Patents Issued in July 6, 2010
  • Patent number: 7749072
    Abstract: The present invention includes a variety of methods to provide free games on a slot machine device until the appearance of two or more predetermined symbol combinations in the symbol matrix. A preferred embodiment, Capture Spins, provides free games until three, winning Capture symbol combinations appear in the symbol matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: PTT LLC
    Inventors: Anthony Mark Singer, Daniel Mordecai Marks, Howard Mitchell Marks
  • Patent number: 7749073
    Abstract: The present invention is a method of conducting a wagering game having a plurality of symbol-bearing reels, comprising allowing a player to select one or more of a plurality of basic paylines (70) to define active paylines and, in response to the player meeting certain criteria, allowing a player to activate an enhanced payline (75). The method further includes randomly selecting a game outcome from a plurality of outcomes in response to a wager input, and displaying the game outcome as symbols aligned along the active paylines and the enhanced payline. Symbol combinations appearing along the active payline indicate awards according to a first paytable, while symbol combinations appearing along the enhanced payline (75) indicate awards according to a second paytable. The second paytable includes at least one winning symbol combination that is different from symbol combinations within the first paytable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: Alfred Thomas, Dion K. Aoki
  • Patent number: 7749074
    Abstract: A game and gaming apparatus include a main game and a bonus game. A player is entitled to participate in the bonus game without an additional wager beyond that required to play the main game. Winning outcomes of the main game determine the indicia used to play the bonus game. In one embodiment upon a winning outcome of the main game, an indicia, such as an image of a winning amount, is transferred to the bonus game. In another embodiment, the bonus event includes categories associated with winning outcomes of the main game, the categories activated based upon wins of the main game. In one embodiment, the main game is a game of video poker. Winning hands are associated with or activate positions of the bonus game. Play of the bonus game comprises selection of at least one of the indicia or positions/categories which have been activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Joseph W. Cole, Elia Rocco Tarantino
  • Patent number: 7749075
    Abstract: A system for enabling a player to use residual credits on a gaming machine to provide the player with a chance to win a prize. the system includes means for determining a range of values as a function of a jackpot pool to generate randomly an outcome in the range of values, random number generation means for generating the random outcome, means for determining a range of outcome values of the player that provides a chance of the player winning the jackpot pool, and means for determining whether the generated random outcome matches any outcome value of the player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty, Ltd.
    Inventor: Stephen William Byng
  • Patent number: 7749076
    Abstract: A system for verifying one or more downloaded components 54 of a gaming device 10 that includes the gaming device, which has an alterable hard drive 80 (or other persistent storage media 90), and the downloaded components that further include gaming-related content 92-96. A related method includes: enabling initiation of a game on the gaming device 10; downloading the gaming-related content 92-96 to the alterable hard drive 80 while the gaming device 10 is enabled for game play; reading an identifier associated with the gaming-related content 92-96; verifying that the identifier is valid (using verification software 70); and reconfiguring the gaming device 10 to utilize the newly-downloaded, gaming-related content 92-96 in response to an initiating event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventor: James W. Morrow
  • Patent number: 7749077
    Abstract: A system for monitoring and configuring gaming devices interconnected over a high-speed network is disclosed. The system can support a file server, one or more floor controllers, one or more pit terminals, and other terminals all interconnected over the network. Each gaming device includes an electronic module which allows the gaming device to communicate with a floor controller over a current loop network. The electronic module includes a player tracking module and a data communication node. The player tracking module includes a card reader for detecting a player tracking card inserted therein which identifies the player. The data communication node communicates with both the floor controller and the gaming device. The data communication node communicates with the gaming device over a serial interface through which the data communication node transmits reconfiguration commands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: John F. Acres, Alec Ginsburg, David Wiebenson
  • Patent number: 7749078
    Abstract: Systems and methods of pari-mutuel wagering are disclosed. One method utilizes a credit instrument associated with an account set up by a patron at a pari-mutuel gaming establishment, such as a horse or dog racing track. The credit instrument may be used to place wagers at a gaming terminal and, additionally, for the purchase of goods and/or services, accessing additional informational displays, or accessing secure special areas at the pari-mutuel gaming establishment. The credit instrument acts a cash substitute wherein the patron's account may be automatically updated with all of the patron's wins, losses, and purchases via a network system or updated on the credit instrument. In other methods, pari-mutuel wagers are placed with an anonymous account such that an identity of a player is not known to the pari-mutuel gaming establishment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: United Tote Company
