Patents Issued in April 30, 2019
  • Patent number: 10272316
    Abstract: A weightlifting block and associated methods of use are provided. The weightlifting block includes rotatable platforms mounted to interior surfaces of sidewalls of the weightlifting block. Wheels are attached to the bottom surface of the platforms. An activation lever is rotatably connected to the platforms and is configured to lift the platforms from an active position to an inactive position, wherein the wheels extend past a bottom edge of the sidewalls to allow for the weightlifting block to be rolled to a desired location. The activation lever may then be disengaged to retract the wheels on the platform back into the weightlifting block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Inventor: Jeffrey Hedberg
  • Patent number: 10272317
    Abstract: A treadmill includes an exercise deck. The exercise deck includes a platform, a first pulley attached to the platform in a front portion, a second pulley attached to the platform in a second portion, a tread belt surrounding the first pulley and the second pulley, and a pacing mechanism incorporated into the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: ICON Health & Fitness, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott R. Watterson
  • Patent number: 10272318
    Abstract: A snowshoe provides a way for outdoor enthusiasts to traverse the backcountry effectively and efficiently. The snowshoe allows the user to glide through the snow like a cross-country ski, but with the minimal footprint of a traditional snowshoe. The snowshoe includes a board and a binding mechanism that secures the user to the board, but allows for a pivoting motion. The pivoting motion allows the user to ascend steep terrain by performing a motion similar to cross-country skiing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: QUARRY TRAIL, LLC
    Inventors: David Rupp, Nicholas Hansen
  • Patent number: 10272319
    Abstract: A self-propelled, one-wheeled vehicle may include a suspension system configured to provide arcuate, generally vertical motion of a board relative to an axle of a central wheel assembly when the vehicle encounters obstacles and bumps on a riding surface. Illustrative suspension systems may include a shock absorber and a swingarm that couple the wheel assembly to the board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Future Motion, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyle Jonathan Doerksen, Matthew Michael O'Brien
  • Patent number: 10272320
    Abstract: A truck assembly for roller skates or a skateboard including a base portion configured to be secured to an underside of a roller skate or skate board, an axle housing for receiving an axle, an axle, at least a first and second pins, at least a first bushing, wherein the axle is housed within the axle housing and the first bushing and the axle is captivity held within the axle housing and the at least a first and second pins are in engagement of the at least two pins with the axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Inventor: Daniel Carter
  • Patent number: 10272321
    Abstract: A locomotion device on castors including: at least one castor mechanically connected to a sole to roll along a ground, the castor being mounted to rotate about an axis of rolling parallel to a plane of the sole and also about an axis of rotation perpendicular to the plane of the sole; a controllable electromechanical braking device configured to apply a braking torque to the castor that varies according to a braking command received; an inertial unit configured to measure a physical parameter indicative of a steering angle; and a central processing unit programmed to establish the braking command according to the physical parameter measured by the inertial unit and to transmit the established braking command to the braking device to apply to the castor a braking torque that varies according to the steering angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
    Inventor: Thierry Hilt
  • Patent number: 10272322
    Abstract: Game apparatus comprising a plurality of multi-sided, game and base pieces having notches whereby the pieces may be interlocked, and said pieces having two faces with indicia or other markings on at least some of the faces whereby words and/or equations and/or other things can be formed along horizontal and/or vertical and/or diagonal axes by placing game pieces adjacent to each and/or game pieces and/or base pieces interlocked into each other. Methods for playing games with said apparatus in two and/or three dimensions is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Inventor: Douglas Shin Kim
  • Patent number: 10272324
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods may obtain motion data, obtain audio data, and detect a collision between a handheld device and an object based on the motion data and the audio data. In one example, noise may be removed from the motion data and the audio data to obtain filtered collision data, wherein the object is classified based on the filtered collision data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Steven T. Holmes, Jason Wright
  • Patent number: 10272325
    Abstract: A game controller for use with a hand-held electronic device having a touch screen display, such as a smart phone or tablet, for more comfortably and easily playing a video game on the electronic device. The game controller has one or more control assemblies that define a securing mechanism for securing the electronic device in the game controller. In a preferred configuration, the securing mechanism clamps against the sides of the electronic device. Each control assembly has one or more screen engaging mechanisms that are configured to contact the touch screen display. The screen engaging mechanisms include a trigger that is mechanically connected to a stylus having a capacitive tip. The user can rapidly and repeatedly press the trigger to drive the tip against the touch screen display to control the game and/or one or more game objects thereof. The game controller can include one or more user handles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Inventor: James F. Nevarez
  • Patent number: 10272327
