Patents Issued in March 1, 2022
  • Patent number: 11260248
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed related to using acoustic waves to detect neural activity in a brain and/or localize the neural activity in the brain. Sensors positioned outside of a skull encasing the brain can detect acoustic waves associated with the neural activity in the brain. From output signals of the sensors, a particular type of neural activity (e.g., a seizure) can be detected. A location of the neural activity can be determined based on outputs of the sensors. In some embodiments, the ultrasound energy can be applied to the location of the neural activity in response to detecting the neural activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: Butrus T. Khuri-Yakub, Kamyar Firouzi, George Quintin Stedman
  • Patent number: 11260249
    Abstract: A method of treating colorectal cancer included placing a high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) probe proximate a designated treatment volume at one of the colon and the rectum of a patient. The method further includes delivering HIFU via the HIFU probe at a frequency of at least 1 mHz for at least 3 seconds to raise a temperature of a first portion of the designated treatment volume to above 65° C., thereby ablating the first portion and causing a tissue defect within the designated treatment volume. The method further includes applying a nonablative dose of energy via the HIFU probe to a second portion of the designated treatment volume to provoke stem cell homing in the second portion, thereby encouraging tissue regrowth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Sonablate Corp.
    Inventor: Mark Carol
  • Patent number: 11260250
    Abstract: In an aspect, a crash bag is provided, which includes an impact structure and an outlet valve. The impact structure has a first bag wall partially defining a first bag air chamber having an inlet for receiving pressurized air, and having a first operating pressure, and a second bag wall partially defining the first bag air chamber and partially defining a second bag air chamber having an inlet for receiving pressurized air and that has a second bag air chamber operating pressure. The outlet valve discharges air from the second bag air chamber upon an impact on the impact structure. The second bag air chamber includes fluidically connected projections that are adjacent one another. The first bag wall is positioned atop the projections and extends across the projections such that the operating pressure in the first bag air chamber is applied to all the projections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Inventor: Jason Gary Millar
  • Patent number: 11260251
    Abstract: A system including a head-mounted device having a face shield; a respirator coupled to or embodied in the head mounted device; a light having a light intensity; a light detector, and a computing device communicatively coupled to the at least one light detector that receive from the light detector data indicting a type and intensity of light, and determine that the light matches a particular type of light and whether it exceeds a threshold, and on the basis of this determination, modifies the intensity of the light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Steven T. Awiszus, Kiran S. Kanukurthy, Eric C. Lobner, Robert J. Quintero, Micayla A. Johnson, Caroline M. Ylitalo, Britton G. Billingsley
  • Patent number: 11260252
    Abstract: A fall protection device comprises an energy harvester to generate electrical power in response to movement of an elongate member and a circuit powered by the generated electrical power; an impact indicator connected to an elongate member, a controller connected to the elongate member and/or the impact indicator to generate a message in response to impact, and a transmitter connected to the controller to transmit the message; and/or a sensor connected to an elongate member and a controller connected to the sensor to generate a message in response to movement of the elongate member. The fall protection device could include a generator to generate electrical power, an energy storage capacitor to store the generated electrical power, a controller powered by the energy storage capacitor to generate a message in response to action, and a wireless transmitter powered by the energy storage capacitor to transmit the message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Matthew J. Blackford, Jia Hu, Jay A. Esch, Ronald D. Jesme, Orlin B. Knudson, Jonathan E. Reneberg, Jared C. Ferraro
  • Patent number: 11260253
    Abstract: A self-retracting lanyard including a main body and a retractable line. The retractable line is coupled to the main body so as to be extendible and retractable relative to the main body and to be restricted from extending relative to the main body in response to a user of the self-retracting lanyard falling. The self-retracting lanyard further includes a manual control operable by the user to initiate controlled descent of the retractable line relative to the main body. The manual control may be operable by the user to deliver a fluid (e.g. compressed gas) from a fluid supply disposed in a housing of the manual control to an actuator of the main body to initiate controlled descent. Solar panel(s) may be disposed on the main body. When the retractable line is retracted, the housing may dock with and be charged by a solar powered charger disposed on the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Thompson