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Vlazny, Brendan Burgess, Victor I. Harrison
  • Patent number: 7749079
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for electronically transferring funds at a gaming device. The apparatus includes a gaming device having a ticketing system that includes a ticket reader and a ticket printer. The processor of the gaming device communicates with each of these devices as well as a ticket validation system, which is preferably located within the casino or gaming establishment outside of the gaming device. The gaming device also includes an electronic funds transfer control unit that communicates with a card reader, keypad and display for prompting the player to enter fund transfer card information. The control unit sends out fund requests over a wide area network to a remote fund repository. If the repository approves of a fund request, the approval travels back to the ticket validation system, which instructs the gaming device to issue a ticket to the player having the requested amount and a receipt for the electronic funds transfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: John W. Chamberlain, Ali Mohamad Saffari, Larry R. Hollibaugh
  • Patent number: 7749080
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and system for authentication. In one embodiment, a first identifier associated with an item to be authenticated may be received. A first decryption key associated with the item may also be received. The first identifier may be decrypted using the first decryption key to generate a second identifier. The contents of an authentication database may be searched to find a match for the second identifier. If a match for the second identifier is found in the authentication database, the item may be confirmed as authentic. In embodiments of the present invention, the item may be a lottery ticket, a document, a receipt, a ticket, a credit card, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: GTECH Rhode Island Corporation
    Inventors: Walter Szrek, Thomas K. Oram
  • Patent number: 7749081
    Abstract: A gaming machine includes gaming electronics for projecting a game image onto a gaming machine display associated with the gaming machine. The gaming machine is coupled over a network to a host computer that keeps track of data corresponding to a casino patron such as loyalty bonus information, player ID, and so forth (“player tracking data”). The player tracking data is transmitted from the host computer to a gaming machine responsive to identification of the casino patron operating the machine via an electronic card reader. The player tracking data is received by a machine communication interface within the gaming machine and further processed for display by a video overlay device that combines the game image with the player account display information. Accordingly, both the game (e.g. slot machine) and the player account information can appear on the same display monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventor: John F. Acres
  • Patent number: 7749082
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for playing a version of a video game is provided. Using a computer terminal connected to a network, a player places a bet. Three faces of a three-dimensional cube are displayed. Each face includes N2 squares arranged in a N×N arrangement. One of an ordinary symbol, a multiplier symbol, or a bomb symbol is displayed in each of the squares. The computer determines whether any winning combinations are present, and provides a credit to the player according to the winning combination. When either a winning combination or a bomb symbol is present, certain squares are eliminated. Eliminated squares are refilled by shifting the remaining squares and then randomly generating new symbols. The game continues until there are no winning combinations and no bomb symbols.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Cryptologic Inc.
    Inventors: Vladimir Dunaevsky, Justin Lucas Thouin
  • Patent number: 7749083
    Abstract: The invention relates to a communication device between an audiovisual information playback system (1) and at least one electronic game machine (2), each electronic game machine comprising a viewing means (200), a means (210) for interacting with the user and a means of payment (220), characterized in that each electronic game machine (2) is connected to the playback system (2) via a network interface (21) and an associated LAN (3), and comprises specific means (20, 21, 22) for managing a means of payment, a viewing means and an interactive means, in order to enable, on the electronic game machine (2), the selection and payment of at least one selection stored on the playback system (2), with a view to playback thereof on the playback system, the specific means (22) of managing payment means and the specific means (21) of managing viewing means and the interactive means being triggered by the activation means of the electronic game machine (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Touchtunes Music Corporation
    Inventors: Guy Nathan, Tony Mastronardi, Alain Choquet
  • Patent number: 7749084
    Abstract: The present invention is direct to a Live Network Explorer (LNE) which allows users to graphically navigate through a web of interconnected friends on a gaming console. The LNE provides a real-time graphical representation of friend-of-friend relationships, with the currently-viewed user as a visual node in the screen center. The center node is surrounded by nodes representing that user's friends. Real-time animation is used to represent transitions as the user navigates from person to person. The LNE also represents groups as a visual node in this graphically interconnected web so that the user can travel to a group that a person belongs to, and can see all the people inside the group by connections. The user can navigate to any of these people in the group. The user can click on a person to bring up their digital identity details.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Brendan K. Reville, Dan B. Kroymann, Fabrice Odero, Jeffrey D. Henshaw, Jeffrey L. Allen
