Patents Issued in February 19, 2008
  • Patent number: 7331867
    Abstract: A gaming device having a bonus scheme wherein a combination of bonus symbols trigger a bonus game and any one of the bonus symbols in the bonus game provides a player with an award. The award may be an extension of the bonus game by providing the player with additional spins or games. Also, the award may modify the combination and type of bonus symbols needed to enter the bonus game. Furthermore, the award may modify the award values in the bonus game. Therefore, a combination bonus symbols trigger the bonus game and also triggers the gaming device to provide bonus awards in the bonus game. The re-triggering symbol award bonus scheme changes the probability of winning for the player and therefore creates a higher level of excitement and enjoyment of the game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Anthony J. Baerlocher, Ryan W. Cuddy
  • Patent number: 7331868
    Abstract: A wagering gaming device that physically stimulates an input device of the gaming device to stimulate a player. The input device, includes a component stimulator and an actuation member. The input devices sends a signal or plurality of signals to a processor upon actuation of the actuation member of the input device. The processor sends an electronic signal to the component stimulator. The component stimulator causes the physical stimulation of the actuation member. The player feels this movement, which may be in correlation to the image being displayed by a display device. This physical stimulation of an input device may be employed in any suitable manner in relation to a game in a wagering gaming device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Nicole M. Beaulieu, Aaron T. Jones
  • Patent number: 7331869
    Abstract: A gaming system includes a game console that executes an application that creates and plays soundtracks through the gaming system. The application allows a user to create soundtracks by copying audio tracks from one or more audio sources. A user-created soundtrack can be associated with a particular game such that the user-created soundtrack is played during execution of the game instead of the game's default soundtrack. During execution of a game, a user may change the soundtrack being played.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventor: Victor Keith Blanco
  • Patent number: 7331870
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus in which a biometric information relating to a player is used to facilitate game play in multiplayer game environments. In particular, the present invention provides a game platform, a biofeedback sensor, and a biofeedback signal interface connection between the game platform and the biofeedback sensor. The biofeedback signal interface converts the biofeedback sensor information into a signal input usable by the game platform, which executes multimedia events as determined, in part, by the biometric information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Healing Rhythms, LLC
    Inventors: Kurt Smith, Crowin Bell
  • Patent number: 7331871
    Abstract: A vest that is worn while playing a video game is in the shape of a bandoleer and has a multiplicity of tactile signal-producing elements thereon. The tactile-signal producing elements are located all around the player so the player will receive tactile signals from all directions and the signals can be received simultaneously so action in the video game will be accurately and realistically reproduced in the form of tactile signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Inventor: Miguel Lopez
  • Patent number: 7331872
    Abstract: A scabbard and method of using, for a baton used by security and police-personnel is provided. The scabbard includes a baton holding element and means to attach the scabbard to a user's belt. The attachment means permits the user to adjust the angle at which the baton is held and permits the angle to be fixed so that the user need not readjust the position each time that the scabbard is worn. The scabbard also can adjusted for use with belts of different widths; and uses deep socket hex screws that provide greater strength in connection and little interference with clothing so that damage does not occur. The method describes the manner in which the provided scabbard can be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Armament Systems and Procedures, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin L. Parsons
  • Patent number: 7331873
