Patents Issued in March 9, 2004
  • Patent number: 6702684
    Abstract: A fastening system is provided that includes a fastener having a pin member with a lock groove and crest geometry that is optimized to receive swaged material from collars of materials of different strengths for securing workpieces for different load applications. The lock grooves have the longest width required for collars of lower strength for one application or greater strength for a second application and the crests have the longest width required for collars of greater strength for the second application whereby satisfactory clamp and tensile loads and resistance to failure will result when the lock grooves are filled with collar materials of different strengths. The lock groove and crest geometry is of a uniform construction for the plurality of applications with pin members of a common diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Huck International, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas E. Harbin, Hai-Tao Wang, Michael U. March
  • Patent number: 6702685
    Abstract: An infant swing that may be used to pacify and/or entertain an infant is disclosed. In one embodiment, the swing includes a collapsible seat frame and a collapsible base frame. In another embodiment, the swing includes curved hanger arms that support a seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Curt J. Mahlstedt, Robert J Sonner
  • Patent number: 6702686
    Abstract: A play swing is selectively configurable for mounting to swing in different modes of operation, such as swiveling or circling movement and for back-and-forth movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Cedarworks, Inc.
    Inventor: Barrett W. Brown
  • Patent number: 6702687
    Abstract: A programmable logic controller for a water system is described. The controller is configured to operate the water system to produce water effects when the controller receives a participant signal. The controller is further configured to produce water effects in the absence of a participant signal to attract participants to the water system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: NBGS International, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffery W. Henry
  • Patent number: 6702688
    Abstract: A golf putter training system for developing a controlled putter head velocity and acceleration during a putting swing. The golf putter training system includes a body having a rear portion and a front portion, a main aperture within the body for receiving a conventional golf ball in a rotatable manner, a rear opening within the rear portion of the body connected to the main aperture, a plurality of brace members extending below the lower edge of the putter head, and a plurality of lower members and upper members extending from the rear portion for receiving a plurality of connector members. The connector members are attachable about the putter head thereby securing the body thereto. A plurality of apertures may be positioned within the rear portion of the body for receiving an elongate attachment member that is attachable to the shaft of the putter club. Alternative, a first bracket and a second bracket maybe attached to the body for receiving the connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Inventor: Brad R. Hale
  • Patent number: 6702689
    Abstract: An improved golf club-head having a hollowed strike-barrel (10) centrally located and positioned parallel on the golfer's intended target line for more precise alignment and efficient on-target stroke. The mass of strike-barrel walls (16) in a graduating manner providing additional force behind the usual-mis-hit-area, therefore compensating for the misdirection and the loss of velocity on off-center strikes. The strike-barrel pocket (12), and any additional pockets in the rear of arms (40), hosel (44), and the heel and toe (42), providing a significant air drag when the club-head is swung back from the ball, thereby slowing the golfer's backswing. The strike-barrel (10) having bead-mark sights (49) and (28) on its parallel axis along the target line for improved alignment and stroke. An elongated hosel-base (32) provides assistance to the golfer in keeping the clubhead on track longer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Inventor: David Perry Ashton
  • Patent number: 6702690
    Abstract: A golf putting trainer device for practicing one's putting stroke. The golf putting trainer device includes a mat assembly including an elongate mat having a top surface; and also includes a putter miss-stroke determination assembly including housing members being disposed upon the top surface of the elongate mat, and also including light beam-emitting members being disposed in the housing members, and further including light sensor members being disposed upon the top surface of the elongate mat; and also includes a putter miss-stroke signal assembly including a sound-producing member being disposed in the elongate mat and being connected to the light sensor members and being connected to a power cord for the energizing thereof, and also including a light-emitting member being disposed in the elongate mat and being connected to the light sensor members and to the power cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Inventor: Darrell T. Albright
