Patents Examined by LoAn Thanh
  • Patent number: 8485950
    Abstract: A wall-mounted multi-position pulley-based resistance tube exercise apparatus having resistance tube length effectively doubled for increased range of consistent resistance, and having a height adjustable pulley assembly providing a user with the ability to set multiple exercise initiation points so as to provide exercise options for a full body workout at a single exercise station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Inventor: Frederick R. Adams
  • Patent number: 8485944
    Abstract: Contribution of energy to an intelligent electrical network through an exercise apparatus is disclosed. In one aspect, an exercise apparatus includes a frame and a movable object coupled to the frame to generate an electrical energy when a mammal applies a force upon the movable object. In addition, the exercise apparatus includes an energy capture mechanism coupled with the movable object and the frame to harness the electrical energy from the movable object. The exercise apparatus also includes an energy transfer mechanism coupled with the movable object and the frame to transfer the electrical energy to an intelligent electrical network. The mammal described herein may be a human, a domesticated animal, a pack animal, and a beast of burden.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Inventor: Jeffrey M Drazan
  • Patent number: 8480541
    Abstract: An improved treadmill control system which adjusts the speed of a moving tread belt to follow user motions. Equipment includes a tread base supporting a moving tread belt upon which a user can run or walk, a motor assembly and motor driver to move the tread belt, a plurality of foot sensors, a tread belt motion sensor, a measurement system to estimate user motion based on foot and tread belt sensor signals, and a motor controller to adjust motor assembly speed based on estimates of user motion. The system is capable of making improved user motion estimates and of using them to provide improved belt speed control. In one embodiment, user position, speed, and acceleration are estimated at each user footfall while estimates are continually revised between footfalls. In one embodiment, foot sensors are capacitive proximity sensors which are effective, fully concealable, and economical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Inventor: Randall Thomas Brunts
  • Patent number: 8480549
    Abstract: An exercise bar is configured to removably receive elastic lines, allowing its use in elastic resistance exercises, and/or inelastic lines, allowing its use in suspended bodyweight exercises. Separate grips, each being engageable by a hand or a foot, are also provided, and may be removably connected to the bar or to each other via one or more lines. Bar supports may also be provided to support the bar above the ground, allowing easy use of the bar to perform push-ups and other exercises.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Inventors: Robert S. Hinds, Glenn Polinsky, Ray Rollins, John Stephenson, Brandon Grayson Hall, Doug J. Birkholz, Leslie A. Wagner
  • Patent number: 8475346
    Abstract: A storable exercise apparatus for home use. The apparatus includes an upright tower, a base structure, a bench frame, and a bench attached to the bench frame. A set of flexible pull lines coupled to a resilient spring system are carried within the tower structure. The user exercises by pulling the pull lines against the bias of the spring system. The grips for the pull lines are mounted at the top of the tower and generate significant tipping force on the tower when the apparatus is in use. To prevent tipping, the bench frame has pivotal and load-transmitting connections with the tower structure; the tower is stabilized by the weight of the user on the bench. The bench may be placed in either a raised or lowered position, and can be stored by collapsing and pivoting it so that it abuts the tower vertically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Stamina Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Gerschefske, Juliu Horvath, Lee San-Ping, Marjolein Brugman
  • Patent number: 8474459
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a device having a guide catheter for the introduction of a tracheal cannula into a tracheostoma.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Tracoe Medical GmbH
    Inventor: Ralf Schnell
  • Patent number: 8475418
    Abstract: A closed system for surgical limb prep has: a two-layered construction, including an inner layer and a top layer; or a three-layered construction, including an inner layer, an intermediate layer, and a top layer. The inner layer fits over and engages the limb of the patient, and the inner layer also serves as a storage medium for a topical antiseptic or other prep fluid. The intermediate layer, if present, is positioned over the inner layer and is preferably made of a substantially waterproof or fluid-resistant material. The top layer covers the other layer(s) and includes one or more strips of adhesive that can be used to secure the top layer to the limb of the patient, effectively sealing and closing the system about the limb of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Inventor: Amit Gupta
  • Patent number: 8475345
