Patents Issued in May 14, 2024
  • Patent number: 11980785
    Abstract: A foam production method includes mixing liquid nitrogen with a foaming material to produce foam. A gas is produced in situ from liquid nitrogen. As the ratio of the volume of the gas produced by gasification of liquid nitrogen to the volume of the liquid nitrogen is relatively high, when a large gas supply flow is needed to generate a large foam flow, a liquid nitrogen storage device of a small volume can be used instead of bulky air supply devices such as high-pressure gas cylinders, air compressors, air compressor sets and the like, reducing the volume of the air supply device. In addition, the liquid nitrogen used in foaming will release nitrogen gas after the foam blast, such that the nitrogen is also able to inhibit combustion on the surface of burning materials, accelerating the extinguishing of the fire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignees: CHINA PETROLEUM & CHEMICAL CORPORATION, CHINA PETROLEUM & CHEMICAL CORPORATION QINGDAO RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF SAFETY ENGINEERING
    Inventors: Shanjun Mu, Chunming Jiang, Weihua Zhang, Quanzhen Liu, Xuqing Lang, Xiaodong Mu, Lin Wang, Jingfeng Wu, Longmei Tan, Zuzheng Shang, Rifeng Zhou, Jianxiang Li, Hui Yu
  • Patent number: 11980786
    Abstract: A proportioner having a body portion that defines a foam passage and a fluid passage. The proportioner also includes a restrictor assembly having a restrictor disk and an orifice plate having an opening for receiving the restrictor disk. The proportioner can further include a rod member connected to the restrictor disk and a clapper assembly connected to the rod member via a sliding interface. The clapper assembly can be configured to control a flow of the foam concentrate through the foam passage in proportion to a flow of the fire protection fluid through the fluid passage by moving the rod member to vary the distance between the restrictor disk and the orifice plate. The sliding interface can be disposed between a first guide and a second guide, and at least a portion of the restrictor disk is disposed in the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: Minimax Viking Research & Development GmbH
    Inventors: Derek John Scheffers, Marc Serge Ferere, Shawn J. Feenstra
  • Patent number: 11980787
    Abstract: An exercise machine comprises an arm support, including: a carriage configured to slide within a track attached to the exercise machine; and a support assembly that floats the carriage relative to the track, wherein the support assembly is disengaged by the application of force via the arm. An exercise machine comprises a rotatable column, wherein the column supports an arm, and a gear detent mechanism to support a discrete number of positions for the rotatable column. An exercise machine comprises a tiltable arm, and a mechanism to support a discrete number of positions for the tiltable arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: Tonal Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Yevgeniy Mikhaylovich Gisin, Michael Valente, David Jonathan Zimmer
  • Patent number: 11980788
    Abstract: In an exercise apparatus resistance may be provide by the inertia of unsprung mass. The exercise apparatus may include a frame and dependently coupled foot support members movably connected to the frame. The foot support members carry a weight mass which may be adjusted to increase or decrease the unsprung mass providing inertial resistance to linear or arcuate acceleration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Inventor: Joseph D Maresh
  • Patent number: 11980789
    Abstract: An exercise machine with adjustable handles that provide for multiple handle positions. The exercise machine with adjustable handles generally includes a frame with one or more rails, a carriage movably positioned upon the rails, and a pair of adjustable handles positioned near an end of the frame. The adjustable handles each have a handle portion that is movably connected to a corresponding handle stanchion to pivot from a storage position to an extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: Lagree Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Sebastien Anthony Louis Lagree, Andy H. Gibbs, Piotr Zin, Ross L Carmichael, Johannes Lampela
  • Patent number: 11980790
    Abstract: Various embodiments are disclosed for automated gait evaluation for retraining of running form using machine learning and digital video data. At least one machine learning routine is executed using video data to generate positional data of anatomical landmarks of a human or bipedal non-human subject in a video. Gait metrics and/or characteristics are determined for multiple stages of a gait cycle based on the positional data. An optimal gait cycle for a given body part or gait metric of the subject is determined and may be adjusted based on at least one covariable over time. A suggested change to movement patterns of the subject at specific timepoints or stages of the gait cycle that minimize a difference between the gait cycle of the subject and an optimal gait cycle are shown on a display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: Agile Human Performance, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas William Sterling, Karl Van Sterling
