Patents Issued in June 19, 2018
  • Patent number: 9999787
    Abstract: To overcome the difficulties inherent in conventional proton therapy systems, new techniques are described herein for synchronizing the application of proton radiation with the periodic movement of a target area. In an embodiment, a method is provided that combines multiple rescans of a spot scanning proton beam while monitoring the periodic motion of the target area, and aligning the applications of the proton beam with parameters of the periodic motion. For example, the direction(s) and frequency of the periodic motion may be monitored, and the timing, dose rate, and/or scanning direction and spot sequence of the beam can be adjusted to align with phases in the periodic motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems International AG.
    Inventors: Jarmo Ruohonen, Sami P. Siljamaki
  • Patent number: 9999788
    Abstract: Simulating particle beam interactions includes identifying a set of n functions F1, F2, . . . , Fn corresponding to a plurality of different physical aspects of a particle beam, performing simulations of each Fi using a full physics model, selecting for each Fi a distribution function fi that models relevant behavior and reducing computation of the full physics model for each Fi by replacing Fi with a distribution function fi. The computation reduction includes comparing a set of simulations wherein each fi replaces its respective Fi to determine if relevant behavior is accurately modeled and selecting one of fi or Fi for each n, for a Monte Carlo simulation based on a runtime and accuracy criteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Anne E. Gattiker, Damir A. Jamsek, Sani R. Nassif, Thomas H. Osiecki, William E. Speight, Chin Ngai Sze, Min-Yu Tsai
  • Patent number: 9999789
    Abstract: The invention relates to a temperature distribution determining apparatus for determining a temperature distribution within an object caused by applying energy to the object. A temperature distribution measuring unit (6, 7) measures a spatially and temporally dependent first temperature distribution in the object (3), while the energy is applied to the object (3) such that the object (3) is heated to a temperature within a first temperature range, and a temperature distribution estimating unit (5) estimates a spatially and temporally dependent second temperature distribution in the object (3) within a second temperature range, which is different to the first temperature range, based on the spatial and temporal dependence of the measured first temperature distribution. Since temperature distributions can be obtained not only in the first temperature range, but also in the second temperature range, the overall temperature range, in which the temperature distribution can be determined, can be increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventor: Michael Harald Kuhn
  • Patent number: 9999790
    Abstract: Novel systems and methods for performing treatment (e.g., coloration) of keratinous fibers are disclosed. The methods and systems utilize one or more of a dispensing device which is configured to provide customized composition for treating keratinous fibers (e.g., a coloring composition), optionally formed from tablets; an optical reader, for obtaining sufficient characteristics of the keratinous fibers to make a realistic prediction of the outcome of a treatment (e.g., coloring treatment); a computational units for predicting an outcome of a treatment, optionally being interfaced with the dispensing device and for selecting a customized treatment; and tablet formulations which are useful in preparing customized composition for treating keratinous fibers. Further disclosed are rapidly disintegrating tablets for use in the preparation of compositions for treating keratinous fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: COLORIGHT LTD.