  • Patent number: 11260254
    Abstract: A wildland urban interface (WUI) firefighting apparatus is provided in the form of a four-wheel or all-wheel drive pumper truck that merges the high-clearance and off road capability of a Type 3 wildland pumper truck with the functionality, exceptional handling, mobility and storage capacity of a Type 1 pumper truck. The truck can include a short front overhang chassis yielding a 20+ degree angle of approach and an optional 20+ degree angle of departure. The truck can include a compact water distribution system including a narrow discharge manifold plumbed to an engine PTO driven primary pump and optional portable secondary pump, which can operate during pump and roll firefighting procedures. The discharge manifold can be coupled to electronic valves operated via a control panel, and can be so narrow that it can contribute to shortening the truck's wheelbase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: HME, Incorporated
    Inventors: Kenneth C. Lenz, Jr., Kevin J. Longhurst
  • Patent number: 11260255
    Abstract: A FEPS (flexion extension pronation supination) device includes: a structural frame; a shaft mounted to rotate relative to the structure frame; and a brake that is structured to apply a selectively variable resistance against rotation of the shaft relative to the structural frame. A FEPS (flexion extension pronation supination) device includes: a structural frame; a shaft mounted to rotate relative to the structure frame; and a gripping member mounted to the structural frame and structured to adhere to an external support surface. A method includes operating the FEPS device by rotating the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Karma Machining & Manufacturing Ltd.
    Inventors: Darryl Short, David Dejong, Sarah Lees-Miller
  • Patent number: 11260256
    Abstract: A symmetric upright rotating disc exercise machine includes a base unit and two upright rotating disc units. Each upright rotating disc unit includes a rotating shaft, an upright disc, and a grip. The rotating shaft is pivotally connected to the base unit in a horizontal direction. The upright disc is mounted to the rotating shaft. The upright discs of the two upright rotating disc units are arranged to face each other. The two upright rotating disc units are separated from each other by a distance in the horizontal direction to form an operation space. The grip is mounted to the upright disc and located in the operation space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Great Fitness Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chih-Yung Hsu
  • Patent number: 11260257
    Abstract: A weight object configured to be lifted from a ground surface includes a first portion made of high-durometer material, a second portion made of elastomeric material having equal to or durometer than the first portion, and a handle for holding the weight object and lifting the object from the ground surface, where the second portion includes spaced holes within the elastomeric material for absorbing noise generated when the weight object is dropped on the ground surface. Alternatively, a weight object which is configured to be lifted from a ground surface, including at least one layer of elastomeric material having spaced holes therein for absorbing noise generated when the weight object is dropped on the ground surface, and an opening configured to receive a handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Sound Shore Innovations L.L.C.
    Inventor: Kyle D. Rothschild
  • Patent number: 11260258
    Abstract: A dumbbell having a shaft, first and second dumbbell heads, respectively fixedly connected to first and second ends of the shaft, a tube-shaped hollow grip rotatably arranged around the shaft having first and second ends. An inner diameter of the grip is greater than an outer cross-sectional dimension of the shaft. The dumbbell further having a first ball bearing and a second ball bearing, wherein an outer ring of the first ball bearing is connected to the first dumbbell head, and an inner ring of the first ball bearing is fixedly arranged to the first end of the hollow grip, and an outer ring of the second ball bearing is connected to the second dumbbell head, and an inner ring of the second ball bearing is fixedly arranged to the second end of the hollow grip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Eleiko Group AB
    Inventors: Roy Simonson, Camilla Schough
  • Patent number: 11260259
    Abstract: A weight plate that is comprised of multiple parts that connect to each other around the handle of a progressive resistive device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Benoit Built MFG., L.L.C.
