Patents Issued in September 7, 2004
  • Patent number: 6786816
    Abstract: In an inside/outside air switching device, a rotary door includes a rotation shaft, a periphery wall rotating about the rotation shaft, and side plates connecting between the ends of the periphery wall and the rotation shaft. The rotary door is supported in a case for opening and closing an inside air introduction port and an outside air introduction port of the case. When the door partially opens the inside air introduction port and mainly opens the outside air introduction port in an air mixing mode, the periphery wall projects toward the outside air introduction port by a predetermined distance. The projected portion of the periphery wall is covered with a cover member disposed on a cowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: DENSO Corporation
    Inventors: Hironobu Murakami, Mitsuru Kosaka
  • Patent number: 6786817
    Abstract: A vent assembly has a vent cover and sliding air flow regulator for controlling the flow of air through the vent cover. Plural sets of unique couplers may be used to interconnect the air flow regulator and vent cover for relative sliding motion. Desirably, two such couplers are provided at each end of the assembly with an associated one of such couplers being adjacent to each of the corners of the assembly in the event a rectangular assembly is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Classic Manufacturing NW, LLC
    Inventor: Gary R. Orendorff
  • Patent number: 6786818
    Abstract: A gaming machine with a visual display shows an array of symbols that includes one or more special symbols. During the play of the gaming machine, a bonus game may be triggered by the alignment of these special symbols. This bonus triggers interplay between the special symbols, which portray an action that determines a bonus game outcome. The action portrayed is randomly selected from a plurality of possible actions. An award is made based on the game outcome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne H. Rothschild, Joel R. Jaffe
  • Patent number: 6786819
    Abstract: The present invention includes a gaming device and a method for operating the gaming device. The gaming device of the present invention includes: (i) a central game in which a player picks at least one masked central game outcome, including a transfer; (ii) at least one peripheral game that begins after the player's pick of the transfer, wherein the player picks at least one masked peripheral game outcome, including a return; (iii) whereby the game enables the player to return to the central game and pick at least one more masked central game outcome after the player picks the return in the peripheral game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Anthony J. Baerlocher, Andrea C. Hughs-Baird, Chester E. Stites, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6786820
    Abstract: A gaming device having a plurality of locations, at least one destination location, a player symbol, an award associated with the destination location which is provided to the player if the player symbol reaches the destination location, a setback condition associated with one of the locations, wherein when the player symbol moves to the location having the associated setback condition, the player symbol is relocated to one of the locations further from the destination location based on the setback condition, an advance condition associated with one of the locations, wherein when the player symbol moves to the location having the advance condition, the player symbol is relocated to one of the locations closer to the destination location based on the advance condition, and a plurality of awards associated with the locations, wherein the award associated with one of the locations is provided to the player if the player does not reach the destination location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Peter Gerrard, Anthony J. Baerlocher, Dov L. Randall
  • Patent number: 6786821
    Abstract: To increase a feeling of competitiveness between players of a music-oriented game. Based on evaluation of performance of the first and second players on their steps, the number of times step guidance is presented is varied. Specifically, while reference arrows 46, 48 are displayed, a plurality of timing guidance arrows 50, 62 approaching the reference arrows 46, 48 are also displayed on a game screen image 40, whereby a state of step timing gradually arriving is shown to the player. In addition, the number of timing guidance arrows 50 62, namely the number of times step guidance is presented to each player, is changed based on the result of evaluation on steps by each player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignees: Konami Corporation, KCE Tokyo, Inc.
