Patents Issued in April 9, 2013
  • Patent number: 8414399
    Abstract: Mechanisms for transferring a value associated with a representation of a user in a first virtual world environment instance to a second virtual world environment instance are provided. With these mechanisms, a request to transport a first representation of the user from the first virtual world environment instance to the second virtual world environment instance is received. One or more data objects associated with a first representation of the user in the first virtual world environment instance are quantized into at least one quantized value. The at least one quantized value is transported to the second virtual world environment instance and is converted into a second representation of the user in the second virtual world environment instance, the second representation of the user being different from the first representation of the user in the first virtual world environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Enrique A. Ferraro
  • Patent number: 8414400
    Abstract: A method and article of manufacture for implementing a user profile-driven gaming and prize redeeming system is disclosed. The user profile-driven gaming and prize redemption system allows for the tailoring of a user's experience of playing a computer implemented game on a network gaming system by first receiving an identifier selected from a group of identifiers including a user identifier relating to the user (i.e., player) of the network gaming system, a game identifier relating to a particular game played by the user of the network gaming system, and a site identifier relating to the location (i.e., web site) from which the game is being played. The network gaming system then alters the computer-implemented game played by the user in a manner based upon the selected identifier. The foregoing technique may also be applied to a prize redemption system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew F. Kelly, Bryan M. Kelly, Norman B. Petermeier, John G. Kroeckel, John E. Link
  • Patent number: 8414401
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing a hybrid gaming service are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of providing hybrid gaming services to one or more remote game players by a gaming server comprises receiving an electronic representation of a mechanically-generated game value by the gaming server, excluding the electronic representation of the mechanically-generated game value from a first set of possible game values, generating one or more electronically-generated game values from the first set of possible game values, the one or more electronically-generated game values excluding the electronic representation of the mechanically-generated game value, and sending the one or more electronically-generated game values to a first remote game player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Inventor: Bruce Merati
  • Patent number: 8414402
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for capturing a game history. Execution of a game of chance is facilitated in a network causing generation of a plurality of game presentation frames capable of being presented on a multimedia display of a first device on the network. First frame data are received from the first device via the network. The first frame data represent at least a portion of the game history and include a selected one of the game presentation frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Steven G. LeMay, Dwayne R. Nelson
  • Patent number: 8414403
    Abstract: A secured gaming table vouchering system to enable the use of game vouchers and promotional coupons and cashless gaming at gaming tables such as a poker table and a gaming table device for use therein. The secured gaming table vouchering system and gaming table device allows casinos and other types of gambling establishments to link gaming tables and point of sale terminals in or associated with a casino to connect and use systems in use, such as the TITO (Ticket In Ticket Out) host system, for credit transfer from cash, RFID chips, non-RFID chips, gaming vouchers, and promotional coupons to gaming vouchers and promotional coupons thereby expanding the use of credit transfer within a gaming establishment and or associated gaming establishments and their slot machines, change machines, and cashier cages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: FutureLogic, Inc.
    Inventors: Rob Denham, Eric Meyerhofer
  • Patent number: 8414404
    Abstract: In this damper mechanism, when small fluctuations in torque input to the damper mechanism occur, small hysteresis torque is produced as a result of pressure contact between a radial plate and a first friction section. Consequently, the small torque fluctuations can be damped between the radial plate and the first friction region of the damper mechanism and can be output to an input shaft. In addition, along the direction of relative rotation of an annular plate and the radial plate, the friction coefficients of the annular plate and the radial plate become larger as the torsion angles of both plates become larger. Therefore, even when torque fluctuations become large, the hysteresis torque can be produced in accordance with the magnitude of the torque fluctuations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tatsushi Takenaka, Yuichi Miwa, Taku Harada, Yoshimitsu Yokouchi, Takeshi Miyagawa, Koji Hayashi
  • Patent number: 8414405
