Patents Issued in September 25, 2007
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Patent number: 7273415Abstract: A gaming device having a bonus round with multiple selection groups is provided. The gaming device provides a plurality of selection groups including a final selection group. Each non-final selection group includes selections that yield awards and at least one selection that yields an advance indicator. The advance indicator signals the end of a player's picking from one selection group and the start of the player's picking from a subsequent selection group. The gaming device provides the player with a total number of picks. The player uses the picks to advance through as many selection groups as possible, wherein the awards increase as the player advances.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2002Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Assignee: IGTInventors: Karen M. Cregan, Paulina Rodgers, Anthony J. Baerlocher
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Patent number: 7273416Abstract: A golf training apparatus for practicing straight hits has an upright rack, a rod provided on the rack and aligned substantially horizontally and parallel to a desired hitting direction, the rod being arranged at a distance to the rack such that a golf club is swingable through underneath the rod.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2004Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Inventor: Ian Peek
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Patent number: 7273417Abstract: A golf practice aid includes two parallel rails separated by crossed spacers. The distance of separation is sufficient to reasonably accommodate a golf club head therebetween, and is contemplated to be adjustable. Within the parallel rows are a line of holes for receiving golf tees. The tees then are placed to form two parallel rows spaced about the position the ball is to be located. Swing path and deviation is visually monitored by the pattern of tees that are displaced from holes after the swing is complete. To accommodate longer swings, several golf practice aids may be serially placed, and may include overlap therebetween when desired. An optional hoop is disclosed which is designed to assist with putting practice. An alternative embodiment more specifically for putting is also disclosed which provides a free standing assembly having two parallel rails and multiple upwardly extending hoops, the combination which may be formed as a unitary construction.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2005Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Inventor: Steven W. Lundquist
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Patent number: 7273418Abstract: A set of iron-type golf clubs includes long irons with channel back configurations and short irons with cavity back configurations. The rear face configurations transition from channel backs through to pure cavity backs for increased performance continuum for the set. Additional design parameters for the set may also be systematically varied through the set, such as groove type and depth, loft angle, cavity volume, hitting face roughness, and sole width. At least one of the clubs of the set includes a sandwich-type construction for the hitting face having a dampening element disposed between a hitting face insert and a lightweight reinforcing core. In one embodiment, at least one club head is oversized.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2005Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Peter J. Gilbert, Bruce R. Pettibone, Michael Scott Burnett, Christopher R. Kays, Tomas Diaz
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Patent number: 7273419Abstract: A wood-type golf club head (40) preferably having a major body (50), a striking plate insert (55) and a minor body (60) is disclosed herein. The major body (50) is preferably composed of a metal material and has a front wall section (72), a return section (74), a sole section (76), a ribbon section (78) and a ledge portion (80). The minor body (50) is preferably composed of a low density material and has a crown section (62) and a ribbon section (64). The striking plate insert (55) is preferably composed of a metal material. The wood-type golf club head (40) preferably has a sole section 76 with a first keel (400) and a second keel (405).Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2005Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Assignee: Callaway Golf CompanyInventors: D. Clayton Evans, Evan D. Gibbs, Matthew J. Erickson
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Patent number: 7273420Abstract: A golf club head has a cavity for receiving a face insert. A first face insert, which is disposed in the cavity, has a front surface that is contoured. A second face insert composed of multiple rod elements is disposed in the cavity on top of the first face insert so that the rod elements are supported by the contoured front surface of the first face insert. Because the first face insert supporting the rod elements is contoured, the individual rod elements are of different lengths and, therefore, exhibit different dynamic responses when striking a golf ball, even when the rod elements are made of the same material.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2004Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Assignee: Karsten Manufacturing CorporationInventor: David E. Wright