    Abstract: A removable joystick for use with a video game controller includes a base shaft that is coupled to a joystick unit in the housing of the video game controller so that the proximal end of the base shaft extends to a location at or below an outer surface of the housing. A top shaft assembly is removably coupleable to the base shaft. The top shaft assembly includes a top shaft with a proximal end that removably couples to a joystick ball. The top shaft assembly also includes a collar that is spring loaded and movably coupled to the top shaft and has a flange that extends outward from the outer surface of the collar. The top shaft assembly removably couples to the base shaft via a quick disconnect assembly. When the top shaft assembly is disconnected from the base shaft, the flange of the collar engages and retains a dust cover disposed over the collar to inhibit misplacement or loss of the dust cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Performance Designed Products LLC
    Inventor: Bradley M. Strahle
  • Patent number: 10272328
    Abstract: A method of designing multiple computer games, using a software module running on a processor, in which the module enables pre-defined kinds of game design functions to be implemented across multiple different computer games; and in which the module implements multiple pre-defined kinds of common game design functions; and is extensible in that new components can be added to the module to create new functionality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: KING.COM LTD.
    Inventors: Sebastian Knutsson, Patrik Stymne, Marcus Lagerstrom, Evgenios Rodopoulos
  • Patent number: 10272329
    Abstract: A design for a cooperative live action virtual reality experience is described. A client makes use of a 360-degree display unit to play a 360-degree video file, a corresponding audio file, and an annotation requesting the user to make a selection that will dictate the progression of the virtual reality experience. The user input is processed in view of a script tree to determine the subsequent 360-degree video, audio, and annotation to send to the client. In some embodiments, progression of the virtual reality experience is dictated by annotation selections made by a second user or by both users who are cooperatively participating in the virtual reality experience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: GOOGLE LLC
    Inventors: David Linder, Scott D. Lange, Alexander Rothera
  • Patent number: 10272330
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to systems and methods for multi-player gaming. Some embodiments relate to systems having an improved communications infrastructure and improved handheld game controllers, while other embodiments relate to improvements in handling large numbers of players in the multi-player game when played in a game arena with a single large display screen showing the multi-player game images. In one particular embodiment, a system is provided that has a game server controlling a display system to display the multi-player game on the large screen and a plurality of game controllers. Each game controller has a secondary display means for providing a secondary game display and input means for receiving player input. The system further comprises communication mans for enabling communication between the game server and each of the plurality of game controllers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: TimePlay Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Ira Hussman, Jon Hayes Snoddy, John Andrew Race, Mark Rider
  • Patent number: 10272331
    Abstract: The present invention provides an idea to achieve a simulated experience device for video-game enabling a simulated experience for an operator to bodily feel a tactile sense corresponding to a video-game software and give a reaction by a force of the operator. By combining a doll play using a figurine, a tool and a mechanical device for creating the tactile sense corresponding to the content of the video-game and a sensory video-game operated by using human body, the tactile sense corresponding to the content of the video-game is created, the created tactile sense is felt by the operator, a reaction is given to the tactile sense felt by the operator while adjusting a force of the operator. Thus, a load is generated and the generated load is quantified as X, converting X into a button operation of a remote controller for the video-game. Accordingly, a simulated experience device for enabling the simulated experience of the tactile sense of the video-game is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Inventor: Shinji Nishimura
  • Patent number: 10272332
    Abstract: A haptic feedback device for steering simulation comprises a base unit and a rolling unit. The base unit includes a base, a base supporting body, a first rolling component, and a second rolling component. A roll center line is formed by the first and the second rolling components. The rolling unit includes a rolling base and a rolling supporting body. One part of the rolling base is pivotally connected to the first rolling component, and one part of the rolling supporting body is pivotally connected to the second rolling component, so that the rolling base can rotate around the roll center line and a cone rotation can be performed. A length-adjustable actuator is disposed on the rolling supporting body, so that rectilinear motion with orthogonal direction can be performed by the rolling base on the radius tangent of cone rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: BROGENT TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Chih-Hung Ou Yang, Yih-Chang Hsieh, Meng-Wen Li
  • Patent number: 10272333
    Abstract: A mobile game device and a game console share an image file relating to a game; the mobile game device and the game console are connected so as to be able to transmit data with each other via a wire or wirelessly, and the game console is connected to an image-file-providing server retaining an image file via a network; the game console acquires an image file from the image-file-providing server and the mobile game device acquires an image file from the game console, by which the image file is shared between the game instruments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.
