Electric Patents (Class 273/454)
  • Patent number: 11869386
    Abstract: Techniques for generating and administering an oculo-cognitive addition test. Some aspects include identifying, by a system, a set of numbers that are to be displayed to a user during a trial of a cognitive test. The set of numbers includes at least two numbers. The system can administer the trial of the cognitive test, including, for each number in the set of numbers: displaying the number at a particular position of a display environment; tracking, by the system and using one or more optical sensors, eye movement of the user seeking the number in the display environment; and receiving, by the system and after having displayed the number for a time, a command that is to advance or end the cognitive test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
    Inventors: Gaurav N. Pradhan, Michael J. Cevette, Jan Stepanek, Kenneth H. Brookler
  • Patent number: 11317606
    Abstract: A roping simulator (sometimes referred to as a roping or practice dummy or sled) is designed to mimic the natural movements and anatomy of roping cattle. Embodiments of the instant disclosure mimic the anatomy and movement of a roping cattle when the animal “washes out,” meaning that its back end slips and pivots during a turn. In various embodiments, the disclosed roping simulator also includes a feature whereby the head portion of the dummy rotates and pivots downward when a force is applied by a rope, simulating head movement of a live animal. In one embodiment, a sled assembly and a body assembly are connected to one another to form the roping simulator. The sled assembly is the component that makes contact with the ground. The body assembly is the component that provides roping targets, and that simulates the movement of live cattle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: HEEL-O-MATIC, INC.
    Inventors: Brandon Bruegman, Joel Stafford, Joshua Love
  • Patent number: 11273365
    Abstract: A bankruptcy board game, including a game board, including a plurality of spaces disposed on a perimeter of the game board, and a plurality of card retaining areas to receive cards thereupon, a spinner unit removably disposed on at least a portion of the game board to control a course of action of at least one player during a game, and a plurality of figurines to move around the plurality of spaces and represent a position of the at least one player on the game board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Inventors: Susen Haben, William Haben
  • Patent number: 11129552
    Abstract: An estimation method performed by a computer includes: executing a first identifying process that includes identifying a candidate for a limb having a problem by evaluating left and right balance at the time of movement based on measurement data of a motion sensor attached to an animal moving on four limbs, and executing a second identifying process that includes identifying the limb having a problem among the limbs which are considered as the candidates for a limb having a problem based on a detection result of a nutation movement by detecting the nutation movement from the measurement data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventor: Kiyoko Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 10979437
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and techniques that can provide access control and/or identification of user devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: INTRINSIC VALUE, LLC
    Inventor: Clarence J. Gideon, III
  • Patent number: 10894195
    Abstract: A training system includes a launching device house a computer electrically connected to a mechanical hopper and a plunger disposed within a casing sized to launch a lacrosse ball. The casing is structured and arranged to be movably connected to the housing such that at least one of a launch angle, speed, direction, distance and spin can all be selectively chosen by a user. At least one sensor is designed to be placed onto at least one of a player, the lacrosse ball, or a lacrosse net such that the sensors are structured and arranged to relay metric data to the computer in connection with a training program software operating on the computer, wherein the sensor(s) are wirelessly connected to the computer. A mobile device software application communicates with the computer for tracking the metric data and selective programming of the lacrosse ball tossing and training system by the player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: 3 Sticks Lax, LLC
    Inventor: Francis P. Pepe
  • Patent number: 10786988
    Abstract: An electromechanical transducer element includes a first electrode on a substrate, an electromechanical transducer film on the first electrode, and a second electrode on the electromechanical transducer film. The electromechanical transducer film includes a thin line pattern. The thin line pattern includes a plurality of thin lines that are spaced away from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Takeuchi, Osamu Machida, Akira Shimofuku, Shuya Abe, Masahiro Ishimori, Takuma Hirabayashi
  • Patent number: 10695639
    Abstract: The present invention is a device for measuring and displaying the speed, force, rate and/or frequency that an object or a body part strikes a target. The present invention includes an impact sensor, transmitter, computer and display. The sensor includes layers of alternating conductive and non-conductive material that are wrapped around the target. The conductive layers of fabric generate electrical impulses when struck and serve as data points that are interpreted by the computer to derive statistics about a strike against the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Inventor: Robert Moran
  • Patent number: 10650693
    Abstract: A therapeutic tool, and method for using it, for integrating motor, sensory and cognitive skills and progressively developing coordination and cognitive functioning. In a preferred embodiment, a mat is provided with colored shapes forming a figure-8 path. The shapes may be colored differently to progress along the figure-8 path. The shapes may be lights, and a computer may be used to program the lights, or provide music, to prompt the user to progress along the figure-8 path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: BRAIN ABC's, INC.
