Patents Issued in February 24, 2004
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Patent number: 6695661Abstract: A device installed in the vent hole of a windsurfing board to warn the user that the vent plug is not installed, and the board should not be placed in the water. Additionally, the device has a container for holding the vent plug when it is not installed in the board, thus preventing loss or misplacement of the plug. Also, the device contains a tool for installing and removing the vent plug before and after the use of the invention, thus making it very convenient to use the invention.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Inventor: John Timothy Navagh
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Patent number: 6695662Abstract: A surfing craft with removable fin. A removable fin is disposed in a fin box and the fin box is disposed in a surfing craft body. A releasable locking mechanism has a spring actuated locking arm, a locking tab and an indention. The spring actuated locking arm applies spring force for locking the locking tab into the indention. A counter force is applied to the spring actuated locking arm to remove the fin from the fin box. In one preferred embodiment, the locking tab is attached to the locking arm and the locking arm is bendably connected to the fin. In this preferred embodiment the indention is on the fin box and the locking arm's locking tab is engaged with the indention of the fin box to prevent the fin from disconnecting from the fin box. Also in this preferred embodiment, by applying finger force the locking arm is bent causing the locking tab to disengage the indention so that the fin can be removed.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Inventor: Benjamin D. Kelley
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Patent number: 6695663Abstract: A method for manufacturing a spark plug, which includes photographing a spark gap as to detect the edges of a center and ground electrode and performing a predetermined treatment on the basis of image information obtained from the photographing step. Also disclosed is an apparatus for carrying out the method. In performing the photographing step, an illumination device 200 is disposed opposite a tip portion of a spark plug, in which a spark gap is to be formed, such that illumination rays pass through the spark gap. A camera 4, which is disposed opposite the illumination device 200 with respect to the tip portion of the spark plug, photographs the spark gap formed between a center electrode W1 and a ground electrode W2.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: NGK Spark Plug Co., LTDInventors: Masato Ito, Shinichiro Mitsumatsu
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Patent number: 6695664Abstract: A discharge device is described that contains an anode, a cathode, and an insulating layer disposed between the anode and the cathode. A cavity is extends entirely through at least one of the anode or cathode and penetrates the dielectric layer. At least one of the anode or cathode may include a screen or the dielectric layer may have a plurality of films with at least two different dielectric constants. The voltage differences between the anode and cathode in each of multiple devices electrically connected together may be limited.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Board of Trustees of the University of IllinoisInventors: J. Gary Eden, Sung-Jin Park, Clark J. Wagner
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Patent number: 6695665Abstract: A sealing electrode for discharge lamp having electrically conductive cup, and an emitter pellet is disclosed. The cup seals a passage into the discharge lamp, and additionally supports the electrode pellet or tip for the discharge. The design enables the emitter, electrode and seal structure to be made separately off line, while also enabling the emitter to be protected from contaminants during subsequent assembly.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2003Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Osram Sylvania Inc.Inventor: Daniel D. Devir
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Patent number: 6695666Abstract: A flying disk toy is provided with a streamer, windsock or the like for aesthetically enhancing the visual effect of the flying disk toy while in flight with minimal interference to its flight aerodynamics. The flying disk toy is in the form of a substantially disk-shaped body having an outer rim, a generally convex top surface, a generally concave bottom surface, and a central axis about which the body rotates when the disk toy is in flight. The streamer includes a leading end and a trailing end. The streamer may be illuminated while the disk toy is in flight. The streamer may also be positioned such that its leading end is adjacent to the outer rim of the disk body. If a hanger arm is employed to attach the streamer to the disk body, the hanger arm can be mounted in an anti-friction bearing position in the top surface of the disk body, whereby the hanger arm and the streamer are rotatable relative to the disk body.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Inventor: Igor M. Nikonorov
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Patent number: 6695667Abstract: A tool set is mounted within and on a tool case having tool receiving means supporting a first portion of the plurality of hand tools within the tool case and tool attachment means engaging a second portion of the plurality of hand tools exteriorly. The tool case and the second portion of the hand tools, together, roughly resemble a human form. The tool case is generally cylindrical in shape resembling a human torso and has a side wall terminating with opposing closed ends, and provides an access door in the side wall for access to an interior space within the tool case for storage of smaller tools.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Inventor: John Matthew Kee
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Patent number: 6695668Abstract: This invention relates to an inexpensive toy track vehicle with optical sensors for use on a printed track, and a method for controlling the vehicle on a printed track.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Inventors: Kevin Gerard Donahue, Jack I. Raffel, Robert John Caldicott
