Patents Issued in November 24, 2020
  • Patent number: 10843071
    Abstract: A technology by which content image data is streaming-distributed in various distribution modes is disclosed an information processing apparatus includes: an execution unit configured to generate image data of a content in response to operation information; an acceptance unit configured to accept a designation of a distribution form of the image data; and a transmission processing unit configured to transmit the image data to a distribution destination. When the acceptance unit accepts a designation of a first distribution form and a designation of a second distribution form, the transmission processing unit transmits first image data and second image data to respective corresponding distribution destinations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: SONY INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT INC.
    Inventors: Masanori Nomura, Shigetaka Kudo
  • Patent number: 10843072
    Abstract: A login management section 112 allows a user to log in to an information processing apparatus 10. A status management section 120 manages the status of the information processing apparatus 10. A change instruction acceptance section 144 accepts an instruction for change from a server. When the user has logged in to the information processing apparatus 10 that in turn has signed in to a service, the status management section 120 manages the information processing apparatus 10 in either an active status or a listen status. The active status is a status in which the information processing apparatus 10 is in an online state and allowed to use the service, and the listen status is a status in which the information processing apparatus 10 is in an offline state that disables game execution and is allowed to use the service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: SONY INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT INC.
    Inventors: Soshi Urakawa, Nobukazu Koyama
  • Patent number: 10843073
    Abstract: In some embodiments, techniques for managing interaction permissions for an object in a shared virtual environment are provided. The techniques may determine whether to present an object in a limited-interaction mode or in an interactive mode based on a permission condition. The permission condition may include a proximity condition that specifies a proximity threshold between two objects within the shared virtual environment that should be met in order to provide the object in the interactive mode. The proximity threshold may specify a distance between an avatar of an owning user of the object and the object; a distance between an avatar of an owning user of the object and an avatar of a user being presented the object, or other distances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Rec Room Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas Fajt, Cameron Brown, Dan Kroymann, Omer Bilal Orhan, Jonathan Bevis, Joshua Wehrly
  • Patent number: 10843074
    Abstract: A game apparatus includes an LCD, and a touch panel is provided in relation to the LCD. The LCD displays a game screen, and the player performs touch operations (sliding, click, etc.) on the touch panel with use of a stick to draw, correct and decide at random a moving path of an object. When the movement path of the object is decided and some point on the movement path is clicked, the object moves to the clicked position according to the movement path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: NINTENDO CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Takanori Hino
  • Patent number: 10843075
    Abstract: Disclosed is a non-transitory computer readable medium storing a computer program, in which when the computer program is executed by one or more processors of a computing device. The computer program allows the one or more processors to the following operations and the operations may include may include an operation of computing an evaluation score for each of one or more game data subsets by using the one or more game data subsets included in the game data as input of an operation evaluation model; an operation of identifying a singularity where the amount of change of the evaluation score exceeds a predetermined threshold change amount; and an operation of extracting a main game data set from the game data set based on the singularity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: KAKAO GAMES CORP.
    Inventors: Wooyong Kim, Suhyoung Kim
  • Patent number: 10843076
    Abstract: There is provided a computer that implements an input function of accepting rotation operation information for an operation object having a three-dimensional form in a graphical scene so as to enable output of display information for a certain face of the operation object; a target object display output function of outputting display information for displaying a target face of a target object that includes a corresponding face corresponding to a specific face of the operation object; an operation object display output function of outputting the display information for the certain face of the operation object that is rotated by the input function; and a form determination function of determining whether the operation object and the target object correspond to each other by comparing the certain face of the operation object rotated by the input function with the target face of the target object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: GREE, Inc.
    Inventors: Ruoyi Ye, Hiroki Kamobayashi
  • Patent number: 10843077
    Abstract: A system and method for creating, presenting and permitting concurrent interaction by players within multiple reality and virtual reality environments wherein a virtual representation of a non-virtual location is generated by a processor in which a set of all of the elements and a set of all of the players are located and represented. The system creates a first dimensionally precise replica of a physical environment and generates a virtual reality environment which is substantially identical to the physical environment. The physical environment situated therein an ultra-precise indoor positioning system consisting of a series of networked antennas connected to a processor to record, generate and transmit positional and action data. The system and method then permit interaction between both the players within the physical environment and those within the virtual reality environment as if both were located within the same environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Inventors: Brian Deller, Michael Scott McCraw
  • Patent number: 10843078
    Abstract: Mental state data is collected as a person interacts with a game played on a machine. The mental state data includes facial data, where the facial data includes facial regions or facial landmarks. The mental state data can include physiological data and actigraphy data. The mental state data is analyzed to produce mental state information. Mental state data and/or mental state information can be shared across a social network or a gaming community. The affect of the person interacting with the game can be represented to the social network or gaming community in the form of an avatar. Recommendations based on the affect resulting from the analysis can be made to the person interacting with the game. Mental states are analyzed locally or via a web services. Based on the results of the analysis, the game with which the person is interacting is modified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Affectiva, Inc.