    Abstract: A fixed center constant velocity joint includes a first group of funnels and a second group of funnels arranged radially about a longitudinal axis in alternating relationship. The first group of funnels diverges in a first direction and the second group of funnels diverges in a second direction opposite the first direction along the longitudinal axis. The first group of funnels defines a first diverging width increasing in value along the longitudinal axis and the second group of funnels defines a second diverging width increasing in value at a different rate than the first diverging width to bias the joint in one of the first direction and the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Keith A. Kozlowski, Eduardo Mondragon
  • Patent number: 8414406
    Abstract: A constant velocity joint assembly and a method of securing a shaft to the assembly are described. The assembly may have an outer race with a first portion having a plurality of grooves and a second portion that extends from the first portion and is substantially parallel to the shaft. The method of securing the shaft to the assembly includes the step of magnetically pulse welding the shaft to the outer race.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Dana Automotive Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: Donald W. Dine, Boris A. Yablochnikov
  • Patent number: 8414407
    Abstract: Swingbuddies are a device with a fastening mechanism for placement around swing chains. The preferred embodiments of the invention consist of a fabric panel with padding inside, a character head attached to the top of the fabric panel with two tie ribbons attached to the character head. The fabric panel's fastening mechanism is six male and six female snaps located on the back of the panel and spaced evenly down the length of the panel. The fabric panel also consists of two character arms on the front of the panel and two character feet on the bottom of the panel. To use the preferred embodiments of the invention, a person will simply tie the two tie ribbons to a link on a swing chain; fasten the male to the female snaps to enclose the swing chain. The device is now in place for a child to sit on the swing and hold. Since the device is made to be used in pairs, a child using this device will have one swing chain cover in each hand while swinging on a swing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Inventor: Sherry Jean Roethig
  • Patent number: 8414408
    Abstract: A golf simulator allows a player to launch a golf ball towards a display surface that shows the future trajectory of the golf ball. In one embodiment, the display surface allows the golf ball to pass through it. In one embodiment, the simulator collects the golf ball after it passes through the display surface and returns it to the player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Full Swing Golf, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Antonio Nicora
  • Patent number: 8414409
    Abstract: A method of determining a reference lie angle for at least one iron-type golf club custom-fit for a player, according to one or more aspects of the present invention, comprises providing a first hitting surface and a second hitting surface, the first hitting surface being different from the second hitting surface; providing a test club comprising a data acquisition device; directing the player to swing the test club relative to the first hitting surface, whereby initial information is collected by the data acquisition device; determining whether the initial information collected by the data acquisition device satisfies a pre-set condition; if the condition is satisfied, directing the player to swing the test club relative to the second hitting surface, whereby supplemental information is collected by the data acquisition device; and evaluating the supplemental information collected by the data acquisition device to determine the reference lie angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: SRI Sports Limited
    Inventors: Dustin J. Brekke, David Hunter, Ruben Padilla
  • Patent number: 8414410
    Abstract: A driver club head can include a front end having a front face, a toe end, a heel end opposite the toe end, a rear end opposite the front end, a crown surface having a front crown end and a rear crown end, and an alignment aid at the crown surface. The front crown end can be closer to the front end than to the rear end, and the rear crown end can be closer to the rear end than to the front end. The alignment aid can include two or more alignment aid stripes. The two or more alignment aid stripes can include a first alignment aid stripe and a second alignment aid stripe extending between the front crown end and the rear crown end. Other embodiments are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Karsten Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin W. Flaherty, John H. Loudenslager, Nicholas S. Radeleff
  • Patent number: 8414411
    Abstract: An instrumented golf club system and methods are disclosed. A variety of golf swing parameters are measured by the instrumented golf club and wirelessly transmitted to a portable computer device. The portable computer device generates a user interface that displays the golf swing parameters against preferred golf swing parameters. The instrumented golf club system allows a golfer to receive feedback in real time while playing golf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: John T. Stites, Gary Tavares, Carl Madore, Mike Kelly, Raymond J. Sander, Jeffrey A. Hadden, Jeffrey R. Held, Garrick L. Maenle, Gregory S. Kramer, Chad E. Bouton, Clifford N. Dodson, Patrick K. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 8414412