    Abstract: In order to prevent damage to a drive component, fail safe devices are often used to break a rotational coupling between an apparatus, such as a pump, and the drive component, such as a crank shaft of an engine, in the event of the apparatus seizing. In order to break the coupling between a drive component and an apparatus, the rotational coupling includes a coupler that is operable to rotate in a first direction attached to a shaft via a threaded fastener. A predetermined break away torque is set by tightening the threaded fastener in a direction opposite than the first direction with a predetermined tightening torque. A torque transmission interface includes opposing surfaces of the coupler and the shaft that remain fixed relative to one another below a predetermined break away torque and move relative to one another above the predetermined break away torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel R. Ibrahim, Alan R. Stockner
  • Patent number: 7331874
    Abstract: Circular washers are formed by the following steps: at least two through holes are provided in the middle of a belt of material, which are also used for positioning and advancing the belt; a residual slot is formed between every two adjacent through holes, thereby forming a circular ring around each through hole; six wedge planes are forged around the bottom surface of each ring, and at least a V-shaped groove or a ridge is forged on the top surface of each ring; a larger through hole as the inner hole of a washer is produced at the center of each ring; the major shape of each washers is then formed without separating the washers from the belt; and the washers are fined-tuned to obtain the precise form factor and dimension before they separated from the belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Tech Stell Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chen-Mao Lin
  • Patent number: 7331875
    Abstract: A putter trainer device for detecting inaccuracies in a golf puffing stroke. The puffing trainer device of the present invention is releasably (2) attached to a shaft of a golf putter and comprises two guided ramps (19A, 19B) with each ramp having an active position and a neutral position. In one embodiment, a free rolling disc magnet (20A, 20B) is located upon each guided ramp and each free rolling disc magnet is biased towards the neutral position (23A, 23B) on its respective ramp. The movement of either free rolling magnet from the neutral position to the active position is detected by magnetic reed switches (25A, 25B) located adjacent each ramp. A speaker is activated when the magnetic reed switches detect that either free rolling magnet has moved from the neutral position to the active position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Audio Coach Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Robyn Ann Sherman
  • Patent number: 7331876
    Abstract: A putter comprising a grip having an anatomically correct shape to promote proper grasping of the putter, a shaft having a first end and a second end, wherein the grip is attached to the first end of the shaft, a hosel attached to the second end of the shaft, a head attached to the hosel, the head having a striking face, and an alignment feature of the putter adapted to ensure correct assembly of the head onto the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Inventor: Lon Klein
  • Patent number: 7331877
    Abstract: A maximum resilience point (M) of a head (1) is positioned above a center (C) of a hitting surface. On the maximum resilience point (M), (t2?t1) measured in accordance with a pendulum test determined by USGA has a maximum value. When coordinates of the center (C) of the hitting surface are set to be (0, 0) and coordinates of the maximum resilience point (M) are set to be (x, y), y is greater than 0 mm and is equal to or smaller than 10 mm. The value of (t2?t1) on the maximum resilience point (M) is 250·10?6 second or more. The value of (t2?t1) on the center (C) of the hitting surface is smaller than 250·10?6 second. y may be set to be equal to or greater than ?5 mm and to be smaller than 0 mm. x may be set to be equal to or greater than ?10 mm and to be smaller than 0 mm. x may be set to be greater than 0 mm and to be equal to or smaller than 10 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: SRI Sports Limited
    Inventors: Tetsuo Yamaguchi, Masaru Kono, Akio Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7331878
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to multi-layer golf balls having a center, a cover layer, and at least one intermediate layer between the core and the cover layer. The center, the at least one intermediate layer and the cover are constructed to have different initial velocities and COR such that the gradients of initial velocities and COR progress from a slower center to a faster cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Herbert C. Boehm, Michael J. Sullivan, Steven Aoyama, David A. Bulpett, Derek A. Ladd
  • Patent number: 7331879
