Patents Issued in May 17, 2016
  • Patent number: 9339648
    Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for determining the timing of stimulation applied using a medical device. In embodiments, the medical device filters a received signal to obtain a plurality of band-pass filtered signals, each corresponding to one or more stimulation channels. The medical device then determines the envelopes of these band-pass filtered signals. Next, the medical device determines the stimulation timing (i.e., the pulse times) for the corresponding stimulation channel based on the timing of a particular phase (e.g., a peak, a minimum, etc.) of the envelope. A pulse amplitude for the stimulation channel may then be determined, and stimulation applied using the determined amplitude and pulse time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Cochlear Limited
    Inventor: Zachary Mark Smith
  • Patent number: 9339649
    Abstract: A system for rehabilitating patients affected by balance disorders with or without vestibular hypofunction and/or malfunction with or without an associated hearing loss, which includes sensors of sound and head movement, processing circuitry, a power source coupled to head phones, an air conduction hearing aid, bone conduction hearing aid, middle ear implant or an electrical stimulator implanted into the cochlea capable of stimulating areas within the cochlea with the potential for current spread to surrounding non-auditory areas including the vestibular system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignees: The Hospital for Sick Children, University Health Network
    Inventors: Sharon Cushing, Blake Papsin, David Pothier, Cian Hughes
  • Patent number: 9339650
    Abstract: A method is provided for neuromodulation to treat stroke. One step of the method includes recording an input waveform from a first site in the nervous system in a source subject. The first site is healthy or at least partially functioning. Next, an output waveform is applied to a second site in the nervous system of a target subject suffering from the stoke. The second site is diseased due to the stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: The Cleveland Clinic Foundation
    Inventors: Ali Rezai, Andre Machado, Keith Carlton
  • Patent number: 9339651
    Abstract: A system for controlling a position of a patient's tongue includes attaching at least one electrode to the patient's Hypoglossal nerve and applying an electric signal through the electrode to at least one targeted motor efferent located within the Hypoglossal nerve to stimulate at least one muscle of the tongue. The system may also include the use of more than one contact to target more than one motor efferent and stimulating more than one muscle. The stimulation load to maintain the position of the tongue may be shared by each muscle. The position of the patient's tongue may be controlled in order to prevent obstructive sleep apnea.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: IMTHERA MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Paul M. Meadows, Marcelo G. Lima, Stanley R. Craig, Faisal N. Zaidi, Monir M. Elias
  • Patent number: 9339652
    Abstract: Various aspects relate to a device which, in various embodiments, comprises a header, a neural stimulator, a detector and a controller. The header includes at least one port to connect to at least one lead, and includes first and second channels for use to provide neural stimulation to first and second neural stimulation sites for a heart. The controller is connected to the detector and the neural stimulator to selectively deliver a therapy based on the feedback signal. A first therapy signal is delivered to the first neural stimulation site to selectively control contractility and a second therapy signal is delivered to the second neural stimulation site to selectively control one of a sinus rate and an AV conduction. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Julia Moffitt, Imad Libbus
  • Patent number: 9339653
    Abstract: The present invention includes methods and devices for treating hypotension, such as in cases of shock, including septic shock, anaphylactic shock and hypovolemia. The method includes the step of applying at least one electrical impulse to at least one selected region of a parasympathetic nervous system of the patient. The electrical impulse is sufficient to modulate one or more nerves of the parasympathetic nervous system to increase the ratio of blood pressure to heart rate and relieve the condition and/or extend the patient's life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Electrocore, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce J. Simon, Joseph P. Errico, Steven Mendez
  • Patent number: 9339654
    Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for paired training include timing controls so that training and neural stimulation can be provided simultaneously. Paired trainings may include therapies, rehabilitation and performance enhancement training. Stimulations of nerves such as the vagus nerve that affect subcortical regions such as the nucleus basalis, locus coeruleus or amygdala induce plasticity in the brain, enhancing the effects of a variety of therapies, such as those used to treat tinnitus, stroke, traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignees: MICROTRANSPONDER, INC., THE BOARD OF REGENTS, THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SYSTEM
    Inventors: Michael P. Kilgard, Larry Cauller, Navzer Engineer, Christa McIntyre Rodriguez, Will Rosellini
  • Patent number: 9339655
    Abstract: A neuromodulation system and method of providing therapy to a patient. A plurality of individual electrical pulse trains is generated at a respective plurality of individual pulse rates. The plurality of individual electrical pulse trains are concurrently respectively from a plurality of electrodes to a common electrode via tissue of the patient, thereby creating a combined electrical pulse train having an average pulse rate equal to or greater than 1 KHz.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventor: Rafael Carbunaru
  • Patent number: 9339656
    Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to cardiac pacing methods and systems, and, more particularly, to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). In particular, the present disclosure pertains to determining the efficacy of CRT through use of an effective capture test (ECT). One or more embodiments comprises sensing a signal in response to a ventricular pacing stimulus. Through signal processing, a number of features are parsed from the signal. Exemplary features parsed from the signal include a maximum amplitude, a maximum time associated with the maximum amplitude, a minimum amplitude, and a minimum time associated with the minimum amplitude. The data is evaluated through use of the ECT. By employing the ECT, efficacy of CRT is easily and automatically evaluated. In one or more other embodiments, the reason for ineffective capture is displayed to the user. Exemplary reasons for ineffective capture include pseudo-fusion pacing and lack of capture of the ventricle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Subham Ghosh
  • Patent number: 9339657
    Abstract: Techniques are described for selectively enabling and disabling a pre-stimulation passive recharge pacing mode for an implantable medical device (IMD) depending on whether the IMD is operating in an electromagnetic interference (EMI)-safe mode. In some examples, the IMD may enable the pre-stimulation passive recharge pacing mode when the IMD is operating in the EMI-safe mode, and disable the pre-stimulation passive recharge pacing mode when the IMD is not operating in the EMI-safe mode. The EMI-safe mode may be, in some examples, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-safe mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher C. Stancer, James J. St. Martin, Tara L. Bratten, Michael Hudziak
  • Patent number: 9339658
    Abstract: Monitoring physiological parameter using an implantable physiological monitor in order to detect a condition predictive of a possible future pathological episode and collecting additional physiological data associated with the condition predictive of a possible future pathological episode. Monitoring another physiological parameter in order to detect a condition indicative of the beginning of a present pathological episode and collecting additional pathological data in response to the condition. Determining that the condition predictive of a future episode and the condition indicative of a present episode are associated and, in response thereto, storing all the collected physiological data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Yanting Dong, David L. Perschbacher, Jeffrey E. Stahmann, Dan Li, Deepa Mahajan
  • Patent number: 9339659
    Abstract: An external charger for a battery in an implantable medical device (implant), and technique for charging batteries in multiple implants using such improved external charger, is disclosed. During charging, values for a parameter measured in the implants are reported from the implants to the external charger. The external charger infers from the magnitudes of the parameters which of the implants has the highest (hot) and lowest (cold) coupling to the external charger. The intensity of the magnetic charging field is optimized for the cold implant to ensure that it is charged with a maximum (fastest) battery charging current. The duty cycle of the magnetic charging field is also optimized for the hot implant to ensure that it does not exceed a power dissipation limit. As a result, charging is optimized to be fast for all of the implants, while still safe from a tissue heating perspective.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Rafael Carbunaru, Jordi Parramon, Robert Ozawa, Jess Shi, Joey Chen, Md. Mizanur Rahman
  • Patent number: 9339660
