Patents Issued in October 12, 2004
  • Patent number: 6802753
    Abstract: In a manufacturing process of an image forming apparatus (electron beam device) using electron emission elements, particularly, surface conduction type electron emission elements, wirings on an electron source substrate on which the wirings and element electrodes are formed are opposite to electrodes for a face plate, and a given voltage is applied between the wirings and the electrodes to thereby generate a discharge phenomenon in advance, thus removing a protrusion or the like. In this way, when an electric field applying process is conducted on the electron source substrate, a factor such as a protrusion in an electron source which induces a discharge phenomenon in driving an electron beam device represented by an image forming apparatus is removed, thus realizing an image forming apparatus excellent in display characteristic with no defective pixel even in image display for a long period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoichi Ando, Keisuke Yamamoto, Hideshi Kawasaki, Tamaki Kobayashi, Satoshi Mogi, Akira Hayama
  • Patent number: 6802754
    Abstract: A method for molding and aligning microstructures on a patterned substrate using a microstructured mold. A slurry containing a mixture of a ceramic powder and a curable fugitive binder is placed between the microstructure of a stretchable mold and a patterned substrate. The mold can be stretched to align the microstructure of the mold with a predetermined portion of the patterned substrate. The slurry is hardened between the mold and the substrate. The mold is then removed to leave microstructures adhered to the substrate and aligned with the pattern of the substrate. The microstructures can be thermally heated to remove the binder and optimally fired to sinter the ceramic powder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Raymond C. Chiu, Timothy Lee Hoopman, Paul Edward Humpal, Vincent Wen-Shiuan King, Kenneth R. Dillon
  • Patent number: 6802755
    Abstract: The present invention is a toy device that creates a visual illusion using a vibrating figure and strobe lighting. The user controls the strobe illumination frequency, as well as other potential aspects, to create different visual illusion effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Inventors: Brian Walker, Eddie Leung Wai Chor
  • Patent number: 6802756
    Abstract: A diaphragm actuated toy water gun is provided which includes a housing having a handle with a trigger as well as a barrel with a water ejection nozzle located thereon. A water supply tank is connected to the main housing which can be filled with water. A pump is located on the housing for pumping water from the supply tank to at least one diaphragm chamber located on the housing. The diaphragm chamber is formed between a fixed wall and a flexible diaphragm, which can be deflected and expanded from its neutral position into a diaphragm housing. A release valve C the diaphragm assembly. Actuation of the release valve allows a stream of water to be ejected from the diaphragm water gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Inventor: Jeffrey C Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 6802757
    Abstract: A toy includes a display component and an arrangement of opaque walls defining together with the display component a plurality of illuminable cavities separated from one another by the opaque walls. The opaque walls are disposed directly behind the display component. The illuminable cavities have associated light sources also disposed behind the display component and capable of illuminating the associated cavity to produce a corresponding visual effect visible from in front of the display component. At least two of the illuminable cavities are arranged to form multiple states of a single facial feature visible from in front of the display component with illumination states of the light sources of the cavities corresponding with the states of the facial feature that cooperate with other visible facial features to form a selection of discrete facial expressions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: The First Years, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph P. Sejnowski
  • Patent number: 6802758
    Abstract: A toy with a plurality of lights that a user can suspend from his hands and spin, twirl, whirl, and otherwise manipulate to create amusing patterns of light. The toy consists of a hub (30), power supply (56), a plurality of light emitting elements (72) which are mounted on the hub using connectors (70), and an additional plurality of light emitting elements (92) which are mounted remotely on wires (170) using connectors (90) and attached to the hub (30) using connectors (52, 172) or (162). A tether (40) to suspend the toy from the users hands (48L, 48R), such as string which is passed though holes (42) in the hub (39). The user can then rotate, twist, wind up, spin, swing and otherwise manipulate the toy causing the light emitting elements (72, 92) to move in various circular and random patterns causing amusing displays of light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Inventor: Andrew Michael Somers