    Abstract: Golf ball 2 has a northern hemisphere N above the equatorial line 16, and a southern hemisphere S below the equatorial line 16. Each of the northern hemisphere N and the southern hemisphere S has a pole vicinity region 18, an equator vicinity region 20 and a coordination region 22. The pole vicinity region 18, the equator vicinity region 20 and the coordination region 22 have numerous dimples 8, respectively. The dimple pattern in the pole vicinity region 18 includes multiple units that are rotationally symmetric each other centered on the pole point P. The dimple pattern in the equator vicinity region 20 includes multiple units that are rotationally symmetric each other centered on the pole point P. Number of the units in the pole vicinity region 18 is different from number of the units in the equator vicinity region 20. The dimple pattern in the coordination region 22 cannot be comparted into multiple units that are rotationally symmetric each other centered on the pole point P.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: SRI Sports Limited
    Inventor: Takahiro Sajima
  • Patent number: 7331880
    Abstract: A Soccer Goal Retainer including an enclosure buried in the ground. A bar is mounted in the enclosure and rotates about its longitudinal axis. The bar is located toward the front wall and base of the enclosure. A clamp plate is mounted on the bar by hand bolts which engage threaded openings on the bar. The clamp plate includes a lower member which is secured to the bar. A vertical member extends at right angles from the lower member and an upper member extends from the vertical member generally at right angles remote from the lower member and away from the lower member. A lip extends generally at right angles from the upper member remote from the vertical member toward the lower member. With the vertical member generally positioned vertically, the lip, the upper member and vertical member are placed over the rear rail of a soccer goal and the clamp plate is secured to the bar. The clamp plate is released from the rear rail by loosening the clamp plate from the bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Sportsfield Specialties, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Rogers
  • Patent number: 7331881
    Abstract: The present invention is a device and method variously and separately provided for a transportable backboard and hoop connectable to a chain-link fence as its support structure. Methods of teaching are included. Detail is also provided regarding the methods and structures for attachment of the device to the support structure. The invention is to be limited only by the scope of the claims as ultimately allowed in this application, and in no way limited by the prior versions of the claims inserted into this provisional application which are inserted only for purposes of priority and satisfaction of potential foreign filing requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Inventor: Robert Smith
  • Patent number: 7331882
    Abstract: A portable basketball system that may be assembled without the need for hand tools. The present invention may include a regulation portable basketball system that is entirely assembled by hand with the use of hand grippable devices. The pole and supporting struts may be releasably secured to portable base by bolts and hand grippable nuts. The system according to the present invention may also secure the basketball goal, basketball backboard, and basketball pole using one or more bolts and hand grippable nuts. It is contemplated that hand grippable bolts and an attached nuts may be used to reduce the number of loose nuts during assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Russell Corporation
    Inventor: Ronald White
  • Patent number: 7331883
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for adjusting the height of a basketball backboard and hoop assembly. One embodiment of the present invention may include an adjustment arm in telescoping relation with a threaded rod. The present invention may also include a threaded nut rotatably connected to the adjustment arm and in threadable engagement with the threaded rod such that rotation of the threaded nut on the threaded rod induces an adjustment in the vertical height of the basketball backboard and hoop assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Russell Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Goldberg
  • Patent number: 7331884
    Abstract: A lacrosse head having a netting with a shallow pocket is provided for improving the handling and the retention of a lacrosse ball. The lacrosse head includes a frame element comprised of a pair of opposing sidewalls that each have a top end and a bottom end, a scoop portion connecting the top ends of the sidewalls, and a base portion connecting the bottom ends of the sidewalls. Furthermore, the lacrosse head includes a netting that is coupled to the opposing sidewalls. This netting has one or more partitions coupled thereto for substantially defining a ball retention region and one or more peripheral regions of the netting. These partitions protrude outwardly from the netting and are adapted for contacting a lacrosse ball and retaining the lacrosse ball within the ball retention region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Warrior Sports, Inc.
