Patents Issued in October 21, 2008
  • Patent number: 7438636
    Abstract: A chemical mechanical polishing pad is suitable for polishing at least one of semiconductor, optical and magnetic substrates. The polishing pad has a high modulus component forming a continuous polymeric matrix and an impact modifier within the continuous polymeric matrix. The high modulus component has a modulus of at least 100 MPa. The impact modifier includes a low modulus component having a modulus of at least one order of magnitude less than the high modulus component that increases the impact resistance of the polishing pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Rohm and Haas Electronic Materials CMP Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Mary Jo Kulp, David B. James, Robert F. Antrim
  • Patent number: 7438637
    Abstract: A method for gas stunning of poultry for slaughter is in which the poultry arrives at the poultry slaughterhouse, for example, in transport crates, where the poultry is subjected to gas after the poultry have been taken out of the transport crates, and where the poultry are conveyed by conveyors (18, 20, 24, 32) successively through a stunning chamber (8). The influence of the stunning gas for stunning of the poultry is adjusted in the stunning chamber by reducing or increasing by adjusting an effective length of at least one conveyor in the stunning chamber (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Linco Food Systems A/S
    Inventors: Jørgen Zachariassen, Poul Kjeldsen
  • Patent number: 7438638
    Abstract: A method of providing an electronic equipment enclosure having a plurality of panels, including identifying at least one panel through which air is intended to flow, determining the design parameters of the identified panel, and providing an electronic equipment enclosure that includes the identified panel, constructed according to the determined design parameters. Determining the design parameters of the identified panel includes first establishing a maximum ratio of open area to closed area of between 60% and 70% and then determining one or more other parameters of the design of the identified panel in view of the established maximum ratio of open area to closed area. Other parameters include the material of which the identified panel is to be constructed, its thickness, and its rigidity. Specific enclosures benefiting from the design process are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Chatsworth Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Evans Lewis, II, Ian Seaton, James I. Lawrence
  • Patent number: 7438639
    Abstract: When stopping all of simulated reels results in magnet symbols belonging to two or more adjacent reels being in a form that the magnet symbols attract each other, the adjacent reels are linked to each other. After that, the reels are variably displayed and stopped with the link of the adjacent reels kept.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Aruze Corp.
    Inventor: Akira Osawa
  • Patent number: 7438640
    Abstract: Described herein are various systems and methods for providing gaming activities, these particularly relating to gaming activities where a plurality of players provide respective entry fees. Traditional gaming activities necessarily involve the player putting his or her entry fee at risk. The present invention, at least in some of its preferred forms, modifies the traditional approaches of operating such gaming activities so that the player's entry fee is not necessarily placed entirely at risk. Indeed, in some embodiments a player is provided with an option to participate on the basis that his or her entry fee is wholly refundable while retaining the opportunity to win prizes, potentially alongside more risky though still modified participation by other players.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: G5 Enterprizes Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Marc Amour
  • Patent number: 7438641
    Abstract: A gaming device having a translating and rotating mechanical display device operable to indicate at least one component of a player's award. In one embodiment the display device is operated as a bonus game of a base game, for example a slot base game. In one embodiment, the object is rotatable and translatable along the same axis. In one embodiment, the object is balloon shaped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventor: Joseph R. Hedrick
  • Patent number: 7438642
    Abstract: A method and system for operating a video game or video game tournament (e.g., via a Web site) is disclosed. In accordance with the method and system a bonus is provided to a player playing the video game or participating in the video game tournament. In some embodiments a bonus is provided to the player if a rating associated with the player is worse than a threshold rating. In some embodiments a bonus is provided to the player if the occurrence of at least one predetermined condition is identified. Such a condition may be, for example, a condition that indicates the player will soon cease playing the video game or participating in the tournament.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Walker Digital, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Russell P. Sammon, Magdalena M. Fincham
  • Patent number: 7438643
    Abstract: Open architecture communication systems and methods are provided that allow flexible data transmission between gaming machines and other devices and nodes within a gaming machine network. The gaming machine and other devices employ a communication interface that sends and receives data via a common communication protocol and via common communication hardware. The communication interface and common communication protocol allow data transfer between gaming machines and other network nodes such as gaming service servers, despite the presence of different proprietary gaming machine functions and proprietary communication protocols and despite the presence of various proprietary hardware and proprietary communication protocols relied on by the servers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: William R. Brosnan, Steven G. LeMay, Warner Cockerille, Dwayne Nelson, Robert Breckner
  • Patent number: 7438644