    Abstract: An implantable medical device (IMD) is disclosed having one or more magnetic field sensors for measuring a strength of a magnetic charging field provided by an external charger and used to provide operational power to the IMD, for example, to charge its battery. The measured field strength data, or derivations of such data, are telemetered to the external charger, which further process the received data if necessary and can inform a user whether alignment between the external charger and IMD is sufficient, a misalignment direction, and/or a misalignment distance, so that the user can attempt to improve the alignment of the external charger. The one or more sensors are preferably placed at or equidistantly around a center axis of the IMD's charging coil. However, the sensors may be placed at any number of locations in the IPG, and at different distances from the center axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Emanuel Feldman, Jordi Parramon, Robert D. Ozawa
  • Patent number: 9339661
    Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a medical device, such as a defibrillator, for use with an accessory capable of collecting a parameter of a patient. The medical device is capable of at least performing a basic functionality, an advanced functionality, and of defibrillating the patient. The medical device includes an energy storage module within a housing for storing an electrical charge that is to be delivered to the patient for the defibrillating. The medical device includes a processor structured to determine whether a data set received from the accessory confirms or not a preset authentication criterion about the accessory. Although when the accessory is coupled to the housing the medical device is capable of the defibrillating and the basic functionality, the medical device is capable of the advanced functionality only when the accessory is coupled to the housing and it is determined that the preset authentication criterion is confirmed. Embodiments also include methods of operation and a programmed solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: PHYSIO-CONTROL, INC.
    Inventor: Richard C. Nova
  • Patent number: 9339662
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for signal analysis in an implanted cardiac monitoring and treatment device such as an implantable cardioverter defibrillator. In illustrative examples, captured data including detected events is analyzed to identify likely overdetection of cardiac events. In some illustrative examples, when overdetection is identified, data may be modified to correct for overdetection, to reduce the impact of overdetection, or to ignore overdetected data. New methods for organizing the use of morphology and rate analysis in an overall architecture for rhythm classification and cardiac signal analysis are also discussed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: CAMERON HEALTH, INC.
    Inventors: Venugopal Allavatam, Surekha Palreddy, Rick Sanghera, Jay A. Warren
  • Patent number: 9339663
    Abstract: A wearable cardiac defibrillator (“WCD”) system may include a support structure that a patient can wear, an energy storage module that can store an electrical charge, and a discharge circuit that can discharge the electrical charge through the patient so as to shock him or her, while the patient is wearing the support structure. Embodiments may actively take into account bystanders, both to protect them from an inadvertent shock, and also to enlist their help. In some embodiments the WCD system includes a speaker system that transmits a sound designed to assist a bystander to perform CPR. Optionally CPR chest compressions received by the patient can be further detected, and feedback can be given. In embodiments, a WCD system may include a user interface that can be controlled to output CPR prompts tailored to a skill level of the bystander.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: West Affum Holdings Corp.
    Inventors: Joseph L. Sullivan, David Peter Finch, Phillip Dewey Foshee, Jr., Isabelle Banville, Richard C. Nova, Krystyna Szul, Daniel Finney, Laura Marie Gustavson, Gregory T. Kavounas
  • Patent number: 9339664
    Abstract: A system for the physical manipulation of free magnetic rotors in a circulatory system using a remotely placed magnetic field-generating stator is provided. In one embodiment, the invention relates to the control of magnetic particles in a fluid medium using permanent magnet-based or electromagnetic field-generating stator sources. Such a system can be useful for increasing the diffusion of therapeutic agents in a fluid medium, such as a human circulatory system, which can result in substantial clearance of fluid obstructions, such as vascular occlusions, in a circulatory system resulting in increased blood flow. Examples of vascular occlusions targeted by the system include, but are not limited to, atherosclerotic plaques, including fibrous caps, fatty buildup, coronary occlusions, arterial stenosis, restenosis, vein thrombi, arterial thrombi, cerebral thrombi, embolisms, hemorrhages, other blood clots, and very small vessels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Pulse Therapetics, Inc.
