Patents Issued in July 30, 2019
  • Patent number: 10363442
    Abstract: A connecting and anchoring device includes a cable element and one or more housings for the cable element. The cable element terminates at opposite ends thereof in respective gate and spine cable termination structures. The one or more housings include a gate housing which houses the cable element proximate the gate cable termination structure. The gate housing includes a manipulable locking element. The gate and spine cable termination structures have complementary shapes or structures and are configured to provide for changing between a first configuration of the connecting and anchoring device in which the gate and spine cable termination structures are locked together so as to inhibit separation thereof, and a second configuration of the connecting and anchoring device in which the gate and spine cable termination structures can be freely separated from one another as a consequence of manipulating the locking element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Inventors: Ivan A. J. Kekahuna, Daniel Aleksovski, Sarah Rose Huntley-Horning, Brian John Bourquin
  • Patent number: 10363443
    Abstract: A passive ductwork intumescent fire damper is disclosed having a sheet metal box; an intumescent; a sheet metal comb; a plastic liner; a sheet metal comb catch; and a sheet metal escutcheon. The fire damper is particularly useful in a structural wall ducted horizontally such as a side wall range hood installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Superposed Associates LLC
    Inventor: Jack F. King, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10363444
    Abstract: A firestopping sleeve positionable usually in walls which is self-adjusting and includes a sleeve defining an access corridor extending longitudinally therewithin with at least one firestopping pad positioned therein. The sleeve has an access corridor extending therethrough for receiving wall penetrating cables which are firestopped therearound by the pad. A projecting block is attacked to the pad for providing self-adjusting and sealing capability of the device, to prevent air or smoke leaks around the cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Specified Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Julio Lopes, Joel Mermoud
  • Patent number: 10363445
    Abstract: A method for extinguishing objects or appliances, in which, once a fire signal has been detected at point in time t1, a first device (17) providing an extinguishing agent is triggered, for discharging a liquid synthetic extinguishing agent (14), via a separating device (8), a common conveying pipe (9) and at least one nozzle (10), and, once a second fire signal has been detected at point in time t2, a second device (18) providing an extinguishing agent is triggered for discharging water (3) or a water-based extinguishing agent via the separating device (8), the common conveying pipe (9) and the at least one nozzle (10) for extinguishing. A system is also provided for extinguishing objects or appliances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: MINIMAX GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Joachim Boeke, Wolfgang Habitzl, Volker Bechtloff
  • Patent number: 10363446
    Abstract: A fire detection and/or extinguishing control station for actuating two extinguishing agent supply devices using a control unit. After actuating a first extinguishing agent supply device (17) upon detection of a first fire signal at time (t1), the control station is additionally equipped to actuate a second extinguishing agent supply device (18) upon detection of a second fire signal at time (t2) if the control station has checked whether the time (t2) fulfills the inequality (t1+tc)<t2<(t1+tb), where (tc) represents a discharge time of the complete or partial discharge of at least one extinguishing agent container (1) of the first extinguishing agent supply device (17), (tk) represents a check time connected to the discharge time (tc), and (tb) represents a monitoring time period, and the monitoring time period (tb) is the sum of the discharge time (tc) and the check time (tk) beginning at time (t1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: MINIMAX GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Kurt Lenkeit, Wolfgang Habitzl, Joachim Boeke, Volker Bechtloff
  • Patent number: 10363447
    Abstract: An actuator assembly for use in fire suppression systems for use in vehicle and industrial fire protection systems. The actuator assembly engages a cartridge of pressurized gas and releases the gas contained therein with a puncturing assembly. The actuator assembly includes a receptacle that controls the manner in which the actuator assembly and cartridge engage one another. The actuator assembly is configured for electrical and pneumatic actuation for rupturing the seal of the cartridge of pressurized gas. The actuator assembly has a housing that includes at least one inlet port that is coupled to a pressurized gas source, which is formed between a first chamber for electrical components sealed from the operative environment of the actuator assembly and a second chambers for the puncturing assembly. The actuator assembly allows for serial interconnection of multiple actuator assemblies for operation by a single source of pressurized gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Tyco Fire Products LP
