Patents Issued in February 26, 2008
  • Patent number: 7335117
    Abstract: A device for practicing an address stance and ball-hitting motion in sports such as baseball, softball and tennis. A hitter stands on a step plate (30) and a swivel plate (31) mounted on a flat base (12). The plates have adjustable separation, with the step plate fixable in a plurality of locations relative to the swivel plate. The plates align the hitter's feet using toe stops (36). The step plate (30) has a foot guard (34) that forces the hitter to step toward the pitch. The swivel plate (31) rotates about a vertical axis, and has foot-retaining straps (38, 39) that allow the heel to lift. The hitter learns to step toward the ball and swivel the back foot while swinging, turning the body, and shifting weight toward the ball. The foot plates (30, 31) are reversible on the base (12) for right or left-handed use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Debra R. Reason-Kerkhoff
  • Patent number: 7335118
    Abstract: A device mounted in a tennis racket includes a cylindrical cushioning member including an annular groove, a central chamber, an axial channel crossed the chamber, and two recesses at its both ends; and a rigid, doughnut-shaped, hollow sound producing member mounted in the chamber and including a space and an axial tunnel therethrough. Three straight wires of a network of the racket pass three sides of the groove for fastening the device such that the device can absorb reaction when a ball is hit by the racket. The strength of sound produced by the device is determined by whether air flowing through one recess, one end of the channel, and the tunnel co-acts with air in the space to produce resonance or not by whether a handle held by the hand correctly hits the ball or not. The recess has a concave, convex, or inclined section around its central portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Hung-Fu Sung
  • Patent number: 7335119
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a system and method for adjusting the height of a basketball backboard assembly. The present invention includes a releasable locking mechanism connected to the backboard assembly to lock the backboard at a selected vertical height above a playing surface. In one embodiment of the present invention, the releasable locking mechanism may include a ratchet and cam, the ratchet having a plurality of ratchet teeth configured to engage with a pawl. A cam may be configured to allow a user to incrementally increase the height of the backboard using the releasable locking mechanism and may further be configured to prevent the releasable locking mechanism locking the backboard at any height when a user desires to decrease the height of the backboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Russell Corporation
    Inventor: Ronald White
  • Patent number: 7335120
    Abstract: A racquet string tension identification device and method for mounting on a stringed racquet utilizing a color coding system to denote the original string tension range in tens of pounds and having nine indicia areas with the number of additional pounds of tension to be added to the tension range depending upon how many of such indicia areas are marked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Dusan Pittner
  • Patent number: 7335121
    Abstract: A belt installation tool having a body and an angular member projecting from the body for engaging a pulley belt bearing surface. A surface disposed substantially normal to the angular member comprises a chamfered lip for engaging a pulley web feature. The lip and angular member removeably attach the tool to a pulley by flexure of the angular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: The Gates Corporation IP Law Dept.
    Inventors: Barry Fletcher, Cornel Ureche
  • Patent number: 7335122
    Abstract: A low modulus drive belt for an automotive accessory drive system is disclosed that allows for relatively high elongation during installation and that maintains a relatively high percentage of its install tension throughout the useful life of the belt. In addition, an automotive accessory drive system is taught that utilizes such a belt as is a method for constructing such a belt. According to one aspect an accessory drive system for an automobile is provided that includes: (a) a drive pulley; (b) an accessory pulley operatively coupled to an accessory drive shaft; and (c) an endless drive belt engaged between the drive pulley and the accessory pulley, where the drive belt includes an endless band of rubber composite material having a plurality of circumferentially extending an axially aligned polyamide 6.6 twisted cords formed therewithin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Dayco Products, LLC
    Inventor: Jay D. Swope
  • Patent number: 7335123
    Abstract: A powertrain system is provided that includes a first prime mover, a second prime mover and a transformer module. In an embodiment, the transformer module includes a planetary gearset having a first rotary element connected to the first prime mover, a second rotary element connected to the second prime mover, and a third rotary element comprising an output member of the transformer module. The powertrain system also includes a power shunt between the first prime mover and the second prime mover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy J. Morscheck, Kevin D. Beaty
