Patents Issued in September 6, 2011
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Patent number: 8012002Abstract: Systems and methods for cleaning animals are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus for cleaning a plurality of carcasses of harvested animals includes a track system configured to convey the carcasses through a plurality of carcass disassembly stations. The apparatus also includes a spray system for directing a fluid at a portion of at least one of the carcasses. The spray includes a plurality of nozzles configured to rotate relative to the track system. The spray system directs the fluid onto each of the carcasses in a tracking manner as the carcass moves from a first carcass location to a second carcass location. In another embodiment, a method for cleaning a plurality of carcasses of harvested animals includes providing an assembly line for conveying the carcasses through a plurality of carcass processing stations. At least one of the stations comprises a spray nozzle assembly for directing a fluid in a rotating path at a portion of each of the carcasses.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2010Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Cargill, IncorporatedInventor: Timothy D. Brown
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Patent number: 8012003Abstract: A sports videogame such as a baseball videogame allows a user to control the release time of a pitch in order to control the timing of a break on the pitched ball. Other implementations of a baseball videogame allow a user to put extra spin on a pitched ball to thereby create a greater break on the pitch or allow the user to play in a hero mode which enables the user to control a videogame character in a series of specific game play scenarios designed to allow the user to immediately control the videogame character to perform unique skills. Game play may also be customized by allowing the user to incorporate user-created images into screens of game play and/or allow the user to incorporate recorded audio messages into game play.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2004Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.Inventors: Henry Sterchi, Jeff Miller
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Patent number: 8012004Abstract: While a ball is rising, a point of attention of a virtual camera is set at the current position of the ball. At the instant when the movement of the ball is changed from rising to falling, the point of attention of the virtual camera is moved from the position of the ball to the position of the shadow of the ball. While the ball is falling, the point of attention of the virtual camera is set at the position of the shadow of the ball. Thus, in a baseball game or the like, a game image capable of providing a realistic feeling to the player and also allowing the player to grasp an area below the ball before the ball drops on the ground can be generated.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2006Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yoshikazu Yamashita
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Patent number: 8012005Abstract: A traveling time calculation program causes a computer to function as the following: position determination mechanism which determines a position of a movable object using a velocity vector with every update of a game screen, virtual position setting mechanism which sets a virtual position between positions immediately before and after the movable object passes through a second position, and shifts the virtual position using an infinitesimal unit vector obtained by dividing a velocity vector at the position immediately before the movable object passes through the second position into predetermined numbers, and traveling time calculation mechanism which calculates a traveling time from the first position to a position immediately before or after the virtual position crosses the second position.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2008Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.Inventor: Keizo Ohta
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Patent number: 8012006Abstract: A game apparatus includes an LCD. An on-earth object existing in a virtual game space is reproduced on the LCD from a viewpoint of capturing ahead of a flying object moving in the virtual game space. A velocity parameter and a direction parameter which defines the movement parameter of the flying object are changed in response to a button operation by a player. An altitude where the flying object will reach after a lapse of a time T (T>0) is predicted on the basis of the movement parameter of the flying object. A height above the sea level of the on-earth object existing in the predicted point is detected with reference to map data. Difference information indicating a difference between the detected height above the sea level of the on-earth object and altitude of the flying object is output to the player through the LCD.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2006Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tsutomu Koganezawa, Takayuki Haga
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Patent number: 8012007Abstract: A video game, in which a player character operated by a player fights against an enemy character and one character wins by lowering a life parameter for the other character by means of an attack to a battle impossible value at which the other character cannot fight, is controlled. First and second courage points are respectively applied to the player character and the enemy character in accordance with battle content. When a predetermined operation is received from the player, it is determined whether or not each of accumulated values of the first and second courage points is a predetermined value or more. Special fighting between the player character and the enemy character is controlled in the case where it is determined that both the accumulated values are the predetermined value or more. The special fighting is different from a battle for lowering the life parameter.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2009Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Square EnixInventor: Naoki Yoshida
