Patents Issued in March 18, 2008
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Patent number: 7344435Abstract: A hand-held power tool (10) is specified, comprising a work spindle (12) for driving a tool (68), said tool (68) being fastenable between a fastening element (38) and a holding portion (36) on a tool end of the work spindle (12), and a displacement device (24) for sliding the fastening element (38) between a released position in which the fastening element (38) can be detached from the work spindle (12) and a clamped position in which the fastening element (38) is clamped against the holding portion (36) by a spring element (48). The fastening element (38) includes a clamping shaft (42) that is insertable into the work spindle (12) and held in the clamped position by a lock assembly (54) inside the work spindle (12), and which can be removed when in the released position (FIG. 2).Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2006Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: C. & E. Fein GmbHInventors: Roland Pollak, Rolf Ziegler
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Patent number: 7344436Abstract: A method and an apparatus for separating thigh meat and oyster meat from the thighbone can automatically separate thigh meat and oyster meat without detecting the boundary of the white cap at an end of the thighbone and the meat including thigh meat and oyster meat. The apparatus includes a cutter that is inserted into the detected boundary part in the final operation of deboning a thigh-with-bone of an edible beast and bird. The apparatus has a clamper, a guide-with-a-groove device, and a guide-with-a-cutter device downstream of the guide-with-a-groove device provided on the transfer line of the clamper. Both guide devices are provided such that the open end side of each guide device, which is Y-shaped is directed toward upstream of transfer of the clamper.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2006Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Mayekawa Mfg. Co., Ltd.Inventors: Katsuhiro Hayakawa, legal representative, Koji Kido, Hiroyuki Hayakawa
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Patent number: 7344437Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for processing a carcass part of slaughtered poultry, which carcass part comprises at least part of a rib cage, meat which is naturally present on said rib cage, a neck opening, and a wing joint, the carcass part having an interior which method comprises the following steps: applying and fixing the carcass part to a product carrier, which product carrier is moveable and which product carrier engages the interior of the carcass part, moving a wing-joint positioning member via said neck opening into the interior of the carcass part, the wing-joint positioning member being provided with one or more wing-joint positioning surfaces, which are arranged in such a manner that, in a defined position of the first wishbone blade with respect to the carcass part, the wing-joint positioning surfaces hold said wing joint into a predetermined position, exerting an internal pressure on the carcass part, in such a manner that said one wing joint is supported in the predeterminedType: GrantFiled: April 27, 2007Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Stork PMT B.V.Inventors: Adrianus Josephes Van Den Nieuwelaar, Petrus Christianus Marius Janssen, Gerardus Johannes Catharina van Bussel
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Patent number: 7344438Abstract: There is provided an air conditioner for a vehicle, including an air intake provided on a vehicle compartment inner side of a quarter inner panel and on the side of the quarter inner panel, a fan provided on the side of the air intake port and performs forced ventilation, and a cover provided in front of the air intake port and causes operation noise of the fan emitted from the air intake port to interfere with each other so that the noise can be reduced. With this arrangement, operating noise of the fan emitted from the air intake can be reflected in a direction away from a passenger seated on a seat in a vehicle compartment.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2004Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kenichi Hiraishi, Shinichi Yamamuro, Naoya Satake
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Patent number: 7344439Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for distributing air in a blade server are disclosed. Embodiments may include a rotating damper having a damper door, sliding door, and connecting rod. The damper door may be rotatably attached to a blade server having a plurality of blade slots for receiving blades and may rotate between a blocking position and a flat position, where the damper door impedes air through a blade slot when in the blocking position. The sliding door may move between an open position and a closed position, where the sliding door allows airflow through an air opening while in the open position and blocks airflow through the air opening while in the closed position. A further embodiment may include an extension spring to apply a pulling force to the sliding door and a kick up spring to apply a pushing force to the damper door in the flat position.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2006Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Matthew S. Henry, David J. Jensen, Seth D. Lewis, Peter A. Smith
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Patent number: 7344440Abstract: A method of managing a gambling game having a banker role and one or more player roles. The method includes registering one or more users in a banker queue of users interested in being bankers of the game, registering one or more users in a player queue of users interested in being players in the game, selecting one or more users from the banker queue and one or more users from the player queue and playing the game by the selected users, the one or more users from the banker queue performing the banker role and the one or more users from the user queue acting as players.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2003Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: CV on Net N.V.Inventors: Alon Gonen, Ishai Shotten