  • Patent number: 7335124
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a transmission that controls multiple torque generating elements. The transmission control device utilizes two torque generating elements that are connected to an output element through a differential which has two degrees of freedom and at least three rotating elements. The transmission can use the inertia response of the torque generating elements during a change in a command value of a demanded driving force and improves the ability to increase and decrease the output driving force and the responsiveness of any increase or decrease of the driving force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuo Yatabe, Toshikazu Oshidari
  • Patent number: 7335125
    Abstract: The present invention has a dual sun planetary gearset, as well as a dog clutch or other type of shifting device, which allows for the hydrostatic unit to operate in a reverse direction in similar fashion to how it operates in a forward direction, thereby increasing efficiency and torque in the reverse direction. The gearset of the present invention has a first sun gear having one or more planetary gears that are mounted on a carrier, and a second sun gear, also having one or more planetary gears that are mounted on the same common carrier as the first set of planetary gears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventor: Paul T. McCrary
  • Patent number: 7335126
    Abstract: Rotation of an input shaft is directly transmitted to a front carrier of a planetary gear mechanism, and rotation, which is speed-changed and reversed by a toroidal-type continuously variable speed change unit, is transmitted to a first sun gear. When a Low clutch is applied, rotation of an output carrier of a simple planetary gear unit is transitted to a counter gear mechanism via a common carrier, and then output at an output shaft. When a High clutch H is applied, rotation of a second sun gear is transmitted to the output shaft. Thus, the pinion shaft is shortened and the service life span of a supporting bearing is increased as compared with a planetary gear mechanism that has a three-step pinion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Kabushikikaisha Equos Research
    Inventors: Saoto Tsuchiya, Masahiro Hasebe, Norihiro Kai
  • Patent number: 7335127
    Abstract: A multi-stage automatic transmission comprises a drive input shaft (AN), a drive output shaft (AB), three planetary gearwheel assemblies (RS1, RS2, RS3) arranged next to one another in series and five shift control elements (A to E). A sun gearwheel (SO3) of the third planetary gearwheel assembly (RS3) can be fixed relative to a transmission housing (GG) by means of the first shift control element (A). The drive input shaft (AN) is connected to a sun gearwheel (SO2) of the second planetary gearwheel assembly (RS2) and can be connected via the second shift control element (B) to a sun gearwheel (SO1) of the first planetary gearwheel assembly (RS1) and/or via the fifth shift control element (E) to a web (ST1) of the first planetary gearwheel assembly (RS1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Peter Tiesler, Peter Ziemer
  • Patent number: 7335128
    Abstract: A drive assembly for a wind turbine includes a rotor hub, a supporting structure, a planetary gear transmission unit having sun, planet and ring gears and a planet carrier. The ring gear is non-rotatably secured to the supporting structure. A main bearing rotatably supports the rotor hub and planet carrier relative to the ring gear and supporting structure. The drive assembly further includes two substantially independent force transmission paths for transmission of forces reacting with forces exerted by the wind turbine rotor hub. A first of the force transmission paths acts from the rotor hub via the main bearing to the supporting structure primarily for transmission of overhang load forces and bending moment forces and a second of the force transmission paths acts from the rotor hub via the planet carrier primarily for transmission of rotational forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Hansen Transmission International NV
    Inventors: Peter Flamang, Marcel De Wilde, Roger Bogaert
  • Patent number: 7335129
    Abstract: In a gear unit fitting (1) for a vehicle seat, in particular for a motor vehicle seat, with a first ring wheel (13) to be mounted on a frame side, with a pinion (21) meshing with the first ring wheel (13), and with a second ring wheel (31) meshed with the pinion (21), on the output side, both the difference between the number of teeth (z2) of the first ring wheel (13) and the number of teeth (z3) of the pinion (21) on the frame side, and the difference between the number of teeth (z4) of the second ring wheel (31) and the number of teeth (z3?) of the pinion (21) on the output side, is in each case four.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Keiper GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Boltze, Thomas Dill, Joachim MĂĽhlberger
