is at least temporarily maintained at predetermined temperature range T2.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2016Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: VENUS CONCEPT LTD.Inventors: Oded Ron Edoute, Orit Ron Edoute, Itzhak Kremin, Vadim Polyakov, Boris Vaynberg
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Patent number: 9981144Abstract: Interference of dose application in scanned ion beam therapy and organ motion, also called interplay effect, may lead to dose deviations at target volumes. Current repainting methods are susceptible to artifacts due to a predominant scanning direction, ranging from fringed field edges to under and overdosed regions (hot and cold spots). To overcome the difficulties inherent in the repainting techniques of conventional proton therapy systems, new random repainting techniques are described herein for mitigating the under-dose and/or over-dose pattern inherent in existing repainting techniques using a random repainting approach that randomly selects spot locations within the target area.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2016Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: Varian Medical Systems Particle Therapy GMBHInventor: Markus Bach
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Patent number: 9981145Abstract: An apparatus for evaluating a change in radiation distribution within a target tissue of a patient, the apparatus constituted of: a memory having stored thereon parameters of radiation to be output by an irradiation source, the radiation parameters determined responsive to a reference image of the patient target tissue; a processor in communication with the memory; and an output module in communication with the processor, wherein the processor is arranged to: receive a present image of the patient target tissue; determine the expected distribution of radiation within the patient target tissue for an irradiation incidence according to the stored radiation parameters; determine the difference between the determined distribution and a predetermined distribution parameter; and control the output module to output a signal responsive to the determined difference.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2013Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: P-CURE LTD.Inventors: Michael Marash, Boris Roikhel
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Patent number: 9981146Abstract: A multi-layer charged particle beam characterization system is disclosed, and method for using the same. A typical embodiment includes a plurality of two-sided metal plates, arranged as a stack, each metal plate having an electrical contact tab extending from at least one common edge of the metal plate, and a plurality of insulator films disposed between adjacent metal plates, each insulator film is sized to match its corresponding metal plate. The tabs are coupled to a printed circuit board and connected to an external electrical connector to register a number of metal plates and insulator layers through which a charged particle beam has penetrated.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2017Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: Pyramid Technical Consultants, Inc.Inventors: Raymond P. Boisseau, John S. Gordon, Andrew Dart, Julia C. Nett
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Patent number: 9981147Abstract: The invention comprises an apparatus and method of use thereof for extracting ions from an ion source, such as for use in cancer treatment or tomographic imaging. The extraction apparatus uses a triode extraction system, with the ion source and/or first electrode held at a first potential; an extraction electrode held at a second potential; and a gating electrode, positioned between the ion source and the extraction electrode, oscillating and/or alternating between a first suppression potential proximate that of the ion source potential and a second extraction potential between the ion source potential and the extraction electrode potential. Optionally, the ion source comprises an electron cyclotron resonance ion source.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2016Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Inventors: W. Davis Lee, Mark R. Amato, James P. Bennett
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Patent number: 9981148Abstract: Disclosed are thermal treatment methods that involve monitoring and/or actively adjusting the temperature of targeted and/or non-targeted tissues.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2010Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: INSIGHTEC, LTD.Inventors: Kobi Vortman, Shuki Vitek, Yoav Levy
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Patent number: 9981149Abstract: Antiperspirant compositions that are suitable in particular for application with a roller applicator and contain water, at least one antiperspirant aluminum-zirconium-glycine complex and also L-valine, wherein the weight ratio of glycine to L-valine is in the range of about 20:1 to about 4:1, have a high antiperspirant efficacy and are tolerated very well on the skin at the same time.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2017Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: Henkel AG & Co. KGaAInventors: Thomas Doering, Natascha Schevardo
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Patent number: 9981150Abstract: A fire suppression apparatus for fighting fires from a vehicle configured for flight is disclosed, comprising a foam and water held in separate containers aboard the vehicle that when mixed forms a fire retardant, a pump driven by an electric motor to pressurize the fire retardant, the pump including an air induction valve where air is drawn into a suction end of the pump and pressurized together with the fire retardant, and an aimable boom connected to the pump by a conduit, the boom including a nozzle on a distal end of the boom from which the pressurized fire retardant and air is dispensed toward a target.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2016Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: SIMPLEX MANUFACTURING CO.Inventors: Mark D. Zimmerman, David M. Kruithoff