    Inventor: Pam A. Cavallo
  • Patent number: 10624320
    Abstract: Disclosed are apparatuses and methods useful for providing a visual indication to the rider of a horse of one or more inputs, such as the pitch of the head of a horse. The apparatuses and methods are useful in connection with the sport of dressage. The rider can be notified of a position or orientation of the horse's head, of rein tension, of the rider's body position or orientation, of a current location within a course or routine, of a warning, or of other information. The visual indication can be in the form of an illuminated light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Angular LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Dominic Lombardo, Hilary Mary Clayton
  • Patent number: 10610131
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention may provide a limb motion sensor system (100) used to objectively assist detection of equine lameness and even monitor change in gait quality over time. Biosensors (102) may be attached to the pair of front and/or hind limbs. Each conformally shaped biosensor device may be placed lateral to the metacarpal/metatarsal bone (e.g., attached to the lower limb). Inertial data may be collected by the set of sensor devices and may be wirelessly transferred to a portable, perhaps wearable, mobile controller and analytics unit (104) (e.g., smart phone, tablet, or the like). A signal processor application (108) may automatically segment each stride into phases and perform analyses to quantify limb motion metrics and uniformity over time for a single limb (unilateral consistency) or between the contralateral limbs (bilateral symmetry). Three-dimensional motion metrics may be processed, displayed, stored on, and even transmitted from the mobile information system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Cadence Dynamics, Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Thompson, Leah Estberg
  • Patent number: 10581870
    Abstract: An accurate distance between two devices can be determined in continuous and secure manner using modulated audible signals containing time-based information. This calculated distance can be used to lock and unlock one of the two devices such that if one of the devices, such as a smart phone or smart watch, is beyond a pre-configured distance from the other device, such as a laptop or tablet, the other device locks and may display a message to the user. The modulated messages contain time difference data of audible signal emission and receiving times which are used by each device to calculate an accurate estimate of the distance between the two devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yilin Shen, Pengfei Hu, Hongxia Jin
  • Patent number: 10406427
    Abstract: An electronic tag game assembly includes a plurality of bracelets that is each worn on a wrist of a respective one of a plurality of players of the game of tag. The plurality of bracelets includes a trigger bracelet worn by the player that is “it” and a set of receiver bracelets each worn by players that are not “it”. A plurality of tracking units is each coupled to a respective one of the bracelets. The tracking unit on the trigger bracelet is actuatable in a first condition indicating the player wearing the trigger bracelet is “it”. The tracking unit in each of the receiver bracelets is acuated into the first condition when the tracking unit in the trigger bracelet moves within a trigger distance of the tracking unit in any of the receiver bracelets. In this way the tracking units communicate a visual alert for the game of tag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Inventor: Joshua White
  • Patent number: 10338212
    Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing a golf swing according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: a signal detecting unit including a Doppler radar sensor which radiates a transmission wave to a golf club and a golf ball and detects a reflected wave, in which a first reflected wave of the golf club and a second reflected wave of the golf ball are mixed, and detects a frequency deviation between the transmission wave and the mixed reflected wave and generates an output signal; and a swing analysis information calculating unit configured to calculate a speed of the golf club and a speed of the golf ball by using the output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: UCOMM TECHNOLOGY, CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Juno Kim, Sangil Jin, Hohyeong Lee, Hansu Nam, Choongjin Lee
  • Patent number: 10297112
    Abstract: An apparatus for implementing a game having a deterministic component and a non-deterministic component wherein a player uses the game through at least one player interface unit. Each player interface unit generates a player record indicating player-initiated events. A random number generator provides a series of pseudo-random numbers and a rules library stores indexed rules for one or more games. An interface registry stores mapping records where the mapping records are used to associate the player-initiated events to pre-selected rules in the rules library. A control means is coupled to the player interface to receive the output of the player interface unit, coupled to the interface registry, the rules library, and the random number generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: CFPH, LLC
    Inventor: Geoffrey M. Gelman
  • Patent number: 10130841
    Abstract: A boxing training device (1) for using with a punching bag (31) includes at least one sensor (61) to measure punches, feedback equipment (5) for giving feedback to a user, and control equipment (6) for controlling the device. The device further includes signalling equipment (4) in order to give signals to the user, a central processing unit (3), a power source (66) and a belt (2) including pockets (9, 10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: NOLIT