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a practice golf club capable of adjusting head speed having a head (H) attached to an end of a shaft(S) having a grip (G), from which an impact sound is generated through a swing operation, wherein the head (H) includes: a first body (100) coupled to the end of the shaft (S); a second body (110) having a tubular shape, both ends of which are open and adapted to be screw-coupled to the rear end of the first body (100); a moving weight (140) movably disposed inside the second body (110); a magnet (180) adapted to fix the moving weight (140) to the front end portion of the second body (110) by means of a magnetic force thereof; adjustment means adapted to adjust the gap between the magnet (180) and the moving weight (140) so as to control the strength of the magnetic force of the magnet (180) pulling the moving weight (140); a cap (120) screw-coupled to a rear end of the second body (110); and return means interposed between the cap (120) and the moving weight (140) to return the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Inventor: Yung Deuk Kim
  • Patent number: 8414413
    Abstract: Ball striking devices, such as golf club heads (including putter heads), have a high moment of inertia about their center, to help prevent twisting and mis-hits, particularly when the ball striking device hits the ball at a somewhat off-center position. The ball striking head of the ball striking device may be structured and/or weighted (optionally with separately attachable weight elements) to have a moment of inertia about a center of the ball striking surface of at least 10,000 g/cm2, and in some examples, the moment of inertia may be at least 11,000 g/cm2, or even at least 12,000 g/cm2. In some examples, the moment of inertia may be at least 20,000 g/cm2, or even at least 25,000 g/cm2 or at least 28,000 g/cm2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: David N. Franklin, John T. Stites, Gary G. Tavares
  • Patent number: 8414414
    Abstract: A swing training system for improving muscle memory and weight transfer during a swinging motion. The swing training system comprises a first device and a second device for a user to stand upon raised flat summits on each device placed approximately shoulder width apart. The user then performs a swinging motion corresponding to a sport such as golf, tennis or baseball while maintaining balance on the devices. Such balance will be committed to muscle memory and will allow for better swings when in actual play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Inventor: Walter Viramontez
  • Patent number: 8414415
    Abstract: The current disclosure describes a golf club stand used for elevating a golf club handle above the ground. The golf club stand may include, but is not limited to, a leg housing, a coupling apparatus configured to attach the leg housing to a golf club, and a leg, wherein the leg housing is configured for substantially enclosing the leg within the leg housing, the coupling apparatus is coupled to the leg housing, and the leg is connected at a first end to the leg housing in a manner that allows the leg to rotate with respect to the leg housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Inventor: Steven J. Twohig
  • Patent number: 8414416
    Abstract: A golf accessory system having a main shaft, a divot repair tool, and a beveled or pointed cover removably attached. A shaft extension is removably attached to the first end, and a ball retriever component is disposed on the first end of the extension. A divot-pressing component is on the top end of the ball retriever. The system also features first and second scooper shafts, wherein the first ends are pivotally attached to the main shaft via a hinge and the second ends are curved towards the first end of the main shaft. The scooper shafts can pivot between at least a vertical and horizontal position. Scoops on the second end of the scooper shaft which are half-pipe in shape with an apex, wherein the apex is attached to the second end of the scooper shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Inventor: Mark Edwards
  • Patent number: 8414417
    Abstract: A golf club shaft that has a flexural rigidity distribution allows a user to easily adjust swing timing even when a golf club using the golf club shaft is long. The golf club shaft comprises a section, wherein the flexural rigidity EI of the shaft monotonically increases in the section from the point 500 mm to the point 800 mm, wherein ?1/?2 is at least about 1.5 where ?1 is the rate of change of the flexural rigidity EI of the shaft between points 500 mm and 600 mm from the tip end, and ?2 is the rate of change of the flexural rigidity EI between points 700 mm and 800 mm from the tip end, and wherein the flexural rigidity EI at a point 750 mm from the tip end is at least about 4.1×106 kgf*mm2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Fumiaki Sato
  • Patent number: 8414418
    Abstract: A hybrid golf club head for producing accurate and long distance shots, where the head includes: a body member having a hitting surface, a top surface, a toe end, a heel end, and a sole surface extending between the toe end and the heel end, and a shaft attachment portion extending from the heel end upwardly and rearwardly therefrom, wherein width of the top surface near the shaft attachment portion ranges from about ¾ inches to about 1 inch, and width of the top surface near the toe end ranges from about 1 inch to 1 & ? inches; and wherein the hitting surface is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to a shaft axis to produce the accurate and the long distance shots, further wherein the length (L) of the hitting surface 14 is about 4 inches and the breadth (B) ranges from about 1¾ inches to about 2½ inches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Inventor: Mark Doran
