Patents Issued in May 29, 2007
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Patent number: 7223152Abstract: Provided may be a wind propelled rolling vehicle with a self-adjusting sail that may be substantially formed in a relatively small, single sheet of material, or assembled onto a standard chassis. The exemplary embodiments may utilize bushings to spread dynamic loads so as to allow the use of very light structural material such as thin sheet foam thereby forming a safe, low-mass toy vehicle capable of achieving good acceleration and rolling speed relative to a given wind force, and configurable into many themes.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2004Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Inventor: John H. Anderson
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Patent number: 7223153Abstract: An apparatus and method for polishing objects, such as semiconductor wafers, utilizes one or more polishing surfaces, multiple wafer carriers and at least one load-and-unload cup. The load-and-unload cup may be configured to move to and from the wafer carriers in a pivoting manner. The load-and-unload cup may be configured to move to and from the wafer carriers in a linear reciprocating manner. The wafer carriers may be configured to move to and from the load-and-unload cup in a pivoting manner. The wafer carriers may be configured to move to and from the load-and-unload cup in a linear reciprocating manner.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2004Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Assignee: Inopla Inc.Inventor: In Kwon Jeong
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Patent number: 7223154Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for planarizing a microelectronic substrate. In one aspect of the invention, a first portion of an energy-sensitive, non-sacrificial planarizing pad material is exposed to a selected energy without exposing a second portion of the material to the selected energy source. The planarizing pad material is exposed to a solvent to remove material from one of the first or second portions of the planarizing pad material at a faster rate than removing material from the other of the first and second portions. The process forms a plurality of recesses directly in the surface of the planarizing pad which are configured to support a planarizing liquid proximate to the surface of the planarizing pad material during planarization of the microelectronic substrate. Alternatively, the process can form a mold having protrusions that are pressed into the planarizing pad to define the recesses in the pad.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2006Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Stephen J. Kramer, Michael J. Joslyn
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Patent number: 7223155Abstract: An ingot 3 of a hexagonal III-nitride crystal is cut using a wire array 21 composed of a wire 22. On this occasion, the ingot 3 is cut in such a manner that the ingot 3 is sliced with supply of an abrasive fluid while feeding at least one of the ingot 3 and wire 22 in a direction perpendicular to an extending direction B of the wire 22. During cutting the ingot 3, the extending direction B of the wire 22 is inclined at 3° or more to the {1-100} plane of the ingot 3.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2006Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.Inventor: Naoki Matsumoto
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Method chemical-mechanical polishing and planarizing corundum, GaAs, GaP and GaAs/GaP alloy surfaces
Patent number: 7223156Abstract: Compositions and methods for planarizing or polishing a corundum, GaAs, GaP or GaAs/GaP alloy surface, particularly a semiconductor wafer surface. The polishing compositions described herein comprise (a) a liquid carrier; (b) a smectite clay, preferably a sodium smectite clay; and optional additives, such as (c) CeO2, SiO2 and/or Al2O3 abrasive particles, (d) a chemical accelerator; and (e) a complexing or coupling agent capable of chemically or ionically complexing with, or coupling to, the material removed during the polishing process. The optional complexing or coupling agent carries away the removed particles, during polishing, to prevent the separated particles from returning to the surface from which they were removed. Also disclosed are methods of planarizing or polishing corundum, GaAs, GaP and GaAs/GaP alloy surfaces comprising contacting the surface with the compositions.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2005Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Assignee: AMCOL International CorporationInventors: Mingming Fang, Michael R. Ianiro, Don Eisenhour -
Patent number: 7223157Abstract: A chemical-mechanical polishing apparatus comprising at least a polishing platen, a polishing pad, a slurry supplying piping, a polishing pad conditioner, a chemical reagent supplying piping and a splitting piping is provided. The polishing platen has a plurality of slurry outlets disposed thereon and the polishing pad is disposed on the polishing platen. The slurry supplying piping is connected to the bottom of the polishing platen for delivering slurry to the surface of the polishing pad through the slurry outlets. The polishing pad conditioner is disposed over the polishing pad. The chemical reagent supplying piping is connected to the polishing pad conditioner for supplying the chemical reagent to the polishing conditioner. The splitting piping is connected between the slurry supplying piping and the chemical reagent supplying piping for providing chemical reagent to the surface of the polishing pad through the slurry supplying piping and the slurry outlets.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2005Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Assignee: United Microelectronics Corp.Inventors: Sheng-Yu Chen, Te-Sung Hung, Chung-Jun Cheng, Chi-Piao Cheng, Po-Yuan Cheng