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Patent number: 6695669Abstract: A pull activated novelty sound device includes a sound generating chip, a sound transducer, a switch, a pull device, a battery, and a housing. The sound generating chip is capable of playing a message, a song, or any other type of sound recording. The sound transducer converts the electrical signal from the sound generating chip into an audible sound. The sound generating chip is powered through the battery. The switch controls the electrical power supplied to the sound generating chip. The sound generating chip, sound transducer, battery, and spring switch are contained in the housing. One end of a pull device is withdrawn from the switch to enable electrical power to be supplied to said sound generating chip to emit audible sound through the sound transducer.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Inventor: Arthur W. Piepenbrink
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Patent number: 6695670Abstract: The invention teaches the combination of a common toy, the yo-yo, and an electronic hand-held game playing device. To date, these two areas have not been combined and certainly have not been interactive. Specifically, the invention consists of an electronic circuit embedded into the disk of a yo-yo such that typical yo-yo game playing interfaces with the electronic game. The electronic game may be the LCD-type games similar to current hand-held games with the exception that the player must use typical yo-yo game playing actions to play the LCD game. The electronic LCD game will utilize the LCD to display game results and graphics while the yo-yo sensor and switches will provide game input. In addition, the invention discloses electronic games based on audio sound effects, similar to current non-LCD electronic hand-held games with the exception that player must use typical yo-yo game playing to play the game.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2000Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Inventors: Robert W. Driscoll, Edward Wood, Peter Kristoffy
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Patent number: 6695671Abstract: An amusement device, particularly for use by children for jumping or skipping, has a ring through which one foot is placed, and a tube or rod extending therefrom with a wheel at the far end of the rod or tube. The wheel contains some small lamps and a generator, whereby rotation of the wheel causes the lamps to light. The connector rod or tube is wrapped with holographically printed film.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Maui Toys, Inc.Inventor: Brian D. Kessler
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Patent number: 6695672Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention there is provided a toy figure having a circuit board to store audio outputs, a speaker to emit the audio outputs, and the ability to activate the playback of the audio outputs. The figure includes a motor mechanism along with the ability to move or pivot the figure's head and/or an appendage attached to the figure. A plurality of switches are positioned about the figure; each switch when triggered, activates controls to move the figure and activates the playback of audio outputs that are incomprehensible to a user. The figure also includes a proximity sensor that is triggered when the figure is in close proximity to an object. When the proximity sensor is triggered, the circuit board is activated to control the movement of the figure and to playback audio outputs that are in a language understandable by the user and played at a low tone such that the user is inclined to move the figure towards the user's ear.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2003Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Rehco, LLCInventors: Steven Rehkemper, Dennis O'Patka, Mike Kass
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Patent number: 6695673Abstract: A mechanical dog has a head and a tongue having at least one channel which opens into a first opening in the tip of the tongue and a second opening at an end of the tongue facing away from the tip of the tongue. The dog has a tank and a suction pump connected to the channel via the first opening. A drive moves the tongue toward or away from the head.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Inventor: Andreas Stadbauer
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Patent number: 6695674Abstract: A game call friction material is disclosed. Airfloated clay powder is heated to a temperature of greater than approximately 1112° F. to form a calcined clay powder that is then mixed with water and a carrier such as plaster and set to form a solid mass. The volume ratio of plaster to calcined clay in the solid mass is approximately 150:1. The solid mass preferably has a cavity with a second mass of calcined clay and plaster disposed therein. The volume ratio of calcined clay to plaster in the second mass is approximately 3:1. The solid mass is rubbed against a friction game call, depositing calcined clay particles and plaster particles thereon. The calcined clay particles form friction layers on the relevant surfaces of the friction game calls. The plaster helps to dry the friction game call surfaces and to form the friction layers on the friction game call surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2003Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Penline Production LLCInventors: James Davis, Jr., JoAnne Davis
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Patent number: 6695675Abstract: An toy vehicle accelerator adapted for engagement with a roadway forming a track for carrying toy vehicles. The device features a lower first pair of rollers mounted adjacent to a first pathway to provide engagement the sides of a toy vehicle passing between said first pair of rollers. At a second level above the first, a removably mountable second pair of rollers may be mounted to form a second pathway at a second level above said first pathway. The second pair of rollers is rotatable by the same power source as the first allowing for the attachment of one or a plurality of different levels of powered rollers to accelerate toy vehicles on the track.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2003Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Maisto International, Inc.Inventor: Roger Ngan
