Patents Issued in March 2, 2004
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Patent number: 6699121Abstract: An agricultural harvesting machine has a comminuting device which includes a chopper rotor having a rotor shaft, and a conveying element pivotably connected with the rotor shaft. The conveying element is formed by a first arm and a second arm which are interconnected by a cross web. In one embodiment the cross web has a recess between the first and second arms, and a cutting element is provided which passes either through the recess of the conveying element or outside of the first and second arms of conveying element as the conveying element rotates. In another embodiment the conveying element is provided with both leading and trailing cutting edges arranged in sets. Initially one set of cutting edges is utilized and the conveying element can latter be reversed in position to utilize the other set.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: CLAAS Selbstfahrende Erntemaschinen GmbHInventors: József Bognár, Bodo Kühn, Franz Heidjann
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Patent number: 6699122Abstract: A gaming machine has variable display devices for variably displaying a plurality of symbols necessary for a game, a controller for controlling variable action of the variable display devices, and a display device for displaying optional images. The images displayed by the display device are necessary for a secondary game different from a principal game executed by the variable display devices and are determined in relation to the symbols displayed when the variable action of variable display devices is stopped.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 1999Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Aruze CorporationInventor: Akira Osawa
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Patent number: 6699123Abstract: An entertainment system for a game in which novel three-dimensional line drawing images are displayed on a display screen is disclosed. By pressing a predetermined control button of a manual controller at predetermined timing, a character object line drawing image can clear a virtual road object line drawing image having obstacle object line drawing images which move from the further right side of the screen toward the front left side of the screen.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.Inventors: Masaya Matsuura, John Belmonte
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Patent number: 6699124Abstract: A system for providing incentives to promoters for recommending games to players of games is provided. The system comprises one or more game machines located at one or more game sites. Each of the game machines are adapted to receive input from a player of a game indicative of an identity of a promoter of a game. The system further comprises a database adapted to store information indicative of the identity of a promoter.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Midway Amusement Games LLCInventor: Edward J. Suchocki
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Patent number: 6699125Abstract: A game and messenger client-server system is provided including a plurality of game clients, a game server, a plurality of messenger clients, and a messenger server. The game server includes logic to operate a multiplayer game using inputs from and outputs to an active game set of game clients, wherein game clients other than those in the active game set can join an active game by supplying the game server with a reference to the active game. Additionally, logic is included for coupling a game client to a messenger client to allow the game client to send the messenger client data used to initiate joining a game, whereby a message sent by the messenger client includes the data used to initiate joining a game. Also, logic is included for initiating a join of a game at an invitee client, using data received in a message to the invitee.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Yahoo! Inc.Inventors: Chris Kirmse, Brian Gottlieb
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Patent number: 6699126Abstract: A game system includes an arcade game machine (1) executing a horse racing game in which a player's own horse runs, and a Web server (20) connected to a player terminal (30) through the Internet. The Web server (20) manages a horse racing game site for performing a training-type horse racing game in which a player using the player terminal can rear and train his or her own horse on the Internet. A player who has obtained a password including ability data and the like of a horse reared in this horse racing game can run the horse in the above horse racing by entering the password into the arcade game machine.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Konami CorporationInventor: Kazuhiro Kusuda
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Patent number: 6699127Abstract: A system and method for enabling real-time replay for videogames, wherein the player can selectively rewind the videogame to previously played points in the game in order to replay portions of the game during real-time. Inline keyframes are periodically recorded, together with the controller information, so that upon selecting the replay option, the game can be rewound to the nearest keyframe. Once rewound, the game is restored based on the keyframe and is then played back from the keyframe using the stored controller information. At any point during playback, the player can take-over the action and use the actual game controller to begin actual play of the game from that point in the playback sequence. The player can also change cameras and speed for the playback in real-time at any time during the playback.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2000Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Nintendo of America Inc.Inventors: Kenneth Lobb, Paul Mithra, Mike Berro