  • Patent number: 7749085
    Abstract: A game machine operable to execute a game program is communicatively connected to a center server. In the center server, a first transmitter transmits, to the game machine, first data indicating a settled play amount out of a played amount which is represented by either an accumulated number or time period that the game program has been executed. In the game machine, a first storage is operable to store the first data, a second storage is operable to store second data indicating the played amount, and a third storage is operable to store third data indicating an allowable unsettled play amount which represents either an allowable number or time period of which the game program is executed without settlement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuya Takahashi, Masahiko Kami
  • Patent number: 7749086
    Abstract: In a state in which a dynamic damper and paper dampers are installed to an inner portion of a first propeller shaft, there is provided a structure in which inclined end portions in an inner side in a diametrical direction of the paper dampers opposing to an inner weight of the dynamic damper are positioned in such a manner as to be largely away from the inner weight. Accordingly, since an offset space can be formed between the inclined end portions of two paper dampers and an end portion in an axial direction of the inner weight of the dynamic damper, it is possible to avoid a contact between both the elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Showa Corporation
    Inventor: Shinya Toita
  • Patent number: 7749087
    Abstract: A mirror maze that employs lighting in the floor of the maze to add to the optical illusion provided by the mirror maze effect. The mirror maze includes the traditional array of pillars and mirrors where lines are provided between the pillars, and where the space between some of the pillars includes a mirror along a line between the pillars and the space between some of the pillars is open. In one non-limiting embodiment, light strips are provided along the lines between the pillars, where a pair of light strips is positioned adjacent to each other between the pillars that do not include a mirror, and a single light strip is provided between pillars that do include a mirror, so that the reflection of the light strip provides the appearance of a pair of light strips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Amazing Mazes, LLC
    Inventor: Darrin S. Elias
  • Patent number: 7749088
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a simulator for simulating the movement of a horse comprising: a base; a body portion for receipt of a rider and having a longitudinal axis corresponding to the simulated forward and backward movement of a horse; a first linkage extending between said body portion and said base; a second linkage extending between said body portion; and a mechanism capable of providing vertical and horizontal movement to the longitudinal axis of the body portion. The present invention also relates to a kit of parts for producing the simulator. The simulator is particularly useful as a training aid for people to ride horses, in addition to improving stamina and general fitness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Racewood Limited
    Inventor: William Ronald Greenwood
  • Patent number: 7749089
    Abstract: A multi-media interactive play system has a number of play elements situated in a variety of play environments or play media. The play elements are linked to a common record of participant performance, progress, character attributes, etc. The participant's performance in the play elements determines the play elements to which the participant may proceed as well as the play parameters of the play element in which the participant is currently involved. The play elements are thus interlinked to define a sequence or path network along which the participant advances. By advancing through the play elements the participant carries out a plot, story, theme, etc. that attaches a significance to the successful completion of a given play element or elements. Also disclosed in a variety of play elements suitable for use in the system, an example of a plot or theme that may be carried out by the system, and a send/receive radio frequency network that may be used to track play participants in a play center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Creative Kingdoms, LLC
    Inventors: Rick A. Briggs, Denise Weston
  • Patent number: 7749090
    Abstract: A billiard table and billiard ball storage compartment with mating connectors are disclosed. In one embodiment, a billiard table is provided comprising a frame comprising a first connector, a playing surface supported by the frame, and a billiard ball storage compartment comprising a second connector, wherein the second connector is configured to mate with the first connector when the billiard ball storage compartment is moved into a first position with respect to the frame. In exemplary embodiments, the billiard ball storage compartment comprises a ball storage box and/or a ball receiver box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Brunswick Bowling & Billiards Corporation
    Inventors: Theodore Caron, Michael Reedy
  • Patent number: 7749091
    Abstract: The present invention is a method, system and/or apparatus for achieving a level balance through the use of one or more fluids, solids and/or gases (identified herein as “liquidwick”), whether individually applied or applied in selected combination, or whether applied through phase-shifting combinations, the liquidwick being partially or fully placed in a closable container which is securely insertable into a cavity within an instrument desired to achieve balance (such as, for example, a pool stick or a golf club).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: High Desert Dynamics, LLC.
