Patents Issued in April 17, 2007
  • Patent number: 7204766
    Abstract: A golf swing training apparatus includes a frame having a crosspiece interconnecting the upper ends of a pair of generally-parallel-spaced elongate supports, to thereby define a first frame portion extending along a generally horizontal first axis when the frame stands on a playing surface. Two axially-spaced, rigid cantilevered arms are mounted on the first frame section such that the free end of each arm is rotatable in a respective generally-vertical reference plane while resisting “lateral” horizontal movement. In use, the apparatus is positioned generally behind or, most preferably, generally in front of a golfer as the golfer addresses a golf ball, with each arm extending on a respective side of the golfer's head. During a swing, undesired lateral head movement is indicated by contact between the golfer's head and an arm, with the arm resisting such lateral movement to provide a proportional tactile feedback regarding such lateral head movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Inventors: William R. Rose, Lee T. Edson
  • Patent number: 7204767
    Abstract: A golf swing improvement apparatus which is worn by a golfer and helps the golfer develop a repetitive and consistent golf swing that improves golf scores. The golf swing apparatus includes a generally U-shaped body with tabs extending from the arms and a strap to secure the apparatus to the golfer's arm. The apparatus helps the golfer feel the proper contact of his or her arm during the swing and the tabs help limit the golfer's swing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Inventors: Rick E. Roberts, Linda Roberts
  • Patent number: 7204768
    Abstract: A hollow golf club head allowing to increase the repulsion and the degree of design freedom, while maintaining the durability. A hollow golf club head having a head body formed from a metal, wherein a hole is formed in the vicinity of the middle of a crown portion in the head body, the hole is closed with a cover member made of a material different from the head body, the ratio (?m/?f) of the specific gravity ?m of the head body and the specific gravity ?f of the cover member is set equal or superior to 1.3, and the ratio of the face area of a portion where the reinforcement and the head body are combined to the face area of the head body is set equal or superior to 20%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Norihiko Nakahara, Tomoaki Mori, Masahiko Miyamoto
  • Patent number: 7204769
    Abstract: A ball hitting practice device has a base member, a post projecting upwardly from the base member and a pivot joint between the lower end of the post and the base member for allowing pivoting of the post in any direction about the base member to any selected tilt angle. A locking device is provided for securing the post at a selected angle and direction relative to the base member, and a cup is pivotally secured to the upper end of the post for supporting a ball. The cup can be pivoted relative to the post so as to face upwardly regardless of the tilt angle of the post relative to the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Pro Performance Sports, LLC
    Inventors: John K. Bandimere, Randall S. Koch
  • Patent number: 7204770
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a table tennis racket comprising a core of synthetic material and a covering fitted onto said core by overmolding or by co-molding. According to the invention, the core is in the form of a single piece presenting a tubular handle and a paddle of thickness that is smaller than the smallest outside diametral dimension of the tubular handle, and it is provided with a plurality of recesses, between them defining a plurality of partitions extending perpendicularly to the plane of the paddle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Etablissements Cornilleau
    Inventor: Stéphane Mithieux
  • Patent number: 7204771
    Abstract: A bidirectional continuous power transmission system, characterized by a projecting bolt moving within a guiding opening with a rear wall and a front wall. Upon a rotating movement, the projecting bolt exerts a force on the rear wall or the front wall, depending on the orientation of the rotating movement. The force has a component parallel to an axis of rotation, causing two halves of a driven wheel to be pressed together and against a transmission belt. By providing the rear wall and the front wall of the guiding opening with defined curvatures, well-defined forces are exerted at any speed in both orientations of the rotating movement, so that torque is continuously transmitted effectively in both directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Huang-Lung Gu, Chun-Hsien Lu, Tseng-Te Wei, Chien-Tsung Wu, Shian-Hsua Huang
  • Patent number: 7204772