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Patent number: 6699128Abstract: A removable processor enclosure apparatus for use in a gaming machine having a housing defining an interior portion, and a first electrical connector disposed in the interior portion. The enclosure apparatus includes an enclosure containing the CPU electrical components therein, and is adapted for sliding receipt in the interior portion of the gaming machine housing between a mounting condition and a removal condition. In the mounting condition, the enclosure is mounted to the housing and electrically coupling a second electrical connector of the enclosure to the first electrical connector of the housing. In the removal condition, the enclosure can be removed from the housing.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2000Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: IGTInventors: John Leagh Beadell, James W. Stockdale
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Patent number: 6699129Abstract: A constant velocity joint vent for use in a constant velocity joint of automotive vehicles. The constant velocity joint vent includes a flapper valve generally having a circular shape. The constant velocity joint vent also includes a first and second assembly post extending from an inside surface of the flapper valve. A circumferential compression limiter is also located on an inside surface of the flapper valve. The flapper valve also includes a sealing bead located at the outer periphery thereof. The flapper valve is connected via the first and second assembly post to a cover that includes an orifice for venting of high pressure gas to the outer atmosphere while also repelling contaminants from entering the constant velocity joint.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: GKN Automotive, Inc.Inventor: Shen-Ling Allen Wang
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Patent number: 6699130Abstract: A self-propelled forage harvester has a relatively wide mowing implement attached to its forward end and including right and left hand rotary mowing and drawing in drums together with right and left hand rotary conveying drums. A drive transmission for driving these drums includes a pair of identical slip cluthes having respective first sections defined in principal part by a fluid tight cylindrical container having opposite end plates and through the respective centers of which a drive element extends, with the drive element of one clutch being coupled to the drive element of the other clutch by a central drive shaft assembly. The clutches include respective second sections which are in the form of a housing which has a ring-like hub at one end adapted for being coupled to an associated righ-angle transmission unit that is in turn coupled for driving the mowing and drawing in drums at that side.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Maschinenfabrik Kemper GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Richard Wübbels
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Patent number: 6699131Abstract: A torsional vibration damping apparatus which operates between the crankshaft of the engine and the input shaft of the transmission in a motor vehicle has two flywheels which are rotatable relative to each other against the opposition of one or more dampers installed in a fluid-containing chamber of the flywheel which is connected to the crankshaft. The chamber has one or two annular compartments for the coil springs of the damper or dampers, and such coil springs are precurved over their longitudinal extension. Each precurved spring has a center of curvature and includes neighboring convolutions each having a first portion nearer to and a second portion more distant from the center of curvature of the respective spring.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KGInventors: Johann Jäckel, Wolfgang Reik
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Patent number: 6699132Abstract: Apparatus for damping vibrations between the output element of the engine and the power train in a motor vehicle has flywheels which are rotatable relative to each other. One flywheel is mounted on the output element of the engine and the other flywheel is connectable to the power train by a friction clutch. Vibration dampers are installed between the flywheels, and such dampers are confined in a housing which is provided on the one flywheel and contains a supply of viscous fluid medium for the parts of the dampers. The housing is the input element of the dampers and the output member of the dampers is a flange which extends into the housing and is axially movably coupled to the other flywheel. The flywheels rotate with respect to one another and the dampers contain resilient elements which selectively oppose rotation of the flywheels during various stages of rotation. The resilient elements are also arranged not to oppose rotation of the flywheels during an initial stage.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KGInventors: Oswald Friedmann, Johann Jäckel
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Patent number: 6699133Abstract: An annular disk for flexible shaft couplings is described, whose two coupling halves each exhibiting a connection flange are connected to each other via a packet of such annular disks in a torsionally rigid manner, but in such a way as to enable their axial and angular movement. The annular disk has four attachment holes uniformly distributed on a shared hole circle, wherein the section is tapered between two adjacent attachment holes. The annular disk according to the invention satisfies the following size ratios: Dt/D1=10 to 12, D2/Dt=1.1 to 1.2, Dt/B1=9 to 16, and B2/Dt=0.88 to 0.93, wherein Dt is the diameter of the hole circle, D1 is the diameter of the respective attachment hole, D2 is the largest outside diameter of the annular disk, B1 is the width of the narrowest part of the annular disk section between two consecutive attachment holes, and B2 is the width of the annular disk outer contour.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2003Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: ATEC-Weiss GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Michael Kropp, Patrice Millet
