Patents Issued in December 11, 2007
  • Patent number: 7306493
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an interconnect device for a printed circuit board, a method of manufacturing the same and an inter-connect assembly having the same. According to one aspect of the present invention, the interconnect device for a printed circuit board comprises: a first contact section 10 having a bar-like shape for making contact with a second contact terminal 76 in a space transformer 52; a connecting section 12 having an O-ring-like shape of which one side is opened and connected to one end of the first contact section 10 in an integrated manner; a support section 14 having an engaging protrusion 14a in a predetermined portion and connected to one end of the connecting section 12 in an integrated manner; and a second contact section 16 having an O-ring-like shape and connected to one end of the support section 14, wherein the whole inter-connect device is made up of an identical resilient material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignees: Phicom Corporation
    Inventors: Dongweon Seo, Juntae Hwang
  • Patent number: 7306494
    Abstract: A connector for electrically connecting two electrical points, the connector having one or more connector terminals arranged in a connector housing, the connector terminal includes a resilient arm portion which bends or deflects about a first pivot portion when the connector terminal is compressed initially and resilient arm portion bends or deflects about a second pivot point when the connector terminal is further compressed subsequently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: FCI
    Inventor: Lip Teck Soh
  • Patent number: 7306495
    Abstract: A terminal crimping structure onto aluminum electric-wire, for crimping a terminal onto an aluminum electric-wire including: an electrical conductor part comprising numerous strands; and a coating part coated on the . electrical conductor part; wherein the terminal has a wire barrel to be crimped onto the electrical conductor part of the aluminum electric-wire; and wherein the compressed ratio of the aluminum electric-wire's conductor part by the wire barrel is within a range of 50 to 70%, in terms of the ratio of (cross-sectional area of aluminum electric-wire's conductor part at crimped portion)/(cross-sectional area of aluminum electric-wire's conductor part before crimping).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: The Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Hashimoto, Shuhei Kaneko
  • Patent number: 7306496
    Abstract: An apparatus including a trolling motor having at least one operational subsystem and the trolling motor also having an integral electronic controller for controlling the operational subsystem wherein the improvement comprises an integral electronic diagnostic system which will receive diagnostic information from the operational subsystem and will transmit the diagnostic information for reception externally of the trolling motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Eric J. Carmen, Mikel E. Janitz, Justin Nguyen
  • Patent number: 7306497
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a boat propeller and the assembly method therefor. The propeller comprises a hub and a plurality of separated blades to be integrally coupled with corresponding seats that are formed in the hub. Advantageously, during the assembly stage of the propeller, the blades can be orientated in the respective seats, each about its own axis. The method for assembling the propeller comprises the steps of orientating the blades according to a determined pitch angle before they are definitely fixed to the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: FB Design S.R.L.
    Inventor: Fabio Buzzi
  • Patent number: 7306498
    Abstract: An outboard motor having an air suction device comprising a main part having an engine, a top cover mounted on a top portion of the main part, the top cover being composed of a main cover having an air space surrounding an outer surface of the engine and of an auxiliary cover which is provided on the main cover so as to cover the main cover and to form an air suction room therein, an opening provided on the main cover so as to communicate between the air space in the main cover and the air suction room in the auxiliary cover, an air suction port provided on the auxiliary cover so as to communicate the air suction room in the auxiliary cover to atmosphere, and a water proof sheet mounted in the auxiliary cover in order to cover the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Yamato Giken Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toshiyuki Inoue
  • Patent number: 7306499
    Abstract: An watercraft can include a steering unit including a steering member and a steering shaft, a propulsion system, a power output control mechanism for controlling the power output to the engine, a manually operated power output adjusting mechanism for adjusting the power output control mechanism, the power output adjusting mechanism being mounted on the steering wheel unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Yamaha Marine Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takashi Okuyama
  • Patent number: 7306500
    Abstract: The present invention is a device which redirects motor exhaust fumes a distance away from a boat. This device can be applied to a boat's propulsion motor or to its generator for purposes of preventing carbon monoxide poisoning of a boat's passengers. The device includes an adaptor for attaching to a boat motor exhaust port and an elongate extension hose attached to the adaptor. The extension hose is made buoyant through use of a plurality of flotation collars disposed along the length of the hose. An extension rod is inserted into the collars to keep the hose rigid and the distal exhaust end of the hose directed away from a boat to which the device is attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Inventors: Lysle Spangler, Ryan Hansen