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Patent number: 7223158Abstract: An apparatus for polishing a wafer comprises a supporting portion having an abrasive pad disposed thereon, and a polishing head disposed over the abrasive pad. The polishing head comprises a carrier having at least two fluid passages, a retainer ring disposed on a lower edge of the carrier, forming a space for receiving the wafer, a supporter disposed in the carrier, and a flexible membrane disposed to be in contact with the wafer. The supporter has an upper surface portion, a lower surface portion, a plurality of first holes, a plurality of second holes, and a first chamber. The upper surface portion of the supporter forms a second chamber along with an inner surface of the carrier. The second chamber is in communication with one of the two fluid passages of the carrier and the second holes are formed in a lower surface portion of the supporter to communicate with the second chamber.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2006Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jae-Phil Boo, Jun-Gyu Ryu, Sang-Seon Lee, Sun-Wung Lee
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Patent number: 7223159Abstract: A centerless cylindrical grinding machine, for through-feed and in-feed grinding of various workpieces (8), has a first driven positioning axis XS for a grinding spindle head (2) with a grinding wheel (1) and a second driven positioning axis XR, running parallel to the positioning axis XS, for a regulating spindle head (4), with a regulating wheel (3). The positioning axes XS and XR are arranged perpendicular to the rotation axes (5, 6) or the grinding wheel (1) and the regulating wheel (3). A workpiece support (7) on a carriage (12) and an inner- or outer-acting wheel-true device (9) are arranged between the grinding spindle head (2) and the regulating spindle head (4). During operation, the grinding spindle head (2), the regulating spindle head (4), the workpiece support (7) and the wheel-true device (9) are located within a safety housing (15).Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2001Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Inventors: Urs Tschudin, Libor Sedlacek
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Patent number: 7223160Abstract: A system for rapid replacement of abrasive in machinery which uses the abrasive to finish the surfaces of workpieces that pass through the machinery on a belt, such as so-called widebelt sanders. One preferred embodiment of the system employs an abrasive material that is frictionally held on each edge to mounts. The position of the mounts may be varied to increase or decrease the tension of abrasive material against the working surface of the platen, that the assembly may be removed from the apparatus. In another embodiment, the abrasive material is formed with integral, permanent mounts on the edges of the abrasive material, so that the entire combination may be supplied or replaced as a unit. A variety of configurations of mounts may be used.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2004Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Assignee: Timesavers, Inc.Inventor: Thomas M. Anderson
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Patent number: 7223161Abstract: In a cutting apparatus having a circular blade with a dust discharging unit for, during cutting, discharging chips (dust) within a dust cover covering the circular blade, a pulley is fixed to an output shaft of a power source, and a flat belt for transmitting power to the dust discharging unit is engaged with the pulley. The pulley and the flat belt are covered with an inner cover within the dust cover. The inner cover has a through hole for allowing the output shaft to protrude the inner cover therethrough with a seal made of felt to prevent dust from entering the inside of the inner cover. A surface touching member is provided around an opening edge of the dust cover movable along an axial direction of the output shaft by spring-loading, which automatically reduces the gap between the dust cover and the object to prevent dust from being scattered.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2004Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Assignee: Goei Co., Ltd.Inventors: Mitsunori Kodani, Kazumasa Tachibana
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Patent number: 7223162Abstract: The present invention provides a holder (20) for wafers (14) which makes it possible to more easily manipulate the wafer (14) and makes it more suitable than prior art devices for to liquid handling, wafer handling and on-wafer manipulation of substances, while it also makes it possible to align the wafer (14) accurately and furthermore allows to create a well controlled ambient in the neighbourhood of the wafer (14).Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2005Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Assignee: Vivactis N.V.Inventors: Jean-Paul Jaenen, Peter Van Gerwen
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Patent number: 7223163Abstract: A cover device for partially covering a disc-shaped working tool includes a bearing member (22) forming a receiving space (54) for receiving the shielding member (10) of the working tool and having an inner surface (24) against which an outer surface of the shielding member (10) lies when received in the receiving space (54), and a pivot member (48) supported on the bearing member (22) for a pivotal movement about a pivot axis (S1) between a locking position in which the receiving space (54) is limited at both ends in tangential and axial directions and is at least partially limited outwardly in a radial direction, and an open position in-which the receiving space (54) is open in at least one of the axial direction and the tangential direction.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2005Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Assignee: Hilti AktiengesellschaftInventors: Michael Neumeier, Rolf Spangenberg