    Inventors: Daniel D. Shields, Richard Gustin
  • Patent number: 7749092
    Abstract: A device for practice putting of golf balls is provided comprising a platform covered by a synthetic matting simulating a putting surface 2, a standing area 1 for the golfer with first 16 and second 19 foot operated electrical on/off switches for operating an electromagnetic return means such that the golfers can retrieve each golf ball without ever changing their putting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Inventor: Lamar Anthony Rutherford
  • Patent number: 7749093
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a golf club face assistance device. A proper location on a shaft of a club is provided with a first fixing element and is extended with a first assistance element. The other end of the first assistance element is connected with a second fixing element, and the first assistance element is provided with a second assistance element which is extended toward the shaft. An interface between the first and second assistance elements is defined with an aim point, and a virtual club face is defined from the aim point to the club face. By the virtual club face, one can easily learn a correct hitting form and a correct hit point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Inventors: Chia-Jen Chang, Hao-Che Chang
  • Patent number: 7749094
    Abstract: A golf club grip includes a first grip member and a second grip member. The first grip member has a dark color and a first material density. The second grip member which has a light color and a second material density which is greater than the first material density, wherein the first grip member is integrated with the second grip member in an edge-to-edge manner to form an elongated tubular structure. When the first grip member and the second grip member is heated to integrate with each other, particles of the second grip member crosses over the first grip member to form a predetermined amount of light color at the first grip member, while the light color formed at the first grip member is adapted to be overlaid by the dark color so as to render the light color and the dark color sharply distinguishable on the gold club grip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Inventor: Yung Hsiang Chen
  • Patent number: 7749095
    Abstract: A weight material is provided on a heel side of a hosel portion in a golf club head. A convex portion E is provided on the heel side of the head. The weight material is disposed within the convex portion. The weight material is made of high specific gravity metal such as tungsten, and welded on both a lower column and a skirt portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masafumi Nishitani
  • Patent number: 7749096
    Abstract: A golf club head (42) having a delta of the coefficient of restitution between a geometric face center of the face (72) and a location (806) 0.5 inch sole-ward from the face center that is less than 0.065. The golf club head (42) preferably has a volume ranging from 420 cubic centimeters to 470 cubic centimeters. The golf club head (42) preferably has a moment of inertia about the Izz axis through the center of gravity of the golf club head greater than 4000 grams-centimeters squared, and a moment of inertia about the Ixx axis through the center of gravity of the golf club head greater than 3000 grams-centimeters squared.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Evan D. Gibbs, Ronald K. Hettinger, Luke R. Williams
  • Patent number: 7749097
    Abstract: A golf club head (42) having a substantially square or rectangular body is disclosed herein. The golf club head (42) preferably has a volume ranging from 420 cubic centimeters to 470 cubic centimeters. The golf club head (42) preferably has a face component (60), a mid-body (61) and an aft-weight component (65). The golf club head (42) preferably has a moment of inertia about the Izz axis through the center of gravity of the golf club head greater than 4000 grams-centimeters squared.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Philip G. Foster, Evan D. Gibbs, J. Andrew Galloway, Michael Hallack, Luke R. Williams, Alan Hocknell, Matthew T. Cackett
  • Patent number: 7749098
    Abstract: A golf putter head having a vertically curved putter face with multiple horizontal contact facets. The face has a vertical radius of curvature that is at least 2 inches and no more than 3.5 inches. The face includes a plurality of horizontal contact facets that are vertically curved to match the vertical radius of curvature. The contact facets, along with the radius of curvature, ensure that no more than two of the horizontal contact facets contact the golf ball when struck by the putter head at a speed of less than 15 miles per hour. The putter produces a horizontal linear contact, or impact, geometry that compensates for misdirection of the path of the putter head throughout the stroke of the putter head. At least one of the horizontal contact facets is located at an elevation above the center of curvature and at least one is located below.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Inventor: Lanny L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7749099
    Abstract: This invention provides a golf club head including a plurality of score lines on the face. In the golf club head according to this invention, the score line includes a pair of side surfaces and a bottom portion having a protruding portion protruding toward the face. An angle between the side surface and the face is not less than 60 degrees. A cross-sectional area A (inch2) of the score line, a width W (inch) of the score line measured based on the 30 degrees measurement method, and a distance S (inch) between the score lines adjacent to one another satisfy A/(W+S)?0.003.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wataru Ban, Fumiaki Sato
  • Patent number: 7749100