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Patent number: 6695676Abstract: A toy gun including a housing and a pair of drums rotatably mounted in the housing. Multiple drum splines provided on each of the drums mesh with the drum splines on the other drum, and a drive mechanism operably engages the drums for selectively rotating the drums. A bubble strip having a plurality of air bubbles can be advanced between the drums responsive to operation of the drive mechanism. The drums successively rupture the air bubbles, which simulates the firing of bullets, and create a repetitive popping sound which resembles the sound of rapid gunfire from an automatic gun.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Inventor: Kenneth D. Blake
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Patent number: 6695677Abstract: A bra structure with an arcuate steel wire placed inside a groove channel at a bottom rim of a breast cup of the bra. The top and bottom portions of the steel wire are affixed by a foam which is adhered by a patch fabric. When the bra is assembled with a die casting machine to mold twice at a high temperature, the steel wire is completely fixed inside the groove channel of the breast cup. This not only saves manufacturing labor time, but also allows the steel wire to entirely and closely affix to the breast cup to more completely support the breast shape.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Worldwide Golden Enterprise Co., Ltd.Inventor: Guey-Ren Lin
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Patent number: 6695678Abstract: A breast pad has a wax-like medicament, such as lanolin, disposed on an exposed surface of an inner liner of the pad in only a limited region, leaving other regions of the inner liner has a permeable region free of the medicament.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2003Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: The First Years Inc.Inventors: Richard M. Foley, Kyle A. Nanna, Sherry Thomas
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Patent number: 6695679Abstract: Apparatus and method to establish permissible ranges of the gas/dry ice ratio in a dry ice blasting stream. Logic and circuitry determine whether a proposed ratio is permissible. If it is, it enables the process to start. If it is not, it forbids operation of the process.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: CAE Alpheus, Inc.Inventors: Robert S. Anderson, Scott M. Stafford
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Patent number: 6695680Abstract: The operation of a polishing pad conditioner for a CMP apparatus is monitored. The polishing pad conditioner includes a housing, a first drive pulley disposed in the housing and connected to a motor at a first side of the housing, a conditioning head having a diamond disk for conditioning the polishing pad and mounted to a second side of the housing, a second pulley coupled to the conditioning head for transferring the driving force from the drive pulley to the conditioning head, a timing belt engaged with the first and second pulleys, an air supply tube for supplying air under pressure to the conditoner head to force the head against a polishing pad of the CMP apparatus, and at least one sensor disposed in the housing for sensing the operation of the conditioning head.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jae Hoon Choi, Bong Choi
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Patent number: 6695681Abstract: An wafer polishing pad assembly for use in CMP includes an optical sensor for sensing reflectivity of the wafer during polishing, and produces a corresponding signal, and transmits the signal from the rotating pad to a stationary portion of the assembly. The signal is transmitting off the pad through non-contact couplings such inductive coupling or optical couplings after being converted into signal formats enabling non-contact transmission.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: StrasbaughInventor: Stephan H. Wolf
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Patent number: 6695682Abstract: A polishing method executes those serial processes described below: a theoretically ideal amount of removable object is computed; based on the comparison to the profile when actually processing a polishing object via a chemical-mechanical polishing process, a proportional constant k is sought, which is then utilized as a fixed value; a proper polishing time t is computed; the proper polishing time t is then input into a controller in conjunction with other parameters; by way of feeding a control signal CTL1 to an X-axis servo motor, the controller properly controls X-axis directional velocity of a polishing object; the controller also delivers another control signal CTL2 to a main-shaft spindle motor to control the number of its rotation and delivers another control signal CTL3 to a Z-axis servo motor to control Z-axial directional positioning of a processing head.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Shuzo Sato, Takashi Suzuki
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Patent number: 6695683Abstract: A semiconductor device washing apparatus washes a surface of a semiconductor wafer after a chemical mechanical polishing process is performed for the surface. A roll brush is placed on the surface of the semiconductor wafer so as to contact with the surface. A first chemical liquid tank contains first chemical liquid. A first exhaust nozzle sprays the first chemical liquid onto the surface of the semiconductor wafer. A second chemical liquid tank contains second chemical liquid. A second exhaust nozzle sprays the second chemical liquid onto the surface of the semiconductor wafer. The first chemical liquid and the second chemical liquid are splayed onto the surface of the semiconductor wafer on the condition that the roll brush and the semiconductor wafer are rotated.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: NEC Electronics CorporationInventor: Hidemitsu Aoki