    Abstract: A support frame having a first end frame portion having an apex, a second end frame portion having an apex and spaced laterally from the first frame portion, and a ground-engaging portion coupled to each of the end frame portions is disclosed. A plurality of resilient members connect a seat to the frame, each running from the seat to a point on one of the end frame portions below the apex. The seat is suspended from the end frame portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Domenic T. Gubitosi, Brian S. Kelly
  • Patent number: 7438645
    Abstract: A golf club includes a head, a retaining ring, a tightening ring, an adjusting sleeve, a hosel, a fixing sleeve, a coupler, and a shaft. A pin is threadedly engaged with a transverse screw hole of the neck and a transverse screw hole of the hosel and extended into a transverse hole of the coupler, such that the shaft is pivotable about the pin to allow adjustment in the tilt angle between the shaft and the head. The golf club provides a tilt adjustable mechanism with a strong structure while providing reliable tilt adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Inventor: Hsin I Hsu
  • Patent number: 7438646
    Abstract: An underlisting sleeve for use with a golf club, the underlisting sleeve having a cap and a nipple. The underside of the cap is formed with a downwardly facing circumferential slot. The nipple is formed with an upwardly facing groove having an outer portion being defined by a flexible circumferential lip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Inventor: Ben Huang
  • Patent number: 7438647
    Abstract: A golf club (40) having a club head (42) with a face component (60) and an aft body (61) is disclosed herein. The face component (60) has a striking plate portion (72) and a return portion (74). The aft-body (61) is composed of a crown portion (62), a sole portion (64) and optionally a ribbon section (90). The face component (60) is composed of a metal material, and the aft-body (61) is composed of an injectable polymer material such as a nylon. A plating layer (300) is disposed on at least a portion of the aft-body (61). The plating layer (300) preferably comprises a nanocrystalline material. The club head (42) preferably has a volume in the range of 290 cubic centimeters to 600 cubic centimeters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventor: Alan Hocknell
  • Patent number: 7438648
    Abstract: A high inertia golf putter head is generally wedge-shaped, with the leading face being less wide than the trailing face. Cavities and weights are provided to optimize the moment of inertia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Bret H. Wahl, Mike Walker, Robert Nunez, Marni Ines
  • Patent number: 7438649
    Abstract: A golf club head is formed from a front-face body made of a metal material, an FRP body, a metal sole plate, and a weight member. The front-face body is formed from a front-face body main body made of a crystalline metal, and a face plate which is fitted in an opening of the front-face body main body and fixedly attached thereto by means of caulking and which is made of an amorphous metal. The front-face body main body includes a face, a metal sole, a metal side portion (toe), a metal crown portion, a metal side portion (heel), and a hosel. A front edge of the sole plate and the metal sole are separated with a gap of about 4 to 12 mm therebetween, which forms the FRP body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Ezaki, Yasunori Imamoto
  • Patent number: 7438650
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a novel thermoplastic material and a golf ball utilizing the thermoplastic material. The golf ball (10) preferably comprises a core (12), a cover (16) and optionally a boundary layer (14). At least one of the core (12), cover (16) or boundary layer (14) of the golf ball (10) comprises the thermoplastic material. The thermoplastic material comprises a partially to highly neutralized blend of copolymers additionally comprising a fatty acid or fatty acid salt. The golf ball component of the invention has soft feel and resilience that is maintained or improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Thomas J. Kennedy, III, Mark L. Binette
  • Patent number: 7438651
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved golf ball displaying the desired spin profile and having a generally rigid, thermoset polybutadiene outer core surrounding a relatively soft, low compression inner core. In general, this golf ball has an inner core and at least one outer core layer surrounding the inner core. The inner core has a hardness less than a hardness of the outer core and a specific gravity less than or equal to the outer core specific gravity. Overall the inner core compression and outer core are formulated to provide a combined overall core compression of greater than about 50, preferably greater than about 70. A cover layer is provided to surround and to cover the outer core layer. A moisture barrier layer is provided between the outer core layer and the cover layer to protect the inner and outer cores from degradation due to exposure to water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Derek A. Ladd, Antonio U. DeSimas
  • Patent number: 7438652
    Abstract: A ball marker is provided with a pivotal member (2) that is constituted by a hinged portion (5), a shaft piercing portion (6) and an insertion portion (7) and allowed to pivot, and a main body (3) that allows the pivotal member (2) to be inserted therein and shaft-engaged thereto, and in this structure, when the hinged portion (5) is raised upright on the surface of the main body (3), the insertion portion (7) is also raised upright on the back surface of the main body (3) cooperatively, and when the hinged portion (5) is laid down on the surface of the main body (3), the insertion portion (7) is also laid down on the back surface of the main body (3) cooperatively, so that a housing section used for housing the insertion portion (7) is formed on the back surface of the main body (3); thus, the insertion portion (7) is made virtually flush with the back surface of the main body, with the hinged portion (5) and the insertion (7) portion being laid down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignees: SRI Sports Ltd., Dunlop Sports Enterprises Ltd.