    Abstract: Golf club heads include: (a) a club head body having a ball striking face and defining a rear cavity; (b) a fluid-filled bladder in the cavity; and (c) a retaining member holding the fluid-filled bladder in the cavity. Other club heads include: (a) a club head body having a ball striking face and defining a rear cavity; and (b) an insert member in the rear cavity, wherein the insert member interior includes one or more chambers facing the rear surface of the ball striking face. The chamber(s) may cover at least 30% of a total surface area of the interior surface of the insert member and/or at least 30% of a total interior major surface area of the rear cavity. Golf clubs including these club heads and methods of making such golf clubs and golf club heads also are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary G. Tavares, John T. Stites, Eric A. Larson, Chia-Chyi Cheng
  • Patent number: 7749101
    Abstract: A wood-type golf club head includes a metal sole portion, an elastic body and a weight member. At least one recess is defined in the metal sole portion to extend in a front-rear direction over at least half-length of a front-rear length of the sole portion. The elastic body is embedded in the recess. The weight member is fixed to the recess to cover the elastic body. The weight member is flush with the sole portion. A total area of the recess is in a range of 10% to 60% of that of the sole portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasunori Imamoto, Hideo Shimazaki, Hideo Matsunaga
  • Patent number: 7749102
    Abstract: An iron-type golf club head comprises: a main unit made of a carbon steel having a carbon content Ch (wt %) and integrally including a hosel attached to a club shaft; and a face plate made of a carbon steel having a carbon content Cf (wt %) and attached to the main unit so that the front surface of the face plate forms at least a major part of a face of the head, wherein the carbon content Cf (wt %) of the face plate is less than the carbon content Ch (wt %) of the main unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: SRI Sports Limited
    Inventor: Takashi Nakamura
  • Patent number: 7749103
    Abstract: A golf club head having a hollow structure comprising a head main body provided with a top opening and a crown plate fitted in the top opening is disclosed. The head main body is provided with a support for the crown plate extending along the edge of the top opening and protruding into the top opening with a variable width from the edge of the top opening. the average Wa of the width of the crown plate support existing in the foreside one-quarter zone of the top opening, the average Wc of the width of the crown plate support existing in the backside one-quarter zone of the top opening, and the average Wb of the width of the crown plate support existing in the mid two-quarter zone of the top opening satisfy (1) Wa>Wb, and (2) Wc>Wb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: SRI Sports Limited
    Inventor: Takashi Nakano
  • Patent number: 7749104
    Abstract: A golf club head according to one or more aspects of the present invention may generally include a strike face, a top portion, a bottom portion, a heel portion, a toe portion, and a hosel having a central axis located in an first imaginary vertical plane. A discrete, at least partially curvilinear stiffening element, having generally vertical side surfaces, may be coupled to at least one of the top portion and the bottom portion to improve the dynamic-excitation response of the club head. Preferably, the stiffening element is oriented such that an imaginary horizontal line intersects at least one of the vertical surfaces at least two points. Additionally, the stiffening element may have at least two inflection points located along a non-linear path characterized by the vertical projection of one of the side surfaces onto at least one of the bottom portion and the top portion of the club head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: SRI Sports Limited
    Inventors: Dustin J. Brekke, Robert J. Horacek
  • Patent number: 7749105
    Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention a golf club head is provided. The club head includes a heel, toe, front portion with a defined striking face, a back portion, an upper surface and a lower surface. An aperture is defined in the body as extending from the upper surface to the lower surface and extending from the front portion to an inside portion. An insert is further provided and is secured within the aperture. Lastly, an indicia is provided within the insert and is visible through the upper surface and lower surface of the golf club head. Furthermore, the aperture may extend from the striking face such that the insert of mating configuration to the aperture forms at least a portion of the striking face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Inventors: Donovan Zielke, Roger Twibell, John Mathews
  • Patent number: 7749106
    Abstract: A molded rubber material for a golf ball is obtained by molding and vulcanizing a rubber composition composed of (a) a diene rubber, (b) an ?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acid and/or a metal salt thereof, (c) an organic peroxide, and (d) an inorganic oxide. The inorganic oxide is prepared by a plasma process, a laser process or flame synthesis, has an average particle size of at most 200 nm, and is added in an amount of at least 1 wt % based on the zinc acrylate. The molded rubber material has a high hardness, a good resilience, and excellent durability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun Shindo, Atsushi Nanba
  • Patent number: 7749107
