Patents Issued in July 16, 2019
  • Patent number: 10350485
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure describe methods and apparatuses for improving efficiency in emulation. An emulated CPU receives inputs and generates a first set of frames. The frames are stored in a buffer on the emulator. Once all of the frames in the first set of frames have been produced, the contents of the buffer may be delivered to an emulated GPU. Each frame is then rendered by the emulated GPU. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.
    Inventors: Jacob P. Stine, Victor Octav Suba Mirua
  • Patent number: 10350486
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention embody motion detection via a camera for mobile platform video gaming and exercise, in either integrated or separately attachable components. The system includes an oral care device. The oral care device, such as a toothbrush, includes one or more targets. Each target designates a specific area of the toothbrush, such as back side, a front side, a brush head or a brush end. A target can be a color or a tag, and can be removably coupled or integrally formed with the toothbrush. The system also includes an application configured to detect the targets, to determine that a property of any of the targets has changed. Based on at least the determination, the application is configured to monitor progress of brushing and to control an element in the application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Inventors: David G. Capper, Andrew S. Filo
  • Patent number: 10350487
    Abstract: A method of automatically targeting a target object, the method including setting a target range including a designated distance from a user-controlled character and a designated horizontal angle centering at a location of the character, selecting at least one target object included in the set target range, and displaying a shape distinguishable from a shape of the target object at a location near the at least one selected target object, wherein the target object is an object the character is able to attack from among objects in a computer game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: WE MADE IO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hoon Seok, Kyu Il Roh, Sung Hee Kim, Kwang Soo Lee, Young Hoon Lee
  • Patent number: 10350488
    Abstract: A virtual reality (VR) Proximity Mat with Directional Locators has been provided configured and designed to establish a safety zone, the stability and the location of a person using VR and remote-control devices including video games by employing a tactilely detectable centering home/center locator in the middle and a tactilely detectable directional locator positioned away from the home/center locator. Imbedded sensors with vibration, sound and LED lighting are optionally located around the perimeter along with different textures, patterns and mat shape helping to detect, determine and establish a person's exact location on the mat when they are using the VR Proximity Mat with Directional Locators while going bare footed or wearing socks, or with a variety of shoes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Inventor: Thomas Anthony Price, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10350489
    Abstract: Aspects of the present invention are directed to techniques for improving the manufacturing control mechanisms—specifically game controllers—for computerized electronic devices. According to one aspect of the present invention, a button assembly is provided that eliminates the need for dampers or gaskets for shock absorption by implementing the hammer and pad using novel and advantageous geometries. According to one embodiment, the bottom or striking surface of the hammer in a button assembly is implemented at an angle, which, when pressed, strikes a similarly angled surface of the landing pad. The slope of the corresponding angles cause the hammer to slide along the angled surface, and for the kinetic force of the impact to be redirected as shearing force away from the button assembly (and the corresponding user appendage).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Nvidia Corporation
    Inventor: Ron Chao
  • Patent number: 10350490
    Abstract: The invention provides a controller and an actuator for mounting to a controller, enables a user with access to a plurality (two or more) of control functions from a single actuator. In particular, the present disclosure provides an actuator which in normal use is hidden from view for example, but not limited to, by being mounted to the rear of a controller. It is therefore desirable that the actuator can be readily found by touch and that the user can readily find a desired control function. The actuator comprises a plurality of distinct or distinguishable degrees of freedom of movement, when mounted to the controller, the actuator requires specific actuation gestures, manipulations or actions to activate a desired one of a plurality of control functions associated with the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Ironburg Inventions Limited
    Inventors: Duncan Ironmonger, Carl S. Jeffrey
  • Patent number: 10350491