    Inventors: Benzion Landa, Efraim Miklatzky, Sagi Abramovich, Yacov Mazuz, Anton Krassilnikov, Eliyahu Benny, Gilad Davara, Chen Ofek, Elena Ishkov, Lior Shahar, Daniel Mandelik, Uri Zadok
  • Patent number: 9999791
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for extinguishing a stovetop fire over a stovetop having a first burner, the apparatus including a container detachably mountable to a microwave positioned above the stove top, the container having a closure retained in a closed position on the container. A supply of fire suppressant material is retained within the container when the closure is in the closed position. A heat responsive actuator is disposed on the container. When the container is mounted to the microwave over the first burner, and the fire actuates the heat responsive actuator, the closure moves to an open position and at least a portion of the supply of fire suppressant material falls toward the first burner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Suppressor, LLC
    Inventors: Rick Scarola, John Berry, Dave Seeman, Evan Reese
  • Patent number: 9999792
    Abstract: A dual air vent allows air or gas to be vented from a wet pipe fire protection sprinkler system, but inhibits water from spilling out. A conventional first air vent valve is operative to vent air or gas as a pipe is filled with water, but not vent the water. However, it may discharge a small amount of water when the pipe fills and substantially all air or gas has been vented. The output of the first air vent valve is not released into the protected premises, but rather is routed to a reservoir having a second air vent. Air or gas is vented through the second air vent, but any water discharged by the first air vent valve is retained in the reservoir. The reservoir is connected to the pipe by a one-way valve which allows air flow in either direction, and allows water flow from the reservoir to the pipe, but blocks water flow from the pipe to the reservoir. When the pipe is again drained, water retained in the reservoir is allowed to flow into the pipe, where it is also drained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: South-Tek Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Scott Christian Bodemann, Timothy S. Bodemann
  • Patent number: 9999793
    Abstract: A dry sprinkler includes a flexible tube section that maintains a pressurized fluid, such as a liquid antifreeze solution, between a first end and a second end. A first seal prevents fluid from a supply line from entering the flexible tube section. The first seal is maintained in a sealed position by a pressure of the pressurized fluid. A sprinkler head is coupled to the second end of the flexible tube section, and includes a frame, an output orifice, a deflector, a second seal that seals the output orifice, and a thermally responsive element configured to maintain the second seal in a sealed position when the thermally responsive element is in a non-responsive state. A differential pressure controller maintains a ratio between the pressure of the pressurized fluid in the flexible tube section and a pressure of a supply fluid in the supply line to at least a certain ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: The Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Multer
  • Patent number: 9999794
    Abstract: Use of a gas mixture selected from the group comprising: —trifluoroiodomethane (CF3I) in concentrations from 85% to 99% by weight and a gas selected from the group comprising fluoroethane, pentafluoroiodoethane, pentafluoroethane, dimethyl ether, propylene or their mixtures in concentrations from 15% to 1% by weight as refrigerant, propellant, foaming and/or extinguishing gases as replacements or alternatives for other gases or HFC (hydrofluorocarbon), HFO (hydrofluoro-olefin) and HFE (hydrofluoroether) mixtures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Tazzetti S.P.A.
    Inventor: Riccardo Mondino
  • Patent number: 9999795
    Abstract: A motorized rotational dance pole assembly is provided. The dance pole can be rotated by an adjustable and controllable motor assembly to provide controlled rotation of the pole at varying speeds. Further, the pole may have a fixed non-rotating mode, as well as a free rotational mode. Operation of the motorized rotational dance pole may be controlled by a remote wireless controller which may be programmable and reprogrammable to adjust operation of the dance pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Inventors: Katarzyna Lucja Jarosz, Stella Fink
  • Patent number: 9999796
    Abstract: A supplemental weight stack is disclosed. The supplemental weights add a weight load to an exercise machine in increments less than the main weight increments. The supplemental weights can be stacked horizontally and can be designed such that when engaged, each supplemental weight acts upon an engagement mechanism. The user selects the supplemental weight by acting upon an adjustment mechanism, which, in turn, actuates the engagement mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Specialty Fitness Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Jerry K. Leipheimer
  • Patent number: 9999797