    Inventor: Kenneth J Benoit
  • Patent number: 11260260
    Abstract: Exercise systems are provided that comprise at least a weight-supporting apparatus, the weight-supporting apparatus being configured for use with an upright exercise equipment apparatus and for at least one of receiving or supporting a weight-bearing component, an integrated scale and an integrated weight sensor, a digital display configured to at least display a weight data detected by the integrated scale and the integrated weight sensor, the weight data including at least an indication of a weight supported on the weight-supporting apparatus, a distributed network, and a server comprising a processor and one or more memory storage areas, the processor being configured to transmit the weight data over the distributed network to one or more remote devices, the one or more memory storage areas being configured to store the weight data on the server. A method of using an exercise system is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Inventor: Shedra Hammond
  • Patent number: 11260261
    Abstract: A weightlifting machine that includes a pulley system and a cable system that attaches to a weight rack frame to allow a user to perform a weightlifting exercise. The pulley system may include a first pulley and a second pulley where the cable system engages each pulley. The cable system may have a first end connected to a grip attachment and a second end attached to a resistance element. The resistance element may include a resistance band, a weight support that holds a weight plate, a set of weight plates, or other type of resistance element. The cable system may extend from the pulley through an opening located one of the frame members that form the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Coulter Ventures, LLC.
    Inventors: William Henniger, Nash Dunahay
  • Patent number: 11260262
    Abstract: A portable strength training apparatus, system and method. The apparatus can include a platform base having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a plurality of base attachment mechanisms. One or more of the plurality of base attachment mechanisms can be removably coupled to a resistance band. A force sensor can be coupled to the resistance band, the force sensor comprising a force transducer that can include electronic circuitry to track, record, and analyze resistance forces applied to the resistance band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Inventors: Dennis R. Oltorik, Dennis R. Oltorik, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11260263
    Abstract: A Pilates spine corrector having a user-adjustable handle assembly that rotates. The handle assembly has a grip bar that is eccentrically positioned such that it is off centered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Inventors: John Cook, Ron Gibson
  • Patent number: 11260264
    Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods of use are disclosed for enhancing upper body exercise. An apparatus includes a domed hand support section, the domed hand support section having a plurality of recesses configured to receive a palm, thumb, and fingers of a user's hand while the user's hand is held in a naturally curved open-position. The apparatus also includes a surface engagement section secured to an underside of the domed hand support section and configured to engage a supporting surface. When the surface engagement section is deployed on the supporting surface and the palm, thumb, and fingers of the user's hand are placed in the plurality recesses on the domed hand support section, the domed face supports the user's hand in the naturally curved open position while the user exerts force against the domed hand support section and that is at least partially directed toward the supporting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Inventor: Elliott Allen Richter
  • Patent number: 11260265
    Abstract: A stationary bike includes a flywheel mounted to a frame, and a chair coupled to the frame, the chair having a first, a second and a third section each having a flat area, wherein the flat area of the first section is substantially horizontal for supporting a user's buttocks when the user is in a sitting posture, the flat area of the second section forms a first angle to a vertical plane for the user's lower back to lean against when in the sitting posture, and the flat area of the third section forms a second angle to the vertical plane which is larger than the first angle, when the user's upper back rests on the third section, the user's lower back and buttocks are raised above the second section and the first section, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Inventor: Peigen Jiang
  • Patent number: 11260266
    Abstract: Improvements in an exercise cycle is disclosed. The cycle is adaptable to an office chair with a hook feature that allows for easy engaging and disengaging of an office chair floor leg, support or caster. The extending hook allows for users of different heights to make use of the chair hook without requiring a user to change hooks to accommodate different heights of a user and office chair casters. The pedals are connected through a common axis and connect to a loading mechanism. There can be a flywheel and a transmission that alters the turning rate of the flywheel and/or the loading mechanism. The size and shape of the resistance loading housing is configured to fit under a common office desk. The user's weight, is transferred to the plate through the office chair caster to improve the stability of the desk bike.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Paradigm Health and Wellness
    Inventor: Donrobert Pena
  • Patent number: 11260267
    Abstract: A weighted-squat exercise machine comprises a pivotable, length-adjustable lever, a weight supported by said lever, a support base, and a hip-belt that connects a user to the machine. Weights are supported by the machine at a safe distance from a user. The weighted-lever has an angle with respect to the horizon with a range of from about 35 degrees to about 45 degrees. When a user wearing the hip-belt connects it to the weighted-lever, the weight's gravitational force is transferred to the user providing for the user to perform weighted squats in a safe manner as the weights are spaced from the user. Thus, athletes can safety exercise without a spotter even if using 1000 pound weights. The belt supports the weight about the athlete's hip structure so that there is no stress on the user's neck and spine and no restriction in breathing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Inventor: Joseph G. D'Amico