    Inventors: Yumi Kataoka, Shinichi Tanaka
  • Patent number: 10272334
    Abstract: A non-transitory computer-readable medium including a program causing a user terminal to realize functions to control progress of a video game is provided. The functions include: a receiving function configured to receive participation of a user of the user terminal in an event, a plurality of users being allowed to participate in the event, the event proceeding in synchronization with participating users who participate in the event; a displaying function causing the user terminal to display a game image, the game image containing a game field unique to the user; and a progress controlling function controlling progress of the event in which at least a part of an enemy character appears in a game field unique to at least one user of the participating users, the progress controlling function controlling progress of the event in the game field unique to the user in accordance with an input of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA SQUARE ENIX
    Inventors: Daisuke Motohashi, Kiminori Ono
  • Patent number: 10272335
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for executing video games by a gaming computer and enabling remote play. In example, a method includes receiving a command from a first player via a first client and a computing network. The method updates a game state of a video game based on the command received from the first player and receiving a first point of view of the first player via the computing network. The method communicates at least part of the game state to a first image generator executed by the gaming computer and sends via the computing network to the first client a first image based on the game state and the first point of view using the first image generator. The first image is configured for rendering by the first client. The first image is a video image of a plurality of video images presented to the first client, which is accessing the gaming computer for remote play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Sony Interactive Entertainment America LLC
    Inventors: David Perry, Rui Filipe Andrade Pereira
  • Patent number: 10272336
    Abstract: Methods, computer-readable media, and computing devices are described herein for restoring gameplay by replaying past inputs. During gameplay, capture logic captures participant inputs that were received to change states of game objects. The capture logic stores the captured information in an electronic record of period(s) of the gameplay. After the period(s) of gameplay, replay logic receives a request to initiate subsequent gameplay beginning from a point in time from a period of past gameplay. The replay logic causes the subsequent gameplay to begin from the point at least in part by loading saved state information and replaying the captured participant inputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Blizzard Entertainment, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl Chimes, Dave Lawrence, Alan Dabiri, James Anhalt, Eric Sutton
  • Patent number: 10272337
    Abstract: The present invention causes a computer to function as a virtual space generating unit, a game screen displaying unit and a fluid displaying unit. A fluid displaying unit displays pseudo three-dimensional representation of fluid in virtual space on a game screen. And the fluid displaying includes a billboard setting unit and a two-dimensional simulation unit. A billboard setting unit sets a billboard which has a plain object and which rotates around a predetermined center point in the plain object so that the plain object faces the virtual camera in the virtual space. A two-dimensional simulation unit executes a two-dimensional simulation and displays a simulation result on the plain object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: CAPCOM CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Akihiro Shimizu, Wataru Ikeda, Koshi Watamura, Teppei Yoneyama
  • Patent number: 10272338
    Abstract: A method for validating an interactive environment design includes receiving a stage descriptor of at least one game stage of a game instance and a user role to be performed by a user during the at least one game stage; receiving a plurality of parameter values and a proposed state function; and validating that the proposed state function will generate an expected result. A method for creating a computer-based multi-user interaction session includes presenting a first user with a descriptor of at least one game; receiving, from the first user via a first user interface, a selection of the at least one game and an instance identifier; creating an instance of the game associated with the instance identifier; receiving, from a second user via a second user interface, input comprising the instance identifier; and enrolling the second user in the instance of the game associated with the instance identifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: FATHOMD, INC.
