Patents Issued in February 9, 2010
  • Patent number: 7658659
    Abstract: An apparatus includes an upper portion, a sole and a fin. The upper portion is configured to at least partially cover a foot. The sole is coupled to the upper portion and defines a cavity. The fin has a first portion and a second portion. The fin is movable between a first configuration and a second configuration. When in the first configuration, the fin is substantially within the cavity defined by the sole, and the first portion of the fin at least partially overlaps the second portion of the fin. When in the second configuration, the fin extends substantially outside the cavity defined by the sole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Finnys LLC
    Inventors: Michael Fraser, Craig Hall, Nick Martushev
  • Patent number: 7658660
    Abstract: A game call apparatus is provided which has a mouthpiece including an air inlet, a reed positioned in the mouthpiece and vibrating when air is blown into the mouthpiece, and inner and outer tubular sound chambers mounted on an air outlet end of the mouthpiece. The reed is mounted on an air inlet end of the inner tubular sound chamber, and an air outlet end of the inner tubular sound chamber extends into the outer tubular sound chamber. The outer tubular chamber has an air exit end which tapers radially inwardly toward an air exit. The air exit end includes the air exit which is smaller than an air outlet of the inner tubular chamber. The taper and small exit opening of the outer tubular chamber provides a back pressure to air blown into the mouthpiece which produces a realistic game call sound as the reed vibrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Flambeau, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark A. Drury
  • Patent number: 7658661
    Abstract: An ornamental sound music module for a balloon has an ornamental suitably raised face with a peripheral lip or flange. A backer board is adhered to the rear of the ornamental face creating a housing. A central aperture is within the backer board with an annular support rim for supporting the outer disc portion of a piezoelectric buzzer in a firm manner to encourage the central regions of the buzzer to generate optimum music. A circuit board is contained within the housing and is connected to the buzzer by wires. The backer board suitably has an adhesive to allow the ornamental sound module to be affixed to a metalized nylon film balloon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Anagram International, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Ansolabehere
  • Patent number: 7658662
    Abstract: A toy having a pivoting member such as a dump bucket or bed, with an automatic locking system on the pivoting member. An embodiment of the present invention provides toy having a chassis, a pivoting member pivotably and slideably mounted on the chassis, and a latch mechanism. The pivoting member pivots with respect to a pivot axis and slides in a direction radial to the pivot axis from a first position to a second position. The latch mechanism engages the chassis with the pivoting member in the first position and prevents the pivoting member from pivoting, and disengages the chassis from the pivoting member in the second position to allow the pivoting member to pivot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Mega Brands Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Tremblay, Stephane Cyr, Richard Martin
  • Patent number: 7658663
    Abstract: Toys and toy components are formed of a conductive loaded resin-based material. The conductive loaded resin-based material comprises micron conductive powder(s), conductive fiber(s), or a combination of conductive powder and conductive fibers in a base resin host. The percentage by weight of the conductive powder(s), conductive fiber(s), or a combination thereof is between about 20% and 50% of the weight of the conductive loaded resin-based material. The micron conductive powders are metals or conductive non-metals or metal plated non-metals. The micron conductive fibers may be metal fiber or metal plated fiber. Further, the metal plated fiber may be formed by plating metal onto a metal fiber or by plating metal onto a non-metal fiber. Any platable fiber may be used as the core for a non-metal fiber. Superconductor metals may also be used as micron conductive fibers and/or as metal plating onto fibers in the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Integral Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Aisenbrey
  • Patent number: 7658664
    Abstract: A foam sword having a sword blade made from a flexible, soft foam material is provided. The blade includes a reinforcing rod that extends partially therethrough to provide some rigidity and to which the sword handle and hilt guard are connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Buzz Bee Toys, Inc.