    Inventors: Chad L. Ryczek, Richard J. Biehl, Brian L. Counts
  • Patent number: 10363448
    Abstract: A liquid buoyancy muscle training device includes a liquid receiving tank receiving and holding liquid therein. A buoyantly submergible member is buoyantly submergible in the liquid contained in the liquid receiving tank and includes a regulation chamber formed therein. A bottom pulley is mounted inside the liquid receiving tank. A rope is connected to the buoyantly submergible member and wrapped around the bottom pulley and extends upward to project outside the liquid receiving tank. A liquid regulation tank is connected through a liquid supply tube to the regulation chamber to allow liquid to flow therebetween. A gas supplier is connected through a gas supply tube to the regulation chamber to selectively supply gas into the regulation chamber to change a ratio between liquid and gas inside the regulation chamber so as to change buoyance applied to the buoyantly submergible member by the liquid contained in the liquid receiving tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Inventors: Chiang Liu, Ya-Chen Liu, Wei-Han Chen, Wen-Hsuan Pan
  • Patent number: 10363449
    Abstract: An exercise device includes a pivot adjustably positioned at an intermediate point along the length of an elongate support element. One or more lower body supports are mounted on the elongate support element on a first side of the pivot and one or more upper body supports mounted on the elongate support on a second side of the pivot. The device may be used in push up, sit up, inverted pull up or leg raise modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Campbelle Limited
    Inventors: David Kim Scott, Malcolm Lewis Brown, Cameron Russell Sims
  • Patent number: 10363450
    Abstract: A low friction rehabilitation board having an integral band retaining feature is described. The rehabilitation board may have a coefficient of static friction of no more than about 0.5 and in some embodiments no more than about 0.06. The rehabilitation board has a plurality of band retaining feature configured along one or both ends and may be an integral band retaining features being formed in the board. Additionally, the rehabilitation may include one or more band retaining features on one or both sides of the board. The unique configuration of the band retaining features enables rehabilitation method heretofore not possible with a single board. Resistance bands may be retained in the band retaining features and coupled to a user's limb, such as a foot or ankle, to resist motion, such as sliding or extending the foot along the low friction surface of the rehabilitation board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: P.T. ROM AND ASSOCIATES LLC
    Inventors: Randall F. Chapman, Daniel L. Rosman, Frank M. Chapman
  • Patent number: 10363451
    Abstract: An apparatus used for cardiovascular workouts and strength training workouts contains a treadmill, a first weight-engaging pulley mechanism, a second weight-engaging pulley mechanism, a first guide channel, and a second guide channel. The treadmill is used to complete the cardiovascular workouts. The first weight-engaging pulley mechanism and the second weight-engaging pulley mechanism are used for strength training. Since the weight arrangement of the apparatus is movable along the first guide channel and the second guide channel, the user can complete a wide variety of strength training workouts. The apparatus also contains an incline-adjustment mechanism, which orients the treadmill belt track to simulate an incline or a decline. A belt direction-reversing mechanism of the apparatus helps change the direction a belt that is layered along the treadmill belt track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Inventor: Veronica Porteros De Luz
  • Patent number: 10363452
    Abstract: A chest and arm exercise device provides a chest spanning elastic member including a rubber sheet connected to a pair of elastic arm cuffs. A weight lifter's shirt includes a fabric body covering including an elastic chest spanning member and a pair of elastic sleeves or cuffs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Inventor: Pedro M. Alaniz, III
  • Patent number: 10363453
    Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for monitoring one or more athletic performance characteristic and physiological characteristic of a user. An exemplary system includes a first sensing unit adapted to monitor at least one performance characteristic of a user, a second sensing unit adapted to monitor at least one physiological characteristic of the user, and a transmitter for transmitting the at least one performance characteristic and at least one physiological characteristic to a remote receiver that is adapted to identify a relationship between the at least one performance characteristic and the at least one physiological characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: New Balance Athletics, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael William On Fitzgerald, Bryan Decker Gothie, Anne Gutmann, Sean B. Murphy, Katherine Elizabeth Petrecca, Pedro Rodrigues, Trampas Tenbroek, Christopher James Wawrousek
  • Patent number: 10363454