  • Patent number: 7335130
    Abstract: A toroidal-type continuously variable transmission has a casing; an input disk and an output disk rotatably supported concentrically with each other; a plurality of power rollers each held between the input and output disks; a plurality of trunnions disposed at position twisted with respect to a center axis; a drive device for shifting the trunnions in the axial directions or the pivot shafts; a pair of yokes for supporting the pivot shafts of each of the trunnions so as to be swung and shifted in the axial direction thereof, the yokes being swingable according to the shifting movement of the associated trunnion; and, a pair of opposing members each disposed to be opposed to the associated yoke, wherein the yokes each includes projection portion contacted with the associated opposing member, the projection portion being the fulcrum of the swinging movements of the yokes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: NSK ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroki Nishii, Eiji Inoue
  • Patent number: 7335131
    Abstract: A method for controlling an engine in a vehicle including a transmission is provided. The method utilizes feedforward control by determining when a neutral transmission gear is selected, and adjusting an engine parameter to control the engine operation based on at least one predetermined condition when it is determined that the neutral transmission gear has been selected. The at least one predetermined condition includes having a value of a vehicle parameter, such as a battery state of charge, being outside a predetermined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Pat Smithberger, Christopher Lear, Suzanne Stuber, Douglas Martin
  • Patent number: 7335132
    Abstract: In the case a tip-in occurs during a downshift control in a coasting state of a vehicle, when an engine torque reduction control condition is satisfied, an engine torque is limited by limiting a throttle opening. The limited engine torque is gradually recovered to a normal torque through a plurality of ramp control processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Chang Gi Yeo
  • Patent number: 7335133
    Abstract: A control apparatus for an automatic transmission includes an engine; a torque converter connected with the engine; an oil pump driven by the engine; a starting clutch adapted to be engaged by an engagement pressure produced by the oil pump to transmit propelling power of a vehicle at a start time of the vehicle; and a controller. The controller includes an idle stop control section configured to deactivate the engine when the vehicle is in a stopped state and a predetermined condition is satisfied, and configured to restart the engine when the predetermined condition becomes not to be satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Jatco Ltd
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Katou, Isamu Ohtake
  • Patent number: 7335134
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for an exercise apparatus incorporating sensor means 30 for translating body movement imparted to the exercise apparatus by the user 20 that is measured and transmitted to a video game 34 as commands generated by the sensor enhanced exercise apparatus forming the user control interface 36. The exercise apparatus 10 has a platform 12 with a resistive member 14 extending therefrom along with arms 16 fastened to the resistive member forming a cradle for the user 20 and extending outwardly terminating in hand grips 18. The present invention 10 moves and senses motion in the transverse 24, anterior-posterior 26 and longitudinal 28 axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Richard LaVelle
  • Patent number: 7335135
    Abstract: A treadmill belt lubricating device for an electric treadmill comprises a transversal axle rod disposed at a frame of the treadmill, and a swinging lever longitudinally coupled to the axle rod, wherein an end of the lever includes an inertia weight, and the other end of the lever is coupled to a transversal U-shape retaining groove, and the retaining groove includes a wool felt, and a lubricant is filled into the wool felt, such that after the foregoing components are assembled, a roller is positioned precisely under the running board, and another end of the wool felt maintains a gap with the treadmill belt, and if the running board is vibrated, then the inertia swing of the lever weight drives the wool felt to be in contact with the bottom surface of the treadmill belt, so as to achieve the effect of constantly lubricating the treadmill belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Leao Wang
  • Patent number: 7335136
    Abstract: A training device for use in a pool having a lane guide. The training device comprises a base member shaped to cooperate with at least a portion of the lane guide, an elongated member adapted to pivot relative to the base member, and a resilient member coupling the elongated member to the base member in an initial position. The resilient member is adapted to return the elongated member to the initial position when the elongated member deviates therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Philosophics, Inc.