    Abstract: An assisted chin/dip exercise apparatus has a main frame and an assist or foot bar pivotally mounted on the frame and linked to a weight stack or resistance for assisting a user standing on the foot bar during performance of chin and dip exercises. The main frame has a first, overhead handle assembly and a second, dip handle assembly below the first handle assembly. The first handle assembly includes a pair of adjustably mounted handles freely pivotable between a first, chin-up position in which the handles extend towards one another at a rearward angle with a small spacing between the handles and a second, pull-up position in which the handles extend in a forward direction and are spaced apart by a larger spacing sufficient to provide head clearance for a user stepping onto the foot bar or while performing a dip exercise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: HOIST FITNESS SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Owen Meredith, Billy Y. Kim, Adam Sanders Guier
  • Patent number: 9999798
    Abstract: Versatile exercise apparatus is portable and provides adjustable volume to weight ratio for multi-purpose weight, cardio, sport-specific, and martial arts training. Versatile exercise apparatus provides a user with the ability to adjust volume to weight ratio using a waterproof fillable cavity. The different markings on the transparent viewing window of the apparatus allow a user to vary the difficulty level of workouts by changing the corresponding weight of either water or sand added to the apparatus. Versatility is provided by the apparatus either being used as a backpack or a hand-held free weight, or a punching bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Inventor: Matthew Joseph Hannula
  • Patent number: 9999799
    Abstract: Apparatus for performing an arm extension exercise comprising: a frame, a seat having a seating surface (S), an elbow pad having an engaging surface (ES), an input arm assembly interconnected to a resistance mechanism and a manually graspable mechanism, the input arm assembly being adapted to reside in a start motionless position (SMP) that disposes the manually graspable mechanism in a start exercise position (SEP) that is disposed vertically above UW) the user's elbows, the input arm assembly being pivotable around a linear axis disposed rearwardly of the user's elbow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Cybex International, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond Giannelli, Mark Buontempo
  • Patent number: 9999800
    Abstract: A multi-mode squat rack includes a frame, a support unit and a handle unit. The frame includes two struts pivotally connected to each other, two stepping boards connected to one of the struts, and a mount pivotally connected to the first strut. The support unit includes a seat post pivotally connected to the first strut, a seat supported on the seat post, a pair of ears supported on a side of the seat post near the first strut, at least one fin supported on an opposite side of the seat post, and an elastic unit arranged between the mount and the fin. The handle unit includes a stem pivotally connected to the first strut, a connection rod formed with an end pivotally connected to the stem and another end pivotally connected to the first strut or the pair of ears, and a handle connected to the stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: ASIA REGENT CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yi-Hung Lin
  • Patent number: 9999801
    Abstract: A leg and foot strength training device for infants. The device includes a support bed and a partition at one end of the support bed. The partition cooperates with the support bed to form a cavity. An infant lying on the support bed maybe positioned such that their legs and feet maybe located substantially within cavity. When the infant pushes or kicks his or her legs or feet toward and/or against the partition from within cavity, the partition may provide an amount of resilient resistance against the legs or feet kicks or pushes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Vanessa Sattele, Lucas Jacobus Franciscus Geurts
  • Patent number: 9999802
    Abstract: Disclosed is an exercise device having an elongated body, a slot formed length-wise in the body, the slot having an undercut portion on each side, a plurality of holes in slot for receiving one of a plurality of fasteners, an exercise accessory having a connecting member, and a head of the connecting member, the head sized to be received in the slot of the body and configured to be slidably retained in the slot. The slot can have undercut portions. The undercut portions can have locking features. The head of the connecting member can have complimentary locking features. A tightening member can fix the connecting member in a position in the slot. The elongated body can have a cutout for receiving the head of the connecting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Inventor: Donald Kilmon
  • Patent number: 9999803
    Abstract: A pair of therapeutic devices intended for use by persons in rehabilitative, physical or occupational therapy following hand and wrist surgeries or injuries with both of these devices being customized to better fit the needs of the recovering individual, and both provide superior control, monitoring, and feedback than do conventional therapy exercises.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Inventor: Robert Henschel
  • Patent number: 9999804