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Patent number: 7273421Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a face for a golf club head. In one embodiment, the face includes an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the lower portion has a lower toe portion located towards the toe of the golf club head, a lower heel portion located towards the heel of the golf club head, and a center portion extending from the lower toe portion to the lower heel portion, wherein the lower toe portion and the lower heel portion have a first substantially uniform thickness, the center portion and the upper portion have a second substantially uniform thickness, the second substantially uniform thickness is greater than the first substantially uniform thickness, the first substantially uniform thickness is in a range of about 0.055 uniform thickness is in a range of about 0.070 inches to about 0.13 inches.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2005Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Inventor: Dean L. Knuth
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Patent number: 7273422Abstract: The present invention is directed to a golf club head with an improved striking surface. The grooves are machined into the strike surface with tight tolerances. The grooves have sharp edges, radiused ends, and a draft angle between about 2° and 12°. The striking face is machined such that it has a uniform texture with a roughness of more than 40 Ra.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2004Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Robert W. Vokey, Peter J. Gilbert, M. Scott Burnett, Christopher R. Kays
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Patent number: 7273423Abstract: To provide a golf club head in which a sole portion has a high rigidity. A weight material is mounted near a central part of the sole portion in the fore-to-aft direction, and a rib extends in the toe-to-heel direction. Since the sole portion has high rigidity in the toe-to-heel direction, there is less deformation of the head in the toe-to-heel direction when hitting the ball, thereby suppressing the vibration of the sole portion. An elastic body is filled in a recess portion and closely contacted with the weight material, whereby the vibration of the sole portion is absorbed by the elastic body.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2004Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Assignee: Bridgestone Sport CorporationInventor: Yasunori Imamoto
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Patent number: 7273424Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core having a Deflection amount of at least 3.0 mm and up to 6.0 mm, an intermediate layer, and a cover exhibits a good profile of rebound, feel and durability suited for low head speed amateur players when it satisfies the requirements that (Shore D hardness of the cover)?(Shore D hardness of the intermediate layer)>0, (initial velocity (in m/s) of the core enclosed with the intermediate layer)?(initial velocity (in m/s) of the core)>?0.2, 0.90?(Deflection amount of the core enclosed with the intermediate layer)/(Deflection amount of the core)?1.00.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2005Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hideo Watanabe, Junji Hayashi, Rinya Takesue
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Patent number: 7273425Abstract: The invention provides a solid golf ball having a solid core, a cover layer that encloses the core, and a plurality of dimples formed on an outside surface of an outermost layer of the cover. The solid core is formed of a rubber composition composed of 100 parts by weight of a base rubber that includes 60 to 100 parts by weight of a polybutadiene rubber having a cis-1,4 bond content of at least 60% and synthesized using a rare-earth catalyst, 0.1 to 5 parts by weight of an organosulfur compound, and an unsaturated carboxylic acid or a metal salt thereof, an organic peroxide and an inorganic filler. The solid core has a deformation, when subjected to loading from an initial load of 10 kgf to a final load of 130 kg, of 2.0 to 3.5 mm, and has a specific hardness distribution. The cover layer, which is formed primarily of a thermoplastic or thermoset polyurethane material and has a thickness of 0.5 to 2.5 mm, a Shore D hardness at the surface of 50 to 70 and a flexural rigidity of 50 to 300 MPa.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2005Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hiroshi Higuchi
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Patent number: 7273426Abstract: A golf ball which has markings of letters or figures on its surface with concave parts and/or convex parts, wherein the markings manifest themselves with depressions and/or grooves having a substantially uniform depth from the surface. The markings are clearly visible.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2005Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.Inventors: Katsunori Sato, Atsuki Kasashima
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Patent number: 7273427Abstract: A method for selecting a golf club suitable for a golfer includes the steps of (a) obtaining at least one of head speed and hit-ball data (initial velocity, launch angle, backspin, side spin, and travel distance) when a golfer hits a golf ball with a golf club; (b) obtaining ideal hit-ball data of the golfer on the basis of the at least one of head speed and hit-ball data obtained in step (a); and (c) selecting a golf club suitable for the golfer on the basis of the ideal hit-ball data obtained in step (b).Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2002Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., LtdInventors: Taku Inoue, Hiroshi Teraoka, Mitsuhiro Kuromi, Minoru Inagaki, Shu Katayama