    Inventor: Io Lon Tong
  • Patent number: 7658665
    Abstract: Methods for cylindrical grinding a workpiece are disclosed. The method includes cylindrical grinding, with a bonded abrasive wheel having a permeable structure that includes interconnected porosity, a workpiece at a specific cutting energy of less than about 12 Hp/in3·min (29.7 J/mm3), and a material removal rate of at least about 1 in3/min·in (10.8 mm3/sec/mm)grinding. The bonded abrasive wheel may include at least about 3 volume percent of a filamentary sol-gel alpha-alumina abrasive grain having an average length-to-cross-sectional-width ratio of greater than about 4:1, or agglomerates thereof. In one embodiment, the workpiece is ground in the presence of a water soluble oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignees: Saint-Gobain Abrasives, Inc., Saint-Gobain Abrasifs
    Inventors: Krishnamoorthy Subramanian, Lukasz A. Glinski
  • Patent number: 7658666
    Abstract: A cutting device comprises a plurality of individual polycrystalline cutting elements secured in a solidified organic material layer. Each of the plurality of individual polycrystalline cutting elements has a substantially matching geometric configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Inventor: Chien-Min Sung
  • Patent number: 7658667
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement in a mobile machine for screeding floor surfaces. This comprises a housing with a planet disk (3), which is rotatably supported in the bottom of the said housing and driven by a drive motor (1). The planet disk carries a number of rotatably supported screeding disks, distributed over the planet disk (3) and operatively connected to the drive motor (1). According to the invention the number of screeding disks is an even number up to a maximum of six. Viewed in the direction of rotation of the planet disk (3), half the number of screeding disks have a direction of rotation coinciding with the planet disk (3) and the remaining screeding disks an opposing direction of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: HTC Sweden AB
    Inventors: Hakan Thysell, Karl Thysell, Urban Thysell
  • Patent number: 7658668
    Abstract: A hopper coin feeder (1) comprises upper and lower hopper discs (18, 25). A flexible hopper wall (17) of diabolo shape cooperates with the upper disc (18) to control the feeding of coins by a coin pushing member (35) to the outer margin of the disc (18) where they are gripped between an annular band (33) and the disc (18) to be conveyed past a coin discriminator (61). Any coins or debris that drop from the edge of upper disc (18) are caught on the lower disc (25) and pass to a reject chute (132) and coin payout cup (12). An active coin delivery chute and diverter (80), FIG. 10, comprises a reciprocable plate (81) having a finger (82) which controls whether a coin fed from the upper disc (18) passes down the chute or is rejected onto the lower disc (25). Coins that pass down the chute enter a bowl (89) of a double-disc coin conveying assembly (5) that conveys a coin from the bowl (89) to a LIFO coin stacks (3) of a coin storage unit (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Scan Coin AB
    Inventor: Timothy William Hill
  • Patent number: 7658669
    Abstract: A cabin pressure control system (CPCS) software control logic modification may boost the voltage applied to a motor when conditions are sensed indicating a combination of larger than normal cabin pressure and cabin rate error conditions. The motor may be part of an open-loop system for operating a butterfly valve that may regulate outflow from the aircraft cabin. The larger than normal cabin pressure and cabin rate error conditions may be an indication that the outflow valve is not responding in a normal manner, potentially caused by excessive loading to the motor or motor degradation. By boosting the motor voltage during excessive load conditions or with a degraded motor, CPCS performance and robustness may be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Gerard L. McCoy
  • Patent number: 7658670
    Abstract: A combined window-screen and ventilation system includes first and second non-corrosive conduits that are conjoined to the vehicle's existing air circulating system. The conduits are in fluid communication with the air circulating system such that air can flow therethrough. The conduits terminate rearward of a vehicle's front window and are provided with spaced apertures so that air is discharged towards side door window openings and a sunroof opening. Window screens are interfitted within the door window and the sunroof openings. A mechanism is included for circulating stagnant air within the vehicle. The air circulating mechanism is seated within the vehicle interior, is conjoined to the sunroof, is independently and contemporaneously operable with the vehicle air-circulating system, and is remotely operable up to 50 feet away, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Inventor: Verrie M. Brown
  • Patent number: 7658671
    Abstract: An air distribution assembly for vehicles, comprising a first flap, able to rotate around a first axis, a second distribution flap, able to rotate around a second axis, and a geared transmission device that connects the first and the second flap to each other. The transmission device comprises at least one gear wheel including a first and a second element able to rotate relative to each other and an elastic element positioned between the first and the second element to allow a relative rotation motion between the first and the second element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Denso Thermal Systems SpA
    Inventors: Michele Balzo, Andrea Carbone
  • Patent number: 7658672