  • Patent number: 7306501
    Abstract: An inflatable rescue collar is disclosed. The collar is formed of an elongated inflatable cylindrical tube having appropriate ends and which is of a size to extend around the upper torso of an individual. The bladder is generally toroidal in cross-section and defines an open channel along the length thereof through which a web strap extends. The strap is constructed such that it may be cinched adjacent the free ends thereof so as not to bind on an individual, or clipped so as to be capable of applying a compressive force about the upper torso of an individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Inventors: Kenney Joe Pierce, Jr., William David Pierce
  • Patent number: 7306502
    Abstract: A spark plug is provided which ensures the reliability of a weld between a noble metal chip and a ground electrode as well as higher durability and ignitability of fuel. The ground electrode is joined to a metal shell, after which the noble metal chip is laser-welded to the ground electrode. The laser welding is achieved by emitting laser beams around an interface between the noble metal chip and the ground electrode outside a given angular range within which the metal shell will be an obstruction to the traveling of the laser beams. Specifically, the laser beams are emitted without any optical interference with the metal shell. This permits the angle between the orientation of each of the laser beams and the surface of the ground electrode to be minimized regardless of the metal shell, thus ensuring a desired depth of the fused portions in the noble metal chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Tsunenobu Hori
  • Patent number: 7306503
    Abstract: Evaporation and condensation of carbon is effected by arc discharge between an anode formed of a carbon electrode and a cathode disposed facing the carbon electrode 2 in an inert gas atmosphere, and at the same time, the generated carbon nanotubes are dispersed into an inert gas and transported along with the inert gas through a transporting tube, and a jet of the inert gas containing the carbon nanotubes is emitted from a nozzle, thereby forming carbon nanotubes on a target substrate. This provides a carbon nanotube manufacturing method wherein carbon nanotubes are generated with a simple process, and the CNT patterning process is simplified by forming a carbon nanotube film on a substrate, thereby reducing costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Saito, Junri Ishikura
  • Patent number: 7306504
    Abstract: A transformable toy including a first movable member, a second movable member and a coupler positioned between and coupled to the first and second movable members. The coupler is adapted to enable the first and second movable members to independently move or pivot towards each other to a closed position and away from each other to a substantially open position. The first and second movable members include at least one revealer. The revealer is movably connected to one of the first and second movable members and is movable to reveal at least one surface when the first and second movable members are in the open position. In one embodiment, the toy forms a ball in the closed position and a figurine in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Spin Master, Ltd.
    Inventor: Aldric J. Saucier
  • Patent number: 7306505
    Abstract: A support garment or support bra includes a first front section having overlapping panels that are visible when the support garment is in a first position. A second front section is provided that is visible when the support garment is turned inside out. The second front section includes a single panel that covers the two overlapping panels. The first front section forms a first silhouette and the second front section forms a second silhouette, such that the first silhouette is visually different than the second silhouette.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Under Armour, Inc.
    Inventors: Dawn Barbour, Colleen McCann
  • Patent number: 7306506
    Abstract: Chemical-mechanical planarization (CMP) apparatus and methods for detecting polishing pad properties using ultrasonic imaging is presented. An ultrasonic probe assembly transmits ultrasonic signals onto the surface of a polishing pad during a CMP process. Reflected ultrasonic signals are collected and analyzed to monitor polishing pad properties in real-time. This allows CMP process adjustments to be made during the CMP process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Jason B. Elledge
  • Patent number: 7306507
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing a chemical mechanical polishing pad. The pad includes a polishing layer having a top surface and a bottom surface. The pad includes an aperture having a first opening in the top surface and a second opening in the bottom surface. The top surface is a polishing surface. The pad includes a window that includes a first portion made of soft plastic and a crystalline or glass like second portion. The window is transparent to white light. The window is situated in the aperture so that the first portion plugs the aperture and the second portion is on a bottom side of the first portion, wherein the first portion acts a slurry-tight barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Dominic J. Benvegnu, Jeffrey Drue David, Bogdan Swedek
  • Patent number: 7306508