    Inventor: Ralph R. Brodbeck
  • Patent number: 7335137
    Abstract: A drive system for a magnetic resistance exerciser includes a fixed wheel and at least one rotatable wheel which are rotatably connected to the weight wheel and the fixed wheel by two respective belts. The fixed wheel and the weight wheel share a common shaft which is perpendicularly connected with a link and the at least one rotatable wheel is rotatably connected to an extension on an end of the link. When rotating the shaft, the link rotates and the at least one rotatable wheel rotates about the shaft and the extension simultaneously so that the rotational speed of the weight wheel can be increased without increasing the whole system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Chang Ming Wu
  • Patent number: 7335138
    Abstract: A hopper includes a handrail, a treadle, and a spring component, which is installed at the bottom of the hopper and touches the ground. The treadle is placed above the spring component and the handrail is place above the treadle and extends upward. The spring component has upper and lower arc boards and an auxiliary spring component. The upper and the lower arc boards assemble together to form a spring frame. The top of the upper arc board is fixed with the treadle and the lower arc board meets the ground. The auxiliary spring component is placed between the upper and lower arc boards to enhance the spring force of the arc boards as well as structural strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Yan-Yee Lee
  • Patent number: 7335139
    Abstract: The present invention provides an incremental weight system for use with a weight stack of an exercise machines. As described herein, the incremental weight system enables users to incrementally increase the lifting weight, by adding weights that weigh less then the weight of a weight block. The incremental weight system is integrated onto the top of the weight stack, having a weight selector handle operable connected to a pair of engagement pins. The weight selector handle enables the engagement pins to be extended from and retracted into the assembly housing as the weight selector handle is rotated. Incremental weights are disposed at opposite ends of the weight stack. By rotating the weight selector handle, the engagement pins are extended from the assembly housing and engage the increment weights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Cybex International, Inc.
    Inventors: Ricky J. Bartholomew, Arnold B. Gillen
  • Patent number: 7335140
    Abstract: A triceps dip exercise machine has a main frame, a user support pivotally mounted on the frame, an exercise arm movably mounted on the frame, a connecting link connecting movement of the exercise arm to movement of the user support, such that movement of the exercise arm between a start and end position simultaneously moves the user support from a start to an end position, and an exercise resistance for resisting movement of one of the moving parts. The arrangement is such that the combined movement of the exercise arm and user support substantially replicates the natural movement of the upper part of the human body when performing a free bar, suspended triceps dip exercise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Hoist Fitness Systems
    Inventors: Randall T. Webber, Christopher E. Brennan
  • Patent number: 7335141
    Abstract: Exercise apparatus is disclosed which enables a user to pull a cable against a source of resistance from a pulley arranged at one of a number of points around a substantially circular arc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: BVP Holding, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Piane, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7335142
    Abstract: This invention relates to a selectorized dumbbell having a handle that can be dropped down between nested left and right stacks of weight plates. The weight plates can comprise individual weights or a pair of weight plates, one from each stack, can be connected together to form a single weight. A selector is provided to allow the user to select a desired number of weight plates from each stack and couple such weight plates to the handle to provide an adjustable weight dumbbell. Each weight plate comprises a pair of thinner or partial thickness weight subplates that are abutted and welded together, e.g. a ½? weight plate is formed by a pair of ¼? weight subplates. This substantially decreases the cost of manufacturing the selectorized dumbbell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Intellex, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl K. Towley, III, Gregory S. Olson
  • Patent number: 7335143
    Abstract: An exercise machine that can simulate the act of paddling a kayak with a spinning flywheel to provide exercise resistance and also produce a gyroscopic force to rock the exercise platform for a realistic effect. The flywheel is mounting on a shaft with moving supports that allow the flywheel and shaft to articulate in one plane only. Paddling inputs from the operator cause the flywheel to spin and also apply a force couple to the flywheel shaft itself in a direction where there is freedom of movement. The force couple applied to the spinning flywheel shaft causes a gyroscopic reaction force that is 90 degrees offset and in a new plane where the mounting method for the shaft does not provide a freedom of motion to articulate. In this plane the forces are transmitted to the exercise platform and cause a rocking reaction due to the gyroscopic force of the spinning flywheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Robert Dana Lundahl
  • Patent number: 7335144
    Abstract: An exercise machine for exercising the muscles of the upper body, in which a pushing or pulling movement can be performed in a direction approxemalty between horizontal and vertical towards or away from the shoulder joint of the user, with the user seated in the same position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: John James Harrison
  • Patent number: 7335145
    Abstract: A foldable exercise bench has a base which engages the ground at one end and a back support pivotally mounted on the base for movement between a folded position flat against the support base and a plurality of different inclined exercise positions. A front leg pivoted to the support base engages the ground in a deployed position to support the forward end of the base in a position raised above the ground and is folded flat against the support base for storage. A support link pivoted to the back support has an end for engaging a selected one of a series of spaced retaining formations on the support base to hold the back support at a selected inclined orientation. The back support, support link and retaining formations are designed to nest together in the folded position to provide a compact storage arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Randall T. Webber