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Patent number: 7273428Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a tethered baseball in position for batting practice and automatically retrieving the ball after it has been hit with a bat, which includes an adjustable height stand, a fishing reel and a variable speed motor connected thereto. Tethered by a small gauge fishing line which is attached to the reel, the ball, prior to being hit, rests atop the adjustable strand. When the ball is hit, the line is released nearly effortlessly from the reel; and the ball is allowed to travel virtually unobstructed during its flight. When the ball has traveled its full distance, the batter, by pushing a switch with a foot pedal, starts the motor, causing the reel to rewind the line. A control on the switch allows the batter to vary the speed of the motor from fast when the ball is at a distance to slow when the ball approaches the batter.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2005Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Inventor: Barry D. James
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Patent number: 7273429Abstract: A ball game device comprising a body 10 adapted to receive a hand 24 and a wrist 25 of a user 26, the body 10 presenting two hitting surfaces 14 for hitting a ball 20. The body 10 comprises two panels 12 with a cavity 22 therebetween for receiving the hand 24 and wrist 25 through an opening 23. The device may also be supplied in kit form.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2001Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Inventors: Ken Watson, Elma McSherry, deceased, Represented by Gerard McSherry
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Patent number: 7273430Abstract: A tennis racket frame is composed of a laminate of prepregs each containing carbon fibers serving as a reinforcing fiber thereof. At least one part of layers of the laminate is formed as a hard layer consisting of a prepreg composed of the reinforcing carbon fibers and a hard carbon film (DLC film) formed on the surface of the carbon fibers.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2006Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Assignee: SRI Sports LimitedInventors: Takeshi Ashino, Kunio Niwa
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Patent number: 7273431Abstract: A game ball is instrumented with a transducer to measure the impact forces on the ball and/or the decelerations by the ball experienced during an attempted catch by a person. The impact forces on the ball are equal and opposite to the forces on the hands of a person catching the ball so that the ball may be used as a training apparatus to teach a person the proper technique to catch a ball. A preferred catching technique includes decelerating the approaching ball to rest by the hands such that the action time of the catch is increased and the resulting force on the hands and the ball is decreased. Wireless transmission of data from the ball is sent to a remote receiver in one embodiment.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2006Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Inventor: Donald L. DeVall
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Patent number: 7273432Abstract: A belt tensioner with a retainer can be brought into contact with a belt via a belt support for applying a tensile force. The retainer is joined at a distance from the belt support to a radial plain bearing and it can be swivelled about the axis of rotation of the radial plain bearing, whereby the tensioning and swivel movements of the belt support occur under the action of a coil spring. For a belt tensioner of this type, which with a compact construction runs essentially wear-free, it is suggested that the retainer is subject to the action of a spring, which exerts a force (F3) essentially parallel to the axis of rotation on the retainer, the said force (F3) counteracting the force (F1) exerted by the belt on the retainer.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2004Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Assignee: Litens Automotive GmbHInventors: Horst Schonmeier, Michael Fischer
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Patent number: 7273433Abstract: A constant mesh gear driven continuously variable transmission including a minimum of two cones in mesh with either an axial sliding ring gear or an axial sliding circular gear. The cones and ring gear or circular gear are enclosed in a housing. An input shaft is journaled in the housing. The cones rotate about their own axes and revolve about the shaft in some embodiments. The ring gear or axial sliding circular gear is slidable axially relative to the cone gear, and the output gear ratio is varied by the axial position on the ring gear or sliding circular gear.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2005Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Inventor: Thomas F. Troester
