Patents Issued in July 6, 2004
  • Patent number: 6758750
    Abstract: A gaming device and preferably a bonus round game of a gaming device that provides an offer/acceptance game, wherein the player preferably knows all the necessary information to make an informed decision whether to risk a currently held award and attempt to obtain a higher value award. The game determines the success or failure of a game event regardless of whether the player risks the offer award. If the player keeps an offer award, the game still displays a success or failure outcome, so that the player can see what the player missed, good or bad. The game also includes a plurality of levels or offers, wherein the player can sequentially trade up a currently held offer award a plurality of preferably predetermined times. The game is preferably embodied in a plurality of sequentially more difficult motorcycle jumps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Anthony J. Baerlocher, Bayard S. Webb
  • Patent number: 6758751
    Abstract: A system automatically monitors playing and wagering of a game. A card deck reader automatically reads a symbol identifying a respective rank and suit of each card in a deck before a first cards is removed. A chip tray reader automatically images the contents of a chip tray for verifying that proper amounts have been paid out and collected. A table monitor automatically images the activity occurring at a gaming table. Periodic comparison of the images identifies wagering, as well as the appearance, removal and position of cards and other game objects on the gaming table. The system detects prohibited playing and wagering patterns, and determines the win/loss percentage of the players and the dealer, as well as a number of other statistically relevant measures. The measurements provide automated security and real-time accounting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Bally Gaming International, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Soltys, Richard Huizinga
  • Patent number: 6758752
    Abstract: Display change cycle of images having a different processing load is coincident with the load. After completion of the generation of a frame image, the generation of a vertical synchronization signal is awaited, and a frame buffer is changed. In synchronization with the change of the frame buffer, the generation of a next frame image is started. A generation time of the immediately preceding frame image is measured using one frame cycle as a unit. The measured value is used as a predicted value of the generation time of a frame image to be generated. The measured value is thus determined as it is as a value of the game progression degree that the next frame image should have. When the game flows have been determined, respective polygons constituting each of a group of objects constituting the next frame image are calculated with respect to the position and orientation after lapse of the frame period corresponding to the number of the game progression degree value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Square Enix
    Inventor: Yoshiyuki Miyagawa
  • Patent number: 6758753
    Abstract: There is provided an input apparatus for game systems, which are simplified in construction. The input apparatus has a base (21) having a plurality of panel-attaching sections (26), a plurality of foot panels (50) arranged respectively at a plurality of panel-attaching sections (26), and tape switches (30) not only arranged between a panel supporting surface (27a) formed on each of a plurality of panel-attaching sections (26) and each of the foot panels but also outputting a predetermined detection signal responsively to changes in pushing load onto each foot panel (50). The tape switch (30) has a sensing element (31) and an elastic-material-made coating member (32) covering the sensing element (31) and functioning as a medium transmitting a load applied to each foot panel 50 to the sensing element (31). The coating element (32) supports the foot panel (50) by contacting with each foot panel (50).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Konami Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Nagata, Kaoru Watanabe, Kouki Atobe, Terukazu Shimada
  • Patent number: 6758754
    Abstract: A method and system for providing on-line game competition are provided. Players select their favorite teams, join with other fans of the team, and compete against players on the opposite team. Teams compete against each other in matches, where matches are based on schedules of real-life events, such as sports schedules or entertainment schedules. Players are grouped with other players associated with their favorite teams, and matches are organized. Various trivia questions may be presented, and players have a predetermined period of time to answer the questions. Points may be awarded based on a player's success in competition and the overall teams success in matches. Further, prizes are awarded based on points received by a player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: ACTV, Inc
    Inventors: Eric Robert Lavanchy, Anthony Frank Zito, Richard Edward Lamb
  • Patent number: 6758755
