Patents Issued in April 1, 2014
  • Patent number: 8684847
    Abstract: A device such as a gaming console comprises a display screen and a game controller arranged to allow a player to play a game and awarding a prize or feature if a winning combination results. A mechanical display filter is configured to visually distinguish at least two portions of the display screen from one another. The mechanical display screen may have buttons, including buttons which actuate a touch screen. The display screen can be used to illuminate portions of the mechanical display screen to produce visual effects, including using complex lighting patterns. The display screen may be used to illuminate buttons forming part of a user interface, or a separate screen may be used to illuminate the buttons from behind the buttons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventors: Cole Grundstedt, Robert Linley Muir
  • Patent number: 8684848
    Abstract: A shaft coupling apparatus includes a cylindrically-shaped hole provided on a leading end surface of a shaft, the hole having a central axis that is different from a rotational central axis of the shaft, and a cylindrically-shaped hole is provided on a leading end surface of a shaft, the hole having a central axis that is different from a rotational central axis of the shaft. The shafts are coupled by pressure fitting a cross-sectionally circular pin in the hole and by loosely fitting the pin in the hole, the pin corresponding to an inner diameter of the hole and the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignees: Advics Co., Ltd, Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Yuki Nakamura, Kunihito Ando, Nobuhiko Yoshioka, Takahiro Naganuma, Tomoaki Kawabata
  • Patent number: 8684849
    Abstract: An eight-ball fixed type constant velocity universal joint of an undercut free type is capable of increasing a torque capacity at high operating angles while securing durability at low operating angles. When a distance between a center of a track groove and a center of a ball is denoted by Rt, and when an axial distance between the center of the track groove and a joint center plane is denoted by F, a ratio R1 of F to Rt is set to fall within a range of 0.061?R1?0.087. When a radial offset amount, which is a distance between the center of the track groove and a joint center axial line is denoted by fr, a ratio R3 of fr to Rt is set to fall within a range of 0.07?R3?0.19. When an effective cured-layer depth with Hv 513 is denoted by Di and the diameter of the ball is denoted by d, a bottom surface of a track groove of an inner joint member includes a cured layer with an effective cured-layer depth ratio Di/d of at least 0.111 or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Keisuke Sone, Hirokazu Ooba, Kazuhiko Yoshida, Kiyohiro Itou
  • Patent number: 8684850
    Abstract: A constant velocity universal joint has track shapes which facilitate quality control on a forging die set, securing higher durability through securement of a stable contact state of forging-molded tracks and finishing-processed tracks with respect to balls. At least one of each of track grooves of an outer joint member and each of track grooves of an inner joint member is formed by cold-forging finishing. A track groove bottom side of the at least one of each of the track grooves is formed into a Gothic arch shape in horizontal cross-section, and a track groove opening side of the at least one of each of the track grooves is are each formed into an elliptical shape in horizontal cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshinori Terasaka, Tomoshige Kobayashi, Kisao Yamazaki, Minoru Ishijima
  • Patent number: 8684851
    Abstract: An axially-floating sub tool for axial load compensation in conjunction with a top drive comprises cylindrical upper and lower members, with the upper member being coaxially disposed within a cylindrical housing. The upper member has an upper section slidably disposed within an opening in the upper end of the housing, plus a middle section that slidably and sealingly engages the housing bore. The lower-member bore has a splined upper interval, and a coaxial stinger extending upward from an annular shoulder medially located in the lower-member bore. The lower member is connected to the lower end of the housing with the stinger slidingly and sealingly disposed within the upper-member bore, and with the lower-member splines slidingly engaging the upper-member splines, thus defining upper, middle, and lower annular chambers, with the middle and lower chambers in fluid communication, and with a regulator/check valve regulating pressure in the middle and lower chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Noetic Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Maurice William Slack
  • Patent number: 8684852
    Abstract: An angled rotating play device is provided as a cantileveredly merry-go-round supported above the ground from below. A foot platform provides a location for one or more riders feet along a first rotation axis and is angled at an acute angle relative to a vertical axis. The vertical axis may also provide a second rotation axis. At least one of a plurality of supports connect to at least one hand hold above the foot platform whereby the hand hold and/or covers over the hand hold provide a maximum elevation of the device and may help users to shift their weight to self drive the device from the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Playcore Wisconsin, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian K. Henry, Kim Blackwood