    Inventors: Rana el Kaliouby, Panu James Turcot, Forest Jay Handford, Daniel Bender, Rosalind Wright Picard, Richard Scott Sadowsky, Oliver Orion Wilder-Smith
  • Patent number: 10843079
    Abstract: A game development system includes a server and at least one game development terminal. The server includes a game data storage unit that stores game data, and a task storage unit that stores a task to be carried out by a game developer on the game data in association with that game data. Each game development terminal includes at least one processor, at least one computer-readable storage medium, a game development program stored in the storage medium and configured to be executed by the processor, a communication unit that communicates with the server, and a display unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuichiro Okamura
  • Patent number: 10843080
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for automated program synthesis from a natural language for domain specific computing applications. In one embodiment, a natural language processor may be configured to parse words from a sentence of text formed in a natural language, such as English, following a grammatical structure for the natural language. The words may be compared to a dictionary to identify a token. The text formed in the natural language may be converted to an intermediate format of programming code in a programming language, such as C, where the intermediate format includes the token. The token may invoke a function or a routine of a library written in the programming language. The intermediate format may be compiled into executable program code to generate an application, such as a video game, for execution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: VIRGINIA TECH INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES, INC.
    Inventor: Michael S. Hsiao
  • Patent number: 10843081
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and apparatus for virtual walking, which relates to the field of games. In the present disclosure, geometric-shape attribute parameters of a physical area in which a user walks may be acquired. Then, a plurality of virtual areas each matching the geometric-shape attribute parameters may be obtained in a virtual scene. Further, when the user walks to a corner of a physical area, a target virtual area is selected from the plurality of virtual areas and a virtual person corresponding to the user may be transferred from a current virtual area to the target virtual area. The current virtual area may be a virtual area among the plurality of virtual areas corresponding to the user's current walking status. Therefore, the method and apparatus for virtual walking in the present disclosure enable infinite virtual spaces within the confines of limited physical spaces without visual deviation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: SHENZHEN REALIS MULTIMEDIA TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yanhang Chen, Jin Yao, Yan Huang
  • Patent number: 10843082
    Abstract: Methods and systems for combining a computer-implemented word game with a computer-implemented non-word based game. One of the methods includes receiving, at a processor for controlling a game, a first input from a user of the game, the game including both a non-word based game and a skill-based word game, the first input received in response to a display of the non-word based game; providing at least one letter to the user in response to the first input received from the user; and receiving a second input from the user related to playing at least one letter in the word game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Playtika Ltd.
    Inventor: Lior Kenan
  • Patent number: 10843083
    Abstract: An item can be provided to a user by a lottery and the item odds can be changed in accordance with a prescribed condition. A control method, performed by a server device connected via a communication line to a terminal device operated by a user, can be initiated by selecting a lottery mode from among a plurality of lottery modes. Following the selection of the lottery mode, the system may hold a drawing from among a plurality of types of items on the basis of the selected lottery mode, and, following the holding of the drawing, may ensure that the won item is provided to the user via the terminal device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: GREE, Inc.