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Patent number: 9981151Abstract: This invention is embodied in a power/data interface for connecting two modules at the leading edge (i.e., the “tip of the spear”) of a fire suppression operation. The power/data interface serves as an operational link between a housing device (for protecting a battery and other electronic equipment) and an accessory like a thermal imaging camera (“tic” camera), video camera or other sensory perceiving device. The power/data interface not only provides power to an accessory by connecting it to a power source, but the power/data interface can exchange data between the accessory and the housing device. Such exchange of data enables electronics stored within the housing device to record and protect data captured by accessory on a flash drive or other recordable media. In addition to providing power and exchanging data with an accessory, the power/data interface can also accept battery pack that can be used to recharge a battery or other power source located inside the housing device.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2016Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: ALL CLEAR FIRE SYSTEMS, LLCInventors: James A. Mabry, Jr., Danny J. Kleitsch, Thomas P. Smith
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Patent number: 9981152Abstract: An evacuation device (1) for transporting gas and/or particles out of a room includes mounting elements (7, 9) for installation in a wall (3) of the room such that an inflow end (6) is located on the face of the wall (3) that faces the inside of the room and an outflow end (8) is located outside the room. The evacuation device includes a duct (2) extending between the inflow end and the outflow end, and a barrier (12) is releasably attached in the duct to seal it when the evacuation device is in a standby state. Driving elements (21) are arranged to guide at least one flow of fluid through the duct when the evacuation device is in an activated state. Preferably, the duct includes a venturi nozzle, and the driving elements include a number of water nozzles located upstream of the inflow end of the venturi nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2015Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: SEES ASInventor: Trond Fiskaa
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Patent number: 9981153Abstract: A brake controller for spinner bikes has a frame body engaging a pair of connecting pieces, a shaft engaging a first block through a top end thereof and a second block through a bottom end thereof, and a magnetic encoder that has a PCB with coding circuit for detecting rotation of a magnet disposed under the second block. Thereby the brake controller controls two kinds of braking forces by a single button for spinner bikes.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2016Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: CHI HUA FITNESS CO., LTD.Inventor: Chia-Cheng Chou
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Patent number: 9981154Abstract: An exercise apparatus has a base, a first vertical support and a second vertical support. The base has at least one horizontal support. The at least one horizontal support has a first end and a second end. First vertical support and second vertical support each have two vertical members spaced from each other and connected to a bottom support. The bottom support of the first vertical support is attached to the first end of the at least one horizontal support of the base and the bottom support of the second vertical support is attached to the second end of the at least one horizontal support of the base. The first vertical support and the second vertical support are opposite each other. At least one anchor is positioned on each of the vertical supports for removably connecting a resistance band to each of the vertical supports.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2016Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Inventor: Vu Nguyen
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Patent number: 9981155Abstract: Apparatus for performing a pull down exercise comprising: a frame, a seat, an input arm assembly interconnected to a resistance mechanism and a manually graspable mechanism disposed vertically above the user's trunk in a start sitting exercise position, the input arm assembly being pivotably mounted on the frame for back and forth travel along a generally forward to rearward direction and along a generally side to side direction orthogonal to the forward to rearward direction, the input arm assembly being rotatably pivotable around a first linear axis and a second linear axis in the respective directions on exertion by the user of a rearwardly downwardly directed force on the manually graspable mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2016Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: Cybex International, Inc.Inventors: Raymond Giannelli, Mark Buontempo
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Patent number: 9981156Abstract: An exercise machine with multiple contact surfaces for providing secondary exercise support platforms positioned at various planes relative to the horizontal plane of the primary exercising platforms, the secondary platforms further serving as handles used during the performance of exercises. The exercise machine with multiple contact surfaces generally includes a frame, a carriage movably attached to the rail, and a first support structure and a second support structure attached to the frame near the first end. The support structures each include one or more platforms having an upper surface that is positioned above the base plane of the carriage.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2016Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: Lagree Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Sebastien Anthony Louis Lagree
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Patent number: 9981157Abstract: A treadmill for providing walking rehabilitation to a rehabilitee is provided. The treadmill includes a base including a belt, a motor interconnected with the belt, and a walking rehabilitation device interconnected with the base. The motor causes the belt to rotate in a first direction. The walking rehabilitation device includes a user engagement structure configured to be removably secured to one or more locations of a rehabilitee's extremities. The walking rehabilitation device further includes a transmission interconnecting the motor and the user engagement structure, the transmission transferring motion from the motor to the rehabilitee via the user engagement structure, allowing the rehabilitee to walk along the belt.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2014Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: Woodway USA, Inc.Inventors: Douglas G. Bayerlein, Nicholas A. Oblamski, Robert L. Zimpel, Dane J. Langer, Jose D. Bernal-Ramirez