  • Patent number: 8684853
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a substantially vertical elongated mast and a substantially horizontal elongated boom which is supported by the mast proximate an upper end thereof. The boom can pivot independently about a substantially vertical first axis and a substantially horizontal second axis. The boom has a first end proximate the mast and a distal opposite second end. A gripping element, for gripping by a user of the apparatus while the user is supported thereby, depends from the boom proximate the second end thereof. An elastic biasing member operatively attached to the mast and the boom provides a biasing force to bias the boom toward a rest position and against downward movement of the second end of the mast. The biasing member allows a temporary downward movement of the second end of the boom due to sudden application of weight of a user's body when the user grasps the gripping element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventors: Jake M. Peters, Michael K. Peters
  • Patent number: 8684854
    Abstract: A flying rig system includes a load guidance apparatus and at least two first positioning devices operatively connected to the load guidance apparatus to control the areal position of the load guidance apparatus within an upper portion of a working space. A second positioning device is operatively connected to the load guidance apparatus to permit selective vertical positioning of a load suspended from the load guidance apparatus substantially beneath the upper portion of the working space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Tait Towers Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventor: Scott Fisher
  • Patent number: 8684855
    Abstract: Present embodiments are directed to systems and methods for providing an articulated waterslide. An articulate waterslide is capable of being maneuvered during operation to change flow paths of the waterslide. Specifically, an embodiment includes a waterslide with a chute configured to facilitate water flow along the chute and configured to transport a patron, an adjustable joint positioned along the chute, and an actuator configured to manipulate the adjustable joint such that a flow path of the chute is changeable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Universal City Studios LLC
    Inventors: Ross Alan Osterman, Justin Michael Schwartz
  • Patent number: 8684856
    Abstract: An infant swing includes a base, a support coupled to the base, an arm coupled to and movable relative to the support, and a seat portion coupled to the arm. A drive system is coupled to the arm and moves the arm relative to the base. An actuator is connected to the drive system, and is located so that a user can engage the actuator with the user's foot to control the drive system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip Pyrce, Maarten Van Huystee, Jeffrey W. Luchterhand
  • Patent number: 8684857
    Abstract: A method for bowling a ball typically in ten pin bowling using apparatus (10) in which a ball (15) is supported to movable support means typically a roller (23) which is rotatably driven by a motor (26) whilst the ball is restrained in a substantially fixed position with the apparatus (10) including a stop (29) which may be actuated to release the rotating ball (15) to allow said ball to travel in a desired direction of travel along an elongated guide member or barrel (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventors: David Leonard Buckley, Allan Paton
  • Patent number: 8684858
    Abstract: A putting training aid including an elongated golf stroke training device, a reflective mechanism a mounting mechanism. The elongated golf stroke training device has a first alignment line. The reflective mechanism has a second alignment line. The mounting mechanism holds the reflective mechanism with respect to the elongated golf stroke training device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventor: Vladimir Gribovsky
  • Patent number: 8684859
    Abstract: An adjustable shaft and hosel assembly allows for dependent and independent adjustment of a golf club's face angle, loft angle, and lie angle. The adjustable shaft and hosel assembly comprises a shaft sleeve with a joint portion, a hosel portion, and a fitting piece, wherein the joint portion fits within the fitting piece and the fitting piece fits within the hosel portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Homer E. Aguinaldo, Broadus Perry Wall, Jr., Denver Holt, James A. Seluga, Scott Manwaring
  • Patent number: 8684860
    Abstract: A putter-type golf club head having a face insert comprising a metal sheet and a urethane backing is disclosed herein. The metal sheet, which makes contact with a golf ball during use, includes a plurality of oval-shaped holes having a specific size and spacing, and the urethane backing has a hardness that optimizes performance of the face insert, and thus the putter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventor: Augustin W. Rollinson
  • Patent number: 8684861