    Inventor: Francis M. Creighton
  • Patent number: 9339665
    Abstract: A ultrasonic wave heating instrument includes a housing inside which a ultrasonic wave emitting circuit in electric connection with a power source and a ultrasonic oscillating sheet in electric connection with said circuit are configured, and a ceramic massage head is configured on the housing. The ultrasonic wave generated from the ultrasonic oscillating sheet is passed through the ceramic massage head to act on human bodies. Besides, a switch is configured between the power source and ultrasonic wave emitting circuit. Furthermore, a heating membrane in electric connection with the power source is configured inside the housing, and the heat emitted from the heating membrane is passed through the ceramic massage head to act on human bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Inventor: Minhao Tsao
  • Patent number: 9339666
    Abstract: Method for coloring hair wherein a non-diluted hair coloring composition is applied to the hair, e.g. the hair roots and a diluted hair coloring composition is applied to the hair, e.g. the hair lengths and tips, wherein a dilutant composition comprising a non-aqueous liquid is added to the non-diluted hair coloring composition to obtain the diluted hair coloring composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Christoph Hans Peter Bonauer, Gabriele de Waal, Graham John Myatt, Stephen Robert Schofield, Nan Wang, Jennifer Mary Marsh
  • Patent number: 9339667
    Abstract: A mineral mixture including at least' MgO and its equilibrium of Mg(OH)2, and MgCl2, in which MgO—Mg(OH)2 constitutes between 85 and 99.99% by weight; and MgCl2 constitutes between 0.01 and 15% by weight of the magnesium compounds in the mineral mixture. Preparations containing the salt mixture and the use of the mineral mixture for the production of a pharmaceutical preparation for the prevention or therapy of a condition, the condition being undesired eczema or psoriasis, are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Sea QIQ AS
    Inventors: Rune Eritzland, Harald Molnes
  • Patent number: 9339668
    Abstract: The invention relates to an aerial part extract of oats excluding grains, to its preparation method and to its uses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: PIERRE FABRE DERMO-COSMETIQUE
    Inventors: Anne Mandeau, Bernard Fabre, Marle-François Aries
  • Patent number: 9339669
    Abstract: A breathing apparatus simulator unit (BASU) comprises a mouthpiece/noseclip subassembly and a cartridge subassembly. The mouthpiece/noseclip subassembly includes the same mouthpiece/noseclip subassembly that is utilized in an actual self-contained self-rescuer (SCSR) device. The cartridge subassembly comprises a container containing a reactionary material. The reactionary material reacts with at least one product of a user's exhalation to generate heat and resistance, thereby providing sensations to simulate the use of an actual SCSR.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: OCENCO, INC.
    Inventor: Michael B. Kay
  • Patent number: 9339670
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for a system for applying a fluid chemical treatment to a vertical column. In one embodiment the system includes a frame configured to generally surround the column, with a substantial gap between an inner surface of the frame and an outer surface of the column. The system may further include a centering guide on the inner surface of the frame, and an array of fluid spray nozzles connected to a pressurized fluid chemical source, and arranged to apply a uniform spray coating to the column. A mobility system vertically translates the frame along the column in a level orientation while fluid chemical is being applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Inventors: Robert J Burnham, Jesse Paul Van Horn
  • Patent number: 9339671
    Abstract: A fire suppression system usable in an aircraft cabin comprising a portable flight case with a dual shell, linings, valves, indicators, agency/industry-approved fire extinguishers and such. The case is able to be retrieved from storage for easy hand carriage in an aircraft/cabin for rapid deployment to any location inside it wherein a fire caused by batteries such as a Lithium Ion battery used in Personal Electronic Devices (PED) has erupted and to be able to enclose the PED fire inside the unit, and discharge into the unit, the fire extinguisher through ports such that the infused extinguishing medium would rapidly envelop the PED on fire inside the flight case while simultaneously allowing the egress of the initial smoke into containing flexible bags and equalizing the displaced volume being replaced by the extinguishing medium thus maintaining a pressurized environment, to chemically interact with and suppress the fire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Inventors: Anthony Anand Raj, Savitha Raj, Samson Raj
  • Patent number: 9339672