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Patent number: 9981158Abstract: In one aspect, a computerized method includes the step of providing a dynamic exercise chair. The dynamic exercise chair includes a plurality of force providing elements that provide a resistance force to a seatback of the dynamic exercise chair. The dynamic exercise chair includes a plurality of position sensors that monitor a seatback position of the dynamic exercise chair. The dynamic exercise chair includes a microcomputer system that provides a set of control signals to the plurality of force providing elements, and receives a sensor data from the plurality of position sensors.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2016Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Inventor: Irina L Melnik
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Patent number: 9981159Abstract: A stationary aquatic kickboard for leg kicking exercises in water. Aging and quadriceps decline are the origin of this products creation. TKS is anchored to the swimming pool wall or deck by two separate lines having equal tension when in use. The buoyancy of the kickboard is adjustable to accommodate persons of different body weight and for the preferred level of floatation. The handle grips positions will permit user to exercise in the prone or supine positions. Board and handle grips will provide high stability to do high intensity leg kicking action. This equipment is able to detach for removal from pool. TKS Hydrakick system will be used for exercise, physical therapy, relaxation or recreation. TKS hydrakicking is optimal lower extremity exercise and does not cause trauma to the legs.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2016Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Inventor: Anthony Dominic Seven
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Patent number: 9981160Abstract: Embodiments of golf club heads and methods to manufacture golf club heads are generally described herein. In one example, a golf club head may include a body portion having a first interior cavity portion, a toe portion, a heel portion, a top portion, a bottom portion, a rear portion, a front portion having a face portion, and a second interior cavity portion having an elastic polymer material. The body portion may include a plurality of ports located on the bottom portion. Other examples and embodiments may be described and claimed.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2017Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: PARSONS XTREME GOLF, LLCInventors: Robert R. Parsons, Bradley D. Schweigert, Michael R. Nicolette
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Patent number: 9981161Abstract: A resilient face insert for a golf club head, preferably a putter head, is disclosed herein. In particular, the face insert comprises a plurality of hinge features spaced from a striking surface to ensure consistent ball speed across the striking surface. At least a portion of each hinge feature extends parallel to the striking surface without making contact with the striking surface. In the preferred embodiment, each hinge feature comprises a tab portion that is spaced from the striking surface by a stem portion and that extends parallel to the striking surface. The hinge features may be co-molded with a polymeric backing material in order to further improve performance of the face insert.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2017Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: Callaway Golf CompanyInventor: Craig E. Abbott
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Patent number: 9981162Abstract: Provided is a golf club head capable of realizing a lower center of gravity without a weight member protruding from a sole portion. The golf club head according to the present invention includes a crown portion, a face portion, and a sole portion having at least one recessed portion. The recessed portion is configured to house the weight member such that the weight member does not protrude externally. The sole portion is provided with a raised portion including the recessed portion and protruding downward, and to be at least partially placed on a placement surface in a reference state. A center of the recessed portion is arranged further to a back side in a face-back direction and to a heel side in a toe-heel direction than a center of gravity of the head.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2016Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: DUNLOP SPORTS CO. LTD.Inventors: Hiroshi Abe, Daisuke Kohno
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Patent number: 9981163Abstract: A golf club head comprises two weight members, and in a reference plan view where a sole part faces upward and a hosel hole central axis extension line is vertical, a reference imaginary straight line, a first imaginary straight line and a second imaginary straight line are set. The reference imaginary straight line passes through a central axis of a hosel hole and a head gravity center is determined when weight members are not attached. The first imaginary straight line passes through the central axis of the hosel hole and a center of the first opening part. The second imaginary straight line passes through the central axis of the hosel hole and a center of the second opening part. A first angle ?1 between the reference and first imaginary straight lines is ±10 degrees or less, and a second angle ?2 between the reference and second imaginary straight lines is larger than the first angle ?1.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2016Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kozue Wada, Takaharu Takechi
