Patents Issued in May 29, 2018
  • Patent number: 9981143
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: VENUS CONCEPT LTD.
    Inventors: Oded Ron Edoute, Orit Ron Edoute, Itzhak Kremin, Vadim Polyakov, Boris Vaynberg
  • Patent number: 9981144
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems Particle Therapy GMBH
    Inventor: Markus Bach
  • Patent number: 9981145
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: P-CURE LTD.
    Inventors: Michael Marash, Boris Roikhel
  • Patent number: 9981146
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Pyramid Technical Consultants, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond P. Boisseau, John S. Gordon, Andrew Dart, Julia C. Nett
  • Patent number: 9981147
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Inventors: W. Davis Lee, Mark R. Amato, James P. Bennett
  • Patent number: 9981148
    Abstract: Disclosed are thermal treatment methods that involve monitoring and/or actively adjusting the temperature of targeted and/or non-targeted tissues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: INSIGHTEC, LTD.
    Inventors: Kobi Vortman, Shuki Vitek, Yoav Levy
  • Patent number: 9981149
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Henkel AG & Co. KGaA
    Inventors: Thomas Doering, Natascha Schevardo
  • Patent number: 9981150
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: SIMPLEX MANUFACTURING CO.
    Inventors: Mark D. Zimmerman, David M. Kruithoff
  • Patent number: 9981151
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: ALL CLEAR FIRE SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventors: James A. Mabry, Jr., Danny J. Kleitsch, Thomas P. Smith
  • Patent number: 9981152
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: SEES AS
    Inventor: Trond Fiskaa
  • Patent number: 9981153
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: CHI HUA FITNESS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chia-Cheng Chou
  • Patent number: 9981154
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Inventor: Vu Nguyen
  • Patent number: 9981155
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Cybex International, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond Giannelli, Mark Buontempo
  • Patent number: 9981156
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Lagree Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Sebastien Anthony Louis Lagree
  • Patent number: 9981157
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Woodway USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas G. Bayerlein, Nicholas A. Oblamski, Robert L. Zimpel, Dane J. Langer, Jose D. Bernal-Ramirez
  • Patent number: 9981158
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Inventor: Irina L Melnik
  • Patent number: 9981159
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Inventor: Anthony Dominic Seven
  • Patent number: 9981160
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: PARSONS XTREME GOLF, LLC
    Inventors: Robert R. Parsons, Bradley D. Schweigert, Michael R. Nicolette
  • Patent number: 9981161
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventor: Craig E. Abbott
  • Patent number: 9981162
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: DUNLOP SPORTS CO. LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Abe, Daisuke Kohno
  • Patent number: 9981163
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kozue Wada, Takaharu Takechi
  • Patent number: 9981164
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: DUNLOP SPORTS CO. LTD.
    Inventor: Akio Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 9981165
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Tim Goudarzi, Steven M. Ehlers, Matthew Myers, Larry Tang, Wee Joung Kim, Philip G. Foster, Wayne H. Byrne
  • Patent number: 9981166
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: DUNLOP SPORTS CO. LTD.
    Inventors: Mitchell Samson, Alex L. Timmons
  • Patent number: 9981167
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: James A. Seluga, Matthew Myers
  • Patent number: 9981168
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Marni D. Ines, Jonathan Hebreo
  • Patent number: 9981169
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Karsten Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew G. V. Oldknow, William F. Rauchholz
  • Patent number: 9981170
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventor: Matthew Myers
  • Patent number: 9981171
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Inventor: Gary P. Topolosky
  • Patent number: 9981172
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Future1s, LLC
    Inventors: Trent S. Massey, Lawrence Gustin Smith
  • Patent number: 9981173
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Inventors: William B. Priester, Richard E. May, C. Bryan Dawson, David A. Ward, Georg Pingen
  • Patent number: 9981174
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Inventors: Timothy Joseph Decilveo, Alexander Paul Decilveo
  • Patent number: 9981175
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Inventor: Dan DeLaRosa
  • Patent number: 9981176
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Inventor: Ronald K. Dorrell
  • Patent number: 9981177
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Inventor: Craig H. Diamond
  • Patent number: 9981178
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Inventor: Loc Huynh
  • Patent number: 9981179
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Inventors: Patrick T. Matthews, Michael B. Younes
  • Patent number: 9981180
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Inventors: Takashi Koyanagi, Koichi Mori
  • Patent number: 9981181
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: UNIVERSAL ENTERTAINMENT CORPORATION
    Inventor: Junichi Kogo
  • Patent number: 9981182
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael P. Goslin, Eric C. Haseltine
  • Patent number: 9981183
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Danny A. Grant, William Rihn
  • Patent number: 9981184
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: TENCENT TECHNOLOGY (SHENZHEN) COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventor: Donglin Pu
  • Patent number: 9981185
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: NINTENDO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masato Kuwahara, Yutaka Murakami
  • Patent number: 9981186
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignees: Brockmeyer Computer Systems, Inc., BRACKETRACES.COM LLC
    Inventors: Peter Biondo, Robert Wesley Brockmeyer, Kyle Seipel
  • Patent number: 9981187
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: TENCENT TECHNOLOGY (SHENZHEN) COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Yi Yan, Weilin Zhang, Wenyong Zhao
  • Patent number: 9981188
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: KONAMI DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Tanibuchi
  • Patent number: 9981189
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Kabam, Inc.
    Inventors: Kent Wakeford, Clifford J. Harrington
  • Patent number: 9981190
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Alex Liu, Sebastian Grinke, Robert Chase Jones, Kenneth A. Lobb, James Yarrow
  • Patent number: 9981191
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventor: Jennifer Anne Lees
  • Patent number: 9981192
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: MUSIXSTER, LLC
    Inventors: Alessandro Originale Di Criscio, Francesco Claude Originale Di Criscio