    Abstract: A container holding a fire suppressing powder has a top, a cylindrical sidewall and a bottom with a hole, the bottom having a score line defining a segment. An explosive material housing containing an explosive material is mounted to a head of a mounting member. The mounting member has a lower portion smaller in cross-sectional dimension than the head, depending downward from the head and extending through the hole in the bottom. A retainer is secured around the lower portion of the mounting member below the bottom to secure the mounting member to the bottom. A fuse extends through the hole in the bottom, a passage in the mounting member, and into the explosive material housing. A plate is mounted within the container a selected distance below the top, the plate being movable a short distance toward and away from the top in response to ignition of the explosive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Warren Watts Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Brent W. Williams, David C. Procious
  • Patent number: 9339673
    Abstract: An X-brace configuration locks a valve element in a latched position until a fusible element breaks releasing pressurized inert gas. Upon depressurization, the X-brace configuration releases the valve element to open and allow water flow through the flexible sprinkler assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: VICTAULIC COMPANY
    Inventor: Buddy Clayton Shipman
  • Patent number: 9339674
    Abstract: An adaptor is provided that is configured to receive a support assembly for mounting a flexible fire sprinkler fitting in a ceiling support structure formed of parallel, spaced beams. The adaptor includes first and second long sides configured to be secured to each beam of an adjacent pair of beams, and first and second short sides configured to be secured to the support assembly. One end of each long side is joined by the first short side, and an opposed end of each long side is joined by the second short side such that the first and second long sides are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the first and second short sides, whereby the adaptor is a generally elongated, hollow, rectangular structure. The adaptor permits the support assembly to be mounted in a suspended ceiling formed of hat channel or metal stud furring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: FLEXHEAD INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Paul S. F. Silcox, Peter M. MacDonald, Norman J. MacDonald, III
  • Patent number: 9339675
    Abstract: A sprinkler head A has a main body including a pipe connection portion and a frame portion. In the frame portion, an outer circumferential surface protruding to the outside of the pipe connection portion is provided, and beam-like portions (inward flanges) with which a lever of a thermo-sensitive breakup portion engages and openings obtained by cutting off the outer circumferential surface from the side of the pipe connection portion to the beam-like portion are provided at opposite positions in the outer circumferential surface. Thereby, the weight of the frame portion can be largely reduced. Therefore, the weight of a sprinkler head is reduced, so that the weight load applied to the fire extinguishing system pipes in which a large number of sprinkler heads are installed can be reduced, and the work burden due to the weight load when the sprinkler heads are conveyed and installed in the fire extinguishing system pipes can also be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: SENJU SPRINKLER CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yasuaki Koiwa
  • Patent number: 9339676
    Abstract: A fence surrounds a trampoline and extends above the rebounding surface, reducing the risk of injury. Shock absorption is aided in the preferred embodiment by a support system of independent poles, linked at their tops by a flexible strap or line. An impact anywhere on the fence causes the posts to flex inwardly, absorbing the force. Much of this impact injury is stored in system components and is subsequently returned, helping propel an errant jumper back onto to the rebounding surface. Numerous other embodiments and accessories are also detailed. Similar arrangements are suitable for use with above ground pools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: JumpSport, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark W. Publicover, Donald Strasser
  • Patent number: 9339677
    Abstract: An apparatus for receiving one or more attachments including a deck having one or more openings along a long axis of the deck and between the top surface and the bottom surface of the deck. Each of the one or more openings having a coupling mechanism and configured to receive one of the one or more attachments. Each attachment providing the exercise accessory to the deck and the coupling mechanism of each of the one or more openings being configured to couple the attachment with the opening after the opening has received the attachment and to attach the exercise accessory with the deck and provide the exercise mode associated with the exercise accessory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: MORF, LLC
    Inventors: Eitan Kramer, Frank Bleck, Eric Michael Bergman
  • Patent number: 9339678
