Patents by Inventor Michael J. Twigg

Michael J. Twigg 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).

  • Patent number: 8925779
    Abstract: A disposable or reusable shopping bag which can be carried by hand or worn on the back of a user as a backpack. The reusable shopping bag provides an inexpensive bag with shoulder straps concealed within the side gussets. The shoulder straps can be deployed in order to wear the bag as a backpack or may remain concealed in the gussets when the bag is functioning as a handheld shopping bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventors: Michael J. Twigg, William Mark Morse
  • Publication number: 20090069908
    Abstract: Methods for fitting a golf club to a golfer are described. An optimum club head configuration is determined based on the golfer's swing characteristics, ball flight trajectory tendency information, course and weather conditions, golf ball dynamic flight characteristics and personal preferences. Lookup tables or mathematical algorithms, such as impact and trajectory simulations, may be used in determining the optimum head configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventors: Joseph H. Butler, JR., Michael J. Twigg
  • Patent number: 7413517
    Abstract: A reconfigurable golf club head and a method for fitting a golf club to a golfer are described. Optimum club head design parameters are determined based on one or more of the following factors: the golfer's swing characteristics, ball flight trajectory tendency information, course and weather conditions, golf ball dynamic flight characteristics and personal preferences. Lookup tables or mathematical algorithms, such as impact and trajectory simulations, may be used. Features of the reconfigurable golf club head include a replaceable face plate to adjust the profile of the club face and a replaceable weight plate to adjust the club head center of gravity and inertia properties. Adjustable characteristics of the club face include the loft angle, bulge radius and roll radius.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Inventors: Joseph H. Butler, Jr., Michael J. Twigg
  • Patent number: 7027239
    Abstract: A data acquisition apparatus acquires an analog input signal from an analog sensor, and generates digital data based on the analog input signal for processing by a personal computing apparatus. The analog input signal generated by the analog sensor has a voltage component which varies according to a condition sensed by the analog sensor. The data acquisition apparatus includes a first conversion circuit, such as a voltage-to-frequency converter, coupled to the analog sensor which receives the analog input signal and generates an analog information transfer signal having a signal component which varies in relation to the voltage component of the analog input signal. A signal transfer device, such as a portable audio record/playback device, records the analog information transfer signal and transfers it to a first audio input of the personal computing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Inventors: William B. Priester, Joseph H. Butler, Jr., Michael J. Twigg
  • Patent number: 6997056
    Abstract: The preferred orientation, or planar oscillation plane, of a golf club shaft is located by measuring the oscillation of the shaft when an impulse is applied. A reaction mass is mounted on one end of the golf club shaft and is attracted with an electromagnet, and the electromagnet is deactivated in order to initiate vibratory motion. Preferably, the out-of-plane oscillation is measured at a large number of angular positions about the shaft axis, and the principal planar oscillation plane is identified by that pair of opposed angular positions in which the out-of-plane oscillation is smallest. The location of the preferred orientation may be marked on the shaft and used to assemble a golf club with the planar oscillation plane in a predetermined orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Inventors: Richard M. Weiss, Joseph H. Butler, Michael J. Twigg, F. Sherrill Vowell, Larry R. Palmer
  • Patent number: 6993970
    Abstract: The preferred orientation, or planar oscillation plane, of a golf club shaft is located by measuring the oscillation of the shaft when an impulse is applied. Preferably, the out-of-plane oscillation is measured at a large number of angular positions about the shaft axis, and the principal planar oscillation plane is identified by that pair of opposed angular positions in which the out-of-plane oscillation is smallest. The location of the preferred orientation may be marked on the shaft and used to assemble a golf club with the planar oscillation plane in a predetermined orientation. The straightness of the shaft can also be determined by deriving its spring constant from its oscillation frequency and then measuring the restoring force when the shaft is deflected by the same nominal amount at different angular positions; differences in restoring force can be attributed to differences in actual deflection distance resulting from lack of straightness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Inventors: Richard M. Weiss, Joseph H. Butler, Michael J. Twigg, F. Sherrill Vowell, Larry R. Palmer
  • Patent number: 6990865
    Abstract: The preferred orientation, or planar oscillation plane, of a golf club shaft is located by measuring the oscillation of the shaft when an impulse is applied. Preferably, the out-of-plane oscillation is measured at a large number of angular positions about the shaft axis, and the principal planar oscillation plane is identified by that pair of opposed angular positions in which the out-of-plane oscillation is smallest. The location of the preferred orientation may be marked on the shaft and used to assemble a golf club with the planar oscillation plane in a predetermined orientation. The straightness of the shaft can also be determined by deriving its spring constant from its oscillation frequency and then measuring the restoring force when the shaft is deflected by the same nominal amount at different angular positions; differences in restoring force can be attributed to differences in actual deflection distance resulting from lack of straightness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Inventors: Richard M. Weiss, Joseph H. Butler, Michael J. Twigg, F. Sherrill Vowell, Larry R Palmer