  • Patent number: 6702691
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a static pose fixture (10) used for measuring a subject (42) that is the object of a motion capture system. The static pose fixture (10) provides a means for holding the subject (52) in a static position by using various struts in order to automate the sizing of a computer generated model or to position and orient markers with respect to the model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Adam S. Gile, Patrick M. Cherveny, Matthew J. Erickson
  • Patent number: 6702692
    Abstract: A computer software controlled method of fitting a golf shaft to a golfer having steps of electronically determining the selection of a shaft by electronically testing, recording and storing a golfers reliable club head swing speeds values and face angle/degrees at impact. Testing to determine flex choice based on face angle/degrees at impact is completed first and then testing to determine stiffness based on head speed is completed second.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Inventor: Earl F. Smith
  • Patent number: 6702693
    Abstract: Improved perimeter weighted golf clubs are disclosed. The perimeter weighted golf clubs of the present invention are provided with improved structures for distributing the weight at the perimeter of the club head. In one embodiment, the club is an iron-type golf club having a club head that includes a weighted perimeter portion and at least two spaced apart ribs on the back surface of the club head that extend from an upper portion of the club head toward at least a part of the weighted perimeter portion of the club head and the ribs are oriented generally perpendicular to the upper edge portion of the club head. In one version of this embodiment, the ribs have at least one thinned region therebetween that is in the form of a channel on the back surface of the club head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Pelican Golf, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Vincent Bamber
  • Patent number: 6702694
    Abstract: A multi-piece solid golf ball comprising a core, an intermediate layer enclosing the core, and an outer layer enclosing the intermediate layer is characterized in that the intermediate layer is made of a thermoplastic resin composition, the intermediate layer on its surface has a Shore D hardness of at least 57, the intermediate layer has a specific gravity of 1.00-1.30 g/cm3, the outer layer has a specific gravity of at least 1.00 g/cm3, the core has a specific gravity of 1.05-1.20 g/cm3, the intermediate layer and the outer layer have a total gauge of up to 3.3 mm, [(core surface JIS-C hardness)−(core center JIS-C hardness)]≧16, [(intermediate layer surface JIS-C hardness)−(core surface JIS-C hardness)]≧0, and-18≧[(outer layer surface Shore D hardness)−(intermediate layer surface Shore D hardness)]<0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideo Watanabe
  • Patent number: 6702695
    Abstract: A multi-piece solid golf ball comprising a solid core and an enclosing cover of inner and outer layers is characterized in that the solid core has a deflection of at least 1.1 mm under an applied load of 30 kg, the cover inner layer has a Shore D hardness of 45-61, the cover outer layer has a Shore D hardness of 35-55, and the sum of dimple trajectory volumes each obtained by multiplying a dimple volume by the square root of a dimple diameter is 530-750.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Higuchi, Hirotaka Shimosaka, Yasushi Ichikawa
  • Patent number: 6702696
    Abstract: A golf ball having a plurality of dimples on its surface, the dimples as a whole are distributed on at least a portion of the golf ball using principles of electromagnetic theory. The dimples placed on the golf ball surface are assigned charge values that are used to determine the electric potential. A solution method is then applied to minimize the potential by rearrangement of the dimple positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventor: Nicholas M. Nardacci
  • Patent number: 6702697
    Abstract: A hockey stick having a longitudinal shaft provided with a longitudinal cavity and a method of construction of such a hockey stick are described herein. The shaft includes a hollow wooden core and a reinforcement layer. The hollow wooden core is advantageously made of two half-cores having a channel provided therein that are assembled face-to-face to yield the hollow wooden core. The reinforcement layer may advantageously include thin reinforcement strips of high modulus fibres and a layer of fibreglass fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: 2946-6380 Quebec Inc.
    Inventors: Remi Lussier, Marcel Jean, Daniel Gatien
  • Patent number: 6702698
    Abstract: A bat has an elongate tubular striking member of a first material, and an elongate handle member of a second material. The handle may be of composite material laid up in selected layers and orientation to produce selected weight distribution, strength, and stiffness and improved batting capabilities. The striking member and handle member may have juncture sections which are substantially rigidly interconnected through mating configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Wilson Sporting Goods Co.