    Abstract: A torsionally flexible coupling has a hub ring and a vibrationally isolated pulley surrounding the hub ring at a radial distance, a spring body made of a rubber-elastic material being situated in the gap formed by the distance, and comprises a sliding-contact bearing for mutual support of the hub ring and the pulley, the sliding-contact bearing having a sliding-contact surface on the side facing the hub ring or the pulley, the sliding-contact surface having at least one elastically flexible projection in the radial direction which comes in contact with the surface of the hub ring or the pulley under elastic prestress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Carl Freudenberg KG
    Inventor: Winfried Huber
  • Patent number: 7204773
    Abstract: A tensioning device for a chain drive of an internal combustion engine, having a support member (1) which is pivotally mounted thereupon and is axially snapped onto and retained on a bearing journal (4) of the support member (1) via a bearing lug (5). The support member (1) is formed as a deep-drawn sheet metal component and is formed in a single piece with the bearing journal (4). The bearing journal (4) is provided with a cup-shaped hollow form. The tensioning rail (2) is axially secured to the support member (1) by a wrap-around (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: INA-Schaeffler KG
    Inventor: Thomas Ullein
  • Patent number: 7204774
    Abstract: In one-piece combination, a drive pulley and belt guide for a belt-driven machine. The pulley has a belt-driving section configured for engagement by the belt and a belt-guiding section integral with the belt-driving section. The belt-guiding section has a conically-tapering external surface and an internal surface which is substantially free of reinforcing members and defines a hollow, cup-shaped interior free from structure within the interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: L. Ranney Dohogne, Robert E. Wehrheim, Mark A. Fry, Walter A. Stribling
  • Patent number: 7204775
    Abstract: A plate-link chain formed from short plate links and long plate links. The long plate links have an extension at one end. The installation direction of the long plate links is such that their extensions overlap plate links in an adjacent row and that are next in order in the longitudinal direction of the plate-link chain, when viewed from the side of the chain. The overlap permits the plate links to have defined positions relative to adjacent plate links by minimizing the ability of adjacent plate links to shift laterally relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: André Teubert, André Linnenbrügger
  • Patent number: 7204776
    Abstract: In a hybrid transmission and its assembling method, a differential unit is constituted by a single pinion planetary gear set and a double pinion planetary gear set holding a carrier in common to the single planetary gear set and having five rotary members from among which, when revolution states of two rotary members are determined, those of the other rotary members are determined, an input end from a prime mover is coupled to a ring gear of the double pinion planetary gear set, an output end to a drive system that is coupled to the common carrier, a first motor/generator that is coupled to a sun gear of the double pinion planetary gear set, a second motor/generator that is coupled to a sun gear of the single pinion planetary gear set, and a brake enabled to brake a ring gear of the single pinion planetary gear set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignees: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Renault s.a.s. societe par actions simplifiee
    Inventors: Yuusuke Minagawa, Masaki Nakano, Toshikazu Oshidari, Yasuhiro Yamauchi, Keyvan Kargar, Yves Pichon
  • Patent number: 7204777
    Abstract: A continuously variable planetary gear set is described having a generally tubular idler, a plurality of balls distributed radially about the idler, each ball having a tiltable axis about which it rotates, a rotatable input disc positioned adjacent to the balls and in contact with each of the balls, a rotatable output disc positioned adjacent to the balls opposite the input disc and in contact with each of the balls such that each of the balls makes three-point contact with the input disc, the output disc and the idler, and a rotatable cage adapted to maintain the axial and radial position of each of the balls, wherein the axes of the balls are oriented by the axial position of the idler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Fallbrook Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Donald C. Miller, David J. Allen, Robert A. Smithson
  • Patent number: 7204778
    Abstract: A differential gear arbitrarily produces difference in speed of rotation between output side rotary members. When a difference in speed of rotation occurs between drive shafts 3 and 4, if clutches 12 and 17 are disconnected, the drive shaft 3 rotates independently of the first output side gear 9, and the drive shaft 4 rotates independently of the second output side gear 14. When the rotation of the drive shaft 3 with respect to the first output side gear 9 is controlled by the first clutch 12, by setting appropriately the gear ratios between (1) the first input side gear 8, (2) the first output side gear 9 and (3) the first intermediate gears 10, the drive shaft 3 rotates faster than the drive shaft 4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Inventor: Kenji Mimura