    Abstract: A gaming system which provides the player a plurality of playing cards to form an initial primary poker hand and also displays one or more other poker hands. The player selects one or more of the initially dealt cards in the primary poker hand to hold or to discard. The held cards are also held in one, more or each of the other simultaneously displayed hands. The gaming device evaluates the held cards and determines which poker game outcomes are possible based on the held cards and the remaining cards in the deck. The gaming device utilizes a stored table of different distributions of poker game outcomes which would result in each payout amount and a table regarding which poker game outcomes are possible based on the player's held cards to determine a distribution of outcomes that provides a total payout equal to the payout of the predetermined game outcome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Bryan D. Wolf, Lesley S. Swift, Justin M. Krum, John M. Montross, Tracy L. Powell
  • Patent number: 7658673
    Abstract: A gaming device that provides an offer/acceptance game, wherein the player preferably knows all the necessary information to make an informed decision whether to risk a currently held award and attempt to obtain a higher value award. The game determines the success or failure of a game event regardless of whether the player risks the offer award. If the player keeps an offer award, the game still displays a success or failure outcome, so that the player can see what the player missed, good or bad. The game also includes a plurality of levels or offers, wherein the player can sequentially trade up a currently held offer award a plurality of preferably predetermined times. The game is preferably embodied in a plurality of sequentially more difficult motorcycle jumps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Anthony J. Baerlocher, Bayard S. Webb
  • Patent number: 7658674
    Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a method provides for determining data associated with a player of a gaming device; determining whether the data meets at least one established criterion; and providing an offer to the player if the data meets the at least one established criterion, the offer including a condition and a description of a product to be provided to the player in exchange for the player agreeing to the condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Thomas M. Sparico, Stephen C. Tulley, Michael D. Downs
  • Patent number: 7658675
    Abstract: A game apparatus includes a touch panel on which at least two pointing positions are simultaneously detectable. In response to an operation of the touch panel by a player, coordinates values of the detected two points are detected, and at least one of a distance between the two points and an angle of the line connecting the two points is calculated. Furthermore, change amounts of the distance and angle between the two points are calculated. A movement parameter such as a travel speed and a turning angle is set on the basis of at least one of the calculated distance and angle, and the movement of the character such as travel and turning is controlled on the basis of the movement parameter. In addition, when a pointing state of the two points is changed, the movement parameter is changed on the basis of a change amount, and the movement of the character is controlled on the basis of the movement parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takuji Hotta
  • Patent number: 7658676
    Abstract: A game apparatus obtains acceleration data representing an acceleration vector in at least two predetermined axial directions of the input device repeatedly, then calculates a change amount of each of the acceleration vectors represented by acceleration data obtained during a predetermined swing period, and then calculates an accumulated value obtained by accumulating the calculated change amounts. A swing strength of the input device is calculated based on the accumulated value. The game processing is executed using the calculated swing strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Keizo Ohta
  • Patent number: 7658677
    Abstract: An apparatus is shown which comprises first and second mating components with a force limiter located between them. The force limiter includes a band of resilient material, with protrusions therealong, and a slip element. The band and the slip element are secured to the first mating component with the band arranged to apply a radial force against the slip element so as to press it against the second mating component. The frictional force between slip element and the second mating component is insufficient to separate the slip element and the band from the first mating component, so any slipping that occurs between the mating components happens at the boundary of the slip element and the second mating component. A desired slip force can be obtained by choosing a slip element with an appropriate coefficient of friction, rather than by varying the dimensions of the components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics Rencol Limited
    Inventors: Christopher Mark Needes, Andrew Robert Slayne
  • Patent number: 7658678
    Abstract: A shaft coupling with a flexible annular sleeve, a driver end piece, and a driven end piece. The end pieces have a plurality of axially projecting prongs arranged so that the driver prongs loosely interlock in the spaces between the driven prongs with a gap between each pair of prongs. The sleeve fits snugly around the periphery of the loosely interlocked prongs. Each prong has at least one prong groove in its outer periphery. Each of two peripheral edges may be shaped to form a groove flank, and each set of two adjacent groove flanks on adjacent prongs may form a gap groove. The sleeve has a plurality of inner teeth including a plurality of groove teeth in alternating arrangement with a plurality of gap teeth. The prong grooves and groove teeth mesh, and the gap grooves and gap teeth mesh. Groove teeth may be bigger than gap teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: The Gates Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan Andrew Kneeshaw, John W. Black, Arthur Jack Clarke
  • Patent number: 7658679