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system for allowing redemption of prizes resulting from playing games on a plurality of game apparatuses. The system includes a plurality of game apparatuses each adapted for displaying a user interface for allowing a user to play a plurality of games. Also included is a prize database server adapted for connecting to the game apparatuses via a wide area network. In use, a user identification code is received from the game apparatuses that corresponds to the user. Also received is an indication of an outcome of the game upon the user playing the game via the corresponding user interface. The prize database server also tracks a number of prize credits awarded the user based on the outcome of the game in addition to allowing redemption of the prize credits for a prize.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Arcade Planet, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew F. Kelly, Bryan M. Kelly, Norman B. Petermeier, John G. Kroeckel, John E. Link
  • Patent number: 6758756
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for controlling a novel video game in which dancing is used as a factor in the behavior of a character, a machine for the video game, and a medium in which a program for the video game is recorded, and makes it possible to dance characters 611 and 612 displayed using 3-D polygons in time with music, to evaluate their dance skills based mainly on whether dance actions are in time with the music, and to proceed with a story by winning matches with a computer or to match with other players.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Konami Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Horigami, Satoshi Shimo, Chiaki Nakanishi, Yoshimasa Hagiwara, Eriko Yamada, Naomitsu Tsugiiwa, Masafumi Kamio, Yukiko Daitoku, Ryo Kato, Masayuki Takahashi
  • Patent number: 6758757
    Abstract: A system and method for maintaining player's game state (award credits, partial award states, and non-award or non-credit states) in a gaming environment is disclosed. In particular, the player may restore the game state from previously played games either from the same game device or from another game device. The invention also provides for award redemption of the award credits (or game pieces) earned by a player during game play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Sierra Design Group
    Inventors: Robert Anthony Luciano, Jr., Robert William Crowder, Russ Frederick Marsden
  • Patent number: 6758758
    Abstract: A telescopic tripot universal joint comprises an outer drive member having three longitudinal drive channels which include two opposing concave side surfaces, an inner drive member having three radial trunnions having a radially outward facing semi-spherical surface for tiltably mounting a drive ball assembly which has a bearing train disposed radially between an inner ball tiltably engaged to the trunnion and an outer ball having a tread face which directly opposes the concave side surfaces of the drive channels. The ball assembly being free to wobble about a Z-axis wherein the assembly pivots about an X-axis disposed laterally to the outer drive member and pivots about a Y-axis disposed longitudinally to the outer drive member. The channel carries a guide rail which extends longitudinally lengthwise to the channel and projects radially inward in order to contact the outer ball when the ball assembly pivots about the X-axis, i.e., tilts relative to the axis of the outer drive member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott Jay Perrow
  • Patent number: 6758759
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a launch monitor system that measures club motion data and ball motion data. The system includes a club monitor and a ball monitor. The club monitor obtains images of the club before impact with the ball, and the ball monitor takes images of the ball after impact during a single swing. The present invention further includes a method of monitoring a club and ball in a single swing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: William Gobush, Douglas C. Winfield, Diane I. Pelletier, Charles A. Days
  • Patent number: 6758760
    Abstract: An improved club swing training device is provided for assisting persons, such as golfers to improve their golf swing. The training aid includes a power source, a light source such as a laser beam, a light deflector such as a mirror and a motor for rotating the light deflector. The light source, light deflector and motor are affixed to the proximal end of a club shaft. In operation, the light source strikes the light deflector which is rotated by the motor. The light deflector is angled relative to the axis of the light source's emitted beam so that upon the beam striking the light deflector, it is redirected in a second direction so as to form a fan of light as the motor rotates the light deflector. The swing training aid includes a scabbard for affixing the motor, light deflector and light source to the proximal end of a club and for positioning these components so as to position the fan of light so as to assist a person in seeing their club swing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Inventors: Norman D. Kellogg, Eugene J. Albertini
  • Patent number: 6758761