    Abstract: When a first operation method using a first operation apparatus and a second operation apparatus as a set is set, first vibration data for vibrating a first vibrator and second vibration data for vibrating a second vibrator are generated, and when a second operation method using either of the operation apparatuses is set, third vibration data is generated based on the first vibration data and the second vibration data. Then, when the first operation method is set, the first vibration data is transmitted to the first operation apparatus, and also the second vibration data is transmitted to the second operation apparatus, and when the second operation method is set, the third vibration data is transmitted to either of the operation apparatus for use in the second operation method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Koichi Kyuma
  • Patent number: 10350492
    Abstract: An exemplary server communicates with a first information processing device and communicates with a second information processing device. The server stores at least shared game data representing game content that can be used in a first game application that is compatible with the first information processing device and that can be used in a second game application that is compatible with the second information processing device. The server obtains game data generated by executing the first game application on the first information processing device and updates the shared game data based on the obtained game data. The server transmits at least a part of the shared game data updated based on the game data generated by executing the first game application to the second information processing device for being used by the second game application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yusuke Beppu, Yutaka Takehisa, Shinobu Fukumoto, Kiyoshi Mizuki
  • Patent number: 10350493
    Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a position-independent user interface that can realize a large variety of commands and high responsiveness as perceived by a user. A control unit 30 functions when a game involving a plurality of kinds of actions corresponding to predetermined commands represented by predetermined sequences of input events is executed. An input detecting unit 31 detects an input event based on an operation of bringing something into contact with or in proximity to a touchscreen 40. An estimating unit 32 decides, as an estimated command, a command that is estimated as being an input command among the plurality of kinds of commands on the basis of a history of detection results in the input detecting unit 31. A display control unit 33 executes control for displaying an image related to the estimated command on the touchscreen 40.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: CYGAMES, INC.
    Inventor: Shuichi Kurabayashi
  • Patent number: 10350494
    Abstract: A system that incorporates the subject disclosure may include, for example, a processor coupled to a memory storing instructions and to a near field sensor. Execution of the instructions can cause the processor to perform operations including defining a zone corresponding to a portion of an accessory comprising the sensor, detecting a gesture of an object in the zone by sensing the object with the sensor, determining that the gesture is a new gesture not previously associated with the zone and not previously associated with a gaming action controlling presentations produced by a gaming application, associating the gesture with the zone and with the gaming action, subsequently detecting the gesture in the zone, obtaining the gaming action associated with the gesture, and transmitting the gaming action to the gaming application. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: STEELSERIES ApS
    Inventors: Jeffrey Nicholas Mahlmeister, Bruce Hawver, Jacob Wolff-Petersen, Kim Rom, Francis Arnold Grever, Tino Soelberg
  • Patent number: 10350495
    Abstract: A simulation control device that utilizes a wearable image display device includes: a display processing section that displays a virtual space on the wearable image display device; a measurement section that measures a gaze time of a user with respect to an object that is placed in the virtual space; a reception section that determines that the object has been selected when a measured value obtained by the measurement has reached a first threshold value, and determines that the selection has been confirmed when the measured value has reached a second threshold value that is larger than the first threshold value; and a notification section that notifies the user of a magnitude of the measured value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: BANDAI NAMCO ENTERTAINMENT INC.
    Inventors: Jun Tamaoki, Akio Onda, Haruyoshi Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 10350496
    Abstract: A game device includes: a game control unit receiving instruction input from a player, and controlling a game; a mode selecting unit receiving, from the player, a selection of one of an intervention mode in which part of functions of the game is controlled according to instruction input from a different game device and a normal mode in which the part of the functions is controlled without depending on the instruction input from the different game device; an intervention requesting unit requesting another game device to control the part of the functions when the intervention mode is selected; an intervention mode control unit transmitting information necessary to control the part of the functions to a game device responding to the request, receiving instruction input from the game device, and controlling the part of the functions; and a normal mode control unit controlling the part of the functions when the normal mode is selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.