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Patent number: 8012008Abstract: Two card decks A and B are allocated to and shared by a dealer and each of “main players 1 to 5”. Two cards to be dealt respectively to the dealer and each of the main players are determined from the two card decks A and B. On the other hand, two card decks C and D are allocated to “sub player 3”. Two cards to be dealt to the sub player are determined from the two card decks C and D. In the determination, the same cards which dealt to the dealer are excluded from the two card decks C and D. Similarly, with respect to “sub player 5”, two cards to be dealt to the sub player are determined from two card decks E and F. Further, with respect to “sub player 8”, two cards to be dealt to the sub player are determined from two card decks G and H.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2008Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Universal Entertainment CorporationInventor: Junpei Sato
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Patent number: 8012009Abstract: A gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality of gaming tables. In one embodiment, the gaming system provides players with one or more loyalty incentives, such as one or more loyalty awards, utilizing one or more loyalty incentive award sequences. In one embodiment, the gaming system determines a loyalty award to provide to a player and then determines an appropriate loyalty award sequence to utilize to provide the player the determined loyalty award, wherein the loyalty award sequence is determined based on the individual gaming table at which that the player is currently playing.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2007Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: IGTInventors: Cara L. Iddings, Anthony J. Baerlocher, Richard J. Schneider
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Patent number: 8012010Abstract: Gaming machines, systems and methods for emulating rotating physical reels on a display screen are disclosed. Graphics for “static” reel symbols are intentionally blurred for those reel symbols “in motion.” Gaming machines include an exterior housing, master gaming controller, display device and virtual reels. Virtual reels include reel stops, static reel symbols and corresponding dynamic blurred reel symbols. A blurred reel symbol generator provides corresponding blurred reel symbols for existing static reel symbols, and can be located at a remote host and/or within the gaming machine. A remote host can provide downloadable virtual reel strips, reel symbols and blurred reel symbols to gaming machines. The blurred reel symbol generator can accept manually entered blurred reel symbol images, and/or can also generate blurred reel symbol images itself in automated fashion. Blurred reel symbols can be generated on the fly at runtime, or can be taken from a stored location.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2007Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: IGTInventors: Zachery Tyler Wilson, Jae Man Yi
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Patent number: 8012011Abstract: A gaming device including a plurality of unisymbol reels which are each selectively activated to generate a symbol at an active symbol position. After a plurality of symbols are generated by the unisymbol reels (wherein the number of generated symbols is based on a wagered on number of ways to win), the gaming device analyzes any associated symbols which are generated in active symbol positions over a requisite number of adjacent reel columns to determine whether the generated symbols form part or all of a winning symbol combination (i.e., a combination of associated or related symbols). The gaming device determines any outcomes associated with any formed winning symbol combinations and provides any determined outcomes to the player, wherein unlike a gaming device with paylines, any outcomes provided to the player are not determined based on the number of paylines which may pass through any displayed winning symbol combinations.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2008Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: IGTInventors: Anthony J. Baerlocher, Paulina Rodgers, Alexander Casey Naglestad Cohen
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Patent number: 8012012Abstract: A processor selects either a first game mode or a second game mode based on the operation by the operator carried out at a server 102. If the first game mode has been selected, a payout is calculated and awarded based on a fixed payout set in advance for each winning combination. Alternatively, if the second game mode has been selected, a payout is calculated and awarded based on a progressive payout and a fixed payout which was set in advance for each winning combination.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2008Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Universal Entertainment CorporationInventor: Kenta Sugano
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Patent number: 8012013Abstract: A method in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention is provided, the method comprising the steps of generating a first outcome of a game of chance, determining a target outcome, receiving a first wager, generating a second outcome based on the first outcome, and repeating the step of generating the second outcome until the second outcome matches the target outcome, before receiving any second wager.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2002Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: IGTInventors: Jay S. Walker, James A. Jorasch, Geoffrey M. Gelman, Scott T. Friesen, Stephen C. Tulley, Norman C. Gilman, Daniel E. Tedesco, Michael D. Downs