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Patent number: 6695684Abstract: A chemical mechanical polishing apparatus includes a polishing pad on which a wafer requiring planarization is placed, a conditioning disc having an abrasive surface for conditioning the polishing pad, a tank containing de-ionized water in which the conditioning disc soaks while standing by, and a cleaner for cleaning the conditioning disc. The conditioning disc cleaner is disposed in the tank of de-ionized water to remove polishing impurities from an abrasive surface of the conditioning disc. The cleaner may include a brush having bristles against which the abrasive surface of the conditioning disc is placed when it is lowered into the tank. In operation, after the wafer is polished, an abrasive surface of the conditioning disc is run over the upper surface of the polishing pad to condition the surface of the polishing pad. Then the conditioning disc is moved off of the upper surface of the polishing pad and to a stand-by position in which the abrasive surface of the disc is submerged in a liquid.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Young-rae Park, Ho-young Kim, Hong-kyu Hwang
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Patent number: 6695685Abstract: A dry ice blasting system adapted for low gas flow rates at low pressures with small dry ice particles to produce a very small footprint on a surface being cleaned.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: CAE Alpheus, Inc.Inventors: Scott M. Stratford, Robert S. Anderson
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Patent number: 6695686Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for generating a two-phase gas-particle jet for treating surfaces by means of particles, in particular CO2 dry ice particles (22), using a two-phase gas-particle jet. To this end, the CO2 dry ice particles (22) are fed with a, tangential flow to a blasting chamber (30) in such a manner that the CO2 dry ice particles (22) are forced into a rotational movement about an axis of flow (50), the angular velocity of this rotational movement then being increased in the direction of flow by means of a blasting nozzle (40), so that maximum speeds occur in the blasting-nozzle outlet (42). The two-phase gas-particle jet emerging from the blasting-nozzle outlet (42) is formed in such a way that the solid-phase CO2 dry ice particles (22) are arranged in a uniform ring shape with an enlarged external diameter. The invention achieves in particular a considerable rise in the surface power when cleaning surfaces by means of CO2 dry ice particles (22).Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2000Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: L'Air Liquide Societe Anonyme a Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges ClaudeInventors: Hans Frohlich, Sabine Gebhardt, Berthold Trampusch
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Patent number: 6695687Abstract: A substrate holder is described which has a movable plate elastically mounted inside a main body. With the substrate holder, a polishing operation can be performed in two basic operation modes corresponding to two different vertical end positions of the movable plate. In a first (downward) mode the movable plate stays in mechanical contact with the substrate whereas in a second (upward) mode an air cushion is generated in a chamber between the movable plate and the substrate for pressurizing the substrate onto the polishing pad.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Infineon Technologies AGInventors: Mark Hollatz, Peter Lahnor
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Patent number: 6695688Abstract: The invention is a portable game hoist (12) designed for suspending large animals such as deer, hogs, and the like from a tree, pole, or post for immediate processing in the field. The game hoist consists of a vertical support member (16) connected at an obtuse angle to a horizontal lifting arm (14) via a main bracket (18c), a hand winch (24a) for lifting the animal, and a means of attaching the hoist to a tree. The hoist is lightweight, yet sturdy and simple to use. The game hoist can be easily folded for transportation or storage by removing a removable bolt or ball pin (30). Tightening up on the hand winch secures the game hoist in the folded position. In the folded position, the game hoist can be transported under the seat of a truck, on the rack of a four-wheeler, or in the bottom of a boat. The hoist can also be carried by hand or across the shoulder using a chain (20). A companion to assist in the use of the game hoist is not necessary, as it is light in weight and simple to use.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2003Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Inventors: James Edward Owen, Alva Eugene Owen
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Patent number: 6695689Abstract: A coin dispensing mechanism for dispensing coins stored in bulk in a storage hopper through a coin passage to an exit aperture includes a selector member for individually selecting coins from the storage hopper and delivering the coins to the coin passage. The coin passage further includes a coin passageway having a lower surface for supporting the translation of the coins to the exit aperture and an upper surface having a configuration capable of receiving coins moved off of the lower surface. A detector unit is operatively mounted relative to the upper surface to detect a coin. In normal operation, the dispensed coins will travel across the lower surface and be ejected. If there is a coin blockage, one or more coins will be moved adjacent to the upper surface and the detector unit will detect the position of the coin and indicate a blockage in the coin dispensing mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Asahi Seiko Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hiroshi Abe