    Inventor: Olli Helanto
  • Patent number: 10058077
    Abstract: A system and method for quantitatively assessing the changes in control of asymmetric locomotor behavior of an animal comprising analyzing the phase modulation in response to imposed asymmetric stepping tasks for quantitatively assessing changes in control of asymmetric locomotor behavior. A walkway gait device is provided comprising an elevated grid having at least one platform having a face and at least two or more pegs located in front or back of said platform, wherein each peg has a pressure sensor or switch in communication with a detection unit for capturing the pressure detected by one or more of the pressure sensors or switches. Preferably, the grid of the walkway gait device has at least three platforms to form a closed path loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: West Virginia University
    Inventors: Sergiy Yakovenko, Matthew Boots, Ryan Ellison, Kiril Tuntevski
  • Patent number: 10055087
    Abstract: A mobile terminal is provided that includes a wireless communication unit, a display unit and a controller. The display unit is configured to display a first content including one or more constituent units that contain at least one respective semantic component. The controller is configured to analyze the one or more constituent units and respective semantic components. The controller is further configured to display icons corresponding to the respective constituent units of the first content. The controller is also configured display text related to the content on the display unit responsive to a touch input applied to an icon from among the icons corresponding to the respective constituent units of the first content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Younhwa Choi, Sooyoung Her, Jiyoung Park, Hyekyoung Han, Hyungtae Jang
  • Patent number: 9904982
    Abstract: An example of an information processing system displays, on a display device, a plurality of panoramic images associated with locations on a map. Here, a predetermined virtual object is set for at least one of the plurality of panoramic images. an information processing system 1 determines one of the locations on the map as a current location based on a user operation. Where the virtual object is set for a panoramic image associated with the current location, the virtual object is placed at a predetermined position of the panoramic image. The information processing system 1 displays, on the display device, an image of a partial area of the panoramic image associated with the current location. A predetermined information process is performed in response to satisfaction of a predetermined condition regarding the virtual object while the panoramic image for which the virtual object is set is displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiaki Suzuki, Satoshi Kira, Akihiro Umehara
  • Patent number: 9898935
    Abstract: A language system having an image library and a text and/or audio library for enabling a user with a user device to form words, phrases and sentences by selecting by selecting images and to provide the user with text and/or audio representations thereof in a chosen language.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Inventor: Maurice Hazan
  • Patent number: 9839200
    Abstract: A system and method for quantitatively assessing the changes in control of asymmetric locomotor behavior of an animal comprising analyzing the phase modulation in response to imposed asymmetric stepping tasks for quantitatively assessing changes in control of asymmetric locomotor behavior. A walkway gait device is provided comprising an elevated grid having at least one platform having a face and at least two or more pegs located in front or back of said platform, wherein each peg has a pressure sensor or switch in communication with a detection unit for capturing the pressure detected by one or more of the pressure sensors or switches. Preferably, the grid of the walkway gait device has at least three platforms to form a closed path loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: West Virginia University
    Inventors: Sergiy Yakovenko, Matthew Boots, Ryan Ellison, Kiril Tuntevski
  • Patent number: 9817237
    Abstract: A head-up display device includes: an optical unit that projects picture light toward a front windshield of a vehicle, and that displays picture information reflected on the front windshield as a virtual image; a display controller that controls the optical unit so as to display the picture information on the front windshield; and a vehicle state identifying device that identifies a vehicle state. The display control device controls the optical unit so as to move the display position of the picture information in a direction in which the field of view of a driver of the vehicle can be secured according to the vehicle state identified by the vehicle state identifying device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shinji Kutomi
  • Patent number: 9802129
    Abstract: A system that wirelessly integrates actual sports equipment with a computer and the internet to allow players remotely located from one another to play a competitive simulated sports game. An individual player may opt to play solo or practice to improve basic techniques. The system includes motion sensors connected to the player and a motion sensing device, all containing circuits and contact or motion sensors coupled with signal processing and radio frequency transmitter circuitry, thereby wirelessly communicate game performance information to a remote receiver-computer. The computer displays player information and visually simulates and controls a game between two players via the internet, having similar equipment and remotely located from each other. Standard sports equipment may be retrofitted with the sensors and associated circuitry to convert such equipment into “smart equipment” for use with the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Inventor: Wilbert Q. Murdock