    Abstract: A sports swing training device comprising a grip, a shaft and a head used in practice of swing form of golf club or baseball or softball bat, wherein a hollow space is formed in the head and is partially filled with a liquid such as water or a solid material such as sand or small pellets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Inventor: Toshinobu Katsuya
  • Patent number: 6758762
    Abstract: The present is a novel golf grip capable of retaining a divot repairer and a ball marker. In a preferred embodiment the golf grip is a putter grip. The grip has an open end, a closed end, and a hollow body portion for accepting a golf club shaft. The closed end of the grip a slot is formed for insertion and retention of a divot repairer. In the body portion of the grip, proximate the closed end at least one aperture is formed in the grip for insertion and retention of a ball marker. The ability to retain a divot repair tool and a ball marker within a club grip, such as a putter grip, allows the golfer to readily repair the course during play, as well as speed up the course of play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Inventor: Carl Casey Markwood
  • Patent number: 6758763
    Abstract: A golf club (40) having a club head (42) with a face component (60) and an aft body (61) is disclosed herein. The face component (60) has a striking plate portion (72) and a return portion (74). The aft-body (61) is composed of a crown portion (62), a sole portion (64) and optionally a ribbon section (90). The face component (60) is composed of a metal material, and the aft-body (61) is composed of a non-metal material such as a composite material or a thermoplastic material. The striking plate portion (72) preferably has an aspect ratio less than 1.7. The striking plate portion (72) preferably has concentric regions of thickness with the thickness portion in the center (102). The club head (42) has a volume in the range of 290 cubic centimeters to 600 cubic centimeters, a weight in the range of 165 grams to 300 grams, and a striking plate portion (72) surface area in the range of 4.00 square inches to 7.50 square inches. The golf club head (42) has a coefficient of restitution greater than 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: James M. Murphy, Herbert Reyes, Peter L. Soracco, Matthew T. Cackett, J. Andrew Galloway, Richard C. Helmstetter, Augustin W. Rollinson, Alan Hocknell
  • Patent number: 6758764
    Abstract: A weight member for a golf club head is made of a WFeNi alloy by a precision casting process. The WFeNi alloy includes nickel 30-60 wt %, tungsten 15-30 wt %, chromium 1.5-10.0 wt %, and iron that is the remaining portion. Chromium improves the rust resisting property of the weight member and lengthens the life of the weight member. Uniformity of shining finishing of the weight member can be improved by controlling a mixture ratio of nickel to tungsten. Silicon may be added to improve the flowability of the molten metal. Manganese, copper, vanadium, and niobium may be added to improve the mechanical properties of the weight member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Nelson Precision Casting Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chan-Tung Chen, Yan-Zheng Su
  • Patent number: 6758765
    Abstract: A multi-piece golf ball includes a core having a diameter of 30 to 40 mm, at least one intermediate layer including the outermost layer having a thickness of 0.5 to 2.0 mm, and a cover having a thickness of 0.5 to 2.0 mm. The core is made from a rubber composition mainly containing polybutadiene. The outermost layer is made from a resin material containing an ionomer resin in an amount of 30% by weight or more. The cover is made from a material obtained by dispersedly blending at least one kind of silicone powder selected from a silicone rubber powder, a silicon resin powder, and a composite powder thereof, in a main resin component containing an ionomer resin in an amount of 50% by weight or more. The hardness of said cover is smaller than the hardness of said outermost layer of said at least one intermediate layer and is larger than the hardness of a center portion of said core. The multi-piece golf ball is excellent in resilience, durability, feel of hitting, and controllability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Junji Hayashi, Hisashi Yamagishi, Yasumasa Shimizu, Yasushi Ichikawa
  • Patent number: 6758766
    Abstract: In a two-piece solid golf ball comprising a solid core and a cover, the JIS-C hardness at the core surface minus the JIS-C hardness at the core center is 20-30 units, the cover has a gage of 1.3-2 mm and a Shore D hardness of 40-55, and the JIS-C hardness at the cover surface is not greater than the JIS-C hardness at the core surface. Dimples are formed on the cover surface to satisfy a total number of 360-492 and a percent dimple volume VR of 0.74-0.84%. The golf ball is susceptible to spin and easy to control upon approach shots and short iron shots, travels a long distance upon driver shots, gives a pleasant feel on any shot with driver, iron and putter clubs, and offers improved playability satisfying low-handicap players.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideo Watanabe