  • Patent number: 7204779
    Abstract: A steering transaxle comprises: left and right drive shafts drivingly connected to respective steerable wheels; a differential gear unit differentially connecting the drive shafts to each other; a transaxle casing having an opening and incorporating the differential gear unit and the drive shafts; a cover for covering the opening of the transaxle casing; a variable hydraulic motor having a movable swash plate; a motor control mechanism for controlling the movable swash plate; and a hydraulic oil port for oil supply and delivery to and from the hydraulic motor, the hydraulic oil port being provided on the outside of the cover. The hydraulic motor is provided on the inside of the cover, and the motor control mechanism is provided on the outside of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Inventors: Koji Irikura, Norihiro Ishii, Shigenori Sakikawa
  • Patent number: 7204780
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having four planetary gearsets, each having respective first, second, and third members, and a plurality of selectively engageable torque transmitting devices configured to selectively interconnect selected members of the four planetary gearsets for unitary rotation thereby to provide a plurality of forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio between an input member and an output member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Donald Klemen
  • Patent number: 7204781
    Abstract: A transmission apparatus includes at least an auxiliary transmission for supplementing a main transmission. The auxiliary transmission includes a damper which has a damper characteristic adapted to a low speed select state of the auxiliary transmission, and which is disposed in a low speed transmission path used for transmission of torque in the low speed select state of the auxiliary transmission. The auxiliary transmission further comprises a bypass member defining a bypass transmission path bypassing the low speed damper. The bypass transmission path is a torque path used for transmission of torque in a high speed select state of the auxiliary transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryozo Hiraku, Shin Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7204782
    Abstract: An axle assembly including a housing, a tire supporting hub mounted for rotation with respect to the housing, a drive axle and a planetary unit for coupling the drive axle to the tire supporting hub. The planetary unit includes a sun gear, at least one planet gear and a ring gear, with the planet gear being in co-meshing engagement with the sun and ring gears. Damping material is used to inhibit or reduce the transmission of vibrations produced by the gear meshes during vehicle operation to the planetary unit cover. In one construction, the planetary unit includes a cover portion and a carrier portion with damping material, such as copper, disposed between the portions. In another construction, bushings made from damping material, such as brass or bronze, are disposed between the planetary gear (or gears) and the pin member which supports the planetary gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Euclid-Hitachi Heavy Equipment, Ltd.
    Inventors: Robert J. Ciszak, Joe Pleichner, Paul D. Pochatila
  • Patent number: 7204783
    Abstract: When, with engine kept stopped, driven road wheels are turned, the toroidal type continuously variable transmission is suppressed from shifting toward a higher speed side. That is, when, with the engine kept stopped, the road wheels are turned in a reverse direction due to a traction of a motor vehicle with its front end facing backward, an extra oil pump driven by the road wheels produces an oil pressure which is applied to a hydraulic servo mechanism to keep a speed change ratio at a lower speed side. While, when, with the engine kept stopped, the road wheels are turned in a forward direction due to a traction of the motor vehicle with its front end facing forward, the oil pressure produced by the extra oil pump is not practically used. Under this condition, a biasing spring suppresses a servo piston from moving in a direction to bring about a speed change ratio for the higher speed side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignees: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Jatco Ltd
    Inventors: Masatoshi Fukuyama, Toshifumi Hibi, Jun Sugihara, Toshikazu Oshidari
  • Patent number: 7204784
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a gear ratio changing operation in a transmission includes clutch controlling device, a motor generating an assist driving torque, and an assist driving torque controlling device for controlling, in response to a clutch operation, the motor to generate a target assist driving torque. While transmission of driving torque between an internal combustion engine and the transmission is being cut off during a clutch control at a constant stroke speed from an engaged state to a disengaged state for a shift operation in the transmission, the assist driving torque controlling device controls the motor to generate an assist driving torque so that the assist driving torque reaches the target assist driving torque at a constant rise rate per time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshihide Suzuki, Takahiro Misu