    Inventor: Takayuki Sano
  • Patent number: 10843084
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a novel solution which can be used to detect and analyze instances of micro stutter within a given game, GPU and/or driver version. Embodiments of the present invention may be operable to divide an application session into a set of sub-sessions and perform multiple derivative calculations on time-varying application parameters (e.g., frame rates) measured during each sub-session. Embodiments of the present invention may also be operable to generate separate histograms for each derivative calculation performed. As such, based on calculations performed, embodiments of the present invention may synchronously increment histogram bins representing a corresponding range of performance in real-time. Upon the completion of the application session, sub-session histograms may be compressed and then saved into a log which can be fetched and uploaded to a host computer system for aggregation and storage into a database for server-side optimization analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Nvidia Corporation
    Inventors: John Spitzer, Yuri Uralsky
  • Patent number: 10843085
    Abstract: A system and method for providing a content block is provided. A media content title associate with at least one activity file may be stored in memory. A user request may be received by a server from a user device to stream the media content title. Such user request may include a user profile specifying a list of completed and in-progress activities in which a user has engaged with. The stream of the media content title may be monitored to identify a trigger indicating that an activity to be displayed is not on the list of user activities specified by the user profile. Display on the streaming media may be advanced to a next activity identified as being on the list of user activities specified by the user profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: S0NY INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT LLC
    Inventors: Mischa Stephens, Dustin Clingman, Adil Sherwani
  • Patent number: 10843086
    Abstract: A virtual space is provided to users via client computing devices. Device information related to a client computing platform used by a user to interact with the virtual space may be obtained. Different users using different client computing platforms may be provided with different in-game capabilities such as user roles, content items, levels, and/or other content or actions available for the user in the virtual space based on the client computing platform used by the users to access the virtual space. The device information may be used to facilitate enhanced party formation between users of the virtual space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Electronic Arts Inc.
    Inventors: Kent Wakeford, Clifford J. Harrington
  • Patent number: 10843087
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and media for integration of table-top role-playing gaming and online role-playing gaming experiences are provided. A method includes receiving authentication input from each of a first player, a second player, and a host. The method may further receive table input from the first player corresponding to physical in-game interactions of the first player. The method may also receive table input from the second player corresponding to physical in-game interactions of the second player. The method may further still receive table input from the host corresponding to physical in-game interactions of the host. The method may also receive electronic input from the first player corresponding to electronic in-game interactions of the first player. The method may output the table inputs and the electronic input to a device. The method may also subsequently receive, from the device, output that reconciles the table inputs and the electronic input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Inventor: Dan Cichoracki
  • Patent number: 10843088
    Abstract: A method for sharing recorded content of an interactive application, including: recording, by a computer, a three-dimensional video clip to a storage, the three-dimensional video clip generated from a session of the interactive application; receiving, by the computer, a request to share the three-dimensional video clip over a communications network; generating, by the computer, a two-dimensional video clip by converting the three-dimensional video clip to a two-dimensional format, the two-dimensional video clip being configured for viewing through a two-dimensional display; sharing, by the computer, the two-dimensional video clip over the communications network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.
    Inventor: Noam Rimon
  • Patent number: 10843089
    Abstract: Methods and systems for facilitating intra-game communication in video game environments featuring first-person or third-person perspectives by generating an on-screen graphic that includes the communication and a pointer towards a location of another user within the video game environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Rovi Guides, Inc.
    Inventor: Curtis Sullivan
  • Patent number: 10843090
    Abstract: An amusement device includes a substructure with a passenger seat, which is rotatable relative to a main structure by a bearing and a coupling. The coupling has a coupling ring and a coupling actuator for driving the substructure about a coupling axis C-C. The coupling ring has an end face which is toothed to engage with a toothed end face of a lock element of a lockage for rotationally locking the coupling ring with respect to the main structure. The lock element is axially movable and rotationally constrained with respect to an lockage actuator. A spring and electromagnet respectively serve for axially moving the lock element. During a normal ride, the lockage is open and all kind of rotations are possible, but in case of an interference the lockage engages for safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: VEKOMA RIDES ENGINEERING B.V.
