Patents Issued in May 1, 2007
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Patent number: 7210972Abstract: An outboard engine with a cover for allowing for an improved outward appearance is disclosed. The engine includes a leg case that houses a drive shaft for transmitting the output from the engine to a propeller. The cover covers the leg case. The cover is formed integrally, and a front part is designed to be opened. The front part is opened and is made to encase and cover a periphery of the leg case.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2006Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kunihiro Kitsu, Shoichi Rinzaki
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Patent number: 7210973Abstract: A cowling for an outboard marine engine includes an upper motor cover and a lower motor cover that cover an engine, and a gear case that houses a drive mechanism. The upper motor cover detachably mates with the lower motor cover along corresponding edges. At least one mating edge on one side of each cover has a non-linear profile for assisting with cover alignment during assembly. The lower motor cover is configured to be assembled to one of a plurality of upper motor covers depending on engine size, and each upper motor cover is configured to be assembled to one of a plurality of top caps depending on whether the engine uses an electric starter or a pull starter.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2003Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: BRP US Inc.Inventors: Stephane Sanschagrin, Nicolas Deluy, Pierre Vignau
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Patent number: 7210974Abstract: A linkage for coupling to at least one rotatable shaft of a high voltage circuit breaker has an elongated body having a central body portion and opposed end portions. At least one of the end portions comprises a pair of parallel side walls and a bottom wall extending longitudinally from the central body portion along the end portion. Each of the parallel side walls comprises an outer side wall portion and an inner side wall portion. Each outer side wall portion extends longitudinally beyond an outer end of a lower part of the inner side wall portion and an outer end of the bottom wall. The parallel side walls and bottom wall form a slot having an open end adapted to receive a square or rectangular end of a rotatable shaft in the slot. The slot has an upper longitudinal opening between the adjacent upper edges of the side walls and a lower longitudinal opening between adjacent lower edges of the outer side wall portions that extend beyond the bottom wall.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2006Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Pennsylvania Breaker LLCInventor: Jeffry R. Meyer
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Patent number: 7210975Abstract: Disclosed herein is a binding for a water recreational device and a method for facilitating the entry/exit of a foot for a rider into/from said binding. The binding comprises at least one boot with a flexible interior compartment for placing a rider's foot, and said binding equipped with sealed flexible inflatable/deflate able camera having an ability to fill/empty with/from fluid. The interior compartment has an ability to fix a rider's foot, when fluid in the camera is under pressure, and to unfix the foot, when the pressure of fluid in camera is released. Also disclosed the system of a safely slide off a rider's foot from the binding to avoid an injury.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2005Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Inventor: Gregory Lubinitsky
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Patent number: 7210976Abstract: An inflatable play structure includes an inflatable platform and an inflatable slide attached to the platform. The platform provides stability to the slide when the structure is used in water so that it does not easily turn over. Further, the slide is preferably positioned on the platform so that the platform provides a resting and staging area for the slide. When used on land, the slide may be positioned so the platform provides a cushioned area for a user to land when coming down the slide.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2001Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Aviva Sports, L.L.C.Inventor: Donald W. Gordon
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Patent number: 7210977Abstract: A method of making a light source includes the steps of forming a first optical component having a phosphor material in fixed relation to a first multilayer interference reflector, providing a second optical component having an LED capable of emitting light that excites the phosphor material, and positioning the first optical component to receive emitted light from the second optical component.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2003Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties ComapnyInventors: Andrew J. Ouderkirk, John A. Wheatley
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Patent number: 7210978Abstract: An electron-emission type field-emission display and a method of fabricating the same are disclosed, of which the beeline distance of the electron emission is identical. The structure of the field-emission display has a cathode electrode so configured that beeline distances between all surface points of the cathode electrode and a gate conductive layer thereover are identical. The cathode electrode is fabricated from a silver paste and a carbon nanotube. To configure the silver paste, a gray-scale mask with a gradient light transmission rate from a center to a periphery thereof is used as a photomask to perform exposure upon the silver paste.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2004Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Teco Nanotech Co., Ltd.Inventor: Jin-Shou Fang