  • Patent number: 7335146
    Abstract: A portable resilient action exercise platform 10 permits the user to jog in place when indoors and provides an increasing resistance to deformation as the amount of deformation of the platform increases. A support assembly including a spaced array of flexible user selectable and replaceable resilient supporting blocks 12 provides a variable amount of support for the exercise platform so that the rebounding action of exercise platform 10 can be varied. Platform 10 preferably includes a spaced array of flexible user-replaceable resilient supporting blocks 12 to absorb the impact of the user's footfalls or movements, and is preferably constructed of strong, flexible structural polymer supported, preferably, by eight or nine resilient flexible user-replaceable foam supporting blocks 12, each preferably comprising a closed cell foam support of selected durometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Siegfried H. H. Gerstung
  • Patent number: 7335147
    Abstract: An apparatus in both single and multiple arm forms that adjustably and securely mounts to a variety of exercise equipment and provides adjustable and secure mounting for a laptop computer or similarly configured audio visual device. The apparatus allows for ergonomic access to the laptop or audio-visual equipment for users of various statures who use exercise equipment in various configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventors: Andrea Sieg Jones, Saumen Neil Bar, Kweku David Fleming, Bruce (Ying) Pan, Howard Shen, Dong Ik Kevin Shin, Chun Hsien (Johnson) Wu
  • Patent number: 7335148
    Abstract: An intermittently rotating table-type apparatus for manufacturing a bag equipped with spout(s). The apparatus attaches spout(s) to at least one of the mouths of a bag that are at both shoulders of the bag. The mouth(s) of the bag is expanded by bag mouth suction cups, and the main body of the bag is expanded by main body suction cups; and then the spout(s) is inserted in the bag mouth(s), and the inserted spout(s) is held by spout gripping members. When the bag is moved by the rotation of the table, a suction cup arm that supplies suction air to the suction cup and the suction cup are moved to follow the movement of the bag; and after the sealing is made to the bag and spout(s), the arm and the suction cup return to their original positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Toyo Jidoki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shoji Tsutsui, Kakue Nakamoto
  • Patent number: 7335149
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the automatic manufacture of flat bottom bags from a substantially continuous supply of a sealable material whereby the material is formed as a bag having a reinforced sealed flat bottom formed by an interior bag forming assembly that is cooperable with a relatively movable bottom platform with sealers and a movable folder assembly that folds the bottom of the bag and removes it from the bag former assembly after a length of the bag is severed from the remainder of the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Violet Hanson
  • Patent number: 7335150
    Abstract: In a method and apparatus for mechanically fastening an absorbent undergarment during the initial manufacturing thereof, the undergarment is transported in a transport direction and folded longitudinally by a folding device such that first and second end regions of the undergarment are in generally opposed relationship with each other while transporting the partially assembled garment in the transport direction to fastenably engaged first and second fastening portions of the undergarment. A central region of the absorbent undergarment is held by a holding device, separate from the folding device, against bunching between the end regions of the undergarment during longitudinal folding of the undergarment. In another embodiment, the transverse position of the second fastening portion is adjusted relative to the first fastening portion to facilitate fastening engagement therebetween upon folding the absorbent garment longitudinally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Daniel Coenen, Charles Robert Tomsovic, Thomas E. Williamson, Brian Thomas Anderson, Scott Beck, Robin Nason
  • Patent number: 7335151
    Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for making cushioning product, and a roll tensioner therefor apply frictional resistance to the periphery of a roll of material to be converted into cushioning product with at least one roll support member which supports the roll in addition to applying frictional resistance to rotation. Efficient operation is attained automatically in that the frictional resistance applied and also the pulling profile exerted on the material during unwinding of the roll are changed as a function of weight and/or other characteristics of the roll of material to be converted into cushioning product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Zsolt Design Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Zsolt Toth
  • Patent number: 7335152
    Abstract: A web forming machine, and a method of forming a web is described and which includes a first rotatable assembly; a second rotatable assembly positioned in spaced relation relative to the first rotatable assembly, and wherein a gap is defined between the first rotatable assembly, and the second rotatable assembly; and wherein a web of material to be formed is received in the gap; and means for reciprocally moving the first rotatable assembly into contact with the web, and into mating relation relative to the second rotatable assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: L. Gary Jensen
  • Patent number: 7335153
    Abstract: This invention provides high unit density arrays of microparticles and methods of assembling such arrays. The microparticles in the arrays may be functionalized with chemical or biological entities specific to a given target analyte. The high unit density arrays of this invention are formed on chips which may be combined to form multichip arrays according to the methods described herein. The chips and/or multichip arrays of this invention are useful for chemical and biological assays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Bio Array Solutions Ltd.