    Inventors: Takayuki Ishida, Takeru Sankou
  • Patent number: 10350497
    Abstract: When a data transfer process is started, a state in which a plurality of character objects lift an icon object in a three-dimensional virtual space, and carry the icon object from a start point toward a completion point in the three-dimensional virtual space, according to a degree of progress of the data transfer process, is displayed. At this time, a display range is sequentially shifted according to the degree of progress of the data transfer process so as to constantly display the icon object on a screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yosuke Fujino, Naoya Morimura
  • Patent number: 10350498
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system for conducting a game involving a plurality of players. The system includes at least one agent for issuing to each player an entry coupon having a unique identification code; at least one server adapted to receive a request for registration in the game from each player, wherein the request includes the unique identification code from player's coupon; verify that each unique identification code is valid; issue instructions to the players relating to commencement of the game within a predetermined time period; receive a commencement notification from players within predetermined time period; issue series of instructions for each player's completion; receive confirmation from each player on completion of instruction; calculate for each player the total time to complete the series of instructions; and select the game winner based on the time taken for each player to complete the series of instructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: TMS GLOBAL SERVICES PTY LTD.
    Inventors: Mike Veverka, Bradley David Board
  • Patent number: 10350499
    Abstract: A non-limiting example system includes a server, and data of results (play records) that a predetermined game is played in a plurality of game apparatuses independently are transmitted to the server. The server stores the play record for each player, and transmits the play records of respective players to a personal computer. For example, under instructions of a user, the personal computer displays, using the play records of respective players, states of player characters such as movement tracks of the player characters of respective players on a map while adjusting elapsed time from a play start.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takuma Oiso
  • Patent number: 10350500
    Abstract: A method for managing a game session of a multiplayer game is provided. A request to start a game session of the multiplayer game is received from a first party. The first party is associated with a first category of players of the multiplayer game, and the number of players within the first category is determined. If the number of players within the first category is below a threshold number, an invite is sent to at least a second party associated with the first category. Upon receiving a request to join a game session of the multiplayer game from the at least a second party, a game session of the multiplayer game is started by accepting the request from the first party, and the at least a second party is added to the game session of the multiplayer game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: SUPERCELL OY
    Inventors: Lassi Leppinen, Tommi Hakala
  • Patent number: 10350501
    Abstract: A system and method configured to provide limited-time events to users in an online game. The system and method may include executing an instance of an online game and effectuating presentation of offers to users to activate a limited-time event within the online game. Activation of the limited-time event may enable users to perform event runs through the limited-time event for a duration. The execution of event runs through the limited-time event in response to user commands received from a client computing platform associated with the user may deplete the virtual resource in an inventory of the user. The system and method may maintain inventories of the users and recharge the virtual resource as a function of time. The performance of users may be assessed and awards may be distributed to the users based on the assessment of their performance during the event runs. The system and method may include effectuating exchanges by the users of virtual items for the first virtual resource.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Kabam, Inc.
    Inventors: Luc Pieron, Byung Gon Yoo, Thomas Baxter, Dylan Swift
  • Patent number: 10350502
    Abstract: The multifunctional device has slide and ladder portions easily connectable for use together as a self-supporting unit, and easily detachable for use separately on other equipment or for compact storage or transport. When set-up for use as a self-supporting unit, the ladder and slide portions are hooked together by a double-hook/double-axle connection system that does not allow the angle between the ladder and slide to change any significant amount during normal use of the set-up device. Yet, quick disconnection may be done when the weight of the user is removed, by purposely lifting and pivoting the portions, and then unhooking their top ends from each other. When disconnected from each other, the ladder and/or the slide portion (and preferably both) may be connected/hooked to another object(s), for example, a trampoline or a play equipment platform or other specially-adapted elevated structure, for climbing up to, and sliding down from, said trampoline/platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Inventors: Trena Nelson, Andrew Richard Nelson
