Patents Issued in April 8, 2014
-
Patent number: 8690691Abstract: A motor adapter includes a frame having a first end adapted for mounting to a motor and a second end adapted for mounting to a rotatably driven machine. The frame includes an adjustable reaction point.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2007Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Rexnord Industries, LLCInventors: Ronald J. Fedder, Richard Borzyskowski
-
Patent number: 8690692Abstract: A transmission shaft for transmitting rotational movements including a tubular body having at least one tubular composite assembly including a plastic matrix and strengthening elements, at least one insert positioned at one end of the body and which is secured to the body in an interface area between the insert and the composite assembly, and at least one slug passing radially through the insert and the body for keeping the strengthening elements in place. The at least one insert has at least one recess receiving a part of the strengthening elements to maintain the strengthening elements in the interface area.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2012Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: SKF Aerospace FranceInventor: Jean-Michel Buchin
-
Patent number: 8690693Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing hollow body elements (200), for example, nut elements which are applied to components which are normally made of steel (280), in particular, for producing hollow body elements having an essentially quadratic or rectangular external profile (202). Said method consists of cutting individual elements of a profile in the form of a profile rod (1) or a winding after holes (204) have previously been stamped in the profile, a threaded cylinder (206) is subsequently, optionally, formed using a follow-on composite tool (10) which consists of several working stations. The invention is characterized in that a penetrating process and a punching process are carried out in the working station. The invention also relates to hollow body elements (200), components, follow-on composite tools (10) and rolling mills (600, 602).Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2012Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Profil Verbindungstechnik GmbH & Co., KGInventors: Jiri Babej, Richard Humpert
-
Patent number: 8690694Abstract: An amusement ride apparatus comprising: a free fall tower having a proximal end hingedly attached to a base platform and a distal end; a lifting assembly connected to the base platform and the free fall tower so that the free fall tower can transition between a loading position and a free fall position; a trolley slideably attached to the free fall tower; a trolley securing assembly attached to the trolley and releasably attached to the distal end of the tower for securing the trolley to the distal end prior to the free fall tower transitioning from the loading position to the free fall position so that the trolley is held at the distal end when the tower is in the free fall position; a braking assembly carried by the base platform for slowing the downward movement of the trolley when the trolley securing member is released; and, a passenger carriage pivotably carried by the trolley allowing the passenger carriage to pivot to maintain a generally upright orientation as the free fall tower transitions from theType: GrantFiled: November 17, 2011Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Inventor: Gerald L. Barber
-
Patent number: 8690695Abstract: This invention provides a terrain system comprising a set of metal tubes having a rounded cross section The tubes are separated at a width that defines the appropriate terrain. The tubes are supported by a base located on at least two spaced apart positions therealong. Each leg assembly includes a bottom bar that allows it to be implanted in packed snow. Optional outriggers can be attached to each side of the bottom bar so that the legs can afford increased stability. The legs include telescoping sections that allow for height adjustability. One leg can be omitted, thereby creating a ramp. Each end of the top portion contains male and female connection points, which accommodate curved end caps. Two end caps can also be joined with a double-axis hinge assembly that allows the adjacent top portions to be joined together and articulated along two parallel hinge axes.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2011Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Inventor: Matthew L. Pittman
-
Patent number: 8690696Abstract: Systems and methods are provided relating to martial arts competitions including martial arts games, team competitions, and a martial arts combat league. A martial arts combat league may combine traditional aspects of martial arts competitions with the appeal of rooting for a favorite team or individual competitor. Martial arts competition rules and scoring systems may be provided for the martial arts combat league. A martial arts competition area may be provided for presentation of martial arts combat league events. A novel scoring system may involve and inform fans of the martial arts combat league.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2012Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Inventor: Carlos R. Norris
-
Patent number: 8690697Abstract: A slide feature is adapted to carry one or more riders and/or ride vehicles sliding thereon. The slide feature includes a sliding surface having an entry end and an exit end. The sliding surface comprising at least a lower portion of a sideways tilted funnel shape wherein a radius of the sliding surface tapers from the entry end to the exit end. A lowermost surface of the sliding surface is horizontal or slightly inclined from horizontal descending from the entry end to the exit end. The sliding surface comprising side walls each extending upward from the lowermost surface about a longitudinal axis which would be defined by the complete sideways tilted funnel shape through an angle of more than 90°. The entry end is substantially larger in diameter than the exit end.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2012Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Proslide Technology Inc.Inventor: Richard D. Hunter