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Patent number: 7344441Abstract: A method and apparatus for playing a card game is provided. A player receives three playing cards. The player arranges the cards in sequence and predicts where in the sequence a fourth card will fall. The player receives a fourth card. If the player's prediction is correct, the player wins. The player may wager on the success of the prediction and may wager on poker hands defined by the four cards received by the player.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2003Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Inventor: Thomas R. Diostilio
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Patent number: 7344442Abstract: A symbol display device is provided with a first reel unit, a second reel unit, and a third reel unit. Each of the first, the second, and the third reel unit is composed as a double reel structure with an inner reel and an outer reel. The inner reel and the outer reel are formed out of light-transmittable material and have translucent symbols arranged on their peripheries. A first light-emitting device is provided inside the inner reel to illuminate the symbols on the inner reel from behind of them and a second light-emitting device is provided between the inner reel and the outer reel to illuminate the symbols on the outer reel from behind of them. In order to illuminate the symbols on the outer reel, only the second light-emitting device is lit up, while the first light-emitting device is lit up in order to illuminate only the symbols on the inner reel.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2004Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: DRAGON Co., Ltd.Inventor: Haruo Inoue
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Patent number: 7344443Abstract: A game system using tokens allows a user to play a game on a mobile communication terminal at a location remote from a game hall. The game system includes a game hall (1) to lend tokens to a player so that the player may play game machines (3) installed in the game hall with the tokens, keep tokens deposited by the player after the play, and return the kept tokens to the player so that the player may play the game machines with the tokens, a management unit (7) provided for the game hall, connectable to the Internet and having a database (9) to store and update data on the kept tokens, a mobile communication terminal (13) connectable to the Internet to receive game content and allow the player to play a game on the mobile communication terminal, and a game content provider (11) to provide the game content to the Internet.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2002Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignees: Unirec Co., Ltd.Inventor: Junichi Yamagishi
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Patent number: 7344444Abstract: A gaming apparatus which is equipped with a basic game and bonus games and is improved in entertainment value by adopting a new type of game development. The gaming apparatus has a display having a plurality of display areas, on which areas symbols are to be displayed, and a controller. Under specific requirements irrelevant to a result of another bonus game, there is performed a corresponding bonus game matching the requirements. Further, at least one of a plurality of bonus games (i.e., a second bonus game) is executed when the specific requirements have been satisfied or when a specific result has been accomplished through another bonus game (i.e., a first bonus game).Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2002Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: ARUZE Co., Ltd.Inventor: Takahiro Suzuki
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Patent number: 7344445Abstract: The circular pool table with an elongated playing surface, parallel, spaced apart side cushions, and segment pocket units that can be pivoted upright to expose a pocket, is improved and now embodies adjustable playing surface and side cushion brackets, mechanical pocket closing apparatus, ball return deflectors, and troughs, a ball retreval pan, electro magnetic pocket open and closing apparatus, and the apparatus of a new game system, called 7 CUE POOL, that includes, 7 Red, 7 White, and 7 Blue consecutively numbered balls, a combination ball rack and jackpot play, diagram selector, spinner, a sliding arrow type score indicator, a distinctly marked jackpot cue ball, and a setof instructions ahd rules for playing the new game, 7 CUE POOL.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2006Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Inventor: James Robert McGovern
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Patent number: 7344446Abstract: The ball detection apparatus is for detecting when a golf ball is hit off a golf tee of an automatic golf ball teeing machine. The detection apparatus comprises a radar device for producing a first signal in response to detecting movement of a golf club towards the tee, a directional microphone for producing a second signal in response to detecting the sound of a golf club striking a golf ball and monitoring means for detecting a coincidence between the first and second signals. An automatic golf ball teeing machine including such ball detection apparatus is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2004Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Inventor: Martin Wyeth
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Patent number: 7344447Abstract: A handle structure for ball striking equipment includes an underlisting for passing a handle rod of a ball striking equipment through its interior and having a first section and a second section at its exterior, a wrapping strap fixed on the outside of the second section, and the wrapping strap and the first section of the underlisting divide a handle holding section into two gripping sections, and the first section gives a shock absorbing and a slippery resisting effects, and the wrapping strap provides a soft, comfortable and slippery-proof gripping effect.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2005Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Ming Hsing Leather Co., Ltd.Inventor: Chun-Fu Chang