    Inventors: Michael D. Eggiman, Douglas G. Guenther, Mark A. Fritzke
  • Patent number: 6702699
    Abstract: An inflatable sport ball, such as a basketball, a football, a soccer ball, a volley ball or a playground ball, is provided with a self-contained inflation mechanism for inflating or more likely adding pressure to the ball. The mechanism is a pump which is inside of the ball and which is operable from outside of the ball to pump ambient air into the ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Russell Asset Management Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel P. Touhey, Brian P. Feeney, Joseph E. Stahl, Neil T. Amundsen, Louis F. Polk, III, Joseph J. Schachtner, Kenneth V. Schomburg, George D. Stickler, Richard F. Terrazzano, Eric K. Litscher, Andrew C. Harvey, Malcolm E. Taylor, Peter M. deBakker, Robert C. Sykes, Charles Keane
  • Patent number: 6702700
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Exedy Corporation
    Inventor: Masahiro Ohkubo
  • Patent number: 6702701
    Abstract: This invention provides the use of a pump to regulate torque in a planetary gear system. The pump is provided with a bore and a valve, which operates to control the flow of fluid within the bore. When the valve is positioned within the bore to block the flow of fluid between the inlet and outlet of the pump, pressure is generated within the pump. The pump pressure is sufficient to generate torque in the planetary gear system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Perry Edward Phelan, Joseph Palazzolo, Todd Alan Kendall
  • Patent number: 6702702
    Abstract: An automatic gearbox includes a control device for selecting a gearbox driving position, which device includes at least one spool valve via which at least one pressure connection may be connected to at least one consumer, and having at least one shift valve via which at least one pressure connection from at least one pressure supply of the control device may be shifted to the spool valve in order to actuate the spool valve. The control device includes a retaining device via which, if the shift valve should fail, the spool valve may be fixed in at least one control position and the selected gearbox driving position may be retained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventor: Tobias Gödecke
  • Patent number: 6702703
    Abstract: An inter-axle differential assembly having a lubrication pump is provided. The pump is disposed between the input and output shafts of the differential within a bore defined by a side gear coupled to or integral with the output shaft. The pump includes a housing that defines first and second ports and includes an arcuate groove in a radially outer surface. A pin extends radially inwardly from the side gear and is received within the groove. The groove and pin cooperate to enable rotation of the entire pump relative to the side gear and to thereby exchange the positions of the two ports. In this manner, the assembly provides a reversible pump that provides lubricant only during relative rotation between the input and output shafts of the differential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: Edward H. Gervais, III, Dale Lee Kwasniewski, James Foltan Ziech, Lawrence Paul Wagle
  • Patent number: 6702704
    Abstract: An eccentric planetary traction drive transmission in which a planetary roller is positioned between and in contact with an outer ring member and a sun roller member. Rotation of either the outer ring member or the sun roller member wedges the planetary roller within a convergent gap which squeezes the planetary roller between the outer ring member and the sun roll member. Friction between the planetary roller, the sun roller member, and the outer ring member transmits rotational motion and torque between the outer ring member and the sun roller member. An internal carrier with a plurality of bearings supports the sun roller member within the outer ring member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: The Timken Company
    Inventor: Xiaolan Ai
  • Patent number: 6702705
    Abstract: Catalytic antibodies are disclosed. The catalytic antibodies are specific for prodrug compounds. The catalytic antibodies enhance cleavage of an active drug moiety from a prodrug residue, thereby activating the drug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: IGEN International, Inc.