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Nobe, Shinichiro Niide
  • Patent number: 6786822
    Abstract: A wireless interface and dedicated digital video disc (DVD) controller for video game consoles capable of playing DVDs. An adapter is inserted into one of the communication ports of the game console and provides a wireless communication receiver for receiving and inputting control commands into the game console. A dedicated DVD remote control device includes a wireless transmitter for wirelessly transmitting DVD player control functions to the game console via the adapter and thereby enables wireless control of the DVD functions of the game console. The control buttons on the dedicated DVD remote control correspond in function to the wired game controller buttons that would otherwise control the DVD functions of the game console, but have an appearance to the user that corresponds to a standard DVD player remote control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Arista Enterprises Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Leifer
  • Patent number: 6786823
    Abstract: The disclosed game keyboard device comprising: a key matrix, a direction control mechanism, and a microprocessor. A switch key is used to change the direction control mechanism between the functions of a joystick and a mouse. The game keyboard device can selectively implement the function of the joystick or mouse through a single direction control mechanism. Therefore, the hardware manufacturing cost of the game keyboard device can be considerably reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Chicony Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kuang-Yu Huang, Shun-Yi Yao
  • Patent number: 6786824
    Abstract: A method of gaming and related gaming devices and systems. A base, or primary game is employed wherein qualification for an additional feature event is based upon one or more predetermined activities associated with the primary game. The primary game may include a slot machine type game, video poker, or other electronic or electromechanical type gaming machines. The feature event wagering opportunity for which qualification is sought to be earned by a player may include a live contest, a reenacted live contest, or what is termed herein a future feature contest. Banks of machines may be networked for qualified participation in the feature event and such networking may include the linking of machines at remote locations and even the inclusion of gaming conducted via the Internet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventor: Lee E. Cannon
  • Patent number: 6786825
    Abstract: A video game program that allows a player to be involved in numerically setting a control value for controlling developments of an RPG is provided. The game program sets an initial range “1 to 5”, causes a computer to sequentially display numerical values in the set range for every fixed time, determines whether operation input is received from a keypad, if operation input is received form the keypad, compares operation input timing with display timing of each numerical value, detects a numerical value that is displayed at timing coinciding with the operation input timing, and sets the detected numerical value as a value of attacking power or recovery power. Therefore, a value of an attacking power or a recovery power is variably set according to timing of operation input performed by a player, and various game developments are provided for each player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Square Enix
    Inventor: Akitoshi Kawazu
  • Patent number: 6786826
    Abstract: A gaming system includes a parent game apparatus and at least one child game apparatus which is connectable to the parent game apparatus. A main game program executes on the parent game apparatus and is ordinarily controlled by player actions on the parent game apparatus. When the main game reaches a predetermined state, the parent gain apparatus downloads a subgame to a child game apparatus connected to the parent game apparatus. The subgame executes on the child game apparatus and transfers a result of the subgame to the parent game apparatus. The result of the subgame affects the state of the main game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Sega Enterprises, Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsunori Himoto, Kenji Tosaki, Madoka Nakayama, Miyuki Yasuoka, Koji Tsuchiya
  • Patent number: 6786827
    Abstract: Recessed head fasteners are provided with a configuration by which the force applied by the blades of the driver to the recessed wings is applied at the radially outer regions of the wings. The wings of the fastener recess may be provided with torque pads at the outer regions of the wings adapted to engage the outer portions of the driver blades. The torque pads may be defined by relieved regions on the drive walls of the recess wings. The relieved regions are formed to avoid contact with the driver blades. Stabilizing ribs also may be defined at the radially inward regions of the drive walls. A recess engageable driver may include a plurality of radially extending ribs configured to promote engagement of the ribs with the most radially outward regions of the recess drive walls. The driver and the recess are compatible with each other as well as with otherwise corresponding conventional recesses and drivers that do not incorporate the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Phillips Screw Company