    Abstract: Analysis of sporting equipment characteristics may be analyzed using dynamic sampling rates. For example, analyzing a golf swing may include the use of one or more sensors providing data at various sampling rates. According to some aspects, the sampling rate may be dynamically modified upon determination of one or more golf equipment characteristics, environmental conditions, player characteristics and the like. In one example, a sampling rate processor may dynamically select a sampling rate at which data is sampled from one or more sensors. In some examples, by dynamically selecting the sampling rate, an analysis may be tailored to various types, and portions of a golf swing, in addition to producing power consumption by the analysis instruments in the golf club system. According to other aspects, triggering conditions for modifying a sampling rate may be determined from a population of one or more previous golf swings performed by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Manan Goel, Mario A. Lafortune
  • Patent number: 9999805
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for capturing, over the course of a sports match, gaze data for each participant on a team, identifying a team-level key performance indicator (KPI) associated with a sports domain to which the sports match corresponds, and generating KPI data corresponding to the KPI. A graph may then be constructed based at least in part on the KPI data, where each node in the graph may represent a player on the team or an object of interest, and each edge connecting adjacent nodes may be weighted to indicate a degree of interaction between the nodes connected by the edge. KPI data may be aggregated across multiple sports domain KPIs and analyzed to assess team performance characteristics during the sports match. Report data indicative of team performance for different game scenarios, and optionally including recommendations for improving team performance in such scenarios, may be generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Karan Ahuja, Kuntal Dey, Seema Nagar, Roman Vaculin
  • Patent number: 9999806
    Abstract: Activities, actions and events during user performance of physical activity may be detected using various algorithms and templates. Templates may include an arrangement of one or more states that may identify particular event types and timing between events. Templates may be specific to a particular type of activity (e.g., types of sports, drills, events, etc.), user, terrain, time of day and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Santoshkumar Balakrishnan, Jordan M. Rice, Steven H. Walker, Adam S. Carroll, Corey C. Dow-Hygelund, Aaron K. Goodwin, James M. Mullin, Tye L. Rattenbury, Joshua M. Rooke-Ley, John M. Schmitt
  • Patent number: 9999807
    Abstract: An exercise device includes a relatively rigid platform supported by a compressible base. The base has a central flat and then slopes outward and upward from the central flat in a spherical section. The base permits instability in height, angle, and shear strain movement. The user performs postures and/or exercises using the exercise device under each appendage being used for support. The instability triggers the Golgi tendon receptor and the muscle spindle receptor and thereby achieves physiological benefits. The muscular training devices come in different sizes and configurations to make up a muscular training system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Inventor: Shanti Rainey
  • Patent number: 9999808
    Abstract: Multi-layered golf balls containing a two or three-layered cover assembly are provided. In one embodiment, the cover assembly includes a relatively hard inner cover and relatively soft outer cover. Alternatively, the cover assembly may include a relatively soft inner cover with a relatively hard outer cover. Three-layered covers comprising an inner cover, intermediate cover, and outer cover layer also may be prepared. Preferably, at least one of the layers is formed from a thermoplastic composition that preferably comprises: a) ethylene acid copolymer, b) plasticizer, and c) cation source. A fatty acid ester such as ethyl oleate is preferably used as the plasticizer. The cover assembly has good impact durability and helps provide the ball with relatively high resiliency at given compressions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Mark L. Binette, Robert Blink, David A. Bulpett, Brian Comeau, Douglas S. Goguen
  • Patent number: 9999809
    Abstract: A golf ball includes a thermoplastic HNP inner core layer having a center hardness less than the surface hardness to define a positive hardness gradient. An outer core layer is formed from a thermoset rubber composition. The core layer has an inner surface hardness less than the outer surface hardness to define a positive hardness gradient of 3 to 30 Shore D. Inner and outer cover layers are disposed about the outer core layer. The HNP composition includes an acid copolymer of ethylene and an ?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acid; a non-acid polymer comprising polyolefins, polyamides, polyesters, polyethers, polyurethanes, metallocene-catalyzed polymers, single-site catalyst polymerized polymers, ethylene propylene rubber, ethylene propylene diene rubber, styrenic block copolymer rubbers, alkyl acrylate rubbers, or functionalized derivatives thereof; an organic acid or salt thereof; and a cation source in an amount sufficient to neutralize at least about 80% of the acid groups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Mark L. Binette, Brian Comeau
  • Patent number: 9999810