-
Patent number: 8690698Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a golf club classification method capable of classifying a golf swing precisely. Specifically, the present invention provides a classification method comprising steps of: partitioning the golf swing of the golfer into golf swing trajectories of a back swing, a down swing, and a follow through so as to determine a stable point in the golf swing trajectories as an origin for any two of the trajectories and to assign a two dimensional coordinate to the two golf swing trajectories; determining straight lines connecting each of one point selected within each of the two golf swing trajectories and the origin; calculating angles between each of the determined straight lines and the horizontal line respectively for the two golf swing trajectories; and classifying the golf swing based on a difference between the calculated angles.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2011Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignees: Bridgestone Corporation, Bridgestone Sports Co., LtdInventors: Takashi Saito, Koji Takao, Hideo Matsunaga, Hirotada Iwade
-
Patent number: 8690699Abstract: A visual aid device to provide a reference line for a golfer. The device has an elongated linear member held by opposing clips adapted for securement to the bill of a golf cap. The elongated member may be a stretchable elastic member or a rigid member to provide a reference line for a putter or wedge, for example, as the golfer addresses and strikes the golf ball. Spaced markings may further be utilized to provide additional visual aids to a golfer and advertising or logos may be applied to the clip members.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2011Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Inventor: Terrance B. Enstad
-
Patent number: 8690700Abstract: A wood-type 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 three alignment aid stripes. The three alignment aid stripes can include a toe alignment aid stripe, a heel alignment aid stripe, and a center alignment aid stripe. Other embodiments are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2013Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Karsten Manufacturing CorporationInventors: Kevin W. Flaherty, John H. Loudenslager, Nicholas S. Radeleff
-
Patent number: 8690701Abstract: Provided is a golf swing training apparatus suited to strengthen target muscles in various body regions necessary for golf swings, and train a proper swing form. The apparatus is designed to, when a user performs a golf swing motion while grasping a grip of a golf swing mechanism whose height position is adjustable depending on a body height of a user, allow the grip to be moved along an arc, and transmit the arc movement of the grip from a swing-arm holder to a weight-arm holder to which a weight arm is fixed, through a swing-power transmission shaft, so as to swingingly move the weight arm about an axis of the weight-arm holder to allow a weight member on the weight arm to act as a load countering golf swing power. The apparatus has a mechanism capable of allowing the load based on the weight member fastened to the weight arm to be arbitrarily adjusted depending on individual differences in muscle strength.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2010Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: G-Active Co., Ltd.Inventor: Masahiro Okesaku
-
Patent number: 8690702Abstract: A golf club has a reverse flex of 110 to 160 mm. The face portion includes a central thick part, a toe-crown-side thin part on a crown-side and on a toe-side of the central thick part, and a heel-sole-side thin part on a sole-side and on a heel-side of the central thick part. In the front view of the head, a first straight line passing an area centroid of the toe-crown-side thin part and an area centroid of a back surface of the face portion has an angle ?A of 10 to 30 degrees, and a second straight line passing an area centroid of the heel-sole-side thin part and the area centroid of the back surface of the face portion has an angle ?B of 36 to 40 degrees, each with respect to the horizontal plane.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2011Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: SRI Sports LimitedInventor: Hiroshi Abe
-
Patent number: 8690703Abstract: A golf club has a head including a base layer and a compounded transfer layer. The base layer has a coupling face. The compounded transfer layer is formed on the coupling face of the base layer. The compounded transfer layer has a dye layer and a protection layer. The dye layer is sandwiched between the base layer and the protection layer.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2011Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Fusheng Precision Co., LtdInventor: Yiwen Chen
-
Patent number: 8690704Abstract: A golf club head includes a body member having a length dimension, a height dimension, a breadth dimension, a center-of-gravity and a face-squared centerline. The body member includes a channel having an inlet, an outlet and a throughbore extending through the body member from the inlet to the outlet. The inlet is located to a heel-side of the centerline of the body member and the outlet is located to a toe-side of the centerline of the body member. A golf club including the golf club head is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2011Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventor: James S. Thomas