    Inventors: Barry J. Hughes, Michael L. Mowins
  • Patent number: 6786828
    Abstract: The present invention is for a method of fastening a tool holder. The tool (2) has a front side (6) shaped for use in cold forming of metal wire into nails, screws, etc. The tool holder (4) has a recess (8) shaped for receiving the tool (2). When the tool (2) is fastened in the tool holder (4), compressive stresses are initially present in the tool (2). The tool (2) is subjected to tensile stresses caused by the nail making process when in the tool holder (4). In order to reduce the resulting tensile stresses, the two opposite and wedge-shaped sides (10, 12) of the tool (2) are compressed against corresponding sides (14, 16) in the recess (8) by applying and maintaining pressure on the back side (18) of the tool with fastening means (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Inventor: Svend-Helge Sell Sørensen
  • Patent number: 6786829
    Abstract: A swing includes two seat units swingably connected to an upright support frame through suspending members. Each seat unit includes a seat frame disposed between inner and outer side frames, and a backrest frame pivoted to the seat frame. Inner and outer engaging plates are fixed respectively to the inner and outer side frames, and are each formed with a plurality of intercommunicated engaging grooves. Inner and outer operating arms are respectively disposed adjacent to the engaging plates. Each of the operating arms has a rear arm section pivoted to the backrest frame and a front arm section formed with an engaging tongue that engages a selected one of the engaging grooves in the respective engaging plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Taiwan Shin Yeh Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chuen-Jong Tseng
  • Patent number: 6786830
    Abstract: An improved water play structure, which integrates a single water supply network of conduit with a central support infrastructure, is provided. In one embodiment, a plurality of central pedestals are interconnected to water supply legs in a staircase manner in order to deliver a single water supply to a plurality of interactive water play elements. The size of the water play structure can be increased to accommodate additional play participants by adding decks to the structure. Interactive play modules consisting of water play elements and interactive play apparatuses can be easily interchanged, which facilitates servicing, simplifies design and manufacturing, and adds variety to a play participant's recreational experience. In addition, multiple water play structures can be interconnected to each other without the need for establishing separate water supply line connections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Koala Corporation
    Inventors: Rick A. Briggs, Carin R. Brown, Richard T. Moran
  • Patent number: 6786831
    Abstract: A golf practicing device includes a housing, an electromagnet mounted in the housing, a cover rotatably mounted on the housing, a magnetic block secured on the cover and aligning with the electromagnet, and a bar mounted on the cover for rotating the cover when the bar is hit. Thus, the energized electromagnet produces a magnetic force to magnetically attract and move the magnetic block to return the bar to the original position, so that the bar can be restored to the original position automatically, thereby facilitating the user practicing the golf skill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Acas Design Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ming-Che Wu
  • Patent number: 6786832
    Abstract: A golf practicing device includes a rotation disk, a cover, a bar, and an adjusting knob. The golf practicing device has a height adjustable function. Thus, the height of the practicing ball of the bar can be adjusted arbitrarily so as to fit users of different heights and statures, thereby facilitating the users operating the golf practicing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Acas Design Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ming-Che Wu
  • Patent number: 6786833
    Abstract: A golfing aid comprising a guide structure in the form of a base member with a plurality of swing deviation indicators pivotally mounted thereon with the indicators positioned on opposite sides of a desired area defining an intended club head swing path, the deviation indicators are each yieldably mounted in a manner to allow a responding rotation upon being struck by a club head deviating from the intended club head swing path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Tracker Golf LLC
    Inventor: Todd W. Ahrend
  • Patent number: 6786834