    Abstract: Portable fitness monitoring methods are disclosed. In an embodiment, a portable fitness monitoring method includes a method for providing audible output to a user during an athletic activity using a portable fitness monitoring device. The method includes the steps of receiving an audio feedback file package that includes a first audio feedback file, updating the audio feedback file package, and processing the updated audio feedback file package to provide audible output to the user through an audio output device during the athletic activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: adidas AG
    Inventors: Christian DiBenedetto, Mark Arthur Oleson, Ian Michael Munson
  • Patent number: 10363455
    Abstract: The present invention is directed, in part, to a system and methods for combining newly designed cardiovascular equipment with the added features of an upper body weight training regimen in order to provide a user a full body workout, cardiovascular exercise and weight training simultaneously. The invention does so by employing either a weight tray apparatus configured to newly designed cardiovascular equipment or machine or through the use of an adjustable weight training apparatus combined with the newly designed cardiovascular equipment or machine. More specifically, the present invention relates to a system and methods for combining newly designed cardiovascular equipment including stationary and recumbent bikes, elliptical machines, treadmills and stair steppers, with a tray apparatus that allows a user to employ free weights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Inventor: David L. Romero
  • Patent number: 10363456
    Abstract: A propulsion system, for use by a swimmer in both on-water and underwater applications, includes at least one power supply unit attachable about a sleeve secured about a forearm of the swimmer, at least one corresponding propulsion unit including a motor and an impeller, the motor in electrical communication with the motor controller, the propulsion unit within a housing, the unit extending in a direction laterally offset from the forearm, near to the wrist and away from the head of the swimmer; and control apparatus for the power and propulsion units. The control apparatus includes elements for controlling pitch of an axis of the propulsion unit relative to a forearm of the swimmer, the control elements including a pivotally secured bracket, and elements for control of the level of power provided to the propulsion unit, in which each of the rotating and control apparatus are positioned for ease of accessibility by a hand of the swimmer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: PROPULSE, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Melendez
  • Patent number: 10363457
    Abstract: The present invention provides a golf ball having an aerodynamic subsurface for packing dimples. More particularly, the invention relates to a golf ball having an exterior surface and at least a first subsurface containing at least two dimples located solely on the subsurface and lying below the exterior surface of the golf ball. The present invention also describes a method for creating the dimple pattern including providing a spherical section having an exterior surface and at least a first subsurface, arranging at least two dimples located solely on the first subsurface and then tessellating the spherical surfaces around the golf ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Nicholas M. Nardacci, Michael R. Madson, Chris Hixenbaugh
  • Patent number: 10363458
    Abstract: Golf balls having covers made of thermoplastic polyurethane compositions are provided. Multi-piece golf balls can be made. Polyurethane primer coatings and polyurethane top-coatings are applied to the thermoplastic polyurethane cover. Isocyanate-rich and polyol-rich polyurethane coatings can be applied. In one embodiment, multi-functional imine and amine compounds can be used to treat the golf ball. The resulting coating may contain polyurethanes, polyureas, and hybrids, copolymers, and blends thereof. The cover composition and surface coatings can further include catalysts, ultraviolet (UV)-light stabilizers, and other additives. Heat is used to cure the coatings. The coating methods have many benefits and the finished balls have good physical properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Mark L. Binette
  • Patent number: 10363459
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball having excellent shot feeling and resilience as well as improved durability and abrasion resistance. The present invention provides a golf ball comprising a spherical core and one or more cover layers disposed outside the spherical core, wherein at least one layer of the cover layers contains: (A) a base resin containing (a-1) an ionomer resin and having a material hardness of 58 or less in Shore D hardness; and (B) a polyrotaxane having a cyclodextrin with at least a part of hydroxyl groups thereof being modified with a caprolactone chain via —O—C3H6—O— group, a linear molecule piercing through a cyclic structure of the cyclodextrin, and blocking groups located at both terminals of the linear molecule to prevent disassociation of the cyclodextrin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: SUMITOMO RUBBER INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Mami Tanaka, Toshiyuki Tarao
  • Patent number: 10363460