  • Patent number: 10350503
    Abstract: A capsule ride system includes a capsule, where the capsule includes a drum, which may include a curved annular wall that may define a chamber. The capsule also includes a platform that may fit within the chamber and that supports a restraint for a passenger. The system further includes a drive system capable of driving rotation of the capsule about a central axis of the capsule and driving forward and/or rearward movement of the capsule along a track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Universal City Studios LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Matthew Freedman, David Gerard Majdali, Nathanael Gordon White
  • Patent number: 10350504
    Abstract: A system may include an inflatable assembly having a plurality of members. The system may also include a plurality of sensors disposed at a plurality of positions inside or around the inflatable assembly, such that the plurality of sensors may acquire data related to a shape of the inflatable assembly. The system also includes one or more valves, each configured to direct a fluid into a corresponding member of the plurality of members of the inflatable assembly. The system also includes a processor that adjusts positions of the one or more valves to cause the fluid to be directed into the corresponding member of the plurality of members of the inflatable assembly based on the data and a desired shape of the inflatable assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Universal City Studios LLC
    Inventors: Robert Cortelyou, Ross Osterman, Justin Schwartz, Amanda Zielkowski, Caitlin A. Correll, Darrin Hughes, Anisha Vyas
  • Patent number: 10350505
    Abstract: A toy doll with an illuminable movable portion is a toy doll with an illumination source, a first portion, and second portion. The second portion is movable with respect to the first portion and includes at least two panels which define housings configured to be illuminated. Each of the housings may include illumination areas, which, upon being aligned with the illumination source may become illuminated. Each of the panels may be selectively aligned with the illumination source. By illuminating different panels of the second portion, the toy doll can be configured in various illumination configurations. A user can influence which panels are illuminated by orienting the toy doll in certain orientations or moving the second portion to different locations with respect to the first portion, among other factors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Patricia Chan, Steven D. Ryniker, James P. Zielinski
  • Patent number: 10350506
    Abstract: A collapsible play structure having a collapsed configuration and an opened configuration comprises: a left panel having a back surface, a front surface, a horizontal axis, and a vertical axis; a left fold out structure coupled to the left panel, the left fold out structure comprising one or more members rotatably coupled to the left panel to be rotatable about an axis parallel with the horizontal axis of the left panel; a right panel having a back surface, a front surface, a horizontal axis, and a vertical axis; a right fold out structure coupled to the right panel, the right fold out structure comprising one or more members rotatably coupled to the right panel to be rotatable about an axis parallel with the horizontal axis of the right panel; and a center panel having a back surface and a front surface, the center panel rotatably coupled to the left panel and the right panel in an orientation that aligns the vertical axes of the left panel and the right panel in a parallel alignment, wherein, in the opened
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: READYSETZ, LLC
    Inventor: Charles L. Pridonoff
  • Patent number: 10350507
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of toys or stage equipments, and provides a bubble machine comprising a housing; a liquid storage device provided at front of the housing for containing a bubble liquid; a chamber provided at rear of the liquid storage device, comprising an air inlet and a first air outlet; a film forming device provided above the liquid storage device, wherein the film forming device comprises a rotation center, a film forming unit connected with the rotation center, and a motor for driving rotation of the film forming unit about the rotation center, wherein the motor drives the film forming unit to rotate to successively pass the bubble liquid in the liquid storage device and the first air outlet; a blowing device provided in the housing for providing air flow from the air inlet to the first air outlet; and a control device provided at top of the housing for controlling the film forming device and the blowing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Shenzhen 1Byone Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ruishi Yang