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Patent number: 7273434Abstract: An automatic transmission brake adapter for use in high performance vehicle drag racing. In electronic controlled automatic transmission, the transmission is held in both reverse and drive allowing the engine to accelerate without movement of a vehicle. Release of the reverse gear and associated rapid acceleration of the vehicle in drive is accomplished by a modular transmission brake adapter using the existing electronic automatic transmission control system without extensive modification thereto.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2005Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Inventor: Carl Rossler
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Patent number: 7273435Abstract: The electrically variable transmission family of the present invention provides low-content, low-cost electrically variable transmission mechanisms including first and second differential gear sets, a battery, two electric machines serving interchangeably as motors or generators, five selectable torque-transfer devices, and a dog clutch. The selectable torque transfer devices are engaged singly or in combinations of two, three or four to yield an EVT with a continuously variable range of speeds (including reverse) and up to four mechanically fixed forward speed ratios. The torque transfer devices and the first and second motor/generators are operable to provide five operating modes in the electrically variable transmission, including battery reverse mode, EVT reverse mode, reverse and forward launch modes, continuously variable transmission range mode, and fixed ratio mode.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2005Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Madhusudan Raghavan, Norman K. Bucknor
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Patent number: 7273436Abstract: Fine adjustment of the rotation speed ratio or intentional control of the rotation speed ratio is carried out, centered on a desired speed ratio, including 1:1, for the rotation speed ratio between an input shaft and an output shaft. A planetary-roller speed-increasing mechanism whose input shaft is a carrier and whose output shaft is a sun roller, a planetary-roller speed-reduction mechanism whose input shaft is a sun roller and whose output shaft is a carrier, and a worm speed-changing mechanism for rotationally driving a roller ring in contact with planetary rollers of the planetary-roller speed reduction mechanism are provided in a housing. The output shaft of the planetary-roller speed-increasing mechanism and the input shaft of the planetary-roller speed-reduction mechanism are linked.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2004Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Inc.Inventors: Sonobe Hiroyuki, Shiotsu Isamu, Hirayama Takayoshi
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Patent number: 7273437Abstract: A toroidal-type continuously variable transmission has a casing, a rotation shaft, a pair of outer side disks having a side surface, supported on the rotation shaft, and rotating in synchronism with the rotation shaft, an inner side disk having two side surfaces, rotatably supported around a middle portion of the rotation shaft, and rotating relative to the rotation shaft, pluralities of supporting members disposed between the two side surfaces of the inner side disk and the side surfaces of the outer side disks, respectively, and swinging on a pivot shaft disposed so as to be twisted to the rotation shaft, and pluralities of power rollers rotatably supported on the respective supporting members, wherein an outer peripheral face of the inner side disk is provided with a detected portion for detecting rotation of the inner side disk.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2005Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Assignee: NSK Ltd.Inventors: Takashi Imanishi, Yuji Shimomura
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Patent number: 7273438Abstract: A transmission with seven forward gears and one reverse gear comprising an input shaft, an output shaft, three planetary sets, seven rotatable shafts and six shifting elements. The input shaft is connected to the sun gear of the planetary set and can be connected to the fifth shaft, which is connected to the spider of the planetary set. The third shaft can be connected to the sixth shaft. The third shaft can be coupled to the housing and is connected to the spider of the first planetary set. The sixth shaft is connected to the internal gear of the second planetary set and the sun gear of the third planetary set and the seventh shaft is connected to the spider of the second planetary set. The fourth shaft is connected to the sun gear of the planetary set and the output shaft is connected to the internal gear of the planetary set.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2005Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Peter Tiesler, Gerhard Gumpoltsberger
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Patent number: 7273439Abstract: A controller and a control method is disclosed for determining a power demand for an engine in a hybrid electric vehicle powertrain. In computing engine power demand, a modified motor speed is used at zero and near-zero actual motor speeds to satisfy a driver demand for vehicle traction wheel torque.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2005Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Ming Kuang, Fazal Syed, Paul Niessen, Jonathan Butcher, Deepa Ramaswamy