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Patent number: 9981164Abstract: The present invention provides a golf club head that enables increasing the moment of inertia while also improving durability, and a manufacturing method for the same. The golf club head of the present invention includes a crown portion. The crown portion has a first region having a first thickness and multiple second regions having a second thickness that is smaller than the first thickness. The second regions are distributed in a radiating fashion so as to extend from an origin toward a peripheral portion of the crown portion excluding the face side, the origin being located within 15 mm of the center of gravity of the golf club head in the toe-heel direction and also being located in the vicinity of the face side in the face-back direction in a plan view.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2016Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: DUNLOP SPORTS CO. LTD.Inventor: Akio Yamamoto
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Patent number: 9981165Abstract: A golf club head comprising a conformal weight sized to fit within a recess or channel disposed in a crown or sole is disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the crown or sole itself is a conformal weight, and is removably affixed to a base structure comprising a striking face and a skeletal support structure. In other embodiments, the golf club head comprises a conformal weight in the form of a sole cap that is removably affixed to the golf club head and covers small weight ports disposed in the sole.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2016Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: Callaway Golf CompanyInventors: Tim Goudarzi, Steven M. Ehlers, Matthew Myers, Larry Tang, Wee Joung Kim, Philip G. Foster, Wayne H. Byrne
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Patent number: 9981166Abstract: A wood-type golf club head includes a main body and a striking wall associated with the main body. The striking wall has a striking face including a face center, a first imaginary plane tangent to the face center, and a rear surface opposite the striking face. In a second imaginary plane perpendicular to the first imaginary plane and passing through the face center, the striking face includes a first point associated with a maximum thickness, tmax, of the striking wall, and a second point associated with a minimum thickness, tmin, of the striking wall, such that a ratio, tmax/tmin, is no less than 1.70. Also, in the second imaginary plane, the striking wall gradually tapers in thickness entirely from the first point to the second point.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2016Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: DUNLOP SPORTS CO. LTD.Inventors: Mitchell Samson, Alex L. Timmons
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Patent number: 9981167Abstract: A golf club head having multiple structural columns is disclosed herein. A body comprises a face section, a sole section, and a crown or return section, and defines a hollow interior. Each of the structural columns extends from the crown or return section to the sole section within the hollow interior to reduce stresses placed on the face section during impact with a golf ball. The structural columns are all located within 1 inch of a rear surface of the face section measured along a plane normal to the center of the face, and are spaced a distance of 0.500 to 2.00 inch from one another within the hollow interior.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2017Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: Callaway Golf CompanyInventors: James A. Seluga, Matthew Myers
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Patent number: 9981168Abstract: The present invention is directed to a set of golf clubs comprising long irons, mid irons and short irons. The irons have a progressive horizontal CG location. Preferably, the long and mid irons have a face stabilizing bar and back panel and the CG is located between about 1 mm and 3 mm towards the hosel and the CG in the short irons is located between about 3 mm and 4 mm toward the hosel. Further the long and mid irons irons can have a plurality of apertures in the face stabilizing bar and/or the back wall.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2017Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Marni D. Ines, Jonathan Hebreo
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Patent number: 9981169Abstract: A ball striking device, such as a golf club, includes a head with a face having a striking surface configured for striking a ball and being defined by a plurality of peripheral edges, a body connected to the face and extending rearwardly from the peripheral edges of the face, and a sole member connected to the sole of the body. The sole member may be removably connected to the sole, which can permit removal and replacement with another sole member having a different property. The sole member may additionally or alternately be movably connected to the sole, which can permit adjustment of the sole member, such as to change the lie angle of the head. The sole member may be at least partially received in a receiver in the sole and may form at least a portion of the lowermost surface of the head.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2017Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: Karsten Manufacturing CorporationInventors: Andrew G. V. Oldknow, William F. Rauchholz
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Patent number: 9981170Abstract: A putter comprising an adjustable hosel structure is disclosed herein. In particular, the putter comprises a hosel assembly comprising a shaft receiver and two interlocked bars that connect the shaft receiver to the putter head. A plurality of bolts connect the bars to the shaft receiver and the putter head, and these points of connection are joints about which the bars move, and which can be restrained to immobilize the hosel assembly or otherwise reversibly fix it in place so that a longitudinal shaft axis is aligned with a desired portion of the putter head. The hosel assembly preferably is adjustable along a horizontal, heel-to-toe axis, and is partially disposed, and secured, within a pocket on the heel side of the putter head.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2017Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: Callaway Golf CompanyInventor: Matthew Myers
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Patent number: 9981171Abstract: An edible adapter device that enables smaller drinking cups to fit within larger drinking cups for a modified beer pong-drinking game. The device comprises a continuous band that is either flexible or rigid but can be worn about a human wrist as a drink counter or consumed when made from candy, a cookie material, pretzel, compressed cereal or a cracker.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2017Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Inventor: Gary P. Topolosky