  • Patent number: 11260268
    Abstract: A scientifically controlled exercise based on a measurement of maximum voluntary contraction (MVC). A mechanical apparatus includes a sensor, an actuator, and a processor. The apparatus receives a mechanical exertion from a user while the processor receives signals from the sensor and sends signals to the actuator to control the mechanical apparatus. The processor measures a MVC exerted by a user and determines a protocol for the exercise based on the measured MVC. The protocol includes a specified exertion to be performed by a user, the specified force and velocity profile governing the exertion, and a specified sequence of repetitions of the exertion, spaced by rest periods. The protocol includes real-time feedback to the user related to compliance with the protocol. The methodology and equipment described herein provides users a safe and effective means of improving muscular strength or endurance and ameliorating various neurological or physiological conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: MD Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Smyser, David Ferguson, Ronald L. Wiley
  • Patent number: 11260269
    Abstract: An apparatus for an exercise task includes a pneumatic arrangement, which includes a pressure source, a pneumatic controller, pneumatic transfer channels, and at least one pneumatic resistor element, which includes a pneumatic cylinder with its piston. The apparatus additionally includes a mechanical lever arm structure or another mechanical connecting structure, which is for a user's limb contact and which is at a second end connected to the pneumatic resistor element. The apparatus additionally includes a sensor structure, a calculation arrangement and a display. The sensor structure is arranged to measure at least one measurement quantity of the exercise task and, based on the measurement, the calculation arrangement is arranged to form information on the display of the apparatus, regarding the power and/or force and/or range of motion of the exercise task.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Ab Hur Oy
    Inventors: Tommy Granlund, Ville Juuti, Mats Manderbacka, Taneli Peltoniemi
  • Patent number: 11260270
    Abstract: A physical fitness system includes a stand assembly including a stand, a computing device mounted on the stand, and at least one integrated docking station for receiving an exercise device. At least one exercise device is configured to be releasably mounted to the docking station. Upon receiving instructions from a user input on the computing device, the system computer processor is configured to transmit instructions over the network from a system network communication interface to an exercise device network communication interface, and upon receiving the instructions, the exercise device processor is configured to activate a driver in the exercise device to change either the resistance applied to the exercise device or the weight carried by the exercise device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: JAXAMO UK LIMITED
    Inventor: Stephen Owusu
  • Patent number: 11260271
    Abstract: A removable stretchable cover for exercise equipment has a first wall, a second wall, two side walls and two end walls arranged to form an interior cavity and an opening through which the exercise equipment is appointed to traverse. The opening is formed as a stretchable slit opening adapted to expand to engulf the exercise equipment, and contract in a closed configuration when the exercise equipment is housed within the interior cavity to substantially enclose the equipment within the cover. At least one anti-slip surface is integrated within at least one of the first wall, second wall, two side walls or two end walls. The cover is composed of a thin, stretchy, soft material so that it can be significantly stretched and contracted to snuggly fit over the exercise equipment. Examples of exercise equipment for which the cover is especially well suited include yoga blocks, foam rollers, exercise balls and arm handles of exercise machines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Inventor: Lisa B. Mariano
  • Patent number: 11260272
    Abstract: A system and method for two swimmer wings designed using biomimicry and inspired by winged creatures/birds of flight as well as the fore flippers of a sea turtle. The swimmer wings are designed for users to traverse long distances instead of relying on personal watercrafts or boats to not only help sustain the environment by reducing the carbon footprint but also provide physical exercise to improve the user's well-being. The swimmer wings include a board, an arm guard which shields the user's forearm, and arm fasteners that secure the user's forearm between the board and the arm guard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Inventor: Weston Robinson
  • Patent number: 11260273
    Abstract: A device includes a signaling means and a motion sensor, and logic for activating or controlling the signaling means in response to a sensed motion according to an embedded logic. The device may be used as a toy, and may be shaped like a play ball or as a handheld unit. It may be powered from a battery, either chargeable from an AC power source directly or contactless by using induction or by converting electrical energy from harvested kinetic energy. The embedded logic may activate or control the signaling means, predictably or randomly, in response to sensed acceleration magnitude or direction, such as sensing the crossing of a preset threshold or sensing the peak value. The visual means may be a numeric display for displaying a value associated with the count of the number of times the threshold has been exceeded or the peak magnitude of the acceleration sensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: May Patents Ltd.