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Patent number: 7223164Abstract: An optical surface-finishing tool includes a rigid support (4) having a transverse end surface (13); an elastically-compressible interface (5) which is applied against the end surface (13) such as to cover same; and a flexible buffer (6) which can be applied against the optical surface (2), which is applied against the interface (5) and which covers the interface at least partially, opposite and in line with the end surface (13). The buffer includes a central part (6a) which is in line with the end surface (13) and a peripheral part (14) which extends transversely beyond the end surface (13). There is also an elastic return element (15) having a collar (18) which is used to connect the peripheral part (14) to the support (4). Moreover, the collar (18) includes a continuous peripheral part (22) which rests on the peripheral part (14) of the buffer (6) such as to co-operate therewith.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2004Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Assignee: Essilor International (Compagnie Generale D'Optique)Inventors: Joël Bernard, Mathieu Meynen
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Patent number: 7223165Abstract: An abrasive pad for a manual grinding machine, in particular for an eccentric grinder, has a flat contact surface (13) on which an abrasive sheet is placed, and attachment means located on the contact surface (13) for creating an adhesive connection with the abrasive sheet. To reduce the production costs of the abrasive pad, it is made entirely—including the attachment means—of plastic using a single-component injection molding procedure, whereby the attachment means are designed preferably as hook-type fasteners (18) which extend out of the contact surface (13) (FIG. 1).Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2004Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Steffen Wuensch, Joao Bergner
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Patent number: 7223166Abstract: An automatic scent dispensing system for distributing scents on a user-adjustable schedule without requiring user attention. The system includes a tank system for holding a scent substance that includes a reservoir, and a pump. A dispensing nozzle is mountable on an air duct. A duration timer controls a duration of dispensing of the scent substance, and is adjustable to set the duration of operation of the pump for dispensing the scent substance. An occurrence timer controls a time period between dispensing of scent, and triggers the duration timer after passage of a selected time period. A regular/irregular selector switch controls the actuation of the duration timer, and has an irregular setting for triggering the duration timer at selected events (such as circulating fan operation or an increase in duct air pressure) and a regular setting for triggering the duration timer by the occurrence timer after a selectable time period.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2003Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Inventors: Larry E. Wiseman, Sr., Rodney D. Goheen
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Patent number: 7223167Abstract: An anti-wind wiper including an extension adjustably mountable in a desired spaced relation and angular orientation relative to a leading edge of a flight of a front rotor inlet section of a combine, for interaction with the flight during rotation of the rotor, for directing and guiding crop material, particularly long strand-like elements of crop material, away from a shaft and bearing supporting the inlet section.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2005Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Assignee: CNH America LLCInventors: Dale R. Tanis, Craig E. Murray, Mark J. Svitak
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Patent number: 7223168Abstract: An adjustable flow distributor for a vertical spreader operable for discharging a flow of straw and other crop residue in a sideward direction for deposition over a field, the flow distributor including a metering edge and the adjustability allowing positioning the metering edge for tailoring or adjusting a pattern of discharged flow of crop residue, for instance, so as to be better and more evenly distributed over a swath of an agricultural field from which the crop was harvested, particularly a region of the swatch in proximity to the spreader and/or chopper.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2005Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Assignee: CNH America LLCInventors: Brian J. Anderson, Luc Yde, Eddy Lammerant
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Patent number: 7223169Abstract: Provided are a program and an information processing apparatus for controlling execution of a ball sports simulation game that can provide for a player sensations similar to those experienced when actually playing the sports.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2002Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Assignee: Sega CorporationInventors: Kenichi Imaeda, Makoto Sugawara