    Inventor: Akio Kuroda
  • Patent number: 7438653
    Abstract: A device and method are provided for training a person to swing a bat or club while rotating the person's hips. The device includes a belt for attaching around a person's hips, a restraint device attached to the back side of the belt, and an anchor system slidably attached to the restraint device. The restraint device can be a nylon strap sewn to the back side of the belt. The anchor system comprises a flexible member, such as a rope, with a first ring attached at one end for slidable attachment to the restraint device. The other end of the anchor system can be tethered to a stationary object or held by a coach. A clip can be attached to the restraint device for limiting the extent of movement of the anchor system along the restraint device and for providing a reference point for swing training.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: AnderMort LLC
    Inventor: Sandra L. Anderson
  • Patent number: 7438654
    Abstract: Structure of toy tennis racket, which mainly improves composition of hitting face of toy tennis racket; it stretches string that one side is adhesive across holes around head of tennis racket in horizontal and longitudinal to make network, so that one side of this network is adhesive face and another side is the hitting face; such combination makes hitting face of toy tennis racket that can produce rebound force owing to the flexible network, furthermore, such racket may provide best ventilation effect to reduce wind resistance, you can hit ball easily as if playing with real tennis racket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Inventor: Liang-Fa Hu
  • Patent number: 7438655
    Abstract: A composite hockey stick blade having a rib stiffening system. The rib stiffening system consists of one or more internal wall structures, or ribs, located within strategic portions of the rear face of the paddle that provides localized regions of increased longitudinal stiffness located within the overall structure of the paddle. These ribs may also control the torsional rigidity of the paddle. The ribs also reduce the weight of the blade without reducing the stiffness and rigidity of the blade. The hockey stick blade may be utilized as a replacement blade for a two-piece hockey stick, or may be a portion of a one-piece hockey stick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Warrior Sports, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory Isaac Garcia
  • Patent number: 7438656
    Abstract: The present technology relates to laminated ball bats and a methodology for making the same. The disclosed technology provides for a laminated blank suitable for machining into a laminated bat having a generic bat shape (such as a bat consisting of a handle and a barrel where the handle has a smaller diameter than the barrel) that offers greater flexibility in changing the bat's weight distribution. Using lamination technology, various portions of a blank may be constructed having different densities (and associated weights) thereby decoupling such blank's length/weight properties. Such technology provides a method of positioning a bat's center of mass (CM) at various locations along the bat thereby changing the location of the bat's sweet spot zone center. Bats constructed in accordance with the disclosed technology may have a variety of pre-selected weight distributions while maintaining a particular bat shape and a particular overall bat weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Inventors: Marc Christian Davis, Walter Dennis Davis, Wallace Jay Davis
  • Patent number: 7438657
    Abstract: A bicycle front derailleur includes a fixing member, a chain guide and a linkage mechanism. The fixing member includes axially aligned first and second attachment flanges. The linkage mechanism couples the chain guide to the fixing member for movement between a retracted position and an extended position. The linkage mechanism includes a first link, a second link, a first pivot pin and a second pivot pin. The second link is rotatably coupled to the first and second attachment flanges. The first pivot pin rotatably couples the second link to the first attachment flange, and the second pivot pin rotatably couples the second link to the second attachment flange. One of the first and second pivot pins is retained in place at both ends, and the other is retained at one end only.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Etsuo Nakai, Nobuyoshi Fujii
  • Patent number: 7438658
    Abstract: A bicycle front derailleur includes a chain guide that is provided with a pushing element that is movable relative to the chain guide to assist in shifting a bicycle chain from a smaller front sprocket to an adjacent larger sprocket. The chain guide is part of a movable member that is movably coupled to a base member via a linkage assembly. The pushing element has a contact surface that preferably moves both laterally outwardly and longitudinally as the pushing element moves from a first position to a second position. Preferably, the pushing element is chain activated and arranged to move at least laterally outwardly by contacting a chain that is moving between inner and outer chain guide members of the movable member. Preferably, the pushing element is either a slidable member or a rotatable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Toshio Tetsuka, Etsuyoshi Watarai