  • Patent number: 11980791
    Abstract: A living body guidance device includes: a measurement unit 1 that measures biometric information of a user; a stimulus unit 2 that is installed in contact with the user's body and presents a tactile stimulus to the user; a database unit 3 that has a relationship between the tactile stimulus presented by the stimulus unit and the biometric information according to the tactile stimulus recorded; an input unit 4 that sets target biometric information which is target biometric information that is desired of the user to realize; and a control unit 7 that, when there is a difference between current biometric information which is current biometric information of the user estimated based on the measurement result by the measurement unit and the target biometric information, controls the tactile stimulus presented by the stimulus unit so that the difference is reduced, so as to guide the user so that the current biometric information approaches the target biometric information, based on the relationship recorded in th
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: NIPPON TELEGRAPH AND TELEPHONE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mana Sasagawa, Arinobu Niijima, Kana Eguchi, Ryosuke Aoki, Takashi Isezaki, Tomoki Watanabe, Toshitaka Kimura
  • Patent number: 11980792
    Abstract: Systems, computer-implemented methods, and computer program products that can facilitate calibrating a user activity model of a user device nodes are described. According to an embodiment, a method for calibrating a user activity model used by a mobile device can comprise receiving sensor data from a sensor of the mobile device. Further, applying a first weight to a first a first likelihood of a first occurrence of a first activity, wherein the first likelihood is determined by a first estimator of the user activity model by applying preconfigured criteria to the sensor data. The method can further comprise performing an action based on a determination of the first occurrence of the first activity, the determination being based on the first weight and the first likelihood of the first occurrence of the first activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: QEEXO, CO.
    Inventors: Karanpreet Singh, Rajen Bhatt
  • Patent number: 11980793
    Abstract: A golf ball material contains (I) a multi-component copolymer having conjugated diene units, non-conjugated olefin units and aromatic vinyl units; and (II) a binary copolymer of an olefin and an ?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acid of 3 to 8 carbons and/or a ternary copolymer of an olefin, an ?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acid of 3 to 8 carbons and an ester of the ?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acid, or a metal neutralization product thereof. The conjugated diene units include butadiene units, the non-conjugated olefin units include units selected from the group consisting of ethylene, propylene and 1-butene units, and the aromatic vinyl units include styrene units. The content of the conjugated diene units in the multi-component copolymer (I) is 5 wt % or more. This golf ball material is soft and has an excellent rebound resilience. Golf balls which use this material in the cover provide golfers with a competitive edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: BRIDGESTONE SPORTS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shuto Fukasawa, Atsushi Namba
  • Patent number: 11980794
    Abstract: A method for enhancing the accuracy of aiming while putting a golf ball with a putter is provided. A head of the putter includes a body having a first end and a second end, the second end includes a target and the first end includes an aiming member extending towards a center of the target. The method includes the steps of focusing on a pointed end of the aiming member and aligning the pointed end with a hole in the ground, executing a backswing while concentrating on moving the pointed end of the aiming member towards the center of the target, executing a forward swing towards the golf ball, and striking the golf ball to translate the golf ball along the alinement towards the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Inventor: David Sheridan Englefield
  • Patent number: 11980795
    Abstract: Methods of manufacturing a golf club head with one or more stiffening members proximate the face, and particularly solid rods or a plate with one or more cutouts, is disclosed herein. One method includes the steps of preparing a wax mold of a golf club head including a plate stiffening member with excess material, casting the golf club head, and machining away the excess material. Another method includes the steps of casting a golf club body, providing a plate stiffening member, providing a face component such as a face cup, tack welding the plate stiffening member and the face component to the golf club body, and welding these parts together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: Topgolf Callaway Brands Corp.