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Patent number: 6699134Abstract: An anti-shudder constant velocity universal joint of the tripod type is provided having an outer joint member including three circumferentially distributed, axially extending longitudinal tracks formed therein, and an inner joint member having three circumferentially distributed radial journals arranged to engage the longitudinal tracks when the joint is assembled. The end of each journal is mated with and supports rotation of a roller bearing assembly, while rotating and pivoting within the roller bearing assembly upon articulation of the joint. This reduces the frictional forces on the roller bearings created by maintaining the roller bearings in a relatively proper/parallel orientation within the tracks by allowing the journal ends to freely rotate and pivot therein. A spherical-to-spherical contact surface is provided between the journal ends and an inner ring of the respective roller bearing assemblies to lower Hertzian stresses by distributing forces over a larger region of contact.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Robert Sams, Michael W. Hopson, Holm Schmitt, Robert F. Keller, Bradley W. Doner, Alexander Haertel
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Patent number: 6699135Abstract: A multidirectional amusement device is shown having a support structure extending above a support surface. A ride vehicle is secured to the support structure with support lines and is allowed to move freely beneath the support towers. A retraction tower receives a tow line connected to the ride vehicle to draw the ride vehicle to a desired height. A release mechanism attached between ends of the tow line engages a stop on the retraction tower and automatically releases the ride vehicle into a pendulum motion. The ride vehicle includes an attachment portion for receiving the support lines. The ride vehicle also includes a rider platform rotatably attached to the attachment portion. The ride vehicle further includes a coupling bar having a first end pivotally secured to the attachment portion of the ride vehicle and a second end extending outwardly from the ride vehicle for engaging the release mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Inventor: Stat Cochron
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Patent number: 6699136Abstract: Billiard cue with aiming effect, including a slender cue body and a tip adhered to a small diameter end of the cue body. At least one group of aiming marks are disposed on the circumference of the small diameter end of the cue body. When using the cue to shoot a cue ball, the group of aiming marks serve as aiming points aimed at the cue ball, whereby the cue ball can be rotated to different extents. Therefore, a player can more precisely shoot and control the cue ball.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Hamson Global Co., Ltd.Inventor: Melody Kuo
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Patent number: 6699137Abstract: A method of adapting a golf course for playing golf at night using a glow-in-the-dark golf ball includes selecting an elongated flexible light source and placing it around the perimeter of a golf course putting green, fairway, bunkers, and other hazards and anchoring the placed elongated flexible light source to the earth with anchoring stakes. The golf hole may have the rim illuminated and may have a night visible flag. The selected and placed elongated flexible light source is partially buried to provide a smooth surface thereover. The elongated flexible light source, such as a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDS), may be placed in a flexible transparent polymer tube or channel and may be an electro-illuminescent wire or incandescent bulbs or LED spaced within a polymer tube or an elongated fiberoptic lighted from one end.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Inventor: Matthew E. Szymanski
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Patent number: 6699138Abstract: A golf swing indication device includes a base plate, a rotary tilt switch unit, an indication device, and-a mounting device. The rotary tilt switch unit is pivotally attached to a top of the base plate. The tilt switch is mounted to the rotary base such that the center line of the tilt switch passes through the center line of the pivot point of the rotary tilt switch unit. Preferably, an on-off switch and a battery are mounted to the top of the base plate. The indication device is preferably mounted on a front of the base plate adjacent the blind bore. The golf swing indication device is set for distance by rotating the rotary tilt switch unit. As the golfer takes a swing, the indication device should not emit light or sound at any point during the swing.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Inventor: Teh-Cheng Lin
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Patent number: 6699139Abstract: The present invention provides: a golf collimator and a golf club therewith which make it easy for a player to ascertain a straight direction without a tense feeling when holding a golf club at the ready. A golf collimator 1, which is a device to be fixed on a head of a golf club so as to ascertain a straight direction, comprises a recess 12 and three points arranged around the recess 12, wherein a recess 12 is of such a concave shape as is open in a direction which will be front when holding a club at the ready and as narrows the width of the recess with the approach to the bottom of the recess, and wherein the three points 13 are arranged at the back and on the right and the left of the recess. A golf club is fitted on a head with the collimator structure.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2003Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Eben CorporationInventor: Jijoong Kim