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Patent number: 9981172Abstract: An athletic coaching method and jersey system are provided. The method utilizes jerseys with securing elements attached thereto. Number panels having specific player numbers are secured to the jerseys for use during practice. Scout team players wear the jerseys during practice. Each scout team player has a different number to represent the jersey number of a player on an opposing team in an upcoming game. The method allows coaches to more realistically simulate a game against an opposing team in practice. When the opposing team changes for the next game, each scout team player can continue to wear the same jersey but change the jersey number by switching number panels to represent a different player on the team of the next opponent. Thus, jersey numbers can be changed so that a game can be simulated for any opponent.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2017Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: Future1s, LLCInventors: Trent S. Massey, Lawrence Gustin Smith
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Patent number: 9981173Abstract: A reversibly attachable muscle trainer includes a multi-arm structure with motion sensors and force generators for exercising opposing muscles of a person moving an implement so as to maintain an ideal movement. When attached to the implement, the muscle trainer trains the opposing muscles to consistently move the implement in an ideal way. While the person moves the implement with the muscle trainer attached, a processor receives signals from the motion sensors and determines differences between the actual implement motion and an ideal implement motion. The difference indicates a dominating force direction in which the dominating muscles urge the implement. The processor activates the force generators to apply external forces to the implement to urge the implement in various types of training force directions.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2015Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Inventors: William B. Priester, Richard E. May, C. Bryan Dawson, David A. Ward, Georg Pingen
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Patent number: 9981174Abstract: Systems and methods of ball tossing machines. Ball tossing machines having reconfigurable joints are contemplated. Embodiments having dynamically articulating joints create tossing arms that mimic human arms completing underhanded tosses. In other embodiments, the tossing arm's elbow and fingers can be locked into place and pivoted about a shoulder to accomplish a basic tossing motion with an altered effective tossing arm length.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2017Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Inventors: Timothy Joseph Decilveo, Alexander Paul Decilveo
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Patent number: 9981175Abstract: The present invention provides for a taekwondo bag comprising: a housing comprising a main compartment and a front panels that closes and opens to access the main compartment, and the main compartment comprising top and bottom portions; and at least one helmet carrier designed to receive an Olympic taekwondo helmet, and the helmet carrier is situated within the main compartment of the housing of the bag.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2015Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Inventor: Dan DeLaRosa
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Patent number: 9981176Abstract: An apparatus to keep score during a tennis or other racket match being affixed to a set of racket strings, the apparatus includes a housing having a perimeter, a front surface and a rear surface, each surface configured with indicia to indicate game and set score, said perimeter includes a groove therearound to removeably affix housing to the racket strings, wherein the housing includes a pair of stacked polygon apertures, the front polygon being a hexagon and the second being a pentagon, and a pair of stacked pluggable dials, the front polygon being a hexagon and the second being a pentagon, wherein said pluggable dials include a finger grip, indicator, base or stop, and annular male female snap, and thus to facilitate keeping game and set score during a match and to provide vibrational dampening.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2016Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Inventor: Ronald K. Dorrell
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Patent number: 9981177Abstract: An apparatus for use with a protective cup is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plurality of support members which may position the protective cup in a preferred position relative to a user's body, and secure the protective cup in the preferred position. The plurality of support members may connect to the protective cup or a protective support configured to receive the protective cup. The apparatus may be configured to protect the user's groin region, such as the user's crotch area, pubic bone and genitals. The apparatus may also be configured to protect the user's buttocks or legs, such as the user's hips, thighs, shins or knees.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2014Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Inventor: Craig H. Diamond
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Patent number: 9981178Abstract: A snowboard assembly includes a snowboard and a suspension system operable to absorb shock and vibration that are generated during use of the assembly. The snowboard is a typical snowboard and the suspension system comprises a suspension platform and two or more struts. Each strut is coupled with the snowboard and the suspension platform via two couplings. In a preferred embodiment, a single strut with two couplings are used to couple the suspension platform with the snowboard.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2017Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Inventor: Loc Huynh