    Abstract: An exercise-cord anchored device is used to detachably secure an anchoring end of an elastic cord, and includes an anchored mount, a biasing member, and a tubular insert. The anchored mount has an inner tubular wall defining an insert opening and having an inserting route, a seat, and a rest wall. The biasing member is disposed in the insert opening. The tubular insert is coupled to the elastic cord, is insertable into the insert opening and is manually movable against the biasing force of the biasing member, and has a protuberance configured to be guided along the inserting route. When the mounting end is pushed manually to permit the protuberance to extend beyond the seat, the protuberance is turned angularly over the seat so as to abut against the rest wall, thereby retaining the tubular insert to the anchored mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Inventor: Wen-Ching Wang
  • Patent number: 8475343
    Abstract: An exercise assembly includes an exercise handle with a grip base suitable for resting on a floor, and a grip elevated above the grip base. A user can situate the grip bases of a pair of the exercise handles on the floor, grasp their grips, and then perform push-ups. The grip bases can also be mounted to the top of a door or to other overhead structure, and the user can then grasp their grips to perform chin-ups. Preferably, this is done by providing a cradle which mounts to the door or other overhead structure, wherein the exercise handles may be firmly (but removably) nested into the cradles to mount them to the structure. The exercise handles may also bear passages or attachments for receiving elastic (or inelastic) cables for use in performing further exercises.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Inventors: Robert S. Hinds, Glenn Polinsky, Ray Rollins, John Stephenson, William Sotis
  • Patent number: 8469934
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pulsatile ophthalmic peri-corneal drug delivery device. The device includes an annular body and a mechanism for releasing multiple separate and distinct doses of a therapeutic composition over an extended period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: Alan L. Weiner, Bhagwati P. Kabra
  • Patent number: 8469935
    Abstract: A reduced-pressure abdominal treatment device is presented that has a plurality of liquid-impermeable layers with a foam spacer between two of the liquid-impermeable layers. The plurality of liquid-impermeable layers have a coextensive area A1. The foam spacer has a plan-view area A2. A2 is less than 80% of A1 (i.e., A2<0.8A1). The foam spacer is configured such that, under reduced pressure, a target fluid removal zone experiences reduced-pressure vectors over an angle theta (?) that is typically 360 degrees for a majority of locations in the target fluid removal zone. Applying 360 degrees of reduced pressure helps avoid blockage. The plurality of liquid-impermeable layers may be bonded for various effects. Other devices, systems, and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Tyler Simmons, Alexander G. Sammons
  • Patent number: 8469862
    Abstract: A wearable device has a carrier having an aperture. A device has a USB connection and a protrusion wherein the protrusion is received in the aperture to connect the device to the carrier. The device is a USB type device having athletic functionality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Bo Stefan Andren, Stephen D. Berry, Maximillian P. Burton, Matt Capozzi, James A. Ishihara, Kevin Lozeau, Hector Moll-Carrillo, James Molyneux, Aaron B. Weast
  • Patent number: 8469863
    Abstract: A rehabilitation exercising equipment includes a main frame, a first geared member rotatably mounted on the main frame, a second geared member rotatably mounted on the main frame, a connecting mechanism mounted between the first geared member and the second geared member, a first idle geared member rotatably mounted on the main frame and connected with the connecting mechanism, a second idle geared member rotatably mounted on the main frame and connected with the connecting mechanism, and two handlebars secured on the first geared member and the second geared member respectively. Thus, a user's two hands can hold the handlebars to pivot the handlebars in two opposite directions by connection of the connecting mechanism so as to achieve an exercising or rehabilitating function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Preventive Medical Health Care Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shih-Jung Wang
  • Patent number: 8465397
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for guiding a person to a physiological cumulative state in physical exercise, in which the exercise has a physiological target in the form of a physiological state at the end of the exercise, a duration, and a performance parameter. At the start of the exercise the physiological target is set, as is the value of the performance parameter, and during the exercise at regular intervals: at least one quantity proportional to the momentary intensity is measured. The present physiological state and an estimate of the physiological state at the end of the exercise are calculated with the aid of momentary intensity and the exercise performed. A guidance range for the momentary intensity is defined, in order to reach the target state and the performance parameter. The user is guided by feedback to remain within the guidance intensity range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Firstbeat Technologies Oy
    Inventors: Sami Saalasti, Aki Pulkkinen, Joni Kettunen, Mikko Seppanen
  • Patent number: 8459262