    Inventors: Reid von Borstel, Jan M. Casadei, Balreddy Kamireddy, John Kenten, Mark T. Martin, Richard J. Massey, Andrew D. Napper, David M. Simpson, Rodger Smith, Richard C. Titmas, Richard O. Williams
  • Patent number: 6702706
    Abstract: A power transmission apparatus for use with a four-wheel drive vehicle, which distributes a driving force output from a transmission coupled to a transverse layout engine to the front and rear wheels, through a transfer disposed on the rear side of the engine. The transfer includes a pair of direction-changing gears for changing a transmission direction of a driving force, first and second gears for displacing in parallel the center axis of a pinion shaft whose direction is changed by the direction-changing gears, and an output shaft, rotatably inserted through the second gear, for transmitting a driving force to the rear wheels. In the transfer, an electromagnetic clutch for coupling the second gear to the output shaft in a decoupling manner is disposed at a position closer to the engine than the second gear and on the center axis of the second gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toshio Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 6702707
    Abstract: A differential gear assembly including a differential housing and a ring gear mounted externally to the differential housing by a clamp. The differential housing and the ring gear each include an annular flange extending therefrom and the clamp includes a pocket which is adapted to receive the annular flanges therein. In another aspect, the flanges include opposing angled surfaces and the pocket includes opposing angled sides, whereby when the clamp is placed to the flanges, the angled surfaces of the flanges engage the angled sides of the clamp such that the clamp provides an axial clamping force to the flanges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Michael Krzesicki, Gregory James Stout, Brian Christian Orr
  • Patent number: 6702708
    Abstract: A driveline assembly includes first and second axle half-shafts having first and second side gears mounted thereon, an axle housing, a differential case rotatably mounted within the axle housing, a least two spider gears rotatably mounted within the differential case, and a clutch assembly coupled to the differential housing and one of the axle half-shafts and including an outer race having a cylindrical inner surface and an inner race having a cammed outer surface coaxial with the cylindrical inner surface and defining a gap therebetween and a roller clutch disposed within the gap; a biasing element to bias the roller clutch to a disengaged position; and an actuator to selectively overcome the biasing element to engage the roller clutch and lock the outer race and inner race and prevent relative rotation between the outer race and inner race.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Shiro Goto, Russell E. Monahan
  • Patent number: 6702709
    Abstract: A hybrid transmission includes a multi-speed planetary gearbox, an automated shift system, and an electric motor/generator. The electric motor is operably controlled to drive the gearbox to establish an electric drive mode. The electric mode is further operable to provide a speed synchronization function during sequential gear shifting. The transmission includes plurality of power-operated clutches arranged to selectively engage components of the planetary geartbox to establish the distinct gear ratios. A central system functions to control automated operation of the power-operated clutches as well coordinated actuation of the engine and the electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: New Venture Gear, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas C. Bowen
  • Patent number: 6702710
    Abstract: The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least seven forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members include three planetary gear sets having six torque-transmitting mechanisms and two fixed interconnections. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to at least one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with another one of the planetary gear members. The six torque-transmitting mechanisms provide interconnections between various gear members, the fixed interconnections, the input shaft, the output shaft, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of two to establish at least seven forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick Benedict Usoro, Madhusudan Raghavan, Chunhao J. Lee
  • Patent number: 6702711
    Abstract: A carrier assembly for an automatic transmission comprises a cup and a plate connected to the cup. The cup has a first outside diameter, and the plate has a second outside diameter greater than the first outside diameter. The plate also has a channel extending inwardly from a circumference of the plate. A thrust washer having a tab is keyed into the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Alexander Zelikov, Richard G Whalen, Mark G Halvorsen
  • Patent number: 6702712
    Abstract: A method for controlling a continuously variable transmission that includes a multi-stage torque sensor. At least one switchover point from one stage to another stage is determined based upon a given input load and is correlated with transmission operating parameters, such as transmission ratio, hydraulic pressure within a chamber in the torque sensor, and transmission output torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Michael Reuschel, Anton Fritzer
  • Patent number: 6702713
    Abstract: Simulated or “mock” continuously variable transmission shift strategies are used in an electromechanically actuated automotive transmission having reduced ratios steps in its upper ratio ranges. In one described embodiment, a 12-speed truck transmission consists of a five-speed main section and an auxiliary section that includes splitter and range sub-sections to provide the 12 ratios. Separate shift strategies are directed to fuel economy and power optimization modes; driver throttle demand determines the mode. Both strategies are targeted to the upper gear ratios, which represent the ratios subject to approximately ninety percent (90%) of vehicular operation. In the described embodiment, the applicable affected ratios are gears 7-12. In the described embodiments, the shift strategies are carried out by embedded software subject to the command of an electronic power train control module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen A. Edelen, Timothy J. Morscheck