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Patent number: 8012014Abstract: A gaming system and method for operating a gaming system is provided. The gaming system includes a central server that is linked to a plurality of gaming devices. The central server monitors wager and play activity on the gaming devices during a period of time. Based at least in part on the wager and play activity, the central server determines a ranking for one or more players or for one or more gaming devices in the gaming system. The central server selects which player(s) will be provided one or more awards based on the determined ranking. The determined ranking is based, at least in part, on the speed, skill and/or wagering activity of the one or more players.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2006Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: IGTInventors: Michael N. Low, Michael M. Oberberger, Dwayne A. Davis
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Patent number: 8012015Abstract: A gaming server provides activities and/or services to a player through a gaming device. To verify whether the gaming device is communicating with the gaming server, a verification server may send an indicator to the gaming device, via the gaming server, and also send the indicator to a verification device. Alternatively, the verification server may send an indicator, via the gaming server, to the gaming device, for example, which indicator may then be sent back to the verification server from a verification device.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2006Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: CFPH, LLCInventor: Dean P. Alderucci
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Patent number: 8012016Abstract: A squad command interface for a squad-based shooter video game maps character selection and command selection to actuators on a game controller. Players can select squad characters and issue a single order to multiple characters with few controller actuations.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2007Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: James R. J. York, Randy J. Pagulayan, Tim V. Fields
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Patent number: 8012017Abstract: A squad command interface for a squad-based shooter video game maps character selection and command selection to actuators on a game controller. Players can select squad characters and issue a single order to multiple characters with few controller actuations.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2007Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: James R. J. York, Randy J. Pagulayan, Tim V. Fields
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Patent number: 8012018Abstract: A video game apparatus includes a CPU, and the CPU executes a game according to a game program in a virtual space. During the game, the player selectively displays a 2D game screen and a 3D game screen by operating a controller. It should be noted that a player character, etc. is subjected to a modeling process in a virtual three-dimensional space, and the image is photographed by a virtual camera so as to be displayed as a 2D or 3D game screen on a monitor. If it is determined whether or not the player character and the predetermined object are contacted with each other, collision data for 2D display or collision data for 3D display set in advance to the object is utilized.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2006Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ryota Kawade, Tadao Nakayama
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Patent number: 8012019Abstract: Methods and apparatus on a gaming machine for presenting a plurality of game outcome presentations derived from one or more virtual 3-D gaming environments stored on the gaming machine are described. While a game of chance is being played on the gaming machine, two-dimensional images derived from a 3-D object in the 3-D gaming environment may be rendered to a display screen on the gaming machine in real-time as part of a game outcome presentation. The 3-D objects in the 3-D gaming environment may include 3-D texts objects that are used to display text to the display screen of the gaming machine as part of the game outcome presentation. Apparatus and methods are described for generating and displaying information in a textual format that is compatible with a 3-D graphical rendering system. In particular, font generation and typesetting methods that are applicable in a 3-D gaming environment are described.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2008Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: IGTInventors: Anthony Escalera, Robert E. Breckner, Greg A. Schlottmann, Alexey Kryuchkov, Serge Antonov, Steven G. LeMay
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Patent number: 8012020Abstract: In a game device (301) for showing a past operation history to a player in comparison with the current operation status, a first moving unit (303) moves a first object in a virtual space based on a moving instruction input received by an input receiving unit (302), an input history storage unit (304) stores the moving instruction input as input history information, a second moving unit (305) moves a second object in the virtual space based on input history information stored in the past, an assessment unit (306) assesses whether or not the first object and the second object are overlapping in the virtual space, and a display unit (307) displays the second object in a case where a non-overlapping state has been identified and stops the display of the second object in a case where an overlapping state has been identified.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2006Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.Inventor: Michio Yamada