    Inventor: Arno Johannes Petronella Van Heijster
  • Patent number: 10843091
    Abstract: Sets of magnet assemblies coupled to the undercarriage of an amusement kart are provided. Each of the magnet assemblies can include: a suspension component coupled to the undercarriage; magnetic material coupled to the suspension component; and a rotating component coupled to the suspension component. Other sets of magnet assemblies can include a skid component coupled to the suspension component. Amusement park attractions are provided that can include: an amusement kart having one or more magnet assemblies coupled to an undercarriage of the amusement kart; and a track comprising iron plating sufficient to magnetically engage the one or more magnet assemblies. Amusement karts are also provided that can include: a frame supported by front and rear wheels; and complimentary side rails extending along both sides of the frame and between the front and rear wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Inventor: Brandon Paul
  • Patent number: 10843092
    Abstract: A ride attraction system includes a tower track and a ride vehicle configured to accommodate one or more riders. The ride vehicle is coupled to and configured to move relative to the tower track and the ride vehicle includes one or more user input devices. The ride attraction system further includes an image system configured to display a ride environment, wherein the user input devices are configured to enable the one or more riders to interact with elements of the ride environment via the one or more user input devices. The ride attraction system further includes a controller communicatively coupled to the ride vehicle and the image system and configured to control movement of the ride vehicle relative to the tower track based on signals from the one or more user input devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Universal City Studios LLC
    Inventors: Gregory S. Hall, Keith Michael McVeen, Michael Tresaugue
  • Patent number: 10843093
    Abstract: A ride system includes ride vehicles. Each ride vehicle includes a rider support configured to carry a rider, a support actuator coupled to the rider support and a base of the ride vehicle and configured to move the rider support relative to the base, and a ride vehicle movement system integrated with the base and configured to move the ride vehicle relative to a ride area. The ride system also includes a controller configured to control the support actuator and the ride vehicle movement system of each ride vehicle individually based on a choreographed routine and an input received from a selected ride vehicle. The input is indicative of an adjustment to the support actuator, the ride vehicle movement system, or both, of each ride vehicle. The input is based on a correlative adjustment to the support actuator, the ride vehicle movement system, or both, of the selected ride vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Universal City Studios LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Evan Bloomfield, Kevin B. Primm
  • Patent number: 10843094
    Abstract: A radio-controlled (RC) toy includes a pair of RC toy vehicles having toy bodies with generally planar base portions. Each toy vehicle has a plurality of wheels rotatably mounted thereon. A coupling arrangement stacks the toy vehicles along a stacking axis that is generally perpendicular to the base portions, and connects the toy vehicles together in a stacked vehicle configuration in which the base portions face each other. At least one RC controller controls movement of at least one of the toy vehicles for individual vehicle movement in a single vehicle configuration over a support surface, and for joint movement of the toy vehicles in the stacked vehicle configuration over the support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Inventor: George Balanchi
  • Patent number: 10843095
    Abstract: A kit for assembling a modular toy race track. The kit includes at least one generally U-shaped straight-track segment formed of folded paperboard, at least one generally U-shaped curved-track segment formed of molded plastic and at least one track connections formed of molded plastic for interconnecting a pair of track segments to form a raceway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Inventor: Steven Paperno
  • Patent number: 10843096
    Abstract: A self-propelled spinning device having a first and second hemisphere connected together to form a hollow housing. A drive system is disposed in the hollow housing and a plurality of projections extends outward from the first or second hemisphere. The drive system includes an eccentric path of rotation causing the hollow housing to spin about a rotational axis. The projections propel the self-propelled spinning device in a forward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Munchkin, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Saxton, Mark G. Tebbe, Maryann Chi
  • Patent number: 10843097
    Abstract: A kite leading edge has a tubular structure having a first curve in a span-wise direction and a second curve a chord-wise direction. The tubular structure is formed by a plurality of panels joined together at seams including at least a first longitudinal seam running in the span-wise direction of the tubular structure. At least a portion of the first longitudinal seam defines a first partial helical path about the circumference of the tubular structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Neil Pryde Limited
    Inventors: Patrick S. Goodman, David Aberdeen
  • Patent number: 10843098
    Abstract: A balloon apparatus utilizing a lighter-than-air portion and an appurtenance attached to the lighter-than-air portion. A connector is selectively linked to the appurtenance and the lighter-than-air portion and manipulates the rotational position of the appurtenance relative to the lighter-than-air portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: SIMO BALLOONS, LLC
    Inventor: David Simonsen
  • Patent number: 10843099