    Abstract: A joint, usable as a component of a golf club, including an outer sleeve having a proximal end, a distal end, an outer surface and an inner surface; an inner sleeve having a proximal end, an inner surface in circumscribing contact with the inner surface of the outer sleeve, a slit, and a projection ring having an inner diameter; and an inner projection having a proximal end sized to be in circumscribing contact with the inner surface of the inner sleeve, a distal end, a key sized to be slidably fit in the slit of the inner sleeve, a proximal taper, a distal taper and a maximum diameter, the maximum diameter being larger than the inner diameter of the projection ring, the maximum diameter being selectively passable through the projection ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Inventors: Joel Matheson, James Finseth, Terry Conway, Michael Bauer
  • Patent number: 6786835
    Abstract: Provided herein is a putter grip made of a flexible material which slips over the end of the club and attaches thereto in the traditional manner, either by interference fit or with a two-sided adhesive strip. The unique nature of the grip is in its size and shape, which allow the hands to grasp the club opposite each other, rather than being separated vertically. In a method using a putter equipped with a grip according to the invention, the palms rest on each side of the grip; the thumbs are side-by-side, extending downward on the bevels on each side of the front of the grip and the forefingers and middle fingers extend downward to the base of the grip. The small fingers overlap at the back of the grip. The method encourages consistent placement of the hands on the club and allows the hands to work in concert with minimum wrist movement. Through use of the grip and method of present invention, general improvements to all aspects contributing to dynamic-alignment may be easily achieved by the typical golfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Inventor: Gary W. Carter
  • Patent number: 6786836
    Abstract: A golf ball includes a hot-molded product of a rubber composition comprising a base rubber composed of (a) 20-100 wt % of a polybutadiene having a high cis-1,4 content, a minimal 1,2 vinyl content, and a viscosity &eegr; of up to 600 mPa·s at 25° C. as a 5 wt % toluene solution, and satisfying a certain relationship between Mooney viscosity and polydispersity index Mw/Mn, in combination with (b) 0-80 wt % of another diene rubber, (c) an unsaturated carboxylic acid, (d) an organosulfur compound, (e) an inorganic filler, and (f) an organic peroxide. The hot-molded product has a difference in JIS-C hardness between the center and surface thereof of more than 15 and up to 40 units. The composition and hardness characteristics of the hot-molded product provide the golf ball with a soft feel upon impact and an excellent rebound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Higuchi, Atsushi Nanba
  • Patent number: 6786837
    Abstract: A golf ball made by a process that prevents the cover from cracking due to thermal expansion of the core during the cover formation process. The method includes the forming a core. One or more optional boundary layers can be applied to the surface of the core. The core and any boundary layers are pre-heated such that the core and any boundary layer undergo volumetric thermal expansion. After the pre-heating, the cover of the ball is formed over the core and any boundary layer. The method of the present invention also decreases cover molding cycle times for golf balls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Pijush K. Dewanjee, David L. Felker, Gary G. Marshall
  • Patent number: 6786838
    Abstract: A golf ball having a multi-layered core comprising at least three core layers and a dimpled cover is disclosed. The core may have three layers, A, B and C, four layers, A, B, C and D, five layers, A, B, C, D and E or up to six layers, A, B, C, D, E and F. In accordance to the present invention, the radius or thickness of each core layer is at least twice as much as the adjacent outer core layer. One outer core layer can be a water vapor barrier layer to protect the ball from water vapor encroachment, which reduces the performance of the ball. Another outer core layer can be a thin dense layer with high specific gravity to increase the rotational moment of inertia to reduce the spin of the ball during flight. Another outer core layer can be a perforated spherical shell to increase the resilience and/or coefficient of restitution of the ball. Another outer core layer could be a cushioning layer to act as a shock absorber. The core layers may also have increasing or decreasing hardness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Derek A. Ladd, Antonio U. DeSimas
  • Patent number: 6786839
    Abstract: In a multi-piece solid golf ball comprising a solid core, a mantle and a cover, the solid core is made of a rubber composition that includes (A) a base rubber containing a polybutadiene synthesized using a rare-earth catalyst, (B) a small amount of organic peroxide, (C) an unsaturated carboxylic acid and/or a metal salt thereof, (D) an organic sulfur compound and (E) an inorganic filler. The mantle is made of a thermoplastic resin composition. The cover is made of a material composed of a heated mixture of (F) an olefin/unsaturated carboxylic acid copolymer, an olefin/unsaturated carboxylic acid/unsaturated carboxylic acid ester copolymer, or a metal ion neutralization product thereof, (G) a polyurethane elastomer, and (H) an organic or inorganic basic compound. This construction provides the golf ball with an outstanding flight performance, excellent scuff resistance and a soft feel on impact, and minimizes the decline in rebound by the ball at low temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Junji Hayashi, Yasumasa Shimizu, Hiroshi Higuchi, Rinya Takesue