  • Patent number: 6758767
    Abstract: Croquet equipment formed of a mallet, a ball, a hoop and a stake is disclosed in which, the mallet has two vibration switch-controlled light emitting modules detachably mounted in the two ends of the light penetrable head thereof; the ball has a vibration switch-controlled light emitting module detachably mounted in the light penetrable body thereof; the stake has a manual on/off switch-controlled light emitting module detachably mounted in the anchoring point and a light guide axially extended from the light emitting module for guiding light through the periphery of the tubular shaft thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Inventor: Andrew Wang
  • Patent number: 6758768
    Abstract: A basketball apparatus is provided that teaches basketball players to make the perfect basketball shot when shooting backboard shots from any location on the basketball court. The basketball apparatus consists of a backboard, a basketball hoop, a supporting bracket, and a target bulls eye. The target bulls eye is mounted behind the backboard and provides a target for the shooter which, if the basketball were in the proper trajectory to engage the target bulls eye, the basketball would engage the backboard at a perfect reflection point, thereby, bouncing off the backboard towards the basketball hoop to obtain the perfect basketball shot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Inventor: Gregory P. Spencer
  • Patent number: 6758769
    Abstract: A sound effect assembly that attaches to the net of a goal. The sound effect device contains a sensor that either detects the motion of the net or the passing of the ball or puck. When the sound effect assembly is activated, the sound effect device generates audible sounds, preferably that of a cheering crowd. Accordingly, each time a goal is made, the sound effect device produces the sounds of a cheering crowd. The sound effect device is produced in a very small housing that hooks onto the net of a goal. In this manner, the attachment of the sound effect device to the net does not adversely effect the characteristics of the net or the odds of making a goal by a person playing the sport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Inventor: Webb T. Nelson
  • Patent number: 6758770
    Abstract: A tensioned cable and two small nets system used on a tennis court to keep tennis balls that are hit into the tennis net from rolling out into the playing area. The two nets are approximately as long but not as high as the tennis net and are located parallel and on opposite sides of the tennis net. The smaller nets are connected to the cable that surrounds the net posts and the tennis net through the means of four horizontal posts with each pair of horizontal posts being connected by an adjustable metal strap and each pair of horizontal posts used on one net post. The adjustable metal strap joins each pair of horizontal posts at a width just wide enough to make them fit snugly against the sides of the vertical net posts forming a horizontal crossbar on each net post. An adjustable fastener is located on the same end but opposite side of the horizontal posts as the metal strap. The adjustable fastener is tightened to keep the horizontal posts in place temporarily until the cable is tightened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Inventor: Alan Bruce Chandronnait
  • Patent number: 6758771
    Abstract: A bat is disclosed having a metal handle portion with a knob end and a barrel receiving end, a wood barrel portion with a hitting portion and a fitting portion, and a connection assembly for joining the wood barrel portion with the metal handle portion, the connection assembly having optionally three components: an exterior sleeve, an interior sleeve, and/or a locking or roll pin. The interior sleeve is positioned over a fitting portion of the wood barrel portion prior to the fitting portion being inserted and pressure fit within a barrel receiving end of the metal handle portion. A hole is drilled through the barrel receiving end and the fitting portion of the wood barrel portion, wherein a locking or roll pin is inserted through and secured in the hole to lock the metal handle portion with the wood barrel portion. Once the two portions of the bat are joined, an exterior sleeve is used to smooth the seam between the metal handle portion and the wood barrel portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: West Virginia Bats, LLC
    Inventor: James G. Tribble
  • Patent number: 6758772
    Abstract: A dart that resembles various U.S. military missiles such as Patriot and Bunker Buster missiles, for example. The dart includes a hollow elongate barrel section having a longitudinal axis and including generally conical opposed end portions integral therewith. The end portions thereof define threaded female end portions respectively. The dart further includes a plurality of elongate shaft sections each having a threaded male end portion removably connectable to the threaded female end portions respectively so that the barrel section becomes disposed between the plurality of shaft sections. The plurality of shaft sections each further have a plurality of slits formed therein. The dart further includes a plurality of fin sections removably engageable with the plurality of slits respectively and for assisting the dart to maintain a predetermined flight trajectory. The dart may be painted with a variety of designs such as the American flag and camouflage, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Inventors: Robert Paul Chambers, Tim F. Dodgen