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Patent number: 7344448Abstract: A golf club handle grip having a smooth exterior surface such as utilized in a conventional rubber golf club grip, but with such grip being tacky and shock absorbing as compared to a conventional rubber golf club grip.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2006Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Inventor: Ben Huang
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Patent number: 7344449Abstract: A golf club (20) having a club head (22) with an interchangeable shaft (40) is disclosed herein. The golf club (20) includes a tube (44, 144) mounted in the club head (22), and a sleeve (46, 146) mounted on a tip end (50) of the shaft (40). The tube (44, 144) includes a tapered portion (60, 160) and a rotation prevention portion (62, 162). The sleeve (46, 146) has a frustoconical portion (72, 172) and a keyed portion (74, 174) that are respectively received in the tapered portion (60, 160) and the rotation prevention portion (62, 162) of the tube (44, 144). The golf club (20) further includes a mechanical fastener (48, 148) for removably securing the shaft (40) to the club head (22).Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2006Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Callaway Golf CompanyInventors: Alan Hocknell, Matthew T. Cackett, Denver Holt, D. Clayton Evans, Daniel M. Stevens, James C. Wenck
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Patent number: 7344450Abstract: A metal golf club head that allows a user to customize the location of the center of gravity. The metal golf club head comprises a hollow body with a weighting port. The weighting port allows a user to place weighting material inside the hollow body, customizing the location of the center of gravity, the swing weight, the total weight, and the balance of the golf club.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2006Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Dogleg Right CorporationInventor: David P. Billings
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Patent number: 7344451Abstract: A putter-type club head (20) having a body (22) and a peripheral mass belt (23) is disclosed herein. The body (22) is preferably composed of an aluminum alloy. The body (22) includes a face portion (24), a crown portion (26), a sole portion (28) and a column portion (30). The crown portion (26) and the sole portion (28) extend rearward from the face portion (24). The peripheral mass belt (23) includes a central mass portion (80), a heel arc member (82) and a toe arc member (84). The face portion (24), the crown portion (26), the sole portion (28) and the peripheral mass belt (23) define a central aperture (32), which separates the crown portion (26) from the sole portion (28) and the face portion (24) from the central mass portion (80). The crown portion (26) preferably has an alignment means (40) thereon for aiming a golf ball during putting.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2004Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Callaway Golf CompanyInventors: Larry G. Tang, Augustin W. Rollinson
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Patent number: 7344452Abstract: A golf club head includes a front body formed of a titanium-based metal material, an FRP body, a metallic sole plate, and a weight member. The front body has a face portion, a metal sole portion, a metal side portion (toe), a metal crown portion, a metal side portion (heel), and a hosel portion. A slight gap is formed between a front side of the sole plate and the metal sole portion. Preferably, the front body is made of a titanium alloy, while the sole plate is made of stainless steel.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2004Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yasunori Imamoto, Hisashi Yamagishi
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Patent number: 7344453Abstract: A golf ball having a spherical shell with a plurality of internal structures is disclosed herein. A fluid material is disposed within the spherical shell. The plurality of internal structures influence the spin decay of the golf ball.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2007Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Callaway Golf CompanyInventors: Thomas J. Kennedy, III, Vincent J. Simonds, Mark L. Binette
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Patent number: 7344454Abstract: A three-piece solid golf ball having a solid core, an intermediate layer enclosing the solid core, and a cover layer enclosing the intermediate layer and having a large number of dimples formed in its surface, characterized in that the core deforms as much as 3.4 to 4.1 mm under a load which changes from 10 kg to 130 kg, the intermediate layer has a surface hardness of 64 to 69 in terms of Shore D hardness, the cover layer is formed mainly from thermoplastic polyurethane such that it has a lower hardness than the intermediate layer, with the difference in hardness between the cover layer and the intermediate layer being 10 to 16 in terms of Shore D hardness, the intermediate layer and the cover layer have a total thickness of 2.2 to 3.0 mm, the cover layer has a thickness of 0.8 to 1.3 mm, and the dimples have at least four different diameters and/or depths, with the average depth being 0.14 to 0.17 mm, and amount to 250 to 390 in all.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2006Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.Inventors: Junji Umezawa, Kazufumi Tabata
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Patent number: 7344455Abstract: The invention provides a solid golf ball having a solid core and a cover layer that encases the core and has an outermost layer on an outside surface of which are formed a plurality of dimples. The solid core is formed of a rubber composition composed of 100 parts by weight of a base rubber that includes 60 to 100 parts by weight of a polybutadiene rubber having a cis-1,4 bond content of at least 60% and synthesized using a rare-earth catalyst, 0.1 to 5 parts by weight of an organosulfur compound, an unsaturated carboxylic acid or a metal salt thereof, an inorganic filler, and an antioxidant. The solid core has a deformation, when compressed under a final load of 130 kgf from an initial load of 10 kgf, of 2.0 to 4.0 mm, and has a specific hardness distribution. The cover layer is formed primarily of a polyurethane material and has a thickness of 0.5 to 2.5 mm, a Shore D hardness at the surface of 50 to 70 and a flexural rigidity of 50 to 300 MPa.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2007Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., LtdInventor: Hiroshi Higuchi