  • Patent number: 6915695
    Abstract: The preferred orientation, or planar oscillation plane, of a golf club shaft is located by measuring the oscillation of the shaft when an impulse is applied. Preferably, the out-of-plane oscillation is measured at a large number of angular positions about the shaft axis, and the principal planar oscillation plane is identified by that pair of opposed angular positions in which the out-of-plane oscillation is smallest. The location of the preferred orientation may be marked on the shaft and used to assemble a golf club with the planar oscillation plane in a predetermined orientation. The straightness of the shaft can also be determined by deriving its spring constant from its oscillation frequency and then measuring the restoring force when the shaft is deflected by the same nominal amount at different angular positions; differences in restoring force can be attributed to differences in actual deflection distance resulting from lack of straightness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Inventors: Richard M. Weiss, Joseph H. Butler, Michael J. Twigg, F. Sherrill Vowell, Larry R. Palmer
  • Patent number: 6890312
    Abstract: A joint angle indication system provides information related to an angular relationship between a first body part and a second body part that are pivotally coupled at a joint. The system includes a first arm member attached to the first body part, and a second arm member attached to the second body part. One end of the second arm member is pivotally coupled to one end of the first arm member. The system includes one or more joint angle variation sensors that provide one or more electrical characteristics that vary based on variation in the joint angle between the first and second arm members. The joint angle is variable over an angular range that includes a first angle and a second angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Inventors: William B. Priester, Joseph H. Butler, Jr., Michael J. Twigg
  • Patent number: 6609429
    Abstract: The preferred orientation, or planar oscillation plane, of a golf club shaft is located by measuring the oscillation of the shaft when a horizontal impulse is applied and from those measurements determining an orientation in which the oscillation would be substantially planar. In a preferred embodiment an iterative process is used to converge on the preferred orientation. The location of the preferred orientation may be marked on the shaft and used to assemble a golf club with the planar oscillation plane in a predetermined orientation. The assembly of the golf club can be done manually—e.g., in a refitting situation—or automatically—e.g., in a new club manufacturing setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Inventors: Richard M. Weiss, Joseph H. Butler, Michael J. Twigg
  • Publication number: 20030137762
    Abstract: A data acquisition apparatus acquires an analog input signal from an analog sensor, and generates digital data based on the analog input signal for processing by a personal computing apparatus. The analog input signal generated by the analog sensor has a voltage component which varies according to a condition sensed by the analog sensor. The data acquisition apparatus includes a first conversion circuit, such as a voltage-to-frequency converter, coupled to the analog sensor which receives the analog input signal and generates an analog information transfer signal having a signal component which varies in relation to the voltage component of the analog input signal. A signal transfer device, such as a portable audio record/playback device, records the analog information transfer signal and transfers it to a first audio input of the personal computing apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Inventors: William B. Priester, Joseph H. Butler, Michael J. Twigg
  • Patent number: 6572488
    Abstract: The preferred orientation, or planar oscillation plane, of a golf club shaft is located by measuring the oscillation of the shaft when a horizontal impulse is applied and from those measurements determining an orientation in which the oscillation would be substantially planar. In a preferred embodiment an iterative process is used to converge on the preferred orientation. The location of the preferred orientation may be marked on the shaft and used to assemble a golf club with the planar oscillation plane in a predetermined orientation. The assembly of the golf club can be done manually—e.g., in a refitting situation—or automatically—e.g., in a new club manufacturing setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Inventors: Richard M. Weiss, Joseph H. Butler, Michael J. Twigg
  • Patent number: 6550121
    Abstract: The preferred orientation, or planar oscillation plane, of a golf club shaft is located by measuring the oscillation of the shaft when a horizontal impulse is applied and from those measurements determining an orientation in which the oscillation would be substantially planar. In a preferred embodiment an iterative process is used to converge on the preferred orientation. The location of the preferred orientation may be marked on the shaft and used to assemble a golf club with the planar oscillation plane in a predetermined orientation. The assembly of the golf club can be done manually—e.g., in a refitting situation—or automatically—e.g., in a new club manufacturing setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Inventors: Richard M. Weiss, Joseph H. Butler, Michael J. Twigg
  • Patent number: 6543125