    Inventor: Yehuda Binder
  • Patent number: 11260274
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides for an enrichment device. The enrichment device may comprise a body, a cap, a retaining mechanism, a release mechanism, an attachment mechanism. The body may comprise a hollow cavity within the enrichment device that may allow for objects to pass through the body. The release mechanism may comprise an external attached device. In some embodiments, the release mechanism may operate electronically. The attachment mechanism may allow a plurality of orientations of the enrichment device. The body may comprise external tracks that may allow for one or more attachment locations via the attachment mechanism. The release mechanism may exert a passive retention force that may be overcome through a sufficient volume of material applying force on the retaining mechanism from within the enrichment device. In some implementations, one or more enrichment devices may be used in unison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Inventors: Christine Krogue, John Krogue
  • Patent number: 11260275
    Abstract: A golf club head 1 has a first wall portion comprising a first member made of first material, a second member made of second material, and a third member made of material. The third material's specific gravity is different from the first material's specific gravity and second material's specific gravity. The weldability between the first material and second material is superior to the weldability between the first material and third material. The first member is fixed to the second member by welding. The third member is fixed to the first member by using the second member. The third member comprises a portion continuous from a first surface to an opposite second surface of the first wall portion in the thickness direction of the first wall portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuki Motokawa
  • Patent number: 11260276
    Abstract: A golf club head includes a face member and a body member. The face member includes a peripheral portion that extends toward a back side. The peripheral portion includes a sole-side peripheral portion and a top-side peripheral portion. The face member is formed of a rolled material. An inner surface of the sole-side peripheral portion includes a sole inner surface inclined portion that extends toward a top direction as the sole inner surface inclined portion goes toward a back direction. The inner surface of the sole-side peripheral portion and an inner surface of the top-side peripheral portion are formed such that a first distance between them increases toward the back direction. An outer surface of the top-side peripheral portion is formed such that a second distance between the outer surface and the inner surface of the top-side peripheral portion increases toward a face direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: SUMITOMO RUBBER INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Yuki Motokawa
  • Patent number: 11260277
    Abstract: A golf tee dispenser with a funnel shaped container, a first retaining cap, a second retaining cap, the funnel shaped container capable of holding a plurality of standard golf tees the funnel shaped container has a threaded cylindrical aperture. The first retaining cap is removably retained to the funnel shaped dispenser by mating threads. The first retaining cap is retained to the funnel shaped container by a tether. The first retaining cap includes a plurality of resilient fingers to facilitate the controlled release of one golf tee at a time from the funnel shaped container. The second retaining cap is frictionally retained to the outer surface of the first retaining cap. A preferred embodiment includes a U-shaped handle member fixedly attached to the top surface of the funnel shaped container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Inventor: Joel M. Solano
  • Patent number: 11260278
    Abstract: A flexible grip for a golf club having a tubular member with one or more strips of elastomeric material significantly softer than the elastomeric material of the tubular member provided on the exterior surface of the tubular member. In one version, the strips are on the top flat surface, on other versions, the strips are on the side or both. In another version, an air pocket is provided beneath the strip on the top surface. In another version, a rib or key on a core bar forms a channel on the inner surface of the tubular member during molding. Upon removal of the core bar, a pocket is formed along the grip upon assembly on a club shaft. Upon gripping, the strips and pockets allow depression providing indication of grip pressure. The strips also provide visual aids for user hand positioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventors: Billy Dee Wood, Gregory William Cavill
  • Patent number: 11260279
    Abstract: A baseball training device comprises a contact segment in the shape of a flexible loop coupled to a first side of an object and a securing mechanism coupled to a second side of the object for securing the baseball training device to a wrist of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Inventors: Rich Kietzke, Michael J. Randazzo