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Patent number: 8012021Abstract: Gaming machines having video depictions of one or more mechanical reels projected onto a curved display are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the gaming machine includes a curved transparent material having an outer surface, an inner surface, and a radius of curvature similar to a mechanical reel. The curved transparent material further includes a glossy finish on the outer surface of the curved transparent material to provide a reflective surface. The gaming machine also includes a light emitting diode projector for projecting video images of one or more reels onto the inner surface of the curved transparent material. The gaming machine also has a liquid crystal display having an opening in which the curved transparent material extends through the opening of the opening of the liquid crystal display.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2009Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.Inventors: Robert W. Crowder, Jr., John R. Vallejo, Vernon H. Bernard, II, Karl E. Wudtke, Frank R. Anderson, Lawrence C. McAllister
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Patent number: 8012022Abstract: A button structure used in a game controller in which the dimension of the contact area between a metal conducting portion and a continual resistor strip or continual carbon film is determined to control the value of the output signal subject to the biasing angle of the button or the value of pressure applied to the button.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2007Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Inventor: Chiu-Hao Cheng
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Patent number: 8012023Abstract: Systems and methods that provide for a virtual reality entertainment system that supplies immersive entertainment and creates a sensation for a user similar to having guests in a remote location to be physically present as virtual guests. Such virtual reality entertainment system can supply a graphic and/or audio; wherein interconnected computers, video and audio processing devices, supply a live interaction between a user and a guest(s). Although guests are only present virtually (e.g., electronically present with other objects/user within the environment) such virtual invitation enables a user and guests to concurrently experience the entertainment together (e.g., a live sporting event, spectator game). In a related aspect, the subject innovation can implement holographic avatars, and a plurality of communication interfaces, to imitate (and/or transform) a relationship between the user and the virtual guests/surrounding environment.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2006Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventors: William H. Gates, III, Gary W. Flake, Alexander G. Gounares, Thomas F. Bergstraesser, Arnold N. Blinn, Christopher W. Brumme, Lili Cheng, Michael Connolly, Daniel S. Glasser, James R. Larus, Matthew B. MacLaurin, Henricus Johannes Maria Meijer, Debi P. Mishra, Amit Mital, Ira L. Snyder, Jr., Melora Zaner-Godsey
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Patent number: 8012024Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for simultaneously indicating, on each of a plurality of communication terminals, instructions transmitted by each terminal and the identity of the respective terminals that transmitted the instructions. Such a feature can be used to indicate the moves of parties playing a game over a telephone line. Once a communications link is established between two or more parties, their terminals are placed in a game mode which activates inband signal detection and player identification circuitry located within the terminals. Multi-colored indicators and player identification displays at each terminal are activated, their color being dependent upon the source of received instructions. In one embodiment, player identification indicators may be incorporated into a touch tone keypad located on the terminals. The keypad's touch tone keys are modified such that each key has two or more color coded indicators incorporated within, each color representing a particular player's move.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2005Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: New Illuminations LLCInventor: Scott Wolinsky
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Patent number: 8012025Abstract: A video game controller hub receives a number of control input sets from an equal number of video game controllers, and provides a preferably smaller number of control input sets to a video game console. Each of the control input sets provided to the video game console by the controller hub is used to control a distinct on-screen entity, e.g. vehicle, character, or team. A number of players therefore collectively control a single on-screen entity. The reduction in the number of control input sets is performed according to reduction and combination schemes that are preferably specified by the user to suit a particular video game. The reduction in the number of control input sets increases the number of players that may concurrently participate in a video game without requiring support from the video game console or software, and the collaborative nature of the control of on-screen entities provides for exciting variations in game play.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2003Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Applied Minds, LLCInventors: W. Daniel Hillis, Bran Ferren
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Patent number: 8012026Abstract: A gaming machine (10) is provided having a plurality of modules. The gaming machine (10) may be used to provide a flexible architecture gaming machine. The plurality of modules include a play module (12) containing a display device (14) and a computational device (100) for controlling the operation of the gaming machine (10), and a base module (24) shaped and dimensioned to either directly or indirectly support the play module (1 2). The play module (12) includes a communication interface device (104) operable to communicate with a transaction handler that may be a transaction handling module (16). Also described and claimed is a method of supplying and a method of manufacturing a flexible architecture gaming machine.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2005Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty.Inventors: Peter Dreyer, Neil Hogg