    Abstract: A modular resistance force system includes an axle configured to be rotatable around a rotational axis and one or more resistance mechanisms. Each of the one or more resistance mechanisms includes a resistance element disposed about a portion of the axle, a resistance element housing configured to house the resistance element and a resistance substance disposed between the resistance element and the resistance element housing. Either the resistance element or the resistance element housing is selectively engaged to rotate with the axle. A resistance between the resistance element and the resistance substance causes a force to be applied to the axle when the resistance element and the resistance element housing move relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Inventor: Christopher G. Gallagher
  • Patent number: 9339679
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to accessories for classroom furniture items. In some embodiments, an accessory for a classroom furniture item having at least two legs comprise at least two supports wherein each support is configured to surround at least a portion of a leg of an item of classroom furniture, and an elastic cord comprising two ends, wherein a first end is configured to be coupled to a first leg of the item above a first support and wherein a second end is configured to be coupled to a second leg of the item above a second support. Some embodiments of the present invention also relate to portable leg movement accessories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Inventor: Scott Neil Ertl
  • Patent number: 9339680
    Abstract: A physical therapy and exercising apparatus comprising an upper surface configured to fit a person's foot or hand, and a bottom surface, wherein, when the apparatus is placed on a flat surface, only a portion of the bottom surface touches the flat surface, such that low-friction gliding on the flat surface, of the person's foot or hand and apparatus, together, is facilitated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Inventors: Shayna Sorbel, Floyd W. Kaylor
  • Patent number: 9339681
    Abstract: A weight plate for physical fitness weight lifting equipment so that the weight plate may be coupled to other weight plates and lifted in a stack. The weight plate includes a pivotal switch arm having a first end at which to receive a pushing force to cause the switch arm to rotate and an opposite end at which a fork is carried. A post runs through a center bore hole of the weight plate. The weight plate also includes an intermediate channel and a locking cavity that are aligned with one another at opposite sides of the bore hole. When the pivotal switch arm is rotated to a locked position, the fork is rotated through the intermediate channel, into surrounding engagement with the center post, and completely through the bore hole for receipt by the locking cavity by which the weight plate is reliably coupled to the post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Core Health & Fitness, LLC
    Inventor: Mark Nalley
  • Patent number: 9339682
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus that is mountable to a substrate, having a channel, a belt, and at least one buckle. The buckle has a bottom portion that is adapted to fit within the channel such that the buckle can move along the channel and resist moving in either perpendicular direction. The buckle has a top portion that includes an opening for attaching exercise equipment and at least one cam. The cam is selectively engaged with the belt such that when the cam is disengaged, the buckle can be moved along the belt and when engaged, the buckle resists movement with respect to the belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Kiio Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Braier, David J. Grandin, Leslie A. Wagner
  • Patent number: 9339683
    Abstract: A lightweight treadmill for walking which utilizes a short walking surface, a small and lightweight motor, strong but minimized frame design; and a remote display to make a compact, relatively lightweight and portable treadmill. In the preferred embodiment the treadmill uses. In the preferred embodiment a servomotor and pulley system to generate high-torque, thereby enabling walking at very slow speeds. The servomotor and pulley system fit within the low-profile treadmill base, eliminating the need for a housing at the front end of the treadmill. A walker may be attached to the treadmill for increased stability while walking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Mobility Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Dave Dilli, Mohammed Ehsan, Amir Seif, Ryan Bellman
  • Patent number: 9339684
    Abstract: A stationary exercise device having variable footpaths is disclosed. The exercise device includes a frame, a pair of supporting members that have a first end to rotate about an axis and a second end to move along a reciprocating path, a pair of pedals joined to the supporting members, and a guider assembly for adjusting an incline angle of the reciprocating path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Johnson Health Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hung-Mao Liao, Mark J. Kannel, Donald E. Stiemke, Darian P. Johnston
  • Patent number: 9339685