  • Patent number: 7438659
    Abstract: A device for controlling belt lubrication and cooling of a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) is improved for minimizing fluid consumption and improving cooling efficiency by changing the nozzle spraying direction for belt lubrication and cooling. The device for controlling belt lubrication and cooling of the CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) comprises a fluid control portion operated by flowing of a fluid pressure supplied to a primary pulley and a secondary pulley, and a fluid supply portion for controlling a predetermined fluid supply according to movement of the fluid control portion and being connected to the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Yeon Ho Kim, Hyun Suk Kim, Doo Hwan Seok
  • Patent number: 7438660
    Abstract: A pressure regulator valve is provided having a valve spool slidably disposed within a stepped bore defined by a valve body. A first pressure responsive surface area is defined on the valve spool and is subject to pressurized fluid from a main pressure source. A second pressure responsive surface area is defined on the valve spool and is subject to pressurized fluid from a control source. Additionally, a third pressure responsive surface area is defined on the valve spool and is selectively subject to pressurized fluid from one of the main pressure source and the control source. A sleeve is slidably disposed within the stepped bore, the sleeve being operable to selectively distribute pressurized fluid from one of the main pressure source and the control source to the third pressure responsive surface area to effect a change in pressure gain of the pressure regulator valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Charles F. Long, Jeffrey J. Cole, Phillip F. McCauley
  • Patent number: 7438661
    Abstract: An improved differential gear mechanism is characterized by a lockout mechanism (129) operably associated with a latch member (119) that cooperates with a flyweight mechanism (53) to retard differentiating action in the differential gear mechanism. The lockout mechanism (129) includes a lockout member (131) positionable, in response to an input signal, in a normal condition and a lockout condition. In the normal condition, the lockout member (131) permits the latch member (119) to move freely between a locking position and an unlocking position. In the lockout condition, the lockout member (131) prevents the latch member (119) from moving into the locking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Kyle, Keith E. Morgensai, Thomas L. Sape, Gregory L. Heatwole
  • Patent number: 7438662
    Abstract: A six-speed power train of an automatic transmission for a vehicle includes: a first, double pinion planetary gear set including a first operational element always operating as an input element, a second operational element selectively operating as an output and a fixed element, and a third operational element selectively operating as an input element, an output element, and a fixed element; a second, Ravingneaux type planetary gear set including a first operational element selectively operating as an input element, a second operational element always operating as an output element, a third operational element selectively operating as an input element and a fixed element, and a fourth operational element selectively operating as a fixed element; a plurality of clutches disposed between and variably connecting operational elements of the first and second planetary gear sets; and a plurality of brakes variably connecting a transmission housing with one of the fixed elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Hoon Chang, Wook Jin Jang
  • Patent number: 7438663
    Abstract: A compound gear system and method comprising a flexible gear defining an array of gear elements in an articulating relationship, a rigid structure defining first and second spaced parallel pluralities of articulating gear support structures arrayed in a ring, the articulating gear reeved tightly about and engaging the support structures, thereby restraining the flexible articulating gear from moving inwardly or rotationally relative to the rigid structure while enabling the flexible gear to expand outward, and at least one sprocket gear having a plurality of sprocket teeth aligned to engage flexible gear element middle areas. The support structures transmit torque between the flexible gear elements and the rigid structure responsive to interaction of the flexible gear element middle areas with the sprocket gear teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Merritt Armstrong Osborn
    Inventors: Merritt A. Osborn, Theodore Radisek
  • Patent number: 7438664
    Abstract: In a hybrid vehicle incorporating an internal combustion engine having an in-cylinder injector and a motor, when the temperature of the in-cylinder injector rises, if a current engine operation point is inside a prescribed intermediate load range (deposit risk range) where the temperature of the in-cylinder injector tends to rise, an engine load is increased or reduced while an engine speed is maintained, to thereby change the engine operation point to an engine operation point inside a low load range or to an engine point inside a high load range. A reduction or an increase in the engine output associated with the change of the engine operation point is compensated for by increasing or reducing the output of the motor. Thus, deposit accumulation in the in-cylinder injector is avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kenichi Saito