  • Patent number: 8414419
    Abstract: A golf club head with an improved sweet spot, defined as a portion of the striking face that has at least 99.7% of the maximum ballspeed is disclosed herein. More specifically, the present invention discloses a golf club head with a significantly circular sweet spot that encompasses at least about 1.5% of the total striking face. A golf club head in accordance with the present invention may generally have a improved face geometry with an elliptical factor of greater than about 0.5, a beveled transition portion around the striking face of the golf club head, a variable face thickness region with decreases thickness, or even a tilted bulge and roll radius all helping improve the performance of the golf club head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Andrew J. Curtis, Charles E. Golden, Scott A. Rice, Douglas E. Roberts, Thomas W. Preece
  • Patent number: 8414421
    Abstract: A golf club head with reinforced crown is described herein. Other embodiments are also disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Karsten Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Marty R. Jertson, Eric V. Cole
  • Patent number: 8414422
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a golf club head with external weights that allows for weight modification after the manufacturing process. The golf club head comprises a face component and an aft-body. A plurality of recessed cavities are located on the aft-body. A weight component is disposed within the recessed cavities. A timesert is located at the bottom center of each of the recessed cavities. The timesert is comolded to the aft-body. The weight component is fastened to the timesert by use of a bolt. The recessed cavities are preferably circular in shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Martin Peralta, Alan Hocknell
  • Patent number: 8414423
    Abstract: A golf club includes a golf club head having a body, a ball-striking face member and one or more mass members. The body is configured to releasably accommodate a first mass member in a first region on its back surface and a second mass member in a second region on its back surface. At least one of the first and second mass members may be releasably attached to the back surface. The ball-striking face member may have an average density that is less than the average density of the body. The mass members may have an average density that is more than the average density of the ball-striking face member and/or of the body. The mass distribution of the club head may be customized via the selection and attachment of a particular mass member. The golf club head may be an iron-type golf club head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip J. Hatton, Andrew G. V. Oldknow
  • Patent number: 8414424
    Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core and a cover layer. The cover layer, clearcoat, or indicia include an additive, invisible to the naked eye without an external excitation source, the additive including an engineered taggant formed from a crosslinked melamine and rare earth elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Edmund A. Hebert, William B. Lacy
  • Patent number: 8414425
    Abstract: The invention provides a golf ball having a core, at least one intermediate layer encasing the core, and a cover. The intermediate layer is formed primarily of a specific ionomer resin composition that has been highly neutralized, and the cover is formed primarily of an ionomer resin composition containing a specific amount of a granular inorganic filler. The golf ball has an excellent durability to repeated impact and a good flight performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsuki Kasashima, Atsushi Komatsu
  • Patent number: 8414426
    Abstract: A golf ball including a unitary core having a volume, an outer surface, a geometric center, and an outermost transition volume adjacent to the outer surface, the core being formed from a substantially homogenous composition; and a cover layer including ionomer, metallocene-catalyzed polymer, polyester, polyamide, non-ionomeric thermoplastic elastomer, copolyether-ester, copolyether-amide, polycarbonate, polybutadiene, polyisoprene, or polystyrene block copolymer. The outermost transition volume is disposed between the core outer surface and the geometric center, the transition volume has an outer portion congruent with the core outer surface, and comprises the outermost 45% of the core volume or less. Both a hardness of the core outer surface and a hardness within the outermost transition volume are less than the hardness of the geometric center to define a negative hardness gradient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Brian Comeau, Douglas S. Goguen
  • Patent number: 8414427
    Abstract: A golf ball has uniform gaps between dimples even if the surface occupancy ratio of the dimples is high, and therefore the aerodynamic performance thereof is improved, whereby a longer flight distance can be obtained. In the golf ball having a plurality of dimples and land parts surrounded by the plurality of dimples, the land part has a shape having at least one vertex, the land part is connected to at least two adjacent land parts substantially by a point, and the area of the land part is in the range of about 0.05 mm2 to about 16.0 mm2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takuma Nakagawa, Katsunori Sato