  • Patent number: 6802759
    Abstract: A grinder for grinding an outer surface of a roll, in particular one of a tissue cylinder and a machine glazed cylinder, the roll having an axis, including a grinding mechanism displaceable in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of the roll, the grinder mechanism also displaceable toward and away from the axis and a measuring system associated and displaceable with the grinding mechanism, the measuring system measuring the position of the grinding mechanism relative to the roll and relative to at least one reference line that is outside of the roll, the grinding mechanism being adjustable substantially parallel to the axis. The measuring system obtaining measurement values, the measurement values being used to positionally control the grinding mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Voith Paper Holding GmbH
    Inventor: Sjaak Melkert
  • Patent number: 6802760
    Abstract: Vending apparatus for optical disk restoration has a housing for receiving the disk form a customer; a disk inspection device to determine whether the disk is correctly positioned for polishing and providing a signal indicative of disk position, a disk perforation detecting device providing a signal indicative of any perforation in a reflective layer of the disk; and a device for ejecting a perforated disk from the housing. A user interface requests and receives payment from a customer in response to a signal by the detecting device that the reflective layer is imperforate and provides a signal indicating receipt of correct payment. Polishing wheels polish, with slurry, an exposed light receiving surface of a data carrying protective layer of the disk to ameliorate scratches in response to a signal from the user interface of correct payment and a device ejects a polished disk from the housing to a customer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Inventor: Steven G. Goldstein
  • Patent number: 6802761
    Abstract: A lapping plate has photolithographically defined patterns that are electroplated to produce lands with well-defined channels. By choosing a particular geometry, the retention force is significantly reduced over prior art options, while still retaining a high land area fraction. In some versions, the material is electroplated onto sufficiently thin substrates to allow conformation to a curved vacuum chuck. This configuration provides a very large reduction in retraction force when compared to smooth, flat lapping plates. In addition, the substrate used to form the lapping plate has reduced thickness, and a vacuum chuck is used to pull the thin, flat lapping plate against it to define the curvature. This allows the lapping plate to be charged by a flat charging ring. The substrate used is typically glass and has been sputter-metallized on both sides. The resist is then patterned, leaving an exposed pattern in the metallization on both sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Jacey R. Beaucage, Timothy C. Reiley, Huey-Ming Tzeng, Xiao Z. Wu
  • Patent number: 6802762
    Abstract: A method for feeding slurry, and a slurry feeder capable of feeding slurry to a chemical mechanical polishing apparatus, are disclosed. Slurry is fed from a slurry supply tank, that stores slurry at a given concentration, to chemical mechanical polishing apparatuses via slurry feed pumps. Operations of the slurry feed pumps are suspended during a period of time other than during a time of feeding slurry to the chemical mechanical polishing apparatuses. A slurry feeder for feeding a slurry to a polishing apparatus includes a pump for feeding slurry at a flow rate Q from a slurry supply tank to the polishing apparatus. When a given sedimentation velocity of slurry is indicated by V, a horizontal sectional area of the slurry supply tank is set to become smaller than Q/V.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Ebara Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Tanaka, Takashi Tsuzuki, Fujihiko Toyomasu
  • Patent number: 6802763
    Abstract: A sharpening apparatus with substantially rigid sharpening wheels disposed substantially fixedly on a rotatable drive shaft. An edge of a blade inserted in a slot in the apparatus comes into contact with a sharpening surface on a sharpening wheel. A sliding block associated with that sharpening surface slidably yields to accommodate the inserted blade and applies a force on the blade towards the sharpening surface. The user may selectively adjust force on the blade to achieve more or less sharpening of the edge of the blade. The plurality of sharpening surfaces can offer different levels or degrees of sharpening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignees: Salton, Inc., Hop Shing M&P Manufactory Limited
    Inventor: Rocky Leung
  • Patent number: 6802764