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Patent number: 8012027Abstract: A gaming machine having a support bracket coupled to a cabinet front of the gaming machine, and a modular user interface hingedly coupled to the support bracket with at least one connector, the modular user interface having a button panel and a wrist support, wherein the modular user interface is configured to rotate along an axis of the at least one connector to expose an interior portion of the gaming machine.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2006Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: IGTInventors: Steve McGahn, Jean Pierre Legras
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Patent number: 8012028Abstract: A system and method for mounting gaming machines to a support, in a manner that enables gaming machines to be quickly and easily installed and removed. A mounting base is provided for each gaming machine. Ports are formed in the support that are shaped to receive the mounting bases. Once a gaming machine is placed on the support, the mounting base passes into a port and the gaming machine sits flush on the support. Mechanical fasteners are then used to lock the mounting bases into the ports so that the gaming machines cannot be removed from the support. The gaming machines are also connected to power cables and signal cables under the top surface of the support.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2008Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Inventor: Jack McNamara
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Patent number: 8012029Abstract: A card shuffling device reads suit and value of individual cards that are moved through the card shuffler. Reading of the cards is effected after cards have been received into a card holding area and before cards have been delivered into a card collection area from which cards are removed from the device for use.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2007Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Shuffle Master, Inc.Inventor: Rodney G. Johnson
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Patent number: 8012030Abstract: The invention relates to a connecting assembly which is used, more particularly for use in the driveline of a motor vehicle. The connecting assembly comprises a shaft journal 3 with an outer journal groove 34; a constant velocity universal joint 4 with an inner joint part 6 which, for the purpose of transmitting torque, is connected to the shaft journal 3 in a rotationally fixed way, wherein the inner joint part 6 comprises a sleeve-like portion 20 with an inner annular groove 35; a radially elastically widenable axial securing ring 30 which is provided for axially fixing the inner joint part 6 and which is positioned in the journal groove 34 of the shaft journal 3; and securing means 41 which are fixed to the sleeve-like portion 20 and prevent the axial securing ring 30 from being radially widened.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2009Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: GKN Driveline Deutschland GmbHInventors: Herbert Cermak, Michael Zierz
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Patent number: 8012031Abstract: A water ride for transporting ride participants between portions of a water attraction disposed at different heights, for example, pools situated at various levels in a water leisure park, includes an outer support tube within which a hollow spiral coil (screw) is constructed internally of the tube and securable to the tube. Advantageously, the manner of securement permits removal of at least a portion of the spiral coil as necessary or desirable for performing maintenance and/or replacement. The spiral coil sufficiently engages the inside of the tube, thereby creating at least a restriction to the passage of water between adjacent pockets contained between the thread pitch defined by the spiral coil. Ride participants are moved along with water pockets trapped between the pitch of the internal profile presented by the combination of spiral coil and tube from one end of the tube/spiral coil combination to the other end by rotation of the tube in an appropriate direction.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2007Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Inventors: Alexander Stuart, Douglas Murphy
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Patent number: 8012032Abstract: A personal driving range apparatus is provided including a platform, a ball having at least one aperture that passes through the ball, at least one line having a first end and a second end. The first end is detachably connected to the platform, and the at least one line is drawn through the at least one aperture of the ball so that the ball is slidably disposed on the at least one line extending from the platform. The apparatus also includes a strap disposed at the second end of the at least one line for detachably securing the at least one line to a stationary object.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2010Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Inventor: Francesco Biancamano
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Patent number: 8012033Abstract: The subject invention is comprised of a striking member adapted to emulate a specific selected sport, such striking member having removable indicator appendages that enable the user to feel by vibration and replicate by sight where the striking member is during the striking movement, and a target member adapted to emulate the playing object of the same selected sport, the target member including flexible, elongate momentum elements selectively attachable to the target member to provide progressive resistance and accurately simulate the characteristics of an actual ball or playing object.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2007Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Inventor: John Michael Novosel, Sr.