  • Patent number: 10350508
    Abstract: A reactor comprising a plurality of vessels, each having a heat exchange surface for processing a fluid as a thin film flow, the vessels arranged in a concentric manner; a plurality of annular spaces situated between the vessels; and a pathway for directing a heat exchange fluid from one vessel to an adjacent vessel for creating a temperature differential between the heat exchange surfaces and the fluid being processed. A system comprising a fluid source, a reactor, and a vapor outlet and a processed fluid outlet through generated vapor and processed fluid are directed out of the reactor, respectively. A method comprising providing a plurality of concentrically arranged surfaces in spaced relation, distributing a fluid to be processed against the surfaces in a controlled manner to form a substantially uniform thin film flow thereon, and evaporating at least a portion of the fluid being processed along the plurality of surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: R3 Fusion, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Campbell, Jeane A. Schalm
  • Patent number: 10350509
    Abstract: An electrically heated still is provided. The still includes a still pot that is filled with fermented mash to be distilled. The still pot is heated by a heating element assembly that wraps around the outer surface of the side wall of the still pot (e.g., around the circumference of the mid-section of the still pot). The heating element assembly contains one or more heating elements. The heating elements include flexible conductive elements (e.g., “rope” heaters) that conform to the shape of the still pot to efficiently transfer heat thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Inventor: Brian Sammons
  • Patent number: 10350510
    Abstract: What is described relates to cross-flow packing heat and mass transfer column vessels, where rectifying separation of liquid-vapor mixtures, distillation of liquid-vapor mixtures, and absorptive separation of liquid-vapor mixtures occur, and may be used in oil-refining, petrochemical, chemical, gas, food, and other industries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Inventor: Igor Anatol'evich Mnushkin
  • Patent number: 10350511
    Abstract: An improvement which reduces the reflux requirement for a fractional distillation system of an alcohol production plant (40, 60, 70, 80). The improvement includes a mixing device (44) for combining a water/alcohol mixture having an enhanced alcohol content (50, 62, 72, 82) with the reflux liquid (16) in the absence of a vapor/liquid equilibrium interface to form a reflux mixture (56) for supply to the rectifier column (14). The mixture having an enhanced alcohol content may be sourced from a location along the rectifier-reflux vapor to liquid system flow path, or from another source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: BIOLEAP, INC.
    Inventors: James Knight, Jr., Olan Wayne Mitchell
  • Patent number: 10350512
    Abstract: A system and apparatus for atmospheric water generation using alternative cold sources provides a thermally conductive thermal transfer media of carbon graphitic foam for capturing cold energy by direct or indirect exposure thereto, transferring the cold energy to a condenser exposed to air having moisture, and for condensing the moisture from the air into liquid and collecting the liquid water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Eco Squared Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles B. Rau, III
  • Patent number: 10350513
    Abstract: A facility (50) for mixing/separating two immiscible liquids (22, 24) having different densities, said facility including a mixer (52) combined with a settler (14), the mixer including a tank (16) provided with two liquid inlets (18, 20); an agitator (28) located in the tank, the agitator being mounted on a shaft (30) rotating around a vertical axis (32); and a lift pump (54) located above the agitator. The pump includes a moving body (56) rotatable along the vertical axis (32), the moving body defining a first frustoconical inner surface (60) positioned along the vertical axis and upwardly flared, and a body (66) that is stationary relative to the tank, the stationary body defining a second frustoconical inner surface (68) positioned along the vertical axis and upwardly flared, the second frustoconical inner surface being situated substantially in an extension of, and above, the first frustoconical inner surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: TECHNIP FRANCE
    Inventors: Guillaume Fenol, Olivier Hennequin
  • Patent number: 10350514
    Abstract: An acoustic standing wave is utilized to separate components from a multi-component fluid, such as oil from an oil-water mixture, in a fluid flow scheme with an acoustophoresis device. For example, the flow scheme and device allows for trapping of the oil as the oil coalesces, agglomerates, and becomes more buoyant than the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: FloDesign Sonics, Inc.