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for damping torque output from a torque converter turbine to input to a transmission. The damper includes: (a) an input device for connection to an engine; (b) a first spring set having drive springs; (c) a second spring set having secondary springs; (d) a third spring set having parallel springs; (e) a floating apparatus; and (f) an output device. Springs of the first spring set are compressible in a forward direction toward the output device as a result of torque applied to the input device and compressible in a reverse direction toward the input device as a result of torque applied by the output device. The first and second spring sets are in series between the input device and output device during a first forward compression of the first spring set, and the series is in parallel with the third spring set between the input apparatus and output device during a second compression of the first spring set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: David Avins, Fraser Macdonald, Matthew Frary
  • Patent number: 7658680
    Abstract: This invention relates to the field of playing billiards and in particular to a cue ball aiming or training device for learning to aim a cue ball to an object ball to drive the object ball in a desired direction. The aiming device provides an indication of the true point of aim for directing a cue ball to an object ball, to drive the object ball in a desired direction. In use, the aiming device is positioned on top of the object ball and has a direction indicator to point to the desired intended direction of the object ball and a strike point indicator to identify the true point of aim for the cue ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Inventor: Stephen P Malak
  • Patent number: 7658681
    Abstract: A golf swing aid apparatus includes a first plate and a second plate. Each of the first and second plates has a top side, a first end edge, a second end edge, a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge. The top sides of each of the first and second plates are concavely arcuate. A hinging assembly hingedly couples the first end edge of the first plate to the second end edge of the second plate to substantially align the top sides of the first and second plates when the first and second plates are in an unbent orientation with respect to each other. The hinging assembly allows the first and second plates to bend with respect to each other after a predetermined amount of force is exerted on the hinging assembly. A strap assembly releasably secures the first and second plates to a golfer's arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Inventor: August H. Malecha
  • Patent number: 7658682
    Abstract: A grip for a golf club and a golf club is provided. The grip has an elongate gripping handle defining a cavity sized to surround an end of a shaft of a golf club. An end surface of the grip is provided with a magnet recessed into the end surface. A ball marker having a magnetic material is magnetically held in place on the end surface by the magnet. A ridge partially defines an outline of the ball marker so that the ridge at least partially surrounds the ball marker when the ball marker is positioned on the end surface, holding the ball marker in place on the end surface of the grip of a golf club when the ball marker is not needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Inventors: Jason Hoium, Brad Wallin, Drew Krainyk, Chad Martinson
  • Patent number: 7658683
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for a golf putting training aid, which is attached to the shaft of a conventional existing putter which putter would normally be used by the golfer for putting. The apparatus comprises a second handle, which is disposed parallel to the first handle of the existing putter, wherein the apparatus has means of being attached to the shaft of the existing putter so that the second handle on the golf putting training aid is disposed parallel to the handle of the existing putter. The second handle is removable and can be moved along the first handle and the distance between the first and second handles can be varied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Inventor: Albert Scott Daniel
  • Patent number: 7658684
    Abstract: A golf club grip for attachment to a golf club shaft formed of an upper section having a first outer diameter, an intermediate tapered transitional area and a lower section having a second outer diameter larger than the upper section outer diameter. The upper section accommodates the ring finger and pinky finger of the upper hand. The intermediate tapered transitional section accommodates the middle and index fingers and the thumb of the upper hand. The lower section accommodates the fingers of the lower hand. The structure of the golf club grip promotes better feel and allows a golfer's non-dominant upper hand to obtain a firmer and stronger grip while allowing the dominant lower hand to impart more force to the ball with the golf club.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Inventor: Richard D. Ferris
  • Patent number: 7658685
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a golf club head with an improved striking surface. The grooves are machined into the strike surface with tight tolerances. The grooves have sharp edges, radiused ends, and a draft angle between about 2° and 12°. The striking face is machined such that it has a uniform texture with a roughness of more than 40 Ra.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Robert W. Vokey, Peter J. Gilbert, M. Scott Burnett, Christopher R. Kays
  • Patent number: 7658686
    Abstract: A hollow golf club head with a concave portion is disclosed and claimed. The club head includes a metallic portion and a light weight portion, which may be formed of plastic, composite, or the like. The concave portion allows the club designer to make a club head having very thin portions while still maintaining the requisite structural integrity. Convex bulges may optionally be provided to house weight inserts to enhance the playing characteristics of the golf club.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventor: Peter L. Soracco