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Patent number: 7223170Abstract: A media game that employs a method for randomly shuffling through a large set of video and/or audio clips stored on readable media using a media player, such as a DVD player, is disclosed. In addition to the readable media, the game also includes a game board, moveable play pieces, trivia question cards, random name cards, a numbered die, and a challenge die. The game board can be converted from long play to short play by lifting the endmost sections of the game board and placing them next to each other on top of intermediate sections of the game board. A path circumnavigates the game board and appears to be continuous in both long and short play modes. The begin and end regions reside at least partially on the endmost sections and appear as unbroken shapes when configured for both long and short play.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2003Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Assignee: Screenlife LLCInventors: Craig E. Kinzer, David Long, William Kuper, Trevor Steinthal, Mathew J. Griesse, John Hendricks, William J. Patterson, Michael J. Ausich
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Patent number: 7223171Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for playing a one player video game of chance. The method includes the steps of providing a plurality of items that until selected by the one player occupy a set of non-selected items, displaying an indicia of a winning combination of items present within the plurality of items in advance of selection of any item of the plurality of items by the one player, enabling the one player to select at least some of the plurality of items for inclusion in a set of selected items, wherein at least one other of the plurality of items remains within the set of non-selected items and displaying the items within the set of selected and non-selected items.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2002Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Inventors: Brian F. Colin, Jeffrey L. Nauman
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Patent number: 7223172Abstract: A gaming device having a bonus scheme, wherein the player may choose when to play a bonus scheme, so long as the player is qualified to do so. The method of qualifying the player to enter the bonus round connects or links the base game operation of the gaming device with the bonus scheme. The reels of the base game contain symbols which alone or in combination with other symbols yield one or more bonus awards to a player. The bonus awards are escrowed and displayed a bonus award escrow display. Once the player obtains a single bonus award, the player becomes eligible or qualified to play the bonus round and the player may choose to do so at any time. The player can accumulate bonus awards and use multiple bonus awards at one time.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2004Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Assignee: IGTInventors: Anthony J. Baerlocher, Peter Gerrard
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Patent number: 7223173Abstract: A game system includes a housing to be held by a player. The housing incorporates an XY-axis acceleration sensor to detect an acceleration in a X-axis direction and a Y-axis direction and a Z-axis contact switch to detect an acceleration in a Z-axis direction. The sensor and switch detect at least one of an amount (e.g., tilt amount, movement amount, impact amount or the like) and a direction (e.g., tilt direction, movement direction, impact direction or the like) of a change applied to the housing. A simulation program provides simulation such that a state of a game space is changed related to at least one of the amount and direction of the change applied to the housing.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2003Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.Inventors: Iwao Masuyama, Toshiaki Suzuki, Akira Tahara
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Patent number: 7223174Abstract: A conventional game program involves the risk of the player losing interest in the game. A computer-readable program product which enables a beginner player to sufficiently enjoy interest in a game is provided. A character to be subjected to ring customization is selected. If a technical ring is selected as a ring type after the subject has been determined to be change of a ring type, an ally character makes attacks only when the player has performed operation input with a rotary bar situated in any of timing areas. When a gamble ring is selected as the ring type, only one timing area is available. In a case where a practice ring is selected as the ring type, determination of operation input timing is continuously made in all the remaining timing areas even when the operation input has been performed with the rotary bar not situated in any timing area.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2004Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Assignee: Aruze CorporationInventor: Matsuzo Machida
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Patent number: 7223175Abstract: An expandable baton having a gripping tube, a center tube and a striking tube that collapse and are retained in the collapsed position by a top cap assembly. The top cap assembly includes at least one spring retainer that engages the inner surface of the striking tube to retain the baton in its retracted position. The amount of holding force created by the spring retainer to hold the baton in its retracted position is adjustable. The top cap assembly includes an adjustment stem having a tapered portion that engages the spring retainer. Movement of the tapered portion of the adjustment stem relative to the spring retainer adjusts the holding force created by the end cap.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2006Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Inventor: Kevin L. Otto
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Patent number: 7223176Abstract: When a first damper contacts both of a protruding portion of a pulley body and a protruding portion of a center hub, a second damper is disposed as being apart from the protruding portion of the center hub with a gap. Even when the pulley body is rotated in a reverse direction, no reverse torque is thereby transmitted to the center hub as long as the gap exists, or before the second damper contacts the protruding portion of the center hub. As a result, torque fluctuation is sufficiently absorbed. This prevents the following: a reverse torque is transmitted to the center hub; a torque limiter wrongly acts; a fastening part between a shaft and the center hub loosens; or abnormal noise or aversive vibration takes place.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2003Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Michiyasu Nosaka, Kiyoshi Kurohata