  • Patent number: 7204785
    Abstract: The methods and devices for actuating a parking brake in a gearbox which is actuated in an automated manner, whereby gear changes are carried out by means of at least one electrically driven actuator, gear positions can be selected by means of a selector device, and the parking brake can be activated by means of the selector device when the vehicle is stationary or moving slowly. The invention also relates to a vehicle provided with an additional gearbox. The ignition key can only be removed, when the gearbox is in the P state and the additional gearbox is not in the N state. The further method and device, whereby the additional gearbox can only be shifted in the N state when the gearbox is not in the P state. The methods and a device for carrying out the same, by automated manual gearboxes, especially parallel gearboxes, are controlled in such a way that the vehicle can be safely parked and can set off in a reliable and comfortable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Luk Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Reinhard Berger, Alexander Schweizer, Dietmar Lang, Klaus Küpper, Burkhard Pollak, Jürgen Benz
  • Patent number: 7204786
    Abstract: A hydraulic pressure characteristic value setting method for an automatic transmission comprises processes; disengaging one of friction engaging elements, transmitting turbine rotation to one side of each of the friction engaging elements, securing the other side of each of the friction engaging elements, detecting variations of speed of the turbine rotation by means of a turbine rotation sensor, executing a learning of a hydraulic pressure characteristic value in accordance with at least variations in the speed of turbine rotations when a friction engaging element starts to be engaged, and disengaging the engaged friction engaging element when a predetermined guard condition has been fulfilled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kiyoharu Takagi
  • Patent number: 7204787
    Abstract: An automatic transmission (5) of a vehicle performs a downshift operation when a downshift signal is ON. When the downshift signal is ON, a controller (12) increases an output torque of an engine (1) so that a predetermined torque increase amount is realized. The controller (12) sets a torque increase permission period which is shorter, the larger the predetermined torque increase amount is (S209), and when the elapsed time from when the downshift signal is ON reaches the torque increase permission period, unnecessary increase of engine rotation speed and excessive torque load on the automatic transmission (5) are prevented by terminating increase of output torque (S211, S214).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takuya Maekawa, Yoshitaka Matsuki
  • Patent number: 7204788
    Abstract: A stroke adjusting attachment for bicycles or the like enables selective changing of the diameter of the orbit which is traveled by a foot pedal to adapt a particular bicycle to persons having different leg lengths or who may have physical impairments which limit foot movement. The pedal is fastened to the attachment rather than being directly secured to a crank arm of the bicycle in the conventional manner. A track member is secured to the bicycle crank arm and the pedal is fastened to a slider which is travelable to any of a plurality of different locations along the track member. Blades extend from the track member adjacent to opposite surfaces of the crank arm thereby maintaining the attachment in a fixed orientation relative to the crank arm. A particular attachment of this form can be fitted onto a variety of crank arms of different sizes and shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Inventor: Ronald A. Andrews
  • Patent number: 7204789
    Abstract: A pedal device includes a barrel for attaching to a cycling apparatus and having a fixed seat, a movable seat slidably attached onto the barrel and having a number of recesses facing toward corresponding recesses of the fixed seat, a spring biasing device for biasing the movable seat to move toward the fixed seat of the barrel, and an attachment for attaching to a bicycle shoe and having two end catches for selectively engaging with the recesses of the fixed seat and the movable seat, and for selectively anchoring the bicycle shoe to the seats of the pedal device. The movable seat is movable away from the fixed seat against the biasing device by the attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Inventor: Lo Pin Wang
  • Patent number: 7204790