  • Patent number: 9753627
    Abstract: A user-activatable dashboard (also referred to as a unified interest layer) contains any number of user interface elements, referred to herein as “widgets,” for quick access by a user. In response to a command from a user, the dashboard is invoked and the widgets are shown on the screen. The user can activate the dashboard at any time, causing the dashboard to temporarily replace the existing user interface display on the user's screen. Once the dashboard has been activated, the user can interact with any or all of the widgets, and can configure the dashboard by adding, deleting, moving, or configuring individual widgets as desired. When the user wishes to return to the normal user interface he or she was working with, the user issues a command causing the dashboard to be dismissed. Once the dashboard has been dismissed, the previous user interface state is restored, allowing the user to resume normal interactions with the operating system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Imran A. Chaudhri, John O. Louch, Andrew M. Grignon, Gregory N. Christie
  • Patent number: 9729209
    Abstract: A Near Field Communication method performed by a tag reader detects whether a tag is present. The method includes stimulating the tag reader's transmitter to generate an impulse response, evaluating the impulse response generated by the transmitter to obtain an evaluated impulse response, and assessing whether a tag is present based on the evaluated impulse response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Optis Circuit Technology, LLC
    Inventor: Achraf Dhayni
  • Patent number: 9573058
    Abstract: A computer game terminal, and associated method and code, for operating an online interactive computer game. The terminal includes an interface receiving non-interactive user input data from a controller associated with the computer games terminal and an interface receiving interactive game data associated with at least one interactive game element. The terminal includes a display driver rendering a graphical representation of a computer game based on the non-interactive user input data and the interactive game data. The terminal includes a processor processing the received non-interactive user input data and the interactive game data, while inhibiting data interaction. The processing inhibits interaction between a displayed avatar associated with the user input data and a displayed avatar associated with the received interactive game data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Jason Avent
  • Patent number: 9485656
    Abstract: User equipment (UE) is configured to automatically detect the presence of an access point (AP) in any one of a plurality of venues and to transmit identification information to the AP to authenticate the UE. The venue receiving the authentication request transfers the authentication request and identification information to an authentication server to determine whether the US is a registered device. If the US was previously registered, it is automatically authenticated whenever it is carried inside a venue. The plurality of venues may be coupled to a Cloud network with the authentication information stored on the Cloud network. In this manner, whenever the UE enters any of the venues, the UE is automatically authenticated when it comes within range of any AP within any of the venues. The venue may use an application program interface (API) to provide advertising, coupons, web links, images, audio, video, streaming video, and the like to the UE.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Mobilitie, LLC
    Inventors: Gary Bernard Jabara, Christos Karmis, David Brett Simon, Lloyd Frederick Linder
  • Patent number: 9320954
    Abstract: A martial arts and combat sports training advantage comprised of using traditional shaped training striking pads worn or held by a combat sports trainers, as disclosed in previous patents, and equipping the striking pads with trainer triggered adjustably timed lights designed to stimulate reflexes and allow the trainer to give non-verbal striking orders to the person being trained. Vibration sensors detect the strike, transmitting the strike to an internal microchip which allow for the characteristics of the strike to be shown on the digital number display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Inventor: Jermaine Simpkins
  • Patent number: 9235992
    Abstract: There is provided a simulator for CPR and defibrillator training, which may perform training and evaluation of CPR and a defibrillator so that when there is a patient in an emergency situation, effective first aid can be provided to the patient. Through the simulator for CPR and defibrillator training, CPR and the use of the defibrillator for emergency medical technicians such as a doctor, a nurse and an emergency medical technician can be systematically and repetitively trained, and a person in charge of training can identify whether or not the education is performed effectively by recording and evaluating a training situation. Also, through the simulator, the education of CPR and defibrillator training is possible so that not only the emergency medical technicians but also general people can perform emergency treatment effectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: BT Inc.