    Abstract: A golf club head has a striking face with a plurality of scorelines including a first scoreline and a second scoreline adjacent thereto. The striking face also has a plurality of auxiliary grooves each spaced from the scorelines. In a first imaginary vertical plane, a first path is formed by a first intersection between the first imaginary vertical plane and the striking face, and the auxiliary grooves have a first concentration no less than 0.17 measured between the first and second scorelines. A second imaginary vertical plane is horizontally spaced from the first imaginary plane. A second path is formed in the second imaginary vertical plane by a second intersection between the second imaginary vertical plane and the striking face. The auxiliary grooves in the second imaginary vertical plane have a second concentration that is different from the first concentration measured between the first and second scorelines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: SRI Sports Limited
    Inventors: Scott A. Carlyle, Sharon J. Park, Brian D. Schielke
  • Patent number: 8684862
    Abstract: Golf club heads include: (a) a body having a ball-striking face and a rear face, the body defining a cavity; (b) a bridge member extending across the cavity, wherein the bridge member is provided to affect, at least in part, a position of a center of gravity of the club head; and (c) a feel altering element provided between the bridge member and the rear face. The feel altering element may affect a wide variety of parameters that relate to the “feel” of the golf club head when it strikes a golf ball, such as the sound produced by the club head during the strike, the vibrational response of the club head during the strike, the swing characteristics of the club head (e.g., weight, center of gravity position, etc.), and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary G. Tavares, John T. Stites, Robert Boyd, Hiroshi Kawaguchi
  • Patent number: 8684863
    Abstract: A golf club head is presented comprising a sole including a weight member secured to a weight mount. The weight member is preferably constructed so that it has a low profile and so that it interacts with an angled abutment portion of the weight mount to locate the weight member in the golf club head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Stephanie Bezilla, Gery M. Zimmerman, Darryl C. Galvan
  • Patent number: 8684864
    Abstract: A face insert for golf club head in one embodiment can comprise a substrate comprising a score line groove-free front surface. A cover layer is provided at least on the front surface of the substrate. The cover layer can alternatively overlay at least a portion of the peripheral edge of the substrate. The cover layer comprises a ball-striking surface spaced by the cover layer from the substrate. Plural elongated score line grooves can extend into the polymer layer from the ball-striking surface. In addition, visible markings are interposed between the cover layer and the front surface of the substrate, the visible markings being visible through the cover layer. In one form the visible markings comprise elongated score line markings and target markings in a central portion of the substrate. The visible markings can be screen-printed markings, which are then protected by the cover layer from wear. The cover layer can be molded and can be a polymer layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Lin, Bing-Ling Chao, Citra A. Ie, Todd P. Beach, Benoit Vincent, Peter L. Larsen, Marc Kronenberg, Drew T. DeShiell
  • Patent number: 8684865
    Abstract: A fairway wood type golf club head and method for forming is disclosed herein. The golf club head preferably has a cast body, a compression molded crown, and weight pads. The weight pads can be manipulated to create different mass property configurations for the golf club head using the same body and crown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Patrick Dawson, Bradley C. Rice
  • Patent number: 8684866
    Abstract: Golf balls golf balls containing a core having at least two layers made from a polyalkenamer rubber composition are provided. At least one layer is made from a relatively low modulus polyalkenamer rubber composition and at least one layer is made from a relatively high modulus polyalkenamer rubber composition. The rubber composition may further include other rubbers such as, for example, polybutadiene, polyisoprene, ethylene propylene rubber, ethylene propylene diene rubber, and styrene-butadiene rubber. The rubber composition helps improve resiliency of the core. In one version, a dual-core having an inner core and surrounding outer core layer is provided. In another version, the golf ball contains a three-piece core having an intermediate core layer made of polybutadiene rubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Brian Comeau, Mark L. Binette, David A. Bulpett, Douglas S. Goguen, Robert Blink
  • Patent number: 8684867
    Abstract: Rewindable golf tee. This includes a small rewinding device encased in a smooth edged multifarious holder with dampened press control element or pull to stop, pull to rewind system to safely rewind a golf tee via a strong flexible quality link. The aid can have two tees of varied lengths to suit golf club selection, two rewinding devices and two flexible connections. It can be cheap or expensive. The invention can support other golf gadgets such as pitch-mark repairer, ball marker, groove cleaner and/or score keeper. The invention can hold personal ID or corporate logo or advertisement. The invention is environmentally friendly. The tees can be made of more durable materials, with new special integrated finishes such as soft grip patterns. They can be easily replaced via connecting links. The rewindable tee device will sensibly save time on the tee box and avoid clutter in bags, pockets and/or greens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventor: Thomas Murphy