  • Patent number: 6702714
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a vehicle automatic transmission having a hydraulically operated frictional coupling device operable to effect a shifting action of the automatic transmission, and an accumulator connected to the frictional coupling device, the apparatus including an accumulator-back-pressure learning compensation device operable to effect learning compensation of a back pressure of the accumulator such that an actual value of a rate of change of a rotating speed of a selected rotary element of the automatic transmission, which rotating speed changes as a result of the shifting action, approaches a predetermined target value, and an accumulator-back-pressure control device operable to control the back pressure, on the basis of an output of the accumulator-back-pressure leaning compensation device, whereby a shifting shock of the transmission can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshimitsu Sato, Kazuyuki Watanabe, Shinji Kato, Naoyuki Sakamoto, Atsushi Ayabe, Hiromichi Kimura
  • Patent number: 6702715
    Abstract: A power transmission comprises an engine E with a plurality of cylinders, a belt-type continuously variable transmission CVT, which changes the rotational speed being transmitted from the engine, a control valve CV, which variably sets the line pressure used for controlling the speed change ratio of the transmission, and an electrical control unit ECU, which calculates the torque of the output shaft of the engine when the engine is decelerating in a partial cylinder operation mode. While a vehicle equipped with this power transmission is decelerating with the engine being in a partial cylinder operation mode, the control valve CV sets the line pressure in correspondence to the torque of the engine output shaft calculated by the electrical control unit ECU.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takahiro Eguchi, Masaaki Yamaguchi, Teruo Wakashiro
  • Patent number: 6702716
    Abstract: A power transmission comprises a continuously variable transmission CVT, which transmits a rotational driving force from an engine E, a starting clutch 5, which variably sets the transmission capacity for the continuously variable transmission CVT, and a control valve CV, which controls the engagement operation of the starting clutch 5. While the engine E is in a partial cylinder operation mode, the control valve CV controls the engagement operation of the starting clutch 5 to attain a predetermined transmission capacity at a rotational speed of the engine that is higher than for a case of the engine in an all cylinder operation mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masaaki Yamaguchi, Takahiro Eguchi
  • Patent number: 6702717
    Abstract: A vehicle-behavior control apparatus for a vehicle with a center differential comprising of a control unit adopted to be connected to a braking system and vehicle status sensors. This control unit directs the braking system to distribute suitable braking force to each wheels in response to a spin or driftout moment determined by any outputs of the vehicle sensors and a state of the center differential determined by a differential state sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Zensaku Murakami
  • Patent number: 6702718
    Abstract: An engine control apparatus includes a brake depression degree detecting device for detecting a degree of depression of a brake pedal in a vehicle. A brake depression degree judging device operates for judging whether or not the detected degree of depression of the brake pedal is smaller than a prescribed value. A deceleration detecting device operates for detecting a deceleration of the vehicle. An automatic engine stop and restart controlling device operates for automatically stopping an engine powering the vehicle when the deceleration detecting device detects a deceleration of the vehicle and the brake depression degree judging device judges that the detected degree of depression of the brake pedal is not smaller than the prescribed value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Keisuke Tani, Akira Kato, Masaru Kamiya, Takahiro Souki
  • Patent number: 6702719
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, an exercise machine receives exercise-related data for a particular user via a communication interface with an independent computing device specified by the particular user, such as a portable computer system, personal storage device, or network system. The exercise machine specifies control of the exercise machine according to the exercise-related data for the particular user, such that a particular level of control of the exercise machine is specified according to exercise-related data for the particular user from the independent computing device. In addition, the exercise machine transmits indicators of usage of the exercise machine to a server system that may be utilized by a manufacturer to track the usage of a particular exercise machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Wayne Brown, Kelvin Roderick Lawrence, Michael A. Paolini
  • Patent number: 6702720
    Abstract: Systems and methods for promoting ischemic preconditioning in individuals are provided. Ischemic preconditioning is provided by exercise treatments. The exercise treatments consist of breathing exercise regimens with breathing sequences of oxygenating and non-oxygenating phases co-ordinated with stress-relaxation cycles. The breathing sequences are designed to induce periods of ischemia. The individualized exercise treatments can induce optimal number of periods of ischemia separated by suitable intervals to provide effective ischemic preconditioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Lifewaves International, Inc.