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Patent number: 8012034Abstract: A wood-type golf club head with an adjustable keel zone member is disclosed herein. The golf club head includes a body and an adjustable keel zone member. The body has a front portion, a crown portion and a sole portion. The body also having a heel end, a toe end and an aft end. The sole portion has only a single keel point. The adjustable keel zone member is disposed within a keel zone of the sole and located preferentially with respect to the center of gravity. The keel zone member is capable of adjusting the face angle of the wood-type golf club head.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2011Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Callaway Golf CompanyInventors: Matthew T. Cackett, D. Clayton Evans, Alan Hocknell
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Patent number: 8012035Abstract: Putters include a putter body having a ball striking face member made of a material having a first hardness characteristic. A cavity is defined in the putter body behind the ball striking face member, and plural openings are defined in the ball striking face member extending rearward with respect to the ball striking face member and into the cavity. A polymeric material at least partially fills the openings and the cavity, wherein the polymeric material has a second hardness characteristic that is softer than the first hardness characteristic. The ball striking face member and the polymeric material exposed in at least some of the openings provide a ball striking surface of the putter. The ball striking surface may include grooves or scorelines to affect the launch angle, spin, and/or roll of the ball during a putt. Methods for making such putter devices also are described.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2010Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: David N. Franklin, John Thomas Stites
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Patent number: 8012036Abstract: A set of iron-type golf clubs comprising “n” pieces of golf clubs having club heads with different loft angles and having advantages that variation in spin amount at mis-shots by long irons is small and accuracy in shots of intentionally curving a ball by short irons is high, each of the club heads having face 4 provided with a plurality of face grooves 10 extending in the toe-heel direction and a plurality of auxiliary grooves 11 including a plurality of first auxiliary grooves 11a extending in at least a region between toe side line L1 and heel side line L2, the first auxiliary grooves 11a being, in this region, in the form of curved grooves convex upward such that a curve descends from peak 13 toward the toe and heel side lines L1 and L2, and average degrees of curvature ?i of the first auxiliary grooves of the club heads satisfying a specific relationship.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2009Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: SRI Sports LimitedInventor: Takashi Nakamura
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Patent number: 8012037Abstract: A golf club having removable components includes a club head, a shaft, and a connection assembly. The club head includes a hosel having an upper treaded portion and a lower portion with a faceted cross-section. The connection assembly includes a sleeve mounted on the tip end of the shaft and a screw-cap. The sleeve, which has an aperture for receiving the tip end of the shaft, includes a lower section that has a multi-faceted surface for engaging the lower portion of the hosel. The screw-cap is mounted over the sleeve and includes a body having an upper area and a threaded area, the latter of which is capable of engaging the upper threaded portion of the hosel to removably secure the shaft to the club head.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2010Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Callaway Golf CompanyInventors: D. Clayton Evans, Matthew T. Cackett
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Patent number: 8012038Abstract: A golf club head is described, in one embodiment, including a body with an exterior surface defining a first body volume of at least about 400 cm3. The body has a bottom portion, a top portion, a front portion, and a back portion. A face positioned at the front portion of the body and is configured to receive an impact. A top portion silhouette profile located along a perimeter of the top portion is further described. The top portion silhouette profile defines the outer bounds of the top portion in an X-direction and Y-direction. At least one indentation is located on the bottom portion below the crown silhouette profile. The removal of the at least one indentation from the bottom portion creates a second body volume that is at least 12 cm3 larger than the first body volume.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2008Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc.Inventors: Todd P. Beach, Nathan Sargent, Kraig Alan Willett
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Patent number: 8012039Abstract: A golf club head with an increased moment of inertia (MOI) about the X axis and the Z axis. Generally, the MOI about the Z axis is at least about 4400 g·cm2 and the MOI about the X axis is at least about 2500 g·cm2. The radius of the bulge of the club face is increased while the radius of the roll is reduced to compensate for the gear effect produced by the increased MOIs. The bulge curvature is generally between about 0.016 cm?1 and about 0.028 cm?1, and the roll curvature is between about 0.033 cm?1 and about 0.066 cm?1. The roll curvature is greater than the bulge curvature.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2008Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc.Inventors: Mark Vincent Greaney, Brandon Woolley, Ian Wright, Todd P. Beach