    Abstract: A golf ball including a thermoplastic core having an outer diameter of 1.51 inches to 1.59 inches; an outer cover layer; and an inner cover layer between the core and the outer cover layer. The thermoplastic core has been exposed to a gradient-initiating solution comprising a solvent, free radical initiator, and a reactive co-agent comprising a metal salt of an acrylic or methacrylic acid, a mono- or multi-functional acrylate or methacrylate, or having the chemical structure where R=linear, branched, or aromatic C1-C14 and n=1-5, such that the hardness of the outer surface is different than the hardness of the geometric center to define a positive or negative hardness gradient of 5 Shore C or greater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, David A. Bulpett, Brian Comeau
  • Patent number: 7749108
    Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-piece solid golf ball having a core, an envelope layer encasing the core, an intermediate layer encasing the envelope layer, and a cover which encases the intermediate layer and has formed on a surface thereof a plurality of dimples. The envelope layer has an inner layer and an outer layer. The core is formed primarily of a rubber material. The inner and outer envelope layers, the intermediate layer and the cover are each formed primarily of the same or different resin materials. The inner and outer envelope layers, intermediate layer and cover have thicknesses which satisfy the following conditions (i) and (ii): (i) cover thickness<intermediate layer thickness<(inner envelope layer thickness+outer envelope layer thickness) (ii) (cover thickness+intermediate layer thickness)<(inner envelope layer thickness+outer envelope layer thickness).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideo Watanabe, Akira Kimura
  • Patent number: 7749109
    Abstract: A golf swing posture correction apparatus and method therefor are provided. Provided is the golf swing posture correction system apparatus capable of detecting movement of an anchored leg in a golf swing and notifying a user, thereby correcting a golf swing posture. The anchored leg is a left leg for a right-handed person and a right leg for a left-handed person. The golf swing posture correction apparatus detects the movement of the anchored leg, and processes a detected signal, thereby generating sound via a speaker or vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Yong Won Jang, Seunghwan Kim
  • Patent number: 7749110
    Abstract: The present invention provides a tennis training systems. Methods of practicing and teaching tennis are also provided herein. In one aspect, the training system employs an elongated, elastic cord having a proximal end and a distal end, a vibration dampener configured to be received within a string bed of a racket and operatively connected to the proximal end of the cord, and a connection disc operatively connected to the distal end of the cord. The vibration dampener is connected to the proximal end of the cord by means of an integral loop. Optionally, the connection disc is releasably connected to the distal end of the cord by means of an integral loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Great Southern Corporation
    Inventor: Morris Bozof
  • Patent number: 7749111
    Abstract: A basketball backboard assembly and a method of making the backboard assembly are disclosed. The assembly includes a backboard frame structure and an acrylic backboard which are bonded together with a suitable elastomeric adhesive, such as a silicone adhesive, providing adequate adhesion and flexibility. The elastomeric adhesive has a bond gap in the range from about 2 to 2.5 mm. The adhesive is catalyzed to provide control of the set time in the range from about 5 minutes to 1 hour. A plurality of bond gap spacers are located between the frame bonding surface and the backboard bonding surface to provide the bond gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Lifetime Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry Stevens
  • Patent number: 7749112
    Abstract: The present invention provides a lacrosse stick (220) comprising a unibody head and shaft construction that increases lacrosse throwing accuracy and power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Harrow Sports, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark X. Hayden, Chad M. Wittman
  • Patent number: 7749113
    Abstract: A lacrosse head that is constructed of multiple different materials or components having different strength characteristics with the stronger materials or components located in predetermined locations to provide increased resistance to flex and/or breakage in those areas while allowing desired flex in some areas. The lacrosse head is co-formed of the multiple different materials by such processes as injection molding, gas assist injection molding, compression molding, thermal forming and extrusion such that the multiple different materials are coupled to form a single integrated structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Warrior Sports, Inc.
    Inventors: David Morrow, Jesse Hubbard, Andrew Maliszewski, Matthew Winningham, Richard Janisse
  • Patent number: 7749114
    Abstract: A bat has a barrel with a multi-wall construction. The handle can be formed integrally with the inner wall. A damping device can be installed between the handle and the outer wall of the barrel. The damping device can dampen vibrations transmitted from the outer wall to the handle. The damping device can also separate the outer wall from the inner wall adjacent the handle section. The inner and outer walls can be bonded together adjacent the end of the bat. Alternatively, the inner and outer walls can be entirely free of bonding to one another. Additionally, a damping device can separate the outer wall from the inner wall adjacent the end of the bat. Furthermore, the bat can include a pair of damping devices that separate the inner wall from the outer wall both adjacent the handle section and at the end of the bat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: True Temper Sports, Inc.