    Abstract: A power tool comprising a drive shaft for driving a tool, a recess at a free end of the drive shaft, and a detachable securement flange having a securement section on a side facing the drive shaft is disclosed. The securement section is form-fitted for insertion into the recess of the drive shaft and comprises a flange section on the opposite side, wherein the tool comprises a respective securement opening which is adapted to the shape of the securement section of the securement flange for form-fit securement of the securement opening of the tool to the securement section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: C & E. Fein GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Hansjoerg Besch
  • Patent number: 6802765
    Abstract: A tool for resurfacing the area surrounding a protruding stud, without removing the stud from the member to which it is attached, includes a quick connect/disconnect coupler at one end thereof for attachment to and removal from a conventional rotary power tool. A central longitudinal aperture in the tool opens to a distal end thereof, and an abrasive surface preparation disc having a corresponding central aperture is adapted for removable attachment to the distal end of the tool. The tool is positioned over the stud such that the stud extends into the central aperture of the tool and the surface preparation disc is in contact with the surface area surrounding the stud. Controlled rotation of the tool in place over the stud results in a desired degree of uniform abrasion of the surface area surrounding the stud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Inventor: Robert M. Torrez
  • Patent number: 6802766
    Abstract: An air-guiding structure for an air sander includes a muffler assembly integrally formed from plastic material, a main passageway and a sub-passageway formed in the muffler assembly, a dust collection port formed at a bottom end of the sub-passageway, and a baffle integrally formed within the main passageway to divide the main passageway into a front section and a rear section. One side of the main passageway communicates with the sub-passageway, and the main passageway has a joint port and an exhaust port opposite to the joint port. The joint port and the dust collection port of the muffler assembly connect to the outlet port and joint port of the air sander, respectively. The baffle is formed with a predetermined number of thin holes to communicate the front section with the rear section, wherein the rear section of the main passageway communicates with the sub-passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Basso Industry Corp.
    Inventor: You-Jie Liu
  • Patent number: 6802767
    Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide exhaust air discharging and ventilating technologies capable of completing local ventilation without affecting the habitability and workability. The invention is a method for locally discharging the air around and near cooking equipment (1) in a kitchen in which cooking equipment (1) that causes air contamination is installed, wherein upward suction draft (16) going out of the room is produced from above the cooking equipment (1), while upward blowout draft (21) is produced from near the side of the cooking equipment (1), and due to the inductive action of the blowout draft (21), the contaminated air (30) around and near the cooking equipment (1) is forcibly caught and carried into the blowout draft (21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Inventor: Yoshiaki Kanaya
  • Patent number: 6802768
    Abstract: A motorized valve assembly for use in a vehicle heating, ventilating, and air conditioning module comprises a valve having at least one flap and is pivotable about a pivot axis. A drive unit is affixed to the valve, and a drive interface is operably connected to the drive unit for inducing a pivoting force about the pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark W. Stevenson, Gerald M. Goupil, Jr., Raoul Huberty
  • Patent number: 6802769
    Abstract: An expanding and retractably collapsing device includes a generally cylindrical hose which is expandable and retractably collapsible and has formed on a surface thereof a circumferentially extending rib. A roller assembly having rotatable framework is disposed adjacent the hose and has roller bearings disposed in the framework for mechanically engaging the rib such that rotation of the framework in one or another direction causes either expanding or collapsing the hose. The roller assembly is generally axially stationary with respect to an axis about which the hose expands and contracts. An air supply unit is connected to the hose to deliver conditioned air. A remote controller enables operation of the air supply unit and includes a detector for detecting toxic air conditions and generating an alert signal indicating an unsuitable environmental condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Inventor: Gary L. Grochowski
  • Patent number: 6802770