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Patent number: 6699140Abstract: A golf putter head has a central indented concave face portion in which a face plate is either directly formed or installed after it is formed. The face plate has a honeycomb structure with three layers formed from a soft polymer material. The outer or top layer has a honeycomb corrugated construction with equally spaced cells and fits into the cavity of the central portion. The second layer which is similar in configuration to the top layer is immediately beneath the outer layer in abutment there against. The third layer which abuts against the surface of the concave face plate is in the form of a plurality of pins which extend through the cells of the other two layers. Toe and heel portions are removably attached to the opposite sides of the head face portion by means of aligning pins and threaded bolts.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Inventor: Donald J. C. Sun
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Patent number: 6699141Abstract: A golf putting and swing teaching aid assists in developing a golfer's “muscle memory”. An elongated mat having a putting surface has a pillow supported for movement along the length of the mat. A putter line is formed on the putting surface. A pair of elastic members support the pillow such that when the a putter strikes the pillow, a line on the pillow is aligned with the putter line on the mat to indicate whether the user has made a proper contact of his club and the pillow. He develops his muscle memory by repeatedly practicing and correcting striking the pillow. The pillow can be removed from the pad and replaced by a practice ball to determine his improvement. Another embodiment of the invention has a pillow that is impacted by a club other than a putter. The resistance of the pillow helps to develop the golfer's swing.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Inventor: Raymond J. Florian
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Patent number: 6699142Abstract: A golf putter head comprises a main head body, a striking surface and a rear part. A cavity is formed at a central part of the rear part, and two protrusions are formed at both ends of the rear face. A base of the cavity is designed into a thin shaped structure. A center of gravity of the putter head is shifted behind the striking surface and the weight of the putter head is shifted to both its ends.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2003Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Fine Earth Enterprise Ltd.Inventor: Wan Wu
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Patent number: 6699143Abstract: Golf balls are disclosed having novel dimple patterns determined by the science of phyllotaxis. A method of packing dimples using phyllotaxis is disclosed. Phyllotactic patterns are used to determine placement of dimples on a golf ball. Preferably, a computer modeling program is used to place the dimples on the golf balls. Either two-dimensional modeling or three-dimensional modeling programs are usable. Preferably, careful consideration is given to the placement of the dimples, including a minimum distance criteria so that no two dimples will intersect. This criterion ensures that the dimples will be packed as closely as possible.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Nicholas M. Nardacci, Kevin M. Harris
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Patent number: 6699144Abstract: In one embodiment, a powder chamber features an upper end attached to a divot axle housing. Both the chamber and housing are formed by two separate half units that are brought together into a single unit in an assembly process. A divot repair tool axle is captured between these two halves in this assembly process by entering corresponding female slots of the divot axle housing. The shaft of the divot repair tool rests in this slot when the tool is fully opened and closed. The axle of the divot repair tool allows the tool to swing upon an axis into open and closed positions. A decorative sleeve is slid over the assembled powder chamber and locked securely into place connected to a base of the divot axle housing as well as to the powder chamber. A powder release mechanism is attached to an open end of the powder chamber.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Golfing Innovations, LLCInventor: Aaron A. Kvitek
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Patent number: 6699145Abstract: A curling broom, comprises a broom head, a broom handle attached to the broom head, and a delivery accessory adapted for attachment to either the broom handle or the broom head in both a first position and a second position. The delivery accessory improves the balance of a person delivering a curling stone in the first position. The delivery accessory is stored in a nonobtrusive manner in the second position enabling the curling broom to be used for conventional sweeping in front of a delivered curling stone. The delivery accessory for comprises a support stand and a mount adapted for attaching the support stand to the curling broom. The accessory is also useable with tools such as shovels, rakes, and the like. A method for delivering a curling stone is also disclosed. The method comprises the steps of attaching a delivery accessory to a curling broom, and delivering the curling stone with one hand and holding onto the curling broom with a second hand as the curling stone is being delivered.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Inventor: Robert S. Scott