    Inventors: Bart Lipkens, Jason Dionne, Ari Mercado, Brian Dutra, Walter M. Presz, Jr., Thomas J. Kennedy, III, Louis Masi
  • Patent number: 10350515
    Abstract: A dynamic demulsification system to facilitate the removal of water from oil for use in a gas-oil separation plant (GOSP) which has a dehydrator vessel in fluid communication with a desalter vessel which in turn is in fluid communication with a water/oil separator vessel includes the following system components: an in-line microwave treatment subsystem upstream of one or two of each of the dehydrator vessel, the desalter vessel and the water/oil separator vessel, each of which vessels receives a water-oil emulsion; a sensor for the real-time monitoring and transmission of data representing one or more properties of the water-oil emulsion in the respective vessel(s) and/or downstream of the respective vessel(s) with which the sensor is associated; and a processor/controller that receives the data from the sensor and transmits one or more signals to the one or both of the respective in-line microwave treatment subsystem(s) to generate and apply microwave energy of predetermined characteristics to the flowing
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Emad Naji Al-Shafei, M. Rashid Khan
  • Patent number: 10350516
    Abstract: A blood filtering device has a tubular housing with a tubular section and tubular housing volume. A filtration section with a filter medium separating a raw side from a clean side is arranged in the tubular housing. The filtration section is movable along the tubular section and movably sealed relative to the tubular housing. The filtration section separates the tubular housing volume into variable first and second tubular housing volumes. A first communication path extends between raw side and first tubular housing volume. A second communication path exits between raw side and second tubular housing volume. When moving the filtration section, blood in the first tubular housing volume flows through the first communication path to the raw side; blood plasma passes through the filter medium to the clean side; residual blood flows through the second communication path into the variable second tubular housing volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: MANN+HUMMEL GmbH
    Inventors: Dagmar Winkler, Heike Rupp, Steffen Schuetz, Karlheinz Muenkel, Joachim Stinzendoerfer
  • Patent number: 10350517
    Abstract: A tubular mesh filter has a first ring-shaped portion formed in one end side of a tubular filter portion that filters out a foreign object from a fluid and a second ring-shaped portion formed in the other end side of the filter portion. The first and second ring-shaped portions are thicker than the filter portion. The first and second ring-shaped portions and the filter portion are injection-molded in an integral manner by initially injecting molten resin into a first cavity portion used to shape the first ring-shaped portion, flowing the molten resin filled in the first cavity portion evenly to a second cavity portion used to shape the filter portion, and supplying the molten resin filled in the second cavity portion to a third cavity portion used to shape the second ring-shaped portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: ENPLAS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kenjiro Taki
  • Patent number: 10350518
    Abstract: Methods of filtering a liquid feed are disclosed. In one version, the method comprises passing a liquid feed through a single pass tangential flow filtration (SPTFF) system and recovering the retentate and permeate from the system in separate containers without recirculation through the SPTFF system. In another version, the method of filtering a liquid feed, comprises passing a liquid feed through a tangential flow filtration (TFF) system, recovering permeate and a portion of the retentate from the system in separate containers without recirculation through the TFF system, and recirculating the remainder of the retentate through the TFF system at least once. The methods can be performed using an SPTFF or a TFF system that comprises manifold segments to serialize the flow path of the feed and retentate without requiring diverter plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: EMD Millipore Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan Steen, Mikhail Kozlov, Herbert Lutz, Joseph Parrella, Elizabeth M. Goodrich, Bala Raghunath
  • Patent number: 10350519
    Abstract: A device for filtering a plastic melt, including a housing and a filter pin which is axially and/or radially movable therein. In a working position of the filter pin, plastic melt passes from an inlet channel, through a filtering mechanism, which is detachably fastened to the filter pin, to an outlet channel. In a filter change position of the filter pin, the filtering mechanism is freely accessible for replacing the filtering mechanism, and wherein at least one drainage channel is formed in the filter pin. In a start-up position of the filter pin, one end of the at least one drainage channel is in fluid connection with the at least one inlet channel in order to receive the plastic melt that is fed through the at least one inlet channel and to output the plastic melt at another end of the at least one drainage channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Maag Automatik GmbH
    Inventors: Harald Pohl, Markus Steinmann
  • Patent number: 10350520
    Abstract: A shaker separates components of a slurry. The shaker has a screen with a pressure differential applied to the screen to remove a portion of a slurry. The pressure differential across the screen can be toggled or pulsed. Generally, various types of separators are used to separate liquids and solids. For example, oil-field drilling operations use separators with screens to remove solids from a slurry. One type of apparatus used to remove solids from drilling mud is commonly referred to in the industry as a “shale shaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventor: Eric Cady