-
Patent number: 8690705Abstract: A golf club head which may include a golf club head body, a ball striking face and a piezoelectric member in the golf club head, wherein the piezoelectric member is configured to be selectively adjusted by an input provided through a controller operably connected to the piezoelectric member. Further, the piezoelectric member may be capable of having a first configuration to provide the golf club head body with a first attribute and may also be capable of having a second configuration to provide the body with a second attribute in response to the input provided by the controller. Further, the second attribute may be different from the first attribute.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2011Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Nike, Inc.Inventor: Arthur Molinari
-
Patent number: 8690706Abstract: Wood-type golf club heads include: (a) a ball striking face; (b) a club head body engaged or integrally formed with the ball striking face, wherein the club head body includes a sole portion, wherein the sole portion includes a slot or rail defined therein; and (c) a weight member at least partially located within the slot or rail. The weight member may be mounted at plural positions along the slot or rail (optionally at least partially within a weight cartridge member provided with the club head body). The weight member also may be movably engaged with the weight cartridge member, slot, rail, and/or other portion of the club head body. Golf clubs including these club heads and methods of making and using such golf clubs and golf club heads also are described.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2012Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Nike, Inc.Inventors: John T. Stites, Robert Boyd, Andrew G. V. Oldknow, Eric A. Larson
-
Patent number: 8690707Abstract: Golf clubs, club heads, and club weighting systems may include: (a) a club head body member; and (b) one or more weight members movably engaged with the club head body member so as to move between a first position and a second position to change an overall exterior shape of the club head. This shape change may result in changes to the overall center of gravity, weighting, and/or moment of inertia characteristics of the club head. Alternatively or additionally, the weight member(s) may be removed from the club head body member, reoriented, and/or replaced with a different weight member, e.g., to change the overall exterior shape, center of gravity, weighting, and/or moment of inertia characteristics of the club head. Methods of making and using these clubs, club heads, and weighting systems also are described.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2011Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Nike, Inc.Inventors: John Thomas Stites, Robert Boyd, David N. Franklin
-
Patent number: 8690708Abstract: A golf club head comprising a crown with an edge support structure and a flexible, conformal weight sized to fit within the edge support structure is disclosed herein. The edge support structure preferably is disposed on an internal surface of the crown so that the conformal weight is invisible when the golf club head is viewed at address. The conformal weight can be removed to adjust the vertical center of gravity of the club head, and preferably is oriented in a front-to-back direction along the club head's X-axis. The conformal weight preferably is composed of a high-density polymeric material with a specific gravity ranging from 1.8 to 4.2.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2013Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Callaway Golf CompanyInventor: Steven M. Ehlers
-
Patent number: 8690709Abstract: A golf club with a golf club head formed of two distinct parts is presented. The club head includes a lower, ball striking member configured to contact a golf ball. The club head further includes an upper member, connected to the ball striking member at a top surface of the ball striking member. The ball striking member may be formed of a more dense material than the upper portion, thereby lowering the center of gravity of the club to provide improved performance characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2009Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Nike, Inc.Inventors: Andrew G. V. Oldknow, John T. Stites
-
Patent number: 8690710Abstract: Embodiments of golf clubs head sets with varying characteristics are disclosed herein. Other examples and related methods are also generally described herein.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2010Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Karsten Manufacturing CorporationInventors: Michael R. Nicolette, Bradley D. Schweigert, Marty R. Jertson
-
Patent number: 8690711Abstract: A plurality of layers and elements are incorporated into a golf ball to display values for various swing characteristics on a display layer of a ball. A calculator is incorporated to calculate a value of at least one swing characteristic. A weighted light source is incorporated to display the value on a display layer. The display layer is a substantially opaque layer.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2011Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Chin-Shun Ko, Chen-Tai Liu
-
Patent number: 8690712Abstract: A golf ball includes a ‘dual core’ formed from an inner core layer and an outer core layer. The inner core has an outer surface and a center and is typically formed from a substantially-homogenous rubber composition such that the center of the core has a hardness of about 72 Shore C to about 78 Shore C and a trans content of about 5% to 9%, and the outer surface of the inner core has a trans content of about 5% to 9%. The trans content of the outer surface and the center of the inner core are preferably within 2% of each other and, more preferably are substantially the same to define a zero trans gradient along a radius of the inner core.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2013Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Brian Comeau, Michael J. Sullivan, David A. Bulpett, Derek A. Ladd