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Patent number: 7210979Abstract: Provided are a producing apparatus and a producing process which make it possible to obtain effectively an organic EL display device capable of suppressing the generation of dark spots for a long time even in a high temperature environment. Therefore, an apparatus for producing an organic EL display device comprises a first unit for carrying a supporting substrate in, a second unit for heating at least the supporting substrate before forming an organic luminescence medium, thereby performing a dehydration treatment, a third unit for forming the organic luminescence medium and an upper element, and a fourth unit for sealing the periphery of the apparatus with a sealing member, wherein the first unit is arranged between the second unit and the third unit, a first carrying device is set up in the first unit, and a second carrying device is arranged between the third unit and the fourth unit.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2004Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd.Inventors: Toshio Sakai, Mitsuru Eida, Hiroshi Tokailin
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Patent number: 7210980Abstract: A polishing pad, polishing system, method of making a polishing pad and method of using a polishing pad. The polishing pad includes a polishing layer having a polishing surface, a backing layer with an aperture and a first portion that is permeable to liquid, and a sealant that penetrates a second portion of the backing layer adjacent to and surrounding the aperture such that the second portion is substantially impermeable to liquid. The aperture is positioned below a substantially fluid-impermeable element.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2005Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventors: Bogdan Swedek, David J. Lischka, Jeffrey Drue David, Dominic J. Benvegnu
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Patent number: 7210981Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring polishing pad conditioning mechanisms is provided. In one embodiment, a semiconductor substrate polishing system includes a rinse station, a polishing surface, a conditioning element, and a conditioning mechanism. The conditioning mechanism selectively positions the conditioning element over the polishing surface and over the rinse station. At least one sensor is provided and is configured to detect a first position and a second position of the conditioning element when disposed over the rinse station.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2005Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventors: Alpay Yilmaz, Lakshmanan Karuppiah
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Patent number: 7210982Abstract: The present invention is to provide a method and device for polishing a glass substrate, suitable for polishing a large-sized glass substrate. The device for polishing a substrate is adapted so that a substrate is attached to a film stretched on a frame; the frame is installed on a carrier; the carrier and a polishing surface-plate are brought closer relative to each other to polish a surface to be polished of the substrate attached to the film by pressing the substrate to the polishing surface-plate; the frame is removed from the carrier after the completion of the polishing, and the polished substrate is removed from the frame.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2006Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Asahi Glass Company, LimitedInventors: Itsuro Watanabe, Takashi Kubo
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Patent number: 7210983Abstract: An exemplary method for grinding workpieces is provided. Firstly, a plurality of workpieces (18) are bonded together. The bonded workpieces have a central axis (181). Secondly, a grinding wheel (10) is provided. The grinding wheel has a rotating axis (100), and the rotating axis is perpendicular to the central axis. Thirdly, the bonded workpieces are rotated around the central axis. Fourthly, the grinding wheel is placed near to the bonded workpieces, and the rotating axis and the central axis are separated by a predetermined perpendicular distance. Finally, the grinding wheel is rotationally moved along the central axis to grind the workpieces whilst maintaining the predetermined distance between the rotating axis and the central axis.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2006Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. LtdInventor: Yang-Chang Chien
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Patent number: 7210984Abstract: Systems and methods for beveling microfeature workpiece edges are disclosed. A system in accordance with one embodiment is configured to remove material from a microfeature workpiece having a first face, a second face facing opposite from the first face, an edge surface between the first and second faces, and an edge at a juncture between the edge surface and one of the first and second faces. The system can include a carrier positioned to carry the workpiece with the first and second faces generally normal to an axis, and a first polishing pad having a support surface and a polishing surface facing generally away from the support surface. The polishing surface can have a first shape with at least one portion oriented at an acute angle relative to the axis and the support surface to remove material from the edge of the workpiece.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2006Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventor: Theodore M. Taylor