    Abstract: A toy building set is disclosed that describes a toy building set for constructing a doll house having a block with a rectangular base, a first end piece and second end piece such that the first end piece and the second end piece are rigid, stationary and permanently affixed to the base. The first building block attaches to a second building block by sliding the first end piece of the first building block into one of a set of three open cylindrical tubes of a second building block. The open cylinders are attached to a building block base at varying angles to create desired play structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Inventor: Jennifer Lynne Pratt
  • Patent number: 10843100
    Abstract: A spray drier system is provided for spray drying a liquid sample such as blood plasma. The spray drier system may include a spray drier device adapted to couple with a spray drier assembly. The assembly may include an enclosure mounted to a frame. The assembly may receive a flow of drying gas which is directed by the enclosure shape towards a spray drying head mounted within the enclosure to the frame. Flows of a liquid sample may be further received by the head, which aerosolizes the liquid sample. Aerosolized liquid sample and drying air may be mixed within a drying chamber of the enclosure to produce dried sample and humid air. The dried sample and humid air may also be separated in a collection chamber of the enclosure, with the humid air exhausted from the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Velico Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Abdul Wahid Khan, Dennis Brian Hubbard
  • Patent number: 10843101
    Abstract: A distillation column and tray assembly is disclosed herein. The distillation column includes a removable inner tray assembly with adjustable downcomer tubes. The removable tray assembly enables the user to selectively change distillation plates when so removed. When removed, a distiller or brewer may adjust the downcomer tubes to change the fluid level on the distillation plates, or bypass certain distillation plates completely. Certain embodiments of the invention include a feature of an O-ring recessed around a perimeter of the plates permitting a tight seal and reducing manufacturing costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignees: Still Technologies, LLC, Insight Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Jonathan P. Overmyer
  • Patent number: 10843102
    Abstract: A resin containing a desirable compound is extracted from plant material and dissolved in a volatile non-polar solvent. The solvent is evaporated, cooling the solution and increasing the saturation level of the compound in the solution. A second volatile non-polar solvent, in which the compound is less soluble, is then added to the solution and evaporated. This again cools the solution and increases the saturation level until the compound has started to crystallize. The crystals are then filtered and rinsed. Crystallization is more rapid compared to traditional techniques. The resin is obtained from the plant material using an extraction solvent to form a solution, which is then floated above an immiscible liquid, where it is drawn off through a screen and the extraction solvent evaporated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Inventor: Linden Noble
  • Patent number: 10843103
    Abstract: An extractor suitable for using a solvent to separate a compound from a solid or semisolid substance containing the compound. The extractor includes a conveying assembly having an inclined conveyor for receiving the substance from a substance inlet and moving the substance through the solvent, an inclined upper surface associated with the first conveyor and an inclined lower surface associated with the first conveyor. The conveyor is configured to move the substance downward through the solvent along the upper surface toward a lower end of the conveyor and upward through the solvent along the lower surface toward an upper end of the conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventors: Robert W. White, Michael R. Hartzell
  • Patent number: 10843104
    Abstract: A chromatography system for separation of a biopolymer is described, comprising at least one feed tank, at least one hold tank, at least one elution buffer tank, at least one eluate tank, at least two packed bed chromatography columns and at least one pump and at least one outlet detector both fluidically connected to said each packed bed chromatography column, wherein the feed tank, the hold tank(s), the elution buffer tank and the eluate tank are each fluidically connected to the packed bed chromatography columns via a system of valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Cytiva Sweden AB
    Inventors: Karol Lacki, Martin Hall
  • Patent number: 10843105
    Abstract: A separator for separating solids from a fluid including a tray assembly, the tray assembly including a plurality of nested tray units which define a separator axis and are spaced apart from one another along the separator axis, wherein each tray unit includes comprising an inner surface facing the separator axis 16 extending outwards, away from an aperture in the tray unit disposed at the separator axis, wherein the inner surface comprises an inner portion and an outer portion, wherein the inner portion is disposed between the aperture and the outer portion, and wherein the gradient of the outer portion is greater than the gradient of the inner portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Hydro International Ltd
    Inventors: Daniel Stuart Jarman, Steven John Daniels, Alma Rahat, Jonathan Edward Fieldsend, Richard Everson, Gavin Tabor
  • Patent number: 10843106
    Abstract: A pool cleaner that may include a drive mechanism for moving the pool cleaner; a housing that has a first fluid opening and a second fluid opening; a filtering unit that comprises a filter enclosure and a filtering element; a fluid flow mechanism for inducing a flow of fluid through the filtering element in a first direction during a filtering process and for inducing a flow of the fluid through the filtering element at a substantially opposite direction during a backwash process; and a debris trap that is configured to receive debris from the filtering element during the backwash process and to substantially prevent the debris from exiting the debris trap during the filtering process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: MAYTRONICS LTD.