-
Patent number: 8690713Abstract: A golf ball includes a single solid core having a surface hardness and a geometric center hardness. The core has an outer diameter of about 1.5 to 1.62 inches. An outer cover layer formed from a polyurea or polyurethane has a first hardness, and an inner cover layer, disposed between the core and the outer cover, has a second hardness greater than the first hardness and within 5 Shore C of the core surface hardness. The geometric center hardness is about 64 to 85 Shore C, and the core surface hardness is greater than 85 Shore C and harder than the geometric center hardness by about 5 to 22 Shore C to define a positive hardness gradient.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2010Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Brian Comeau, Dennis Britton
-
Patent number: 8690714Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball material producing a high spin rate on approach shots and a low spin rate on driver shots and a golf ball using the same. The present invention provides a golf ball material having a ratio [Shore D/log(bending stiffness)] of Shore D hardness to a logarithm of bending stiffness (kgf/cm2) of 19.0 or more.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2010Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: SRI Sports LimitedInventors: Kazuyoshi Shiga, Toshiyuki Tarao, Keiji Ohama
-
Patent number: 8690715Abstract: A lighting system, for use in combination with a basketball backboard device mounted on a pole, comprises a plurality of lighting devices positioned adjacent the basketball backboard device. The lighting devices comprise a housing, a connector, a first light source, a lens and a light filter, and a secondary light source. The lens focuses lines defined by the light filter. The first light source is positioned to project the lines on to an activity surface to define a foul lane for a basketball court. The connector connects the housing to the pole supporting the basketball backboard device. The secondary light source is positioned to simultaneously illuminate a backboard of the basketball backboard device while the first light source projects the lines through the lens and the light filter. The lines from the first light source combine together on the activity surface to define an area for a basketball game.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2011Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Inventor: Steven D. Vogt
-
Patent number: 8690716Abstract: Conical disk pairs of a belt-driven conical-pulley transmission include an axially fixed disk and an axially movable disk that are situated on respective shafts on the input side and the output side and are connectable by an endless torque-transmitting component for transmitting torque. At least one of the shafts has at least one axial bore from which at least one connecting bore extends to the surface of the shaft. The outlet of the connecting bore is in a region that is covered by the movable disk independent of the latter's axial position. An annular chamber formed between the shaft outer surface and a radially inner surface of the axially movable disk can be subjected to hydraulic pressure through the connecting bore. A discharge groove is provided for bleeding air bubbles from the annular chamber.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2007Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Hartmut Faust
-
Patent number: 8690717Abstract: A tensioning device for compensating for elongations of the traction mechanism, in particular a chain or a timing belt, of a power transmission drive, in particular on an internal combustion engine, having a tensioning mechanism, in particular a tensioning rail, a sliding shoe or tensioning arm having a tensioning roller. A tensioning element is disposed between a support surface on the tensioning mechanism and a support, in particular on the internal combustion engine, and the support surface on the tensioning mechanism is made of a material which has a high strength.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2011Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KGInventors: Rainer Fuhrmann, Thomas Ullein
-
Patent number: 8690718Abstract: A tightener for a belt drive cooperates with the belt in the presence of oil, and has a pin with a first axis; a base plate integral with and substantially perpendicular to the pin; a cam arm connected in a rotary manner to the pin and movable with respect to the base plate; a contact member carried by the cam arm; and an elastic member connected to the cam arm to activate the contact member against the belt. The tightener also has a friction member made of oil-resistant material and axially supporting the cam arm on the base plate; and axial elastic means for loading the friction member against the base plate.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2011Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Dayco Europe S.r.l. con Unico SocioInventor: Michele Cantatore
-
Patent number: 8690719Abstract: To provide a push type driving belt, which is capable of preventing uneven wear of the ring and deterioration in durability of the ring, by preventing a transmission loss resulting from an internal slippage of the ring, and by positioning the ring properly with respect to the element. The push-type driving belt B comprises: an element 1, in which a recess 8 opening toward a diametrically outer circumferential side is formed in a width center thereof; and a ring 9, which is formed of single layer in its thickness direction using elastic material, and which is fitted into the recess 8 of the element 1 to fasten the elements 1 juxtaposed in a circular manner.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2009Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Toshinari Sano