    Abstract: An exhaust fan for use in bathrooms or similar areas has a generally rectangular fan housing formed from two independent structural members to reduce manufacturing waste and decrease production cost. The fan housing includes a receptacle panel that can be installed and removed from within the housing without additional tools. The fan housing includes two series of spaced view holes formed in its back wall such that during installation of the exhaust fan, the installer can view the ceiling joist to correctly position the fan housing relative to the bottom surface of the joist. The back wall of the fan housing also includes a pair of bend down tabs that can be placed in contact with the bottom surface of the joist to correctly position the bottom edge of the fan housing the required distance from the joist to accommodate the most common drywall thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Broan-Nutone LLC
    Inventors: David M. Larson, Robert G. Penlesky, Daniel L. Karst, Robert A. Chvosta, Alan G. Klug, Kevin P. Gahagan
  • Patent number: 6802771
    Abstract: An agricultural harvesting machine for removing and separating grain from harvested crop has a threshing zone and at least one separation zone for separating the grain. The axial separating rotor is at least partially encased by a separating housing having a plurality of sections. At least one of the sections is displaceable in the axial direction of the at least one axial separating rotor to increase the opening and ensure separation when a correspondingly large proportion of grain are in the outer region of the rotating crop stream and the proportion of admixtures is small.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: CLAAS Selbstfahrende Erntemaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Berthold Schwersmann, Gregor Gogolin
  • Patent number: 6802772
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to conduct a game associated with a physics simulation, the physics simulation being adapted to generate a game result based on a set of input parameters. According to one embodiment, a game condition associated with a game to be played by a player is established. For example, a three-dimensional terrain associated with a golf putting green may be established. It is then determined that at least one set of possible input parameters to the physics simulation will produce a successful game result given the established game condition. For example, it may be determined that a player can use his or her mouse to provide a set of inputs parameters to the physics simulation such that a simulated golf ball will reach a simulated golf hole based on the three-dimensional golf putting green terrain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Walker Digital, LLC
    Inventors: Adrian E. Kunzle, V. Maximillian Garcia
  • Patent number: 6802773
    Abstract: A method for conducting a multiple hand video poker game incorporating a bad beat feature begins with a player making a wager to receive a first hand of cards. The player holds zero or more cards and the held cards are reproduced into additional poker hands. Replacement cards are dealt into each hand to form completed poker hands. The player is rewarded for each winning hand combination. Additionally, if the player's first hand prior to replacement matches one of a set of qualifying starting hands and none of the player's completed poker hands matches a final hand corresponding to the qualifying starting hand obtained, a bad beat award is issued to the player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Inventor: Ernest W. Moody
  • Patent number: 6802774
    Abstract: A video gaming device in which a first game having a first award structure is influenced by a second game having an award structure enhancement operatively coupled to the first game all of which are integrally found on a video display monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Casino Data Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Rex R. Carlson, Rich Schneider, Scott Boyd, Miles Patceg
  • Patent number: 6802775
    Abstract: A method and apparatus of a gaming device having an element and element group selection and elimination bonus scheme for randomly determining an award. The gaming device provides a selection and elimination sequence of an element from a group. The bonus scheme continually selects and eliminates a next element from a successive group at least containing the previously selected element. The bonus scheme awards a player when the game ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Anthony J. Baerlocher, Bayard S. Webb
  • Patent number: 6802776
    Abstract: A gaming system (10) utilizes a game designation generating component (16), a gaming establishment component (11), and a set of predefined bingo card representations. Each bingo card representation is stored in electronic format as a data structure or data record defining a predefined pattern of game designations chosen from a pool of available designations. The game designation generating component (16) generates sets of game designations from a pool of available designations. The method employed in the gaming system (10) includes pre-matching the bingo card representations to a given set of game designations to produce a matched card set. This pre-matching occurs prior to the sale, distribution, or assignment of card representations to players in the game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Multimedia Games, Inc.