    Inventors: Ali Ozalp Ozer, Oleg Plakhotniuk
  • Patent number: 10272339
    Abstract: An incentive granting device includes: a second game notifying unit which notifies an existing user of the existence of a second game during the execution by the existing user of a first game application; an introduction code issuing unit which issues an introduction code during the execution of the second game application by the existing user who has received the notification; and an incentive granting unit which grants a prescribed incentive for the existing user's first game, with respect to a new user receiving an introduction from the existing user and downloading the second game application. This allows an existing user to be aware of the existence of a second game during the execution of a first game, and to obtain an incentive for the first game by executing the second game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: POKELABO, INC.
    Inventor: Yuta Maeda
  • Patent number: 10272340
    Abstract: A virtual world environment unit, and related methods, operable to simulate an actual live event in substantially real-time is disclosed. Also disclosed is an interactive media system configured to present a substantially real-time simulation of an actual live event involving a moveable object in an arena. Further disclosed is a method of providing and/or viewing a substantially real-time simulation of an actual live event involving a moveable object in an arena.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: VIRTUALLY LIVE (SWITZERLAND) GMBH
    Inventors: Jesús Hormigo Cebolla, Jamil Nadim El-Imad
  • Patent number: 10272341
    Abstract: Embodiments provide techniques for generating game levels based on estimated quality score. For example, a set of training data can be retrieved that specifies attributes and quality scores for each of a plurality of game levels. One embodiment trains a machine learning model for the gaming application using the set of training data. A plurality of generated game levels are generated using a procedural level generation algorithm. Embodiments can determine, for each generated game level, a respective quality score, using the trained machine learning model, and upon determining that the quality score for the generated game level exceeds a threshold level of quality, can select the game level for transmission to a client of the gaming application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher Blackwell
  • Patent number: 10272342
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention broadly contemplate a location based rewards distribution system. Various embodiments of the invention provide rewards, for example video game unlock codes, based on a user physically visiting a specific physical location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Derek Dutilly, Michael Jacob, Greg McBride
  • Patent number: 10272343
    Abstract: One aspect of the disclosure relates to providing an online game for facilitating assumption of a player identity. The online game comprises a player account associated with the player. By facilitating assumption of a first player identity associated with a first player account, game support personnel and/or an administrator may be substituted for a player in the online game. The assumption of the first player identity may be accomplished through transmission and/or implementation of a private key stored on a client computing platform associated with the first player account, in order to facilitate a different client computing platform (e.g., associated with support personnel) to be authenticated to the first player account. This may allow the support personnel and/or an administrator to directly experience the player problems in the online game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Electronic Arts Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Bowman, Brian Brause
  • Patent number: 10272344
    Abstract: An improved controller with fingerprint sensors for interfacing with a game console. The controller is intended to be hand held by a user in the same manner as a conventional controller. A child safety cover is provided to removably attach to the portion of the game console that houses the operational controls. A pause/resume system is integrated with the fingerprinting sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Inventor: Bennie Kelly
  • Patent number: 10272345
    Abstract: A storing section stores an invitation message giving an invitation to an application to be executed by another information processing apparatus. An information displaying section displays the invitation messages on a display device. At this point, the information displaying section displays a valid invitation message and an invalid invitation message in a manner different from each other. The information displaying section may further display an unread invitation message and a read invitation message in a manner different from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.