    Inventor: Irving I. Dardik
  • Patent number: 6702721
    Abstract: An exerciser adapted for use with a pedaled device includes a frame having a post support ends for supporting the pedaled device and a frame mounting flange. A resistance device is selectively securable to the frame mounting flange in a first position relative to the opposed support ends. An adapter is selectively securable to the frame mounting flange and has an adapter mounting flange such that when the adapter is secured to the secured mounting flange, the resistance device is securable to the adapter mounting flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Kurt Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Duane G. Schroeder
  • Patent number: 6702722
    Abstract: A vertically oriented exercise device for working out arms, legs or both arms and legs simultaneously is provided which includes a stationary base having a first adjustable vertical standard attached thereto. A rotatable pedal operated variable tension load wheel is provided near the bottom of the standard, and an adjustable seat is conveniently attached at a central location thereby allowing the user to comfortably sit while also reaching the pedals and hand grips. A second adjustable standard is provided which supports either a stationary handle or a pair of vertically oriented movable handles which are pivotally attached at the top of the second standard. The bottoms of the movable handles are attached through a set of linkages to the pedals on the load wheel. The linkages allow force applied by the user to the handles to directly turn the load wheel. Thus, the legs independently, the arms independently, or both the arms and legs together may be used to operate the load wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Inventor: Joe Arroyo, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6702723
    Abstract: A weight plate having rotatable handles is disclosed. By rotating, the handles provide a sure grip to the user, while allowing the user to perform various exercises without adjusting his or her grip on the device. The handles also facilitate the safe loading and unloading of the device on plate-loaded exercise equipment. The weight plate may thus be used as a stand-alone exercise device, as a weight plate loaded onto a barbell or dumbbell bar, or as a weight plate used on plate-loaded exercise equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Hampton Fitness Products, Ltd.
    Inventor: Craig D. Landfair
  • Patent number: 6702724
    Abstract: An exercise machine for exercising the hamstrings includes at least one weight; a weight support surface below the weight; an upright weight guide shaft laterally spaced apart from the weight; a weight displacement pedal slidably mounted to the pedal guide shaft; a machine frame; a generally horizontal pulley axle secured to the machine frame at a position higher than the weight and higher than the weight displacement pedal and laterally between the weight and the pedal guide shaft; a pulley mounted on the pulley axle so that the pulley is rotatable relative to the machine frame; a cable extending over and riding on the pulley and having a cable distal end secured to the weight and having a cable proximal end secured to the weight displacement pedal, the cable being of a length so that when the weight rests on the weight support surface the weight displacement pedal is elevated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Inventors: Vincent Anthony Taylor, Michael M. Anthony
  • Patent number: 6702725
    Abstract: The upper extremity exercise apparatus is a device intended to be used by humans to exercise their upper extremity. The apparatus exercises the upper limb in multiple planes in gravity assisted, gravity eliminated, and against gravity positions. It can be used in a standing, sitting, or lying position. The exercise apparatus consists of a long tubular structure generally made from plastic. A short movable sleeve, generally made from plastic, surrounds the long tubular structure. The movable sleeve has a slightly bigger inner diameter than the tubular structure's outer diameter. The difference in size allows the movable sleeve to migrate freely along the length of the apparatus. To operate the apparatus, the user positions his or her hand onto the movable sleeve. One hand stabilizes the apparatus while the other hand smoothly moves the sleeve in multiple planes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Inventors: Henry Bernard Hoffman, John Fletcher Farrell
  • Patent number: 6702726
    Abstract: A compliant body-pressing exerciser is adapted to be detachably coupled to a seat frame, and includes a bowl-shaped lower member and a dome-shaped upper member formed respectively with upper and lower surrounding edge portions that engage each other and adapted to contact the ground and compliantly press against a user's body. A height of the upper member is larger than that of the lower member. A shortest one of radial distances measured from a central point to the lower surrounding edge portion is not less than the height of the upper member so as to lower the gravity center of the exerciser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Asia Regent Limited
    Inventor: William Lin
  • Patent number: 6702727