    Abstract: An inclined monorail mounts between an adjustable front stanchion and lower rear stanchion. A roller carriage, having a padded bench or seat and spool-shaped rollers, rolls on the monorail. Elasticized tension straps attach between the roller carriage and the front or the rear stanchion to assist or resist the movement of the roller carriage. The user pulls on interchangeable handles either on pull straps on a front bar or a cable pulley system attached to the front stanchion and to the roller carriage to exercise and simulate various sports movements while moving the roller carriage. The stanchions pivot flat onto the monorail to transport the apparatus on a stanchion wheel or mount it vertically on a wall bracket and the cable pulley system lifts the roller carriage vertically with weights on the roller carriage. A detachable foot platform attaches to the rear stanchion for performing leg exercises.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Inventor: Robert H. Sleamaker
  • Patent number: 7204791
    Abstract: An exercise station for an exercise device such as a shoulder press or other device includes a dock extending from the exercise device, and a user support such as a shoulder press bench or other support engaging the dock in docking relation and releasably locked thereto. The user support is removable and replaceable in a one handed operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas K. Baumler, Nathan R. Luger
  • Patent number: 7204792
    Abstract: An apparatus for automatically changing a tool tip member for a robot includes a tip member changing jig disposed in an operational area of the robot. The tip member changing jig includes a base member, a rotating member supported by the base member so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis, and tip member holding means disposed at positions that are offset from the rotation axis of the rotating member. The tip member holding means holds the tool tip member so that a central axis of relative rotation, for threadedly mounting or demounting the tool tip member on or from the tool body, extends substantially parallel to the rotation axis of the rotating member and so that rotation of the tool tip member, with respect to the rotating member, is locked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Fanuc Ltd
    Inventors: Masahiro Hagihara, Masaaki Saito, Takeshi Tsumura, Toshihiko Inoue
  • Patent number: 7204793
    Abstract: A device for moving objects (4), such as die tools or molds, to and from the table (2) of a press (1) comprises a bar (24) being vertically movable, by means of inflating a bag (10), from a first position in which an upper surface (26) of the bar (24) is located below the upper surface (16) of the table (2) to a second position in which the upper surface (26) of the bar (24) is located above the upper surface (16) of the table (2). The bar (24) is adapted to slide horizontally in its longitudinal direction and is provided with gear teeth (28). A gear wheel (32), engaging the gear teeth (28) of the bar (24), is adapted to move the bar (24) in the horizontal direction along the slot (14) when the bar (24) is in its second position and thus to move an object (4) resting on the upper surface (26) of the bar (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Hedin Lagan AB
    Inventor: Kenneth Hedin
  • Patent number: 7204794
    Abstract: A machine (1) for making filter bags (4) of tetrahedral shape for infusion products comprises a revolving conveyor drum (15) driven by a first drive shaft (16) to feed a web (5) of filter paper along a path (P) on which there are positioned: a station (25) for feeding the filter paper web (5); a station (21) for feeding a succession of tags (6); a station (22) for feeding tie string (7) connecting the filter bags (4) to the respective tags (6); a station (23) for arranging the tie string (7) according to a defined pattern on the path (P); and a plurality of sealers (24) facing the path (P) to attach the tie string (7) and the tags (6) to the filter paper web (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: I.M.A. Industria Macchine Automatiche S.p.A.
    Inventors: Dario Rea, Sauro Rivola, Giorgio Manaresi
  • Patent number: 7204795
    Abstract: The invention relates to a deviation ring for paste comprising an annular rebound wall (2) for a self-distributing centrifuge (1). The invention also relates to a corresponding self-distributing centrifuge (1). In the deviation ring, the angle of incidence ? of the tangents of the rebound wall (2) of the deviation ring (4), opposite the distribution slit (3) of the centrifuge (1), in relation to the horizontal, is between 3 and 60° over the entire opening width of the distribution slit (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Westfalia Separator AG
    Inventors: Ernst-Ulrich Himmen, Markus Longerich, Jürgen Scholz, Detlef Freyer, Ulrich Esser
  • Patent number: 7204796
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device consisting of a catheter (K) for introducing into the human or animal body and to the use of said device. The inventive device is characterized in that at least a part of the catheter is elastic. At least one sensor unit (PS) for determining the current position is provided at least in the elastic part of the catheter (KK), preferably on its inner surface. Outside the body, a receiver unit is provided to which the signals measured by the sensor unit (PS) are transmitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Northern Digital Inc.