    Abstract: A baseball/softball comprises a core and a cover, wherein the core is wrapped with a layer of fiber material, and the layer of fiber material is wrapped and glued with the cover. A method of processing baseball/softball comprises wrapping the core with the layer of fiber material, placing the core and the layer of fiber material into a cover material, placing the core, the layer of fiber material outside the core and the layer of cover material outside the layer of fiber material into a mold; molding the layer of cover material into the cover through a vulcanization process, gluing a vulcanization melting layer formed on inner wall of the cover to the layer of fiber material, and finally taking the finished product out of the mold. From the perspectives of smell, touch and visual sense, the product has good simulation effect of baseball/softball and better service effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: XIAMEN ZAIFENG SPORTING EQUIPMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Wenji Fang
  • Patent number: 9999811
    Abstract: A ball striking device, such as a golf club head, has a head that includes a face configured for striking a ball and a body connected to the face, the body being adapted for connection of a shaft proximate a heel thereof. The face has a thickened portion including an annular tapered area that tapers in thickness between an upper boundary and a lower boundary and encloses an elevated area bounded by the upper boundary. The upper and/or lower boundary defines a shape having two lobes, each with an outer edge with a convex profile, and a connecting portion extending between the lobes, such that the connecting portion is defined by two outer edges extending between the outer edges of the lobes, wherein at least one of the outer edges of the connecting portion has a concave outer profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Karsten Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Robert M. Boyd, Jeremy N. Snyder, Hiroshi Kawaguchi, James S. Thomas, Raymond J. Sander, Rick S. Wahlin, Akira Shimozuma
  • Patent number: 9999812
    Abstract: A ball striking device, such as a golf club, includes a head with a face having an outer surface configured for striking a ball, a body connected to the face, and a channel located in the body. The channel is configured to influence the characteristics of the impact of a ball on the face, such as by flexing or compressing in response to the force of the impact, exerting a response or reaction force on the face, changing the motion or behavior of the face, and other manners. The head may also include a pair of channels that have a gap between them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew G. V. Oldknow, Robert M. Boyd, John T. Stites, Rick S. Wahlin
  • Patent number: 9999813
    Abstract: A golf club head including a body having a face, a sole, a crown, and a skirt joining the face, sole and crown, the body having a center of gravity, wherein the body includes an open end and a terminal end, the terminal end opposite the open end, a weighted insert having a heavy end and a lighter end, the lighter end opposite the heavy end, wherein the cavity is configured to receive the weighted insert through the open end, wherein the cavity is configured to receive the weighted insert through the open end in both a first configuration and a second configuration, and wherein said weighted insert comprises a slideable flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Richard L. Cleghorn, Nick Frame, Thomas Orrin Bennett
  • Patent number: 9999814
    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 hollow body portion having a front portion, a rear portion, a toe portion, a heel portion, a bottom portion, a top portion, a plurality of ports on the bottom portion and a plurality of inner support portions in the hollow body portion. Other examples and embodiments may be described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: PARSONS XTREME GOLF, LLC
    Inventors: Robert R. Parsons, Bradley D. Schweigert, Michael R. Nicolette
  • Patent number: 9999815
    Abstract: A lightweight compression molded multicolor golf grip having at least a first section and a second section of differing colors and composed of elastomer compounds having a density of less than 0.90 g/cc, and joined by cross-linking across a sharply defined cross-color interface having an interface transition zone beyond which there is no mixing of the colors. The grip has a soft feel and unique compression characteristics achieved in some embodiments through the controlled use of an expanding blowing agent in a rubber compound including an EPDM mixture. Achieving the sharply defined cross-color interface is due in part to the use of complementary geometries at opposing interface edges to increase the stability of the interface and reduce the flow during molding associated with the increased viscosity of low density rubber compounds, promote cross-linking of the sections, and better distribute and control the consolidation pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED
    Inventors: Stephen James Davis, Alex Lee Walls, Wen-Chen Su, Aaron Joseph Michaud, Edward Wang
  • Patent number: 9999816
    Abstract: Goal apparatus comprising a frame, a first pliable goalpost member, a second pliable goalpost member and a pliable crossbar member. The frame presents net connection points and is configured to support each of the pliable goal members in tension between two net connection points such that the goal apparatus presents a substantially rectangular goal mouth. A frame for use in the goal apparatus. A net for use in the goal apparatus comprising first, second and third edges, and a first pliable goalpost member, a second pliable goalpost member and a pliable crossbar member extending along the first, second and third edge respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Quick Play Sport Limited