  • Patent number: 7438665
    Abstract: A control system for an internal combustion engine having a plurality of cylinders and a switching mechanism for switching between an all-cylinder operation in which all of the plurality of cylinders are operated and a partial-cylinder operation in which at least one of the plurality of cylinders is halted. A condition for performing the partial-cylinder operation is determined, based on the detected operating parameters of the vehicle driven by the engine. A result of the determination is modified so that the partial-cylinder operation may be continued, when the detected operating parameters satisfy a predetermined continuation condition within a predetermined time period from the time a vehicle operating state where the condition for performing the partial-cylinder operation is satisfied, has changed to another vehicle operating state where the condition for performing the partial-cylinder operation is not satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jiro Takagi, Yasuaki Asaki, Nobuyuki Kawaguchi, Makoto Segawa, Hirosuke Niwa
  • Patent number: 7438666
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for adjusting the gearbox actuation system of an automatic gearbox of a vehicle, whereby at least one reference travel is made with the gear engaged. The invention further relates to a gearbox actuation system for selecting and engaging gears in an automatic gearbox of a vehicle, especially for carrying out the inventive method, whereby at least one reference travel is made for the purpose of adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Klaus Kupper, Klaus Henneberger, Jorg Metzger, Reinhard Berger, Frank Stengel
  • Patent number: 7438667
    Abstract: An oral exercise device that is portable, that has adjustable resistance and that allows the tongue to perform isotonic exercises in an environment that closely approximates the natural configuration of the tongue and the mouth to improve disorders of speech and swallowing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Jo Anne Robbins, Jacqueline A. Hind, Angela L. Hewitt
  • Patent number: 7438668
    Abstract: A hurdle has contiguous trigger tubes along the telescoping tubes. A trigger mechanism inside each trigger tube is used to adjust the height of the hurdle. The trigger mechanism contains a pivoting vertical rod with an inwardly directed perpendicular upper end that extends out of the hole in the trigger tube to form a button and an outwardly directed perpendicular pin at its lower end that engages one of the holes in the upright. The vertical rod has a horizontal pivot bar attached midway along its outward surface. The lower end of the vertical rod is connected to a spring compressed within the trigger tube that forces the pin inwardly and that is further compressed when the button is pushed to release the pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Gill Athletics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey P. Watry, Audrea C. Wall
  • Patent number: 7438669
    Abstract: A hand grip strengthening and competition apparatus includes first and second alarms and a power source carried by an elongate body. A first lever is mounted to the elongate body for pivotal movement between an open position and a closed position closing a first circuit between the power source and the first alarm energizing the first alarm. A second lever is spaced from the first lever and is mounted to the elongate body for pivotal movement between an open position and a closed position closing a second circuit between the power source and the second alarm energizing the second alarm. An elongate flexible, substantially non-stretchable connector has a first end attached to the first lever, a second end attached to the second lever, and length extending from the first end to the second end preventing the first and second levers from concurrently assuming their respective closed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Inventor: Lawrence E. Bloom
  • Patent number: 7438670
    Abstract: Exercise machines and methods of exercising which utilize a side-to-side stepping motion to exercise the lower extremities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: True Fitness Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Gray, Daniel Moon, Robert Starr
  • Patent number: 7438671
    Abstract: A manual pace-adjusting mechanism of an elliptical cross trainer having an adjusting rod pivotally attached to both sides of the bottom support frame, respectively. The top end of the adjusting rod is pivotally coupled to an L-shaped connecting rod while the other end of the L-shaped connecting rod is pivotally connected to the treadle plank. A positioning rod is interposed between the adjusting rod and the front upright posts of the elliptical cross trainer by means of a positioning element. As a result, the adjustment of the angle of the adjusting rod enables the change on the vertical position of the treadle planks so that an independent right and left adjustment of the exercise pace is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Inventor: Leao Wang
