Patents Examined by Glenn Richman
  • Patent number: 9821191
    Abstract: An all-in-one smart console, which is a self-contained unit, includes a control module for controlling an operation of the exercise machine, a command system operatively linked to the control module for receiving exercise related information from the exercise machine and data from the portable wireless communication device, and a fitness analysis module operatively linked to the control module for collecting exercise related information of the exercise machine and generating an exercise result based on the exercise related information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Inventors: James M. Abbondanza, Jackson Hsieh
  • Patent number: 9820834
    Abstract: A tip assembly for use with a dental tool, the tip assembly comprising a housing for attaching to the dental tool, at least one aspiration needle having a passageway extending at least partially through the aspiration needle, a substantial length of the aspiration needle, or at least from one end to the other end of the aspiration needle, the passageway providing a single continuous path to aspirate the irrigant and/or debris from the root canal cavity of the tooth, and at least one irrigation needle having a passageway extending at least partially through the irrigation needle, a substantial length of the irrigation needle, or at least from one end to the other end of the irrigation needle, the passageway provides a continuous flow path for delivering fluid/irrigant from a reservoir in communication with a proximal end of the irrigation needle to the distal end of the irrigation needle and into a root canal/coronal opening of a tooth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: DENTSPLY INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Randall Maxwell, Kevin Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 9814925
    Abstract: An exercise system includes a flexible exercise mat having a flexible body and a plurality of lights incorporated into the flexible body and visible in use on a surface of the flexible body. The system also includes an entertainment device having an input to receive a captured video image of a scene with the flexible exercise mat having the lights visible thereon. An image processor of the entertainment device detects positions of the lights within the image, and a processing device calculates a configuration of shape adopted by the exercise mat based upon the detected positions of the lights. In one mode, the lights are arranged to indicate a configuration of shape adopted by the exercise mat due to a surface upon which it has been placed. The entertainment device modifies a behaviour of an application in response to the configuration of shape of the exercise mat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.
    Inventor: Yee Woon Goh
  • Patent number: 9814542
    Abstract: A dental handpiece and a dental cleaning procedure are disclosed. The dental handpiece includes an inner barrel for rotatably retaining an ultrasonic insert, the inner barrel configured for contacting the ultrasonic insert with a cooling fluid in the inner barrel, a coil unit arranged and disposed to apply an alternating magnetic field to the ultrasonic insert when positioned in the inner barrel, an outer sheath extending around at least a portion of the coil unit, and the inner barrel is rotatable relative to at least one of the coil unit and the outer sheath. The dental cleaning procedure includes operating the dental handpiece and autoclaving the dental handpiece, allowing steam to flow through flow regions in the dental handpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Dentsply Sirona Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Guaragno, Jared Witmer, Clive Swatton
  • Patent number: 9814922
    Abstract: In various implementations, an adjustable dumbbell system may include a handle assembly, two or more weight plates, and a base. The weight plates and the handle assembly may be configured such that each weight plate can be selectively coupled to and decoupled from the handle assembly. The base may be configured to support each of the weight plates. The base may include a sensing mechanism that senses a characteristic of the weight plates where the characteristic depends upon which of the weight plates are supported by the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: NAUTILUS, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas H. Moran, Edward L. Flick
  • Patent number: 9808668
    Abstract: An apparatus for automated walking training includes a frame or treadmill having a driven treadmill belt and a pelvis attachment to support a position and weight of a user. The pelvis attachment includes a displacement unit for allowing a movement of the user's pelvis held by attachment elements transverse to and/or rotating about a perpendicular axis to the walking direction of the treadmill to provide a more natural and physiological gait during training. A weight suspension unit having a cable guided over a guide roller positioned above and attached to the pelvis attachment may include a displacement unit adapted to move the guide roller perpendicular to the diverted section of the cable to influence the transverse position of an upper body of the user as well as to prevent a pendulum effect of the trunk of his body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Hocoma AG
    Inventors: Rainer Bucher, Konstatin Daremas, Adrian Moser, Lijin Aryananda
  • Patent number: 9808673
    Abstract: A system for automatically providing high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is provided. The system may include exercise apparatus which a user manipulates to achieve exercise and which is controllable to provide an exercise profile having a high-intensity exercise interval to the user during user exercise. A stimulator subsystem is controllable to provide sets of stimuli to the user during user exercise including a set of stimuli capable of evoking a pupillary response in the user. An imaging assembly images a pupil of an eye of the user during user exercise to obtain a set of images of the pupil. An image processor processes the set of images to obtain measurements which measure the pupillary response. A system controller controls the exercise apparatus and the stimulator subsystem so that the exercise apparatus automatically provides the high-intensity exercise interval to the user based on the measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Inventors: Julie C. Robinson, David R. Syrowik
  • Patent number: 9808672
    Abstract: A treadmill system includes a deck, an endless tread belt covering at least a portion of the deck, a position sensor that senses a position of a user when the user is on the tread belt, and a control module that adjusts a speed of the tread belt in response to an output of the position sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: ICON Health & Fitness, Inc.