    Inventors: Michael Seul, Chiu Wo Chau, Hui Huang, Sukanta Banerjee, Jiacheng Yang, Ye Hong
  • Patent number: 7335154
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of radiation treatment of a human or non-human mammalian subject which comprises administering to said subject a therapeutically, prophylactically or pain-palliating amount of a bone targeting complex of an alpha-particle emitting thorium or actinium radionuclide, e.g. for the treatment of calcified tumors, bone tumors, bones, bone surfaces and soft tissues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Algeta AS
    Inventors: Roy Larsen, Gjermund Henriksen
  • Patent number: 7335155
    Abstract: An apparatus for delivering a formulation into a body in integer amounts includes a cannula with an insertion end for insertion into the body. The cannula includes a channel such as a tube to store the formulation. A rod is inserted into an end of the cannula opposite the insertion end; the rod has one end to contact the formulation and another end. The actuator controllably moves the rod through the tube of the cannula to deliver the formulation through the insertion end of the cannula.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael S. H. Chu
  • Patent number: 7335156
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for therapeutic administration to body parts digitally generated electromagnetic fields with trapezoidal, square, triangular and sawtoothed and other complex temporal field waveforms that are microcontroller controlled for a range of amplitude, frequency, and dc offsets; the apparatus providing programmed sequences of radiation waveforms. Multiple electromagnetic antennas establish a variety of field configurations for exposure of various body parts in the treatment of a wide range of afflictions including exfoliation of calcium deposits causing improvements in arthritis and other rheumatic diseases—osteoarthritis, nervous interconnection (neuropathies), etc., the treatment of tremors and seizures, migraine, hypertension, lower back pain, urinary incontinence, and premenstrual tension. Temperature sensors within the antennas are provided to limit the temperatures therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventors: Ernest Paul Pattern, Luis Alberto Rovedo
  • Patent number: 7335157
    Abstract: A humidifier module for use with a thermal support apparatus including an air passageway includes a water reservoir and a vapor chamber. A heater is associated with the vapor chamber to generate vapor to humidify air in the air passageway. The humidifier module is movable between a first position coupled to the thermal support apparatus and a second position spaced apart from the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Draeger Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ted W. Czupich, Felix J. Gryn
  • Patent number: 7335158
    Abstract: The invention is devices and techniques which use a negative (suction) pressure or vacuum, applied through a surgical instrument, to fix the position of a portion of the surface of a beating heart so that a surgical procedure can be more easily performed. The devices apply a negative pressure at several points on the outer surface of the heart such that a portion of the heart is fixed in place by the suction imposed through the surgical instrument. Because the instrument fixes the position of the tissue, and because the instruments remain at a constant distance from the particular portion of the heart where the surgery is being performed, the device may also serve as a support or platform so that other surgical instruments or devices can be advantageously used at the site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Cardiothoracic Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles S. Taylor
  • Patent number: 7335159
    Abstract: An endoscopic imaging system for examining a patient's body cavity includes an endoscope having a distal end, a proximal end and a number of lumens therein. One or more distal gas ports are disposed at or adjacent the distal end of the endoscope and one or more proximal gas ports are disposed proximal to the distal gas ports. Insufflation gas is delivered to the distal gas ports and withdrawn from the proximal gas ports or vice versa such that a gas bubble is formed in the body cavity and travels with the distal tip of the endoscope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: SciMed Life Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. Banik, Lucien Alfred Couvillon, Jr., Dennis R. Boulais, Anh Nguyen
  • Patent number: 7335160
    Abstract: An ultrasonic transmitting and receiving apparatus for performing the multibeam transmission capable of suppressing the increase in withstand voltage of the ultrasonic transducers and power consumption with increase of the number of transmission beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Tomoo Satoh
  • Patent number: 7335161