    Abstract: In a multi-piece solid golf ball which includes a core of at least one layer, a cover of at least one layer, and at least one intermediate layer interposed between the core and the cover, the cover is composed primarily of polyurethane and the following parameters are controlled within specific ranges: core deflection, melt flow rate of intermediate layer material, thickness of intermediate layer, thickness and Shore D hardness of cover, combined thickness of intermediate layer and cover, and the value of (Shore D hardness of cover material)?(Shore D hardness of intermediate layer material). This golf ball has a good, soft feel at impact and lowers the rate of spin on full shots, achieving a good distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideo Watanabe, Tsuyoshi Nakajima
  • Patent number: 10363461
    Abstract: In a multi-piece solid golf ball having a core, a cover and an intermediate layer therebetween, the core, an intermediate layer-encased sphere and the ball have surface hardnesses which satisfy a specific relationship, and the intermediate layer and the cover have thicknesses which satisfy a specific relationship. Also, the core has a hardness profile in which the hardnesses at the core surface, core center, a position 5 mm from the core center, and a position midway between the surface and center of the core satisfy specific relationships. This golf ball, when used by mid- and high-level amateurs, enables the golfer to maintain an adequate distance on shots with a driver and achieve a good distance on iron shots, has a good spin performance on approach shots and has a good feel on impact. In addition, the ball has an excellent scuff resistance when struck with a grooved wedge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideo Watanabe, Akira Kimura
  • Patent number: 10363462
    Abstract: Multi-layered golf balls containing a dual-core structure are provided. The core structure includes an inner core (center) made from a foam or metal-containing composition, or it has a hollow shell construction, and the outer core layer is made of a thermoplastic composition. Preferably, the thermoplastic composition 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 core assembly preferably has a positive hardness gradient extending across the entire assembly. The core structure and resulting ball have relatively good resiliency at given compressions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Mark L. Binette, Robert Blink, David A. Bulpett, Brian Comeau
  • Patent number: 10363463
    Abstract: An aerodynamic golf club head with a low center of gravity and producing reduced aerodynamic drag forces. The club head has crown section attributes that impart beneficial aerodynamic properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: TAYLOR MADE GOLF COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Kraig Alan Willett, Jeffrey J. Albertsen, Michael Scott Burnett
  • Patent number: 10363464
    Abstract: A putter having a body with a striking surface, an upper surface that is visible to a player when in the address position and a sole plate that is coupled to a bottom surface of the body. The upper surface includes at least one aperture and the sole plate includes a sightline projection that extends into the aperture to form a sightline on the putter that is visible to the player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventor: Don T. Cameron
  • Patent number: 10363465
    Abstract: A golf club head has a body defining a ball striking face. The body further has a first leg extending away from the ball striking face and a second leg extending away from the ball striking face wherein a void is defined between the first leg and the second leg. The body further defines a cover that extends over the void. The golf club head may further have support structures and adjustable weight members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Karsten Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: John T. Stites, Yosimasa Fujita
  • Patent number: 10363466
    Abstract: Golf club heads with cavities and inserts, and methods to manufacture golf club heads with cavities. Various embodiments include a golf club head comprising a body. The body comprises a strikeface at a front of the golf club head, a backface opposite the strikeface, a heel region, a toe region opposite the heel region, a sole, a rear portion at a rear of the golf club head, and a cavity located between the backface and the rear portion. In many embodiments, the body further comprises an insert within the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Karsten Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: David L. Petersen, Les J. Bryant, James D. Glover, Richard D. MacMillan, Xiaojian Chen, Martin R. Jertson, Yujen Huang, Jacob T. Clarke, Tyler A. Shaw, William D. Shearer, Travis D. Milleman
  • Patent number: 10363467
    Abstract: A tetherable golf tee and teeing system are disclosed herein. One golf tee includes a body including a first end for inserting into an external surface and a second end opposite the first end and a crown located on the second end, the crown configured for resting a golf ball thereon. The body further includes a hollow portion and a first aperture located between the first end and the second end to access the hollow portion and for tethering the golf tee to another object. The crown includes a second aperture to further access the hollow portion. A golf tee system includes at least two of the above golf tees tethered together via a tethering apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Inventor: Jefferey Frederick Brandenburg