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Patent number: 6699146Abstract: An adjustable basketball goal system allowing for adjustment of the height of a basketball goal above a playing surface. The basketball goal system including a rigid support pole having a first end, a second opposing end, and an intermediate body portion disposed between the first and second ends. A first parallelogrammic structure configured to pivotally engage the first end of the rigid support. A basketball goal attached to the first parallelogrammic structure. The first deformable parallelogrammic structure may be deformed into a plurality of configurations resulting in an adjustment to the height of the basketball goal above the playing surface corresponding to each configuration. A second parallelogrammic structure, which may also be deformed into a plurality of configurations, includes a first end pivotally connected to the first parallelogrammic structure and a second opposing end configured to pivotally engage the rigid support pole.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.Inventors: David C. Winter, Edward G. van Nimwegen, Coplan E. Vaughan
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Patent number: 6699147Abstract: A vegetation mower incorporating a drive train using two mechanical transmissions to selectively drive the ground engaging wheels at different speeds. The drive train incorporates a single pulley belt to transfer power from the mower engine to the drive wheels.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2000Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: MTD Products IncInventors: Kenneth B. Speece, Mark Kluck, Hartmut Kaesgen
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Patent number: 6699148Abstract: A self-adjusting contact mechanism is provided for a belt drive system which mechanism includes a contact shoe having a low friction surface in contact with the belt and a mechanism for biasing the low friction surface of the contact shoe against the belt with a controlled force profile which may be constant or may vary within a selected range over the permitted movement for the shoe. The shoe is preferably mounted to a lever arm through a pivot joint to permit the shoe to remain substantially parallel to the belt and in contact with the belt over the entire low friction surface of the shoe regardless of lever arm position. Force on the lever arm is provided by a compression mechanism which may include a pair of counterbalancing springs, with the spring biasing the lever arm toward the belt being stronger than the counterbalancing spring and preferably with the force for at least one of the springs being adjustable.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2000Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Matthew G. Taylor, Richard V. Rigling
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Patent number: 6699149Abstract: An idler pulley is provided with a plurality of attachment locations, or holes, extending through a hub portion of the pulley to allow the pulley to be attached to a stationary object in a plurality of alternative configurations in order to provide a way for adjusting or selecting the tension of a belt used in conjunction with the idler pulley. Threaded fasteners pass through selected attachment locations of the hub portion of the idler pulley and are threaded into anchor locations on a stationary object, such as an internal combustion engine.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Brunswick CorporationInventors: Brian R. White, Vince E. Notareschi
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Patent number: 6699150Abstract: An apparatus is provided to expand the direct drive region of the torque converter in a five or six-speed automatic transmission apparatus for front wheel drive to greatly improve the power performance and fuel economy thereof. The apparatus has a first shaft 10, a second shaft 31, planetary gear trains 11 and 12 disposed on second shaft 31, counter gears pairs X, Y, three clutches, and two brakes. The pair of counter gears have different gear ratios and serve to couple the first shaft with each of the structural elements of the planetary gear trains. The clutches and brakes selectively couple two elements to control the power transmission path. The pair of counter gears X is connected to the first structural element of the planetary gear trains via the first clutch and the pair of counter gears Y is connected to either the first and second structural elements or the second and fourth structural elements of the planetary gear trains via the second or third clutch.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2003Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Exedy CorporationInventor: Masahiro Ohkubo
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Patent number: 6699151Abstract: A hydraulic coupling assembly is provided for an auxiliary drive axle of an all wheel drive motor vehicle. The hydraulic coupling assembly comprises a rotatable casing, first and second output shafts axially outwardly extending from said casing, at least one hydraulically operated, selectively engageable friction clutch assembly for operatively coupling the casing to at least one of the output shafts, and at least one hydraulic clutch actuator. The hydraulic actuator includes a hydraulic pump located within the casing and adapted to generate a hydraulic pressure to frictionally load the friction clutch assembly, and a variable pressure relief valve assembly fluidly communicating with the hydraulic pump to selectively control the hydraulic pressure generated by the pump. The variable pressure relief valve assembly includes an electro-magnetic actuator selectively for varying a release pressure of the pressure relief valve assembly based on a magnitude of an electric current applied thereto.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Torque-Traction Technologies, Inc.Inventors: John A. Grogg, Wayne L. Borgen, Martin Kaplan