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Patent number: 7344456Abstract: A golf tee is provided which is reversably extendable from a collapsed state to an extended state in order to adjust the overall length of the golf tee. The tee comprises a stem section for insertion into the ground, a head section on which a golf ball can be placed, and an intermediate section have a concertina-like shape that can be reversably moved from the collapsed to the extended state. The intermediate section of the tee is also preferably bendable so that the head section will easily move out of the way as it is struck by the golf club. A low cost golf tee having enhanced features is provided.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2004Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Inventor: Paul J. Hayton
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Patent number: 7344457Abstract: Apparatus to add weight to an athletic ball striking bat, having a taper along the bat length, comprising in combination a sleeve sized to extend about the bat at the taper location, the sleeve having associated retention means to engage the bat at a zone along said taper to resist lengthwise removal of the sleeve off the bat during bat swinging, a weight or weights carried by the sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2003Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Inventor: Raymond A. Liberatore
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Patent number: 7344458Abstract: A net system pivotally displacing a net between a playing position in a vertical plane bifurcating a playing area and a nearly horizontal elevated storage position freeing the playing area for other uses. Parallel poles are located on opposite sides of the playing area with a net coupled to the pair of poles to lie in a plane including the pair of poles. Coupling members couple pivot members to ceiling structure over the playing area. Supports have proximal ends fixed to an upper end of each of the pair of poles and a distal end extending on a common side of the plane defined by the net and poles. The distal end of the supports are coupled to the pivot members to allow the poles and net to be pivoted about an axis lying parallel to but outside the plane defined by the net and poles, the position of the pivot members ensuring a downward force on the playing surface by lower ends of the poles when the poles are in the vertical playing position.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2006Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Gared Holdings, LLCInventors: James J. Connerley, Andrew T. Snow
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Patent number: 7344459Abstract: An apparatus for use on a pitching mound includes a first platform being covered with an elastic material, a second platform being covered with artificial turf like material and the first platform being slightly raised with respect to the second platform.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2005Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Inventor: John Bykowsky
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Patent number: 7344460Abstract: A lacrosse head comprising a frame, a pocket attached to the frame, and at least one energy absorbing element engaging the frame to absorb energy from an impact to the pocket. Preferably, the frame, which includes a scoop, a throat, and sidewalls, includes energy absorbing elements positioned proximate to the throat and along the sidewalls of the frame. The energy absorbing elements can be positioned on an external surface of the perimeter of the frame. The frame includes pocket attachment apertures and the energy absorbing elements include apertures, wherein the apertures on the energy absorbing elements are substantially aligned with the pocket attachment apertures to secure the energy absorbing elements to the frame.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2006Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, Inc.Inventor: Paul Gait
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Patent number: 7344461Abstract: A baseball bat has a composite bat body including a grip, a handle and a barrel extending from the handle. The baseball bat also includes a generally tubular, resilient sleeve having greater impact absorption and resistance characteristics than the composite bat body. The sleeve is disposed adjacent to an exterior of the barrel of the bat body. The baseball bat further includes a mechanism for interconnecting the bat body and sleeve in a coaxial relation such that a portion of the bat body overlaps the sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2006Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Inventor: Thu Van Nguyen
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Patent number: 7344462Abstract: A torque transfer device allows torque to be input at one point of the device and transferred to another point of the device, at which the power or torque is taken from the device. The device incorporates a continuous direct drive comprised of a plurality of alternating pins and links which advance each other to provide the drive. The direct drive communicates with drive sprockets, traveling through the drive sprockets to rotate the drive sprockets to transfer torque.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2002Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Inventor: David R. Lund
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Patent number: 7344463Abstract: A sprocket assembly that includes at least three sprockets and a sprocket carrier having a plurality of radially extending carrier arms. The carrier arms include a first receiving surface and a second receiving surface opposite the first receiving surface. A first sprocket mounted to the first receiving surface and a second sprocket mounted to the second receiving surface. A third sprocket arranged between the first and second sprockets.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2003Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: SRAM CorporationInventor: Markus Reiter