  • Patent number: 8414428
    Abstract: A golf ball mold having a non-planar parting surface formed by superimposing a base waveform with a least one shorter secondary waveform. The base waveform is defined by a series of concentric arcs wherein adjacent arcs are connected with a straight line segment that is tangent to the arcs and creates an acute angle. The length of the straight line segment being critical to the accuracy and predictability of the parting line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Steven Aoyama, Nicholas M. Nardacci, Michael R. Madson, David P. Hunt
  • Patent number: 8414429
    Abstract: An adjustable position batting tee comprising a base, where the base rests upon the ground; a central tube rising vertically from the base; a rotatable collar that wraps around the central tube, where the rotatable collar twists around the central tube; a central tee extending vertically from the central tube, where the central tee enables a ball to rest upon a top portion; a side bar fastened to the rotatable collar, where the side bar extends horizontally from a side portion of the rotatable collar; and a lateral tee extending vertically from the side bar, wherein the lateral tee enables a ball to rest upon a top portion of the lateral tee.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Inventor: Tony Belt
  • Patent number: 8414430
    Abstract: An apparatus aids an athlete, such as, for example, a basketball player, in developing skills, such as dribbling, passing and shooting. Specifically, an interconnected glove portion and sleeve portion comprise a plurality of components designed to aid a basketball player in developing muscles to enhance the player's basketball skills including, for example, dribbling, passing and/or shooting. These components include, generally, a palm interfering portion to force a basketball player to utilize the fingertips on the ball during dribbling, passing and/or shooting, tension bands to strengthen muscles associated with the fingers and wrist to enhance proper handling, passing and/or shooting techniques, and one or more weights disposed in various locations on the apparatus to provide resistance training to aid in developing muscles involved with handling, passing and/or shooting a basketball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Inventor: Floyd McKinley
  • Patent number: 8414431
    Abstract: Certain embodiments comprise a table tennis table having a table tennis surface defined by two table halves and separated by a net. Each table half has an upper playing surface, a width defined between opposing side edges and a player end arranged along the width. In one embodiment, the table tennis table includes a ball storage rack having a length mounted along the width of at least one table half adjacent the player end, wherein the ball storage rack is configured to support a plurality of table tennis balls. The ball storage rack defines a gap along its length, wherein the gap faces outward from the player end and has a size sufficient to allow table tennis balls to be selectively removed through the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Indian Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Safari Chung, David Lee Julian
  • Patent number: 8414432
    Abstract: A hunting arrow having an arrow shaft with a front end and a back end. The hunting arrow has at least one arrow blade attached to the arrow shaft, and has a closed position and at least one open position. The at least one arrow blade is substantially flush with the arrow shaft when in the closed position, and extends radially outward from the arrow shaft when in an open position. In addition, the hunting arrow has an arrow tip that is attached to the front end of the arrow shaft and is capable of moving longitudinally toward or away from the arrow shaft. The arrow tip is operatively engaged with the at least one arrow blade so that the arrow tip opens and closes the at least one arrow blade by moving relative to the arrow shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: William David Hand
    Inventor: William David Hand
  • Patent number: 8414433
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission is provided with i) a primary pulley that is formed by a driving-side fixed sheave that is fixed to a drive shaft, a driving-side movable sheave, and a driving-side cylinder member, and has a driving-side cylinder, ii) a secondary pulley that is formed by a driven-side fixed sheave that is fixed to a driven shaft, a driven-side movable sheave, and a driven-side cylinder member, and has a driven-side cylinder, and iii) a drive belt. The drive shaft has a drive shaft internal fluid passage for supplying hydraulic fluid to the driving-side cylinder. A driving-side communicating fluid passage that communicates the drive shaft internal fluid passage with the driving-side cylinder is formed between the driving-side cylinder member and the driving-side movable sheave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masanori Kadokawa, Daisuke Kikukawa
  • Patent number: 8414434
    Abstract: A transmission device for a cycle, such as a bicycle, which includes a bottom bracket fixed relative to the remainder of the cycle frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Mavic S.A.S.