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Patent number: 7273440Abstract: A continuously variable transmission apparatus includes a toroidal-type continuously variable transmission, a planetary gear type transmission and a clutch apparatus that connects the toroidal-type continuously variable transmission and the planetary gear type transmission. The clutch apparatus includes: a low speed clutch engaged for realizing a low speed mode and disengaged for realizing a high speed, a high speed clutch engaged for realizing the high speed mode and disengaged for realizing the low speed mode and a controller. The controller controls the transmission ratio of the toroidal-type continuously variable transmission so that rotational speeds of members connected via the clutch apparatus equals with each other, and then disengages the one of the low speed clutch and the high speed clutch after engaging the other.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2004Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Assignee: NSK Ltd.Inventors: Takashi Imanishi, Eiji Inoue, Takumi Sinojima, Toshiro Toyoda
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Patent number: 7273441Abstract: A work vehicle, in accordance with the present invention, having a speed change arrangement comprising: front wheels and rear wheels; an engine supported by the front wheels and rear wheels; power train extending between the engine and at least the rear wheels, the power train transmitting power at least to the rear wheels; a speed change device provided to the power train; an accelerator operating member for controlling the accelerator for the engine; rotational speed sensor that detects an actual rotational speed of the engine; a controller signally connected to the rotational speed sensor, the controller shifting the speed change device to a higher speed position if a difference between a set rotational speed of the engine set by the accelerator operating member and the actual engine rotational speed is less than a first set value, and the controller shifting the speed change device to a lower speed position if the difference between the set rotational speed of the engine set by the accelerator operating mType: GrantFiled: February 9, 2005Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Assignee: Kubota CorporationInventors: Nobuyuki Okabe, Kenji Yoshikawa
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Patent number: 7273442Abstract: Drivetrain for a motor vehicle including an engine (1), a gearbox (9) having an intermediate shaft (11) with intermediate shaft brake (17) and a friction clutch (3) coupled between the engine and the gearbox. A torque sensor (19) is provided, which detects the input torque to the gearbox. The intermediate shaft brake and the clutch are controlled by a control unit (12), which is programmed in predetermined instances, when the gearbox is in the neutral position, the clutch is engaged and the intermediate shaft brake is released, to measure and store the torque loss from the gearbox and then to set the brake to a predetermined level and to register and store the torque increase during the setting until constant torque is attained. This is registered and stored in the control unit together with the time for the torque increase.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2006Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar ABInventors: Marcus Steen, Svante Karlsson, Erik Lauri, Helene Panagopoulos
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Patent number: 7273443Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a portable, modular skate rail comprising a plurality of square or tubular interlocking rail members 12 that may be assembled to provide grind rails of various lengths and elevations. Each rail member 12 has at least one hinged leg support 20 with a hinged footplate 22 that allows the leg support and footplate to be folded in a substantially parallel relation to the rail member to save space during transport and storage. Additionally provided are brackets 38 whereby two rails 12 can be fastened together with one rail having a handle 44 furnishing means for porting the present invention 10 as an integral assembly. The rails 12 of the present invention 10 may also be adapted to provide an angled rail relative to the ground 18.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2003Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Inventors: Juan M Martinez, Therese Morales
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Patent number: 7273444Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a swim training apparatus that includes: (a) an arm; (b) a strap adapted to surround at least a portion of a user; (c) a positioner adapted to be disposed at various positions along at least a portion of the arm; and (d) a suspension member that comprises a first end and a second end, wherein: (i) the first end is connected to the positioner, and (ii) the second end is connected to the strap.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2005Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Inventor: Chihming Chang