    Inventors: Crista Samaras, Jesse Hubbard, Andrew Maliszewski
  • Patent number: 7331885
    Abstract: Bats that aid in bunting are disclosed herein. The bats generally include a rounded elongate shaft having a handle end and a contact end, and the handle end may have a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of the contact end. In an embodiment, at least one indicator is between the handle and contact ends to designate where and how a user should hold the bat while bunting. In an embodiment, first and second indentations are in a surface of the shaft between the handle and contact ends to designate where a user should hold the bat while bunting. In an embodiment, at least one indicator selected from the group consisting of an indentation, a marking, and a bump is between the handle and contact ends to designate where and how a user should hold the bat while bunting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Inventor: Mark A. Thomas
  • Patent number: 7331886
    Abstract: An improved arrow and sliding stabilizer therefor are provided. The sliding stabilizer is used for stabilizing arrow flight, instead of fixed or glued tail feathers, vanes or other fletching. The invention improves current projectile technology with reduced assembly labor cost, the elimination of bow clearance issues, improved accuracy with the consistent production of the sliding stabilizer, easy replacement of the stabilizer in the field, and improved arrow storage. A sliding stabilizer is designed to slide along the shaft of an arrow and comprises an annular wing and a plurality of fins. In use, the stabilizer is positioned at the front of the arrow prior to launch, and the arrow slides quickly through the stabilizer until secured at a stop position at or near the trailing end of the arrow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Desert Dynamic Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Morris, Larry Peterson
  • Patent number: 7331887
    Abstract: A game finder which facilitates finding of an arrow after it is shot is disclosed. The game finder includes an arrow and at least one transmitting module provided on the arrow for emitting a recovery signal when the arrow strikes game or a target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Inventor: Alan Lee Dunn
  • Patent number: 7331888
    Abstract: A fletching for use on an arrow is provided which is formed from a flexible material provided with two or more parallel folds in which each fold opens in the opposite direction. The folds are preferably in the form of accordion folds. A plurality of the fletchings may be mounted on an arrow so as to provide improved arrow flight stability and to create more precision and consistency during arrow flight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Inventor: Darwin Jirles
  • Patent number: 7331889
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are disclosed for controlling a variable-speed transmission utilizing a pulley structure including first and second pulley members coupled for free rotation together about a shaft. The second pulley member can be axially movable relative to the first pulley member, and can include a pulley contact surface disposed generally opposite to the first pulley member. A coupling member is provided for communicating with the shaft to rotatably drive the shaft. The coupling member includes a coupling member contact surface disposed for selective frictional engagement by the pulley contact surface. Torque can be selectively coupled and decoupled to a transmission, as well as vary a speed of the transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Dean E. Hartley
  • Patent number: 7331890
    Abstract: A motorized front derailleur mounting member is provided with a bicycle frame mounting portion, a front derailleur mounting portion, and a motor unit mounting portion. The bicycle frame mounting portion includes a front surface with a threaded hole configured and arranged to be coupled to a bicycle frame. The front derailleur mounting portion is configured and arranged to be coupled to a linkage of a front derailleur. The front derailleur mounting portion includes at least a first pivot point with a first pivot axis. The motor unit mounting portion configured and arranged to be coupled to a motor unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Tadashi Ichida, Kazuhiro Fujii
  • Patent number: 7331891
    Abstract: A chain or belt tensioner comprises a plunger displaceable in a bore of a housing between retracted and extended positions. The plunger and the bore between them define a variable volume chamber for receipt of pressurised hydraulic fluid. The tensioner is designed for insertion into a supporting bore of the cylinder head of an internal combustion engine such that the plunger has only a limited number of possible orientations so that it can engage with the tensioner arm. The plunger has an air purge passage that extends from adjacent to the chamber to atmosphere. The passage formation is designed so that there is a portion of it adjacent to the chamber is uppermost in any orientation of the plunger so as to ensure rapid and effective air purging. There may be a single air purge passage extending in an axial direction along the length of the plunger or a combination of several axial and circumferential portions that permit the plunger to be disposed in more than one orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Renold PLC
    Inventor: Christian Poiret
  • Patent number: 7331893