    Abstract: The preferred orientation, or planar oscillation plane, of a golf club shaft is located by measuring the oscillation of the shaft when a horizontal impulse is applied and from those measurements determining an orientation in which the oscillation would be substantially planar. In a preferred embodiment an iterative process is used to converge on the preferred orientation. The location of the preferred orientation may be marked on the shaft and used to assemble a golf club with the planar oscillation plane in a predetermined orientation. The assembly of the golf club can be done manually—e.g., in a refitting situation—or automatically—e.g., in a new club manufacturing setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Inventors: Richard M. Weiss, Joseph H. Butler, Michael J. Twigg
  • Publication number: 20030013541
    Abstract: The preferred orientation, or planar oscillation plane, of a golf club shaft is located by measuring the oscillation of the shaft when an impulse is applied. Preferably, the out-of-plane oscillation is measured at a large number of angular positions about the shaft axis, and the principal planar oscillation plane is identified by that pair of opposed angular positions in which the out-of-plane oscillation is smallest. The location of the preferred orientation may be marked on the shaft and used to assemble a golf club with the planar oscillation plane in a predetermined orientation. The straightness of the shaft can also be determined by deriving its spring constant from its oscillation frequency and then measuring the restoring force when the shaft is deflected by the same nominal amount at different angular positions; differences in restoring force can be attributed to differences in actual deflection distance resulting from lack of straightness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Richard M. Weiss, Joseph H. Butler, Michael J. Twigg, F. Sherrill Vowell, Larry R. Palmer
  • Patent number: 6477899
    Abstract: The preferred orientation, or planar oscillation plane, of a golf club shaft is located by measuring the oscillation of the shaft when a horizontal impulse is applied and from those measurements determining an orientation in which the oscillation would be substantially planar. In a preferred embodiment an iterative process is used to converge on the preferred orientation. The location of the preferred orientation may be marked on the shaft and used to assemble a golf club with the planar oscillation plane in a predetermined orientation. The assembly of the golf club can be done manually—e.g., in a refitting situation—or automatically—e.g., in a new club manufacturing setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Inventors: Richard M. Weiss, Joseph H. Butler, Michael J. Twigg
  • Publication number: 20020107084
    Abstract: The preferred orientation, or planar oscillation plane, of a golf club shaft is located by measuring the oscillation of the shaft when a horizontal impulse is applied and from those measurements determining an orientation in which the oscillation would be substantially planar. In a preferred embodiment an iterative process is used to converge on the preferred orientation. The location of the preferred orientation may be marked on the shaft and used to assemble a golf club with the planar oscillation plane in a predetermined orientation. The assembly of the golf club can be done manually—e.g., in a refitting situation—or automatically—e.g., in a new club manufacturing setting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Applicant: Richard M. Weiss
    Inventors: Richard M. Weiss, Joseph H. Butler, Michael J. Twigg
  • Publication number: 20020107083
    Abstract: The preferred orientation, or planar oscillation plane, of a golf club shaft is located by measuring the oscillation of the shaft when a horizontal impulse is applied and from those measurements determining an orientation in which the oscillation would be substantially planar. In a preferred embodiment an iterative process is used to converge on the preferred orientation. The location of the preferred orientation may be marked on the shaft and used to assemble a golf club with the planar oscillation plane in a predetermined orientation. The assembly of the golf club can be done manually—e.g., in a refitting situation—or automatically—e.g., in a new club manufacturing setting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Inventors: Richard M. Weiss, Joseph H. Butler, Michael J. Twigg
  • Publication number: 20020103037
    Abstract: The preferred orientation, or planar oscillation plane, of a golf club shaft is located by measuring the oscillation of the shaft when a horizontal impulse is applied and from those measurements determining an orientation in which the oscillation would be substantially planar. In a preferred embodiment an iterative process is used to converge on the preferred orientation. The location of the preferred orientation may be marked on the shaft and used to assemble a golf club with the planar oscillation plane in a predetermined orientation. The assembly of the golf club can be done manually—e.g., in a refitting situation—or automatically—e.g., in a new club manufacturing setting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Inventors: Richard M. Weiss, Joseph H. Butler, Michael J. Twigg
  • Publication number: 20020091009
    Abstract: The preferred orientation, or planar oscillation plane, of a golf club shaft is located by measuring the oscillation of the shaft when a horizontal impulse is applied and from those measurements determining an orientation in which the oscillation would be substantially planar. In a preferred embodiment an iterative process is used to converge on the preferred orientation. The location of the preferred orientation may be marked on the shaft and used to assemble a golf club with the planar oscillation plane in a predetermined orientation. The assembly of the golf club can be done manually—e.g., in a refitting situation—or automatically—e.g., in a new club manufacturing setting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Applicant: Richard M. Weiss
    Inventors: Richard M. Weiss, Joseph H. Butler, Michael J. Twigg