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Patent number: 7273445Abstract: An ocular brachytherapy device, generally comprising a catheter and wire, impregnated with radioactive material, are provided. The wire is formed having a desired treatment shape and size such that it can be placed near an area requiring treatment and effectuate treatment while not affecting adjacent areas. For ease in placement near such areas the wire is preferably formed using materials having properties that permit formation into a desired shape while allowing the wire to be straightened for retraction into the catheter, the shape returning upon removal from the catheter. The wire is preferably impregnated with radioactive material. When the catheter is placed near the area of treatment and the wire is pushed out of the catheter, the wire retakes the desired form and provides a therapeutic radioactive treatment to the area.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2004Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Assignee: Board of Trustees of the University of IllinoisInventors: Jose Pulido, Russell J. Hamilton, Gregory L. Walker
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Patent number: 7273446Abstract: Counterpulsation methods and systems for assisting the heart of a patient involve, for example, coordinating the operation of a pulsatile pump to suction blood from an artery through a first conduit while the heart is in systole and expel the blood into the first conduit and the artery while the heart is in diastole.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2004Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Inventor: Paul A. Spence
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Patent number: 7273447Abstract: A transducer mounting system including a retention apparatus to provide an efficient detachable interconnection between a pivotable member and the mounting system. According. to one aspect, the retention apparatus is configured to travel along a predetermined path between an unlocked position and unlocked position to secure a transducer in a desired orientation relative to an auditory component. According to this aspect, the retention apparatus may include a compressible member to frictionally capture and positionally fix the pivotable member relative to the mounting system.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2004Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Assignee: Otologics, LLCInventors: Robert Edwin Schneider, Travis Rian Andrews
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Patent number: 7273448Abstract: The present invention provides a urethral prosthesis including a substrate, an inflatable pillow attached to the substrate, a pressurized reservoir in fluid communication with the pillow and a restrictor. Upon compression of the inflatable pillow, inflating agent is transferred from the inflatable pillow to the pressurized reservoir. Upon terminating compression, inflating agent returns to the inflatable pillow. The urethral prosthesis may be implanted such that the inflatable pillow prevents unintentional voiding of a patient's bladder.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2004Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Assignee: AMS Research CorporationInventors: Kevin R. Arnal, Steven W. Siegel
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Patent number: 7273449Abstract: A method of penis lengthening including dividing the suspensory ligament down to the inferior public arch, dividing the fundiform ligaments; or dividing the first and second corpus cavernosum circumferentially. A method of widening a penis where a dermal fat graft is sutured to the exposed Bucks fascia. Post operative drug and exercise to maintain the outcome of penis lengthening or widening.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2003Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Inventor: Colin Campbell Marshall Moore
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Patent number: 7273450Abstract: A stereoscopic observation system includes a stereoscopic optical unit and stereoscopic camera. The optical unit is provided with a pair of objectives for stereoscopic observation and optical devices corresponding to the respective objectives. The stereoscopic camera is connected to the stereoscopic optical unit and used to pick up optical images formed by the optical devices. At least one of the stereoscopic camera and the optical unit serves as an instrument to be supported. A support unit supports the instrument. A rotation mechanism is incorporated in the support unit, and has a rotary shaft substantially parallel to an optical axis of the objectives. The rotation mechanism supports the instrument such that the instrument can rotate about the axis of the rotary shaft.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2004Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Assignee: Olympus CorporationInventor: Kazuo Banju
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Patent number: 7273451Abstract: The endoscopic system includes an endoscope having an insertion portion which is inserted into a body and has a forceps insertion duct, and a light emitting member which has an end portion that emits the light and is inserted into a hollow organ in the body through the forceps insertion duct of the endoscope. The light emitting member issues positional information of the hollow organ which is detected through the endoscope orally and gastrically inserted into an abdominal cavity by causing the end portion to emit the light in the hollow organ. The system includes a treatment instrument by which a treatment is conducted in the abdominal cavity in cooperation with the endoscope.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2004Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Assignee: Olympus CorporationInventors: Ryuta Sekine, Keita Suzuki, Anthony Nicholas Kalloo, Sergey Veniaminovich Kantsevoy