    Inventors: James A. Seluga, Matthew Myers, Christopher A. G. Nunez, Timothy G. Scott, Jeremy R. Hanhart, Kelsey Bazshushtari, Robert S. Gonczi, Alex Power, Romulus M. Tomimbang, Justin Del Rosario
  • Patent number: 11980796
    Abstract: A golf club head includes a body having a toe region, a heel region, and a sole weight bar extending between the toe region and the heel region, a sole defining a toe segment, a medial segment, and a heel segment, and a face coupled to the body. A gap is arranged between the sole weight bar and a rear surface of the face. The gap extends around an outer periphery of the sole weight bar and is formed between the sole weight bar and the medial segment of the sole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: Cobra Golf Incorporated
    Inventors: Bryce W. Hobbs, Ryan L. Roach
  • Patent number: 11980797
    Abstract: A digital slope meter includes: a shaft extended in a longitudinal direction thereof and having a rolling groove formed on top thereof in the longitudinal direction thereof to allow a golf ball placed thereon to be moved down therealong, when the rear side thereof is tilted up in a state where the front side there is located on a green, and to then roll on the green from a discharging end formed at the front end thereof; and a measuring module located on the shaft to measure a moving distance and an isolated angle of the golf ball rolling on the green from the discharging end when the rear side of the shaft is tilted up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Inventor: Sun Joo Park
  • Patent number: 11980798
    Abstract: A hydrofoil simulator structure comprising a tank, in which a water current is generated, and a frame, which supports an elastic trampoline positioned above the water surface of the tank; the structure also comprising a series of elastic ropes associated with a trapeze harness worn by a user who stands on a board of a hydrofoil having wings immersed in water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Inventor: Nicola Bandecchi
  • Patent number: 11980799
    Abstract: Systems and methods for testing the accuracy of a bicycle training apparatus that is configured to measure the power output of a cyclist riding on a bicycle. The system includes a base, a main drive shaft secured to the base, a motor secured to the base and configured to rotate the main drive shaft, torque and rotational speed sensors configured to measure the torque and rotational speed of the main drive shaft during rotation thereof. The bicycle training apparatus may be secured relative to the base and functionally coupled to the main drive shaft. The motor may then be operated to apply a power input to the bicycle training apparatus while measuring the torque and rotational speed of the main drive shaft and the power input with the bicycle training apparatus. The resulting measurements may be compared to determine the accuracy of the bicycle training apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: Purdue Research Foundation
    Inventors: Jan-Anders Mansson, Teal Francis Dowd, Diana Gabrielle Heflin, Justin Douglas Miller, Jacob Dean Coffing, Wim Sweldens
  • Patent number: 11980800
    Abstract: Disclosed is a hydraulic damping device with adjustable resistance and a riding platform. The hydraulic damping device with adjustable resistance comprises a support frame, a rotating mechanism movably connected to the support frame, a hydraulic damping mechanism arranged at one end of the rotating mechanism and an inertia wheel detachably connected to an other end of the rotating mechanism, and the hydraulic damping mechanism comprises a shell and a rotating disc connected with the rotating mechanism extending into the shell, at least one blade is arranged on the rotating disc, and the blade is connected with the rotating disc in an adjustable angle to provide resistance at a corresponding angle. The angle of the blade relative to the rotating disc is adjusted so that when the blade rotates with the rotating disc, different from the resistance generated by the damping liquid in the shell, different resistance effects are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Inventors: Ding He, Zhi Liu, Xin Li
  • Patent number: 11980801
    Abstract: A golf club fitting apparatus and a method for fitting using the apparatus are provided. The golf club fitting apparatus may be attached to a golf club and provide fitting information including effective lie angle, effective loft angle, stroke plane, and aiming verification information. That golf club fitting apparatus includes a first opening for receiving a shaft, second openings for receiving a collimated light source, third openings for receiving angle indicators, and a recess for securing the collimated light source in an alternate configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Don T. Cameron, Nicholas C. Wade
  • Patent number: 11980802
    Abstract: A wall module for a modular wall having a wall segment with a top, bottom, front, back, first end, and back end. A first component of a connector is preferably and extended tongue and is attached to the second end of a wall segment. The second component of a connector is preferably an extended groove in the first end of the wall segment. Preferably, a channel exists along the length of each wall segment at top. Also, preferably either a ring segment or an elongate member is in such channel and is connected to a leg. And preferably the ring segment or elongate member connects to the corresponding element on an adjacent wall segment when such adjacent wall segment has been connected to the first wall segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Grant, Shane A. Hatch