    Abstract: A breathing apparatus for ventilating the lungs of a patient with breathing gas, has: a breathing circuit configuration; a mechanical ventilation system; a manual ventilation system provided with a manual ventilation bag; a manual ventilation valve for enabling manual ventilation of breathing gas from the breathing circuit; a pressure sensor devised to detect the pressure level in the breathing circuit; an electronically controlled expiration valve (40) that in a mechanical ventilation mode is controlled to control the pressure level in the breathing circuit according to a first set of predetermined control rules adapted to mechanical ventilation mode requirements; said electronically controlled expiration valve in a manual ventilation mode being coupled to enable ventilation of breathing gas from the breathing circuit by means of the manual ventilation system according to a second set of predetermined control rules adapted to manual ventilation mode requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Maquet Critical Care AB
    Inventors: Christer Ahlmén, Pär Emtell, Petter Videbrink, Kin-Chun Wong, Mikael Kock
  • Patent number: 8460164
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus configured to be readily stowed and transported. The apparatus includes a lifting bar and a pair of frames. Each of the frames includes a support member and base. Each support member has a distal end opposite its base and a series of adjustment holes therethrough for receiving one end of the lifting bar. The support member of one frame has a cavity that is sufficiently large to slidably receive the support member of the other frame. Each base has a stowage hole adapted to receive one end of the lifting bar. The apparatus includes fasteners by which the ends of the lifting bar can be secured within a pair of the adjustment holes in the support members to define a deployed configuration of the apparatus, as well as secured within the stowage holes in the bases to define a stowed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Inventor: John Darrell Sullivan
  • Patent number: 8454485
    Abstract: Weighted and stackable exercise device includes a body defining a hollow cavity opening at a first edge thereof. The body has a side wall having at least one cut-out. An outwardly projecting rim is on the tubular portion of the body. A handle is in the cavity. The rim provides a first grip for a user during use of the exercise device and the handle provides a second grip for the user. By providing two different grips on the same weighted exercise device, a user can safely and efficiently perform a larger variety of exercises in comparison to using conventional exercise devices that include a single type of grip. The user can pass their fingers and hand from an exterior of the device through each cut-out and over the rim to grip the device in another manner and perform more and different exercises.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Inventors: Leon Hodes, Leonard Holtz
  • Patent number: 8444618
    Abstract: An absorbent article adapted to be worn on a body includes an absorbent article main body having a longitudinal direction, a width direction perpendicular thereto, and a thickness direction perpendicular thereto; and an absorbent body overlapping the absorbent article main body along the longitudinal direction. One end section in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body is undetachably joined to the absorbent article main body, and another end section in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body is detachably joined to the absorbent article main body. A section of the absorbent body on a wearer-facing side that is positioned on a body side in use and that does not oppose the absorbent article main body is easier to elongate in the width direction than a section of the absorbent body on an non-wearer-facing side that opposes the absorbent article main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Jun Kudo, Hideyuki Kinoshita, Akira Hashino
  • Patent number: 8444531
    Abstract: A safety collar for a vault box reduces the risk of catastrophic injury if the pole vaulter lands directly onto the vault box, but does not make it more difficult for the pole vaulter to plant the pole into the vault box. The safety collar overlies the vault box and an area to the rear and the sides of the vault box. The collar has a front, a rear, a left side, a right side, and an opening extending from the front to the rear that overlies the recess of the vault box. The collar also has a left wing extending downwardly against the left wall of the vault box part way to the bottom surface and part way to the rear wall and a right wing extending downwardly against the right wall of the vault box part way to the bottom surface and part way to the rear wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Litania Sports Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Jan E. Johnson, Ashley M. Whittaker
  • Patent number: 8439038
    Abstract: A respirator including a collapse-resistant means for resisting collapse of the respirator main body due to respiration of a user during use of such a respirator is disclosed. Specifically, in various embodiments, the collapse-resisting means may be a deflection member, a stiffening material, fastening components configured to apply an outward-facing deflection force when the respirator is worn, or any combination thereof. Additionally, a dual exhalation vent assembly adapted for use in a collapse resisting respirator is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, inc.
    Inventors: Eric Steindorf, Debra Nell Welchel, Craig Miles, Sara Stephan