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Patent number: 6699152Abstract: A reduction gear which facilitates the mounting of a motor while securing a hollow space in a portion of the rotation center of the reduction gear, and which makes it possible to easily change the reduction ratio. A hollow space is formed in a portion of the rotation center of a reduction gear, a motor mounting member (24) for maintaining a distance between the center of rotation and a rotating shaft of the motor to a fixed distance, and a front-stage reducing portion (32) for reducing the output rotation of the motor is provided between the center of rotation and the rotating shaft of the motor.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Teijin Seiki Co., Ltd.Inventor: Minoru Tanaka
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Patent number: 6699153Abstract: A braking clutch is provided for a transmission which includes a transmission housing and a plurality of planetary gear members. The braking clutch includes a floating caliper movably supported on the transmission housing. An apply hub is actuated by an electric motor. A rotor is operatively connected to one of the planetary gear members and has a portion extending between the floating caliper and the apply hub to enable selective braking of rotation of the rotor by frictionally engaging the portion of the rotor between the floating caliper and apply hub, thereby braking rotation of the planetary gear member.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventor: Jeffrey J. Biallas
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Patent number: 6699154Abstract: A differential gear assembly including a differential housing, a pair of side gears substantially axially aligned and spaced apart from each other supported by the differential housing and engaging an axle half-shaft, and a plurality of pinion gears substantially axially aligned and spaced apart from each other. The pinion gears engage the side gears and include an outwardly facing first side and an inwardly facing second side. A ring gear is mounted externally to the differential housing and includes features which engage the first sides of the pinion gears to support the pinion gears within the differential gear assembly while allowing rotational movement of the pinion gears.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Brian Christian Orr, Richard Michael Krzesicki, John Edward Rutt
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Patent number: 6699155Abstract: A vehicle transmission controller controls switching of the gear position of a transmission. The controller has a shift lever and an actuator. The shift lever is manipulated to select a gear position of the transmission. The actuator actuates the transmission to switch the gear position in accordance with a manipulation of the manipulator. The actuator switches the transmission to the gear position selected by the manipulator. The actuator switches the transmission to a predetermined gear position from the gear position selected by the manipulator when the vehicle satisfies predetermined conditions.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki SeisakushoInventor: Chikao Nagasaka
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Patent number: 6699156Abstract: Described is a method for the control of a transmission of a motor vehicle, especially an automatic transmission, with hydraulically activated shifting elements. The shifting elements are shifted to engage or disengage by means of specified pressure pattern (pkab, pkzu) which have been input into an electronic control unit. In the said method, an applied pressure (pkab) on a disengaged shifting element, by the release of a force flow generated by a holding pressure (pkab-h) is reduced to a shift pressure (pkab-sd) and a transmission input speed of rotation (nt) experiences a change dependent upon the applied pressure (pkab) on a disengaged shifting element.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Klaus Steinhauser, Christian Popp, Hansjörg Rosi
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Patent number: 6699157Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and systems for improving the operation of transmissions for automotive vehicles, and in particular, the “factory installed” automotive transmissions installed by an original automobile manufacturer. The methods and systems modify both the structural components and hydraulic circuitry of the original automotive transmissions to adjust applied pressure and shifting patterns to enhance the operation of the modified transmissions.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Inventor: Gilbert W. Younger
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Patent number: 6699158Abstract: A climbing-traversing wall, designed to be installed as one of a group, is constructed with two opposite-facing surfaces positioned about a vertical axis such that the climbing wall may be pivoted about its central axis thus allowing the group of climbing walls to be adjusted to a variety of maze-like configurations.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2000Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Brewer's Ledge, Inc.Inventors: Howard B Richardson, George Warren Brewer
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Patent number: 6699159Abstract: A folding treadmill having a rotating bed assembly with a frame pivotally interconnected at one end to a stationary support structure, the weight of the bed assembly being balanced during rotation between a closed, generally vertical, position and an open, generally horizontal position by a counterbalancing cam assembly is provided by the present invention. In the preferred embodiment the cam assembly includes a pair of cams interconnected to the frame of the bed assembly, and a torque tube subassembly to impose lifting force against the rotating bed assembly through cam followers disposed between the cams and the torque tube so as to balance the bed assembly against the force of gravity through the range of rotational movement of the bed assembly.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Inventor: J. Robert Rouse