  • Patent number: 11980803
    Abstract: According to one example, a training device includes a first set of time of flight sensors (ToF) positioned to face in a first direction, a plurality of addressable red, green, blue light emitting diodes (RGB LEDs) positioned to face in the first direction, and a second set of ToF sensors positioned to face in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction. The training device includes and/or is in communication with one or more processors that can determine a training program for a user that includes visual signals that represent a plurality of actions for performance by the user. Also, for each of the plurality of actions, the training device can cause a first set of the plurality of addressable RGB LEDs to provide a visual indication of the corresponding action for performance by the user, and detect whether the user performed the corresponding action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: Pro Fit Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Paul Koren
  • Patent number: 11980804
    Abstract: A ski pole basket, typically made of a polymeric material, that includes at least one generally rigid portion with a specifically shaped perimeter/interface configured to interface with the heel lip of a ski boot is described. When the basket is attached to a ski pole, a skier can use the pole to press down on the ski boot while he/she removes his/her foot from the boot while in a substantially erect standing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Inventors: Dorian Bailey, Broby Leeds
  • Patent number: 11980805
    Abstract: A method of installing a binder-based overlay system may include contacting a layer of geotextile fabric to a surface of a substrate and applying a primer layer to a surface of the geotextile fabric. Two or more binder layers including infill particles may be applied over the primer layer. A resurfacer layer followed by one or more color layers may be applied over the two or more binder layers. The primer layer, one or more binder layers, resurfacer layer, and two or more color layers may cure upon application to form a monolithic layer upon the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: RS Sports Surfaces, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy Sadick, David Rich
  • Patent number: 11980806
    Abstract: A ski may define a body that defines a tip, a tail opposite the tip, a top sheet, a base extending from the tip to the tail and opposite the top sheet, a core layer positioned between the base and the top sheet, and a reinforcement layer positioned between the top sheet and the base. The reinforcement layer defines an aperture extending through the reinforcement layer and positioned within a first third of a length of the ski, the length defined from the tip to the tail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: PEAK SKI COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Bode Miller, Andrew Wirth, Darrin Haugen
  • Patent number: 11980807
    Abstract: An input device such as a cell phone or computer game controller being held in a portrait versus a landscape orientation is used to select different computer game modes, such as zooming, switching between first and third person perspectives, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.
    Inventors: Yiwei Yang, Joshua Santangelo, Jonathan Webb, Benjamin Andrew Rottler
  • Patent number: 11980808
    Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a game controller, including a gun-shaped body, a mode switching mechanism, a gamepad, and a screen positioning device arranged on the gun-shaped body. The mode switching mechanism switches different game operation modes; and the gamepad is rotatably connected to the gun-shaped body. The present disclosure can adapt to most games in the market, which can not only enhance the vicarious feeling of a game, but also provide a more comprehensive operation experience for a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Inventor: Jinlong Zhao
  • Patent number: 11980809
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for independent audio volume control. An audio system may include a circuit for controlling one or both of generation and output of combined audio, with the circuit being configured to determine, based on user input, a mix setting applicable in the audio system to mixing of a first audio and a second audio when generating the combined audio, wherein the combined audio comprises at least a portion of each of the first audio and the second audio; determine a corresponding volume setting applicable at an audio output element of the audio system during outputting of the combined audio; determine a corresponding delay applicable to one or both of the mix setting and the volume setting; and apply one or both of the mix setting and the volume setting based on at least the delay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: VOYETRA TURTLE BEACH, INC.
    Inventors: Shobha Devi Kuruba Buchannagari, Kevin Robertson, Scott Warren
  • Patent number: 11980810
    Abstract: An operation device has a movable portion movable between a first position and a second position. The movable portion is operated by a user while the operation device is gripped by the user. The operation device receives information identifying a control mode and control information defined for each control mode as an instruction related to control of a tactile force sense, and controls the tactile force sense presented to the movable portion by using the received control information in the control mode identified by the received information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.