  • Patent number: 7658687
    Abstract: A hollow wood-type golf club head with improved directional stability having, in head periphery region Ao including head contour line OL defined by crown portion 4 when viewed from above as a plane view of the head in the standard state, thick wall portion 9 extending along the contour line and expanding toward the hollow portion side to have an increased thickness, wherein the thick wall portion 9 comprises crown thick wall portion 9c which forms a part of crown portion 4 and has a thickness of 1.2 to 2.0 mm, and side thick wall portion 9s which is continuous with the crown thick wall portion 9c and forms a part of side portion 6 and has a thickness of 1.2 to 3.0 mm, and wherein the thick wall portion 9 has a width along the head outer surface of 6 to 16 mm in a vertical section passing through the head center of gravity G in the standard state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: SRI Sports Limited
    Inventor: Tomoya Hirano
  • Patent number: 7658688
    Abstract: A unique playing field and method of playing extreme baseball, a game of traditional baseball modified by rules to allow two teams to play at the same time on the same field, is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Inventor: Phil Weidner
  • Patent number: 7658689
    Abstract: A training assistance device capable of significant height adjustment has at least one adjustable, and preferably, two adjustable arms to allow it to simulate a defender in a variety of sports including baseball, basketball, football, hockey, soccer, and volleyball. Structure facilitating transport of the device from place to place is included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Inventor: Robert E. Crook, II
  • Patent number: 7658690
    Abstract: A plate link chain for a motor vehicle drive system. A number of link plates are hingedly connected by pairs of rocker members that extend transversely to the longitudinal direction of the chain. Curved contact surfaces are located on each of the rocker members and link plates, along which contact surfaces the rocker members and link plates contact each other to transmit power. The rocker members also include curved pitch surfaces along which rocker member pairs roll against each other to transmit power. The rocker members are shaped asymmetrically in the height direction and about a cross section plane extending in the longitudinal direction of the chain. Contact surfaces are provided on each of the upper and lower contact surface areas in the height direction of the rocker members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Luk Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Michael Pichura, Martin Vornehm, Anton Simonov
  • Patent number: 7658691
    Abstract: A modification to the manual valve of an automatic transmission is provided which improves the shift quality of the automatic transmission when the transmission is shifted from a drive gear to either Park or Neutral. More particularly, the invention provides a control orifice which regulates the release of hydraulic fluid from one or more clutch circuits such that pressure to one or more clutches is gradually released. The gradual release of pressure form the one or more clutches provides an improved shift quality. In alternate embodiments, the present invention provides a further modification to an automatic transmission which allows the control orifice to be circumvented in situations where a rapid swap of pressure from on clutch control solenoid to another is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Valentin Botosan, Gary J. Binienda, Mark R. Champine
  • Patent number: 7658692
    Abstract: A double differential assembly having a first differential drive (3) with a differential carrier (5) drivable around an axis of rotation (A), a plurality of first differential gears (6) rotatably supported therein, as well as two output gears (7, 8) which are coaxially arranged relative to the axis of rotation (A) and engage the first differential gears (6). It also includes a second differential drive (4) with a cage element (22) which is firmly connected to one of the output gears (8) of the first differential drive (3) and is drivable thereby around the axis of rotation (A), a plurality of second differential gears (25) which are rotatably held in the cage element (22), and two sideshaft gears (26, 27) which are arranged coaxially relative to the axis of rotation (A) and engage the second differential gears (25). At least one of the two differential drives (3, 4) is a crown gear differential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: GKN Driveline International GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Engelmann, Mark Schmidt, Heinzwilli Fuchs
  • Patent number: 7658693
    Abstract: A method for the operation of a drivetrain of a motor vehicle, having an automatic transmission and a drive motor, to improve the shift speed. Successive upshifts or successive downshifts are carried out with overlap during a first upshift or downshift. At least one shift element required for a subsequent second upshift or downshift is prepared during the first upshift or downshift, in progress, when a synchronization point is reached. The subsequent second upshift or downshift are carried out immediately. Two successive upshifts or two successive downshifts are carried out by actuation of four shift elements of the automatic transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Klaus Steinhauser, Christian Popp
  • Patent number: 7658694
    Abstract: A mobile unit configured to train an athlete is disclosed. The mobile unit includes multiple sensors, communication devices and a mobility system. The mobile unit executes one or more training paths to simulate chasing associated with various sports. The mobile unit is capable of determining its own location and the location of the athlete throughout a training session, as well as other information. The mobile unit is configured to adapt the training path to stress weaknesses of the athlete with respect to various types of athletic skills.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph L. Ungari