    Inventors: Seung-Jin Yang, Dae-Yong Kim, Nam-Hyuk Kim, Seung-Hun Jeong, Byeong-Jin Kim, In-Bae Chang
  • Patent number: 9227128
    Abstract: Impact force feedback systems (IFFS) and methods for their use are described. The IFFS can measure and display raw or calculated data relating to impact force imparted to an object by a user. In a preferred embodiment the IFFS can be implemented in a boxing or martial arts configuration, where impact force(s) resulting from punches, kicks, and the like are displayed to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Inventor: Richard Carfagna, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8951151
    Abstract: A game ball and game for play by a plurality of players with a ball to be passed for player to player that emits a sound at different intervals from slow to rapid during a single play period to indicate to the players a stage of the game is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Inventor: Theresa A. Glowinski
  • Patent number: 8899585
    Abstract: A lottery game apparatus includes a distribution section (discharge section) that discharges a ball that has been discharged in response to an operation input performed using an operation section, a plurality of open areas that receive the ball that has fallen from the distribution section, a plurality of lottery sections that implement a lottery using the ball, a moving path that guides the ball that has fallen into a first open area to a first lottery section, a moving path that guides the ball that has fallen into a second open area to a second lottery section, and a moving path that guides the ball that has fallen into a third open area to a third lottery section. The distribution section changes the discharge position or the discharge direction of the ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: BANDAI NAMCO Games Inc.
    Inventors: Akihiko Tokue, Tetsuo Tokitou, Yoshinori Sato
  • Patent number: 8827792
    Abstract: A portable game machine is associated with a stationary wagering game machine. With resources of both the portable game machine and the stationary wagering game machine, the portable game machine and the stationary wagering game machine provide a wagering game experience. The portable game machine detects occurrence of a game event at the associated stationary wagering game machine, and, in response, determines a cumulative or bonus game event triggered by the detected game event. The portable game machine then invokes the triggered game event at the portable game machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: WMS Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig J. Sylla, James M. Rasmussen, Larry J. Pacey, Mark B. Gagner, Timothy J. Durham
  • Patent number: 8814644
    Abstract: An interactive system for simulating a treasure hunt, comprising a plurality of pseudo-treasures (1) distributed over a playing area (5), and a detector (6) which is allocated to each player (7, 20, 21) and is suitable for scanning over the playing area (5) and detecting at least one pseudo-treasure (1), characterized in that said system further comprises means (24) suitable for allocating, to each player (7, 20, 21), at least one specific pseudo-treasure (1) to be found within a predetermined time period, each pseudo-treasure (1) comprising identification means and each detector (6) being suitable for identifying the scanned pseudo-treasures (1) and indicating the pseudo-treasure or treasures (1) found within the set time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Inventor: Bernard Trouvilliez
  • Patent number: 8678394
    Abstract: The present invention provides a gift storage device of a gift game machine and a selection output means thereof. The gift game machine has the selection output means movable in X, Y, Z axes to correspond to a plurality of gift storage devices. Each gift storage device includes a gift support for allowing gifts to hang thereon and a rotary feeding set controlled by the selection output means. A spiral element of the rotary feeding set rotates to push the gifts on the gift support, so that the gifts can move on the gift support until they leave the gift support. Each gift storage device is positioned to a back plate of the gift game machine via an insertion frame. Tabs and insertion troughs are provided between the gift storage device and the insertion frame, so that the gift storage device can be disassembled or assembled easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Youal-Jifh Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chih-Chieh Wang
  • Patent number: 8678395
    Abstract: An amusement device is disclosed having a housing for enclosing a playing field, and at least one target disposed on the playing field, the target oriented for interaction with a vertically dropped projectile. The device further includes a pick-up device within the housing, the pick-up device suspended from a rail arrangement that provides for four-way horizontal movement over the playing field. The device has player controls including a first control for maneuvering the pick-up device in a horizontal plane above the playing field, and a second control for releasing the projectile, wherein an objective of the amusement device is to position the pick-up device over a target and release the projectile to hit the target to win the prize.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Inventor: Stephen P. Shoemaker, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8657294