    Inventors: Ikuo Yamano, Yusuke Nakagawa, Shinichi Hirata, Yuichi Machida, Yoichi Nishimaki
  • Patent number: 11980811
    Abstract: A method is disclosed including setting, at a server, a server VSYNC signal to a server VSYNC frequency. The server VSYNC signal corresponding to generation of video frames during frame periods for the server VSYNC frequency. The method including setting, at a client, a client VSYNC signal to a client VSYNC frequency. The method including sending compressed video frames from the server to the client over a network using the server VSYNC signal, wherein the compressed video frames are based on the generated video frames. The method including decoding and displaying, at the client, the compressed video frames. The method including analyzing the timing of one or more client operations to adjust the relative timing between the server VSYNC signal and the client VSYNC signal, as the client receives the compressed video frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.
    Inventors: Mark E. Cerny, Kelvin M. Yong
  • Patent number: 11980812
    Abstract: A streaming method executed by a control device includes receiving a streaming media playback address of a cloud streaming service returned by a cloud device, and transmitting a media projection request corresponding to a local media file stored on the control device to a playback device. The method further includes transmitting a loading instruction indicating to start loading the virtual scene to the cloud device, generating initial file parameters corresponding to the local media file and replacing a file address of the local media file in the initial file parameters with the streaming media playback address to obtain modified file parameters. The method further includes returning the modified file parameters to the playback device, the modified file parameters providing the streaming media playback address instead of the initial file parameters corresponding to the local media file.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: TENCENT TECHNOLOGY (SHENZHEN) COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventor: Fengkai Wu
  • Patent number: 11980813
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a gaming system that is comprised of a plurality of computing devices, where a computing device initially exhibits an active state of an instance of a Virtual Focal Point (VFP), and another computing device initially exhibit an IN-active state of the instance of the Virtual Focal Point of the computing device. The active state of the instance of the VFP of the computing device may be transferred to the other computing device with the IN-active state of the instance of the VFP.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Inventor: Quan Gan
  • Patent number: 11980814
    Abstract: A method for controlling a virtual object to mark a virtual item is provided. The method includes: displaying a virtual environment picture, the virtual environment picture including the virtual object and the virtual item in a virtual environment; controlling the virtual object to move, in the virtual environment, into a proximity range of the virtual item; displaying a pick-up item list on the virtual environment picture, a field of the virtual item available for pick-up being displayed in the pick-up item list; and receiving a mark operation on the field of the virtual item, and marking the virtual item in the virtual environment according to the mark operation, the mark operation being an operation different from a pick-up operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: TENCENT TECHNOLOGY (SHENZHEN) COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Cong Tian, Meng Qiu, Jiaqi Pan, Weijian Cui, Shuting Zhang
  • Patent number: 11980815
    Abstract: An action generation method, electronic device, and a non-transitory computer-readable medium are disclosed. According to an embodiment, the method includes: detecting an attacked part of a virtual character after being attacked in a game scene; reading, from a preset form, motion parameters of a bone corresponding to the attacked part, wherein the motion parameter includes an angle range of the bone shaking and a coordinate axis to which the bone shaking refers; and loading the motion parameters, and controlling the motion of the bone of the virtual character according to the motion parameters to form an attacked action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: NETEASE (HANGZHOU) NETWORK CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Pengfei Wang, Yuyan Zou
  • Patent number: 11980816
    Abstract: A game processing device determines, for a moving object in a game field, a first region in which a first operation performed on the moving object is valid. The first region is set in the game field in a movable region of the moving object. Further, the game processing device determines validity of the first operation based on the first region and a position of the moving object. In addition, the game processing device validates a second operation that is different from the first operation performed on the moving object if the first region reaches a second region that is within the first region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: GREE, INC.