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus may provide a novel linkage assembly suitable for linking circular motion to relatively more complex, generally elliptical motion. Left and right rocker links may be rotatably mounted on a frame rotatable about a first axis. Left and right rocker linkages may be mounted on the frame rotatable about a second axis. Left and right force receiving members may be movably connected between respective rocker links and rocker linkages in such a manner that the force receiving members move through paths of motion which are fixed, adjustable or variable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Inventor: Joseph D Maresh
  • Patent number: 9339686
    Abstract: A high knees exercise apparatus includes a base, two actuator members, and two pedals. The base includes a supporting member and a pivot portion. The pivot portion has a pivot axis. The actuator members are pivotally connected to two sides of the pivot portion respectively and moving in response to each other reversely. Each of the actuator members includes a lower portion swinging along an arc path centered on the pivot axis. The arc path includes a first arc extended from a virtual vertical line passing through the pivot axis and an angle of the first arc is 45 degrees to 100 degrees. Each of the pedals is pivotally connected to a free end of each of the lower portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: PREVENTIVE MEDICAL HEALTH CARE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Ching-Yu Yeh
  • Patent number: 9339687
    Abstract: A method for using a ski exercise machine involves steps for putting on a pair of ski boots, stepping onto a pair of foot pads on the ski exercise machine one at a time, the foot pads implemented on a carriage rolling on arcuate rails, engaging a rearward portion of the sole of each ski boot in each foot pad beneath a heel retainer plate as a part of each foot pad, such that the heel portion of the ski boot is constrained vertically, placing the toe of each ski boot behind an adjustable toe stop on each foot pad such that the ski boot is constrained from moving forward in the foot pad, but the toe is not constrained vertically, and grasping a hand rail as part of the ski exercising apparatus and urging the carriage side to side on the arcuate rails, simulating skiing activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Inventors: R Joel Loane, Ty Hargroder
  • Patent number: 9339688
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus allows a user lacking core muscle strength to perform a sit-up stand-up maneuver. The exercise apparatus includes a frame having a foot lowered portion, a head lowered portion, and a raised central portion having a knee bar. A back support is connected to the head lowered portion. A foot support and a foot plate are connected to the lower foot support to allow the user to engage one's feet to create leverage to elevate both upper and lower vertebrae from the back support and further facilitate the user to stand up to activate one's lower back muscles that are otherwise ignored in a conventional sit-up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Inventor: Sophia Loren Campbell
  • Patent number: 9339689
    Abstract: A foot exercise device includes at least one attachment means for a foot and a sole that forms a closed accommodation space having one or more compressible chambers to accommodate a particulate material or a fluid. The surface of the sole reaches beyond the foot surface circumferentially around the sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Inventor: Christopher Olaniran Faloyo
  • Patent number: 9339690
    Abstract: An exercise device having an elastic band surrounding the periphery of a body, and permits the user to move fingers against the tension of the elastic band. A guide/hook device prevents accidental separation of the guide/hook device from the body, and prevents accidental separation of the elastic band from the guide/hook device. A method of making and using the exercise device is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Inventor: Elliott Goldberg
  • Patent number: 9339691
    Abstract: In general, the present invention relates to exercise devices and systems that can receive and run workout programs that include control command subsets that control the moveable members of a plurality of different exercise devices. Exercise devices of the present invention are able to ignore the control command subset(s) that do not control their moveable member(s) and recognize the control command subset(s) that control their moveable member(s). Exercise devices of the present invention are further able to, if necessary, perform a sizing restriction to the relevant control command subset(s). Motivational content may also be modified in connection with or independently from a sizing restriction made to the control commands. The present invention also relates to a method for controlling one or more exercise device with a workout file that includes control command subsets that control the moveable members of a plurality of different exercise devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: ICON Health & Fitness, Inc.