  • Patent number: 6758773
    Abstract: A flashing dart has a hollow barrel, a point assembly, a transparent shaft, a circuit board, a battery and a resilient element. The barrel has a front end and a rear end and is made of conductive material. The point assembly is attached to the front end of the barrel. The transparent flight shaft is attached to the rear end of the barrel. The circuit board has an integrated circuit controller and is firmly mounted inside the barrel. The battery has two electrodes connected respectively to the barrel and the circuit board. The resilient element abuts the battery and allows the battery to be temporarily disconnected from the circuit board when the flashing dart strikes a dartboard or is thrown thereby activating the integrated circuit controller that causes the lighting element to emit light for a preset period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Forhouse Corporation
    Inventors: Yen-Hwa Liao, Wen-Fu Chang, Chun-Hung Liu
  • Patent number: 6758774
    Abstract: Arrowheads, including blade-opening arrowheads as well as other non blade-opening arrowheads having a recessed collar or body that is slidably positionable about a stem portion thereof. The recess bounds and defines an internally contained void of the arrowheads. The collar is defined by having an internal centrally disposed bore extending therethrough so as to enable the collar or washer to be slidably positioned about an extending post or stem member of a corresponding arrowhead body. The collar and created internal void at least in part aid in attaching blades to the respective arrowhead bodies and serve to house various different annular elements that circumscribe the post member or equivalent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Inventor: Victor Jay Liechty, II
  • Patent number: 6758775
    Abstract: Provided is an infinitely variable cone pulley transmission for which the contact pressure between the cone pulley pairs and the traction is generated hydraulically on one transmission side and mechanical, with the aid of a spring, on the other transmission side. The second transmission side is provided with an axially fixed and an axially movable cone pulley with extended hub. The contact pressure mechanism includes a cam sleeve that is fixed relative to the shaft, a cam sleeve formed by the free end of the hub and roll bodies for the force transmittal, which are inserted between opposite arranged cam curves and rotate around axes extending radial to the transmission shaft. The roll bodies are guided by rings and are held at a mutual distance to each other and with spring force in the axial center region between the cam sleeves, wherein the spring is arranged coaxial on the extended hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: P.I.V. Antrieb Werner Reimers GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Johannes Heinrich, Gert Schönnenbeck, Peter Wagner, Rainer Matzig
  • Patent number: 6758776
    Abstract: A split sprocket assembly, related apparatus, and a method of mounting a sprocket to a rotatable structure, such as a drive or idler drum, are disclosed. In one embodiment, the sprocket assembly is comprised of at least three sections or segments, each of which is secured to the adjacent section or segment by a fastener, such as a tangentially-extending bolt and nut combination. The sprocket assembly includes a plurality of receivers, each for receiving a key that corresponds to a keyway formed in the rotatable structure. In one embodiment, at least one of the keyways is truncated and, thus, extends only partially across the rotatable structure in the axial direction. A key substantially identical to the truncated keyway in length and width is placed therein, such that the sprocket is prevented from traveling or “walking” along the rotatable structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Span Tech LLC
    Inventors: Stephen C. Fye, James L. Layne, Michael D. McDaniel
  • Patent number: 6758777
    Abstract: A chain guide, such as a fixed chain guide or a tensioner arm, includes a bracket adapted for being secured to an associated engine. The bracket includes a support surface, a leading end and a trailing end spaced from the leading end in a chain movement direction. A guide blade includes a leading end, a trailing end spaced from the leading end in the chain movement direction, a chain guide surface and an inner surface positioned adjacent the support surface of the bracket. The guide blade is selectively movable slidably on the support surface in the chain movement direction and an opposite direction between a first position where the blade is separable from the bracket and a second position where the blade is fixedly secured to the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Cloyes Gear and Products, Inc.