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Patent number: 7223177Abstract: Pool table improvements including: (1) a quick change pool table cloth system including a snap on cloth; (2) a built in pool table level system including highly sensitive levels embedded into the pool table frame; (3) a pre-adjusted, push, pull slate frame leveling system including push and pull bolts for leveling and positioning a slate frame; (4) a seven bolt, bi directional, cushion/cap rail anchor system; (5) a U-shaped structural design; (6) tapered, self-taping, threaded flange inserts; and (7) a slate and frame movement system.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2005Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Inventor: Daniel E. Tarbell
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Patent number: 7223178Abstract: A golf putter, ball retriever and retainer configured to retrieve and hold a golf ball. The putter defines a substantially symmetrical configuration from heel to toe. The ball retriever and retainer is defined by a spherical recess formed in the sole of the putter and an opening defined on the top surface thereof. At least one resilient tab is defined in the sole to enlarge the sole opening. Ball alignment indicia are disposed on the top surface of the golf putter head, the ball alignment indicia defining at least a C-shaped configuration, whereby a ball is visually aligned between said first and second ends to center the ball on said striking face. The ball alignment indicia may further include at least one line segment disposed coincidentally to the initial direction of travel of the golf ball.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2005Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Assignee: MPH Golf, LLCInventor: David Vincent Henry
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Patent number: 7223179Abstract: A method of designing a golf club head, including the steps of using a golf club head model and a golf ball model both of which are composed of a plurality of finite elements; impacting the head model against the ball model; and measuring a time period T2 in which the face of the head model is in contact with the ball model and a time period T1 from the time of contact between the head model and the ball model until the time when a vertical force acting on the face of the golf club head model takes a peak value; setting the ratio of the time period T2 to the time period T1 high and increase a frictional force acting in a direction in which the backspin of a golf ball decreases and a period of time in which the frictional force acts.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2004Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Assignee: SRI Sports LimitedInventor: Masaya Tsunoda
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Patent number: 7223180Abstract: The invention provides a golf club head comprising a head body, a weight body, and a fastener. The head body has at least one recess that is partially delineated by a first recess wall, a recess bottom, and an opening formed in the recess bottom. The weight body is disposed in the recess, wherein the weight body has a first aperture with a first diameter. The fastener comprises a fastener head and a fastener body, wherein the fastener head has a second diameter. The fastener head is disposed between the first aperture and the opening formed in the recess bottom, wherein that the fastener body and the opening are adapted to be removably engaged to one another and the first diameter is less than the second diameter.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2004Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Assignee: Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc.Inventors: Kraig A. Willett, Joseph H. Hoffman
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Patent number: 7223181Abstract: A novel composition useful for golf ball covers that comprises a blend of a dilsocyanate/polyol polyurethane prepolymer with a curing agent comprising a blend of slow-reacting diamine with a fast-reacting diamine such as dimethylthio 2,4-toluenediamine and diethyl 2,4-toluenediamine, respectively. A golf ball cover made with this composition exhibits the characteristic feel and playability of a balata cover with superior durability characteristics (cut and shear resistance) which exceed those of a balata or ionomer cover.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 1998Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Assignee: TaylorMade-Adidas Golf CompanyInventors: Pijush K. Dewanjee, Michael Tzivanis, Sanjay M. Kuttappa
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Patent number: 7223182Abstract: The present invention provides a floatable golf ball for a driving range having excellent durability and good shot feel. The present invention relates to a floatable golf ball for a driving range comprising a core and a cover covering the core, wherein the cover has a flexural modulus (F) of 80 to 300 MPa, the golf ball has a specific gravity of not less than 0.5 and less than 1.0, and a deformation amount (D) of 3.0 to 6.0 mm when applying from an initial load of 98 N to a final load of 1275 N, and a ratio (F/D) of the flexural modulus of the cover (F) to the deformation amount of the golf ball (D) is within the range of 15 to 50.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2001Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Assignee: SRI Sports LimitedInventor: Kazuhisa Fushihara