    Inventor: William T. Dalebout
  • Patent number: 9802081
    Abstract: A system for use in rehabilitation of a target patient is provided. The system includes at least two bicycle devices for use by the target patient and a second operator other than the target patient. The at least two bicycle devices each include pedals. At least one of the pedals may have at least one sensor mounted thereon for monitoring operation of the first bicycle device and the target's condition. A servomotor is coupled to the pedals for providing gear-like resistance or pedal assistance for the at least two bicycle devices. A controller is programmed to electrically couple the at least two bicycle devices to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignees: KENT STATE UNIVERSITY, CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Angela L. Ridgel, Hassan Mohammadi-Abdar, Fred M. Discenzo, Kenneth A. Loparo
  • Patent number: 9795461
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides method, systems, and devices for expanding arch of teeth. A device for expanding an arch of teeth of a patient can include a removable shell formed of a first material having a number of cavities formed therein. The number of cavities are shaped to receive teeth of a patient. A device for expanding an arch of teeth of a patient can include an arch element extending from the removable shell in a lingual direction and across an arch width of the removable shell. The arch element can be formed of the first material and a second material that is a different material than the first material, can be designed to expand an arch of the teeth of the patient, and can have a width specific to a stage of a treatment plan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Avi Kopelman, Shiva Sambu, Rene M. Sterental, Eric Kuo, Mauricio de Alencar Casa
  • Patent number: 9789354
    Abstract: A multi-axis adjustable exercise machine which is pivotable about both a pitch axis and a roll axis with respect to a base for allowing an exerciser to perform a wide range of exercises on a pitched or rolled exercise machine. The multi-axis adjustable exercise machine generally includes an exercise machine which is adjustable with respect to a base. The exercise machine may be pivoted about a roll axis to adjust the roll angle of the exercise machine or may be pivoted about a pitch axis to adjust the pitch angle of the exercise machine. One or more actuators may be connected between the base and the exercise machine to effectuate the pivoting of the exercise machine about either or both axes with respect to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Lagree Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Sebastien Anthony Louis Lagree, Samuel D. Cox, Todd G. Remund
  • Patent number: 9789023
    Abstract: A multi-function lower limb ambulation rehabilitation and walking assist device is provided. Through a suspension unit to support the user, the tolerance of the user's leg is reduced. For users of different weights, it can be used for a walking rehabilitation training of the lower limbs to achieve the best training effect. An exoskeleton rehabilitation device has a hip joint linear actuator, a knee joint linear actuator, a first actuator, a second actuator, a third actuator, and a fourth actuator to drive the one-legged the exoskeleton rehabilitation device which is safe, comfortable, reliable, practical and convenient. An indoor and outdoor navigation auxiliary device can be used as a blind guiding device. Through a display unit, a navigation and positioning system displays the orientation of the user in a virtual map corresponding to the real operation environment and a desired location point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Lunghwa University of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Lian-Wang Lee, Hsin-Han Chiang
  • Patent number: 9789362
    Abstract: An exercise system and an adjustment method thereof. The exercise system includes an exercise machine and a data transmission device. The exercise machine includes a control unit, a storage unit, a stepless force device, a sensor, a user operation part and an operation interface. During exercise, the control unit executes the exercise program to dynamically change resistance according to a sensed location, speed or acceleration of the user operation part and an adjustable parameter. Through the data transmission device, the user can download the personal training parameter from a remote device into the exercise machine, or upload the training result and the personal training parameter to the remote device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Strencth Master Fitness Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ming-Chu Su, Shu-Yao Wu
  • Patent number: 9785121
    Abstract: A device for monitoring athletic performance of a user has a wristband configured to be worn by the user. The electronic module may include a controller and a screen and a plurality of user inputs operably associated with the controller. The user inputs may include a user input configured to be applied by the user against the screen and in a direction generally normal to the screen. The controller may further be configured to generate one or more user interfaces in response to various user inputs and conditions. For example, the controller may generate workout mode interfaces and non-workout mode interfaces including various goal information, workout data, reminders and the like. In one or more arrangements, multiple types of information may be displayed simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Miles W. Brown, Matt Capozzi, Michael T. Hoffman, Tomislav Lakovic, Aaron B. Weast, Jordan M. Rice