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Patent number: 6695690Abstract: The size of a coin hopper on the whole is reduced, particularly providing fewer coin holes for discharging and accepting a coin. A container or coin hopper head generally of a cylindrical form stores a plurality of coins in a bulk condition. A disk is freely rotatably arranged within the bottom of this head, for releasing said coins. The disk has a one coin passage opening for accepting and releasing said coins.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Asahi Seiko Co., Ltd.Inventor: Motoharu Kurosawa
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Patent number: 6695691Abstract: A door assembly (30) for a vehicle HVAC system comprises a shaft (140) made of a first material and having an axis (144) of rotation. A first door (142) projects from the first shaft (140) and is made of the first material. The first door (142) is molded together with the shaft (140). A sleeve (150) is made of a second material that has a lower melting point than the first material to enable the sleeve to be molded over the shaft (140). The sleeve (150) is disposed coaxially about the shaft (140) and is rotatable about the axis (144) relative to the shaft. A second door (152) projects from the sleeve (150). The second door (152) is made of the second material and is molded together with the sleeve (150). The second door (152) is rotatable relative to the first door (142).Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2003Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: TRW Automotive U.S. LLCInventor: Vu Le
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Patent number: 6695692Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a fan/skylight combination unit mounted on a common frame 19 wherein the preferred embodiment includes a fan assembly 14 powered by photovoltaic panels 16 thereby providing increased natural lighting into the interior of the structure 12 while removing excessive heat therefrom. The white outer dome 38 reflects heat therefrom and the air space between the inner 40 and outer 38 domes serves as a thermal barrier to prevent the transfer of heat from the atmosphere into the, interior of the structure 12. The solar rays collected by the photovoltaic panel 16 energize the fan motor 20 and forcibly ventilates the interior of the structure 12.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2003Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Inventor: Ronald V York
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Patent number: 6695693Abstract: An agricultural combine is provided with a controller that estimates a hydraulic pressure of a rotor drive system based upon the speeds of the pump (or engine) and motor that drive the rotor. The pressure is estimated by generating a pump displacement control signal in a convention feedback control algorithm and using that signal together with a sensed motor speed signal and a sensed pump speed (proportional to engine speed) to estimate the hydraulic pressure.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Case LLCInventors: Yun-Ren Ho, John G. Brome, John E. Bundy
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Patent number: 6695694Abstract: To evaluate a game playing performance from a new point of view, a control method for controlling a game machine allowing a player to enjoy stepping while listening to game music, comprises the steps of detecting whether or not the player puts their foot or feet on each of a plurality of step positions; judging, based on a detection result on the step position, according to which, of a plurality of pattern changes, a state of the player's feet relative to the plurality of step positions has changed to; calculating, based on the determined pattern change, an energy consumption amount due to a change of the state of the player's feet; calculating an accumulative energy consumption amount by accumulating an energy consumption amount calculated after a predetermined timing; and reporting the accumulative energy consumption amount calculated to the player.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignees: Konami Corporation, KCE Tokyo, Inc., People Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hirotaka Ishikawa, Akinori Tamura, Yasumi Takase, Takashi Nishibori, Kei Nagaoka, Yoshiko Wada, Yumi Yoshida
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Patent number: 6695695Abstract: A video implemented casino card game deals multiple hands. In a preferred embodiment the game includes a means for simulating a plurality of players on a game display. Each simulated player is dealt a hand of cards pursuant to a predetermined card game selected by a game player. Subsequent to the initial deal, the game player selects which hand to play. Once the hand has been selected, each hand is fully played. Only the game player's hand is fully revealed during play. Based on the game player's final cards, the player is paid according to a pay table. Thereafter, all hands are revealed and the game player is paid a bonus amount if the player's selected hand is the highest hand of the dealt hands. In a card game requiring a draw, or decision, unselected card hands are played according to a preprogrammed methodology within a gaming machine's internal microprocessor.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Gaming Concepts and Design, LLCInventor: Mark Angel
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Patent number: 6695696Abstract: The present invention involves a gaming device that provides a second or replicating display that is an enlarged, preferably simulated replica of the actual display of the reels, paylines and indicia of the paystops of the gaming device. The second or replicating display can exactly recreate the actual rotation or random generation of the reels, represent the random generation of the reels, and do so by providing a slight delay. The present invention also contains a method by which the replicating display presents each of a plurality of award generating or winning paylines individually and sequentially for a predetermined amount of time before culminating in a display of the accumulated winning paylines. The method enables the player to easily see the source of an award, which would otherwise be difficult to discern from a multitude of paylines.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2000Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: IGTInventor: Joseph E. Kaminkow