  • Patent number: 8684868
    Abstract: A ball for use in teaching proper throwing or pitching techniques in baseball or softball is disclosed. The ball provides an internal mechanism by way of a snap device or a channel having a shiftable weighted material to provide both an audible and visible indication of when a proper wrist snap release of the ball has occurred. The internal mechanisms disclosed can be incorporated into newly manufactured baseballs or softballs or placed into preexisting balls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Velocity Gravity Spin Innovations LLC
    Inventor: Kenneth Richard Fountain, III
  • Patent number: 8684869
    Abstract: An arrowhead mechanical blade retention system incorporates retention bumps directly on a pair of opposed deployable blades. When closing or opening the mechanical blades in a broadhead, the retention bumps are forced to pass each other prior to the mechanical blades deploying. This necessarily puts tension on each blade, tending to hold them into position without any additional components. With sufficient force, the blades will simultaneously cross from a closed flight position with a pivot point on one side of the broadhead body to an open and deployed position on the other side of the broadhead body. Once the retention bumps pass each other to release the blades, there is a significantly reduced force required to completely deploy the blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventor: Dale W. Perry
  • Patent number: 8684870
    Abstract: A ball includes a ball body having a spherical surface, and at least one projection extending from the surface of the ball body. The projection extends in such a manner that the projection forcibly separates a laminar boundary layer generated on the surface of the ball body, and transitions the laminar boundary layer to a turbulent boundary layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Molten Corporation
    Inventors: Shinichiro Ito, Kazuya Seo, Takeshi Asai, Norihiro Yuki
  • Patent number: 8684871
    Abstract: A belt positioner 1 for installing a flexible belt into a grooved periphery 12 of a pulley 11. The positioner 1 comprises a belt guiding ramp 2, a pulley flange engaging mechanism 3, a handle 4 and a belt guiding rim 5. The belt guiding ramp 2 is extendible across the grooved periphery 12 and a belt-bearing slanting surface 20 of the ramp 2 enables the belt to be moved into engagement with the grooved periphery 12 when the pulley 11 is rotated about its rotational axis. The pulley flange engaging mechanism 3 comprises a groove 30 extending across the positioner 1 for receiving a pulley flange 13 bordering the grooved periphery 12 and a shoulder 31 bordering the groove 30 for bearing against a side face 14 of the pulley flange 13, wherein the engaging mechanism 3 locks the positioner 1 to the pulley 11 while the belt bears against the slanting surface 20. The handle 4 extends from the ramp 2 and provides a gripping surface 42 for fingers adjacent the ramp 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Private Brand Tools (Australia) Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: David Mitchell
  • Patent number: 8684872
    Abstract: A tensioner for tensioning flexible drives employs an extruded shaft which can provide a relatively complex cross sectional shape to provide anti-rotation features to inhibit rotation of a pivot bushing located on the shaft. The pivot bushing has a frustoconical outer shape, as does the pivot surface of the hub of the tensioner arm which pivots on the pivot bushing. A dampening spring urges the pivot bushing towards the tensioner arm's pivot surface, providing for wear compensation and for dampening. The degree of dampening which is generated between the pivot bushing and the tensioner hub can be selected in a variety of manners: by varying the spring force; by changing the effective contact surface area between the pivot bushing and pivot surface; and/or by changing the coefficient of friction between the pivot bushing and the pivot surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Litens Automotive Partnership
    Inventors: Hubertus G. Mevissen, James W. Dell
  • Patent number: 8684873
    Abstract: A drive system (1) for a motor vehicle has a double clutch transmission (2), with two component transmissions (3, 4), a double clutch (5) and an output shaft (6). An internal combustion engine (7) optionally can be connected operatively to one of the component transmissions (3, 4) via the double clutch (5) to drive the output shaft (6). A gear drive (8) is arranged rotatably on the output shaft (6). An electric machine (9) can be connected operatively via the gear drive (8) to at least one fixed gear (16, 17, 21) of one of the component transmissions (3, 4) to drive the output shaft (6) and/or to recover kinetic energy from the drive system (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Henrik Schrage
  • Patent number: 8684874
    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 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain, Inc.