  • Patent number: 9782659
    Abstract: A walking training system according to the present invention includes a belt conveyor on which a trainee walks, a frame, a sensor, and a control device. The frame, positioned on both sides of the belt conveyor, allows an assistant to place each of the feet thereon. The sensor measures the presence state of a foot on the frame. The control device determines whether there are three or more feet on the frame based on the measurement result of the sensor and, if it is determined that there are three or more feet, performs abnormal-time control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Seisuke Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 9775619
    Abstract: Provided are a method for strengthening blood vessels with extreme ease and a compression and decompression control system used for performing the method. A compression and decompression control system 1 includes a band adapted to be placed around a particular part of a limb of a user and to apply a compression force to the particular part and a controller for controlling the compression force applied to the particular part with the band. The controller controls the compression force applied with the band in a manner that a compression operation applying a predetermined compression force to the particular part and a decompression operation completely removing the compression force applied to the particular part by the compression operation are alternately repeated. Repetition of the compression operation and the decompression operation allows the vascular endothelial cells of blood vessels of the user to generate a larger amount of nitric oxide, thereby strengthening the blood vessels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: KAATSU JAPAN CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yoshiaki Sato
  • Patent number: 9775560
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for monitoring and encouraging health and fitness. In accordance with a first aspect, an apparatus is provided that is adapted to assist in weight loss and exercise. The apparatus comprises a personal digital assistant (PDA) having computer program code adapted to assist in at least one of calorie counting, meal selection, meal suggestion, weight monitoring, weight loss or gain monitoring, fat consumption monitoring, sugar consumption monitoring and salt consumption monitoring. The PDA also includes computer program code adapted to display historical data regarding at least one of calorie counting, meal selection, meal suggestion, weight monitoring, weight loss or gain monitoring, fat consumption monitoring, sugar consumption monitoring and salt consumption monitoring. Numerous other embodiments are provided, as are methods, systems and computer program products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Inventor: Brian M. Dugan
  • Patent number: 9770615
    Abstract: A mountain climbing machine, which does not require connecting with an external electrical power source, includes a running belt, front and rear rollers, and a generator operatively linked to one of the front and rear rollers for generating electrical power when the running belt is running, wherein a rotational speed of said generator is controlled by a consumption of the electrical power generated from the running belt so as to provide a resistance force at one of the front and rear rollers to maintain the running belt at a constant speed without connecting to the external electrical power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: Shan Dong Huikang Sport Equipment Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jun Li
  • Patent number: 9771029
    Abstract: A bicycle training aid with intelligent controller includes a supporting member attached at one end to a bicycle retractably having a wheel disposed at the other end, an action member attached at one end thereof to the supporting member, a driving mechanism attached to the bicycle and engages the action member to cause a displacement of the action member, a sensor attached to either of the bicycle or a body of a rider, a controller, and communication devices. The intelligent controller is configured to monitor the motion status by the sensor signal, make automatically a decision that an event has occurred when a condition has been satisfied, take a procedure corresponding to an occurrence of the event, where the procedure including either of directing the driving mechanism to cause the displacement, or updating the condition according to an algorithm, and actuate the driving mechanism when directed by the procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Inventor: Kimberly Mirella Lytle
  • Patent number: 9764178
    Abstract: An electricity generating system using fitness equipment, wherein the fitness equipment can be used to produce electricity with a generator. The electricity produced can be transferred from the generator to a splitter. A controller can be used to receive identifications and decisions on transfer of the produced electricity from a fitness center. The controller can be used to track in real time electricity produced as watts or as amperage associated with a user identification, a fitness class identification, or an administrator identification input less than 10 minutes before the electricity is produced or at a preset time, which can then transfer in real time energy credits equivalent to electricity produced or transfer produced electricity to a destination designed in the a user decision, a fitness class decision, or an administrator decision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Inventors: Michael Wein, Phillip Sarofim