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Patent number: 6695697Abstract: A game machine and a medium storing a game program and readable by a computer, provides support corresponding to players' technical levels and individual players, showing an excellent navigation function, without perverted equality between beginners and advanced players and only nominal support, not like the case of uniformly applying the support functions. Players technical levels are qualified into beginners, middle-grade or advanced on the basis of a latest games history such as the number of games spent under Bonus internally determined, or points values recorded in membership cards, and actuation of the support is allowed on the basis of the qualified technical level. As a result, when the number of games spent under Bonus internally determined is over a predetermined value, setting an aiming marker is allowed. Wheel bands are shown beside simulated wheels; or result of internal winning determination are informed.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Aruze Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kazuo Okada
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Patent number: 6695698Abstract: A dispensing game system includes a prize capsule storage hopper above two automatic hopper loaders that replenish the game below with prize capsules as needed. Two Ferris wheels carry free swinging gondolas that receive and hold the prize capsules from the loaders. Two or more player-activated actuator arms located next to the outer edge of the Ferris wheels are used to hit targets attached to the moving gondolas, in turn causing the gondolas to tip forward and release the prize capsule, which then falls down and rolls into the prize opening for the player to collect.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2000Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Pixy Games, Inc.Inventors: Python Anghelo, Bryan Hansen, William Pfutzenreuter
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Patent number: 6695699Abstract: A gaming apparatus may comprise a cabinet having a front face with a gaming display positioned adjacent the cabinet front face so that the gaming display is viewable, the gaming display being operable to generate images. A controller is operatively coupled to the gaming display. The controller may have a processor and a memory, and may be programmed to allow a person to make a wager. The controller may further be programmed to cause an image associated with a game to be generated on the gaming display, to determine an outcome of the game represented by the image and to determine a value payout associated with the outcome of the game. The controller may be programmed to roll-up the value payout earned by the player in a roll-up time period without regard to the number of credits won.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: IGTInventor: Nicole Beaulieu
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Patent number: 6695700Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a gaming device such as a slot machine calculates a speed of game play, and in turn determines a pay schedule based on the speed of game play. The pay schedule for higher speeds of game play typically provides a higher payout percentage, which attracts players and provides an incentive to play faster and for longer periods of time. The greater speed of play and time period of playing may actually increase revenues derived from the gaming device, even though the payout percentage is higher. Speed of game play may be calculated by measuring the number of games played in a predetermined time period, or the time elapsed between games. The gaming device may select a payout table from a plurality of payout tables based on this speed. Alternatively, the gaming device may determine a multiplier based on the speed of game play, and adjust a base payout table in accordance with the multiplier.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Walker Digital, LLCInventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Thomas M. Sparico
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Patent number: 6695701Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for providing a user with the ability to submit a wager to a fixed-odds book or a pari-mutuel pool using an interactive wagering application. A conditional wagering option is provided. When the user selects a conditional wagering option, the interactive wagering application may automatically submit the wager to an alternative wager option (e.g., a fixed-odds book or a pari-mutuel pool) if the wager is rejected by the user's selected wager option. The interactive wagering application may notify the user of the status of the submitted wager.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: ODS Properties, Inc.Inventors: Thomas L. Aronson, Richard E. McNutt
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Patent number: 6695702Abstract: Entertainment system main body is connected via a relay device to an “i-mode” portable telephone system using a controller connection connector or external memory insertion connector provided on entertainment system main body. This relay device has the function of coordinating the software and hardware of the entertainment system and the portable telephone system. Entertainment system main body connected to an i-mode portable telephone system makes it possible, using existing infrastructure and with no major design changes, to effect the purchase, exchange, and interaction, etc. of game data using an online service that the i-mode portable telephone system has, such as site connection service, i-mode mail, and Internet connection.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.Inventor: Toru Morita
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Patent number: 6695703Abstract: An illuminated display apparatus for use with a gaming device, where the display device includes a generally planar template with a plurality of sections having different sizes and shapes. The template is adapted to be illuminated by the gaming device. The sections define a plurality of apertures of differing shapes and sizes adapted to receive a plurality of removable and replaceable inserts. The plurality of inserts have corresponding differing shapes and sizes, wherein the inserts are adapted to removably engage the insert holders that have a similar shape and size.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2000Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: IGTInventor: Steven P. McGahn