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Patent number: 6699160Abstract: An inclination mechanism for a treadmill having a tread assembly and a front base assembly has a lever arm, a chassis, an actuating assembly, The lever arm has a cross member with a center and two coupling arms pivotally attached to the front of the tread frame. Each coupling arm is pivotally attached to a post of the base frame. The chassis is pivotally attached to a cross bar of the base frame. The actuating assembly has a drive rod and is mounted on the chassis. The drive rod is pivotally attached to the cross member of the lever arm, such that extending or retracting the drive rod causes the lever arm to raise or lower the coupling ends of the coupling arms to increase or decrease the inclination of the tread assembly.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2003Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Forhouse CorporationInventors: John C. Pan, Hung-Lung Uen, Shih-Huang Chu
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Patent number: 6699161Abstract: An adjustable pedal drive mechanism for bicycles and exercise machines includes a pedal arm attachment plate assembly on each side of the cycle or machine frame. Each plate assembly provides adjustment of the pivotally attached pedal arm, for altering its arcuate travel path and limits. Each pedal arm and plate includes a mechanism for infinitesimally adjusting the corresponding tension member (cable, chain, etc.) to predetermined positional limits, for altering the system's mechanical advantage. The mechanical ratios of each pedal arm are independently adjustable by handlebar controls. The tension member is reciprocated back and forth with corresponding strokes of the corresponding pedal arm, producing rotary force to the rear wheel with each pedal stroke. The rear wheel sprockets/pulleys drive one way mechanisms (ratchets, cam and roller, etc.) on the rear wheel hub. A stationary stand may be provided for a bicycle incorporating the mechanism, for use as an exercise machine.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2000Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Inventor: Danny E. Speas
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Patent number: 6699162Abstract: Exercise apparatus with a base plate, a pair of opposed flanges extending perpendicularly from the end and side of the base plate, each the flange having a an aperture that receives a pin that acts as a shaft, an inverted U shaped frame, the ends of the U shaped frame being connected to the shaft pins so that the U shaped frame can rotate about the shaft pins, a plurality of radially spaced apertures in each the flange, a single aperture in each said inverted U shaped frame that aligns with said radially spaced apertures, a pair of connecting pins to retain said inverted U shaped frame to said flanges in a fixed position with respect to said base plate, a foot retaining assembly slidibly mounted in a horizontal manner with respect to the base of said inverted U shaped frame, said foot retaining assembly comprised of a plurality of foot retaining bars attached at each end to a side plate, a pair of retaining pins that can fix said foot retaining assembly higher or lower along said inverted U shaped frame.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Inventor: Philip Chen
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Patent number: 6699163Abstract: A stretching apparatus for use on a golf course provides a wall with a top ridge, a reclined plane and a curb platform, each capable of supporting all or part of a human body. The top ridge may have at its opposite ends, multiple horizontal levels of differing heights. The wall has an obverse surface against which the reclined plane is disposed, and a reverse surface against which the curb platform is disposed. The stretching center may have stilts that elevate the reclined plane above the ground. The preferred embodiment of the stretching center includes a balancing handhold at a centered portion of the wall midway between it opposite ends, extending higher than the multiple levels of the top ridge, for providing balancing support to persons performing stretching exercises on the wall or the curb platform.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Inventor: James Gallagher
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Patent number: 6699164Abstract: The invention relates to a method for providing a roll (1) for a paper machine with sliding bearings, the roll comprising a stationary roll axle (3) and a tubular roll mantle (2) arranged to revolve around it. In the method, the roll mantle (2) is supported on the roll axle (3) by means of hydraulic sliding bearing members (4a, 4b, 5a, 5b; 25, 28; 40a, 40b) which are arranged to accomplish radial fitting with bearings of the roll mantle in the loading direction and in the lateral direction with respect to it, and the axial fitting with bearings of the roll mantle. The sliding bearing members are loaded by means of a hydraulic medium, the feed of which to the sliding bearing members is controlled by means of control valves (6; 30; 40).Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Metso Paper, Inc.Inventors: Juha Lahtinen, Ari Lehto, Jori Onnela, Esa Lensu, Pekka Kivioja, Aki Mikkola
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Patent number: 6699165Abstract: An apparatus for removing folding box blanks from a folding box magazine and transferring them to between drivers of a conveyor system has a suction rotor with suction cups. The suction rotor is coupled to a four-bar mechanism, which erects the folding box blank along a stationary erecting shunt. By the engagement of the suction cups with a trailing side wall of the folding box blank, which wall stands vertically with reference to the feeding direction, and because of the disposition of the erecting shunt, a high output can be attained with the conveyor system driven incrementally, and folding box blanks can be processed whose front lower edge, in terms of the feeding direction, is located frontmost in the folding box magazine.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Eberhard Krieger, Klaus Stoeckel, Joseph Weis