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Patent number: 7344464Abstract: The electrically variable transmission family provides low-content, low-cost electrically variable transmission mechanisms including first, second and third differential gear sets, a battery and three electric machines serving interchangeably as motors or generators. The three motor/generators are operable in a coordinated fashion to yield an EVT with a continuously variable range of speeds (including reverse).Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2006Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventor: Patrick B. Usoro
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Patent number: 7344465Abstract: A machine, including a hydraulic pump and one or more hydraulic implements connected to the hydraulic pump. The machine may also include a hydraulic motor connected to the hydraulic pump and one or more propulsion devices. Additionally, the machine may include drive-system controls operable to selectively cause the hydraulic motor to supply power to one or more of the propulsion devices.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2005Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: William Christopher Swick, Jerry Dwight Marr, Friedrich Konrad Diecke
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Patent number: 7344466Abstract: A hydraulic control system of a seven-speed automatic transmission that provides enhanced overall performance by achieving precise and effective control by providing a fail-safe function in at least two ways.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2005Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Jin Mo Park
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Patent number: 7344467Abstract: A self regulating continuously variable torque transmission in which two planetary gears of lesser diameter drive two internal gears of greater diameter by orbiting and rotating around an output shaft which forms the rotational axis of the ring gears. Planetary gear orbit is constant while rotation is variable. Loads greater than available torque cause the ring gears to rotate at a lesser velocity than torque input, causing the planetary gears to rotate at a lesser velocity than torque input. To compensate for this, a carrier mounted on the output shaft rotates at a reduced velocity, reducing planetary gear rotation. This carrier provides two diametrically opposed axes, one each for two crankshafts which rotate on these axes during reduced planetary gear rotation, carrying each planetary gear in orbit around a separate axis. These two movements are created by an input crankshaft with one throw and a second crankshaft mounted by bearings on the input throw.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2006Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Inventor: Clifford Orval Daniels
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Patent number: 7344468Abstract: A bicycle crank speed change sprocket module includes a fixed star gear having a ratchet around its internal periphery, at least two planet gears and two chains pivotally coupled and axially disposed on both sides of a plate, and the plate is driven to rotate by a crank pedal, and the fixed star gear is engaged to the ratchets on the internal periphery of the planet gear and acted by the planet gear for a faster rotation; a freewheel sprocket freely and rotably coupled to the axle of the crank pedal and disposed proximate to the two chain wheels; and a ratchet disposed on the external periphery of the freewheel sprocket, a chain wound thereon, and the chain is engaged by at lest one chain gear, so that the rotary speed of the chain is much faster than that of the crank pedal for a speed change effect.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2005Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Inventor: Chin-Chuo Chuo
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Patent number: 7344469Abstract: A drive axle assembly includes first and second axleshafts and a drive mechanism coupling a driven input shaft to the axleshafts. The drive mechanism includes a differential assembly, a planetary gear assembly operably disposed between the differential assembly and the first axleshafts, a transfer clutch and first and second brakes. The first brake is operable with the transfer clutch and the planetary gear assembly to increase the rotary speed of the first axleshaft which, in turn, causes a corresponding decrease in the rotary speed of the second axleshaft. The second brake is operable with the transfer clutch and the planetary gear assembly to decrease the rotary speed of the first axleshaft so as to cause an increase in the rotary speed of the second axleshaft. A control system controls actuation of both brakes and the transfer clutch.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2006Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.Inventors: Anupam Sharma, Timothy M. Burns
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Patent number: 7344470Abstract: A power transmission incorporates an input planetary gearset and an output planetary gearset, which are interconnected by a plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms to establish at least seven forward speed ratios. The input planetary gearset has one member selectively connected with the input shaft and another member continuously connected with a stationary member. The output planetary gearset has one member continuously connected with the output shaft and a plurality of the members interconnected either with a stationary member through the torque-transmitting mechanisms or with the third member of the input planetary gearset to the torque-transmitting mechanisms, or with the input shaft through a torque-transmitting mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2005Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Pierre Adolf, Cyrille Bridier, Matthieu Rihn