  • Patent number: 6786840
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a two piece solid golf ball consisting of a solid core and a cover, said solid core being formed from a rubber composition composed of a rubber base material of polybutadiene synthesized by using a catalyst of rare earth element, a small amount of organic peroxide, an unsaturated carboxylic acid and/or a metal salt thereof, an organic sulfur compound, and an inorganic filler, and said cover being formed mainly from a mixture of a block copolymer having amino groups at terminals and an ionomer resin. The two-piece solid golf ball is by far superior to conventional ones in flying performance, cover durability, scuff resistance, and soft shot feeling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Junji Hayashi, Yasumasa Shimizu, Hiroshi Higuchi, Rinya Takesue
  • Patent number: 6786841
    Abstract: A hand-held ball hitting training device includes a resilient semi-flexible rod bendable upon impact by a bat, a handle component attached on one opposite end of the rod, a ball simulation component attached on the other opposite end of the rod, a hand grip-defining sleeve disposed about the handle component and captured between outer and inner annular collars formed thereon, a securement element fitted over the rod and adjacent to the inner collar of the handle component and having a longitudinal split in a side thereof, and an anchor strap having a first loop portion fitted about the handle component adjacent to the inner collar and seated in an annular recess in the handle component and under the securement element and a second loop portion attached to the first loop portion and extending outwardly therefrom through the split in the securement element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Inventor: Nicholas E. Dixon
  • Patent number: 6786842
    Abstract: A base assembly for playing softball has a base, and a ground-engaging elongated plate on the bottom side of the base. The plate is elongated, stiff and has a length greater than the width of the base. A strap passes horizontally through the sides of the base and then through slots in the plate. The strap ends are folded back and fastened to the bottom side of the plate in a tight fitting arrangement. A pair of spikes are received through openings adjacent the ends of the plate to anchor the base to the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Inventor: Frank E. Nasiatka
  • Patent number: 6786843
    Abstract: In a structure for an automatic transmission wherein a brake is arranged in a casing, a hydraulic servomechanism for actuating the brake includes a cylinder, a piston, a return spring for biasing the piston and including an annular portion abutting on the piston and a plurality of leaf-spring portions protruding outward equiangularly from the outer periphery of the annular portion, and a plurality of pressing portions formed with the piston and abutting on the servomechanism through clearances between the leaf-spring portions of the return spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Jatco LTD
    Inventor: Shigeharu Mizuno
  • Patent number: 6786844
    Abstract: The invention relates to a contact pressure system, that can be utilized particularly for continuously variable transmissions, with a torque sensor system as well as a continuously variable transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Anton Fritzer, Wolfgang Reik, Andreas Deimel, Ulrich Mair
  • Patent number: 6786845
    Abstract: A multi-speed planetary transmission having mechanical clutches and two simple planetary gearsets. The mechanical clutches are operated between the transmission input shaft and output shaft to control powerpaths through the planetary gearsets in a manner to establish ten forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. One of said mechanical clutches being operable to selectively interconnect two members of one of the planetary gearsets to another of said mechanical clutches both independently and simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Raymond J. Haka
  • Patent number: 6786846
    Abstract: A safety device for a remotely-activated power supplying system of a manual transmission vehicle includes a starting safety unit connected to a main controller for detecting the presence of a safety condition, and an ignition key detector connected to the main controller for detecting if an ignition key is uprooted from a key-operated power supplying system. Thus, the main controller can be configured to activate a power supplying device to supply electric power to an ignition system when a wirelessly transmitted start signal is received by the main controller, when the safety condition is detected by the starting safety unit, and when the ignition key detector detects that the ignition key is uprooted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Wintecronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Apin Chang