    Inventors: Clifton Lind, Gordon T. Graves, Gary L. Loebig, Jefferson C. Lind, Joseph R. Enzminger, Rodney L. Willyard, Robert Lannert
  • Patent number: 6802777
    Abstract: A gaming device for playing a game. The device has a game display with several display sections. A game controller controls several fractional images that are displayed in the display sections. The game controller randomly selects the fractional image to display in each display section. A winning combination results when the fractional images are aligned such that they form a complete image. The game display can be a set of rotatable reels with each reel carrying the fractional images or the game display can be a video display. The reels are aligned vertically, horizontally, diagonally, a combination thereof, or in other ways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Atlantic City Coin & Slot Service Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerald C. Seelig, Lawrence M. Henshaw
  • Patent number: 6802778
    Abstract: A gaming terminal and method are provided with which allow casino managers or other game operators to customize paytables, including poker paytables. Preferably, the system can verify or assist in verifying that the paytables comply with one or more various standards such as regulatory standards, e.g., such that the paytables are legal. In one aspect, paytable verification calculations, such as calculations of overall payback or hold percentages, preferably in the manner acceptable to regulatory authorities, are performed in the electronic gaming terminal, e.g., using the gaming terminal microprocessor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Steven G Lemay, Andrea Hughs-Baird
  • Patent number: 6802779
    Abstract: A hole is formed in a damper rubber, where by when a compressive load is small, pillar portions undergo a flexural deformation so as to result in buckling deformation. On the other hand, when the compressive load becomes large, the hole collapses and the damper rubber undergoes a compressive deformation so as to collapse itself. Thus, since the damper rubber has a non-linear characteristic such that an elastic modulus thereof at an amount of deformation exceeding a predetermined amount is larger than that at an amount of deformation less than the predetermined amount, the transmission of a large torque can be implemented while absorbing a torque fluctuation sufficiently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuo Tabuchi, Junichi Ohguchi, Makoto Ito, Manabu Saiki, Kiyoshi Kurohata
  • Patent number: 6802780
    Abstract: A seal system and method are provided to protect a double-tube vehicle driveshaft, having first and second members containing intermeshing splined portions, from premature wear or corrosion. The seal system comprises first and second splined inner-portions wherein the diameter of the first splined inner-portion is greater than the diameter of the second splined inner-portion. In operation, at least a part of the splined portion of the first member is resident within the first splined inner-portion of the seal, and at least a part of the splined portion of the second member is telescopically resident within the second splined inner-portion of the seal. The seal method comprises fitting the first splined inner-portion of the seal around at least a part of the splined portion of the first member, and fitting the second splined inner-portion of the seal around at least a part of the splined portion of the second member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Maciej Glowacki, Walter J. Golembiewski
  • Patent number: 6802781
    Abstract: A longitudinal plunging unit (11) for torque transmitting purposes in a shaft assembly, comprising an outer profiled sleeve (21) having circumferentially distributed, inner, longitudinally extending first ball grooves (22) to be connected to a first attachment part, a profiled journal (31) positioned inside the outer profiled sleeve (21) and having circumferentially distributed, outer, longitudinally extending second ball grooves (32) to be connected to a second attachment part, groups of balls (41) arranged in pairs of first and second ball grooves (22, 32), and a sleeve-shaped ball cage (42) which is positioned in the annular space between the profiled sleeve (21) and the profiled journal (31) and which fixes the groups of balls (41) in their respective positions relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: GKN Lobro GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Schwärzler, Herbert Cermak, Arne Berger
  • Patent number: 6802782
    Abstract: The present invention provides a device for producing a fire special effect using a curtain of theatrical smoke. In one embodiment, the device comprises a theatrical smoke console for producing a curtain of theatrical smoke, an air modulator for providing a varying current of air that modulates the curtain of theatrical smoke produced by the console, and a lighting assembly that produces a flood of colored light that is projected onto the modulated curtain of theatrical smoke produced by the console and air modulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Technifex, Inc.