    Inventors: Shay Witelson, Boaz Ben Dov
  • Patent number: 10843107
    Abstract: A water filter communication system and method of using the system. A method of periodically reading water filter data associated with a water filter and retained by the water filter that has been positioned in an appliance includes the steps of: installing a water filter into an engaged position in a filter head assembly within an interior of a cabinet of an appliance that includes a water inlet and a water outlet and periodically, based upon and after a user's interaction with the appliance or the water filter, supplying power from the appliance to the filter read-write memory device engaged to the filter housing; transmitting water filter data to the appliance from the filter read-write memory device, which retains filter information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Melissa M. Bippus, Craig C. Lear, Dennis J. Staley, II
  • Patent number: 10843108
    Abstract: A water treatment system having an inlet for receiving water to be treated and a manifold that defines a pair of fluid streams communicating with the inlet. A valve module carried by the manifold controls the communication of water at the inlet with treatment cartridges and with a common outlet. The valve module includes a valve member that is movable between two positions such that, in one position, the valve member communicates each fluid stream with an associated cartridge and, in a second position, communicates the inlet with the common outlet and bypasses the cartridges. A remotely mounted cartridge depletion indicator is provided that includes a linkage that is magnetically coupled to a stem assembly located within a flow metering mechanism. Movement in the internal stem assembly is transferred via the magnetically coupled external linkage to a cartridge depletion indicator visible to the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: KINETICO INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Stuart L. Park, Jerome P. Kovach, Mark J. Brotman, Jimmie L. Hunt
  • Patent number: 10843109
    Abstract: The present relates to an oil filtration system (1) comprising an oil filtration unit (2), an oil filter (13) having a central opening (15) extending along a central axis (B) of the oil filter (13), the oil filtration unit (2) being provided with at least one first physical structure (18,18?,18?) having a first cross-sectional shape and a predefined longitudinal length (x) in relation to the central axis (A) of the oil filtration unit (2), the oil filter (13) being provided with at least one second physical structure (23,23?,23?) having a second cross sectional shape and a predefined longitudinal length (y) in relation to the central axis (B) of the oil filter (13) and an inner or outer periphery of the second physical structure (23,23?,23?) being arranged to mate with the outer or inner periphery of the first physical structure (18,18?,18?) allowing the oil filter (13) to reach its correct insertion position in the oil filtration unit (2), where at least one of the end surfaces (28,29,31) of the oil filter (
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: C.C. Jensen A/S
    Inventor: Jens Fich
  • Patent number: 10843110
    Abstract: A filter of a filter device has a filter housing with a connecting side provided with a connecting element for detachably connecting the filter to a filter head of the filter device by a rotational and/or insertion movement relative to an imaginary connecting axis of filter and filter head. The filter housing has an inlet for fluid to be purified and an outlet for purified fluid. An outer seal seals a connection of the filter with the filter head relative to the environment. The outer seal is circumferentially continuous relative to the connecting axis. A closure element is provided to close off, when the filter is connected to the filter head, a fluid drain in the filter head provided for draining fluid when removing the filter from the filter head. The outer seal is acting sealingly at least in radial direction relative to the connecting axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: MANN+HUMMEL GmbH
    Inventor: Jochen Linhart
  • Patent number: 10843111
    Abstract: The invention relates to whole blood filter media and a process of filtering whole blood samples using a filter medium comprising particles, wherein the blood cells are retained inside the filter, and wherein the plasma or serum is separated from the blood cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Mann+Hummel GmbH
    Inventors: Heike Rupp, Steffen Schuetz, Dagmar Winkler
  • Patent number: 10843112
    Abstract: An oil separator includes a heating device that heats liquid stored in a liquid storage portion, a connecting pipe that connects the liquid storage portion to an external device that utilizes oil, an opening/closing device that selectively opens and closes the flow path of the connecting pipe, and a determination device that determines whether the liquid stored in the liquid storage portion should be delivered to the external device. The opening/closing device is configured to open the flow path of the connecting pipe when the determination device determines that the liquid accumulated in the liquid storage portion should be delivered to the external device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: NABTESCO AUTOMOTIVE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takuya Sugio, Hiroaki Kawanami
  • Patent number: 10843113
    Abstract: A compressor system includes an oil reservoir capable of producing a mixed air/oil flow of fluid via a breather port, as well as a cyclonic separator having an inlet annulus and a tapered section extending from the inlet annulus. The inlet annulus structured to swirl the mixed air/oil flow prior to moving toward a tapered internal section of the separator. A center post is positioned in the tapered internal section and includes a number of discs arranged along a length of the center post. The discs can be separate discs that are stacked upon one another to form the center post. The discs can include a skirt portion and a neck having one or more openings that permit a flow of at least air to enter into a central bore of the center post from the tapered internal section before exiting the separator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand Industrial U.S., Inc.