  • Patent number: 10363468
    Abstract: A sports shaft having an elongated body having a perimeter defined by a plurality of main walls with adjacent ones of the main walls being interconnected through a corresponding one of a plurality of edge walls, the edge walls being spaced apart around the perimeter. A respective bumper extends along at least part of length of at least one of the edge walls. The main and edge walls without the respective bumper have a first stiffness along a longitudinal direction of the shaft, and a combination of the respective bumper with the at least one of the edge walls has a stiffness along the longitudinal direction greater than the first stiffness. A method of making a sports shaft is also discussed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: SPORT MASKA INC.
    Inventors: Simon Bergeron, Travis Downing, Eric Allard, Jacques Chiasson
  • Patent number: 10363469
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of adjustable golf clubs comprising features which allow for the adjustment of a lie angle, a loft angle, or both a lie angle and a loft angle of the golf club. In some embodiments, a golf club head includes a body and a hosel, the hosel including an adjustment screw which can be tightened or loosened to adjust the lie and/or loft angles of a golf club head. In some embodiments, certain angles of a golf club head's geometry can be continuously adjustable through a predetermined range of angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd P. Beach, Bret H. Wahl, Scott Taylor, Peter L. Larsen
  • Patent number: 10363470
    Abstract: A golf club head having accelerometer and gyroscope sensors measuring swing motion acceleration and angular rate values. Inputs of force and torque to the golf club head during the swing motion may be unknown, such that a system of motion equations may be used to calculate functions for the unknown input force and torque, as well as roll angle and pitch angle for the golf club head, and compensate for gyroscope bias, without using static leveling processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: NIKE Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley C. Glenn, Douglas A. Thornton, Jeffrey A. Hadden
  • Patent number: 10363471
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for measuring a speed of a sports device. The method includes: acquiring movement data of the sports device during a process of tracking the sports device, the movement data being collected by a sensor disposed at a bottom of the sports device; calculating a linear speed and a rotational speed of the sports device based on accelerations of three axes in the movement data; and combining the linear speed and the rotational speed to obtain a movement speed of the sports device. In addition, the present disclosure also provides an apparatus for measuring a speed of a sports device, which corresponds to the above method. The method and the apparatus for measuring a speed of a sports device can improve the credibility of the speed measurement of the sports device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: ShenZhen Coollang Cloud Computing Co., LTD
    Inventors: Zhicong Song, Hui Chen
  • Patent number: 10363472
    Abstract: A training system for a jumper on a jump path over a crossbar predicts the jumper's flight path and cues the jumper if the flight path is too close to the crossbar or to take action if the jumper is predicted to strike the crossbar. The system includes a sensor viewing the jumper from a direction paralleling the crossbar and producing data points representative of the lowest edge of the jumper in the vicinity of the crossbar. A computer receiving the data points is programmed to determine therefrom the jumper's flight path, the jumper's forward speed, the location of a jumper's lower legs relative to the crossbar, an expected impact time of the lower legs with the crossbar, and a cuing time. A cuing device, such as a horn, cues the jumper to raise the lower legs so as to not impact the crossbar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Inventors: Makenna Noel Bentley, James Joseph Richardson
  • Patent number: 10363473
    Abstract: The present invention is a group workout program that allows instructors to lead and teach multiple exercisers machine, free weight and other forms of exercise simultaneously. Participants within a single exercise area can do the same free weight, machine and accompanying exercises simultaneously. They can also circuit train in small, medium and large circuits doing the same or different exercises concurrently or simultaneously under the direction of an instructor. More than one exerciser can exercise on each machine at the same time and machines can he combined to deliver more exercises. An exerciser can do multiple exercises on a single machine either changing the configuration between exercises and also by leaving the configuration the same and simply moving between varying exercises. The workout program allows an instructor to teach exercises and exercise combinations in way where they can have a slow, medium, fast and mixed pace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Millennium Fitness LTD
    Inventor: Philip S. Martens
  • Patent number: 10363474