    Inventors: Rockne Hall, Joseph W. Starr
  • Patent number: 6802783
    Abstract: A swing includes a seat unit having a seat frame disposed between two armrest frames, and a backrest frame pivoted to a rear end of the seat frame through a first pivot pin and to one of the armrest frames about a second pivot pin above the first pivot pin, a footrest frame pivoted to a front end of the seat frame through a third pivot pin, and an inclination adjusting rod pivotally connecting the footrest frame and a lower end of the backrest frame. A sliding member is fixed to the seat frame, and is slidably mounted on a guiding member that is secured to said one of the armrest frames. A fastener releasably fastens the sliding member to the guiding member to prevent sliding movement of the sliding member and the seat frame relative to the guiding member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Taiwan Shin Yeh Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chuen-Jong Tseng
  • Patent number: 6802784
    Abstract: A golf ball containing a layer, which comprises nanosheets of exfoliated graphite dispersed in a polymeric matrix, is provided. Exfoliated graphite is graphite that has been intercalated preferably by an oxidation process, where the atoms or molecules have been inserted into the inter-planar spacing between the layered planes of carbons, and expanded. The intercalated graphite is expanded or exfoliated preferably by brief exposure to high heat to expand the thickness of the graphite. The expanded or exfoliated graphite is then mixed with monomers and polymerized in situ to form a polymer with a network of nanosheets of the exfoliated graphite dispersed therein. The exfoliated graphite advantageously retains its nanostructure during the polymerization process. The resulting golf ball layer comprising such polymer with nanosheets of exfoliated graphite exhibits superior tensile strength, low permeability to gas and increased impact strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Derek A. Ladd
  • Patent number: 6802785
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a golf ball with a core and a polymeric layer reinforced with relatively long fibers. Such layer can be the cover, a portion of the cover, an intermediate layer, a portion of the intermediate layer, or any layer in the golf ball. Preferably, this layer comprises relatively long fibers embedded in a thermoplastic matrix to increase the flexural modulus and the impact resistance of the thermoplastic. The fibers may be arranged in random or non-random pattern in the layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael D. Jordan, Christopher Cavallaro
  • Patent number: 6802786
    Abstract: The present invention provides a solid golf ball having long flight distance obtained by accomplishing high launch angle and low spin amount, and having excellent shot feel, rebound characteristics, scuff resistance and yellowing resistance. The present invention relates to a solid golf ball comprising a core and a cover formed on the core, wherein the cover comprises as a base resin (a) polyurethane-based thermoplastic elastomer formed by using cycloaliphatic diisocyanate, or (b) a mixture of polyurethane-based thermoplastic elastomer formed by using cycloaliphatic diisocyanate and polyamide-based thermoplastic elastomer, and has a thickness of not more than 1.0 mm, and a surface hardness in Shore D hardness of the core is higher than a central point hardness in Shore D hardness of the core by not less than 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Iwami, Takashi Sasaki
  • Patent number: 6802787
    Abstract: A golf ball having a sinusoidal surface is disclosed. The golf ball has a sinusoidal structure. The golf ball of the present invention conforms with the 1.68 inches diameter requirement for USGA approved golf balls. The interconnected sine waves form a sinusoidal structure in the preferred embodiment. The preferred embodiment has a parting line that alternates upward and downward along a sine wave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventor: Steven S. Ogg
  • Patent number: 6802788
    Abstract: A tether system for a ball, such as a soccer ball, includes a simple swivel that is adapted to be connected directly to an extending tab on a ball. The swivel fastener is a two piece member. The two piece swivel is relatively less expensive than other more complicated swivel connectors, thus reducing the overall cost of the tether system. In addition, since the two piece swivel can be connected directly to on the ball, the tether system in accordance with the present invention also eliminates a process step of connecting the swivel to an intermediate ring, thus further reducing the cost of the tether system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Zak's Sports Products, LLC
    Inventors: Issac George Moushi, Michael H. Braverman, Robert H. Rosenfeld
  • Patent number: 6802789
    Abstract: A volleyball practice system that includes a generally rectangular first flexible panel supported from a pair of vertical supports, and at least one connector of adjustable length extending from at least one of the lower opposing corners of the first flexible panel. A second flexible panel that is smaller than the first flexible panel is supported in a generally parallel fashion from the first flexible panel. The first flexible panel extends below the second flexible panel, so that a trough area is created below the lower edge of the volleyball net when at least one of the lower opposing corners is suppported from the vertical supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Inventor: Edmund S. Ishino
  • Patent number: 6802790