  • Patent number: 10350521
    Abstract: A filter includes an outlet from a container, the outlet transverse to said inlet and a filter screen within the container that partially surrounds the outlet. In a further embodiment of the foregoing embodiment, the filter screen prevents passage of particles greater in size than 40 to 6000 microns. In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the filter screen provides a pressure drop of less than 0.5 psi. In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the filter screen defines a tortuous path with a bypass there around. In a further embodiment of any of the foregoing embodiments, the filter screen is cylindrical and extends parallel to a length of said container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Taylor Fausett, David L. Ripley
  • Patent number: 10350522
    Abstract: Filter capsules for showers and sinks used in surgical settings, clean rooms and other contaminant-sensitive settings having modified outlets for improved splash control. Flat, concave, convex, asymmetric concave and asymmetric convex outlet inserts have pluralities of fluid bores with varying orientations to permit enhanced fluid flow control out of the filter capsules including divergent, convergent and mixed divergent/convergent fluid flows. An inlet with an axis offset at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the filter capsule body permits user control over the fluid flow strike point in a sink or shower stall via rotation of the capsule about the inlet connection point. A recessed outlet improves the prevention of contaminant dispersal by recessing the outlet away from contact points and potential contaminant sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics Corporation
    Inventors: ZhenWu Lin, Hong Shen
  • Patent number: 10350523
    Abstract: A filter housing is provided. The filter housing includes a circumferential rib provided on an outer surface thereof. The filter housing also includes a first longitudinal rib provided on the outer surface thereof. The first longitudinal rib connects and extends away from the circumferential rib along a length of the filter housing. The first longitudinal rib defines a first thickness thereof. The first thickness tapers towards the circumferential rib. The filter housing further includes a second longitudinal rib provided on the outer surface thereof. The second longitudinal rib is provided opposing the first longitudinal rib. The second longitudinal rib connects and extends away from the circumferential rib along the length of the filter housing. The second longitudinal rib defines a second thickness thereof. The second thickness tapers towards the circumferential rib.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bryant Alan Morris, Jeffrey R Ries, Brian John Sutton
  • Patent number: 10350524
    Abstract: A filter device has a filter housing and a clamping bracket engaging around the filter housing. The clamping bracket includes a bracket and a clamping collar that are swivelably coupled by a hinge, the bracket and the clamping collar being positively connected adjacent to the hinge through the engagement of a projection into an engagement window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: MANN+HUMMEL GmbH
    Inventors: Madhu Kumar Rajagopal, Prashanth Mari Ambanna
  • Patent number: 10350525
    Abstract: A connecting structure connects a filter housing to a filter housing retaining structure. The connecting structure conducts a liquid that is to be cleaned to the filter housing and discharges a purified liquid. The connecting structure includes a filter housing cover that connects to the filter housing and that receives a filter medium. The filter housing cover has attachment elements that connect to corresponding attachment elements of the filter housing retaining structure to establish an exchange of fluids between the filter housing retaining structure and the filter housing. Filter housing cover guides are on opposing sides of the filter housing cover; and guides on the filter housing retaining structure engage the filter housing cover guides when connecting the attachment elements of the filter housing cover with the attachment elements of the filter housing retaining structure to support and linearly guide the filter housing cover during the connection process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: SARTORIUS LAB INSTRUMENTS GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Roman Ritzka, Sebastian Purmann, Richard Brisland
  • Patent number: 10350526
    Abstract: A closed lubrication or hydraulic system that eliminates the traditional breather cap and includes (1) oxygen absorber that removes oxygen molecules and (2) a desiccant to dry the air that communicates with hydraulic fluid or lubricant in a reservoir. A metallic heat conduction rod is partially exposed to internal air and partly exposed to ambient air. The conduction rod is in close proximity to the oxygen absorber and desiccant in the cartridge. A cool portion on the conduction rod attracts hot humid internal air causing condensation of water near the surface of the conduction rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Inventors: John J Paoluccio, John A Paoluccio
  • Patent number: 10350527
    Abstract: A filter device is provided with an impeding member that impedes a flow of a fluid in a hollow portion of a filter element or a hollow portion of an outflow portion that communicates the hollow portion of the filter element and an exterior of a filter case. Further, a lid member that covers an upper end of the filter case includes an external flow path that communicates the hollow portion of the filter element to the exterior of the filter case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: YAMASHIN-FILTER CORP.