    Abstract: A variable-color region (106) of an information-presentation structure extends to an exposed surface (102) at a surface zone (112) and normally appears along it as a principal color. An impact-dependent portion (138) of the variable-color region responds to an object (104) impacting the zone at an object-contact area (116) by temporarily emitting light suitable for forming color different from the principal color if the impact meets threshold impact criteria such that the impact-dependent portion temporarily appears along a print area (118) of the zone as changed color materially different from the principal color. The print area closely matches the object-contact area in size, shape, and location. Use of light emission to produce the temporary color change is advantageous because the changed color can be virtually any possible visible color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Inventor: Ronald J. Meetin
  • Patent number: 10363475
    Abstract: A universal athleticism rating system and related athletic performance measuring systems for accurately detecting and recording athletic performance are disclosed. The athleticism rating system evaluates individual athletes against a common, standardized, set of athletic performance tests. Each athlete performs the athletic tests and his or her scores in the individual tests are entered into a standardized calculation to produce a single athletic performance score. The related performance measuring system is preferably a timing system that ensures quick, easy, and accurate collection of athletic event timing related data without the need for the athlete to wear any special detection devices or the like. In a preferred embodiment, the performance measuring system integrates with the rating system to provide seamless athletic data collection and rating of athletes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Rodolfo Chapa, Jr., Hamid G. Arjomand, Adam C. Braun, Andrew Bark
  • Patent number: 10363476
    Abstract: Systems, methods and software products optimize installation and operation of an object tracking system. Performance of the athlete tracking system is continually monitored and optimized based upon one or more of: statically positioned tags, grouping tags within two or more tag sets to assign ping rates, selecting receiver configuration and aim dynamically based upon environmental and situational conditions. Tracking tags are improved to facilitate coupling of the tag to an athlete and may be self-configurable. A trackable protection pad allows a tracking tag to be positioned substantially horizontal when the athlete is competing. A data replay tool replays location tracking information in chronological order and visually plots location of tracking tags and errors in the determined location. A tag manager automatically configures the tracking tags. A robotic vehicle automated installation of the object tracking system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: ISOLYNX, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas J. DeAngelis, Edward G. Evansen, Gerard M. Reilly, Brian D. Rhodes, Joseph M. Gaudreau, Kirk M. Sigel, Alexander T. Farkas
  • Patent number: 10363477
    Abstract: Body protection padding with non-bursting gas cells preferably includes at least one base shell, an inside gas cell impact layer and an outside gas cell impact layer. The gas is preferably air, but could be any other suitable gas, such as pure nitrogen or argon. Body protection padding includes shoulder-chest pads, knee pads, hip pads, thigh pads and any other type of sports protective padding. The gas cells in the inside and outside gas cell impact layers do not burst upon impact. The at least one base shell is typically used in the body protection padding. Each gas cell layer includes a plurality of gas cells created between two plastic sheets. The inside and outside gas cell impact layers may be permanently or removably attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Inventor: John E. Whitcomb
  • Patent number: 10363478
    Abstract: What is disclosed is a mobile freewheeling playing card cart. The cart has a tray positioned upon a rolling base that is capable of holding two or more stacks of playing cards. The tray features barriers and depressions around the card stacks that make the cards more easily accessible. The cart includes one or more handles used to maneuver the cart. The cart may be motorized through the use of an integrated battery and remote control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Inventors: Philip E. Woodward, Betty Jo Woodward
  • Patent number: 10363479
    Abstract: Methods and systems of pairing controllers for game play are presented. In one example, a method of pairing controllers to a base computing device for playing a game executed on the base computing device is provided. The method includes receiving a pairing request from one of a first or a second controller. The pair request is generated in response physical contact between the first and second controllers. The method assigns the first and second controllers as a first pairing for a first player and assigns the first pairing to a first color. The method includes transmitting the first color to the first or second controllers, such that at least one of the first and second controllers for the first pairing is configured to illuminate in the first color. Additional pairs of controllers will be assigned a different color, so that each player has a differentiated color on their respective controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.