  • Patent number: 11260280
    Abstract: A bicycle trainer, including a base, permitting fore and aft movement and a frame, supported by the base. Also, a seat and a handlebar assembly and a pedaling assembly is supported by the frame. The handlebar assembly is rotatably engaged to the frame, and is supported by a tongue, that is hinged to the base so as to permit horizontal rotation, and the handlebar assembly is attached to the tongue at a position removed from the hinge. Turning the handlebars causes the frame to move laterally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Inventor: Larry C. Papadopoulos
  • Patent number: 11260281
    Abstract: An automatic card shuffler has a shuffling device having a card exit and a card box rack. The card box rack has a connecting arm mounted on the shuffling device and a pivot shelf. The pivot shelf is pivotally connected on the connecting arm and is adapted to accommodate the card box. The pivot shelf is adapted to pivot relative to the connecting arm to a first position and a second position. In the first position, the cover of the card box is easy to be sealed. In the second position, the cover opens due to gravity and the opening of the card box is aligned to the card exit of the shuffling device. Therefore, when the poker cards are dispensing, the poker cards pass through the opening, enter the card box, and are stacked inside the card box to be sealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: TAIWAN FULGENT ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Cai Shiang Ho
  • Patent number: 11260282
    Abstract: A magnetic sudoku board has a housing, a closeable lid and an inner playing surface. The inner playing surface having gridlines to form the magnetic sudoku board. An assortment of magnetic playing pieces includes a large set and small set. To distinguish between the numbers, 1-9, the assortment of magnetic playing pieces has a certain color that corresponds to a specific number. Accordingly, the same number in both the large set and the small set have coordinating colors. These colors visually assist the player so that the same numbers are not repeated in each column, row, and 3×3 grid box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Inventor: John A. Martinez
  • Patent number: 11260283
    Abstract: An article is moveable between a first position and a second position and biased to the second position. The article is retained in the first position by retaining means until a predetermined condition is met and when met, the biasing means are released to move the article from the first position to the second position. The predetermined condition is met when at least one formation of a plurality of formations located with respect to at least one face of the article is moved from a first position to a second position, thereby releasing the retaining means. The article further includes user selection means to allow the user to select which one, or combination, of the plurality of formations, when moved, will cause the release of the retaining means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Boti Global Limited
    Inventor: Oliver Morris
  • Patent number: 11260284
    Abstract: A messaging gamification device. A messaging gamification device can include a customizable message provisioning system and a customizable display system. A method of operating a messaging gamification device can include controlling reproduction of content on a customizable display system of the gamification device according to how a user interacts with the gamification device and content presentation rules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: ANSRBALL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Neil Peretz, Scott Fullam
  • Patent number: 11260285
    Abstract: A method for a game to be played by a team of players including offering the team of players a first challenge, the team of players having the ability to accrue time in the first challenge, and offering the team of players a final challenge, the time allocated for completing the final challenge including at least any time accrued by the team of players in the first challenge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Inventor: Alexander Patterson
  • Patent number: 11260286
    Abstract: A computer device evaluates an input timing at which a player performed an operation input. The player holds a controller containing sensors for measuring acceleration and angular speed and performs a motion of shaking and stopping the controller. The computer device is communicably connected to the sensors. The computer device determines the input timing by detecting a peak of a measurement value that appears immediately before the stop of the motion. Then, the computer device performs the evaluation based on a difference between the determined input timing and a reference timing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc.