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Patent number: 7210985Abstract: Systems and methods for beveling microfeature workpiece edges are disclosed. A system in accordance with one embodiment is configured to remove material from a microfeature workpiece having a first face, a second face facing opposite from the first face, an edge surface between the first and second faces, and an edge at a juncture between the edge surface and one of the first and second faces. The system can include a carrier positioned to carry the workpiece with the first and second faces generally normal to an axis, and a first polishing pad having a support surface and a polishing surface facing generally away from the support surface. The polishing surface can have a first shape with at least one portion oriented at an acute angle relative to the axis and the support surface to remove material from the edge of the workpiece.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2006Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventor: Theodore M. Taylor
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Patent number: 7210986Abstract: A key duplication system employs a modular key duplication attachment in combination with a high-speed, rotary powered tool and a profiled abrasive cutter. The attachment comprises a base, a carriage assembly movable relative to the base, a profiled stylus secured to the carriage, a first clamping vise for retaining a specimen key at a fixed (i.e., stationary) position relative to the base and a second clamping vise for retaining a key blank at a fixed position relative to the base. When so-retained, a bottom flat surface of the specimen key and a bottom flat surface of the key blank rest in a common plane and the tip of each key is separated by a first distance. The cutter and stylus are aligned such that movement of the carriage, relative to the base, simultaneously brings them both into contact with appropriate surfaces of the key blank and the specimen key, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2003Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Inventors: Michael Parillo, Edward Baker
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Patent number: 7210987Abstract: Methods for grinding low-K interlayer dielectric (ILD) wafers are described herein. In various embodiments, the method may include cutting and severing a semiconductor wafer into a plurality of portions, the cutting and severing being performed in a manner that allows the portions to remain disposed with each other as if the semiconductor wafer had not been cut, applying a tape to a front side of the as if uncut semiconductor wafer, and grinding a backside of the taped as if uncut semiconductor wafer. In various other embodiments, the method may include attaching an adhesive to a backside of the semiconductor wafer prior to cutting the semiconductor wafer along the streets of the semiconductor wafer with the scribed lines to cut and sever the semiconductor wafer into a plurality of portions, with the portions remaining proximally disposed to each other and held in place by the adhesive as if the semiconductor device had not been cut.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2004Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Intel CorporationInventor: Yew Wee Cheong
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Patent number: 7210988Abstract: Embodiments of a conditioning head for in-situ conditioning and/or cleaning a processing pad of a CMP, ECMP, or other processing system are provided. In one embodiment, the conditioning head includes a brush disposed in a central cavity. A cleaning fluid is provided through the central cavity of the conditioning head to a processing pad. The brush spins and moves laterally across the surface of the processing pad. The cleaning solution dispensed through the conditioning head dissolves by-products of the processing operation while the brush gently wipes the processing pad. A lip of the conditioning head retains the cleaning fluid and cleaning waste, thereby minimizing contamination of the area outside of the conditioning head. The cleaning waste is removed from the processing pad via passages formed near the outer periphery of the conditioning head.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2005Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventors: Yan Wang, Stan D. Tsai, Yongqi Hu, Feng Q. Liu, Liang-Yuh Chen, Daxin Mao, Huyen Karen Tran, Martin S. Wohlert, Renhe Jia, Yuan A. Tian
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Patent number: 7210989Abstract: Machines with solution dispensers and methods of using such machines for chemical-mechanical planarization and/or electrochemical-mechanical planarization/deposition of microelectronic workpieces. One embodiment of such a machine includes a table having a support surface, a processing pad on the support surface, and a carrier assembly having a head configured to hold a microelectronic workpiece. The carrier assembly can further include a drive assembly that manipulates the head. The machine can also include a solution dispenser separate from the head. The solution dispenser can include a support extending over the pad and a fluid discharge unit or distributor carried by the support. The fluid discharge unit is configured to discharge a planarizing solution onto a plurality of separate locations across the pad.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2004Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventor: Michael J. Joslyn