    Abstract: A multi-wire saw according to the present invention cuts a workpiece while supplying a slurry containing an alkali or mixed acid to a cutting interface between the workpiece and a wire, and includes: a storage tank with a heating mechanism for storing and heating the slurry; a thermal insulating pipe for transporting the slurry sent with a pump from the storage tank with a heating mechanism to a position before a position where the wire is incorporated into the workpiece, while keeping the slurry at a predetermined temperature; a thermostat for keeping a temperature in a vicinity of the workpiece fixed to a stage at the predetermined temperature; and a wire heating mechanism for heating the wire to the predetermined temperature. Consequently, the cutting resistance decreases during cutting machining of a silicon ingot, and the variation in the cutting resistance also decreases, whereby a high-quality wafer can be obtained at a high efficiency and a low cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takafumi Kawasaki, Hirozoh Tsuruta, Hirokazu Nishida, Seiichi Mimura, Masayuki Hamayasu, Hisashi Tominaga
  • Patent number: 7306509
    Abstract: A CMP apparatus 1 is constructed comprising a wafer chucking mechanism 20 which carries and holds a wafer W, a polishing pad 4 which performs polishing working on the surface of the wafer W that is being worked, and a polishing head 2 which holds the polishing pad 4. The polishing pad 4 held by the polishing head 2 performs polishing working on the surface that is being worked on the wafer W while being caused to move in contact with this surface that is being worked on the wafer W, which is carried and held by the wafer chucking mechanism 20. This polishing pad 4 has a rough polishing pad 4a that can partially work the surface that is being worked, and intermediate polishing and finishing polishing pads 4b and 4c that can uniformly work the entire surface of the surface that is being worked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventor: Susumu Hoshino
  • Patent number: 7306510
    Abstract: The method of adhering polishing pads is capable of easily exchanging polishing pads in a comfortable posture. The method comprises the steps of: setting a pad adhering carrier, which has a through-hole in which a roller unit for pressing polishing pads is fixed, in a holder with arranging a roller unit in a radial direction of a lower polishing plate and an upper polishing plate; relatively moving the upper polishing plate toward the lower polishing plate so as to clamp the roller unit between the lower polishing plate and the upper polishing plate with a prescribed force; rotating the lower polishing plate and the upper polishing plate, which clamp the roller unit, in the opposite directions at the same speed; and pressing the polishing pads onto polishing faces of the lower polishing plate and the upper polishing plate by the roller unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Fujikoshi Machinery Corp.
    Inventors: Yoshio Nakamura, Harumichi Koyama
  • Patent number: 7306511
    Abstract: Methods for producing encased products using selectable first and second horns to thereby produce products in selectable different casing types include: (a) providing an apparatus having a first horn that, in operation, is configured to be in fluid communication with a filler pump located upstream thereof, (b) removing the first horn from the apparatus; and (c) mounting a second horn assembly comprising an intermediate pipe segment in fluid communication with a casing horn to the apparatus. The casing horn can pivot side-to-side. Related apparatus, systems, kits, assemblies and computer program products are configured to allow dual operational modes of producing encased products using first or second horns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Tipper Tie, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas E. Whittlesey, Edward P. Brinson, Kim L. Poling
  • Patent number: 7306512
    Abstract: A door driving system includes a door for controlling an air flow, a transmission mechanism for operating the door, and a driving motor for exerting a rotation force at the transmission mechanism. The door has a body portion and a rotation portion, which has an approximate cylinder shape and is integrally rotatable with the body portion. The transmission mechanism converts the rotation force of the driving motor to an axial force in an axis direction thereof, and then converting the axial force to a driving force for rotating the rotation portion. The transmission mechanism is arranged at an inner side of the rotation portion. The driving motor is constructed of a DC motor. Accordingly, the door driving system is compact and light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: DENSO Corporation
    Inventor: Takuhiko Sawai
  • Patent number: 7306513
    Abstract: A system and method for limiting crop loss when harvesting on sloped or rolling ground by adjusting the chaffer and/or sieve, or longitudinal sections thereof, so as to overcompensate for the ground slope so that the chaffer and/or sieve sections are actually inclined away from horizontal opposite the direction of ground slope at a selected angle. Such overcompensation increases crop harvesting efficiencies over systems that simply work to level the chaffer and/or sieve sections, without the high expenses associated with a combine having a pivoting axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Ryan Patrick Mackin, Ryan Scott Herlyn
  • Patent number: 7306514
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method of gaming is provided that comprises receiving a determination of a particular race participant in a race event having a plurality of race participants. The method continues by determining a particular position of the particular race participant at each of a plurality of intermediate points within the race event. The method continues by determining a plurality of simulated playing cards based at least in part upon the determined positions of the particular race participant. The method concludes by determining an outcome of a game based at least in part upon the determined simulated playing cards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: CFPH, LLC