    Inventors: Dominic S. Mallinson, Anton Mikhailov
  • Patent number: 10363480
    Abstract: A gaming machine that includes a cabinet, a peripheral device coupled to the cabinet, a curved video display, and a processor is provided. The curved video display includes an edge surface of the curved video display that is in contact with the peripheral device. The gaming machine includes a processor that programmed to display, on the curved video display, a graphic adjacent to and associated with the peripheral device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Video Gaming Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Hennessy, Ryan Cuddy, Jason Todd Sprinkle, Paul W. Mellender
  • Patent number: 10363481
    Abstract: A multi-user video game with communications capabilities allows players to communicate with one another via simulated mail, leaflets and conversations. Different installations of the game on different discrete video game playing platforms may be unique or different depending upon random or other data available at the platform. For example, different installations may have different subsets of characters, different landscapes, or the like. Player characters from one virtual environment or village may visit another virtual environment or village and return home to his or her resident environment or village. Non-player characters may move from one virtual environment or village to another—thereby providing an ever-changing variety of characters. Communications between different game playing platforms can be provided via portable memory devices, portable game playing devices, or conventional communications means such as networks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuya Eguchi, Shigeru Miyamoto, Takashi Tezuka
  • Patent number: 10363482
    Abstract: Methods for managing mini-games created and executed in a game cloud system are provided. One method includes providing a plurality of mini-games stored in the game cloud system. Each mini-game is created based on a video recording of a game play for a game title, and is shared in a social network. The method further includes identifying user interactions for each mini-game and ranking the mini-games based on the identified user interactions associated with each mini-game. Then, some or all of the mini-games are displayed on a game site and/or a social network site in an order that is based on the ranking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Sony Interactive Entertainment America LLC
    Inventors: David Perry, Victor Octav Suba Miura, Michael Taylor
  • Patent number: 10363483
    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: July 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Winview, Inc.
    Inventors: David B. Lockton, Mark K. Berner, Mark J. Micheli, David Lowe
  • Patent number: 10363484
    Abstract: A system, computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program, and a computer-implemented method for generating game configurations are presented. For example, a system may receive a game configuration request message from a client device being operated by a player playing a virtual game. The game configuration request message may be sent, for example, in response to the player initiating a new game of the virtual game. The system may then select a game configuration based at least in part on historical performance data associated with the selected game configuration. The historical performance data may accumulate performance data from a group of players that previously played the virtual game using the selected game configuration. The system then communicates the selected game configuration to the client device. The player may play the virtual game using the selected game configuration as the initial game configuration for the virtual game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: M. Ian Graham, Ya-Bing Chu
  • Patent number: 10363485
    Abstract: A method of modifying a transparency factor of one or more objects in a computer game. A display of a computer device displays a first object having a transparency factor at a first location, said first object overlying at least one of a plurality of game objects. In response to a trigger event at least one of said transparency factor of the first object, a transparency factor of a game pointer, and a transparency factor of at least one game object are modified and at least one of said first object, said game pointer, and said at least one game object are displayed with said at least one modified transparency factor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: KING.COM LTD.