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Patent number: 7223183Abstract: Two-tiered dimples 8 of a golf ball have a first recessed part X and a second recessed part Y. The first recessed part X substantially forms a part of a spherical shape. The first recessed part X includes a first opening 14, a side wall curved face 16 and a flat face 18. The second recessed part Y is substantially a regular quadrangular pyramid. This second recessed part Y includes a second opening 20, a slope 22 and a bottom face 24. The second opening 20 is a regular tetragon. The first recessed part X improves aerodynamic symmetry of the golf ball. The second recessed part Y improves a dimple effect. Proportion of the number of the two-tiered dimples 8 to total number of the dimples is equal to or greater than 70%.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2005Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Assignee: SRI Sports LimitedInventor: Takahiro Sajima
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Patent number: 7223184Abstract: A device is provided for setting a golf tee in the ground at a desired height and angle. In one embodiment, height adjustment of the tee is provided by a threaded screw member. In other embodiments, a plurality of longitudinally aligned recesses are formed within a longitudinal cavity to provide height adjustment. A bubble level may be incorporated on the device to align the golf tee at either a vertical position, or a desired angular position.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2004Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Assignee: Aviar TechnologyInventor: Wantjinarjo Suwito
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Patent number: 7223185Abstract: A hide-behind bunker system and kit for enabling a user to take cover behind at least one stand-alone, impact dampening structure. The system comprises at least one inflatable hide-behind structure cooperatively associated with an impact dampening anchor system. The hide-behind structure comprises an inferior bunker end, an opaque outer bunker surface, a matter-retaining inner bunker surface, and air inlet-outlet structure. The inner bunker surface defines an inner structure volume for receiving and retaining structure-erecting air. The impact dampening anchor system or assembly is attached to and extends outwardly from the outer bunker surface adjacent the inferior bunker end. The anchor system comprises at least three elastic link anchor assemblies, which assemblies each comprise a looped elastic member. The elastic member functions to absorb certain bodily impact when users collide therewith. The system and kit thus enable a user to take cover behind at least one stand-alone, impact dampening structure.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2005Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Inventors: Craig M. Miller, John M. Call
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Patent number: 7223186Abstract: An athletic training assembly and methods suitable for use in training basketball players. The training assembly allows a ball to be suspended at a selectable height by a suspension member that is attached to a spring loaded reel. The spring loaded reel urges the ball upward when a user grabs the ball to pull it away from the spring loaded reel.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2005Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Inventor: John B. Tresvant
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Patent number: 7223187Abstract: A frameless portable suspension system includes a tensional two-dimensional material having a frameless perimeter, opposite upper corners, and a bottom secured to ground, the tensional two-dimensional material located in a vertical plane perpendicular to the ground; a pair of adjustable spring mechanisms coupled to the upper corners and providing the upper corners in tension in an upward vertical direction and a outward horizontal direction, and wherein the tension in the tensional two-dimensional material is adjustable with the adjustable spring mechanisms while the tensional two-dimensional material is under tension and the tensional two-dimensional material is positionable in a vertical plane perpendicular to the ground upon adjustment of the tension in the tensional two-dimensional material with the adjustable spring mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2006Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Inventors: Rafael P. Bouffard, Barton G. Dunlevy
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Patent number: 7223189Abstract: A method for electronically servo-assisting a bicycle gearshift, including the steps of: a) driving an actuator of a bicycle gearshift to displace a chain of the gearshift in an axial direction with respect to a gearshift group comprising at least two sprockets; b) receiving information on the desired alignment between the chain and a predetermined sprocket of the gearshift group; and c) setting a biunique correspondence between the physical position of the actuator at step b) and a logic value associated with the gear ratio relative to the predetermined sprocket.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2003Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Assignee: Campagnolo SRLInventors: Gianfranco Guderzo, Giuseppe Dal Pra'
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Patent number: 7223190Abstract: In a hydraulic chain tensioner for an engine timing drive, an annular groove is formed on an outer circumferential surface of a plunger, and a friction ring is disposed in the groove. The friction ring is composed of an external resin ring and an internal steel ring incorporated into the inside of the resin ring. The friction ring is fitted into the annular groove of the plunger with a predetermined axial clearance. It allows the tensioner to operate with good responsiveness during normal engine operation, but resists excessive slack in the chain, and prevents backlash and fluttering, during engine start-up.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2005Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.Inventor: Osamu Yoshida