    Inventors: Allen Keith Holland, William Parsons
  • Patent number: 9999817
    Abstract: A device in connection with exercise, includes a base body (1) and elements (11) for applying the base body (1) in the fold of the knee of a user. The base body (1) includes two supporting surfaces (5, 7) that form an intermediate angle (?) that is in the interval 70°<?<110°, and that the elements to apply the base body (1) on a user (A) include at least one band (11) that may form or forms a closed loop relative to the base body (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Inventor: Shahram Pourshakour
  • Patent number: 9999818
    Abstract: A bicycle trainer including folding legs and a vertically adjustable frame member supporting an axle and cassette where a rider mounts the rear frame, such as dropouts, of a conventional bicycle with the rear wheel removed. The trainer includes a flywheel with a magnetic brake assembly controlled through an open protocol and configured to receive wireless transmitted signals from an app running on a smart phone or other such applications. The flywheel assembly also includes a bracket coupling the magnetic brake with a frame. A strain gauge is mounted on the bracket to detect torque, which is used to calculate a rider's power while using the trainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: WAHOO FITNESS LLC
    Inventors: Harold M. Hawkins, III, Andrew P. Lull
  • Patent number: 9999819
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a martial arts kicking and punching apparatus comprising: a first portion designed like a martial arts chest protector; a paddle having a handle on one end and a padded portion designed to look like a martial arts helmet; a device for securing the paddle to the first portion; and an electronic scoring system comprising a sensor, a transmitter and a receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Inventor: Dan DeLaRosa
  • Patent number: 9999820
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and apparatus for training. The apparatus includes a grip configured for engaging a user hand, and a grip extension movably coupled to the grip between a retracted position and an extended position. The apparatus further includes a flexible shaft coupled to at least one of the grip and the grip extension and extending a substantially fixed length, and a fan connected to the flexible shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: The Twitch Trainer, LLC
    Inventor: Ryan Steenberg
  • Patent number: 9999821
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to methods for attachment of devices to a swinging instrument, the devices generally including a cover, a base, a chassis, and positive and negative electrical contacts. The base includes a fastening portion and a support portion. The chassis supports a printed circuit board. The devices include a cap configured and dimensioned to mate relative to the support portion of the base. The support portion can support the chassis, the printed circuit board, the positive and negative electrical contacts, and the cap. The cover can be configured and dimensioned to detachably interlock relative to the base. In the mated configuration, the cap and the base can form a battery opening configured and dimensioned to receive therethrough a battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Arccos Golf LLC
    Inventors: Benjamin B. Yarmis, Adrienne Murphy Jalbert, Paul Chandler Sabin
  • Patent number: 9999822
    Abstract: An easily assembled and disassembled portable golf swing training device includes plural interconnected elongated, linear rods and arms for the development of proper golf club takeaway, backswing and downswing mechanics. The position of the golf club during the swing is compared with generally accepted swing parameters, and club positions not within acceptable limits are evidenced by easily detected golf club contact with one or more of the device's arms which are all adjustable in length and position depending upon individual golfer characteristics, and which are pivotally mounted, padded and flexible to avoid injury as well as damage to the inventive device or to a golf club. The configuration of the various rods and arms is established to provide the golfer an inside-to-out club head path during the downswing to provide for a draw of the ball, or to shape the shot from right to left for a right hand golfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Inventor: James M. Hill
  • Patent number: 9999823
    Abstract: A system for analyzing a golf swing process includes a sensor system for simultaneously measuring human body movements, club head trajectories and the ball trajectories; a processor for reading data of the sensor system; synchronizing and processing the data; generating the human body 3D model, the club trajectories and the initial flying trajectory of the ball; and calculating a complete flying trajectory of the ball according to the initial flying trajectory; and a visual device, wherein the visual device provides the integrated display of the human body 3D model, the feet pressures, the club trajectories and the ball trajectories, for tracing the club trajectories according to the ball trajectories, and tracing the human 3D model and the feet pressures according to the club trajectories. A method for analyzing the golf swing process is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Inxpar Inc.