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Patent number: 7344471Abstract: An automatic transmission comprises a planetary gear train (PG) including a sun gear (S) connected to a first main shaft (3), a carrier (C) and a ring gear (R); a first gear train (G1) including a first drive gear (6) connected to the ring gear (R), and a first driven gear (7) disposed rotatably over a countershaft (5) and meshed with the first drive gear (6); a third gear train (G3) including a third drive gear (10) disposed rotatably with respect to the carrier (C), and a third driven gear (11) connected to the countershaft (5) and meshed with the third drive gear (10); a first brake (B1) for holding the ring gear (R) stationary, a first clutch (C1) for engaging/disengaging the first driven gear (7) to/from the countershaft (5); a third clutch (C3) for engaging/disengaging the third drive gear (10) to/from the carrier (C); and a fourth clutch (C4) for bringing the sun gear (S) and the ring gear (R) into engagement/disengagement with each other.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2004Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Soichi Sugino, Tsukasa Takahashi
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Patent number: 7344472Abstract: A power system includes a prime mover, a transmission, and a fluid coupler having a selectively engageable lockup clutch. The fluid coupler may be drivingly connected between the prime mover and the transmission. Additionally, the power system may include a motor/generator drivingly connected to at least one of the prime mover and the transmission. The power-system may also include power-system controls configured to execute a control method. The control method may include selecting one of a plurality of modes of operation of the power system. Additionally, the control method may include controlling the operating state of the lockup clutch dependent upon the mode of operation selected. The control method may also include controlling the operating state of the motor/generator dependent upon the mode of operation selected.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2005Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Christopher Dale Hickam
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Patent number: 7344473Abstract: A hydraulic transmission (21) has an electric actuator (86) for changing its output/input rotation speed ratio. A controller (90) of the actuator memorizes a command current value to the actuator supposing that load is not applied on the hydraulic transmission, and calculates a value of load applied on the hydraulic transmission by calculating a difference between an actual command current value to the actuator and the memorized command current value. A command current value is compensated based on the value of load, and the actuator receives feedback to be controlled. A vehicle may have a differential mechanism (10), which combines rotation powers on input side and output side of the hydraulic transmission. A detector (82) detects rotation speed of a main speed change output shaft (27) serving as an output shaft of the differential mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2006Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignees: Yanmar Agricultural Equipment Co., Ltd., Yanmar Co., Ltd.Inventors: Fumio Ishibashi, Yukio Kubota, Yasuo Noma, Akifumi Kuroda
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Patent number: 7344474Abstract: A control for an automated mechanical transmission system (10) including, an automated master clutch (20/39). The system controller (46) will sense vehicle operating conditions (54) to command the most appropriate of dynamic shifts performed with the master clutch engaged or dynamic shifts performed by disengaging and then re-engaging the master clutch.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2005Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Anthony Stasik, Jeffrey P. Hawarden
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Patent number: 7344475Abstract: A method for controlling of a drive train of a vehicle having a multi-group transmission, an output mechanism and a control apparatus for the regulation of the drive train. The multi-group transmission consists of an automatic transmission and a range group. To change the ratio of the range group the drive train is relieved of load; a shifting element of the range group is closed; a shifting element of the range group is synchronized and opened; and a ratio of the automatic transmission is so altered that a change of the ratio of the multi-group transmission is less than in a case of an individual alteration of the ratio of the range group.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2003Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Christoph Pelchen, Detlef Baasch, Barbara Schmohl, Ünal Gazyakan
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Patent number: 7344476Abstract: A system for staring an automatic car in safety and a method thereof, comprises: an engine speed detecting unit; a foot brake input detecting unit; a gear position detecting unit detecting whether a gear shift lever is in the neutral (N) position; a vehicle speed sensing unit parallel with the foot brake input detecting unit; a control unit making the engine not started when the foot brake is not operative and the gear shift velvet is not in the neutral position; a starting device starting the engine under the control of the control unit; and vacuum apparatus under the control of the control unit for sucking air in a Hydro-vac and turning the Hydro-vac into a vacuum state.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2003Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Inventor: Hyun-Oh Shin
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Patent number: 7344477Abstract: An automatic transmission for a vehicle includes a multi-plate clutch having an applied state and a released state and an overrunning clutch having an engaged state and an overrunning state. In addition, the transmission includes a controller that effectuates a gear shift of the transmission by applying a volume of fluid to the multi-plate clutch to toggle the multi-plate clutch from the released state to the applied state at approximately the same time the overrunning clutch is toggled into the overrunning state. The applied volume of fluid at which the multi-plate clutch is applied is substantially given by the following equation: VF=VL?(k*T) where VF is the volume, VL is the instantaneous volume at any time, k is a constant, and T is the input torque to the transmission.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2005Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Chrysler LLCInventors: Hussein A Dourra, Teddy Siy, Javed Dada, Ali M Mourtada