    Inventors: Lee M. Amaitis, Joseph M. Asher
  • Patent number: 7306515
    Abstract: A competitive interactive video game for a group of players includes a plurality of game elements, preferably playing cards, which comprise four different types of cards distributed to a group of players. The cards include cliche cards, attach cliche cards, pause cards, and rewind cards. The cliche cards each contain a written description and a point value while the attach cliche cards cancel the previous play of a cliche card by another player. The game further includes a means for providing a video presentation containing scenes which match the written descriptions on the cliche cards and which is viewed by the players. As the video presentation is viewed and the scenes matching the written descriptions on the cliche cards are recognized by the players, the players play their cards according to the rules of play and points are awarded to the players according to the point value on the cards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Inventors: Michael D. Crenshaw, Christopher F. Lauria, Thomas P. Lauria, Colin P. Merlo, Thomas J. Gilliano
  • Patent number: 7306516
    Abstract: The electronic game table of the invention may comprise a standard game table, e.g., for poker, incorporating multiple player seats for tournament or side game play. Each player has a display device in front of him/her containing information about the card in pocket. The community cards are displayed in the center of the table on a display device. Each player has a console with control elements, such as buttons, computer mouse, touch screen, etc. for activating means of betting, such as coins, tokens, credit or smart card readers, etc. A function of a dealer is accomplished by a central server, e.g., a random combination generator. For participation in multi table tournaments, e.g., of poker, the aforementioned electronic game table is provided with means of interfacing with other tables participating in the tournament via Internet, Intranet, local area network, etc., without participation of a live dealer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Inventor: Alex Iosilevsky
  • Patent number: 7306517
    Abstract: A game enhances conventional video poker by providing players an enhanced opportunity to hit four of a kind. Ideally, players are provided an option to place a wager once five initial cards are displayed. The option is provided in response to the five dealt cards including one or more pairs. Should the player elect to place the wager, the player must retain one pair and a kicker. The player is then provided with a fourth card having a rank the same as the rank of the pair. The player now holds three of a kind and a kicker. Finally, a fifth and final card is displayed. If the player obtains a four of a kind, the player receives a payout. Other versions include a progressive jackpot and the option to buy cards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Creative Gaming Concepts, Inc.
    Inventor: Jack Forbes
  • Patent number: 7306518
    Abstract: A gaming device having a game which displays an award distributor and a sequence of groups to a player. A processor causes the award distributor to indicate an award. Furthermore, the gaming device enables the player to pick one of the groups in the sequence. The processor reveals at least one element associated with the picked group in the sequence. A multiplier provided to the player changes based on the number of elements revealed in the sequence. The processor provides an activation award to the player, which equals the indicated award multiplied by the multiplier. The player continues to play the game until all of the groups are picked in the sequence. In another embodiment, at least one risk symbol is associated with the award distributor wherein the risk symbols modify one or more game components in the game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Andrea C. Hughs-Baird, Joseph E. Kaminkow, Anthony J. Baerlocher
  • Patent number: 7306519
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved Keno game, which provides an opportunity for the player to win free games. In Keno, the player chooses an amount of numbers to play, usually one to fifteen, and plays against the house. The game or house randomly generates numbers, usually twenty numbers from the numbers one to eighty. The number of matches generated and the amount of numbers the player plays determines whether and how much the player wins. One or more of the random generations is also a free game generation in the present invention, which provides one or more free Keno games to the player if the free game generation results in a match.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventor: Anthony J. Baerlocher
  • Patent number: 7306520
    Abstract: A gaming device including a first and second indicator plate which are adjacent to each other and on the same axis where the second plate overlaps at least a portion of the first plate and the first and second plates are in different planes. In one embodiment, the first plate includes at least one symbol where one or more awards are associated with the symbol. The second plate is composed of a substantially transparent material, which enables a player to see through at least a portion of the second plate to view one or more symbols on the first plate. The second plate also includes a plurality of sections, which indicate one or more symbols on the first plate. In one embodiment, the gaming device enables a player to select one or more of the sections on the second plate to indicate a symbol or symbols on the first plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Joseph E. Kaminkow, Jamie J. Goins
  • Patent number: 7306521