    Inventor: Paul G. Seiler
  • Patent number: 7204797
    Abstract: A method of dispensing a hazardous pharmaceutical comprising the steps of: connecting a source of flushing fluid to a first port of a fluid delivery set; connecting a pressurizing unit of a powered injector system (including a powered injector and the pressurizing unit) to a second port of the fluid delivery set; purging air from the fluid delivery set; and, after purging air from the fluid delivery set, connecting a third port of the fluid delivery set to a source of the hazardous pharmaceutical. The fluid delivery set can, for example, include a valve system or assembly to control flow of fluid through the fluid delivery set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Medrad, Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Reilly, Alan D. Hirschman, David M. Griffiths, Currie Crookston
  • Patent number: 7204798
    Abstract: Methods and systems of the present invention provide for measurement of various cardiac parameters. Methods generally involve causing a change in volume and/or pressure in a heart chamber, measuring the change, and calculating at least one cardiac parameter based on the change. Systems typically include at least one actuator, at least one sensor, and a catheter or other device for positioning at least partially in a heart chamber. In some embodiments, the system may also include a controller, such as a computer or other processor, an external actuator, an external sensor, and/or an ECG device. Methods and systems of the invention may be used to more accurately diagnose cardiac conditions in order to make more informed treatment decisions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Proteus Biomedical, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Zdeblick, Joseph M. Ruggio
  • Patent number: 7204799
    Abstract: An implantable microphone for use with an implantable hearing instrument that has a reduced vibration sensitivity in comparison with its acoustic sensitivity. The microphone utilizes a plurality of small diaphragms as opposed to a single large diaphragm in order to reduce vibration sensitivity caused by mass loading of the diaphragms by overlying skin and tissue. The acoustic outputs of the plurality of small diaphragms are summed (e.g., acoustically or electronically), which allows the microphone to maintain adequate acoustic sensitivity for hearing augmentation purposes while having a reduced vibration sensitivity. In one aspect, the plurality of diaphragms is formed from a single membrane and a multi-apertured support structure in contact with the membrane. Each aperture in combination with the membrane defines a single diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Otologics, LLC
    Inventors: Scott Allan Miller, III, Bernd Waldmann
  • Patent number: 7204800
    Abstract: An implantable hearing aid transducer interface disposable between an implantable transducer and a mounting apparatus and having at least a portion that is displaceable in response to a predeterminable range of transducer movement. According to one aspect of the invention, the predeterminable range of transducer movement includes movement in response to a physiological movement of an auditory component that results in pressure on the implantable transducer. In this case, the compliant interface permits adaptive movement of the implantable transducer in response to the pressure to maintain a desired interface between the implantable transducer and an auditory component. According to another aspect, the predeterminable range of transducer movement may be transducer vibration resulting from an acoustic stimulation of an auditory component by the implantable transducer. In this case, the compliant interface reduces the transmission of transducer vibration over a feedback path to a microphone of a hearing aid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Otologics, LLC
    Inventors: James Roy Easter, Jose′ H. Bedoya, Travis Rian Andrews
  • Patent number: 7204801
    Abstract: A device to be surgically inserted for providing bulk and stiffness supporting the urethra. A preferred embodiment is shaped like a capital letter “T.” The extensions of the T are wide compared to the patient's anterior vagina and urethra. The pubovaginal support is positioned or implanted under the urethra in the area from mid-urethra to the bladder neck. The body is folded, rolled, or otherwise arranged to provide bulk under the urethra. The pubovaginal support is constructed to be relatively stiff in the area directly supporting the urethra. The extensions retain the device in its position in the vagina without the need for abdominal or pubic bone anchors. The device additionally has some flexibility for easier insertion and comfort while retained in the body. A method of treating incontinence includes inserting the device into pockets dissected in the peri-urethral tissue between the vagina and urethra.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Massachusetts General Hospital
    Inventor: Joseph A. Grocela
  • Patent number: 7204802
    Abstract: A new, quick, simple, efficient, safe, and reproducible surgical technique for the treatment of female urinary incontinence, in which the posterior urethra is suspended using a tape passed through the obturator orifices from inside (underneath the urethra) to outside (thigh folds). A variety of specifically designed surgical instruments are utilized to perform this operative procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignees: Universite de Liege, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Liege