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Mercat, Brieuc Cretoux
  • Patent number: 8414435
    Abstract: The present invention provides a dual power driving system with epicycle gear sets transmitted in series, in which the input shaft, the output shaft and the controllable brake device of each epicycle gear set can be coaxially connected in series, or connected in parallel or not in parallel; the rotating shaft at the output end and the rotating shaft at the input end of each epicycle gear set can be directly connected, or an intermediate transmission device can be installed for connection, and through operating the controllable brake devices, the selections for the structural configurations of the dual power driving system are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
  • Patent number: 8414436
    Abstract: A method of operating a hybrid powertrain is provided that permits operation in multiple fixed ratio modes appropriate for towing and other vehicle operating conditions in which relatively high output torque is required. The method includes establishing three different electrically-variable operating modes by engaging different torque-transmitting mechanisms in response to different respective vehicle operating conditions. The method further includes establishing at least two different fixed ratio modes by engaging another torque-transmitting mechanism in addition to the respective different torque-transmitting mechanisms engaged to establish the electrically-variable operating modes. A hybrid powertrain having a controller configured to control the powertrain to operate according to the method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Alan G. Holmes
  • Patent number: 8414437
    Abstract: A hybrid transmission is provided that is configured to shift between the hybrid series operating mode and the compound-split operating mode synchronously, without slipping any torque-transmitting mechanisms. The transmission includes an input member operatively connected with the engine, an output member, and a plurality of selectively engageable torque-transmitting mechanisms. A gearing arrangement and first and second motor/generators operatively connected with the gearing arrangement are also provided. A first of the torque-transmitting mechanisms is engaged to establish a hybrid series operating mode between the input member and the output member, and a second of the torque-transmitting mechanisms is engaged to establish a compound-split operating mode between the input member and the output member. The shift between the hybrid series operating mode and the compound-split operating mode is synchronous without slipping the torque-transmitting mechanisms and occurs while the engine is on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Norman K. Bucknor, Alan G. Holmes
  • Patent number: 8414438
    Abstract: A transmission for transferring torque from a prime mover includes a first input shaft adapted to be driven by the prime mover, a second input shaft, an output shaft and an epicyclic gearset. The gearset includes a ring gear being driven by the first input shaft, pinion gears being driven by the ring gear, a sun gear driven by the second input shaft and driving the pinion gears, and a carrier driving the output shaft. A reaction motor drives the second input shaft. A controller controls the reaction motor to vary the speed of the second input shaft and define a gear ratio between the first input shaft and the output shaft based on the second input shaft speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain, Inc.
    Inventor: David W. Wenthen
  • Patent number: 8414439
    Abstract: A transmission device (1) for a vehicle having a variator (3) that has an axially longer length that the variator (3) is wider and deeper. The variator (3) comprises a planetary gear set (4), a manual gearbox unit (9) and a hydraulic system having an oil sump. Following installation in the vehicle, a longitudinal extension of the variator (3) is oriented at least approximately horizontally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Gerhard Bailly, Thomas Ratzmann, Karl Grad, Juergen Pohlenz
  • Patent number: 8414440
    Abstract: A hybrid powertrain has an engine, an input member, an output member, and a stationary member, and includes a single planetary gear set having a first, a second, and a third member. The input member is connected for common rotation with the engine. The output member is connected for common rotation with the second member. A first and a second motor/generator are provided, as well as five torque-transmitting mechanisms, including only one brake. The torque-transmitting mechanisms are engagable in different combinations to establish at least two electric-only operating mode, at least two engine-only operating mode, and at least three electrically-variable operating modes. In one embodiment, an electric torque converter operating mode is provided, and may be the default mode in case of motor/generator failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Awadesh Tiwari, Deepa Kesavan, Atul Kumar Agrawal, Ravikanth GV
  • Patent number: 8414441
    Abstract: To provide a control system for carrying out a speed change operation of a geared transmission mechanism continuously by controlling a continuously variable transmission mechanism. A continuously variable transmission mechanism configured to increase and decrease speeds of a first and a second output discs simultaneously, and a geared transmission mechanism configured to change a speed change ratio stepwise are connected in series. The output discs are connected individually with intermediate shafts. The control system is adapted to synchronize a rotational speed of a switching mechanism and a rotational speed of a member to be engaged with the switching mechanism, by tilting a rolling member when carrying out a speed change in the geared transmission mechanism thereby increasing a rotational speed of one of the intermediate shaft while decreasing a rotational speed of the other intermediate shaft (at steps S3, S4 and S5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Ogawa, Akira Murakami
  • Patent number: 8414442