    Abstract: A gaming machine, with which a plurality of players play a game against each other, is provided so as to enable the players to perform realistic tactical interactions with each other. In such player-versus-player type gaming machine, a virtual player is prepared in advance. Each virtual player is provided with an individual personality data and/or response data so that an image of the virtual player is arranged to be displayed in accordance with the data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: ARUZE Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hirobumi Toyoda
  • Patent number: 7306522
    Abstract: An interactive multi-channel game method is described. The method includes providing a first representation of a game element associated with a first channel of a multi-channel system, replacing the first representation with a second representation of the game element associated with a second channel of the multi-channel system, providing a clue associated with the second channel, and receiving a user input representing a user's response to the clue. Related apparatus and methods are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: NDS Limited
    Inventors: Yonatan Silver, Carmi Bogot, Shabtai Atlow
  • Patent number: 7306523
    Abstract: An electronic toy gun for a toy shooting game includes an infrared beam emitter, a trigger, a game data input device, and an internal processor. The infrared beam emitter is configured to emit an encoded infrared beam. The trigger is configured to activate a state of emission of the infrared beam by the infrared beam emitter so as to indicate that a weapon is being fired. The game data input device is configured to receive game data input from a user. The internal processor is configured to receive the game data input from the game data input device and to cause the infrared beam emitter to emit an infrared beam that is coded with one of a plurality of codes based on the game data input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Inventors: Robert W. Jeffway, Jr., Adam Kislevitz, Steven R. Casino
  • Patent number: 7306524
    Abstract: A golf green measuring device according to the present invention includes a plurality of spaced apart rails attached to an enclosed structure. The structure includes a control unit including a microcontroller, circuitry, a battery, a display and a level indicator. The rails include infrared emitters and detectors that sense a golf ball traveling through the enclosed structure. The microcontroller measures the elapsed time the golf ball travels between a pair of detectors disposed at the rail front end and the elapsed time the golf ball travels between another pair of detectors disposed at the rail rear end. The change in velocity or deceleration of the golf ball is determined based on the measured time intervals and converted into a speed value. The computed speed value is displayed on a device display. The device may include an optional printer to provide a hardcopy of the measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Rogers Telecom Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Wesley D. Rogers
  • Patent number: 7306525
    Abstract: A golf putting practice device to be used as being attached to a part of a body of a golfer is provided. The golf putting practice device includes: a laser indicator that irradiates a laser beam; an arm band that detachably attaches the laser indicator to an arm of the golfer, a free platform that connects the laser indicator to the arm band and adjusts an angle of the laser indicator; and a sliding attachment/detachment device used for attachment and detachment of the laser indicator and used together with an attachment member being provided at an end of the free platform and being configured so as to be pushed into and pulled out of the sliding attachment/detachment device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignees: Azden Corporation
    Inventor: Eju Sawada
  • Patent number: 7306526
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a golf putter and an associated method of use with which an experienced golfer can maintain a stable posture during putting and an inexperienced golfer can easily perform putting. The golf putter comprises a shaft, a grip located at an end of the shaft, and a head which is connected to the other end of the shaft and strikes a golf ball in a target direction. The grip includes a first grip portion, where a side of an end of the first grip portion protrudes in a direction opposite to the target direction, and a second grip portion, which extends from the first grip portion toward the head and is gently curved. The shaft extends up to the end of the first grip portion through the grip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Inventor: Kyung Tae Baek
  • Patent number: 7306527
    Abstract: A golf club head (42) having a substantially square or rectangular body is disclosed herein. The golf club head (42) preferably has a volume ranging from 420 cubic centimeters to 470 cubic centimeters. The golf club head (42) preferably has a moment of inertia about the Izz axis through the center of gravity of the golf club head greater than 4000 grams-centimeters squared, and a moment of inertia about the Ixx axis through the center of gravity of the golf club head greater than 3000 grams-centimeters squared.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Luke R. Williams, Larry G. Tang, Daniel M. Stevens, Ronald K. Hettinger, Michael Hallack, Evan D. Gibbs, Alan Hocknell, Matthew T. Cackett
  • Patent number: 7306528
    Abstract: A multi-layer golf ball comprising a core, a water vapor barrier layer and a cover is provided. The core may have multiple layers. The core may also have a solid or liquid center or wound layers, and may be constructed from a polybutadiene with mid to high Mooney viscosity. The water vapor barrier layer preferably comprises a copolymer of ethylene and methacrylic acid. The water vapor barrier layer may also have a high flow melt index, such that a thin layer from about 0.030 inch to about 0.005 inch can be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventor: Michael D. Jordan