    Inventor: Jean De Leval
  • Patent number: 7204803
    Abstract: An image processing device for an endoscope, wherein a wavelength band filter for shielding at least a part of the blue wavelength band is disposed in front of an image pickup element built into the endoscope, for image processing the signal output by said image pickup element includes means for generating color image signals whilst switching between a normal-light image mode using white light and a fluorescence image mode including fluorescence information and adjusting means for adjusting the gain of a prescribed color signal of said color image signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Hitoshi Ueno, Takeshi Ozawa, Kazunari Nakamura, Isami Hirao, Hiroshi Ibe, Koichi Yoshimitsu, Yuichi Morizane, Mamoru Kaneko, Shunya Akimoto, Masaki Terakubo, Katsuichi Imaizumi, Nobuyuki Doguchi, Sakae Takehana
  • Patent number: 7204804
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a mounting adapter for releasably securing accessories, tools, or their medical instruments to the distal end of an endoscope. The adapter is compatible with endoscopic accessories that have a cylindrical mounting surface, which becomes positioned over a length of the distal end of an endoscope. The adaptor is preferably provided in two components to support both ends of a cylindrical accessory on the endoscope surface. The adapter is configured to hold the accessory on the endoscope shaft by frictional engagement and is configured to maintain the accessory concentric with the shaft along its length. The adapter also is configured to mount an accessory to a wide range of commercially available endoscope diameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: C.R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher T. Zirps, Timothy R. Membrino, Scott Reed, Eric Mears
  • Patent number: 7204805
    Abstract: A system for diagnosing and tracking patient symptoms includes providing an interview instrument implemented as a computer program accessible by clinician and patient to record symptoms and having diagnostic and assessment information for a selected disorder, the clinician interviewing a patient to identify, assess, and record symptoms on the instrument or the patient recording symptoms on the instrument before the first interview. The clinician develops a diagnosis and treatment plan and records them on the instrument and follows up with interviews for identifying and recording any changes on the instrument for documenting effects of the treatment plan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Inventor: Melanie A. Dean
  • Patent number: 7204806
    Abstract: The disclosed methods and systems use measured values from applanation tonometry and pachymetry, and corneal curvature values to produce corrected values of intraocular pressure to diagnose and treat pressure related eye diseases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Inventor: Mitsugu Shimmyo
  • Patent number: 7204807
    Abstract: A method is provided for generating at least one quantitative measure of a joint comprising sending an acoustic signal to at least a part of a joint, receiving said acoustic signal after modification by said joint, analyzing the received acoustic signal with a computer, and generating, from said computer, one or more of a quantitative surface, quantitative volumetric and quantitative measurements of the physical properties of the joint or a portion thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Sunlight Medical Ltd.
    Inventor: Liat Tsoref
  • Patent number: 7204808
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for collecting non-invasive blood pressure readings from a patient is provided. A non-invasive blood pressure cuff is arranged to be worn about a wrist of a patient and to be operatively connected to a blood pressure monitor. Communication means are operatively connected to the blood pressure cuff the monitor and arranged to automatically communicate a parameter associated with the cuff to the monitor. The monitor is arranged to automatically adjust blood pressure algorithms based upon the parameter to enhance the accuracy of blood pressure readings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: The General Electric Company
    Inventors: Bruce A. Friedman, John Booth, John P. Clemmons
  • Patent number: 7204809
    Abstract: A pressurizing apparatus and method for adjusting an optimal pressurizing rate according to a cuff of various lengths. The pressurizing method measures the pressure values at two reference points and time duration to calculate a pressurizing rate. A control adjustment routine to control an adjustment of the pressurizing rate is decided according the calculated pressurizing rate and at least one control condition. The pump is pressurized according to the adjustment of the pressurizing rate. A diastolic pressure value is measured and the pressurizing of the pump is kept to measure a systolic pressure value. Afterward, the pressurizing is stopped to prevent uncomfortable feeling of user caused by rapidly pressurizing and de-pressurizing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Rossmax International Ltd.