    Inventor: Chase Brammer
  • Patent number: 9339692
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to exercise equipment for enabling a user to vary the effective muscle tension during the course of the performance of an exercise and, more particularly, to an exercise system for shifting an optimum length of peak muscle tension. In some embodiments, the system is an apparatus which comprises a force-generating element, e.g. a fluid cylinder, a user-input element which a user forcibly moves during the course of performance of an exercise, and also a coupling means, which is preferably a cable-pulley system, which transfers forces between the force-generating element and the user-input element. Finally, the apparatus comprises a control unit which controls and varies the level of force generated by the force-generating element during the course of performance of the exercise. The apparatus effectively varies the effective muscle tension through the generation of forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Inventor: Rami Hashish
  • Patent number: 9339693
    Abstract: A device for supporting or attaching to exercise equipment, such as free-weights or machines is disclosed. The device includes an elongated strap that supports a generally C-shaped hook that has a pair of generally parallel limbs. The C-shaped hook is attached to the elongated strap such that the limbs of the C-shaped hook are generally parallel to the length of the elongated strap. Additionally, a safety mechanism that prevents items held within the C-shaped hook is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Inventors: R. Ryan Pegram, II, Jason J. Pederson
  • Patent number: 9339694
    Abstract: Golf balls consisting of a dual core and a single layer cover are disclosed. The dual core consists of an inner core layer formed from a rubber composition and an outer core layer formed from a highly neutralized polymer composition. The Shore C hardness of the outer core layer's outer surface is preferably greater than the material hardness of the inner cover layer, and more preferably is 56 Shore D or greater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Derek A. Ladd, Edmund A. Hebert
  • Patent number: 9339695
    Abstract: Multi-layered golf balls having at least one layer made of a polyamide composition containing a transparent polyamide polymer are provided. The transparent polyamide may be blended with other transparent or non-transparent polyamides. Thermoplastic polyamide elastomers such as polyether-amide block copolymers may be used. In one version, the composition comprises a blend of transparent polyamide, acid anhydride-modified polyolefin, and plasticizer. The golf ball includes a core having at least one layer and a cover having at least one layer. The polyamide composition may be used to form any core, cover, or other layer in the golf ball. In one version, the polyamide composition is used to form the inner cover layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, David A. Bulpett, Robert Blink, Mark L. Binette, Brian Comeau
  • Patent number: 9339696
    Abstract: A golf ball includes a core and a three-layer cover disposed adjacent the core. The three-layer cover includes an inner cover, an intermediate cover, and an outer cover. The inner cover includes a non-ionomeric E/Y copolymer where E is an olefin and Y is a carboxylic acid. The inner cover has a hardness of about 45 to 68 Shore D. The outer cover includes a castable thermoset polyurethane and has a hardness of about 40 to 62 Shore D. The intermediate cover layer, disposed between the inner and outer cover layers, is formed from a polyester composition including about 40 wt % to about 99 wt % of a polyester thermoplastic elastomer and about 1 wt % to about 60 wt % of a plasticizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, David A. Bulpett, Robert Blink, Mark L. Binette, Brian Comeau
  • Patent number: 9339697
    Abstract: A radio-frequency identification (RFID) golf ball range target system is described. The RFID golf ball range target system includes a RFID golf ball, a scanner, a client computer, a game selection module, a target, a target RFID reader and a target network communications module. The RFID golf ball that includes a RFID tag fixedly coupled to the surface of a spherical golf ball core corresponding to the RFID golf ball, wherein the RFID tag is disposed between the spherical golf ball core and a spherical golf ball shell. A unique RFID golf ball identifier is associated with the RFID golf ball. In the illustrative embodiment, the RFID tag includes an omnidirectional antenna that operates in the ultra-high-frequency (UHF) range. Additionally, the illustrative RFID tag can be encapsulated in a flexible substrate that is disposed between the spherical golf ball core and a spherical golf ball shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: EDGE TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Robert A. Luciano, Jr., Warren White, David Grieshaber