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Patent number: 9981179Abstract: A prize wheel assembly for facilitating interchanging the prize designations on the prize wheel. The prize wheel assembly includes a stand assembly; a display support assembly including a wheel member removably mounted to the stand assembly; and a signage support assembly removably mounted to the stand assembly.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2016Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Inventors: Patrick T. Matthews, Michael B. Younes
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Patent number: 9981180Abstract: A die rolling and identification apparatus having a die container with a die shaker, an opening connector and a die slide and containing a least one die, the opening connector is between the die shaker and the die slide to enable the die to move between the die shaker and the die slide through the opening connector; a motor and a plurality of gears connected to the motor. The plurality of gears turn the die container, the die slide has a slide lower surface and slide upper surface, the slide lower surface and the slide upper surface are substantially parallel such that the die slides in the die slide without rolling, the die shaken in the die shaker are stopped in a prescribed position in the die slide and the die are read by light sensors disposed on a surface of the die slide.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2017Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Inventors: Takashi Koyanagi, Koichi Mori
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Patent number: 9981181Abstract: A gaming apparatus includes a display, a touch panel, and a controller. The display displays an image thereon. The touch panel is provided so as to cover a display screen of the display and outputs a position signal corresponding to a point touched by a player. The controller receives the position signal from the touch panel and changes the image in accordance with the number of position signals simultaneously received.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2007Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: UNIVERSAL ENTERTAINMENT CORPORATIONInventor: Junichi Kogo
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Patent number: 9981182Abstract: There is provided a system including a wearable feedback device having a first feedback element and a second feedback element, a non-transitory memory storing a game and an executable code, and a hardware processor executing the executable code to receive an input signal from the game, transmit a first activation signal to activate the first feedback element to provide a first feedback including a haptic effect, in response to receiving the input signal, and transmit a second activation signal to activate the second feedback element to provide a second feedback, in response to receiving the input signal.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2016Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Michael P. Goslin, Eric C. Haseltine
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Patent number: 9981183Abstract: A haptic peripheral includes a housing and a haptically-enhanced user input element. The haptically-enhanced user input element is configured to receive an input from a user, and includes a mechanical key having a keycap with a user contact surface configured to contact the user and a smart material actuator integrated onto the user contact surface of the keycap. The smart material actuator is configured to receive a control signal from a processor and is configured to deform at least a portion of the user contact surface relative to the keycap of the mechanical key in response to the control signal from the processor to thereby provide a haptic effect to a user of the haptic peripheral. The haptic peripheral may also include a braking actuator coupled to the mechanical key to hold the mechanical key in a depressed position to indicate an inactive status to a user. In addition, the haptic peripheral and the haptically-enhanced user input element may be modular.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2016Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: Immersion CorporationInventors: Danny A. Grant, William Rihn
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Patent number: 9981184Abstract: A method and a device for invoking a plug-in function are disclosed, which relate to the technical field of wed games. The method includes: detecting whether there exists a need to execute a function of a preset plug-in in an online game, and if there exists the need to execute the function of the preset plug-in in the online game, acquiring a type of a browser on which the online game is played; when the browser on which the online game is played is a non-IE browser, acquiring the preset plug-in and instantiating a refresh-free plug-in instance according to the preset plug-in; and invoking the refresh-free plug-in instance in the online game, and executing a function of the preset plug-in. Through the present invention, it is not required to refresh a webpage in an IE browser, and the function of the preset plug-in can be executed by instantiating the refresh-free plug-in instance, thereby improving the execution efficiency of the webpage.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2014Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: TENCENT TECHNOLOGY (SHENZHEN) COMPANY LIMITEDInventor: Donglin Pu
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Patent number: 9981185Abstract: A server device includes: a receiving unit configured to receive, from each of a plurality of information-processing devices, location information showing a respective location of each information-processing device; a setting unit configured to set a condition showing that one information-processing device is close to another information-processing device, based on a predetermined parameter; a determining unit configured to determine whether a first information-processing device and a second information-processing device from among the plurality of information-processing devices satisfy the condition based on the location information received by the receiving unit; and a transmitting unit configured to transmit information determined at the determining unit to the first information-processing device and the second information-processing device, in a case that the determining unit determines that the first information-processing device and the second information-processing device satisfy the condition.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2015Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: NINTENDO CO., LTD.Inventors: Masato Kuwahara, Yutaka Murakami