  • Patent number: 7438672
    Abstract: A dynamic system for making use of an exercise bicycle supported on front and rear struts, the system permitting the bicycle to sway side to side when ridden vigorously, the system including a first and a second housing for resting on a support surface, a platform retained by each housing, the platform of the first housing serving to receive thereon the bicycle front strut and the platform of the second housing serving to receive thereon the bicycle rear strut, each platform being pivotal end to end and at least one deflectable resilient member engaging each platform and functioning to normally retain the exercise bicycle uprightly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Inventors: Stephen W. Rylander, Nicholas M. Rylander
  • Patent number: 7438673
    Abstract: The present invention may be used for human exercise. A track assembly may have two bottom cross members attached approximately perpendicular thereto and extending approximately horizontally from each side of the track assembly. Two vertical frame members may be attached to a first end of each of the bottom cross members. A handle may be attached at an upper end of each of the vertical frame members. A seat may be disposed in an upper portion of the two vertical frame members for seating to face a second end of the bottom cross member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Inventor: Tom Jones
  • Patent number: 7438674
    Abstract: An exercising device includes a first strap (1), loops (3, 7) attached to the first strap (1) and an anchorage element (11) that is intended to be fixed to a base, the anchorage element (11) being designed to receive the first strap (1) in such a way that the first strap (1) is displaceable in its longitudinal direction relative to the anchorage element (11). It is significant that at least one loop (3, 7) has such a length/circumference that it may be mounted around the body, e.g. the waist of the chest, of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Inventor: Torbjörn Sjödin
  • Patent number: 7438675
    Abstract: A rotatory abdominal crunch machine mainly uses a rotating disc fitted on an eccentric revolution disc to assist the user in swinging his or her waist in circular motion so as to strengthen the abdominal muscles. A rolling element, which is embedded in said rotating disc, drives said rotating disc to rotate in 360 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Xiamen Kang Sou Fitness Co.
    Inventor: Shih-Yuan Lin
  • Patent number: 7438676
    Abstract: The invention provides a torch changer with a large capacity for a flying optics-type laser beam machine. A table 15 of the laser beam machine is fixed, and a laser beam working head 50 moves in three axial directions. A torch changing unit 300 is disposed on a setup station 90 disposed outside the processing area at the end of the table. A torch storing device 100 stores a large number of torch holders 150 supported by forks on the outer side of a chain 130. A torch holder shifter 200 sends out the torch holder 150 positioned at a shift position towards the torch changing unit 300, where the torch attached to the working head 50 is changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Yamazaki Mazak Corporation
    Inventors: Tsunehiko Yamazaki, Naoomi Miyakawa
  • Patent number: 7438677
    Abstract: A chopper table comprises table bodies for guiding a signature transported by transport belts, and a pair of inlet guides for guiding the signature pushed in by a chopper blade. The table bodies are detachably supported on chopper frames, and the inlet guides are detachably supported on the chopper frames via brackets. The chopper table improves the return ability of the table body and inlet guide when they are removed at the time of a paper jam or replacement of the transport belt, and can easily adjust the gap of a slit between the inlet guides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Komori Corporation
    Inventor: Kenji Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 7438678
    Abstract: A full-jacket helical conveyor centrifuge including a rotatably disposed drum and a drive device for the drum. The drive device for the drum includes at least one electromechanical direct drive having secondary elements arranged on the outer periphery of the drum or on the outer periphery of a part non-rotatably connected with the drum. Primary elements are arranged radially outside the secondary elements at a distance from the secondary elements and without contact. A propulsion force is generated by an electromagnetic field of travelling waves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Westfalia Separator AG
    Inventor: Hans-Joachim Beyer
  • Patent number: 7438679
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for balancing a centrifuge having interconnected hydraulic chambers in containers on a rotor, each container being adapted to receive a composite fluid, comprising transferring, by the rotation of the rotor, hydraulic liquid from a source to the interconnected hydraulic chambers to balance the centrifuge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: CaridianBCT Biotechnologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis J. Hlavinka, Eric T. Hansen
  • Patent number: 7438680