    Inventor: Masashi Watanabe
  • Patent number: 11980817
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a role conversion method and apparatus. The method may include displaying a virtual environment. A first virtual object and a second virtual object are being displayed in the virtual environment. The method may further include obtaining a role conversion instruction for the first virtual object and converting the first virtual object to a target virtual object having a same role as the second virtual object in response to the role conversion instruction. The method may further include assigning a role attribute the same as that of the second virtual object to the target virtual object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: TENCENT TECHNOLOGY (SHENZHEN) COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Jian Hu, Peixin Huang
  • Patent number: 11980818
    Abstract: A game system includes a processor, the processor being configured to perform a reception process of receiving an operation input by a player; a virtual space setting process of setting a virtual space in which at least one character is disposed; a virtual camera setting process of setting a plurality of virtual cameras; a character process of setting parts constituting the at least one character based on the operation input; and a display process of generating a plurality of character images, which are images of the at least one character viewed from the plurality of virtual cameras, and displaying a character-creation image in which the plurality of character images are arranged on a display section. In the display process, when the setting process of setting the parts is performed, the processor performs a process of displaying the character-creation image on which the result of the setting process is reflected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignees: BANDAI NAMCO ENTERTAINMENT INC., BANDAI NAMCO ONLINE INC., BANDAI NAMCO STUDIOS INC.
    Inventors: Daigo Okumura, Minoru Sashida, Hiroaki Kado, Yukie Kanno, Chika Ishii, Takayoshi Oi
  • Patent number: 11980819
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to adjusting individualized content made available to users of an online game based on user gameplay information. In implementations, information relating to prospective usage of the online game is used to classify users according by user type, and content made available to the users is customized accordingly. Information relating to prospective usage may include predictive information such as demographic and geographic information, as well as game usage information for the users. User types may include resource collection, player versus player, and player versus environment. Customized content may include content made available to the users through the users in-game actions, such as exploring a map, researching a technology or skill, purchasing an in-game item, and completing an in-game achievement, including in-game items, in-game powers, in-game skills, in-game technologies, in-game pets, in-game transportation units, in-game units, and in-game buildings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: Kabam, Inc.
    Inventors: Kent Wakeford, Clifford J. Harrington, Matthew Curtis, James Koh, Kellen Christopher Smalley, Michael C. Caldarone
  • Patent number: 11980820
    Abstract: Techniques for countering cheats in a multi-player gaming environment are described herein. In accordance with various embodiments, a server includes a cheating analyzer running on processor(s) and a non-transitory memory for storing cheat data and counter cheat data. The server identifies suspected cheating in a game and determines a probability of the suspected cheating based on the cheat data. The server also selects a counter cheat of the suspected cheating corresponding to the probability value based on the cheat data and the counter cheat data. The server then applies the counter cheat approximate the probability value in the game. In some embodiments, the server deploys local copies of the cheating analyzer to client devices, including sending at least a portion of the cheat data and/or counter cheat data. The local copies facilitate the cheat identification, the probability determination, the counter cheat selection, and/or the application of the counter cheat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: Synamedia Limited
    Inventor: Yosef Tsuria
  • Patent number: 11980821
    Abstract: An information processing apparatus is communicably connected to a server via a network and acquires, from the server, pieces of provision information including pieces of information regarding game play in other information processing apparatuses. The information processing apparatus operates in at least one mode among a game-play mode in which a user is allowed to play a game and a zoom-out mode in which the pieces of provision information acquired are presented, and, in the zoom-out mode, acquires provision information regarding game play of another user selected on the basis of a predetermined selection condition among the pieces of provision information and presents the acquired provision information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.
    Inventors: Yurika Mulase, Daisuke Kawamura
  • Patent number: 11980822
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are system, method, and computer program product embodiments for assessing performance of a player of a game. An embodiment operates by monitoring for an input from the player of the game, receiving the input from the player of the game, and determining a characteristic of the game resulting from the input from the player. Based on the input from the player, a performance of the player is assessed. The performance of the player relating to one or more metrics of the game is monitored, and is assessed by comparing the input from the player during the period of time to an optimal input during the period of time in the game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: STATE SPACE LABS, INC.