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Patent number: 7273452Abstract: A disposable imaging catheter that produces high resolution, color images comparable to those obtained from an endoscope. The device may also be made to function as a guidewire. The device may also include a sheath which slides over the catheter body for stiffening and which may include a working channel for accepting interventional devices, as well as LEDs to illuminate the field of view. The vision catheter system includes a detector assembly, scanning mechanism, and distal objective lens. In one embodiment, a photodetector is mated to a lens/pinhole assembly that allows the detector to read light from a small discrete point. This assembly is then scanned in raster or spiral patterns via electric wire coils that actuate a magnetic scan plate to read the area of interest.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2004Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Assignee: Scimed Life Systems, Inc.Inventors: Louis J. Barbato, Mark A. Hamm, Yem Chin
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Patent number: 7273453Abstract: The present invention is a method for analyzing the biological age of a subject. The method analyzes the biological age as it relates to a number of factors indicating levels of health, energy production and metabolism. The method may also be used to calculate a subject's biological age and treat the factors associated with biological age.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2004Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Inventor: Frank Shallenberger
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Patent number: 7273454Abstract: A health monitoring system which tracks the state of health of a patient and compiles a chronological health history of the patient uses a multiparametric monitor which periodically and automatically measures and records a plurality of physiological data from sensors in contact with the patient's body. The data collected is periodically uploaded to a database in which it is stored along with similar health histories for other patients. The monitor is preferably self-contained in a chest strap which is located on the patient's torso, and makes use of a controller which controls sampling of the desired data and storage of the data to a local memory device pending uploading to the database. The data includes voice sound data indicative of voice sounds made by the subject over a predetermined period of time.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2003Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Assignee: Brigham and Women's HospitalInventors: Stephen A. Raymond, Geoffrey E. Gordon, Daniel B. Singer
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Patent number: 7273455Abstract: An estimation method for correction filters for wavefront aberration correction in ultrasound imaging is given. The aberration is introduced due to spatial variations of the ultrasound propagation velocity in heterogeneous tissue. The correction filters are found as eigenvectors of the cross-correlation matrix of the element signals. In particular, the eigenvectors with a small spatial linear/plane phase component is sought. Detailed methods for calculating the eigenvectors are given.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2004Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Inventors: Bjørn A. J. Angelsen, Tonni F. Johansen, Trond Karsten Varslot
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Patent number: 7273456Abstract: A method of analyzing an event comprises the steps consisting in: gathering at least one series of measurements of a physical phenomenon associated with the event or likely to be associated therewith; from a predetermined mother wavelet ? and for at least one value of a predetermined parameter a, determining: the partition function Z(q,a) such that: Z ? ( q , a ) = ? b i ? ? ? T ? ? [ s ] ? ( b i , a ) ? q ?where: s is a signal representing variation in the measurements of the series as a function of a variable; T?[s](b,a)=1/a? ?((x?b)/a)s(x)dx where ? is the complex conjugate of the function ?(x) in an orthonormal base; and {(bi,a)}i is the set of local maxima in T as a function of a; the spectrum of the function ?(q) such that: Z(q,a)?a?(q) in the limit a?0+; the spectrum of the function D(h) such that: D ? ( h ) = min q ? ( qh - ? ? ( q ) ) and an index I(a) depending on said spectrum, which index is calculatType: GrantFiled: July 10, 2002Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Assignee: Universite Paris 7 - Denis DiderotInventors: Philippe May, Eric Vicaut, Jean-Marie Servant
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Patent number: 7273457Abstract: The invention includes systems and methods for converting absolute pressure data acquired in anatomical environments to gauge pressure data using an implant configured to monitor pressure. The implant is configured to communicate with an external controller, which is configured to communicate with a remote microprocessor that includes real-time barometric pressure data for one or more geographic locations.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2002Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Assignee: Remon Medical Technologies, Ltd.Inventor: Avi Penner