  • Patent number: 7306529
    Abstract: A golf ball comprises a molded core, one or more ionomer mantles, and a thermoset polyurethane cover. The core is a high cis-polybutadiene crosslinked with zinc diacrylate and may also comprise a halogenated thiophenol and metal thiosulfate. One or more of the ionomer mantles comprises an ionomer neutralized to 80% or greater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Thomas J. Kennedy, III, Mark K. Binette, Vincent J. Simonds, Michael J. Tzivanis, David M. Melanson
  • Patent number: 7306530
    Abstract: Laterally extending upper and lower backboard bracing members are coupled to a vertically movable framework, the bracing members including ends coupled to corner brackets of a peripheral frame surrounding a backboard. A yoke member has a central plate coupled to a back face of the backboard in alignment with a basket assembly. The yoke member includes horizontal webs fixed to the central plate defining outwardly extending arms having terminal ends including rearwardly extending tabs coupled to the lower backboard bracing member at locations laterally outward spaced from the central plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Gared Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: James J. Connerley
  • Patent number: 7306531
    Abstract: An electric derailleur has a motor unit having a derailleur motor with an output shaft, a position control mechanism and a controller. The output shaft is rotated through a moveable range including a first derailleur shift position and a second derailleur shift position. The position control mechanism is configured and arranged to provide a position signal indicative of an angular position of the output shaft. The controller detects a predetermined lockup position of the derailleur motor occurring at one of the first and second derailleur shift positions. The controller also sets a predetermined stop position for the derailleur motor that is calculated distance prior to the lockup position based on the position signal of the position control mechanism. Thus, the derailleur motor can be calibrated such that a new stop position is set that prevents an overcurrent from occurring in the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Tadashi Ichida, Ryuichiro Takamoto, Haruyuki Takebayashi, Koji Uno
  • Patent number: 7306532
    Abstract: Transmission chain constructed from a number of links intercoupled by pivot assemblies, each comprising a first and a second elongated pin of which at least one cooperates with its ends, while transmitting a force, with a pair of pulley sheaves, while during operation one pin rolls with a curved longitudinal surface over the opposite, essentially flat longitudinal surface of the second pin, both pins having mutually different cross-section configurations and a difference in the configuration of the transition between the rolling surface of the second pin to the upper and lower respectively longitudinal edge thereof and/or a mutual difference in height between the first and the second pin respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Gear Chain Industrial B.V.
    Inventors: Jacobus Hubertus Maria van Rooij, Johannes Henricus Nelissen
  • Patent number: 7306533
    Abstract: A light source apparatus for an electronic endoscope includes a light source; a rotary shutter having a pair of aperture controlling rotary plates; a first planetary gear mechanism including a first internal tooth gear, a first sun gear, and a first planet gear; a second planetary gear mechanism including a second internal tooth gear, a second sun gear, and a second planet gear; and carriers holding the first and second planet gears in a same phase position and supporting the first and second planet gears. One of the first sun gear and the first internal tooth gear is non-rotatably fixed, and the other thereof is rotated together with one of the aperture controlling rotary plates, and one of the second sun gear and the second internal tooth gear of the second planetary gear mechanism is driven together with the other thereof by a phase difference motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: PENTAX Corporation
    Inventor: Shunichi Ito
  • Patent number: 7306534
    Abstract: The electrically variable transmission family of the present invention provides low-content, low-cost electrically variable transmission mechanisms including first, second and third differential gear sets, a battery, two electric machines serving interchangeably as motors or generators, four or five selectable torque-transfer devices (two clutches and two or three brakes), and possibly a dog clutch. The selectable torque transfer devices are engaged to yield an EVT with a continuously variable range of speeds (including reverse) and 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: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Norman K. Bucknor, Madhusudan Raghavan
  • Patent number: 7306535
    Abstract: A vehicle steering device may include a rotatable input shaft, a motor in communication with an input augmentation shaft, the input augmentation shaft and the input shaft sharing a longitudinal axis, and the motor further having a stator stationary with respect to rotation of the input shaft. The vehicle steering device may further include a differential mechanism for providing variable ratio steering to the steering device. The differential mechanism may be a harmonic drive differential or a planetary gearing system. In one embodiment, an external wave generator may be used within the harmonic drive differential gearing mechanism. The vehicle steering device may include a sensorless synchronous machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ratko Menjak, Steven J. Collier-Hallman, Karen A. Boswell, Damir Menjak