    Inventors: Motoki Kobayashi, Shigeru Enomoto, Nobukazu Koyama, Yuji Nakamura, Akitsugu Tsuchiya
  • Patent number: 10272346
    Abstract: Competitions involving video game players may include competitions subsidiary to a purpose of video game play, and may be bounded in time, either across play of multiple video games or within play of a particular video game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Activision Publishing, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay Puryear, Jennifer Puno, Chris Chernoff
  • Patent number: 10272347
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a platform that allows individual users to compete against other users in a virtual league. The platform allows individual users to maintain personal performance statistics, which, collectively, are used to determine a projection result of the user's performance in a competition within the league. The platform employs projection result, in combination with, or as a substitute for, results associated with a real race completed by the user, in the scoring of the user against other competitors in the league.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Beat Your Mark Group Limited
    Inventor: Federico Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 10272348
    Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to combining personalized thoughts and a gift into a single item. A method for using a kit is provided for creating and storing thoughts and memories on items in a container such as a plush toy. The kit includes media such as a plurality of paper sheets, notecards, and/or letters. During the special occasion or holiday, the paper sheets, the writing implement and the instructions are removed from the internal storage compartment of the container. Completed paper sheets are returned to the internal storage compartment for safekeeping. The completed paper sheets are retained inside the plush toy in a safe and organized manner but may then be subsequently removed from the internal storage compartment of the plush toy and read in order to reflect upon on the past special occasion, holiday or event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Inventor: Wendy Brant
  • Patent number: 10272349
    Abstract: A method of producing simulated dialog outputs selected phrases in a sequence defined by a selected dialog model. When a state change is recorded one or more of dialog models which have non-zero state change type weights corresponding to the recorded state change type are identified and one of the identified dialog models is selected probabilistically with influence from the non-zero state change type weights. One or more unique characters are mapped to character indices of the selected dialog model and one or more phrases defined in the one or more mapped unique characters are identified which have non-zero phrase type weights corresponding to the phrase types of the selected dialog model. For each phrase type defined in the selected dialog model, at least one of the phrases are selected probabilistically with influence from the non-zero phrase type weights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Inventor: Isaac Davenport
  • Patent number: 10272350
    Abstract: A pulsating imitation speaker includes a fixed cover, a flexible cover, and a motor and gear assembly having a motor with a motor shah, a first gear on a first axle, and a second gear on a second axle. The motor is drivingly engaged with the first gear via a pinion on the motor shaft and the first gear is drivingly engaged with the second gear such that when the pinion is rotated by the motor, the first and second gear also rotate. The pulsating imitation speaker further includes an actuator fixedly engaged with the flexible cover and a first and second circular member each engaged with the actuator and respectively positioned on opposite ends of the second axle such that the circular members rotate with the second gear. The actuator is reciprocated by rotation of the circular members such that the flexible cover moves relative to the fixed cover, when the motor is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Dynacraft BSC, Inc.
    Inventors: Huimin Lv, Bill Talios, David Castrucci, John Bisges
  • Patent number: 10272351
    Abstract: A toy includes a body, a head coupled to the body and having a face surface, and a flap coupled to the head. The flap is movable relative to the face surface between a first position in which a first face is exposed to view on the face surface, and a second position in which a second face, at least partially different from the first face, is exposed to view on the face surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: JAY AT PLAY INTERNATIONAL HONG KONG LIMITED
    Inventor: Ivy Booker Strauss
  • Patent number: 10272352
    Abstract: A toy construction craft utilizing construction elements including modular building blocks comprises a base plate, template, one or more graphic segments, and an optional frame. The base plate is a substantially planar building surface arranged with coupling studs for being interconnected with toy building elements having complementary coupling means. The template is configured with at least one area of guidance indicia including at least numeral designation; each guidance indicia is viewed to inform the user as to the modular block(s) that should be attached to that particular stud. These designated blocks form the 3-D portion of the composition, while the graphic segment(s) augments the overall composition. The template may be a separate sheet disposed below the base plate or may be incorporated into the base plate. Additional accessories and specialized blocks are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Inventor: Margo Sheryl Chazen