  • Patent number: 7658695
    Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a method for monitoring movement of a user performing an exercise includes displaying a position cursor and displaying a target path. The target path describes an exercise goal associated with an exercise performed by a user. The method also includes moving the position cursor based on positional information received from a position monitor affixed to the user. The positional information describes a movement associated with the exercise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Performance Health Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Burl W. Amsbury, Marc R. Silverman, Robert M. Holme, Susan L. Gerber, David W. Herr, Joshua K. Granof, William C. Repenning, Michael F. Mellman
  • Patent number: 7658696
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a multipurpose therapeutic device for managing musculoskeletal pain and administering traction. In one embodiment of the present invention, a multipurpose therapeutic device includes a front side, a rear side, a first end, and a second end. An outer gripping surface is positioned in proximity to each of the two ends and a number of invaginating contact surfaces extend from the perimeter of the front side and/or the rear side. In one embodiment of the present invention, a user may place his or her neck against one of the contact surfaces. The user may then grip the outer gripping surfaces with his or her hands and move the multipurpose therapeutic device superiorly and inferiorly along his or her neck while applying pressure against his or her neck to massage sore neck muscles or to stretch his or her spine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Inventor: Brett Hunter
  • Patent number: 7658697
    Abstract: The present invention is in the field of sports equipment, more specifically, relating to a trampoline frame connection structure. The trampoline frame has a main pipe and a support pipe. The main pipe has a straight line weld seam. The support pipe supports the main pipe. The main pipe junction with the support pipe has a concave connection. The main tube weld seam is on the bottom facing the concave portion. This practical new design features an improved welding configuration that has a low budget and high-efficiency connection. The weld seam on the bottom decreases shock to the weld seam and also prevents interference between the connecting hole on the main pipe and weld seam. Finally, this invention uses a weld seam strengthening plate device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Inventor: Hua-Lu Hsiang
  • Patent number: 7658698
    Abstract: A non-impact exercise device comprising a framework, at least one ramp assembly, a pair of foot support assemblies, a foot location control assembly, and means for adjusting the maximum stride length of the foot support assemblies. The foot support assemblies may advantageously be coupled to the foot location control assembly by a flexible cable linkage. The foot support assemblies each include a foot platform for the user to stand on. The foot support assemblies are coupled to the one or more ramp assemblies of the exercise device. The user exercises by putting force into the device through the foot platforms and/or handles. This causes the foot platforms to roll along the ramps while the user is standing upon the foot platforms. The user may readily vary the length and frequency of the reciprocating stride.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Icon IP, Inc.
    Inventors: Chad R. Pacheco, Farid Farbod, William T. Dalebout, Jaremy T. Butler
  • Patent number: 7658699
    Abstract: A punching bag assembly includes a support stand having a pair of spaced-apart leg assemblies and a support frame carried by the leg assemblies, a body punching bag assembly carried by the support frame and having a body punching bag and a speed bag assembly having a speed bag carried by the support frame generally adjacent to the body punching bag assembly. The body punching bag assembly and the speed bag assembly are selectively positional with respect to each other along the support frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Inventor: John R. Johnson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7658700
    Abstract: A training and/or exercise device and method for exercising muscle groups of the entire body is disclosed herein that is portable, easy to use, can work the muscles of the entire body, and does not have complicated integrating parts when in use. The device and method allows a free range of motion about a vertical axis without substantial resistance. The device allows a wide variety of movement using a single device, and particularly allows for balancing movements that are advantageous for strengthening the core. Further, the training device is particularly advantageous for use in a home gym and may be stored under a bed or within the overhead compartment of an airplane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Inventors: Tate Maloy, John Lu
  • Patent number: 7658701
    Abstract: An abdominal exercise apparatus is provided that includes at least a lower carriage, an upper carriage, and a frame supporting the lower and upper carriages. A linkage mechanism operably associates the upper and lower carriages together to allow coordinated movement relative to one another. The upper carriage includes an upper pivot axis relative to the frame, and an upper carriage pivot axis relative to the upper carriage, and the lower carriage includes a lower pivot axis relative to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Nautilus, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory M. Webb, Roxanne C. Anders
  • Patent number: 7658702