    Inventors: Naoki Enokido, Masayuki Shimizu
  • Patent number: 11260287
    Abstract: An information processing device obtains information regarding the position of each fingertip of a user in a real space, and determines contact between a virtual object set within a virtual space and a finger of the user. The information processing device sets the virtual object in a partly deformed state such that a part of the virtual object, the part corresponding to the position of the finger determined to be in contact with the object among the fingers of the user, is located more to a far side from a user side than the finger, and displays the virtual object having the shape set thereto as an image in the virtual space on a display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: SONY INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT INC.
    Inventor: Yoshinori Ohashi
  • Patent number: 11260288
    Abstract: A game controller has first and second controller housings having an attachment guide structure that detachably couples to an attachment tab structure disposed on opposing sides of an information handling system and a bridge. Input devices of the controller housing communicate directly with the information handling system through opposing pins and pads disposed in the attachment features or indirectly by communicating with the bridge through opposing pins and pads so the bridge communicates with the information handling system. The attachment guide structure has opposing lips with plural slots that pass tabs of the attachment tab structure through so that a sliding motion engages the tabs behind the lips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Philip M. Seibert, Enoch Chen, Gerald R. Pelissier, Kevin M. Turchin, Andrew P. Tosh, Yongook Guack, Duck Soo Choi, Anthony J. Sanchez, Cormac O'Conaire, Lin Ming Wang, Pan-Jen Chen, Wan-Ming Cheng, Lee Chen Ming, Chia Yuan Chang
  • Patent number: 11260289
    Abstract: A clicker mechanism for a game controller is disclosed. The clicker mechanism comprises a taper-shaped member and a barrel. A screw member is threadably affixed at a top portion of the taper-shaped member for adjusting the pull distance. The barrel is removably extends from a bottom portion of the taper-shaped member. A cam is disposed at an inner portion of the taper-shaped member with snaps at one end and a cam stopper pin at another end. A clicker connects to a bottom portion of the taper-shaped member, wherein the clicker is pressed downwards to create a rotational force on the cam which locks the snaps to the screw member to hold the adjustable levers in position, and wherein the clicker is released to create a rotational force on the cam which unlocks the snaps from the screw member and allows movement of the adjustable levers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Inventors: Todd William Hodrinsky, Tyler Scott Hodrinsky
  • Patent number: 11260290
    Abstract: A joystick module includes a main body, a light guide structure and a light source. The main body includes at least one hollow region. The light guide structure is disposed within the main body. The light guide structure includes a first light guide part and a second light guide part with different transmittances. The first light guide part has a light output surface exposed outside the hollow region. The second light guide part has a light input surface. The light source is disposed within the main body and located beside the light input surface of the second light guide part. After the light source emits a light beam, the light beam is introduced into the light guide structure through the light input surface of the second light guide part and exited from the at least one light output surface of the first light guide part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: PRIMAX ELECTRONICS LTD.