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Patent number: 7210990Abstract: In order to provide a treatment apparatus for treating workpieces or groups of workpieces that are conveyed from an inlet to an outlet of the treatment apparatus, wherein the treatment apparatus comprises a plurality of treatment levels and with said treatment apparatus the workpieces to be treated are passed from level to level in a safe and controlled manner, it is proposed that the treatment apparatus comprises a housing and receiving chambers, which rotate relative to the housing, for receiving the workpieces or groups of workpieces, wherein the receiving chambers are disposed in at least two different chamber levels and an outlet opening in the housing is associated with a first chamber level, through which the workpieces or groups of workpieces travel first, and an inlet opening is associated with a second chamber level, through which the workpieces or groups of workpieces travel after the first chamber level, and wherein the treatment apparatus comprises at least one transfer apparatus, which moves theType: GrantFiled: March 29, 2005Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Durr Ecoclean GmbHInventors: Richard Buchmann, Andreas Metzger
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Patent number: 7210991Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for polishing semiconductor substrates with improved throughput. Embodiments of the present invention eliminate load cups from a polishing system, hence improve throughput by reducing system footprint and substrate hand off. One embodiment provides an apparatus for polishing a substrate. The apparatus comprises a platen having a polishing pad supported thereon, a carrier head configured to hold the substrate and press the substrate against the polishing pad, and a retaining ring adapted to be attached to and detached from the carrier head, wherein the retaining ring is configured to receive the substrate while positioned on the polishing pad and detached from the carrier head.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2006Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventors: Shaun Van Der Veen, Hung Chih Chen
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Patent number: 7210992Abstract: A floor preparation machine that uses a number of vertical needles positioned in a tight rectangular pattern. The needles vibrate against the floor surface to prepare the floor surface. The needles are driven by a cam and cam follower. As the cam is turned by a motor, a number of ribs repeatedly contact the cam follower, which in turn repeatedly pushes the needles down. Under the top plate that supports the needles, is a rubber form that acts as a “spring” to force the needles up after they have been pushed down by the cam follower. In practice, the system produces a sustained vibration of the needles that breaks the surface to a depth of 1/16 to ? of an inch.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2006Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Inventor: Fred Wade
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Patent number: 7210993Abstract: A system and a method for determining a break point of a plurality of hog carcasses is disclosed. The method includes establishing at least one criterion for determining whether the loin of a carcass should be boned. Data is then collected from the hog carcasses relating to the quality of the hog carcasses. Next a determination is made, based on the criteria, whether the loin of a selected carcass of the plurality of hog carcasses is appropriate for boning. If so, the break point of the selected carcass is adjusted appropriately.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2003Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Cargill Meat Solutions CorporationInventors: Lincoln Woods, Thomas Hayes, Gregory Wurtz, Anthony Sommers
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Patent number: 7210994Abstract: A viscera bag includes a closure and a valve connection. The bag is flexible and a vacuum line can be connected thereto. The vacuum line can withdraw fluids from the bag and the bag can be vacuum sealed to ensure that fluids will not leak out of the bag. A method of performing an autopsy includes using the viscera bag to contain any organs that have been removed and placing the removed organs in the bag back into the body after fluid has been withdrawn from the bag.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2006Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Inventor: Shannon E. Donohue
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Patent number: 7210995Abstract: A system for introducing make-up air into a building from above the roof for smoke control includes air shafts extending from the roof into a space in the building below a layer of smoke. The air shafts can be rigid or can be made of a flexible material which folds up when not in use. Air shafts of a flexible material have a contraction at the exit to inflate the shaft, unless the shaft extends to within one diameter from the floor.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2003Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: FM Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Gunnar Heskestad
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Patent number: 7210996Abstract: A questionnaire about a predefined topic is presented to the user of a computer, either via software or over a network. The questionnaire includes suggestions for clues or words of a word puzzle, such as a crossword puzzle or word search puzzle. The user need only answer a few of the questions. The user may also modify the questions and add new ones. When the user presses a button, the computer presents a custom word puzzle based on the questions and answers. The user is presented with a choice of background pictures also related to the topic, and the option to purchase various grades of the custom puzzle. A private webmaster's configuration area makes it easy to make this questionnaire and puzzle maker available from any website. It also makes it easy to customize the questionnaire, pictures offered and other matters according to the website.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2004Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Inventors: Peter H Rehm, Rachel Rehm