    Abstract: A paint roller apparatus for use with a tubular paint applicator including a shaft, a tube-receiving frame, a handle, and a connector. The shaft defines a first end and a second end. The tube-receiving frame is rotatably attached to the second end of the shaft. The handle includes a leading section that defines a plurality of shaft-receiving passages and a bore. The passages are sized to slidably receive the first end of the shaft. The bore extends in a generally perpendicular fashion relative to an axis of each of the passages, intersecting each of the passages. The connector includes a shank sized for placement within the bore. Upon insertion of the first end of the shaft into one of the passages, the shaft is selectively locked relative to the handle via advancement of the shank within the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Inventor: Samuel Karsten
  • Patent number: 6702728
    Abstract: A moveable tape head mechanism for a box erecting machine having a fixed guide rail and an adjustable guide rail includes a cradle which carries a tape head, the cradle being horizontally slidable between operational and loading positions to expedite replacement of a tape roll contained thereon. In the operational position, the tape head mechanism is detachably held by a pin in operational alignment with a box flap closure apparatus. The tape head mechanism is moved from the operational positional to the loading position by installing a cover plate over the tape head to compress the rollers into the tape head, disengaging the pin from its corresponding receptacle formed on the flap closure apparatus, and sliding the tape head mechanism under a frame member and outside the perimeter of the box erecting machine. When the tape head is in the loading position, the tape roll is located outside the perimeter of the box erecting machine to facilitate replacement thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Combi Packaging Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Pete Ballos, III
  • Patent number: 6702729
    Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved method and apparatus for cleaning industrial lubricants used in industrial processes. The method comprises providing a centrifugal separator apparatus connected as a bypass or in-line filter in the lubricating or washing fluid tank. The apparatus includes a centrifugal separator having a casing and a rotor rotatably mounted in the casing. A centrifugal pump is provided between the tank and the inlet of the separator. A source of compressed air is provided connected to the casing of the separator. Some of the fluid from the tank is pumped by the centrifugal pump into the separator to cause the rotor to rotate at a speed sufficient to provide a rotational force of the fluid impinging on the casing of between about 1000 g and about 2000 g to thereby clean the fluid. The cleaned fluid is returned to the tank. The volume of air in the casing is maintained by introduction of air into the casing by the source of compressed air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Inventor: Michael Mazzuca
  • Patent number: 6702730
    Abstract: A magnetic bed device designed to be placed adjacent to a mattress having a surface configured to support a resting person is provided. The magnetic bed device includes a plurality of magnets that produce a negative magnetic field in a region adjacent the surface, and a positive magnetic field in a region remote from the surface. The plurality of magnets are positioned relative to the surface such that only the negative magnetic field extends beyond the surface to the resting person. In another embodiment, a magnetic bed device for supporting a resting person is provided. The magnetic bed device includes a supporting layer having a surface configured to support the resting person and the plurality of magnets positioned relative to the surface such that only the negative magnetic field extends beyond the supporting layer to the resting person. In yet another embodiment, a magnetic bed device is provided that includes the supporting layer and a magnetic field generator disposed within the supporting layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Inventor: Dean R Bonile
  • Patent number: 6702731
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydrated, biocompatible tissue-augmentation compound and its methodology for implantation into mammalian tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Promethean Surgical Devices LLC
    Inventor: Michael T. Milbocker
  • Patent number: 6702732
    Abstract: A cardiac harness for treating congestive heart failure is disclosed. The harness applies elastic, compressive reinforcement on the left ventricle to reduce deleterious wall tension and to resist shape change of the ventricle during the mechanical cardiac cycle. Rather than imposing a dimension beyond which the heart cannot expand, the harness provides no hard limit over the range of diastolic expansion of the ventricle. Instead, the harness follows the contour of the heart throughout diastole and continuously exerts gentle resistance to stretch. Also disclosed is a method of delivering the cardiac harness to the heart minimally invasively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Paracor Surgical, Inc.
    Inventors: Lilip Lau, Bill Hartigan
  • Patent number: 6702733
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a method and apparatus such as a hand-manipulable, clitoral stimulant-applying applicator for use to apply a clitoral stimulating compound to the clitoral area of the human female. A reservoir in the apparatus is arranged for containment of a clitoral stimulating compound, with a clitoral stimulating compound in said reservoir. A removable cover is arranged on the reservoir to expose the compound to permit the compound to be applied topically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: 40 J's LLC
    Inventor: Ronald J. Thompson