    Inventors: Yan Chen, Jin Chen
  • Patent number: 9999824
    Abstract: A mat for practicing golf shots, including an upper mat and a lower mat. The lower mat is larger than the upper mat. The upper mat is secured on top of the lower mat such that the additional area of the lower mat extends in the direction of the anticipated trajectory of a golf club head. A golf ball is placed on the edge of the upper mat such that the club head will travel through the empty space above the lower mat and in front of the lower mat. As a result, the golfer experiences less force due to the club head striking the mat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Inventor: Donald Oswald Brosseau, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9999825
    Abstract: A Smart-court system, adaptive to constrained sport environment, for enabling real time analysis and debriefing of sport activities is provided herein. The Smart-court system is comprised of: (i) an automatic recording system comprising a plurality of video cameras located in a court, arranged to real-time (RT) recording of a sport session and utilizing automatic calibration and stabilization module; and (ii) a data processing system comprising: (a) a capture module for grabbing a video stream; (b) an objects' detector module arranged to extract during the RT sport session, the objects from the foreground of each frame; (c) an event module for automatically analyzing, the motion and the activities of the tracked objects for automatically identifying and classifying events, creating a synchronized event log and calculating statistics that occurred during the RT sport session; and (d) a presentation module enabling to perform instant debriefing, combined biomechanical and tactical analysis of the video.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: PLAYSIGHT INTERACTIVE LTD.
    Inventors: Chen Shachar, Evgeni Khazanov, Yoram Ben Zur
  • Patent number: 9999826
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are a virtual golf simulation device and method for providing stereophonic sound for weather conditions configured such that it is possible for a user to visually and aurally recognize a weather condition, such as wind, when the user plays a round of virtual golf on a virtual golf course using the virtual golf simulation device, and, in particular, the direction or intensity of the wind is expressed via multi-channel stereophonic sound, whereby it is possible to provide a high level of realism even without actually blowing air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: GOLFZON Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Young Wook Ro, Han Sup Kim
  • Patent number: 9999827
    Abstract: A self-balancing electric vehicle may include a platform having first and second foot placement sections rigidly coupled to each other, and a pair of coaxial, motorized wheels independently mounted between the first and second foot placement sections. The first and second wheels may be coupled to the platform via spring suspensions. Rider presence and turning intentions may be determined based on strain induced in the platform by the rider. The strain may be detected by one or more strain gauge systems. One of the strain gauge systems may be configured for use in a steering control circuit, and may include a strain gauge sensor mounted diagonally with respect to a long axis of the platform, such that the strain gauge detects only twist-induced strain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Future Motion, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel J. Wood
  • Patent number: 9999828
    Abstract: The disclosed invention includes all embodiments for a mechanical shuffler comprising a generally planar base and a platform that is sized to receive a deck of unshuffled cards, the stack of unshuffled cards moves relative to a slot where the slot is sized to permit passage of a single card. With movement of a platform relative to a slot, a discrete burst of air is delivered to a stack of unshuffled cards, thereby pushing a single card through the slot and into an area where shuffled cards are to be delivered. It is contemplated that embodiments of the invention will include means for the delivery of a discrete amount of air in response to a computer signal, it is further contemplated that embodiments of the invention may include rollers that are engaged to spin and grip a card that is pushed through a slot by air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Stealth CDS, LLC
    Inventors: Travis L. Sines, Leon Schmidt, Bruce Weyrauch, Michael Denney, James Kesler, Philip Malthaner
  • Patent number: 9999829
    Abstract: A game system may comprise a board comprising a plurality of pegs extending from the board, wherein the pegs may be disposed in rows; at least one deflector configured to be coupled to at least two pegs aligned with one another; at least one ball configured to move on the board between and/or along the pegs and deflector(s) from a start end to a goal end of the board; at least one goal configured to be coupled to at least two pegs in a goal row of the rows of pegs, wherein the goal is configured to receive a ball; and a plurality of play selectors which determine a play for each player during a turn of a game. The goal of the game may be to get a ball into a goal by navigating across the board having the pegs and deflectors as obstacles to movement of the ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Inventor: Ted J. Fechser
  • Patent number: 9999830
    Abstract: A roulette game enables single-spin formation of meaningful character strings, which character strings may be coupled to tones for enhancing the gaming experience. The meaningful character strings may be defined by solfege-enabling letter groups, which letter groups may prompt underlying tones in solmization. The syllabic roulette game comprises a roulette wheel, a wager-enabling layout, and a plurality of balls. The wheel comprises alphabetic characters against a rainbow colored backdrop for enabling various payout schemes. A color-coordinated wager support surface is preferably disposed adjacent the roulette wheel for facilitating wager placement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: CG TECHNOLOGY, L.P.