    Abstract: An implantable cardiac device is configured and programmed to collect blood pressure waveforms from one or more implantable pressure sensors. Techniques are described for extracting features and reducing noise in the pressure waveforms by averaging waveforms which are aligned with a detected cardiac cycle. Noise can also be reduced by gating and calibration functions performed in accordance with other sensor data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Von Arx, Abhi Chavan
  • Patent number: 7335162
    Abstract: A system for performing an analysis of pressure-signals derivable from pressure measurements on or in a body of a human being or animal, includes a communication interface for receiving a set of digital pressure sample values, a memory for storing these values, and a processor capable of performing the analysis, the processor having means to identify features related to single pressure waves in the pressure signals based on input of the digital data into the processor, and the processor further having determination means which based on the features is configured to a) determine a minimum pressure value related to diastolic minimum value and a maximum pressure value related to systolic maximum value, b) determine at least one parameter of the single wave parameters elected from the group of: pressure amplitude=?P=[(maximum pressure value)?(minimum pressure value)], latency (?T), rise time or rise time coefficient=?P/?T, and wavelength of the single wave, c) determine number of the single pressure waves occurri
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Sensometrics AS
    Inventor: Per Kristian Eide
  • Patent number: 7335163
    Abstract: A sphygmomanometer cuff assembly, air pump, pressure sensor and release valve are contained in an otherwise conventional computer mouse controller. Various alternative embodiments are illustrated and discussed herein. In one such embodiment the sphygmomanometer cuff is nominally positioned within the mouse structure and is extended outside the mouse housing during the measurement. In another embodiment, the cuff is always external of the mouse structure and is easily connected to the mouse at special ports during the measurement. In yet another embodiment, the cuff is always internal of the mouse structure and is readily accessible through an aperture in the housing surface of the mouse to permit the measurement to take place. Preferably, in each of these alternative embodiments a hinged or slidable door or panel protects the cuff or cuff ports between measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: CalHealth, Inc.
    Inventors: Phillip L. Lam, Ping Cheng Benjamin Liu
  • Patent number: 7335164
    Abstract: An integrated airway adapter capable of monitoring any combination of respiratory flow, O2 concentration, and concentrations of one or more of CO2, N2O, and an anesthetic agent in real time, breath by breath. Respiratory flow may be monitored with differential pressure flow meters under diverse inlet conditions through improved sensor configurations which minimize phase lag and dead space within the airway. Molecular oxygen concentration may be monitored by way of luminescence quenching techniques. Infrared absorption techniques may be used to monitor one or more of CO2, N2O, and anesthetic agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: NTC Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Leslie E. Mace, Lawrence L. Labuda, Perry R. Blazewicz, David R. Rich, Michael B. Jaffe, Joseph A. Orr, Scott A. Kofoed
  • Patent number: 7335165
    Abstract: There is described method and apparatus for taking a biopsy wherein the apparatus is formed of a biocompatible cylindrical member with an outer wall and a hollow core, the cylindrical member having a longitudinal axis. An opening in the outer wall of the member is provided and a cutting device cuts tissue entering the opening as it travels along the opening. Cut tissue is treated with a coagulating agent or member so that the coagulation occurs concurrently or just after the tissue is cut wherein the coagulation occurs at a trailing edge of the opening as it travels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Charles L. Truwit, Randal Nelson
  • Patent number: 7335166
    Abstract: The systems and methods involve creating an opening in the biological tissue of the patient and placing a sampling aperture of the extraction device over the opening. The sampling aperture is defined in a contact surface of the extraction device that is placed into contact with the tissue of the patient. A pump of the extraction device such as a depressible bulb sealed to the body is charged to create a vacuum between the pump through a sampling channel to the sampling aperture, and the vacuum draws the biological fluid from the tissue opening into the sampling channel. An access point is exposed to the sampling channel, and the sample of fluid may be accessed from the access point. The access point may be an extraction opening covered by an access door, and the access door is opened to access the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: SpectRx, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Faupel, Danny Lincoln