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Patent number: 8012040Abstract: A golf club head (1) comprises a head main body (10) having a concave portion (11) formed in the face side and a face plate (20) fixed to the head main body (10). The face plate (20) is mounted on the head main body (10) such that a concave step portion (21) engages with a convex step portion (16a) of the head main body (10), and the upper edge portion, lower edge portion, and toe-side edge portion of the face plate (20) abut against edge portions (13), (14), and (15) of the head main body, respectively. The face plate (20) is laser-welded along its perimeter and fixed to the head main body (10).Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2009Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.Inventor: Takaharu Takechi
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Patent number: 8012041Abstract: A face or face insert (40) for a golf club head (20) is disclosed herein. The face (40) has an interior surface (40b) with a first thickness section (200) and a second thickness region (205). The first thickness section (200) preferably has a thickness that is at least 0.025 inch greater than the thickness of the second thickness region (205). In a most preferred embodiment, the first thickness section (200) has an X shape that is rotated around the Y axis (500) by at least 10 degrees. In another preferred embodiment, the face has a first thickness section (200), a second thickness region (205), and a central region (400) having a third thickness. The face or face insert (40) with variable thickness allows for a face or face insert (40) with less mass in a golf club head (20) that conforms to the United States Golf Association regulations.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2010Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Callaway Golf CompanyInventors: Evan D. Gibbs, Neil Hall, Williams D. Richardson, Larry G. Tang
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Patent number: 8012042Abstract: A head (2) includes an outer shell portion (4) forming an external surface of the head and a hollow portion (16) of the head, an inside extended portion (18) extended from the outer shell portion (4) to an inner part of the head, a housing portion (s1) formed by the outer shell portion (4) and the inside extended portion (18), and an adjusting material (w1) disposed in the housing portion (s1). The outer shell portion (4) is formed by bonding a plurality of outer shell forming members (26) and (28) formed integrally respectively. The outer shell forming member (26) has the inside extended portion (18), and the outer shell forming member (28) has the outer shell portion (4) to be a part of the housing portion (s1). One of the outer shell forming members may have the whole housing portion (s1) and may be formed by casting a metallic material.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2008Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: SRI Sports LimitedInventor: Hiroshi Abe
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Patent number: 8012043Abstract: The present invention relates to a grip tape for ball game rackets having a conical or trapezoidal base shape in the longitudinal direction or a length and a width, wherein the width varies at least along an essential portion of the length. The present invention also relates to a replacement grip tape including the features of a grip tape of the invention, and a process for producing a grip tape of the invention. Moreover, the present invention also relates to a grip for a ball game racket including a portion facing the head region of the ball game racket and having a first cross-section and a portion facing the end of the ball game racket and having a widening cross-section for holding the grip, as well as the combination of grip and grip tape.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2007Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Head Technology GmbHInventors: Manfred Emberger, Stefan Mohr, Claus Müller, Klaus Rambach, Gert Rhomberg
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Patent number: 8012044Abstract: Disclosed herein is a multi-layer golf ball having a soft outer cover. The golf ball has an inner cover layer with a Shore D hardness of 60 or more, and an outer cover with a Shore D hardness of 55 or less, and more preferably 50 or less. In a particularly preferred form of the invention, the outer cover comprises one or more polyurethane materials. The golf ball of the invention has exceptionally soft feel and high spin rates on short shots of 80 yards or less, and particularly, 40 yards or less, while maintaining good distance and average spin on full shots.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2010Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Callaway Golf CompanyInventors: Thomas J. Kennedy, III, Michael T. Tzivanis, Viktor Keller, William M. Risen, Jr., Mark L. Binette, John L. Nealon
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Patent number: 8012045Abstract: A method and system of fitting golf clubs to a person includes generating a dimensional reference number from a golfer's physical characteristics and applying an algorithm to determine desired parameters of golf clubs for the golfer from the dimensional reference number.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2007Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Inventor: Jay Turner