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Patent number: 7223191Abstract: Between a speed reducing mechanism (15, 17, 19) for speed-reducing drive power of an electric motor and a differential apparatus (7) for distributing speed-reduced drive power to axle ends is disposed a clutch (5) configured for interruptive transmission of drive power.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2006Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Assignee: Tochigi Fuji Sangyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masashi Aikawa, Nobushi Yamazaki
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Patent number: 7223192Abstract: A limited slip differential is provided with a rotatable casing for receiving input from an engine, a differential gear set of a bevel gear type and a pair of clutches. The differential gear set is provided with a pinion shaft supported in and rotated with the casing, a pinion gear rotatably supported by the pinion shaft and a pair of side gears for output, each of the side gears including gear portion engaged with the pinion gear. The gear portions are exposed to an internal surface of the casing so as not to obstruct oil circulation. The clutches are formed between the side gears and the casing and configured to frictionally transfer torque between the side gears and the casing.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2004Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Assignee: Tochigi Fuji Sangyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hiroaki Kashiwazaki
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Patent number: 7223193Abstract: A differential mechanism includes a casing having two opposite ends each having a cover longitudinally mounted thereon. A rotator assembly is mounted in the casing and has a seat received in the casing. A shaft is diametrically mounted in the seat. Two differential gears are respectively rotatably mounted to two opposite ends of the shaft and are respectively engaged to a corresponding one of two drive gears that are respectively securely sleeved on a first drive axle and a second drive axle. An input coupling and an output coupling are respectively longitudinally mounted to the two opposite ends of the seat for centrally mounting the first drive axle and the second drive axle to two opposite ends of the seat. The input coupling is engaged to a transfer element.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2005Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Assignee: Shine Far Metal Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Shih-Hua Hsieh
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Patent number: 7223194Abstract: A clutch mechanism includes a housing adapted to be rotated by an automotive engine, a shaft having first and second sections and a first end adapted to be an input to a transmission, and first and second clutch devices positioned with the housing. The first clutch device, which includes a planetary gear set, can be connected to the first section of the shaft to rotate the shaft. The second clutch device can be connected to the second section of the shaft to rotate the shaft. The planetary gear set provides a gear splitting system for use in doubling the number of gear ratios supplied by the transmission.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2004Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Randy Skiles, Bobbie Burke, Michael Dickinson
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Patent number: 7223195Abstract: A portable power tool with a housing, a motor having a motor output member, a driven member and a transmission. The transmission, which is located in the housing, is configured to receive a rotary input from the motor output member and to produce a rotary output that is transmitted to the output spindle. The transmission has a plurality of planetary transmission stages, each of which including a ring gear, a planet carrier and a plurality of planet gears that are supported by the planet carrier for meshing engagement with the ring gear. The transmission further includes at least one member that may be configured in a first condition, which renders at least one of the planetary transmission stages operable in an active mode, and a second condition, which renders at least one of the planetary transmission stages operable in an inactive mode. The transmission is operable in at least three overall speed reduction ratios.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2006Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.Inventors: Rodney Milbourne, Christine Potter, Todd A Hagan, Michael C Bowers
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Patent number: 7223196Abstract: The invention concerns a gear motor (1) with a fail-safe device (2) consisting of a housing (4), an electromotor (3), a reduction gear (5) with at least one planetary gear (6), an electromagnetic clutch (11) and an output gear shaft (13), wherein the planetary gear (6) has an internal gear. The internal gear is in mesh with at least one planetary wheel (8) and is fixed in its operation relative to the housing (4). The planetary gear comprises the electromagnetic clutch (11), a magnetically conductive armature and a magnetically conductive stator (21) in which an electromagnetic coil (15) is arranged. During the application of current to the electromagnetic coil (15) the internal gear (10) is secured against turning. The task of the invention is to provide for a reliable operation of the fail-safe device in a gear motor of such kind using less construction space and less number of components thus enabling simple assembly.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2005Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Assignee: Buehler Motor GmbHInventors: Bernd Fruehwald, Martin Koechling, Ruediger Spitzner, Juergen Strueber