  • Patent number: 6786847
    Abstract: Exercise/therapy apparatus that allows a user to change one or more workout parameters without dismounting from the apparatus and without interrupting the workout. Several embodiments for inclined surface apparatus are disclosed, using vertical, tiltable and curvilinear surface support structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Inventors: Curt Morgan, James Dawson
  • Patent number: 6786848
    Abstract: An exercise assisting apparatus including a cycling machine, a rotation sensor for detecting pedaling movement of the cycling machine, a pulse sensor for detecting the pulse rate of the user, an exercise monitoring unit for monitoring the pulse rate of the user based on the detection results of the rotation sensor and the pulse sensor and a monitor for displaying a background image and a role-playing character. The apparatus also includes an image processor for causing the role-playing character to make a simulated motion related to the pedaling movement within the background image on the monitor based on the detection result of the rotation sensor, a game executing unit for causing the roll-playing character to jump, and a game evaluating unit for giving a higher evaluation when a landing position after the jump is closer to the position reached when the jump is made at a preset target pulse rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Konami Sports Life Corporation
    Inventors: Akihisa Yamashita, Shin Terao, Shintaro Ohsato
  • Patent number: 6786849
    Abstract: A hand grip for use in the self-exercise of hand, wrist and forearm muscles. A pair of pivot elements are mounted about a common pin for pivotal back and forth movement so that the head ends of the elements move together and apart. A force resistance elastomeric member having an interior cavity is releasably mounted on the head ends. Forces applied by the user in repetitively squeezing handles together cause the head ends to move apart against the yieldable resistance of the member. The member's elastic memory causes the elements to pivot back as the user releases his or her grip. A slot in the elastomeric member through which the head ends are mounted enables easy interchange between members of different elastic strengths to provide for a wide range of force resistances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: McCrane, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Faulconer
  • Patent number: 6786850
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus used to simulate skating or roller blading movement in a user includes a pair of sleds or shuttles which include a pedal adapted to support the foot of a user standing thereon. The shuttles are movable along a respective guide assembly consisting of one or more rails which curve away from each other extending from proximate forwardmost ends, outwardly and rearwardly. The rail assemblies are provided in a substantially mirror arrangement and curve downwardly from their respective forwardmost ends to a lowermost distal portion. A guide member is provided to assist in positioning and maintaining the shuttles in sliding movement along each guide assembly, whereby the reciprocal sliding movement of the shuttles along an associated guide assembly acts to guide the feet of the user in skating or roller blade movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Skatestrider Inc.
    Inventor: Nash Nizamuddin
  • Patent number: 6786851
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes left and right rigid connector links having first portions rotatably connected to respective cranks, second portions constrained to move in reciprocating fashion, and third portions connected to respective foot supports. Also, floating cranks are rotatably interconnected between respective cranks and respective foot supports. The resulting assembly links rotation of the cranks to movement of the foot supports through generally elliptical stepping paths. The connection points may be moved relative to one another and/or a supporting frame to adjust the size, shape, and/or orientation of the paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Inventor: Joseph D. Maresh
  • Patent number: 6786852
    Abstract: A cushioned treadmill deck with a cushioning member coupled to the upper surface of a support deck is disclosed. The cushioning member cushions the impact to a user exercising on the treadmill. One cushioning member extends to the edges of the support deck such that the user can stand thereon. Examples of the cushioning member include a member having a plurality of cushioning layers, each having different cushioning properties, and a member having a cushioning layer and a protective layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Icon IP, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott R. Watterson, Greg Law, Rick Hendricksen
  • Patent number: 6786853