  • Patent number: 10272353
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a unit block having a coupling portion and an insertion portion provided in special structure and shape such that, instead of providing an assembly-type toy that makes a user build an assembly-type completed product according to the manual, the user is enabled to implement various articles by exercising creativity without feeling bored. The present invention provides a unit block, which has integrally provided coupling and insertion portions, and provides, as a means for using the same when a desired object is to be implemented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Inventor: Seung Young Oh
  • Patent number: 10272354
    Abstract: A process-technology column including a novel liquid distributor which is to be as insensitive as possible to dirt or solids carried in the liquid and which can be operated over a load range as great as possible without the possibility of the delivered liquid being excessively easily entrained by the gas flow which rises in the column is provided. The liquid distributor includes a liquid feed for conducting a liquid and at least 2 nozzles connected thereto for producing a respective liquid jet. The nozzles are flat-jet nozzles for producing a respective flat jet. The flat-jet nozzles are so oriented that the flat jet produced by them impinges on a drain element which is arranged at the liquid distributor and at which the liquid of the flat jet can drain away.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: RVT Process Equipment GmbH
    Inventors: Uwe Franz, Werner Geipel
  • Patent number: 10272355
    Abstract: A distillation column and tray assembly is disclosed herein. The distillation column includes a removable inner tray assembly with adjustable downcomer tubes. The removable tray assembly enables the user to selectively change distillation plates when so removed. When removed, a distiller or brewer may adjust the downcomer tubes to change the fluid level on the distillation plates, or bypass certain distillation plates completely. Certain embodiments of the invention include a feature of an O-ring recessed around a perimeter of the plates permitting a tight seal and reducing manufacturing costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignees: Still Technologies, LLC, Insight Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Jonathan P. Overmyer
  • Patent number: 10272356
    Abstract: An air stripper apparatus is disclosed which incorporates a plurality of trays that are removably supported within a cabinet. A plurality of downcomers are also fixedly disposed within the cabinet, rather than on the trays. Removing the downcomer from each tray enables a simpler, lighter and easier to clean tray to be constructed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Q.E.D. Environmental Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Fischer, Bryan D. Spicer
  • Patent number: 10272357
    Abstract: A mineral composition for generating small water clusters, a small water cluster generating device and a seawater desalination equipment using the same and a small water cluster generating method are provided. The mineral composition includes a tourmaline, a quartz, a bleaching earth, a dolomite, a shale, and a porcelain clay. The small water cluster generating device includes the mineral composition and an energy supplying unit for supplying energy. The seawater desalination equipment includes the mineral composition, a heat supplying unit, and a cooling unit. The small water cluster generating method includes using the mineral composition on water or a solution and providing the energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Inventor: Yueh-Huan Lee
  • Patent number: 10272358
    Abstract: A distillation apparatus includes a separator, a cooler, a heater, and a heat collection circuit. The heat collection circuit includes a circulation channel, a compressor, an expanding mechanism, a storing section capable of storing a working medium in a liquid state, and a circulation-amount adjusting section that adjusts a circulation amount of the working medium. The circulation-amount adjusting section adjusts an outflow amount of the working medium, which is stored in the storing section, to the circulation channel or an inflow amount of the working medium, which is circulating in the circulation channel, to the storing section such that the circulation amount increases or decreases according to an increase or a decrease in a flow rate of the first output fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Kobe Steel, Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Kishimoto, Keiichiro Tomari, Masatake Toshima, Makoto Nishimura
  • Patent number: 10272359
    Abstract: A process is presented for the removal or aromatics from a hydrocarbon stream. The hydrocarbon stream is generated by a dehydrogenation process that generates aromatics. The process includes a two contact cooler system with the first and second contact coolers using different coolants. The second coolant is a non-aromatic hydrocarbon coolant that will absorb aromatics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Gregory J. Nedohin, Mike Banach, David N. Myers
  • Patent number: 10272360