    Inventor: Maxime Thouin
  • Patent number: 7749115
    Abstract: A bat having a handle portion, a transition portion attached to the handle portion, and a barrel portion attached to the transition portion. The area(s) adjacent to the central portion of the barrel have an increased performance with respect to the central portion of the barrel to effectively enlarge the sweet spot, or preferred hitting area. At least one tubular member of the barrel is circumferential aligned and axially spaced from another tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Curtis M. Cruz, Biju Mathew, Matthew V. Vacek, Tyler Scott Jessie
  • Patent number: 7749116
    Abstract: The present invention provides a panel of the ball for ball game, said panel has the folding portion and the opposite folding portion on its periphery, which are opposite to each other and made of the same continuous material. The folding portion and the opposite folding portion of said leather panels have the good engaging property and difficult to separate with each other during usage because they are made of the same material. The panel has simple manufacturing process and low production cost, making the ball for ball game comprising above panels have good using properties, simple manufacturing process and low production cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Frank Chang
    Inventors: Ya Fang Tang, Yuen Yuen Chang
  • Patent number: 7749117
    Abstract: Improvement in the design of variable original radius chainrings for coupling to conventional bicycle cranks in order to apply traction, which primarily consists of its being provided with a plurality of possible anchorages to the crank, so that the user may adjust the relative position between the crank and the major radius of the chainring, and thus optimize the biomechanics of his own pedalling; furthermore, other design parameters are offered to endow this non-circular pedalling with leg speeds optimized within the limitation of pedalling with cranks at 180 degrees and therefore with a dead spot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Rotor Components Technologies, S.L.
    Inventor: Pablo Carrasco Vergara
  • Patent number: 7749118
    Abstract: Toothed belt for use in contact with oil and comprising a body and a number of teeth extending from at least one surface of the body; the teeth are coated by a fabric; a resistant layer comprising a plastomer based on fluorine with the addition of elastomeric material, in which the plastomer is present in a larger quantity than the elastomeric material, is applied by adhesion onto the coating fabric. The elastomeric material forming the body of the belt is a copolymer obtained from a dienic monomer and a monomer containing nitrile groups, in which the nitrile groups are between 33% and 49%, preferably 39%, in weight with respect to the copolymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Dayco Europe S.r.l.
    Inventors: Carlo Baldovino, Marco Di Meco, Tommaso Di Giacomo
  • Patent number: 7749119
    Abstract: A device for inserting an articulation pin (28) to pivotally connect the outer plates (12) and the inner plates (14) of a chain, particularly a bicycle chain. The device comprises an articulation pin (28) and a guide element (30) which is to be separated from the pin (28) after the insertion of the pin (28) within aligned holes (16, 18) of the plates (12, 14). The pin (28) is provided at one end thereof with a snap engaging portion (38) shaped so as to expand the holes (16) of the outer plates (12) in a radial direction during the insertion of the pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.
    Inventor: Mario Meggiolan
  • Patent number: 7749120
    Abstract: A power transmission belt. The power transmission belt includes the following: a backing layer; a body having a top surface and a bottom surface, the bottom surface joined with the backing layer, the top surface including a plurality of teeth, and the body including a plurality of reinforcing cords positioned between the top and bottom surfaces; and a fabric material having a top surface and a bottom surface, the bottom surface at least partially embedded in the top surface of the body, the fabric material being a weft knitted structure having N×N ribs, wherein N is at least 2, and the top surface of the fabric material being at least partially exposed at surfaces of the plurality of teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Dayco Products, LLC
    Inventor: Daniel A. Pelton
  • Patent number: 7749121
    Abstract: An improved structure of a transmission structure for an electrically operated bicycle, structured to include an electric mechanism and a pedal coaxially disposed on a pedal shaft of a bicycle. The present invention is characterized in that: a rotating shaft of the electric mechanism is a hollow tube that passes through two sides of the electric mechanism; the pedal shaft of the pedal mechanism penetrates and is disposed within the rotating shaft and is able to rotate therein; and the driving chain wheel is pivotal disposed on an outer side of the rotating shaft. One side of the driving chain wheel is coupled to the rotating shaft of the electric mechanism by means of a clutch, and the other side of the driving chain wheel is coupled to a pedal crank of the pedal mechanism by means of a unilateral bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Inventor: Te-Yu Perng