    Abstract: This invention provides an organ positioning device and method that employs suction to hold organ tissue to the device. The device allows the organ, for example, heart to be positioned in a desired orientation but otherwise allowing movement of the heart as the heart beats. The device is designed to be relatively atraumatic to heart tissue. Generally, the device comprises a resiliently flexible suction head having a plurality of legs that flex to conform to the surface of the heart. The suction head has vacuum passageways in fluid communication with the legs to apply suction between the legs and the surface of the heart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary W. Guenst, Christopher Olig, Paul A. Pignato, Karen Montpetit, Thomas Daigle, Douglas H. Gubbin, Scott E. Jahns, Katherine Jolly
  • Patent number: 7438681
    Abstract: An electronic reciprocation device has a base containing a motor-driven screw shaft, an upper body having the screw shaft extending longitudinally therein, and a traveler engaged with the screw shaft to drive the upper body in positioning and reciprocating motion. A remote control unit can be used for comfortable operation of the device. A network connection unit is provided to connect the user's device to an external service website on the Internet or other networks. The user's device may be adapted as a male or female sex toy, and can exchange control signals on the Internet with one or more other users operating complementary sex toys. The Internet service can host interactive sessions with other users, groups of users, and even non-participating spectators. It preferably has a 3-tier structure of an administrator tier, hosted services tier, and affiliated play host tier for expansive offerings of interactive services to its users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Inventors: Alvin Y. Kobashikawa, Rita E. Iwakawa
  • Patent number: 7438682
    Abstract: A pump assembly for a penile implant is provided having a mechanism which prevents spontaneous inflation of the cylinders implanted within the patient. The pump assembly has an actuating bar with ribs to enhance the spring force applied to a flow valve, a support structure to support and appropriately position the actuating bar, and a check valve made of metal with a segment covered with a plastic material. The preventative mechanism uses overpressure generated by the reservoir during unintentional compression to effectively seal the cylinders from unintended fluid flow. The prevention mechanism itself creates all necessary forces to prevent the undesired fluid flow to the cylinders. This is accomplished by incorporating appropriate mechanisms within the pump itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: AMS Research Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory J. Henkel, Larry E. Waldack, Charles C. Kuyava, Randy L. Morningstar, John G. Almli
  • Patent number: 7438683
    Abstract: An application identification sensor comprises a plurality of emitters configured to transmit light into a tissue site and a detector configured to receive the light after tissue absorption. The detector generates a signal responsive to the intensity of the light and communicates the signal to a monitor. An information element is readable by the monitor so as to identify a sensor application. The monitor presets at least one user-selectable operational parameter in response to the information element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Masimo Corporation
    Inventors: Ammar Al-Ali, Massi E. Kiani, Walter M. Weber
  • Patent number: 7438684
    Abstract: A technology is disclosed for holding the test subject contact surface temperature below a predetermined value without providing a temperature sensor or setting ultrasonic wave output excessively low and, according to this technology, reflex time t1, which passes through oil 6, is reflected by the inner surface of window 5, and is returned via oil, and reflex time t2, which passes through the window, is reflected by the outer surface of the window, and returned via window or oil, are detected, sound velocity of window=(thickness of window×2)/(t2?t1) is measured, and the surface temperature of the window is detected from this measured sound velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kiyoshi Fujii
  • Patent number: 7438685
    Abstract: An improved system and method for optimizing the planning, registration, targeting, and delivery of conformal, external beam radiation therapy of prostate cancer and other soft-tissue diseases. Real-time ultrasound imaging during planning and treatment is used forlocalization of soft tissue treatment targets and fused with radiographic or CT data for conformal treatment optimization. The fusion technique provides accurate localization of the prostate volume in real time. For treatment of prostate cancer, visualization of the prostate gland is achieved using transrectal ultrasonography and the fusion of that image in the precise location of the prostate within the pelvic region, accurately determining the location of the prostate target by transformation of the ultrasound image data on both the ultrasound and X-ray/CT images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Computerized Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Everette C. Burdette, Dana L. Deardorff