    Abstract: Methods and systems for improving the operation of a transmission for an automotive vehicle are provided for modifiying the original hydraulic circuits to increase the capacity or holding ability of the low and reverse clutches when the transmission is shifted into manual low gear to slow down a moving vehicle, to provide a quick and smooth apply of the low and reverse clutches when the driver selects manual low when the vehicle is moving at a relatively high road speed, and to permit the connection of two low hydraulic circuits to feed torque converter and cooler/lubrication circuits by application of relatively low fluid pressure to assure that the necessary pressure required to connect the circuits will be properly applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Inventor: Gilbert W. Younger
  • Patent number: 7331894
    Abstract: A hydraulically-actuatable clutch and method is operable as an overdrive clutch in a transmission system having a transmission main shaft portion. The clutch is engageable between a transmission housing and a sun gear and rotor hub to provide for grounding of the sun gear and rotor hub to the transmission housing. The clutch may either be engaged or disengaged from the transmission housing. The clutch does not allow the rotor and sun gear to rotatably slip with respect to the transmission housing when the clutch is engaged to ground the rotor and sun gear to the transmission housing. When the clutch is disengaged, the rotor and sun gear may rotate with the transmission main shaft portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Henryk Sowul, Michael H. Pohl
  • Patent number: 7331895
    Abstract: A composite planetary speed reduction device (1), wherein gears (11), (12), and (13) and rollers (21), (22), and (23) forming a planetary gear speed reduction mechanism (10) and a planetary roller speed reduction mechanism (20) are integrally rotated around a common rotating center axis, respectively. The radius of the sun roller (21) is larger by ?r1 than the radius r1 of the working pitch circle of the sun gear (11), the radius r21 of the working pitch circle of the planetary gear (12) meshing with the sun gear (11) and the radius r23 of the working pitch circle of the planetary gear (12) meshing with an internal gear (13) are different from each other, and the radius of the planetary roller (22) is smaller by ?r1 than the radius r21 of the working pitch circle of the planetary gear (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Harmonic Drive Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Kohei Hori
  • Patent number: 7331896
    Abstract: A drivetrain of an all-wheel drive motor vehicle provided for selective actuation and control of the torque distribution between first and second drive axle assemblies to match various vehicle operating conditions. The drivetrain comprises a power drive unit including a prime mover, the first drive axle assembly driven by the power drive unit to drive a first set of wheels, the second drive axle assembly driven by the power drive unit to drive a second set of wheels, a first clutch unit provided to disconnect the first drive axle assembly from the power drive unit, and a second clutch unit provided to disconnect the second drive axle assembly from the power drive unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventor: William J Kroppe
  • Patent number: 7331897
    Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a less expensive active transmission control system for an automobile, capable of disconnecting an engine, without increasing the number of dog clutches. In an active shift transmission, a second intermediate shaft is provided between a transmission input shaft connected with an engine and a transmission output shaft, and the transmission ratio is determined by the product of gear ratios of two sets of transmission gears. Further, a differential gear box is connected between both intermediate shafts and a motor is connected to the third shat of this differential gear box, so that the engine torque is borne by the motor on a temporary basis, whereby active transmission is performed. When the transmission gear of the input shaft is released, the engine rotation loss at the time of regenerative braking can be eliminated by disconnecting the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Car Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiko Ibamoto, Hiroyuki Sakamoto, Hiroshi Kuroiwa
  • Patent number: 7331899
    Abstract: A control method and system for a hybrid vehicle powertrain with an electric motor in a power flow path between an internal combustion engine and a multiple-ratio geared transmission. Motor torque, which is added to engine torque to obtain an effective transmission input torque, is modulated to achieve smooth power-on upshifts and coasting downshifts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Walt Ortmann, Dan Colvin, Bob Fozo, Michael Encelewski, Marvin Kraska
  • Patent number: 7331900
    Abstract: The shift control apparatus for a continuously-variable transmission includes a primary pulley; a secondary pulley connected with the primary pulley by a belt; a shift actuator that varies a speed ratio; a line pressure adjusting that adjusts a line pressure; a secondary-pressure adjusting section that adjusts a secondary pressure; and a control section that controls the shift actuator, the line pressure adjusting section, and the secondary-pressure adjusting section. Moreover, the control section includes a fail determining section that determines whether the shift actuator is under a failed condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Jatco Ltd