    Inventors: Adrian Shanov, David Lackey
  • Patent number: 10843114
    Abstract: A filter arrangement for a mobile device includes at least one first filter element and at least one second filter element, which are arranged in an air duct of the mobile device. The at least one first filter element is a pleated filter and the at least one second filter element is an adsorption filter. The at least one first filter element and the at least one second filter element are separate and mounted in the air duct so as to be mutually spaced. The at least one first filter element includes at least one nonwoven layer. The at least one second filter element is a honeycomb filter including a plurality of channels which are delimited by channel walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: CARL FREUDENBERG KG
    Inventors: Tobias Scholz, Oliver Kurtz, Ulrich Stahl, Anette Arnold, Volker Braeunling
  • Patent number: 10843115
    Abstract: The impurity removal method removes impurities in an exhaust gas and includes forming a froth layer in a tank, by blowing the exhaust gas into an absorbing liquid contained in the tank via a gas dispersion pipe, wherein, given that a proportion of the gas occupying the froth layer is defined as a gas holdup, impurities such as soot dust included in a gas such as an exhaust gas is removed efficiently and at a low cost by setting a gas holdup in the froth layer to be 0.4˜0.9, setting a height of the froth layer to be 0.2˜1.8 m, and setting a gas-liquid contact area per unit volume of the froth layer to be 1500˜2500 m2/m3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: CHIYODA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takao Kameda, Noboru Takei, Kazuya Kumagai, Sosuke Kido, Masataka Uemura
  • Patent number: 10843116
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for reducing a flow of soil air to the indoor air in a building (1), wherein the building comprises at least one wall (2), which wall comprises a permeable channel (23) connected with soil air, wherein the method comprises achieving a flow stop (24) for the soil air in the permeable channel (23). The invention also pertains to a device to reduce the flow of soil air to indoor air in a building (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Inventor: Per Hallberg
  • Patent number: 10843117
    Abstract: A method for producing an active carbon filter for a carbon canister includes defining a body having a honeycomb structure with a plurality of bleed passages from a polymer based material, and forming an adsorption layer along a surface of the body, where the adsorption layer is made of a carbon based material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Seyyed Mohsen Mousavi Ehteshami, Mohammad Usman, Sami Siddiqui, Zhuoyuan Li, Syed K Ali
  • Patent number: 10843118
    Abstract: A filtration apparatus for filtering a fluid stream includes a vessel housing. At least one cartridge assembly is arranged within the vessel housing. The cartridge assembly includes filtration material arranged between at least one inlet and at least one outlet. The filtration material treats the fluid stream to form a filtered fluid stream. In use, the fluid stream is received a feed port of the vessel housing, flows through the filtration material in the cartridge assembly between the inlet and the outlet, and the filtered fluid stream is discharged from a discharge port of the vessel housing. The filtration apparatus can be used to remove siloxanes from the fluid stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: GRANITEFUEL ENGINEERING INC.
    Inventors: John P. Muter, Haiqing Liu, Shazam S. Williams, Michael N. La-Anyane
  • Patent number: 10843119
    Abstract: A valve arrangement in particular four-way switch, for an adsorber station of an air separation plant, having a first valve device comprising a first gas inlet/gas outlet, a second valve device, comprising a second gas inlet/gas outlet, and a first connecting piece, which fluidically connects a first housing section of the first device to a second housing section of the second valve device, the first connecting piece has a third gas inlet/gas outlet. A second connecting piece, fluidically connects the first housing section to the second housing section, wherein the second connecting piece has a fourth gas inlet/gas outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: LINDE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Valdo Bahner, Erich Eichhorn
  • Patent number: 10843120
    Abstract: A rotary control valve and a sieve bed module assembly for use in pressure swing adsorption processes to make enriched oxygen product gas is disclosed. The valve includes a stepping motor with a single shaft extending between ends. At ends of the valve, an air side valve function and oxygen side valve function are provided. Each end includes a stationary plate (stator) with ports, and a disc (rotor) that rotates with the shaft, opening and closing ports to achieve the desired valve function. The valve is integrated into the assembly between two sieve beds and a product storage tank is directly coupled to the oxygen side. Placement of the motor, shaft, and movable parts in the valve and mounting of the beds, valve, and tank in the assembly, result in more compact designs. The motor can be programmed to obtain multiple, different PSA processes and flexibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Joseph Thomas Dolensky, Robert William Murdoch