    Inventors: Donald Fisher, Melissa S. Langtim, Douglas Krich, Darlene Marie Garmann, Stephen Foote
  • Patent number: 9999831
    Abstract: The puzzle with attachable and releasable pieces includes shaped puzzle pieces and a two-part base, which includes a front base section and a back baseplate. The puzzle pieces have rear-facing engaging mechanisms that are attachable to forward-facing male studs carried by the back baseplate. The puzzle pieces each have a particular outer shape determining placement. The puzzle may be stored with the puzzle pieces engaged to the back baseplate, but may be later released for repeat play by using a provided puzzle release mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Inventor: Margo Sheryl Chazen
  • Patent number: 9999832
    Abstract: A first game execution unit executes a first game. A second game execution unit executes a second game. The second game execution unit sets particular first game data or a first game mode which is accessible in the first game so as to be inaccessible in the second game when an execution result of the first game does not satisfy a predetermined condition, and sets the particular first game data or the first game mode so as to be accessible also in the second game in response to the execution result of the first game having satisfied the predetermined condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignees: Nintendo Co., Ltd., Game Freak, Inc.
    Inventors: Shigeru Ohmori, Toru Nagihashi
  • Patent number: 9999833
    Abstract: There is provided a hand-held controller for a virtual-reality system. The hand-held controller includes a user-input surface and a grip coupled to the user-input surface. The user-input surface includes a first user-input key situated on the user-input surface. The first user-input key includes a first capacitive touch sensor to detect a finger of a user hovering above the first user-input key and contacting the first user-input key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: OCULUS VR, LLC
    Inventors: Jason Andrew Higgins, Benjamin E. Tunberg Rogoza, Sharvil Shailesh Talati
  • Patent number: 9999834
    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: June 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Winview, Inc.
    Inventors: David B. Lockton, Mark K. Berner, Mark J. Micheli, David Lowe
  • Patent number: 9999835
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer programs are presented for managing motion sickness of a user while the user is wearing a head-mounted device (HMD). One method includes an operation for monitoring the physical characteristics of the user while wearing the HMD that is presenting a virtual reality with multimedia content, where the physical characteristics including motions of the user. The multimedia content includes audio and video for presentation on a display of the HMD. Additionally, the method includes an operation for determining if the user is experiencing motion sickness based on the monitoring of the physical characteristics of the user while the virtual reality is being presented. When the user is experiencing motion sickness, supplemental sound is delivered to the user, where the supplemental sound is combined with sound from the multimedia content for delivery to the user, and the supplemental sound is defined to decrease the motion sickness experienced by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Watson
  • Patent number: 9999836
    Abstract: Example apparatus and methods facilitate providing a user-defined channel that presents content from, for example, a virtual video playlist. The playlist may include raw or edited clips of user-generated video content (e.g., video game highlights, smart phone recordings). The clips may be edited with sound, text, graphics, special effects or in other ways and then organized into the playlist. The playlist may be organized to facilitate presenting a collection of clips as a continuous show. For example, a user may produce a playlist of goals scored in their favorite video game. The highlights may be of goals scored by the user, in which case the video may come from the user's device, or of goals scored by other players, in which case the video may come from another users device or playlist. Playback of the playlist may be manipulated with respect to order, frequency, or other parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Kyle Lampe, Matthew White, Aimee Freeding, James Shepherd