    Inventors: Hideki Oshita, Hiroyasu Tanaka, Takuichiro Inoue, Youhei Ishikawa, Kousuke Abe
  • Patent number: 7331901
    Abstract: A drive arrangement for an agricultural machine with an internal combustion engine used to drive removable agricultural implements. The engine is connected to a control unit and to a power take-off (PTO), which drives the removable agricultural implements, by means of a power take-off transmission with selectable transmission steps. The engine is further coupled to a sensor that captures the RPM of the PTO outlet, to a first operator input device that influences the RPM of the combustion engine and to a second operator input device that inputs a maximum RPM of the PTO output. The control unit controls the RPM of the combustion engine to the input value of the first operator input device while limiting the RPM of the engine based on the RPM at the PTO outlet, which cannot exceed the input value of the second operator input device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Jochen Busch
  • Patent number: 7331902
    Abstract: According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a “special neutral” is commanded to initiate the neutral to range shift. The “special neutral” of the present invention is special in that while the transmission output speed remains unconstrained, the transmission input speed is locked at zero. This condition is particularly advantageous because on-coming clutches may be applied without relative motion between the respective clutch plates. Therefore, by initiating the neutral to range shift from the “special neutral” of the present invention, the ratio change may take place irrespective of engine speed, with zero slip loss and more quickly than previously possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey K. Runde
  • Patent number: 7331903
    Abstract: A trampoline (10) includes a base frame (14) having a substantially non-rectangular perimeter region (38), a bed suspension assembly (16) and a bed (12). The bed (12) is coupled to the base frame (14) with the bed suspension assembly (16). Further, the bed (12) includes a first pair of substantially parallel sides (34A, 34B). For example, the bed (12) can be rectangular in shape, or can include a second pair of arc-shaped sides (36A, 36B). The perimeter region (38) can be substantially oval-shaped or circular-shaped. The trampoline (10) can also include one or more side sections (18, 22) and one or more side suspensions (20, 24) that couple the side sections (18, 22) to the base frame (14). In one embodiment, the side sections (18, 22) each include an inner side (54, 58) that is substantially linear and an outer side (56, 60) that is substantially arc-shaped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: FUNTEK USA, Inc.
    Inventors: George Nissen, Masato Ikegami
  • Patent number: 7331904
    Abstract: A novel trampoline at least includes: a trampoline frame; a trampoline mat operatively surrounded by the trampoline frame; and a plurality of trampoline spring members operatively coupled between the trampoline frame and the trampoline mat. Each trampoline spring member at least includes: a first spring coupler located at a first end of the spring member; a second spring coupler located at a second end of the spring member; a first spring member section coupled to the first spring coupler; a second spring member section coupled to the second spring coupler; at least a third spring member section coupled between the first spring member section and the second spring member section, the third spring member section having a spring constant greater than the spring constants of the first and second spring member sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Inventor: David Wayne Hall
  • Patent number: 7331905
    Abstract: A fixed safety handle of an elliptical cross trainer includes a fixed safety handle disposed near the top of a primary upright frame of an elliptical cross trainer, extended in direction of the operator, and bent in U-shape. The fixed safety handle includes a first holding member extending downwardly from both ends of the fixed safety handle and a second holding member extending laterally from the first holding member in direction to the outside such that the second holding member is located beyond the movement path of movable handles. In this way, the safety in getting on or stepping off the elliptical cross trainer can be ensured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Inventor: Leao Wang
  • Patent number: 7331906
    Abstract: A repetitive motion therapy apparatus has a frame structure. An orthotic is adapted for securing to a part of a body. A pneumatic muscle is coupled between the frame structure and the orthotic for moving the orthotic. A control mechanism controls the pneumatic muscle. The pneumatic muscle contracts to impart movement to the orthotic. A winding spool and retractable cord is attached to the pneumatic muscle. The pneumatic muscle is operated by an electric mechanism, hydraulic mechanism, or spring mechanism to impart movement to the orthotic. The control mechanism has a variable airflow controller to control the movement of the orthotic. A feedback sensor is disposed on the body for providing data to the control mechanism. A treadmill imparts motion to the part of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Arizona Board of Regents
    Inventors: Jiping He, Ryan B. Knight
  • Patent number: 7331908