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Patent number: 9981186Abstract: The present invention provides method for starting and determining the winner of a staggered race between two racers. The method includes the use of a display having two columns of lights, each column having three countdown lights, a start light and a foul light. A race is started by illuminating the countdown lights on both columns and, upon illumination of the last countdown light, illuminating a first start light for a first driver and illuminating a second start light for the other driver after a predetermined time. In the event of an action that triggers a foul light by the first driver, delaying the illumination of a foul light for the first driver until both racers have started.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2016Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignees: Brockmeyer Computer Systems, Inc., BRACKETRACES.COM LLCInventors: Peter Biondo, Robert Wesley Brockmeyer, Kyle Seipel
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Patent number: 9981187Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and an apparatus for simulating a sound in a virtual scenario, and a terminal. The method includes: determining whether a virtual object is in a falling state; detecting, when the virtual object is in the falling state, whether a virtual object collides with another virtual object in a virtual scenario; and invoking sound data when the virtual object collides with the another virtual object, and simulating a sound according to the invoked sound data.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2015Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: TENCENT TECHNOLOGY (SHENZHEN) COMPANY LIMITEDInventors: Yi Yan, Weilin Zhang, Wenyong Zhao
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Patent number: 9981188Abstract: A game management device which manages a game includes a prior registration unit for setting a registered character, according to an information on an operation of selecting a prescribed number of characters from the characters owned by the user when the operation is performed by a prescribed time limit; a real event accepting unit for accepting an information on a real event produced by the existent object after the prescribed time limit; and a game information change unit for changing, when it is determined that the existent object corresponding to the registered character produced a prescribed real event, a user's game information to offer a reward or a disadvantage on a basis of the information on the real event accepted by the real event accepting unit.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2014Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: KONAMI DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT CO., LTD.Inventor: Hiroshi Tanibuchi
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Patent number: 9981189Abstract: This disclosure relates to a system and methodology for dynamically adjusting a game based on predictions made during game account creation in accordance with one or more implementations. The system may be configured to receive user information included in platform level accounts which were previously created by users on an online platform and assign one or more user types to the user based on that user information. The system may be configured such that game adjustments associated with one or more user types for future play by users associated with that user type may be modified over time based on historical and ongoing game activities undertaken by users associated with one or more user types.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2017Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: Kabam, Inc.Inventors: Kent Wakeford, Clifford J. Harrington
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Patent number: 9981190Abstract: Techniques are described for performing telemetry based interactive content generation for online services. For example, telemetry data can be obtained from individual users of the online service and/or from multiple users of the online service (e.g., and processed to generate aggregate telemetry data). Other types of data can also be obtained, including service management data. Service management data can be generated from the users of the online service and can comprise user density information for virtual areas of the online service. Using telemetry data (e.g., user-specific telemetry data and/or aggregate telemetry data), service management data, and/or other types of data related to the online service, new interactive experiences can by dynamically created for the users of the online service.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2015Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Alex Liu, Sebastian Grinke, Robert Chase Jones, Kenneth A. Lobb, James Yarrow
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Patent number: 9981191Abstract: An operating system (OS) platform-level gaming module that is integrated as part of an OS platform for a first wired and/or wireless communication device is operable to detect when a user installs a game written for the first wired and/or wireless communication device. The OS platform-level gaming module is operable to publish the game to a cloud when the installation of the game is detected and install the published game to at least a second wired and/or wireless communication device that is associated with said user. The OS platform-level gaming module may be operable to copy corresponding configurations and settings for the game installed on the first wired and/or wireless communication device to the cloud.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2013Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: Google LLCInventor: Jennifer Anne Lees
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Patent number: 9981192Abstract: Tools, strategies, and techniques are provided for connecting an audience comprising artists of many different kinds with a wider audience of other users to engage in competitions, provide commentary, review communications, and perform other activities around works of art.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2017Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: MUSIXSTER, LLCInventors: Alessandro Originale Di Criscio, Francesco Claude Originale Di Criscio