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a rear safety foot rest of a treadmill. The treadmill includes a main frame, a running bed, a front support unit and a rear support unit. Moreover, an electronic console and two handles are disposed on the main frame, while a running belt is wrapped around the running bed for an in-place rotation. In addition, the running bed is provided with a support unit coupled with a rear roller while a rear safety foot rest is fixed to the support unit. Consequently, when the tensity and the tightness of the running belt is adjusted by an adjusting spindle, the support unit and the running belt will be synchronically shifted with the rear roller so as to maintain the proper clearance between the rear safety foot rest and the running belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Inventors: Peter Wu, Leao Wang
  • Patent number: 6786854
    Abstract: A training device for boxing is formed of a base, an expandable support rod, and a spherical body. The expandable support rod is formed of at least one adjusting member, a lower tubular member, and an upper tubular member which is slidably received in the lower tubular member in conjunction with the adjusting member such that the upper tubular member is located by a seat tube and an upper lock ring of the adjusting member, and such that the lower tubular member is positioned by the seat tube and a lower lock ring of the adjusting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Inventor: Cheng-Hsiung Hsu
  • Patent number: 6786855
    Abstract: Hip Rotation Training Device with a base plate, a torsion resisting element such as a torsion spring, a torsion spring attachment rod, an inner vertical support tube, a tube support socket, an outer vertical support tube and a hip retaining assembly. The tube support socket is fixedly attached to the base plate. The torsion spring is fixedly attached to the bottom of the inner vertical support tube. The spring attachment rod is fixedly attached to bottom of said torsion spring, said spring attachment rod slidalbly attached at its opposite end to said tube support socket and held in place by a cross pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Inventor: Robert Prichard
  • Patent number: 6786856
    Abstract: A cam-type automatic tool-exchanging apparatus comprises: a housing; an input rotary shaft within the housing; a rotational-motion converting cam within the housing and rotationally driven by the input rotary shaft and outputting a rotational motion; a lifting/lowering-motion producing cam provided the housing and rotationally driven by the input rotary shaft and outputting a lifting/lowering motion; a tool-exchanging arm provided outside the housing and driven by the rotational motion and the lifting/lowering motion outputted for performing a tool-exchanging operation; a shutter provided outside the housing and to be opened/closed in accordance with the tool-exchanging operation; an opening/closing-motion producing cam within the housing and rotationally driven by the input rotary shaft and outputting a shutter-opening/closing pivotal motion for opening/closing the shutter; and a shutter-driving rotary shaft within the housing and outputting the shutter-opening/closing pivotal motion of the opening/closing-m
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignees: Sankyo Manufacturing Co., Ltd., Yamazaki Mazak Corporation
    Inventors: Heizaburo Kato, Hideaki Hattori, Kiyoshi Nishida, Kazuya Horibe, Satoshi Okada
  • Patent number: 6786857
    Abstract: An exchanging device is proposed for the parts-specific accessories and especially for the suction crossarm in a press, press line, multiple-die press for large parts or the like in order to make possible a good accessability of the press area, the exchanging device in the parked position is below the passable covering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Mueller Weingarten AG
    Inventors: Erich Harsch, Rainer Reichenbach
  • Patent number: 6786858
    Abstract: A delivery system and method for interstitial radiation therapy uses a seed strand composed of a plurality of tubular shaped, hollow radioactive seeds with a bore. The seed strand as assembled with a material provided in the bore and between the spaced seeds is axially stiff and radially flexible and is bioabsorbable in living tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: IdeaMatrix, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Terwilliger, Gary A. Lamoureux
  • Patent number: 6786859
    Abstract: An apparatus (1) for applying magnetic field treatment to a biological entity is disclosed. The apparatus has a signal generation unit (6) for generating an electrical treatment signal, and an induction coil mat (5), connected to said signal generation unit (6). A magnetic field is generated by the induction coil mat (5) in accordance with said electrical treatment signal. The electrical treatment signal comprises frequency components of approximately 300 Hz, 600 Hz, 800 Hz and 1,000 Hz in superposition. A further set of frequencies in the range between 2 Hz and 32 Hz can be added. These further frequencies are chosen in accordance with a desired treatment mode of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Advanced Diagnostic Development Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Arnoldus Petrus van Mullekom
  • Patent number: 6786860