    Inventor: David W. Wenthen
  • Patent number: 8684875
    Abstract: A device for a drive-train of a hybrid vehicle comprising a planetary gearset having three elements which comprise a carrier, a sun gear and a ring gear. A first elements serves as a fixed connection of a first input shaft of a first partial transmission of a transmission. A second of the elements serves as a fixed connection of a hybrid drive electric machine. A first shifting element connects, in a first position thereof, a third of the elements to a second input shaft of a second partial transmission, to which a hybrid drive combustion engine can be coupled. The first shifting element, when in a second position, connects the third of the elements to the housing or the stator. A second shifting element, when engaged, couples the two input shafts of the two partial transmissions with one another and, when disengaged, separates the two input shafts from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Johannes Kaltenbach, Kai Borntraeger
  • Patent number: 8684876
    Abstract: A power transmitting component includes a housing having an interior cavity with a sump, a lubricant disposed in the sump, and a component mounted in the housing assembly for rotation about a first axis. The component rotates through the lubricant in the sump to generate a stream of lubricant that is slung from the component as it rotates at a speed in excess of a predetermined speed. The housing includes a deflector that extends into the interior cavity and has a first face having an impingement portion and a first edge adjacent the impingement portion. The impingement portion extends into the stream and deflects a portion of the stream towards the first edge. The first edge disperses the portion of the stream toward selected areas in the interior cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel G. Corless, Mark A. Harnden, Mark S. Waack
  • Patent number: 8684877
    Abstract: A gear transmission comprises an internal gear, an external gear, a first gear, a crankshaft, a two-stage gear and a second gear. The first gear is affixed to an end of the crankshaft, which eccentrically rotates one of the internal gear and the external gear. The two-stage gear comprises a center gear and an outer-toothed ring gear. The center gear meshes with the first gear. The outer-toothed ring gear surrounds the first gear. The second gear meshes with the outer-toothed ring gear and transmits torque from a motor to the two-stage gear. The two-stage gear is configured such that the center gear and the outer-toothed ring gear are each at least partially disposed in a common plane that crosses the rotational axis of the gear transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Nabtesco Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Miyoshi, Masahiro Takahashi
  • Patent number: 8684878
    Abstract: A speed reducer having rollers axially longer than its cage, includes coaxial input and output shafts with mutualy facing ends covered by a housing that supports an internal gear. An eccentric disk is mounted on an end of the input shaft to be located radially inwardly of, and rotatable relative to, the internal gear. A cage at the end of the output shaft is between the internal gear and a bearing fitted on the disk. The cage has pockets unequal in number to internal teeth of the internal gear. A roller in each pocket is rollable along the radially outer surface of the bearing outer race. The input shaft rotation is transmitted to the shaft at a reduced speed ratio determined by the number of the internal teeth. An annular recess is formed along the corner between the closed end and radially inner surfaces of the cage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Sato, Koji Akiyoshi
  • Patent number: 8684879
    Abstract: An eccentric oscillating gear device comprises a crankshaft having an eccentric portion, an externally toothed gear having external teeth and a through-hole in which the eccentric portion is inserted, an outer cylinder, and a carrier. The carrier rotatably supports the crankshaft. The outer cylinder has internal teeth meshed with the external teeth of the externally toothed gear. The eccentric oscillating gear device is provided with rotational phase adjusting section for setting an orientation of the crankshaft about an axis thereof, on the basis of orientations of the outer cylinder and the carrier about an axis thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Nabtesco Corporation
    Inventor: Koji Nakamura
  • Patent number: 8684880
    Abstract: A simply structured rattling noise reduction device for a vehicle capable of preventing rattling certainly under neutral position. The rattling noise reduction device is applied to a vehicle having a transmission mechanism configured to transmit a torque of a prime mover to an output member through a mating transmission mechanism, and a shifting means capable of selecting a drive position in which the torque of the prime mover is transmitted to the output member and a neutral position in which the torque of the prime mover is not transmitted to the output member, and in which the transmission mechanism is configured to idle any one of rotary members thereof to prevent the torque from being applied to the output member in case the neutral position is selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hajime Kato, Masato Terashima, Hiroki Kuwamoto
