Patents by Inventor Erik B. van der Pols

Erik B. van der Pols has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Racquet stringing machine
    Patent number: 8075429
    Abstract: A stringing machine includes a base and an adjustable stringing platform coupled to the base. The stringing platform includes a turntable rotatable about a first axis, and a first releasable resistance assembly coupled to the turntable. The first releasable resistance assembly is selectable between an engaged operating mode in which the releasable resistance assembly resists rotation of the turntable about the first axis, and a disengaged operating mode in which the releasable resistance assembly does not resist rotation of the turntable about the first axis. The releasable resistance assembly includes a magnetorheological fluid for resisting rotation of the turntable about the first axis when in the engaged operating mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Wilson Sporting Goods Co.
    Inventors: William D. Severa, Ronald R. Rocchi, John B. Lyons, Robert T. Kapheim, Erik B. van der Pols
  • RACQUET STRINGING MACHINE
    Publication number: 20100227716
    Abstract: A stringing machine includes a base and an adjustable stringing platform coupled to the base. The stringing platform includes a turntable rotatable about a first axis, and a first releasable resistance assembly coupled to the turntable. The first releasable resistance assembly is selectable between an engaged operating mode in which the releasable resistance assembly resists rotation of the turntable about the first axis, and a disengaged operating mode in which the releasable resistance assembly does not resist rotation of the turntable about the first axis. The releasable resistance assembly includes a magnetorheological fluid for resisting rotation of the turntable about the first axis when in the engaged operating mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Applicants: WILSON SPORTING GOODS CO., ELDING IND. CO., LTD.
    Inventors: William D. Severa, Ronald R. Rocchi, John B. Lyons, Robert T. Kapheim, Erik B. Van der Pols
  • Racquet stringing machine
    Patent number: 7695383
    Abstract: An ergonomically-designed racquet stringing machine. In certain embodiments, the stringing machine includes a stand extending from a base at an angle between about 70 and about 89 degrees from horizontal. In certain embodiments, the stringing machine includes a releasable resistance assembly configured to provide resistance to rotation of the turntable about an axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignees: Wilson Sporting Goods Co., Elding Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: William D. Severa, Ronald R. Rocchi, John B. Lyons, Robert T. Kapheim, Daniel R. Nett, Craig P. Conner, Erik B. van der Pols
  • Racquet stringing machine
    Publication number: 20080254924
    Abstract: An ergonomically-designed racquet stringing machine. In certain embodiments, the stringing machine includes a stand extending from a base at an angle between about 70 and about 89 degrees from horizontal. In certain embodiments, the stringing machine includes a releasable resistance assembly configured to provide resistance to rotation of the turntable about an axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventors: William D. Severa, Ronald R. Rocchi, John B. Lyons, Robert T. Kapheim, Daniel R. Nett, Craig P. Conner, Erik B. van der Pols
  • String tensioning force controlling apparatus for a racket stringer
    Patent number: 7192370
    Abstract: A string tensioning force controlling apparatus for a racket stringer includes a string pulling mechanism having a support housing, a string pulling head movably supported by the support housing for engaging a string, and a drive arrangement drivingly coupled to the string pulling head. The apparatus also includes an encoder disposed adjacent to the string pulling mechanism for sensing displacement of the string pulling head relative to the support housing and generating a digital output signal representative thereof, and a central processing unit for receiving the digital output signal and in response thereto controlling operation of the drive arrangement to move the string pulling head such that a desired tensioning force is accurately applied to the string so as to produce a tensioned string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Inventor: Erik B. van der Pols
  • String tensioning force controlling apparatus for a racket stringer
    Publication number: 20030027670
    Abstract: A string tensioning force controlling apparatus for a racket stringer includes a string pulling mechanism having a support housing, a string pulling head movably supported by the support housing for engaging a string, and a drive arrangement drivingly coupled to the string pulling head. The apparatus also includes an encoder disposed adjacent to the string pulling mechanism for sensing displacement of the string pulling head relative to the support housing and generating a digital output signal representative thereof, and a central processing unit for receiving the digital output signal and in response thereto controlling operation of the drive arrangement to move the string pulling head such that a desired tensioning force is accurately applied to the string so as to produce a tensioned string.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventor: Erik B. van der Pols