    Abstract: A multi-function weight training apparatus including a support base, a linear motion beam, a resistance adjusting carriage, a main carriage, a weight carriage and a cable. The linear motion beam is rotatably mounted to the base. The resistance adjusting carriage is mounted to the linear motion beam, wherein the resistance adjusting carriage is selectively positionable on the linear motion beam. The main carriage is mounted to the linear motion beam. The weight carriage is mounted with respect to the support base. The cable operably connects the weight carriage to the main carriage while an intermediate portion of the cable engages the resistance adjusting carriage. Moving the main carriage with respect to the linear motion beam causes the weight carriage to move with respect to the support base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Extreme Degree Fitness, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Olsen
  • Patent number: 7331909
    Abstract: A scalable high-performance bouncing apparatus provides convenient access to untensioned internally semi-mounted springs/tension elements. A holster retains the inoperative semi-mounted elements and avoids contact or friction with fully engaged tension elements. Adjustable connection elements permit compensation for lengthening of spring elements due to creep or elongation set. The connection elements include collars that compress the tension elements, and may be connected to the springs/tension elements by first stretching the elements beyond their working elongation and then placing the collars onto the stretched portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Inventor: Bruce Middleton
  • Patent number: 7331910
    Abstract: A dual purpose physical rehabilitation orthopedic and physical fitness exercise device for use within physical therapy facilities. The rehabilitation and exercise device includes a frame hosting a hydraulic or pneumatic system means for applying variable levels of resistance for specified exercise regimens; an activating assembly including a torsion bar, indexed platen, exercise arm assembly and a lever to act against hydraulic/pneumatic pressurized cylinders. The exercise arm assembly includes equally spaced ports and locking pins to allow altering the active length of the arm. Further, the platen contains ports, radially positioned around its facial surface to permit adjusting the angular displacement of the exercise arm through 90° either side of the horizontal. The platen also has inscribed degree indexes to define angular displacement from preset azimuth during the exercise routine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Inventors: Anthony John Vallone, John Frank Vallone, Sr., John Frank Vallone, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7331911
    Abstract: A shoulder press exercise machine has a main frame, a user support pivotally mounted on the frame for supporting a user in a seated position, at least one exercise arm movably mounted on the frame and movable between a start position in which handles are located in front of the shoulders of a user on the user support frame and an end position in which the handles are located above the head of the user. A connecting linkage connects movement of the exercise arm to movement of the user support, so that movement of the exercise arm from the start to the end position simultaneously rotates the user support. A load resists movement of at least one of the moving parts of the machine. The combined motion of the user, user support frame and exercise arm between the start and end position substantially replicates the natural movement of the upper part of a human body when performing a free weight shoulder press exercise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Hoist Fitness Systems
    Inventors: Randall T. Webber, Jeffrey O. Meredith
  • Patent number: 7331912
    Abstract: An adjustable bench adapted to support a human body during exercise and capable of engaging an auxiliary rack assembly is provided. The bench includes a seat and a backrest that are interconnected and moveable relative to a frame. The bench is adjustable from a generally flat configuration to one or more inclined configurations. In the flat configuration, the bench is particularly suitable for pressing exercises such as the bench press. In the fully inclined position, the bench is suitable for upright exercises such as the military press and the shoulder press. The shoulders of the human body remain generally at the same horizontal location along the bench as the backrest is inclined. The bench thus does not need to be repositioned relative to a bar as the inclination of the bench is changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Keiser Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis L. Keiser, Wade A. Peterson
  • Patent number: 7331913
    Abstract: A unique abdominal bench with a pivoting torso section has a number of pivots, rods, and levers that allow the fixed seat section, of the abdominal bench to remain a constant distance from the pivoting torso section during an abdominal exercise. The leg section of the abdominal bench pivots towards the abdomen, as does the torso section when the torso is raised. The leg section is pivotably connected to the torso section through a number of rods, pivots and levers such that the gap between the seat and torso section remains the same. A push rod is connected to the pivoting leg brace and is in turn connected to a torso bracket through several guide rods and a dog-leg lever. The push rod, guide rods and the dog-leg lever allow the torso section to remain a constant distance from the fixed seat section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: J.E.M. Concept International, Inc.