    Abstract: A method and system of and for extraction or removal of phytochemicals from plants, including those of the plant family Cannabaceae sensu stricto. More specifically, a method and system for extracting essential oils from plants, such as cannabis, without the use of a solvent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Priya Naturals, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank Augustino Lopa
  • Patent number: 10272361
    Abstract: A system and method of extracting essential oils from plant material through the use of a low pressure alcohol-based closed system that includes a solvent chamber connected to a material column that in turn is connected to a kettle. Plant material in the material column and the solvent in the solvent chamber are cooled using a cooling liquid, such as nitrogen. A vacuum pump connected to the kettle creates a vacuum in the kettle to draw the cooled solvent through the cooled plant material and extract essential oils, which are collected in the kettle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: ESSENTIAL INNOVATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Casey Steele
  • Patent number: 10272362
    Abstract: Provided is a method for extracting a Taiwan hypericum extract, including the steps of: preparing a Hypericum formosanum Maxim plant tissue, and drying and crushing the Hypericum formosanum Maxim plant tissue to obtain a Taiwan hypericum powder; soaking the Taiwan hypericum powder in an organic solvent; ultrasonicating the Taiwan hypericum powder soaked in the organic solvent, obtaining a rough extract; and filtering the rough extract to obtain the Taiwan hypericum extract. Provided is a Taiwan hypericum extract obtained by the method described above. Provided is a method for anti-glycation and anti-photoaging including a step of administering to a subject a therapeutically effective amount of the Taiwan hypericum extract described above. Provided is a cosmetic care product which comprises the Taiwan hypericum extract described above and a dermatologically acceptable adjuvant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: TRIDL TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventor: Ho Shin Huang
  • Patent number: 10272363
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for replenishing urease in a sorbent cartridge for use in sorbent dialysis. The system is configured to allow insertion of a urease pouch, injection of a urease solution, or addition of a urease cartridge, into a dialysis cabinet containing a dialysis flow loop. The urease can be dissolved and the resulting urease solution added to the sorbent cartridge in the flow loop to replenish the urease within the sorbent cartridge. The sorbent cartridge can also comprise other, rechargeable, sorbent materials for removing toxins other than urea from spent dialysate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: Martin T. Gerber, Christopher M. Hobot
  • Patent number: 10272364
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel stationary phase support for liquid chromatographic chiral separations. The specific combination of the special underlying support material and certain classes of known chiral selectors according to the invention produces far superior chiral (enantiomeric) separations than those obtained on any conventionally known supports. These chiral (enantiomeric) separations are enhanced in terms of significantly higher efficiencies (theoretical plate numbers), higher resolutions (Rs), shorter retention times and either equivalent or slightly higher selectivities than those obtained on conventional supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: AZYP, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel W. Armstrong, Zachary S. Breitbach
  • Patent number: 10272365
    Abstract: A well flow separator vessel having a sediment chamber at the inlet end of the vessel with a knock-down billet, followed by a coalescer and a first horizontal flow path between an upper horizontal divider and a lower horizontal divider extending the cylinder length from the sediment chamber towards the distal end of the vessel. At the far end of the first flow path, gasses are received through a scrubber/demister into a second horizontal flow path between the upper horizontal divider and the top side of the vessel, also extending the cylinder length, except directing flow in the reverse direction back towards the inlet end of the vessel towards a gas outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Inventors: Randy J. Cumbee, Adrian K. Laster
  • Patent number: 10272366
    Abstract: In this infiltration intake system, a structural body integrally includes a waster discharge direction control portion controlling a discharge direction for wastewater discharged from a filter toward a raw water side at a backwash time with a backwash mechanism portion in a prescribed wastewater discharge direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: HITACHI ZOSEN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masaki Inui, Takayuki Inoue
  • Patent number: 10272367
    Abstract: This infiltration intake system for a revetment wall includes a structural body, set on an outer wall surface of a revetment wall, including a filter storage portion, a filter stored in the filter storage portion of the structural body, and a water guide portion guiding treated water passing through the filter toward the side of an inner wall surface of the revetment wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: HITACHI ZOSEN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masaki Inui, Takayuki Inoue