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Patent number: 7273458Abstract: A method for reversibly, or irreversibly, altering the permeability of cells, tissues or other biological barriers, to molecules to be transported into or through these materials, through the application of acoustic energy, is enhanced by applying the ultrasound in combination with devices for monitoring and/or implementing feedback controls. The acoustic energy is applied directly or indirectly to the cells or tissue whose permeability is to be altered, at a frequency and intensity appropriate to alter the permeability to achieve the desired effect, such as the transport of endogenous or exogenous molecules and/or fluid, for drug delivery, measurement of analyte, removal of fluid, alteration of cell or tissue viability or alteration of structure of materials such as kidney or gall bladder stones.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 1999Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Assignee: Georgia Tech Research CorporationInventors: Mark R. Prausnitz, Jin Liu, Thomas N. Lewis
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Patent number: 7273459Abstract: A mechanically formed vortex transducer is described. The transducer has a plurality of piezoelectric elements suspended in an epoxy and heat molded into a desired shape. An irregularity in the transducer shape provides for a mechanically induced vortex focal field without the need for electronic steering or lens focusing. A system and methods of making the same are also described.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2004Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Assignee: LipoSonix, Inc.Inventors: Charles S. Desilets, Jens U. Quistgaard
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Patent number: 7273460Abstract: A massage apparatus system for providing an automatic simulated sexual action is disclosed. The massage apparatus system includes an inflatable mattress defining a distal portion and a proximal portion with the distal portion defining a recess and an inflatable housing having a massage apparatus disposed therein which includes an output shaft engaged to a prosthetic member. Operation of the massage apparatus causes the prosthetic member to move in a reciprocating manner such that a simulated sexual action is produced by the prosthetic member.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2006Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Assignee: Nanma Manufacturing Co. Ltd.Inventor: Simon Siu Man Nan
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Patent number: 7273461Abstract: A leg massage using air is provided. The leg massager includes a U-shaped massaging portion, a supporting frame, an air tank, an air supply controller, a rotating plate, an optical sensor, an air pump, and a control unit. The control unit determines a rotation angle of the rotating plate through the optical sensor, to control the operation of the air pump and the supply of compressed air to the air pads.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2006Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Assignee: Inarex Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hee-Jong Baek
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Patent number: 7273462Abstract: An injured person or an injured limb is supported and stabilized with a flexible film element enclosing an airtight inner region that can be evacuated. The film element is provided with two insertion bodies which respectively are formed with two air-permeable, flexible material strips. Each insertion body is divided into chambers containing loose particles, by way of intersecting seams formed between the material strips. The seams on both insertion bodies are staggered in relation to each other in both directions in such a way that the particles combine to form a substantially homogeneously thick particle layer.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2005Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Assignee: Kohlbrat & Bunz Gesellschaft m.b.H.Inventor: Hakan Rugfelt
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Patent number: 7273463Abstract: A dynamic gauntlet including at least two of a base, a hand piece, and a thumb piece. At least one of the base, hand piece and thumb piece is constructed of an elastomeric material and includes an anchor having an attachment element extending toward the at least one other of the base, hand piece and thumb piece, which includes an attachment area. The attachment element is secured to the attachment area in a variety of pre-selected locations, thereby providing variable tension in the anchor to reconfigure the hand or digits. A method of the invention includes applying at least two of the base, the hand piece and the thumb piece to a wrist, arm or hand, and securing an anchor attachment element of one or more of these components to a pre-selected location on an attachment area of these components to reconfigure the hand or digits in a desired configuration.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2003Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Inventor: Allan T. Priore
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Patent number: 7273464Abstract: A bandage for joints wherein the bandage is made of elastic textile material and is provided with a pad. The pad is covered by an overlay of identical or similar textile material that is attached to the textile material of the bandage. The overlay covering the pad is only provided on its side facing the joint with knobs of anti-slip material thereby exerting a particular pressure on the respective parts of the joint.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2005Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Assignee: Bauerfeind AGInventor: Holger Reinhardt