    Abstract: A basketball backboard assembly includes a basketball backboard, a hollow member, a second member, and an actuator. The hollow member is connected to the basketball backboard, and includes an outer surface and an inner surface. The second member is located at least partially within the hollow member and in slidable contact with the hollow member. The second member includes an outer surface and an inner surface, and at least one of the hollow member outer and inner surfaces defines a cross-sectional profile for the hollow member that is substantially similar to that of a cross-sectional profile defined by at least one of the second member outer and inner surfaces. The actuator is connected to the second member and the hollow member, and provides for relative movement between the second member and the actuator member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Aalco Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: Christopher M. Pohrer
  • Patent number: 6802791
    Abstract: A pressure control valve assembly is disposed in the hydraulic flow path of a differential assembly and is connected to a passageway leading to a limited slip device within the differential case to establish fluid communication there between. The invention includes a machined or formed blind hole, a groove which partially intersects the blind hole, a ball member seated in the blind hole, and a spring resiliently acting on the ball to apply a force biasing the ball into the blind hole. At the intersection of the blind hole and groove, an area, which is not sealed by the ball, is formed that provides a controlled leakage path for the hydraulic fluid. As the hydraulic fluid flow increases, the hydraulic pressure of the fluid on the pressure side increases which increases the force on the ball acting against the spring. As the pressure increases further, the resultant forces on the ball deflect the spring to increase the bleed area and increase the fluid bled proportionally to the fluid pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Torque-Traction Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Jun Yoshioka
  • Patent number: 6802792
    Abstract: In an oil pressure control device, a clutch apply control valve is provided in an oil passage between a control valve and a linear solenoid valve. The clutch apply control valve is changed between a first position where an input port and an output port are connected so as to supply a control pressure to a control oil chamber, and a second position where another input port and the output port are connected so as to supply the control oil chamber with a D range pressure, instead of the control pressure. Therefore, the clutch apply control valve makes it possible to reliably supply an engaging pressure to a clutch even in the case of a failure of the control valve or the like to ensure good responsiveness of the clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignees: Aisin AW Co., Ltd., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takuya Fujimine, Akira Fukatsu, Kazuyuki Noda, Masahiko Ando, Kazutoshi Nozaki, Toshiki Kanada
  • Patent number: 6802793
    Abstract: An arrangement for securely retaining a cross pin within a differential assembly includes a cross pin having a groove positioned proximate a recess formed in a differential housing. The recess and the groove define a retention passageway at least partially filled with molten resin. Solidified resin material positioned within the retention passageway retains the cross pin in the differential housing. Another embodiment cross pin retention system includes a pair of locking clips coupled to the cross pin. Each of the pinion gears of the differential assembly is retained between one of the locking clips and the differential housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick E. Zink, Joseph M. Endreszl
  • Patent number: 6802794
    Abstract: A shift assembly for a two-speed transfer case utilizes a single actuator to drive both the speed range selection mechanism and a modulating friction clutch pack which selectively transfers drive torque from a primary output to a secondary output. The shift assembly includes an actuator which rotates a shift rail and cam having an intermediate helical track and a dwell region at each end. A lost motion assembly operating in conjunction with the helical cam selectively engages and disengages the clutch when the cam follower is in one of the two dwell regions. Thus, the shift assembly provides sequential operation from full clutch engagement in a first speed range, clutch disengagement in the first speed range, de-selection of the first speed range, selection, and de-selection of neutral, selection of a second speed range and, up to full engagement of the clutch in the second speed range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: BorgWarner, Inc.
    Inventor: Dan Joseph Showalter
  • Patent number: 6802795
    Abstract: An automatic transmission of a motor vehicle includes first, second and third planetary gear sets, two clutches and three brakes. A first-speed gear stage having the largest gear ratio is established when the first clutch and the first brake are engaged, a second-speed gear stage is established when the first clutch and the second brake are engaged, a third-speed gear stage is established when the first clutch and the third brake are engaged, a fourth-speed gear stage is established when the first clutch and the second clutch are engaged, a fifth-speed gear stage is established when the second clutch and the third brake are engaged, a sixth-speed gear stage is established when the second clutch and the second brake are engaged, and a seventh-speed gear stage is established when the second clutch and the first brake are engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Terufumi Miyazaki, Tetsuya Kohno, Yuji Yasuda
  • Patent number: 6802796