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Patent number: 6695704Abstract: A scabbard for carrying a baton on the limb of a user in a manner such that the baton may be quickly released from the scabbard and placed into use. The baton may include a handle to be grasped by the user and an end portion that is releasably secured to the scabbard. The scabbard includes a main body portion having a first end and a second end. The first end may include a means for fastening the main body member to the second end to secure the main body member about the user's limb. A retainer assembly including a first flap, a second flap and a support member is affixed to the main body portion releasably engages the baton to secure the baton to the main body portion.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Armament Systems and Procedures, Inc.Inventor: Kevin Parsons
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Patent number: 6695705Abstract: Drive shaft coupling having in-series bellows segments of different flexural resistance. The bellows segment nearest a tube section presents less flexural resistance than the immediate following bellows segment. Each individual bellows segment may be dimensioned in such a way that stress is distributed evenly over all bellows segments so that the component may be optimized; for example, with respect to installation and strength.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar ABInventor: Hans Stervik
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Patent number: 6695706Abstract: Ring-shaped ridges (23, 24) that extends in the circumferential direction and is capable of falling toward a bellows portion (12) when a larger cylindrical portion (11) comes into press contact therewith are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the bushing (2). Since the ring-shaped ridges (23, 24) fall toward the bellows portion (12) when being tightened, when a pressure is exerted from grease, the pressure acts in the direction of restoring the ring-shaped ridge (23) to the original posture. Therefore, the ring-shaped ridge (23) serves as a dam and is brought into press contact with the larger cylindrical portion (11) at a high bearing pressure.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yuji Furuta
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Patent number: 6695707Abstract: An amusement ramp structure usable in conjunction with a wheeled vehicle which takes the form of a ramp that has an arcuate outer surface. The lower edge of the ramp is adapted to be located directly against a supporting surface. Attached to an upper edge of the ramp is a deck with this deck being movable from a horizontal position to a vertical position so that the ramp structure can be placed in two different configurations of usage. The deck is mounted on a deck frame with this deck frame being separatable into two parts in order to collapse the ramp structure to occupy a minimum amount of space to facilitate storage.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2003Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Inventors: Alexander H. Fernandez, Mario M. Sanchez-Laky
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Patent number: 6695708Abstract: A golf putter includes a polyhedrally-shaped head having a plurality of generally vertically disposed ball-impacting faces which have different ball impacting characteristics and a shaft having at the lower end thereof a hosel terminated by a prism-shaped lower shaft end that has a polygonal transverse cross section. The head has protruding perpendicularly downwards from an upper surface thereof a centrally located bore having a polygonal cross section of the same shape but slightly larger than that of the prism-shaped end of the hosel, which is inserted into the bore at a selected angular orientation relative to the head to position a selected ball impacting face in a conventional ball-impacting disposition relative to the shaft grip, and releasably secured at that position by a screw inserted through the sole of the head and tightened into a threaded bore provided in the hosel end.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Inventor: Dale P. Fisher
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Patent number: 6695709Abstract: A putter training device helps a golfer improve upon the putting game. The device has a first base member and a second base member connected by a shaft which may have a hollow section for receiving a laser pointing device therein for pinpointing the desired target of a shot. A pocket system uses a sleeve that slides along a length of the shaft and rotates about the shaft and has a pocket pivotally attached to the sleeve for receiving the golf club therein. A retainer secures the golf club within the shaft. An improper putt by a user of the device, gives the user immediate physical feedback with respect to the error committed.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Inventor: Richard C. Ottensmeyer
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Patent number: 6695710Abstract: The training device is comprised of two vertically mounted separated rods, which are connected by two strings. The vertically erected rods have two component structures, namely a base rod subsection and a height adjustable rod subsection. Each rod comes with a rotatable hook that can be mounted in slits to hook to the two strings. The rods are equipped with a bubble level on their top to adjust for a perpendicular mounting position. The ball is placed on the ground immediately under the lower one of two strings which serve as a sightline by which the direction of the swing of the putter is defined and to which the striking face of the putter is perpendicularly maintained.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Graphite Design International IncorporationInventor: Megumi Yamada