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a gear train of a multi-step transmission for a vehicle, which can shift gears among nine forward speeds and one reverse speed. The gear train realizes a desired level of multi-step change gear ratios and has a reduced number of sets of planetary gears to reduce the volume and length of the transmission, thus realizing a compact structure, thereby facilitating the installation of the transmission in the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Tae Seok Seo, Jong Sool Park, Hyuk Jun Lee
  • Patent number: 8414443
    Abstract: An automatic transmission including a double pinion planetary gear unit PG1, two single pinion planetary gear units PG2 and PG3 and six frictional elements (viz., six clutches) C1 to C6 is so constructed as to establish nine forward speeds and one reverse speed by simultaneously putting selected three of the six frictional elements C1 to C6 into their engaged condition. The frictional elements C1 to C6 are of a type including mutually rotatable friction plates that cause production of an oil dragging resistance when the frictional element is under idling condition. With the simultaneously engaged condition of the three frictional elements, each speed is established with a reduced friction loss of the automatic transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Jatco Ltd
    Inventors: Kazuaki Aota, Yukiyoshi Inuta, Akihiro Yamamoto, Takayuki Okuda, Joerg Mueller, Rico Resch, Mirko Leesch
  • Patent number: 8414444
    Abstract: A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission for vehicles may include an input shaft adapted to receive torque of an engine, an output gear adapted to output changed torque, a first planetary gear set having a first sun gear, a first planet carrier, and a first ring gear as rotation elements, a second planetary gear set having a second sun gear, a second planet carrier, and a second ring gear as rotation elements, a third planetary gear set having a third sun gear, a third planet carrier, and a third ring gear as rotation elements, seven rotation shafts connected or selectively connected to one or more rotation elements, other rotation shafts, or a transmission housing, and six friction members interposed selectively at connecting portions of the rotation shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Kangsoo Seo, Hyu Tae Shim
  • Patent number: 8414445
    Abstract: A transmission of the present invention has an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices may include clutches and brakes. The torque transmitting devices are selectively engageable in combinations of at least three to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Clinton E. Carey, James M. Hart, Andrew W. Phillips, Scott H. Wittkopp
  • Patent number: 8414446
    Abstract: A multi-stage transmission (1) having a housing (9), a drive shaft (AN), an output shaft (AB), four planetary gear sets (RS1, RS2, RS3, RS4) each having first, second and third elements, at least eight rotatable shafts (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8), six shift elements, comprising four clutches (K1, K2, K3) and two brakes (B1, B2, B3). Selective engagement of the clutches and brakes results in different transmission ratios between the drive shaft (AN) and the output shaft (AB) so that up to nine forward gears can be implemented. The multi-stage transmission is delimited by the connections of the individual elements to each other and in that exactly three of the six shift elements are engage for gear step of the transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Stefan Beck, Gerhard Gumpoltsberger, Hans-Peter Freudenreich
  • Patent number: 8414447
    Abstract: A transmission device for distributing drive torque between two output shafts. The device comprises three planetary gearsets (2, 3, 11). An input shaft is connected to a first element of gearsets (2, 3). The output shafts each couple a second element of gearsets (2, 3). A third element of gearset (2) couples a first element of gearset (11) and is connectable, via brake (14), to the housing. A third element of gearset (3) is connectable, via brake (17), to the housing and, via a claw shifting element (24), to a second element of gearset (11). A third element of gearset (11) couples the housing. Claw shifting elements (24, 18) couple the brakes (14, 17) such that, to engage brakes (14, 17), the claw shifting elements are first coupled to the first element of gearset (11) or the third element of gearset (3), and then the brakes are engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Thomas Rosemeier
  • Patent number: 8414448
    Abstract: A gear system, such as for use in a wind turbine, is disclosed. The gear system includes a carrier, a gear defining a central axis, and a pin extending along the central axis and coupling the gear to the carrier. The gear system further includes a roller bearing surrounding the pin, the roller bearing comprising a plurality of roller elements, and a journal bearing surrounding the pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: James Henry Madge, Adam Daniel Minadeo, Priyangu Chunilal Patel
  • Patent number: 8414449
    Abstract: A method to control a powertrain including a transmission, an engine, and an electric machine includes monitoring a desired transmission shift including an oncoming clutch, monitoring operational parameters of the powertrain, monitoring a maximum electric machine torque capacity, determining a desired output torque profile through the desired transmission shift, determining a maximum electric machine torque capability profile through the desired transmission shift based upon the maximum electric machine torque capacity and the operational parameters, comparing the desired output torque profile to the maximum electric machine torque capability profile, determining a preferred oncoming clutch torque profile through the desired transmission shift based upon the comparing, and executing a clutch assisted shift based upon the preferred oncoming clutch torque profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Daimler AG, Chrysler Group LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Anthony H. Heap, Jy-Jen F. Sah