    Abstract: A control device is provided in a hybrid-driven auxiliary system using an engine and a motor as driving force. The control device includes: an auxiliary unit into which the motor is integrally assembled; current controlling means for controlling an electric current of the motor for driving or generating; current detecting means for detecting the electric current of the motor; and load torque computing means for computing, based on the electric current of the motor, a load torque when the auxiliary unit is operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignees: Nippon Soken, Inc., Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Hironori Asa, Yasushi Suzuki, Keiichi Uno
  • Patent number: 6802797
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a frame designed to rest upon a floor surface, at least one crank rotatably mounted on the frame, and a discrete connector link having a first portion rotatably connected to each crank. A second portion of each connector link is constrained to move in reciprocal fashion relative to the frame, and a third portion of each connector link supports a foot platform. As a result, each foot platform is constrained to move through a generally elliptical path in response to rotation of each associated crank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Inventor: Joseph D. Maresh
  • Patent number: 6802798
    Abstract: An adjustable crank mechanism comprises a sun gear rigidly attached to a main frame of the device and the sun gear meshed with an adjacent planetary gear of half diameter. A planetary crank arm rigidly projecting from the planetary gear generates an alternative movement of a corresponding linkage arm. A drive member constituted by a planetary crank arm jointed with a planet gear and a linkage arm jointed to the sliding pedal crank on a crank assembly makes the pedal crank extend to the maximum and return to the minimum rotating distance at each halves of cycle. Thus, the pedal on this pedal crank mechanism will move on a Gemini pedal trace to simulate the foot trace of human running or walking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Inventor: Steve Sijet Zeng
  • Patent number: 6802799
    Abstract: An apparatus for practicing martial arts defensive acts such as Karate kicking. The Karate Kick Exercise apparatus has a base frame, which is attached to a surface. The base frame has upright members that pivot on the base frame. The upright members have a top frame that also pivots on the upright members. A kicking target is attached to a kicking surface member, which in turn is attached to the top frame. The upright members are held in place by a spring-loaded air cylinder that holds the apparatus upright and provides means of absorbing the blows provided by a kicker. The frame pivots in the same direction as the air cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Inventor: Jorge A. Gomez
  • Patent number: 6802800
    Abstract: An exercise machine for performing squat exercises is provided for. The exercise machine comprises a support frame with a shaft horizontally mounted on the frame for rotation about its longitudinal axis. There is at least one weight arm connected to the shaft. The weight arm is adapted to carry a weight at a point distant from the connection between the weight arm and the rotating shaft. Thus, the weight arm provides resistance and load as the shaft rotates. The novel squat machines also comprise a work arm that is connected to the shaft such that actuation of the work arm causes the shaft to rotate. A yoke is connected to the work arm. The yoke is adapted to accommodate the shoulders of an exerciser such that the exerciser is able to provide upward force on the work arm in opposition to the resistance of the weight arm by performing a squat exercise. When the exerciser performs the squat, the work arm causes the shaft to rotate and the weight arm to travel along an arcuate path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Pendulum Fitness, Inc.
    Inventor: Tyler J. Hobson
  • Patent number: 6802801
    Abstract: A tool changing device for a tool machine having a tool spindle which can be moved at least in the spindle direction and with which a tool can be engaged in a spindle hand-over position. A tool magazine/storage area houses a tool to be changed in a magazine ready position with an orientation diverging from the spindle direction. A transport device is fitted with a tool holder which, by means of an operating device provided with a driving guide/guide path, swivels the tool about a swiveling axis during its transport from the ready position in the tool magazine and an orientation parallel to the spindle direction. The transport device is designed for an entire transport path between the magazine ready position and a spindle hand-over position. The transport device is aligned with the rotation axis of the stored tool. The swiveling axis runs perpendicularly to the transport direction and the spindle axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Deckel Maho Speech GmbH
    Inventor: Thorsten Lasch
  • Patent number: 6802802
    Abstract: A carrier for beverage containers formed of a sheet material such as plastic or paperboard which includes a bottom panel attached to side panels, a pair of opposed end panels connected to the bottom and side panels, and a central handle formed of two halves folded together in a first position for ease in carrying. The handle is pivotal to an open position along its top fold line, allowing the carrier to spread outwardly to form a central cavity capable of holding ice for the purpose of cooling the beverage containers. The top panels are provided with a plurality of openings, for example, six or eight, each of which is adapted to receive a beverage container. The method for forming the beverage container is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: USI International, Inc.
    Inventor: Gunter Woog