  • Patent number: 8684881
    Abstract: Provided is a transmission gear box for bikes including: crank arms that receive a rotational driving force from rotatable pedals of each bike and transmits the received rotational driving force to a main shaft; a transmission gear unit that receives the rotational driving force from the main shaft and performs a transmission mode shifting operation at a gear tooth ratio according to a selected transmission mode gearshift; a lever manipulation unit that selects one of the transmission mode gearshifts of the transmission gear unit according to manipulation of a transmission mode shift lever, to thus manipulate one of cables connected to the respective transmission mode gearshifts; and a clutching unit that is operated by one cable selected by the lever manipulation unit to thus make one of ring gears of the transmission gear unit fixed in a gear tooth engagement coupling manner and to thereby manipulate a transmission mode shifting process of the transmission gear unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventor: Yun Yi Song
  • Patent number: 8684882
    Abstract: In a power tool, a tubular gear case is disposed frontwardly of a motor and configured to accommodate a planetary gear speed reduction mechanism, a tubular motor bracket is attached to the motor and configured to connect the motor and the gear case together, and at least one pin is pierced through the motor bracket and the gear case to connect the motor bracket and the gear case together. The pin is engaged with a first-stage internal gear located at a first stage of the planetary gear speed reduction mechanism whereby the first-stage internal gear is restrained from rotating and located in position in an axial direction thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Makita Corporation
    Inventor: Tomoyuki Kondo
  • Patent number: 8684883
    Abstract: The invention relates to devices including rotary units and rotary mechanisms that are suitable for use in numerous applications. Rotary units typically include rotational components that are configured to rotate. In some embodiments, for example, multiple rotary units are assembled in rotary mechanisms such that neighboring pairs of rotational components counter-rotate or contra-rotate relative to one another during operation of the rotary mechanisms. Rotational components generally include one or more implements that are structured to perform or effect one or more types of work as the rotational components rotate relative to one another in a given rotary mechanism. In certain embodiments, implements are configured to rotate and/or to effect the movement of other components as rotational components rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventor: Christopher C. Sappenfield
  • Patent number: 8684884
    Abstract: A plurality of energy efficiencies of an electric motor which are determined by characteristics of the electric motor are set according to the revolution speed and the driving force of the electric motor, and among the plurality of energy efficiencies, a plurality of energy efficiency groups having the equivalent energy efficiency are prepared. The energy efficiency for each transmission gear of a first input shaft is determined on the basis of a travelling speed and a required driving force of a vehicle. To which group among the plurality of energy efficiency groups that each determined energy efficiency is pertained is determined, and a transmission gear corresponding to the energy efficiency group having the highest energy efficiency among the determined energy efficiency groups is selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shingo Kato
  • Patent number: 8684885
    Abstract: First and second engines ENG1 and ENG2; first and second transmissions TM1 and TM2 shifting the output of the first and second engines; first and second one-way clutches OWC1 and OWC2 that are provided in each output portion of the first and second transmissions; a driving target member 11 commonly connected to the output members 121 of the first and second one-way clutches via clutch mechanisms CL1 and CL2 and transmits the rotational power transmitted to the output members of the one-way clutches to the driving wheel 2; a main motor/generator MG1 connected to the member 11; a sub motor/generator MG2 connected to the output shaft S1 of the first engine; a battery 8 sending/receiving the electric power between both motor/generators; a synchronization mechanism 20 connecting/disconnecting the member 11 and the output shaft S2 of the second engine; and a controller 5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuki Ichikawa, Fumiyasu Suga
  • Patent number: 8684886
    Abstract: A method of managing a transmission ratio with an assisted CVT with a governed engine to emulate a hydrostatic transmission and prevent a drivebelt abuse is provided, the method comprising: providing a reference power source rotational speed, using the assisted CVT to transmit rotatable motion between a power source and a drive mechanism, managing a torque of the power source to maintain a substantially even rotational speed upon a power source load variation and modulating a transmission ratio of the assisted CVT to change the rotational speed of the drive mechanism. A system and a vehicle having such a drivebelt abuse preventing mechanism is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: CVTech Inc.