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Patent number: 7344478Abstract: A procedure for controlling a start-up assistant control of a vehicle with a transmission, an automatically controllable clutch and at least an automatically controllable brake affecting the wheels of the vehicle, which can be activated by the driver to halt the vehicle and which with the start-up assistant control unit increases the jerking degree of the clutch on activation of a starting operating system and which at least releases the brakes. The jerk degree of the clutch, which signals the brakes to be released is selected dependent on the operating reactions of the drive train actuators, derived from the current accelerator pedal position and/or accelerator pedal adjustment speed. It can be guaranteed by considering the dead time between the issuance of a release instruction of the brakes and the actual release of the brakes along with, release of torque of the engine, the desired torque corresponds to the brake.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2005Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventor: Ulrich Reith
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Patent number: 7344479Abstract: An electromagnetic clutch selectively transferring engine power for a manual transmission includes a stator fixedly connected to an engine crankshaft via a flywheel, having an electromagnet and a lining drum, a clutch rotor for transmitting the engine power to a transmission power shaft by means of the magnetic force of the stator, a lining selectively contacting or releasing the lining drum of the stator, and a lining arm being rotated so that an end portion thereof presses the lining to the lining drum for physical contact between the lining and the lining drum.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2005Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Inventor: Jung Ho Baek
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Patent number: 7344480Abstract: Various linkage arrangements link rotation of left and right cranks to movement of left and right foot supports through generally elliptical paths. The linkage arrangements may also link rotation of the cranks to reciprocal movement of left and right handles. Also, connection points defined by the linkage arrangements may be moved relative to one another and/or a supporting frame to adjust the size, shape, and/or orientation of the elliptical paths.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2005Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Inventors: Joseph D. Maresh, Kenneth W. Stearns
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Patent number: 7344481Abstract: The present invention relates to exercise apparatuses. In more particular the present invention relates to a self-adjusting treadmill having a moveable console and a self-adjusting cushioning assembly. According to one aspect of the present invention, the moveable console and the self-adjusting cushioning assembly of the treadmill automatically adjust based on user parameters. The user parameters can be input by the user or automatically detected when the user steps on the treadmill by the movable console and/or the cushioning mechanisms. In one embodiment, when the user stands on the treadmill, the console detects the height of the user and is automatically raised or lowered to tailor the positioning of the console relative to the height of the user.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2004Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Icon IP, Inc.Inventors: Scott R. Watterson, William T. Dalebout, Darren C. Ashby
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Patent number: 7344482Abstract: This new and unique adjustable cantilevered aquatic exercise device offers a clean modern appearing device for exercising on the side of a swimming pool or from the end of a diving board. By mounting two extension arms to two horizontal support arms connected and mounted to the pool deck surface by mounting plates, angle-mounting brackets or slid over the end of the diving board, a single exercise bar may be relocated between pluralities of orifices on the extension arms to achieve a wide variety of elevations to exercise at the side of a swimming pool. This device can be pivoted back from the edge of the pool and remains completely out of the water when in use, not requiring the need to be constructed from expensive materials, and may be finished with a wide variety of rust preventative and cushioned coatings.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2004Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Inventor: Stanley J. Checketts
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Patent number: 7344483Abstract: A footstool is described which allows to exercise feet, legs and ankles even while being in a seated position.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2003Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Inventor: Enrico Tacconi
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Patent number: 7344484Abstract: A multi-exercise apparatus for chair base attachment to an office chair or other commonly used chair. The attachment is easily engaged and disengaged via the clamp. The apparatus provides loops disposed at the clamp and on the upper end of the vertical member. The loops provide for attachment of the elastomers of the apparatus. The elastomers are provided with varied handles for various exercise choices. A user can perform a variety of exercises and exercises for opposed muscles groups, thereby benefiting from balanced exercises from the chair. The apparatus does not interfere with normal chair usage.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2006Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Inventor: Mark A. Porcellato