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Patent number: 7223197Abstract: An epicyclic gear train includes a sun gear rotatable about a central axis, a concentric outer ring gear, and a plurality of gears mechanically intermediate the sun gear and the ring gear, and which are in meshing engagement therewith. An epicyclic carrier assembly comprises a gear support member and a coupling adapter. The gear support member is adapted to rotatably support the plurality of gears on axles between first and second axle ends. The gear support member has at least a first connecting member. The coupling adapter is disposed concentrically with the gear support member and has a second connecting member. The second connecting member is engaged with the first connecting member to structurally join the coupling adapter and the gear support member. The first and second connecting members are mounted to one another in a plane between the first and second axle ends.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2005Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.Inventors: Martin Poulin, Alain Lewis, Robert Gautier, Lazar Mitrovic
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Patent number: 7223198Abstract: A carrier assembly for a planetary gearset of a transmission includes a pinion carrier, a one-way brake having a rocker ring integral with the carrier and having multiple pockets mutually spaced about an axis and located on an outer radial surface of the carrier. A cam ring includes multiple notches angularly spaced about the axis and facing the rocker ring. A rocker, located in each pocket, pivots about a pivot center to engage the cam ring, and a spring urges each rocker to pivot toward engagement with the cam ring. A hydraulically actuated friction brake secured to the carrier alternately holds the carrier against rotation relative to a housing and permits the carrier to rotate.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2005Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: John W. Kimes, Bernie J. Simon
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Patent number: 7223199Abstract: Transmission systems are disclosed which include a dual sunwheel system having an output sunwheel (70) and a control sunwheel (80). A planet cage (18) is arranged around the dual sunwheel system and includes a planet gear (62) in mesh with the sunwheel (70) and a planet gear (64) in mesh with the sunwheel (80). The planet gears (62, 64) are coupled to one another. The drive ratio of the transmission is controlled by controlling the cage (18) or the control sunwheel (70). The speed of rotation of the input (22), output (20) and control sunwheel (70) are sensed by sensors (90) and control signals are generated to control a control device to thereby control the rotation of planet cage (18) or the control sunwheel (80) to thereby set the drive ratio of the transmission. The control devices can include a motor, one or more magnetic powder clutches, a variable centroid system and a mechanical pitch transfer gear system.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2001Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Assignee: Aimbridge Pty LtdInventors: Eric P. Willmot, Lance Pidgeon
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Patent number: 7223200Abstract: A hybrid-vehicle drive method and system includes an internal combustion engine that includes an output shaft, a first electric motor/generator connected to the output shaft of the internal combustion engine via a power distribution mechanism, a wheel drive shaft connected to the output shaft of the internal combustion engine via the power distribution mechanism, a second electric motor/generator connected to the wheel drive shaft, and a transmission located on at least one of the wheel drive shaft and a connecting portion of the second electric motor/generator with the wheel drive shaft.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2002Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masakiyo Kojima, Toshifumi Takaoka, Yutaka Taga
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Patent number: 7223201Abstract: A method for controlling engagement and release of friction clutches in a multiple-ratio transmission for a hybrid electric vehicle powertrain uses electric motor torque to augment engine torque as a power-on downshift is commanded. Near the end of a downshift event, total powertrain torque is modulated or reduced to reduce torque disturbances.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2004Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Dan Colvin, Walt Ortmann, Michael Encelewski
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Patent number: 7223202Abstract: The present invention relates to a torsional damper for an electrically variable transmission. The torsional damper is equipped with a hydraulically actuable lock-out clutch to selectively directly couple the engine to the input shaft of the transmission. The electric motors provided with the electrically variable transmission can serve to effectively cancel out engine compression pulses when the springs of the torsional damper are locked out. During higher speeds the centrifugal loading placed on oil in the torsional damper increases, which may cause the lock-out clutch to inappropriately engage. The present invention hydraulically balances the hydraulic actuator (or piston) driving the lock-out clutch to appropriately regulate lock-out clutch engagement.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2005Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Eric S. Tryon, Joel E. Mowatt, Kenneth D. Schoch