    Inventors: Hubert Roberge, David Levasseur, Francois Brind'Amour
  • Patent number: 8684887
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) is provided for use on a recreational or utility vehicle. The CVT is electronically controlled by at least one control unit of the vehicle. The CVT includes a primary clutch having a first sheave and a second sheave moveable relative to the first sheave. An actuator controls movement of the second sheave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Brian D. Krosschell
  • Patent number: 8684888
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus including a video display. In certain embodiments the apparatus includes an integrated platform. Memory within the apparatus contains a library of instructional exercise programs, such as yoga. Pilates, body toning and stretching routines. The apparatus may also connect to a network, such as the Internet to stream and/or download additional exercise programs. A user interface enables the user to select from available programs, which are shown on the video display. Audio for the programs may be provided via speakers or though headphones, which may be rechargeable and/or wireless.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Yoga Today LLC
    Inventors: Scott Alan Blum, Kimberly Jane Whitman
  • Patent number: 8684889
    Abstract: A handle for removable attachment to a dumbbell handle including a grip portion and a base portion is provided herein. The grip portion including side grips and top grip resembling a traditional kettlebell handle. An attachment device associated with the handle for attachment of the handle to a dumbbell handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventor: Matthew Berrisford
  • Patent number: 8684890
    Abstract: A robotic rehabilitation apparatus and method provide subjects with lower limb gait impairment, gait therapy before subjects are able to walk independently, or are able to control their legs or stand unaided. The apparatus is constructed and arranged to take advantage of natural gravitational force and musculo-skeletal dynamics of therapy subjects, and to replicate gait in subjects without manual or mechanical intervention to lift subjects' legs and feet. The apparatus and method provide the appropriate dynamic and sensory inputs to muscle groups occurring during normal gait that are critical to gait rehabilitation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventors: Caitlyn Joyce Bosecker, Hermano Igo Krebs
  • Patent number: 8684891
    Abstract: A waist-mounted parachute deployment and retracting system for training runners and other athletes that provides a user a method for selectively deploying and retracting the parachute during training without stopping or breaking stride. The parachute provides drag to increase resistance to improve performance by overloading the muscles. The user selectively deploys the parachute by pressing a button to release and open the parachute. Air flow created by the user's forward motion flows through a pair of ports on the side of a case holding the parachute. The air flow expands the parachute, causing the cords attaching the parachute to the case to extend and wind a recoil mechanism. The user selectively retracts the parachute by pressing a button to close the parachute and the recoil mechanism rewinds the cords, pulling the parachute into the case, ready to be deployed again when desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventor: Archie Davidson
  • Patent number: 8684892
    Abstract: A jump rope has a flexible rope interconnected between left and right handles. Each handle includes two elongate half-pipe members that are held together by a sleeved collar at one end and a sleeved end cap at the other end. On each handle, a rope holder includes a rotor portion rotatably retained within the handle, and a clamping portion configured to releasably clamp a cross-section of the rope. Tubular elastomeric hand grips are preferably sleeved onto intermediate portions of respective handles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventors: Stephen P. Ihli, Mark A. Krull
  • Patent number: 8684893
    Abstract: A dumbbell with adjustable weight essentially includes a handle, two first weight blocks, two second weight blocks, and two position-limiting elements. The handle has a gripping portion and two arms protruding outward from the gripping portion. The first weight blocks are removably disposed around the arms of the handle, respectively. The second weight blocks are removably disposed around the first weight blocks, respectively. The position-limiting elements abut against the second weight blocks ends, respectively. Hence, a user can adjust the total weight of the dumbbell by changing or removing the second weight blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Pro TV Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Jack Tang
  • Patent number: 8684894
    Abstract: An apparatus for performing stretching and strengthening exercises for the human body includes a substantially nonelastic strap segment having a first end and a second end, a strap housing connected to the strap segment first end with a mechanism to lock the strap at a desired length of extension from the housing, an elastic resistance band having a first end and a second end, with the elastic resistance band first end connected to the strap segment second end, and an anchor point releasably connected to the elastic resistance band second end. A user can grasp the strap housing either directly or by a handle or bar, adjust the length of the strap and elastic resistance band, and affix the anchor point to a cuff, loop, stirrup, or other article to perform stretching and strengthening exercises. Alternatively, the strap housing can itself be affixed to a glove, mat, bracket, or other article, and the anchor point grasped by or secured to the user to perform exercises.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventor: Thomas S. Flynn
  • Patent number: 8684895
    Abstract: A roller body for a roller for treating a material, preferably a web material, which is cast from an iron base alloy which forms a radially interior zone (5) of the roller body (1) made of grey cast iron (GJS, GJV) and, around the interior zone (5), a circumferential rim zone (6) which includes the outer circumference of the roller body (1) and exhibits a surface hardness which is greater than 400 HV, wherein the circumferential rim zone (6) consists of ribbon grain or superfine ribbon grain pearlite (P) with embedded free graphite, preferably spheroidal graphite (SG) or vermicular graphite (V), or of an intermediate structure (ADI) with spheroidal graphite or vermicular graphite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: SHW Casting Technologies GmbH
    Inventors: Ulrich Severing, Bernd Eppli, Lutz Krodel-Teuchert
  • Patent number: 8684896
    Abstract: A carton for containing a plurality of articles. The carton has a plurality of panels that extend at least partially around an interior of the carton. The plurality of panels is a top panel, a bottom panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel. At least one of the panels has a protective coating for contact with the articles. The coating is arranged as a plurality of protective elements selectively applied to an interior surface of the at least one panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: John H. Tokarski, Raymond S. Kastanek