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Patent number: 7210997Abstract: The present invention relates to a gaming device which includes an award indicator which includes rotating objects. At least one award value and preferably other symbols are displayed on the faces of the objects. The gaming device provides players with certain award values displayed by the objects after the objects have stopped rotating. This type of gaming device provides players with increased entertainment and enjoyment when playing gaming devices.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2002Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: IGTInventors: Andrea C. Hughs-Baird, James M. Gray, Michael S. Hoy, Joseph E. Kaminkow, Daniel J. Waller
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Patent number: 7210998Abstract: In a gaming machine provided with operating members actuated by human, a game processor proceeds a game in accordance with the actuation of the operating members. An inhibition requirement determinant determines whether a predetermined inhibition requirement is satisfied while the game processor proceeds the game. A game inhibiter performs game inhibition processing for diverting an attention of the player toward something other than the game, when the inhibition requirement determinant determines that the inhibition requirement is satisfied.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2002Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Konami CorporationInventors: Koji Kazaoka, Eiji Aida
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Patent number: 7210999Abstract: An interactive binder and platform system includes a remote multimedia source, a feedback unit electronically connected to the remote multimedia source, and a plurality of binders. Each binder includes a plurality of conductive pins and at least one fixed medium having a plurality of distinct circuits operatively connected to the binder and a plurality of touch points defining exposed portions of the distinct circuits. A transceiver electronically connected to at least one of the binders provides power to the at least one of the binders and transmits/receives signals to provide two-way communication between the remote multimedia source and the binders where selection of a particular touch point by a user electronically connects the distinct circuit associated with the particular touch point and the remote multimedia source, the output from the remote multimedia source associated with input sent to the remote media source by the selection of the particular touch point.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2004Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Inventor: Ken Forsse
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Patent number: 7211000Abstract: Gaming utilizing actual telemetry data. In one embodiment, a system including a source of actual telemetry data regarding an event, such as a sporting event, and a gaming application utilizing the actual telemetry data. In one embodiment, by utilizing actual telemetry data, the ability to play a game as if the game player were involved in a current sporting event, in real-time, is provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1998Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Intel CorporationInventors: Curtis E. Jutzi, Jay Connelly
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Patent number: 7211001Abstract: A personal protection system has a shaft that can be secured into a pair of end bases that mount to a surface of the surroundings of the user. The shaft and bases are configured to appear as a natural part of the surroundings, such as a support bar or rail, when the shaft is stored. The shaft can be removed, and has an end portion adapted to provide a weapon for self defense. For example, the end portion can employ a piercing point, a syringe and needle for injecting a bio-toxin, a canister for spraying a chemical irritant, an appliance for generating an electrical shock, or combinations of these elements. Preferably, the shaft is secured into the bases so as to be usable for support. It is further preferred for the bases to be configured to disguise the fact that the shaft can be removed.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2005Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Inventors: John Motyka, Bruce E. McCoy
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Patent number: 7211002Abstract: A constant velocity joint is provided that includes an outer race having a bore with an inner surface, a cage arranged within the bore of the outer race, an inner race having an outer surface, a plurality of balls arranged within the cage, and a shaft connected to the inner race. The cage, outer race, inner race, and balls interrelate to center and support the cage. The cage remains in a non-supporting state with the outer race and the inner race through a no angle and a high angle position of the shaft.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2004Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: GKN Driveline North America, Inc.Inventors: Donald W. Dine, Noel W. Sutton, John A. Ramey
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Patent number: 7211003Abstract: A pool table or the like (10) is formed from a trough (20) whose edges support the bed (12) of the table and have the cushions (34) attached to them. The trough includes means for directing potted balls in a particular manner, which may be in the form of channels (28). Sound-deadening material may be provided on the trough. The cushions can be attached to the trough by clips (56), pegs (90) or conventional means. The invention also extends to the trough itself, and to a method of assembling a table with a trough.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2001Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Inventor: Roger Geoffrey Halstead