-
Patent number: 8690720Abstract: A hydraulic control device for an automatic transmission capable of adjusting the amount of lubricating oil in accordance with a load on a torque converter is provided. A main regulator valve regulates hydraulic oil from an oil pressure source on the basis of a stator reaction force of the torque converter to generate a line pressure for operating engagement of a frictional engagement element. A line pressure switching section switches the line pressure to a low line pressure in a region in which a higher line pressure is not required in response to a driving state of a vehicle, and switches the line pressure to a high line pressure when a target value of an engagement hydraulic oil pressure exceeds a predetermined pressure. A lubricating regulator valve is provided in a lubricating oil passage connected from the main regulator valve to regulate a hydraulic pressure in the lubricating oil passage to a given pressure in response to a driving state of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2010Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroshi Takei, Yoshimichi Tsubata, Koichi Fushimi, Kazuaki Watanabe
-
Patent number: 8690721Abstract: An example journal pin includes a generally cylindrical body disposed on an axis having a supply passage. A first chamber and a second chamber are disposed in the generally cylindrical body and are in fluid communication with the supply passage. A recess on an outer diameter of the cylindrical body is in fluid communication with the first chamber and the second chamber. The first chamber and second chamber are each radially outward of the supply passage and including an outlet to the recess. The first chamber and second chamber each have a first section radially inward of a second section. A cross sectional area of the second section is greater than a cross sectional area of the corresponding first section.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2011Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventor: Michael E. McCune
-
Patent number: 8690722Abstract: A transmission is provided having 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 include clutches and brakes. The torque transmitting devices are each selectively engageable in combinations of at least three to establish a plurality of forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio between the input member and the output member.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2012Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Andrew W. Phillips, Scott H. Wittkopp, James M. Hart, Clinton E. Carey
-
Patent number: 8690723Abstract: A method for controlling a belt drive of a drivetrain of a motor vehicle, with a planetary gear set which shifts a transmission ratio between a starter-generator and a combustion engine, the planetary gear set having a ring gear which can be connected fixedly with respect to a housing by a brake, a web which is connectible to a crankshaft of the combustion engine of the drivetrain, having planet gears arranged around the circumference, and a sun gear which is connected in a rotationally fixed connection to a rotor of the starter-generator and to at least one ancillary unit, as well as having a first switchable free-wheeling mechanism which blocks in the direction of torque from the rotor to the crankshaft and having a second switchable free-wheeling mechanism which blocks in the direction of torque from the crankshaft to the rotor.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2013Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KGInventors: Martin Dilzer, Dierk Reitz
-
Patent number: 8690724Abstract: A method for operating a drive-train of a motor vehicle with a drive aggregate in the form of a hybrid drive system (3) which comprises at least one electric machine (2), an internal combustion engine (1), a transmission (5), a drive output (4) and a brake system which comprises at least one wear-free permanent brake (6). When a braking torque is required, the braking torque is distributed between the electric machine (2) and the wear-free permanent brake (6). At the beginning of a braking torque demand, the required brake torque is provided exclusively by the electric machine (2). Thereafter, as a function of characteristics of the wear-free permanent brake, the braking torque demand is transferred, in a controlled manner, from the electric machine to the wear-free permanent brake (6) so that the sum of the braking torques provided at the drive output (4) corresponds to the required braking torque.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2011Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Markus Eisele, Yvonne Wiegand, Jurgen Blaser
-
Patent number: 8690725Abstract: A method for controlling a hybrid vehicle having a traction motor between an engine and a step ratio automatic transmission during a startup of the hybrid vehicle. The method includes performing at least one of adjusting a clutch or an oil pressure to change a transmission tie-up force or downshifting the transmission in response to an actuation rate of a vehicle driver demand.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2012Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Felix Nedorezov, Hong Jiang, Alexander O'Connor Gibson, Matthew John Shelton, Zhengyu Dai, Roger Lyle Huffmaster, Charles Chunlin Liu
-