    Inventors: Jason R. Fuller, David J. Heeger, Wayne E. Mackey
  • Patent number: 11980823
    Abstract: A tilt detection system including a roulette wheel, at least one inclination sensor positioned on or within a rim of the roulette wheel, and a display module comprising a plurality of light outputs. The tilt detection system can obtain positional data during operation of the roulette wheel and determine tilt data indicative of the roulette wheel's position relative to a baseline indicative of a leveled state. A roulette wheel tilt status, e.g., level, warning, and error, may be determined based on the tilt data, and a display module can activate the plurality of light outputs based on the tilt status. Two or more stepper motors may lever the roulette wheel in response to the tilt status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: INTERBLOCK D.O.O.
    Inventor: Urban Bergant
  • Patent number: 11980824
    Abstract: Kart tracks are provided that can include a magnetic support material below a polymeric coating. Karts are provided that can include processing circuitry operatively coupled to at least one motion sensor and at least one kart control assembly. Methods for controlling passenger operated amusement karts are also provided. Karts are also provided that can include at least one lateral interchangeable battery assembly. Methods for providing power to a passenger operated amusement kart are also provided. Karts are also provided that can include an articulating chassis. Methods for traversing passenger operated amusement kart tracks are also provided. Kart wheel assemblies are also provided. Methods for engaging a passenger operated amusement kart to a track are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: MAGCAR LLC
    Inventors: Brandon Paul, Jim Styner
  • Patent number: 11980825
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide an apparatus and methods for assisting individuals in controlling respiratory rates. For example, a respiratory regulation apparatus is provided in the form of a plush animal toy that operates components to simulate the breathing rate of anxious individuals. The apparatus may include actuators that are controlled by a slotted cam that is dynamically rotated at varying speeds in a determined rotational direction. The actuators move inward and outward in relative directions to move a torso of the plush animal toy to simulate breathing. In certain aspects, actuators may expand outward while at the same time another actuator contracts inward to cause the torso to simulate realistic breathing movements. A processor controls the speed of the cam such that the simulated breathing of the animal toy apparatus can be reduced at a controlled rate to assist an individual in reducing their breathing rate to a calmer state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: RIPPLE EFFECTS, INC.
    Inventors: Alice Ray, Leif Askeland, Richard J. Maddocks, Stephen B. Lewis, Shelley Smith, Eduardo Rodriguez, Brian White
  • Patent number: 11980826
    Abstract: An infant play mat with a flexible central mat portion having a fabric surface that forms a first infant play area and including multiple flexible flaps extending from straight edges of the play mat. The infant play mat has a polygonal perimeter with multiple straight edges, with two of the edges defining a corner therebetween. Multiple flexible flaps extend from a respective one of the perimeter edges and define a fold line. Each flap has an upper flap surface exposed when the flap is extended, and hidden when the play mat is folded at the fold line to cover a region of the central mat portion. The central mat portion and lower surfaces of the flaps together form a second infant play area when the play mat is folded at all of the fold lines. Two of the flaps extend from the two edges to define the corner and are shaped such that, when overlaying the central mat portion, the two flaps do not overlap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: Lovevery, Inc.