    Inventor: Ching-Hsi Hung
  • Patent number: 7204810
    Abstract: A selective filtering collection and delivery system for collecting and delivering autogenous bone to and from a surgical site is provided. The selective filtering collection device includes a suction nozzle, suction nozzle assembly and a vacuum source. Disposed in parallel between the suction nozzle assembly and the vacuum source are a removable filter cartridge and a filter bypass tube. A switch on the suction nozzle assembly may be actuated to provide suction to the suction nozzle through either the bypass tube or through the filter cartridge. When suction is applied through the filter cartridge, autogenous bone is collected on a filter medium within the cartridge. Additionally, the cartridge may be removed and directly placed into a delivery device. The delivery device includes a ratchet system that actuates a plunger base to accurately extrude the bone material from the filter cartridge into the desired surgical location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: SDGI Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Hynes, J. Todd Strong
  • Patent number: 7204811
    Abstract: An embodiment of the invention includes an assembly for collecting tissue samples. The assembly includes a sample tray holder having a first connector configured to be placed in communication with a first aspiration tube, a second connector configured to be placed in communication with a second aspiration tube, and a sample tray defining a plurality of sample chambers. Each of the plurality of sample chambers includes a first opening configured to be placed in communication with the first connector, a second opening configured to be placed in communication with the second connector, and a sample catch member disposed between the first and second openings, the sample catch member configured to permit a fluid to pass therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Miami Corporation
    Inventors: Juergen Andrew Kortenbach, Vincent Turturro
  • Patent number: 7204812
    Abstract: A medical device for obtaining biopsy tissue samples is provided. The device includes a flexible outer tubular member having proximal and distal ends, and a flexible inner member slidably and preferably coaxially received within the outer tubular member. The inner member includes a flexible member adjacent the proximal end of the outer tubular member, a first spring section having proximal and distal ends and being oriented adjacent the distal end of the outer tubular member, and a second spring section therebetween. A retractable hollow needle member or other specimen collection device is coupled to the distal end of the first spring section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Inventor: Ko-Pen Wang
  • Patent number: 7204813
    Abstract: A cannula retractable medical collection device includes a cannula mount inserted into and axially slidable relative to a rear larger-diameter wall portion of a barrel, a double-ended needle cannula including a rear needle segment extending into an accommodation chamber in the cannula mount for pricking a stopper of a collection vial, and a front needle segment secured to the cannula mount by a needle hub. The front needle segment extends outwardly of the barrel in a position of use, and retreats inwardly and rearwardly of the barrel in a disposal position when the cannula mount is in the front and rear positions, respectively. A releasably retaining member includes a retaining hole formed in the larger-diameter wall portion, and a radially extending engaging peg engageable in the hole. An actuator is operable to disengage the peg from the hole so as to permit axial movement of the cannula mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Inventors: Ming-Jeng Shue, Deborah Huang, Phillip Shue
  • Patent number: 7204814
    Abstract: The present invention is a portable orthotic system that performs predefined or user-controlled limb movements, collects data regarding limb movement, performs data analysis and displays representations of the data and data analysis results in real time, and modifies current operational parameters based upon such data so as to optimize the rehabilitative process performed by the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Muscle Tech Ltd.
    Inventor: Zalman Peles
  • Patent number: 7204815
    Abstract: A system for treating brain function including a signal generator and an ear cuff. Various modalities of treatment are possible including approaches for enhancing learning, and stimulating alertness and clearing emotions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Inventor: Georgia K. Connor