    Inventors: You-Ping Wang, Jun-Hui Ma
  • Patent number: 11260291
    Abstract: A game controller has first and second controller housings that detachably couple to an information handling system and a bridge to communicate inputs by plural input devices directly with the information handling system or indirectly by communicating with the bridge so the bridge communicates with the information handling system. The information handling system operates in a handheld mode with game controller input devices, such as joysticks and triggers, coupled for use at opposing sides of the information handling system housing, or in a standalone mode with the game controllers detached from the information handling system and attached to a bridge so that the bridge communicates the controller inputs to the information handling system. Attachment of a game controller to a bridge or information handling system is aided with opposing polarity magnets at proper alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Philip M. Seibert, Gerald R. Pelissier, Andrew P. Tosh, Kevin M. Turchin, Yagiz C. Yildiz, Enoch Chen
  • Patent number: 11260292
    Abstract: A gaming device includes a self-stabilizing module including a first portion and a second portion, a controller assembly disposed at the second portion, a motion sensor, an operation processing module, and a display screen disposed at the first portion. The operation processing module generates a frame signal to the display screen according to a program. The controller assembly and the second portion rotate about at least one self-stabilizing axis relative to the first portion when the self-stabilizing module is activated. The motion sensor generates a control signal due to the relative rotation of the first and second portions. The operation processing module generates another frame signal corresponding to a movement posture of the controller assembly relative to the display screen according to the control signal and the program. The display screen is not located on a movement track of the controller assembly. A gaming controller is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: COMPAL ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Ming-Hsuan Ho, Chuang-Yuan Cheng, Che-An Wu, Yu-Chiang Lo, Pao-Hsuan Shen, Chen-Cheng Wang, Chun-Chieh Chen, Ming-Hsien Wu, Chen-Yi Huang
  • Patent number: 11260293
    Abstract: An example of an apparatus includes a ring-shaped portion, a detector and a main portion. At least a part of the ring-shaped portion is elastically deformable. The detector detects deformation of the ring-shaped portion. The main portion is secured to the ring-shaped portion. The main portion includes an attachment portion, a terminal and a transmitter. A game controller can be attached to the attachment portion. The terminal is for electrical connection with the game controller. The transmitter transmits data regarding a detection result of the detector to the game controller through the terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: NINTENDO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Tamura, Yoshiyasu Ogasawara, Tomofumi Ikeda, Yuko Zenri
  • Patent number: 11260294
    Abstract: A computing system includes an input driver and a virtual input controller. The input driver is configured to receive input data from a first controller of a recognized data protocol and to provide the input data to an API of an application to control actions of a first participant in the gaming application. The virtual input controller is, in contrast, configured to receive input data from a second controller of a protocol incompatible with the input driver, translate the input data to the recognized data protocol; request a broadcast application identifier for a currently-broadcasting application from the broadcasting agent, and provide the translated input data to the input driver in association with the broadcast application identifier for controlling actions of a second participant in the application via the API of the gaming application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory M. Smith, Heather Grantham Brodie, Chad Gibson, Jonathan J. Caruana, Hamze M. Kalache, Gersh Payzer, Samantha E. Vim, Christopher M. McAllen
  • Patent number: 11260295
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed towards systems and methods of implementing multi-player online games using cloud computing. By using cloud computing (also known as a cloud network), hardware and/or software requirements for running the multi-player online game can be minimized as the game itself would be executed and run using resources available in the cloud network rather than based on local resources, such as a laptop or gaming console. Different users situated at different locations can all be provided access to the same game without the need for the specialized hardware, software, and resource levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: SUPER LEAGUE GAMING, INC.
    Inventors: Aaron Mueller, David Steigelfest
  • Patent number: 11260296
    Abstract: Systems and methods for creating and delivering an interactive display of thumbnail windows of visual content of different video game sessions are presented. In one embodiment, a method provides for sending, by a server of a service, an interactive interface for display on display of a client device. The interactive interface has a set of thumbnail windows and each thumbnail window depicts visual content of different video game sessions being played. Responsive to a selection of a thumbnail window by a user of the client device, the method provides for sending a video stream associated with the selected thumbnail window from the set of thumbnail windows. The video stream enables the user of the client device to view interactive game play of a video game associated with the video stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC
    Inventors: Stephen G. Perlman, Roger van der Laan
  • Patent number: 11260297
    Abstract: A controller couples to a rear surface of a portable information handling system at a gimbal motor that supports rotation of the controller relative to the portable information handling system. A gyroscopic sensor detects rotation of the controller for application to the gimbal motor so that the information handling system maintains a viewing position relative to an end user who rotates the controller. The controller selectively couples and de-couples from the information handling system to provide inputs to the information handling system both as an integrated input device and as a separate input device through a wireless interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventor: Michiel Sebastiaan Emanuel Petrus Knoppert