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Patent number: 7211004Abstract: A golf glove and system useful in assisting a person having insufficient control of hand using a golf club to effectively strike a golf ball. The golf glove enables the person having insufficient control of hand to grasp and swing the golf club to effectively strike the golf ball without the assistance of another person.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2004Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Inventor: Joseph DeMarco
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Patent number: 7211005Abstract: Golf clubs, of putter and wood-type especially, each include an attachment between shaft and club head which is of a compliance to allow the club head to behave more closely as a ‘free-body’ in providing vertical gear-effect when striking the ball. The compliance is related to freeing the club head for rotation about an axis 35 which extends through the center of mass 31 with an orientation perpendicular to the shaft axis 37 in a plane parallel to the shaft axis 37 and containing the heel-toe axis 34 through the center of mass 31. In this regard, the compliance about axis 35 is not less than the force-couple bending compliance of a length of 1000/K, or 3000/K, or more preferably 10000/K, millimeters of the shaft measured from the tip-end. The rotational axis 35 is spaced by less than 0.33K millimeters, or not more than 4,25 or less than 2 millimeters, from the shaft axis 37.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2003Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Inventor: Norman Matheson Lindsay
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Patent number: 7211006Abstract: A golf club includes a golf club shaft and a golf club head connected to the golf club shaft. The golf club head includes a body having a forward surface and a striking member connected to the forward surface of the body. The striking member includes predetermined properties to deflect inwardly during initial contact with a golf ball and recover outwardly as the golf ball moves away substantially synchronized with compression and expansion of the golf ball. In some embodiments, the golf club head may include a spacer or neck connecting opposing medial portions of the body and the striking member. In other embodiments, the striking member may include a first layer and a second underlying layer disposed over the body.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2003Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Inventor: Dale U. Chang
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Patent number: 7211007Abstract: A golf ball comprising a pre-formed selectively-weighted inner core insert including a hub having a specific gravity of greater than 1.2 and a plurality of outer elements connected to the hub and having a specific gravity of less than 0.9; an outer core molded about the insert to form a sphere having an outer surface; and a cover disposed around the outer core, the cover having an outer dimpled surface; wherein the outer core and cover are optically transparent or translucent.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2005Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Michael J. Sullivan, William B. Lacy, Herbert C. Boehm
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Patent number: 7211008Abstract: The present invention is directed to golf balls having a layer formed from a low modulus HNP composition and a layer formed from a high modulus HNP composition. Golf balls of the present invention have at least three layers, including an inner core layer, an outer core layer, a cover, and optionally an intermediate core layer. The present invention is not limited by which golf ball layers are formed from an HNP composition, so long as at least one layer is formed from a low modulus HNP composition and at least one layer is formed from a high modulus HNP composition. Low modulus HNP compositions of the present invention comprise a highly neutralized acid copolymer having a modulus of from 1,000 psi to 50,000 psi. High modulus HNP compositions of the present invention comprise a highly neutralized acid copolymer having a modulus of from 25,000 psi to 150,000 psi.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2005Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Derek A. Ladd, Edmund A. Hebert, Murali Rajagopalan
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Patent number: 7211009Abstract: A lacrosse head having a netting with a shallow pocket is provided for improving the handling and the retention of a lacrosse ball. The lacrosse head includes a frame element comprised of a pair of opposing sidewalls that each have a top end and a bottom end, a scoop portion connecting the top ends of the sidewalls, and a base portion connecting the bottom ends of the sidewalls. Furthermore, the lacrosse head includes a netting that is coupled to the opposing sidewalls. This netting has one or more partitions coupled thereto for substantially defining a ball retention region and one or more peripheral regions of the netting. These partitions protrude outwardly from the netting and are adapted for contacting a lacrosse ball and retaining the lacrosse ball within the ball retention region.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2003Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Warrior Lacrosse, Inc.Inventors: Crista Samaras, Jesse Hubbard, Andrew Maliszewski