    Inventors: Jessica Thacher Crolick Rolph, Roderick Neal Morris, Seth Thomas Murray
  • Patent number: 11980827
    Abstract: A telescopic mechanism including hollow telescopic blade segments with a threaded spindle having spindle threads within the telescopic blade segments. Nuts are configured to correspond and interface with the spindle, and a power mechanism is configured to spin the spindle. Each of the nuts respectively interfaces at the proximal portion of each of the hollow blade segments and the nuts have nut threads corresponding to the spindle threads. The nut threads allow back and forth movement over the spindle threads when the spindle is rotated; however, the nut threads will slide over the spindle threads if the distal telescopic blade segment is pushed above a given threshold force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Inventors: Yair Shilo, Amitai David Fried
  • Patent number: 11980828
    Abstract: A base plate for supporting a plurality of interlocking building bricks includes a planar sheet having a top surface and a bottom surface, with a plurality of nodes projecting from the top surface. The plurality of nodes includes a node having a vertical cylindrical wall and a horizontal top wall, the vertical cylindrical wall tapering along its vertical height; the node also having a bevel extending around a circumference of the node at an edge where the vertical cylindrical wall transitions to the horizontal top wall. A method of assembling a composite base plate includes securing two component base plates to one another via a common backing material. A method of printing on a base plate includes applying ultraviolet ink to at least the top surface of the base plate from an ultraviolet light printer, the base plate having a plurality of studs or nodes projecting from the top surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: SLAB DREAM LAB, LLC
    Inventor: Robert Lyle Thompson
  • Patent number: 11980829
    Abstract: A key pressing toy with reset function relates to the technical field of toys, including a shell, a pressing assembly arranged on the shell, and a reset assembly slidingly arranged on the shell; the pressing assembly includes a plurality of reset keys exposed outside the shell; the reset assembly includes an elastic member arranged in the shell, a reset seat slidingly arranged on the shell, a pushing member arranged on the reset seat, and the reset seat is exposed outside the shell; and when the reset keys are pressed, they will depress inside the shell, the reset seat drives the pushing member to slide, the pushing member pushes the reset keys back to their original positions, and the elastic member provides acting force that drives the reset seat to reset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Inventor: Donger Zhan
  • Patent number: 11980830
    Abstract: The invention relates to molds that are used to craft snow or sand into different shapes. Specifically, the present invention provides a mechanism for compressing the snow or sand, then assisting in the compression of the snow or sand, and/or assisting with the ejection of the same from the mold in order to produce an improved shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Inventors: Jim D. Putnam, Lara J. Putnam
  • Patent number: 11980831
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for water purification and remineralization are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a plurality of thermally coupled thermoelectric modules, as well as means for enhancing mass and energy transfers. The method provides a highly energy-efficient water purification process. The apparatuses and methods of the present inventions can be used to obtain purified and/or remineralized water at rates suitable for household water consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: GENIVER LLC
    Inventor: Sebastián Abolsky
  • Patent number: 11980832
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of high pressure treatment of bulk material by extraction and/or impregnation may involve treating bulk material in an internal volume of a pressure vessel apparatus at a high pressure level in a range from 40 to 1000 bar under isolation from the environment. The high pressure treatment may be performed charge-wise in a closed system in the pressure vessel apparatus in that the bulk material is supplied charge-wise to the internal volume with the pressure vessel apparatus closed and is positioned in at least one treatment plane. Upon completion of the high pressure treatment, the bulk material is discharged charge-wise from the internal volume with the pressure vessel apparatus closed. This also gives advantages in terms of handling, especially also with regard to material flow, and with regard to operational reliability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignees: UHDE HIGH PRESSURE TECHNOLOGIES GMBH, thyssenkrupp AG
    Inventors: Volkmar Steinhagen, Ansgar Herber
  • Patent number: 11980833
    Abstract: An efficient simulated moving bed device and an efficient simulated moving bed process are provided. The efficient simulated moving bed device comprises an adsorption bed, a raw material feeding system, a desorbent feeding system, a circulating system, an extract system, a raffinate system, a program-controlled valve group, and an automatic control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: Inner Mongolia Yitai Coal-based New Materials Research Institute Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Zhen Qian, Jingwei Wu, Juncheng Li, Jingquan Zhang, Qinge Jian, Xiaolong Zhang, Yuan Gao, Xueting Wu, Haoting Chen
  • Patent number: 11980834
    Abstract: A tank system may be conventional and fixed, or mobile, such as a fracking fluid or other tank trailer. A drain port thereof is fitted with an adapter connecting a snorkel system to drain liquids from near the top of the liquid level in the tank. A snorkel head at the extreme distal end of a tube near the longitudinal center of the tank is suspended by a system of buoys. A flow field controller plate resists formation of vortices near the snorkel head, so it can operate as near the surface as possible, withdrawing the highest grade oil efficiently. At its exit, the proximal end of the tube drains oil through an inner conduit of an adapter at a penetration in the wall of the tank. The adapter forms an annulus around the inner conduit draining tank bottoms directly from the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Inventors: David A. Bell, C. Michael Miller, Kristen Tucker, John Michael Higley