    Inventor: James D. Young
  • Patent number: 6758778
    Abstract: The invention comprises a CVT belt having two multi-ribbed belts. Each belt is engaged in an opposing slot in a transversely mounted clip. Each belt is retained in each slot by a flat belt which is sandwiched into each slot with the multi-ribbed belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: The Gates Corporation
    Inventor: Alexander Serkh
  • Patent number: 6758779
    Abstract: There is provided a power transmission belt which comprises a compression layer and an adhesive rubber layer which are adhered to each other by vulcanizing together and which has aramid fiber cords embedded in the adhesive rubber layer, wherein the compression layer and the adhesive rubber layer are formed of vulcanizate of an ethylene-&agr;-olefin-diene rubber compound and wherein the aramid fiber cords having a first twisting coefficient and a final twisting coefficient both in the range from 650 to 950 are adhesion treated with a resorcin-formalin-latex adhesive composition wherein the latex comprises at least one of chlorosulfonated polyethylene and alkylated chlorosulfonated polyethylene in an amount of 50-100% by weight based on the solid components of the resorcin-formalin-latex and adhered to and embedded in the adhesive rubber layer. A process for the production of such power transmission belt is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Bando Chemical Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Fujimoto
  • Patent number: 6758780
    Abstract: An improved planetary traction drive mechanism for use in actuating a throttle valve assembly is provided. An electric drive motor supports a cup-shaped member defining the outer ring of the mechanism. The drive shaft of the motor extends into the cup-shaped member to define a sun roller and forming an annular space between the sun roller and the outer ring. An output plate is rotatably supported on the drive shaft, and one or more deformable planetary friction rollers are disposed in radial compression between the outer ring and the sun roller are mounted on the plate. An output shaft extends from the plate and may or may not be coaxially aligned with the sun roller. The output shaft may be connected via a link to a lever arm on the throttle shaft of the throttle valve, which may be used on an internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald G. Witzel, Joseph E. Muhleisen
  • Patent number: 6758781
    Abstract: In a process of assembling a rotating machine, a sun gear 26 which is fixed to an end portion of a rotor shaft 3, and which meshes with a planet gear 31 is configured integrally with a one-way clutch 18 which is disposed inside a carrier 34, and which transmits a rotating force from a pulley 17 to the rotor shaft 3 via the sun gear 26.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Katsuhiko Kusumoto, Tatsuhiko Mizutani, Keiichi Konishi, Yutaka Kitamura
  • Patent number: 6758782
    Abstract: An actuating mechanism for axial setting purposes, comprising three discs which are supported co-axially relative to an axis and of which a central disc is rotatable relative to the two outer discs, between the central disc and each of the outer discs, there are arranged sets of balls, the balls each run in pairs of circumferential grooves in the faces of the central disc and of one of the outer discs facing one another, the circumferential grooves comprise a circumferentially variable depth whose extension is such that, over the entire relative angle of rotation, the first outer disc moves axially from a first end position via a central position into a second end position which deviates from said first end position, and the second outer disc moves axially from a first end position via a second end position deviating therefrom back into the first end position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: GKN Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Mätzschker, Karl-Heinz Hülsebusch
  • Patent number: 6758783
    Abstract: An automatic speed shifting device includes a frame having a transmission device and a torque feedback device received therein. The torque feedback device has a torque resistant member so that when the load torque is smaller than its resistant torque, the speed reduction mechanism of the transmission device is remained at the first stage speed status. When the load torque is larger than its resistant torque, a pushing wheel devices a clamp to compress a shifting gear so that the speed reduction mechanism is shifted to another stage of speed. The speed reduction mechanism of the transmission device automatically shifts the speed reduction mechanism when the load torque increases or reduces such that the mechanical efficiency of the transmission device can be increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Power Network Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ting-Kuang Chen
  • Patent number: 6758784
    Abstract: The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least six forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members include four planetary gear sets, two input clutches, eight torque transmitting mechanisms, two fixed interconnections, and one grounded planetary gear member. The invention provides low content multi-speed dual-clutch transmission mechanisms wherein the two input clutches alternately connect the engine to realize odd and even number speed ratio ranges. The eight torque transmitting mechanisms provide connections between various gear members, the fixed interconnections, the input clutches, the output shaft, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of three to establish at least six forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio. One of the torque transmitting mechanisms may be eliminated to provide at least five forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Chunhao J. Lee, Patrick Benedict Usoro
  • Patent number: 6758785