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Patent number: 7211010Abstract: A reinforcing member for a badminton racquet wherein the racquet extends along a longitudinal axis and includes a frame having a tubular hoop portion supporting a string bed and a tubular handle portion. The reinforcing member includes a generally T-shaped body having first and second sections. The first section has an outer surface that defines a first cross-sectional area measured about a longitudinal plane positioned generally perpendicular to the string bed. The second section longitudinally and outwardly extends from the first section. The second section has an outer surface that defines a second cross-sectional area measured about a transverse plane. The first cross-sectional area is at least 50 percent greater than the second cross-sectional area. The first and second sections are configured for placement within the hoop and handle portions of the frame, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2005Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Wilson Sporting Goods Co.Inventors: Mark W. Lin, William D. Severa
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Patent number: 7211011Abstract: A nock or an arrow having a nock with a chemical light source allows an archer or hunter to more easily locate and retrieve an arrow that has been shot from a bow. The nock is inserted into an arrow, wherein the nock comprises a body having an end for receiving a bowstring and an insert projecting from an opposing end. The body is formed of a translucent material for transmitting the light so that the light is visible to a user or others. The nock has a recess formed in the insert and the body. A chemiluminescent lightstick is utilized as the light source, and the insert is inserted into an end of the arrow.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2006Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Inventor: Warren Sutherland
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Patent number: 7211012Abstract: The present invention relates to softballs that have very low compression, but maintain the traditional COR values of standard urethane core softballs. The present invention comprises a softball having a center core and at least one core or mantle layer to produce a softball having the performance of a traditional ball.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2003Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Russell CorporationInventors: Ronald P. Laliberty, Matthew K. Lacroix, John F. Furlong
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Patent number: 7211013Abstract: There is provided a hydraulic control apparatus for a belt CVT, which is comprised of a pulley pressure control section that controls the line pressure in accordance with the oil amount balance of an oil pump based on the engine speed and the oil temperature during a select-judgment period from the detection of a change from a driving range to a non-driving range or a change from the non-driving range to the driving range to the lapse of a predetermined period of time, or when the non-driving range is detected. This eliminates the possibility that the oil pump cannot generate a specified oil pressure due to a decrease in the engine speed. Further, the secondary pressure is multiplied by the ratio of the line pressure in accordance with the oil amount balance of the oil pump to the line pressure which has been intended to be specified, and the secondary pressure is controlled according to the calculation result. This makes it possible to maintain the pulley ratio without causing a down-shift of the belt CVT.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2003Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: JATCO LtdInventors: Shinichiro Watanabe, Naoya Inoue, Makoto Sawada
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Patent number: 7211014Abstract: A variable sprocket IVT machine has a sprocket wheel, on an input shaft, including a plurality of wheel bodies which are independently rotatable on the shaft, a sprocket slidably located in and projecting radially from a sleeve in each wheel body, connecting arrangements, connecting the wheel bodies in the composite wheel, which are adapted to vary the angular disposition between and the degree of radial projection of adjacent sprockets relatively to each other to ensure clean engagement of the sprockets with uniformly spaced apertures in a drive chain which partially surrounds the wheel in a radially movable zone of sprocket engagement, elements for engaging the wheel bodies of the sprockets in the zone with the input shaft and a control arrangement which supports the sprockets not in the zone and which is movable to vary the ratio of rotation of the input shaft relatively to a chain driven output shaft.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2003Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Varibox (Pty) LimitedInventor: Johannes Jacobus Naude
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Patent number: 7211015Abstract: A belt installation tool having a first member (18) engagable with a pulley hub whereby a belt installation radial load is transmitted to the pulley hub. A body (10) having a tool engagement portion (15) disposed radially from the pulley hub. A second member (11) radially extending from the body opposite the first member, the second member having a lateral urging surface (12) for laterally urging a belt into a pulley groove. A roller (17) having a conical surface (17A) extending normally from the body at a radius substantially equal to or less than a pulley flange radius and in a direction opposite a pulley, the roller cooperatively disposed with the lateral urging surface whereby a belt is borne from the roller to the lateral urging surface during belt installation.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2004Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: The Gates CorporationInventor: John Shaw