Patent number: 8690726Abstract: A vehicle drive device comprising: an engine; a hydraulic transmission device constituting a portion of a power transmission path between the engine and drive wheels; and an electric motor, the engine and the hydraulic transmission device disposed to rotate around one axial center, the electric motor disposed with a rotation axial center different from the one axial center, the electric motor coupled to an input-side rotating element of the hydraulic transmission device receiving input of a drive force from the engine, the input-side rotating element being rotatable around the one axial center, the electric motor coupled to the input-side rotating element via an electric motor coupling rotating element coupled relatively non-rotatably to the input-side rotating element, a hydraulic pump rotationally driven by the input-side rotating element of the hydraulic transmission device disposed such that a rotor of the hydraulic pump rotates around the one axial center, and a coupling portion of the electric motor couType: GrantFiled: August 4, 2010Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Terufumi Miyazaki, Yukihiko Ideshio, Toshihiko Kamiya, Shingo Eto, Hironori Asaoka
-
Patent number: 8690727Abstract: A method of controlling a pump (43), including operating an engine (23) having an engine intake (49) coupled to a pump output (51) of a pump, and a transmission (41) coupled to the engine and to the pump, and operating a valve (58) between a pump input of the pump and the engine intake, such that the valve can be opened during a ratio change of the transmission.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2012Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Orbital Traction, Ltd.Inventors: Roy Venton-Walters, Michael P. Bujold
-
Patent number: 8690728Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicle powertrain during launch includes controlling slip across a first clutch that transmits engine torque through the first clutch and the current gear while a transmission operates in a current gear other than a launch gear, disengaging the first clutch, engaging the launch gear, and controlling slip across a second clutch that transmits engine torque through the second clutch and the launch gear.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2011Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Chad E. Griffin, Bradley D. Riedle, Jeffrey M. Jarvi, James B. Keyse, Daniel T. Lin
-
Patent number: 8690729Abstract: A device for controlling ISG logic is mounted in a vehicle equipped with an ISG system. The device includes a brake pedal switch, a shift lever switch that shows the current state of a gear of the vehicle, an inclination sensor that is mounted in the vehicle and measures the inclination of a road where the vehicle is positioned, a controller that internally controls the vehicle to an N (Neutral) state, regardless of the gear range shown by the shift lever switch, for the vehicle on a downhill, in accordance with the measured inclination, and an engine unit that performed idle stop when the brake pedal becomes ON, with the gear of the vehicle at a D (Drive) sate, and restarts the stopped engine when the brake pedal becomes OFF, with the gear of the vehicle at the D state.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2011Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Chongah Gwon, Sejun Kim, Jiyong Yu, Junghwan Bang
-
Patent number: 8690730Abstract: A method is provided for improving shift quality in an automatic transmission. In many automatic transmissions, the shift quality during lift foot upshifts is unsatisfying. Generally, two types of complaints concerning shift quality are known: harsh feel right after the shift order and bump at the synchronization of the shift. In order to provide an automatic transmission which overcomes these two problems, a first and a second positive torque requests are initiated on upshift coasts. This measure improves the global shift feel by controlling the engine toque level at shift order and at synchronization: the engine torque level at the beginning of the gear shift is smoothly decreased to reduce the initial bump and is controlled at the synchronization to reduce the amplitude of underlap when the clutch capacity is rising.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2009Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: David W. Wright, Philippe Ramet, Morgan Postic
-
Patent number: 8690731Abstract: A system and method for controlling a start-stop system for an engine in a vehicle includes automatically stopping the engine when the vehicle is in NEUTRAL and automatically restarting the engine when the vehicle is shifted out of NEUTRAL and at least one condition is met. The at least one condition may include the direction of movement of a transmission gear lever. Automatic restarting of the engine is suppressed when the vehicle is shifted out of NEUTRAL and at least one other condition is met. The at least one other condition may also include the direction of movement of the transmission gear lever.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2012Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Sangeetha Sangameswaran, Scott R. Caudill, Mark Douglas Malone
-
Patent number: 8690732Abstract: Various embodiments of methods, apparatus and systems that diagnose and/or detect faults of an electro-hydraulic control system for a transmission are presented. Some embodiments, adjust a main line pressure of the electro-hydraulic control system and detect faults based upon changes in a pressure switch resulting from such adjustments of the main line pressure. The pressure switch may be incorporated into a control main valve or a clutch trim valve of the electro-hydraulic control system.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2012Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.Inventor: Charles F. Long