    Abstract: A hearing aid module (60) is shaped for insertion into a tunnel (40) made through the soft tissue that connects the retro-auricular space (50) with the ear canal (30). A hollow tube (44) may first be chronically or acutely implanted in such tunnel, and the hearing aid module inserted into the tube. The tube or hearing aid module may have a coating (45) containing a steroid or drug adapted to minimize infection and/or inflammation. The hearing aid module contains a speaker (65), a battery or other power source (66) powering the module, signal processing circuitry (67), and a microphone (63). Telemetry circuitry (69) within the module allows the signal processing circuitry to be programmed with a desired frequency response or signal processing strategy using an external programming unit (74). A remote control unit (75) permits the user to make simple adjustments, such as volume and/or tone control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Advanced Bionics Corporation
    Inventors: Albert A. Maltan, Alfred E. Mann, James P. McGivern, Philip H. Lee
  • Patent number: 6786861
    Abstract: The invention provides a sling prosthesis (10) for urinary incontinence and also a method of treating urinary incontinence. The sling (10) has a flexible elongate member (12) and a distensible portion (14) and is configured to be inserted dorsally between the urethra and pelvic bone, with ends of the elongate member attachable to retropubic or ischial structures. A valve (18) which is subcutaneously implantable in a labial or scrotal region may be connected via a conduit (16) to the dispensible portion. Fluid is injected via the valve into the distensible portion (14) to that the distensible portion (14) sufficiently constricts the urethra to inhibit undesirable leakage of urine. Fluid can then either be injected into or extracted from the distensible portion in order to alter distension thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Inventor: Johannes Jacobus Pretorius
  • Patent number: 6786862
    Abstract: A graft vessel preparation device and a method for using the graft vessel preparation device is provided. The graft vessel preparation device establishes and maintains a critical dimension on a graft vessel which corresponds to a dimension of an anastomosis site on a target vessel. One example of a graft vessel preparation device which prepares a graft vessel for a vascular anastomosis procedure includes a parallelogram linkage, a first spreader arm and a second spreader arm. The first spreader arm and the second spreader arm mount on opposing members of the parallelogram linkage in a parallel configuration. The spreader arms are configured in order to allow the placement of an end of a graft vessel over the spreader arms. The spreader arms are also configured to separate within an interior of the graft vessel once the graft vessel is placed over the spreader arms in order to establish a critical dimension. The critical dimension is established using a critical dimension locator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Cardica, Inc.
    Inventors: Jaime Vargas, Ted Bender, David Bombard, Jeremy Frank
  • Patent number: 6786863
    Abstract: Remote physical contact using mechanical surrogates that replicate anatomical components. Pressure, temperature and displacement sensors perceive action upon the surrogate. Actuators for pressure temperatures and displacement enable a second surrogate to mimic the contact imparted on the first. A computer program implements the method by sending contact messages comprising contact characteristics that describe the nature of a physical contact perceived by a surrogate with full duplex capability. A human lip surrogate enables two people to kiss remotely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: DADT Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Touraj Abbasi
  • Patent number: 6786864
    Abstract: An endoscope including; a fixing member detachably mounted to a distal end portion of an endoscope insertion part for detachably fixing and holding a distal end portion of an indwelling tube or a distal end portion of a guide member for guiding the indwelling tube, both of which are provided along the axial direction of the insertion part, to the distal end portion of the insertion part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Matsuura, Raifu Matsui, Toshio Nakamura, Hisao Yabe, Masaaki Nakazawa
  • Patent number: 6786865
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an endoscope valve assembly is releasably secured to a hand of a user of an endoscope. The endoscope valve assembly can be releasably secured to any part of the user's hand (e.g., palm, thumb, or finger) and can be secured either to the hand that holds the endoscope or to the user's other hand. Additionally, when the user holds an endoscope in one hand and a second medical instrument in his other hand, the valve assembly for the endoscope can be releasably secured to the second medical instrument. Other embodiments are described, and each of the embodiments can be used alone or in combination with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Innon Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Avtar S. Dhindsa