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Patent number: 7211016Abstract: A geared motor includes a rotor mounted rotatably to a motor housing and having an output shaft along a rotating axis, and a stator secured to the motor housing to surround the rotor. The stator has a plurality of angularly displaced core segments with wall areas confronting magnetic pole units on the rotor, and a plurality of windings wound respectively around the core segments to create a torque so as to drive the output shaft. A planetary gear assembly includes a sun wheel mounted on the output shaft, an annulus secured to the motor housing and having an internally toothed annular surface, and a planet wheel meshing with the toothed surface and the sun wheel. A rotary member is rotated by a speed reduction drive transmitted from the planet wheel about a transmitting axis aligned with the rotating axis.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2005Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: National Cheng Kung UniversityInventors: Hong-Sen Yan, Yi-Chang Wu
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Patent number: 7211017Abstract: An improved inter-axle differential locking clutch is provided that aligns the actuator and the clutch member thereby reducing space and material requirements in the axle assembly housing. The clutch also eliminates the need for a pushrod and shift fork thereby reducing tooling and production costs, as well as eliminating issues associated with misalignment of the piston and pushrod, relative rotation of the shift fork and clutch member, and tipping of the shift fork. The clutch includes one or more pistons disposed within either the axle housing or a carrier supporting the input shaft bearing. Fluid pressure actuates the pistons against a clutch member causing selective engagement between the clutch member and either a side gear driven by the inter-axle differential or a differential case housing the differential gears of the inter-axle differential.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2004Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Dana CorporationInventors: Michael Green, Chris Pollack, Gary A. Turner, Leo Wenstrup, James F. Ziech
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Patent number: 7211018Abstract: A differential planetary gear apparatus has a single-pinion-type structure in which one planetary gear (3) is arranged in a radial direction and one or more planetary gears (3) are arranged in a circumferential direction in a region between a sun gear (1) and a ring gear (2), a drive source (4), a speed-change motive source (5), and a driven unit (6) are disposed at any one of an input side (I), an output side (O), and a speed-change side (T). The speed-change motive source (5) includes an electric motor.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2003Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Ebara CorporationInventors: Katsumi Kimura, Toshio Miwa, Michio Takashima, Takeshi Usami, Kazuhiko Sugiyama
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Patent number: 7211019Abstract: A torque transfer mechanism is provided for controlling the magnitude of a clutch engagement force exerted on a multi-plate clutch assembly that is operably disposed between a first rotary and a second rotary member. The torque transfer mechanism includes a clutch actuator assembly for generating and applying a clutch engagement force on the clutch assembly. The clutch actuator assembly includes an electric motor/brake unit and a torque/force conversion mechanism. The motor/brake unit can be operated in either of a motor mode or a brake mode to cause bi-directional linear movement of an output member of the torque/force conversion mechanism. The thrust force generated by the torque/force conversion mechanism is applied to the clutch assembly. The dual mode feature of the electric motor/brake unit significantly reduces the power requirements. A torque vectoring drive axle is equipped with a pair of such torque transfer mechanisms.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2005Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.Inventors: Malcolm E. Kirkwood, Thomas C. Bowen
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Patent number: 7211020Abstract: A power transmitting device including a housing having an input shaft, at least one output shaft and a gear set positioned in the housing. The gear set transmits rotary power between the input shaft and the output shaft. An electrical actuator includes a linearly moveable member and is operable to drivingly engage the moveable member with the gear set. A sensor is positioned within the housing and operable to output a signal indicative of the linear position of the moveable member.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2005Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Jonathan R. Gohl, Jason E. Moore, Jeffrey E. Rea, Andrew F. Pinkos
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Patent number: 7211021Abstract: The multi-step reduction gear includes a drive shaft and an output shaft, having three single rod planetary gears, seven rotating shafts and six shifting elements, whose selective engagement realizes seven forward gears and one reverse gear, the drive takes place through a shaft, connected with the sun wheel of the first planetary gears. The output takes place through a shaft in connection with the annulus of the second planetary gear and the annulus of the third planetary gears. A shaft is connected with the rod of the first planetary gears; a shaft is connected with the rod of the second planetary gears and the rod of the third planetary gears; a shaft is connected with the annulus of the first planetary gear set; a shaft is connected with the sun wheel of the third planetary gears; a shaft is connected with the sun wheel of the second planetary gears.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2003Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventor: Gerhard Gumpoltsberger