    Inventor: John Forcillo
  • Patent number: 7331914
    Abstract: A device and method for stretching, toning and strengthening the chest, shoulder, neck and upper back muscles of a patient thereby relieving pain and improving posture. Typically the patient is suffering from tension related muscle problems. The device and method are used to facilitate therapeutic treatment of the muscle problems by progressively stretching the muscles and thereby relieving the muscle problems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Delta Glide, L.L.C.
    Inventors: John Carlucci, Rick Kocsis, Mario Accumanno
  • Patent number: 7331915
    Abstract: An assembly device for plate elements such as sheets of paper, cardboard, corrugated cardboard or similar material, for subsequent operation thereon in a processing machine. A feed station feeds elements to a positioning station for the plate elements. The positioning station for the plate elements includes a lower part equipped with first conveyors arranged side by side and an upper part including a second conveyor movable transversely with respect to the first conveyors. The second conveyor include grippers for the plate elements. The positioning station has a device for assembling the plate elements with respect to each other and an aligning device for longitudinally and transversely aligning the plate elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Bobst SA
    Inventors: Gérard Coullery, Sacha Bourgeois
  • Patent number: 7331916
    Abstract: A new and improved case former, or carton folding and erecting apparatus, is disclosed wherein a pair of pivotal support arms, upon each one of which is mounted a case or carton engagement roller, are mounted upon the machine framework such that when actuator mechanisms, for folding the oppositely disposed major side bottom flap members of the case or carton to their folded positions so as to complete the formation of the bottom portion of the case or carton, are actuated, the pair of pivotal support arms are effectively released from a restrained position, at which case or carton engagement rollers are disposed at retracted positions with respect to the case or carton blank so as to initially permit the case or carton blank to be inserted into the case former, or carton folding and erecting apparatus, in an unobstructed manner, whereby the case or carton engagement rollers can now engage the major side walls of the case or carton so as to retain the case or carton in position while the case or carton is subs
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Bryce J. Fox
  • Patent number: 7331917
    Abstract: Plastic bag making apparatus by which it is arranged that even if a bottom gusset member is not specially supplied, a bottom gusset can be incorporated into a plastic bag. As continuous trunk members (1,2) are fed, they are guided by a trunk guide mechanism (16-29) and folded along a longitudinal fold line (8). Then, the folded portion (4) is folded back along a longitudinal fold-back line (10), whereby a twofold section is formed of the trunk members, with the continuous trunk members forming the trunk of the plastic bag, the twofold section forming the bottom gusset of the plastic bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Totani Corporation
    Inventor: Mikio Totani
  • Patent number: 7331918
    Abstract: In a centrifugal separator, inside a housing opposed to a protector, a protruding member, which protrudes inside, is arranged at a position shifted from a shortest distance portion, the distance from the protector of which is the shortest, so that a spatial distance between the housing and the protector can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Hayasaka, Kazuhiko Murayama
  • Patent number: 7331919
    Abstract: A centrifugal drum for a separator having a vertical axis of rotation, including a drum bottom part and a drum cover fastened to the drum bottom part by a locking ring. Also included is a centering ring arranged between the drum bottom part and the drum cover such that while the centering ring is being pretensioned, it sealingly and centeringly braces the drum bottom part and the drum cover relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Westfalia Separator AG
    Inventor: Willi Niemerg