-
Patent number: 8690733Abstract: A time required until the friction element is completely engaged is delayed when a switch from a non-driving position to a driving position is detected or when the engine automatic stop condition no longer holds until the differential rotation of the friction element disappears after the engine automatic stop condition holds as compared with the case where the switch from the non-driving position to the driving position is detected or the engine automatic stop condition no longer holds after the differential rotation of the friction element disappears.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2011Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignees: JATCO Ltd, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kousuke Waku, Masayuki Miyazono, Hideshi Wakayama
-
Patent number: 8690734Abstract: An embodiment of the disclosure consists of a rectangular lightweight rigid handled frame, four adjustable telescoping foldout locking legs with protective feet, a rear-facing mirror, a pair of forward-facing mirrors, an eleven-light light source, and a control panel. The rear-facing mirror is connected to the frame and is adjustable about a horizontal axis to form a vertical angle in order to facilitate the reflections from the light source back and forth between the rear-facing mirror and the pair of forward-facing mirrors. The pair of forward-facing mirrors are connected to the frame, are spaced apart to form the porthole, and are adjustable on both a vertical and horizontal axis in order to form the vertical angle and the rotational angle needed to facilitate the reflections from the light source back and forth between the rear-facing mirror and at least one of the pair of forward-facing mirrors.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2011Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Inventor: Brian Mallory Bell
-
Patent number: 8690735Abstract: An exercise device is configured to enable a user to interact with a trainer in real-time communication. The exercise device includes an exercise mechanism having a movable element for movement in performance of exercise by a user. Communicating with the exercise mechanism is an interface adapted for gathering a first real-time signal from the user. The interface communicates with a communication system for receiving a packetized second real-time signal including a synchronized control signal from the trainer. The exercise device includes an output device configured to reproduce the second real-time signal. The control signals carried by the second signal are used to control the operating parameters of the exercise mechanism in real-time.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2011Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: ICON Health & Fitness, Inc.Inventors: Scott R. Watterson, William T. Dalebout, Darren C. Ashby
-
Patent number: 8690736Abstract: A system and method of tracking physical activity of a person in order to help motivate that person to add more exercise to their lives. Each participant is provided a motion sensor that detects forces incurred by the participant. The motion sensor creates electronic data that corresponds to the forces detected. The data is analyzed to determine whether or not exercise has been performed. The analysis can also determine the type of exercise performed, when the exercise was performed, and the duration of the exercise performed.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2013Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: GlobalFitInventors: Frank Napolitano, Andrew Greenberg, Christian Ludwig
-
Patent number: 8690737Abstract: A dual mode exercise machine which can work in a stepping mode, or in an elliptical mode, and which has an interlock mechanism which ensures that the machine cannot be placed in a condition in which neither mode is engaged.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2011Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Inventor: Willem Johannes Van Straaten
-
Patent number: 8690738Abstract: A motor-less leg-powered curved treadmill produced that allows people to walk, jog, run, and sprint without making any adjustments to the treadmill other than shifting the user's center of gravity forward and backwards. A closed loop treadmill belt is formed with a low friction running surface of transverse wooden, plastic or rubber slats attached to each other in a resilient fashion.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2012Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Inventor: Alex A. Astilian
-
Patent number: 8690739Abstract: A boxing training device including a support frame, a first set of pads each resiliently secured relative to the support frame and a second set of pads each resiliently connected relative to the support frame. The first set of pads comprises a plurality of pads located at multiple heights having faces angled towards a right hand side of a boxer for receiving right handed blows and the second set of pads comprises a plurality of pads located at multiple heights having faces angled towards a left hand side of a boxer for receiving left handed blows.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2009Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Inventor: Raimondo Fazio
-
Patent number: 8690740Abstract: An adjustable weight training device includes a handle having at two sides. Each side of the handle is provided with a selector unit, an adjustment unit and a plurality of weight discs. The adjustment unit is operated to change the connection of the selector unit and the plurality of weight discs so as to change the weight of the weight training device as desired.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2011Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Inventor: Yu-Chen Yu