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Patent number: 8012046Abstract: A basketball return apparatus includes a frame, netting, and a ball return mechanism. The frame is adapted to mount on a rim support bracket of a basketball hoop and defines an orifice through which shot basketballs can descend. The netting is collapsible and extensible and is attached to the frame to form open funnel shaped enclosure that directs basketballs downward therethrough. The ball return mechanism is mounted to the frame below the orifice and netting to direct the basketballs back to the shooter.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2009Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Airborne Athletics, Inc.Inventors: Douglas Brad Campbell, Jeffrey Jon Campbell
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Patent number: 8012047Abstract: The football pass receiving trainer includes a cord extending between a first support and a second support and includes a pad selectively positionable along the length of the cord, wherein the pad is sized so a receiver must catch a football around the pad with the hands and extended arms and elbows. The cord stretches upon contact with the foam pad and is selectively tensioned between the first support and the second support. The football pass receiving trainer is usable as a stand-alone unit via a free-standing base and plurality of slidingly engageable feet or through use of a hook and stabilizing cord that cooperate to selectively secure the support to the chain link fence.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2009Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: BORG Unlimited Inc.Inventor: Ricardo Gamboa
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Patent number: 8012048Abstract: An aid for teaching players specific proper tennis grips is provided in two form factors. The aid can be provided in a wrap or a band form factor. The aid comprises a reference for each of the following grips: Continental, Eastern, Semi-Western, and Western. The references are spatially located on the aid, such that when installed onto a neck of a tennis racket, each reference aligns with the “V” formed between player's thumb and forefinger when holding the racket with the respective grip. The references can be color coded, provided in differing fonts, include unique graphical representations, and the like.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2010Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Inventor: Carlos Montalvo
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Patent number: 8012049Abstract: A projectile device having a suction cup head made of a novel foam. The foam used in the suction cup head has an open cell density within the foam of between five percent and twenty percent. The suction cup head has a face surface of a first diameter. A shallow concavity is formed in the face surface. The concavity has nearly the same diameter as the face surface, however, the depth of the concavity is no more than one-tenth of that diameter. Furthermore, the face surface of the suction cup head is proportionally large, being at least twenty-five percent as wide as the entire projectile device is long. The combination of a large suction cup head, a shallow concavity and a soft, semiporous foam enables the suction cup head to adhere to both smooth surfaces and rough surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2008Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Inventor: Steve Walterscheid
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Patent number: 8012050Abstract: A snowmobile is disclosed having improved drive train including a continuously variable transmission (CVT) having a drive belt looped around a driving pulley and a driven pulley, and a transversely arranged jackshaft wherein the driven pulley is connected directly onto the outer surface of one end of the jackshaft. The transverse jackshaft is preferably made from a thin-walled hollow tube and the driven pulley is preferably press fitted thereon. A method of assembling a snowmobile drive train is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2007Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.Inventors: Xavier-Pierre Aitcin, Joel Pitre, Yan Nolet
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Patent number: 8012051Abstract: An oil pressure control apparatus includes a belt-driven continuously variable transmission, a primary regulator valve that regulates a line oil pressure that becomes a source pressure of oil pressure of various parts, and a gear oil pressure control valve that supplies gear oil pressure to a driving-side pulley of the belt-driven continuously variable transmission. A failsafe valve is provided between the gear oil pressure control valve and the driving-side pulley. When the gear oil pressure control valve or a linear solenoid valve that controls the gear oil pressure control valve fails, the failsafe valve is switched so as to supply the line oil pressure to the driving-side pulley, and other than during such the gear oil pressure control valve's failure or the electromagnetic valve's failure, the failsafe valve is switched so as to supply the gear oil pressure to the driving-side pulley.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2008Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yoshinobu Soga