    Abstract: A lifting device for hammer game machine includes frame, a motor laterally mounted to a lower portion of the frame, a seat longitudinally mounted to an upper portion of the frame, a lifting unit partially received in and extending through the seat, a first bracket is secured on a lower end of the lifting device, a linkage assembly connected to the motor and a second bracket laterally mounted onto the linkage assembly through the frame. The first bracket and the second bracket are slidably relative to the frame and selectively connected to each other before being operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Inventors: Chi-Ming Tsai, I-Chiang Yang
  • Patent number: 8608171
    Abstract: A game machine includes a cabinet, a shutter, a sensor and a drive mechanism. The cabinet has a chute for guiding items therein to a hatch accessible to a user. The shutter is normally disposed in a closed position in the cabinet to cover the chute in order to prevent the item from entering the hatch. The sensor is provided for detecting whether an item is deposited on the shutter, and if yes, sending out a signal. Upon reception of the signal, the drive mechanism is activated to cause the shutter to move to an opening position uncovering the chute to allow entry of the detected item into the hatch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Youal-Jifh Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chih-Chieh Wang
  • Patent number: 8585057
    Abstract: A game machine includes a frame and a control unit mounted on the frame. A rack assembly and a moving unit are respectively positioned in the frame, wherein the rack assembly is provided for containing prizes and a hammering device is mounted onto the moving unit. The moving unit and the hammering device are respectively electrically connected to the control unit. After inserting coin, the player can use the control unit to operate the moving unit for moving the hammering device to a purposed position. Finally, the player operates the hammering device to strike the rack assembly for forming vibration to move the selected prize and the prize is used as a reward after falling from the rack assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Youal-Jifh Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chih-Chieh Wang
  • Patent number: 8523648
    Abstract: A game employing user-modifiable game components, such as cards in a collectable card game, employs various features to provide user-modifiability, including sleeves, transparent cards, stickers, and other elements. Electronic versions of the game and various other features are included, including tracking of history associated with such components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Wizards of the Coast, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Gilson, Cormac Russell, Paul Sottosanti, Randy Buehler, Ramon Arjona, Karl R. Gutschera, Brandon A. Bozzi, Aaron J. Forsythe
  • Patent number: 8448948
    Abstract: An amusement game such as those found in arcades is disclosed having a housing, player controls, and a playing area surrounded by a transparent housing, the game comprising a vertical array of targets; an actuator movable in X, Y, and Z directions, player controls for moving the actuator in the X and Y directions, means for extending the actuator in the Z direction toward the vertical array of targets, a suction device for adhering the actuator to a target. The actuator moves toward the targets and can remove a target from its position if properly aligned by the player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Inventor: Stephen P. Shoemaker, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20130061820
    Abstract: A movable target for training and proving with multiple applications comprising a movable target which can be moved at multiple speeds, and in multiple directions, and for multiple distances to simulate the natural movements of actual moving objects. Said movable target control and operation may be accomplished through a control interface, including but not limited to a remote transmitter or a control panel. Said target movements may be controlled by activating or creating programmed runs or by manual operation. Said user interface may be used to manually control said movable target behavior.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventor: Larry Lance Earl
  • Patent number: 8323099
    Abstract: Embodiments of a portable wagering game machine and a stationary wagering game machine are described herein. In one embodiment, a plurality of portable wagering game machines are associated with a stationary wagering game machine. Group wagering game data is displayed on the stationary wagering game machine. The group wagering game data includes wagering content for viewing by multiple players. At each of the plurality of portable wagering game machines, individual wagering game data is displayed. The individual wagering game data and the group wagering game data relate to a wagering game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: WMS Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Durham, Mark B. Gagner, Larry J. Pacey, James M. Rasmussen, Craig J. Sylla
  • Patent number: 8308573
    Abstract: The present Gaming Device For Multi-Player Games provides the end user with a private bidirectional link to the gaming site to enter their moves, to optionally receive private data from the gaming site to enable the end user's device to display private data that is hidden from the other players, and to communicate privately with another member or members of a sub-group. The Gaming Device For Multi-Player Games comprises a content display for displaying content that is transmitted to the plurality of end users on the unidirectional forward path, a plurality of controls for enabling an end user to generate data for transmission to at least one of the multicasting system and the plurality of end users, and a message display for displaying end user private communications received at the end user device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Lava Two, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Bernard McKenna, James Michael Graziano, George Kauss