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Kitajima, Yoshinori Tsurusaki
  • Patent number: 10350528
    Abstract: A filter for use in safety air bags as employed in vehicles and the like comprises one or more compressed grooved wires, wherein the wire or wires have an outer diameter of about 0.010 to 0.050 inches and the grooves have a depth in the range of 0.001 to about 0.005 inches. A plurality of grooves, preferable about 10-14, of about 0.018 diameter stainless steel wire, having a depth of about 0.001 inches to about 0.0025 inches, are equally spaced about the periphery of the wire, which is cylindrical. The pitch of the groove spacing may differ for different implementations. The wire outer surface between grooves may have a radius, preferably about 0.0025 inches in a wire of about 0.018 inches diameter. A stainless steel wire is preferred, but other wire metals may be used according to a given implementation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Metal Textiles Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Spatz, Connor Arnell, Kurry Emmons
  • Patent number: 10350529
    Abstract: Disclosed is a filtration article comprising a first layer comprising porous PTFE for fluid filtration (e.g., a PTFE membrane), and a second layer comprising strands of fluoropolymer fibers arranged to form a stable knit. The knit layer comprises interlocking regions that are each defined by corresponding sets of at least two interlocking loop portions of the fluoropolymer fiber strands. In filtration article embodiments, the fluoropolymer fiber strands may be twisted and/or have a rounded outer configuration. The knit layer provides improved dimensional stability as a support layer for the filtration layer and/or as a drainage layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Entegris, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Keith Propst, Steven H. Speck
  • Patent number: 10350530
    Abstract: A filter holder for a filter element that has an oval-shaped cross section transverse to a longitudinal direction thereof, the filter holder including: a receiving section configured to receive the filter element; fluid inlet for allowing fluid to be filtered into the filter holder; fluid outlet for letting the fluid filtered out of the filter holder; the fluid inlet is arranged so the inflow direction of the fluid to be filtered into the fluid inlet is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the filter element; the fluid inlet has a guide member configured to deflect the fluid as it flows into the fluid inlet such that it flows around in a spiral in the filter element that can be received in the receiving section in order to separate particles contained in the fluid to be filtered on a wall of the receiving section with the aid of centrifugal force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: MANN+HUMMEL GmbH
    Inventors: Dennis Stark, Thomas Grein, Volker Greif
  • Patent number: 10350531
    Abstract: Filter cartridges including tubular filter media having ovate cross-sections and filter systems using the ovate tubular filter cartridges are described herein. The inner perimeters of the ovate cross-sections of one or more of the filter cartridges may be asymmetric, i.e., the inner perimeters of the cross-sections of the tubular filter media in the filter cartridges may have no lines about which they are symmetric. The inner perimeters of the ovate cross-sections of the tubular filter media in one or more of the filter cartridges may have only one line of symmetry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas D. Raether
  • Patent number: 10350532
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a porous alpha-SiC-containing shaped body with a gas-permeable, open-pored pore structure comprising platelet-shaped crystallites which are connected to form an interconnected, continuous skeletal structure, wherein the skeletal structure consists of more than 80 wt.-% alpha-SiC, relative to the total weight of SiC, a process for producing same and its use as a filter component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Inventor: Leif Stiholt
  • Patent number: 10350533
    Abstract: This document presents an apparatus for a flexible air filter media that can be configured for shipping and storage having one or more flexible inserts mounted to the filter media along one or more portions of the accordion folds of the air filter material. The current invention permits the air filter apparatus to fold along both X and Y axes, create a tri-fold, and bend in a manner that provides for a much smaller volume for shipping purposes. The invention also permits attaching the flexible material to the center of the filter media and also inserts which allow sections of the air filter media to be nested one into another to reduce both shipping and storage volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: FilterEasy, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Barry, Thaddeus Tarkington
  • Patent number: 10350534
    Abstract: A filter element has, on a filter element housing, a first and a second filter medium body, which are arranged at an angle to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: MANN+HUMMEL GmbH
    Inventors: Robert Hasenfratz, Fabian Wagner