    Inventors: Ignacio Pintos Magdalena, Patrik Swartz
  • Patent number: 10363486
    Abstract: Systems and methods for creating a playable video game from user-generated artwork. The systems and methods include a smart game board system having a plurality of recesses arranged in a grid and configured to accept an RFID tag embedded in a block. As the user places blocks in the recesses, an antenna system detects which recesses contain blocks, and the color or another identifier of the block. This information is transmitted to a computer system for translation into playable video game data, such as level data or a skin or image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Pixel Press Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Robin Rath, Robert William Bennet, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10363487
    Abstract: A system, a machine-readable storage medium storing instructions, and a computer-implemented method are described herein for a System Tuner for customizing a player's experience. The System Tuner calculates a player skill level for a player. The System Tuner modifies at least one attribute of a second game level based on the player skill level prior to game play of the player in the second game level. The System Tuner detects game play of the player in the second game level. The System Tuner identifies a difference between a current rate of progression of the player and a reference rate of progression. The System Tuner triggers the modified attribute of the second game according to an extent of the difference between the current rate of progression and the reference rate of progression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Zynga Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Pao Lai, Sora Bai, David Baack, Katherine Lee
  • Patent number: 10363488
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining highlights from broadcasts in spectating environments. A highlight service obtains highlight data for broadcasts including game- and participant-specified events, audio input, and text chat, analyzes the highlight data to determine notable events (highlights) in the broadcasts, and extracts highlight segments from the broadcasts according to the determined events. Highlight reels may be created from the highlight segments according to one or more highlight selection criteria and/or spectator preferences. The highlight service may provide access to the highlights and highlight reels via a highlight user interface (UI). The spectators may selectively view the highlights or highlight reels via the highlight UI.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Anthony Willette, Patrick Gilmore, Ethan Zane Evans, Michael Martin George, Michael Anthony Frazzini
  • Patent number: 10363489
    Abstract: The invention relates to a white-water river, comprising a river bed capable of guiding a current of water between an upper inlet of the bed and a lower outlet of the bed, and including water-feeding means for injecting a stream of water at the upper inlet of the bed. The river bed is made up of a series of individual bed modules, adjacent to one another, and assembled via respective transverse contact surfaces. The individual bed modules are supported via a lower surface by a modular lattice bearing structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: HYDROSTADIUM
    Inventors: Gilles Bernard, Pascal Simon
  • Patent number: 10363490
    Abstract: The three-dimensional paper bird toy is a simple cut, bend, twist, and paste assembly technique of integrating two field planes found from the same one piece of flat, foldable paper like recyclable “green” material. It can be used as a toy for children as well as an advertising aid for promotions. The toy bird shape is first a flat symmetrical die cut shape that is either indicated by a line which is where it should be punched or cut out. It is capable of being folded and pasted into a scalable three-dimensional toy or package display. The paper bird toy causes amusement & awareness and creates fun for involved users. The differences with this present invention is it's “green” toy value, meaning it is made from renewable resources, and it's symmetrical die cut design that creates a very dynamic and sturdy shape that has simple and understandable assembly instructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Inventor: Sarah Thurmond
  • Patent number: 10363491
    Abstract: An improved toy vehicle is disclosed herein. The toy vehicle includes a plurality of different modules that may be removably coupled to one another to provide a variety of different toy vehicles. The modules include at least a steering module, a gearbox module, and a main body module. The main body module may house any number of elastic members configured to drive a drive axle disposed within the gearbox module. The size and construction of the main body module chosen to be used may dictate how fast and how far the modular toy vehicle is capable of traveling across a support surface. The gearbox module may further include a crank that enables the elastic members to be wound and an actuator that actuates the wound elastic members to drive the toy vehicle. Finally, the steering module may be configured to direct the modular toy vehicle in a desired direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Gustavo Ricardo Ferreyra, Michael Finizza, Julian R. Payne