  • Patent number: 8267405
    Abstract: A game machine includes a main frame, a partition front slantingly mounted on a middle portion of the main frame. A collecting device is mounted onto an underside of the partition and multiple falling ball sensing units are mounted onto an upside of the partition. Multiple prize dispensing devices are mounted onto an internal panel of the main frame and electrically connected to a corresponding one of the falling ball sensing units. A control unit is secured on the main frame and an operational unit is disposed to an upper portion of the main frame, wherein the operational unit is electrically connected to the control unit. When starting a game, the operational unit firstly catches a ball and targets a selected falling ball sense unit, and then releasing the ball to the targeted falling ball sensing units for driving the prize the dispensing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Feiloli Electronic Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Chi-Ming Tsai, I-Chiang Yang
  • Patent number: 8256770
    Abstract: Skill game apparatuses include one or more game piece guiding elements configured to influence movement of game pieces within a game piece path in a manner that is dependent at least in part upon the skill of the player. In one embodiment, the back portion of a skill game apparatus is provided with one or more guide channels configured to limit horizontal movement by a game piece as it moves from the top of the back portion to a base portion of the skill game apparatus. In another embodiment, the skill game apparatus includes one or more player-repositionable guide members along a game piece path that are moveable in response to inputs provided by one or more player-operated controller devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Treasure Box, Inc.
    Inventors: Osama Ibrahim Mohamad Mousa, Joselito Santiago DeGuzman
  • Patent number: 8235826
    Abstract: Various contact systems and methods for manufacturing and using such are disclosed herein. Examples of the contact systems include a surface with one set of pads biased at a first voltage level, and another set of pads biased at a second voltage level. Such a contact system can be used, for example, to transfer power to an electromechanical device disposed thereon. In one particular example, the electromechanical device can include a power storage element and two or more couplings. When one of the couplings contacts a pad biased at the first voltage level, and another of the couplings contacts a pad biased at the second voltage level, a circuit is completed where some derivative of the differential between the first voltage level and the second voltage level is placed across the power storage element. Completion of the circuit causes the power storage element to charge. Power can be drawn from the power storage element to operate the electromechanical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Childlikes, Inc.
    Inventor: Mitch Randall
  • Patent number: 8210538
    Abstract: A capsule for use in a vacuum crane game is disclosed that is adapted to releasably enclose a prize, the capsule formed by first and second hollow hemispherical elements cooperating to form a plastic sphere when configured in a mating arrangement, at least one of said first and second hollow hemispherical elements including a radially outwardly projecting member substantially circumscribing a first circular edge of said at least one of said first and second hollow hemispherical elements to prevent a vacuum member from engaging the capsule at the radially outwardly projecting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Inventor: Stephen P. Shoemaker, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8201826
    Abstract: A game that includes a stylus with differently shaped ends and a housing having stylus-receiving holes therein that are in at least two sets corresponding to the shapes of the stylus ends. Variable visual indicators and sensors are associated with each hole, with the sensors operative to detect the presence of the stylus in the corresponding hole. A controller causes the visual indicators to be sequentially activated. The controller causes a different indictor to be activated in response the stylus being present in the targeted hole. Thus, the stylus-receiving holes are progressed through in a targeting sequence. The controller is configured to terminate an active game session in response to the earlier occurring of: expiration of the timer and detection of the insertion of the stylus into an untargeted hole. Various game modes are described, including with a vibration sensor and a moving housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Inventor: Haywood E. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8066543
    Abstract: A toy top playing apparatus for one person to play a toy top spinning game. A main body of the apparatus is provided with a display portion for displaying a game point, a play stage for spinning a toy top thereon, a dummy toy top simulating a toy top and arranged on the play stage, a sensor for detecting contact between the toy top and the dummy toy top, and a control section for processing the game point displayed on the display portion when the sensor detects the contact. The dummy toy top rotates on its axis, and a rotational direction thereof is controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Tomy Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Teruo Kitamura, Haruhisa Ujita, Nobuo Kobayashi, Hiroaki Fujimaki