  • Patent number: 7306536
    Abstract: A tandem axle system for vehicle having an optimized inter-axle driveline is depicted and described. The system has a forward drive axle system having a forward pinion gear drivingly connected to a drive side of a forward portion of a forward ring gear. The system also has a rear drive axle system having a rear pinion gear drivingly connected to a drive side of a rear portion of a rear ring gear. An inter-axle driveline connects the forward drive axle system with the rear drive axle system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventor: James F. Ziech
  • Patent number: 7306537
    Abstract: A plurality of pinion gears 4A, 4B which are rotatably held within a differential case 2, a pair of left and right side gears 6L, 6R disposed in meshing engagement with the pinion gears and connected to left and right axles, respectively, and thrust washers 16L, 16R interposed between the rear surfaces of the side gears and the internal surface of the differential case are provided. The differential case is of a one-piece type, and is formed with an opening 2b in its sidewall, which is used in assembling the pinion gears and the like. The internal surface of the differential case is formed with pinion gear holders 12A, 12B. The pinion gears are inserted, followed by the insertion of the side gears. The side gears are spaced from the pinion gears by an amount corresponding to the thickness of the thrust washers, and this allows the side gears to be inserted in following relationship with the pinion gears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventor: Shinichiro Nakajima
  • Patent number: 7306538
    Abstract: A hydraulic control apparatus for an automatic transmission with a line pressure regulator valve operative to regulate an oil pressure produced by an oil pump and set a line pressure, the hydraulic control apparatus including a control unit outputting a first command for controlling the line pressure regulator valve to set the line pressure to a minimum value immediately after engine start, and a second command for controlling the line pressure regulator valve to set the line pressure to a target value in accordance with increase in engine speed. The control unit is programmed to set the target value of the line pressure to a value smaller than a maximum value of the line pressure and/or reduce a target speed of engine speed, upon start of the engine in a low temperature condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: JATCO Ltd
    Inventors: Yoshihisa Kodama, Midori Yamaguchi, Hisao Nobu, Kouhei Wakida
  • Patent number: 7306539
    Abstract: A method of controlling at least a fifth characteristic operating value of a motor vehicle power train includes the step of performing an emergency adaptation of at least one of the stored clutch-disengagement thresholds during an operating phase of the motor vehicle, if predetermined third conditions are present. The method also includes the step of performing a nonemergency adaptation of at least one of the stored clutch-disengagement thresholds at the end of the operating phase if predetermined fourth conditions are present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Luk Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Oliver Amendt, Peter Buhrle, Mario Jung, Jurgen Gerhart, Johannes Moosheimer
  • Patent number: 7306541
    Abstract: An ECT_ECU executes a program including the step of identifying the drive mode, the step of determining whether the engine is in an idling state or not, the step of detecting the speed of an automatic transmission when not in an idling state, the step of detecting an accelerator press-down rate of change, the step of detecting vehicle speed, the step of calculating a target acceleration rate of change of the vehicle based on the drive mode, speed of the automatic transmission, accelerator press-down rate of change, and vehicle speed, and the step of calculating the target acceleration by integrating the calculated target acceleration rate of change with respect to time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Ogawa
  • Patent number: 7306542
    Abstract: A throttle control method includes generating a throttle request based on a drag torque request and setting a throttle command equal to the throttle request when the throttle request is less than a throttle idle maximum. A throttle maximum increase is determined when the throttle request is greater than the throttle idle maximum and the throttle command is determined based on the throttle maximum increase. The throttle is controlled based on the throttle command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Paul A. Bauerle, Kerfegar K. Katrak, Colin A. Roberts, Matthew Squire
  • Patent number: 7306543
    Abstract: An automatic transmission controller has an electronic control circuit, an electromagnetic valve, and a pressure control valve. The electronic control circuit generates a control current. The electromagnetic valve regulates a command pressure in accordance with the control current. The pressure control valve has a spool and is formed with a spool hole. The spool reciprocates in the spool hole in accordance with the command pressure to regulate a pressure supplied to a friction element of an automatic transmission. In a standby state, when the friction element is in a disengaged state, the electronic control circuit generates an oscillating current as the control current so that the electromagnetic valve generates a standby command pressure that makes the spool reciprocate in a range in which no pressure is supplied to the friction element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Masashi Honda, Akira Takagi, Kyohei Takahashi, Fuminori Suzuki