    Abstract: A family of power transmissions includes three planetary gearsets, which each have a member interconnected with one of the other planetary gearsets, and two of the planetary gearsets have a second member continuously interconnected. Each family member includes six torque-transmitting mechanisms which are engaged in combinations of two to establish at least seven forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio within the planetary gear arrangement between the transmission input shaft and the transmission output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Madhusudan Raghavan, Patrick Benedict Usoro, Norman Kenneth Bucknor, Chunhao J. Lee
  • Patent number: 6758786
    Abstract: A hydraulic clutch and a speed reducing planetary gear train, with an assembly comprising a fixed feeder block, a rotating crankcase integral with a feeder sleeve receiving at least a piston, a so-called closure wall and at least a set of friction discs for driving at least an output hub and a speed reducing planetary gear train, and a including a ring gear designed to be driven by an input shaft, a fixed axle pinion, and a planet pinion cage. The closure wall is made integral in rotation with the feeder sleeve and the crankcase and directly driven by the planet pinion cage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: SC Brevets Lepelletier
    Inventor: Pierre Lepelletier
  • Patent number: 6758787
    Abstract: The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least six forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members include four planetary gear sets having two input clutches, eight torque transmitting mechanisms, two fixed interconnections, and one grounded planetary gear member. The invention provides a low content multi-speed dual clutch transmission mechanism wherein the two input clutches alternately connect the engine to realize odd and even speed ratio ranges. The eight torque transmitting mechanisms provide connections between various gear members, the fixed interconnections, the input clutches, the output shaft, and the transmission housing, and are operated along with the input clutches in combinations of three to establish at least six forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick Benedict Usoro, Chunhao J. Lee
  • Patent number: 6758788
    Abstract: A vehicle control apparatus and method drives a driven device with power from a drive power source, and performs a control of stopping the drive power source based on a stop request. The load on the drive power source is reduced by controlling the driven device so as to reduce the load on the drive power source if the stop request has been output and a system that controls the rotating of the drive power source is in a state where the system is not allowed to stop the drive power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshio Itou
  • Patent number: 6758789
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a front supporting rod, a front wheel assembly, a main frame, a deck and a rear wheel assembly. A plate extends at each of two sides of the front end of said main frame while two corresponding plate are disposed at two sides of the upper part of a longitudinal shaft of said front wheel assembly. Moreover, two soft resilient bodies are fixed between two sets of said plates. As a result, when the main frame is inclined to the side by steering the front supporting bar for creating a direction-turning effect to the front wheels, two plates at two sides of the main frame will squeeze or pull the resilient body respectively. After removal of the external force, the main frame, the front supporting bar and the front wheels restore themselves by the resilience of the resilient body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Inventors: Leao Wang, Peter Wu
  • Patent number: 6758790
    Abstract: A walking/jogging exercise machine includes a frame supported upon a generally horizontally extending floor, and a main driveshaft mounted for rotation on the frame. A pair of cams is mounted for rotation on the driveshaft, and a pair of first track assemblies is fixed to the frame. A pair of second track assemblies is rotatably attached to the frame and includes brackets having first rollers which ride upon the peripheries of the cams. A pair of non-aligned, foot assemblies are mounted for sliding movement on the first and second track assemblies. A linkage arrangement is provided between the drive shaft and the foot assemblies for transferring the movement of the foot assemblies to the cams so as to produce a change in the angle of a user's ankle which will result in a natural walking/jogging motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Northland Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick D. Ellis
  • Patent number: 6758791
    Abstract: A treadmill device includes a seat having an oblong hole and a channel, a tread base having a front shaft movable up and down along the oblong hole of the seat, to adjust the tread base relative to the seat to different inclinations. An actuating device is coupled between the tread base and the seat and has a pivot axle slidably received in the channel of the seat. The actuating device may move the pivot axle along the channel of the seat, and to move the pivot shaft along the oblong hole of the seat, and to rotate the tread base to a folding position when the shaft is moved to the upper portion of the oblong hole of the seat, and when the pivot axle is moved to the front portion of the channel of the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Inventor: Hai Pin Kuo
  • Patent number: 6758792
    Abstract: A waist-twisting machine includes a post, a fixing base, a moving mechanism, a hoop body and a hull. The fixing base is movably combined with the post to move up and down, and the moving mechanism is deposited in the fixing base, consisting of a power source to rotate a gear unit, which then rotates two rotating arms connected with an interacting arm to make a horizontal movement in a circle as a hula hoop does. The hoop body is connected with the interactive arm to be moved in the same track as the interactive arm, with numerous massage rollers fixed on an inner surface of the hoop body. Then a user standing in the hoop body can be compelled to move together with the hoop body, with the waist thus twisted and massaged at the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Inventor: Kuo-Yi Chang
  • Patent number: 6758793