    Abstract: An adjustable exercise device for performing push-ups is provided. The push-up bench is designed to accommodate exercisers of varying heights, sizes and fitness levels. The exercise device comprises a base assembly, an inclined exercise platform assembly flexibly attached to the base along one end, and a connecting leg assembly which is connected to both the base and the inclined platform. Adjustment of the leg assembly with respect to the base adjusts the inclined platform from a fully horizontal position to multiple degrees of inclination, providing multiple degrees of exercise difficulty. The inclined platform may also include foot pads and hand grips to properly position the exerciser. The inclined platform is adjustable lengthwise to permit the distance between hand grips and foot pads to be adjusted, to accommodate users of varying heights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Inventor: David E. Harms
  • Patent number: 7658703
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a series of techniques for treating a waste material of an asbestos-containing material, from emergency treatment, dismantling, or transportation of an already constructed asbestos-containing material to a heating and melting treatment of the dismantled asbestos-containing waste material. The preset invention provides a method of preventing the exposure of the fibrous dust of the asbestos involving melting an asbestos-containing waste material, into which lithium silicate is impregnated in a melting furnace for treating an asbestos-containing material into harmless. The lithium silicate impregnated into the asbestos-containing waste material forms a gel within the range of temperatures of 500 to 1,100° C., and the formed gel adheres onto the surfaces of asbestos fibers, thereby preventing the exposure of the fibrous dust of the asbestos. Moreover, the melting temperature of asbestos can be reduced to about 1,360° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Nichias Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuya Kurosaka, Takamaro Kano, Naoki Abe, Takeshi Narita
  • Patent number: 7658704
    Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methods for delivery of transcranial magnetic stimulation. The apparatus includes a TMS coil which when energized generates an electric field substantially parallel to a long axis of the coil and substantially normal to a surface of the coil. Furthermore disclosed an apparatus for delivery of TMS in which a coil is adapted to a robotic member for computer-aided control and delivery. Further disclosed are methods of TMS planning and delivery in which subject images are utilized to plan, position and orient the TMS coil for precise delivery. Disclosed also are TMS coils having unique designs to better focus and direct magnetic stimulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Peter Fox, Jack Lancaster
  • Patent number: 7658705
    Abstract: An actuation mechanism for assisting the operation of the natural heart has a varying shape for deforming the heart. In one embodiment, a plurality of links articulates with respect to each other for varying the shape of the actuation mechanism. The plurality of links is configured for being positioned proximate to an outer surface of the heart for deforming the heart by varying the shape of the actuation mechanism. In another embodiment, a jacket for coupling with an outer surface of the heart has a tether coupled to successive sections of the jacket. The tether is operable to be translated with respect to the jacket sections to vary the shape of the jacket for deforming the heart. In another embodiment, a plurality of concentric ring structures are coupled together to move with respect to each other in a concentric fashion. A movement mechanism coupled to the rings is operable to vary their positions with respect to each other to vary the overall shape for deforming the heart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Cardioenergetics, Inc.
    Inventors: David Boyd Melvin, Geoffrey Nay
  • Patent number: 7658706
    Abstract: The present technology is related to the field of sterilization and decellularization of allografts or xenografts, specifically to processes that achieve effective removal of the cells contained within a vascular tissue matrix and an effective reduction in potential harmful organisms to create grafts suitable for human implantation. In some embodiments, vascular grafts, vascular tissue and/or blood vessels are contacted with cleaning solution under conditions suitable conditions to reduce immune reaction in patients. More specifically, the present technology is directed to sterilization and decellularization of vascular grafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: RTI Biologics, Inc.
    Inventor: Donna Squillace
  • Patent number: 7658707
    Abstract: The invention relates to medical engineering, in particular to exiting and attaining a woman orgasm. The invention consists of a stimulating element in the form of a strip having a relief surface, a connecting ring wearable on a coronal sulcus of a glans penis, a tension device and a method for stimulating erogenic zones of a woman during a coition. One end of the stimulating element is fixed to the coronal sulcus of a glans penis and the other end is connected to the tension device. During frictions, the stimulating element envelops a woman's pubic bone, reciprocatively moves and continuously touches the woman erogenic zones in the clitoris area, thereby exiting and additionally stimulating the clitoris. The aim of said invention is to amplify the sex sensation of a woman and to facilitate the orgasm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Inventor: Sergei E. Topolev
  • Patent number: 7658708
    Abstract: An endotracheal intubation device having a curvable portion and internal optics or a viewing device which facilitate the insertion of an endotracheal tube into a patient. The device has a handle and a trigger. When the trigger is squeezed the curvable portion curves in a controlled manner from a fully straight configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: AI Medical Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: John Schwartz, Richard Schwartz