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Patent number: 6699166Abstract: A device is provided for folding a material web traveling in a machine direction. The device has a folding portion having a leading edge, a breaking wing attached to the folding portion, the breaking wing having a breaking edge, and a roller rotatably attached to the breaking wing and having a surface and a rotational axis. The rotational axis is along a transverse direction, the transverse direction being substantially perpendicular to the machine direction. The roller is for supporting a roller portion of the material web as the material web is fed to the folding portion, and the breaking wing is for supporting a wing portion of the material web as the material web is fed to the folding portion. The surface of the roller is positioned in the transverse direction at a first angle relative to the rotational axis, the breaking edge of the breaking wing is positioned in the transverse direction at a second angle relative to the rotational axis, and the first angle is different from the second angle.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Paragon Trade Brands, Inc.Inventors: John Walter, Troy Delzer
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Patent number: 6699167Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine having a novel former around which a sheet material is folded to form an improved cushioning product. The former has longitudinally spaced side surfaces inclined from bottom to top toward a downstream end of the machine. The side surfaces cause the obstruction of the sheet stock material upstream of the side surfaces so that the sheet material crumples in the spaces upstream of the side surfaces, thereby increasing the cushioning properties of pillow portions of the cushioning product. The former also has a centrally located base plate which minimizes crumpling in a central portion of the sheet material so that the folded over portions and the central portion can be connected to maintain more effectively the shape of the pillow portions in the resulting cushioning product. In addition, the former has a guard plate mounted above longitudinally spaced bottom edges extending laterally outwardly from the base plate and upstream from a vertical central plane.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2002Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Ranpak Corp.Inventor: Thomas E. Manley
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Patent number: 6699168Abstract: A bucket is capable of holding a sample container in a rotary centrifuge. The bucket has a receptacle to receive the sample container and a trunnion joined to the bucket. The trunnion has a plurality of cutouts that each define a flexible span that is sufficiently thin to flex under application of a centrifugal force generated by the rotary centrifuge, and pivot pins to that allows the bucket to pivot under the application of the centrifugal force. The receptacle has an open end having an internal surface with a tapering groove and a self-seating cap having pegs sized to fit in the tapering groove.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2001Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.Inventors: David Hayward, Hanzel Lawas
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Patent number: 6699169Abstract: A centrifugal extractor has a rotor supported rotatably in a housing 10, and an aqueous phase liquid and an organic phase liquid are supplied to the outer circumference of the rotor and mixed between the housing and the rotor. A mixed phrase liquid is sucked into the rotor and is separated into two phases in a centrifugal force field generated in the inside of the rotor, and the separated aqueous phase liquid and organic phase liquid are discharged to an aqueous phase collector 50 and an organic phase collector 44, respectively. A cavity portion is provided in the center of the rotor, and a neutron absorption body 60 is disposed in the cavity portion. Preferably, the rotor has a lower rotating and supporting mechanism (such as a sliding bearing 66), and a neutron absorption material is sealed into the lower rotating and supporting mechanism. By such a centrifugal extractor, criticality safety and durability can be enhanced, even when the extractor is designed to be larger-size and larger-capacity.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2003Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Japan Nuclear Cycle Development InstituteInventors: Hideki Ogino, Tadahiro Washiya
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Patent number: 6699170Abstract: Disclosed is a balloon catheter having an inflatable balloon having a radiation carrier such as a radiation delivery layer thereon. In one embodiment, the radiation delivery layer comprises one or more layers of metal foil, such as gold. The foil is irradiated, and the balloon is thereafter positioned at a treatment site in a vessel and expanded to bring the metal foil layer into close proximity with the vessel wall. In another embodiment, the radiation carrier is in the form of a dopant in the balloon material. Methods of using the balloon include radiation dosing a site following a balloon dilatation or other procedure, and simultaneously performing balloon angioplasty and radiation dosing.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2000Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Endologix, Inc.Inventors: Michael Crocker, George F. Kick, Mark A. Siminuk