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for allowing a user to repetitively bounce into the air, includes a first and second support, each having a first and second end. A base being coupled to the first and second supports at the second ends. At least one compression resistance system being coupled with the base. The compression resistance system is configured to provide an uncompression force. First and second handles being coupled with the first ends of the first and second supports, respectively. When in use a user stands on the base between the first and second support and provides a first force on the apparatus. The user releases the first force and receives a second force. The user then stops exerting the second force and repeats the steps of providing the first force, releasing the first force and receiving the uncompression force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Inventor: Scott Eldridge
  • Patent number: 6758794
    Abstract: An exercising device includes a first frame, a second frame rotatably supported on the first frame, thereby allowing the second frame to rotate relative to the first frame, and a linear track system fixedly attached to the second member such that track system rotates with the second frame relative to the first frame. The exercise device also includes a vehicle adapted to ride along a length of the track system, and at least one arm pivotally attached to the vehicle at a first location along the arm, and adapted to support the first punching bag at a second location along the arm, the first location being spaced apart from the second location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Inventor: Louis William Lee
  • Patent number: 6758795
    Abstract: A readily portable dumbell or barbell for exercising and weight training is provided in which weight units on an elongated handle comprise front and rear end plates interconnected by a collapsible/expandible fluid receptacle in the form of a resilient bellows. The weight unit is lengthened and expanded when fluid is added and is shortened and decreased in volume when fluid is removed. Calibration means are provided for visually indicating the weight of the unit corresponding to the longitudinal spacing between the front and end plates of the unit. In a preferred embodiment, a visually readable measurement of weight is provided by means for a graduated bar insert which extends slidably within the hollow handle of the dumbell or barbell and moves therealong with expansion or contraction of the water-filled bellows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Inventor: Stephen Barber
  • Patent number: 6758796
    Abstract: An exercise device for strengthening the muscles of the pelvis, particularly the collective group of muscles involved in human sexual response, which are also important for controlling the evacuation of the intestines and the bladder. This exercise device focuses on increasing the strength, tone and endurance of these muscles. The device comprises a longitudinally extending member that includes a blunt head portion and a compressible shaft portion. The first end of the shaft portion is juxtaposed with the head portion. The first end of the shaft portion has an outwardly extending retaining slope formed thereon, particularly when the device is received within a pelvic body cavity and the muscles of the pelvic floor are at rest. The retaining slope is engageable with the retaining edge of the adjacent pelvic floor muscle platform of that pelvic body cavity to facilitate intracorporal retention within the pelvic body cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Inventor: Daniel S. Stein
  • Patent number: 6758797
    Abstract: A bending press system provided with a bending press (1) with at least one bending station to mount a plurality of divided tools and, tool housing devices (65, 123) to house divided metals to be used on the bending press and, tool exchange devices (61, 143) which mount the divided tools on the bending station, in which are provided a first memory (403) which stores housed positions of each divided tool housed in the housing devices and a second memory (405) which stores the bending line length of the bent part, the flange length and the bending angle of the bent product and, a first computation device (407) which, based on the bending line length, flange length, bending angle, computes the tool (cross section shape) type and the length of the bending station, and a second computation device (409) which, based on the tool type and length of the bending station computes the arrangement of each divided tool on the bending station, and an NC control (411) which controls the tool exchange device so that each divid
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Amada Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ichio Akami, Takahiro Ogawa, Masaaki Sato, Goujyu Umemoto, Toshiyuki Kondo
  • Patent number: 6758798
    Abstract: A machining machine-tool having a fixed frame with a closed structure. The machining zone is delimited by the fixed frame internal surfaces and includes a machining head supporting the driving unit of a machine-tool. The machine-tool fixed frame has a C-shaped profile, and ends of branches of the C are linked to the machine-tool machining head. The ergonomic arrangement of the machine-tool functional parts is also considered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Renault Automation Comau
    Inventor: Claude Fioroni
  • Patent number: 6758800
    Abstract: The machine assembles cardboard boxes of the type that comprises a main piece or sheet and two independent sheets comprising the front ends, lateral sheets that attach to some laps that form part of the main piece. As a novel characteristic, it includes some side feeders where the independent lateral sheets are stacked and some devices for conveying such lateral sheets that place them on both sides of the male forming element or mandrel, in whose descent such lateral sheets are conveyed and also the main sheet to the folding mold located underneath where the box assembly will be finally formed. This folding mold also includes some improvements that facilitate the assembly of the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Boix Maquinaria, S.A.
    Inventor: José Boix Jaen