Patents Issued in July 12, 2016
  • Patent number: 9387323
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to implantable pacing leads, and more particularly to guidewire-styled temporary transvenous endocardial leads for pacing or other medical applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Lake Region Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark G. Fleischhacker, Joseph F. Fleischhacker
  • Patent number: 9387324
    Abstract: Methods and devices for verifying that proper visual stimulation is applied to the visual prostheses are described. In one of the methods, a retinal stimulation system implanted on a subject is simulated externally. An external testing device is also discussed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Second Sight Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Neha Vyas, Donald A. Webber, John J. Reinhold, Arup Roy, Richard Agustin Castro, Kelly H. McClure, Robert J. Greenberg
  • Patent number: 9387325
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for controlling stimulation of nervous tissue of a patient. The method comprises delivering a stimulation waveform to at least one electrode located proximate to nervous tissue of interest, the stimulation waveform including a series of pulses configured to excite at least one of A-beta (A?) fibers, A-delta (A?) fibers or C-fibers of the nervous tissue of interest, the stimulation waveform defined by therapy parameters. The method also provides sensing an evoked compound action potential (ECAP) signal from the nervous tissue of interest. The method also analyzes a frequency content of the ECAP signal to obtain ECAP frequency data indicative of activity by at least one type of nerve fibers from a group comprising A?, A? and C fibers. The method also determines the type of nerve fibers that were activated by the stimulation waveform based on the ECAP frequency data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: PACESETTER, INC.
    Inventors: Xiaoyi Min, Melanie Goodman Keiser, Wenbo Hou, Bruce A. Morley
  • Patent number: 9387326
    Abstract: A method and neurostimulation system of providing therapy to a patient is provided. A plurality of electrodes are placed in contact with tissue of a patient, a conditioning pulse is conveyed from the plurality of electrodes in one of a monopolar manner and a multipolar manner, and a stimulation pulse is conveyed from the plurality of electrodes in a different one of the monopolar manner and the multipolar manner. As one example, the sub-threshold conditioning pulse may be a depolarizing pulse conveyed from the plurality of electrodes to render a first region of the tissue less excitable to stimulation, and the stimulation pulse may be conveyed from the plurality of electrodes to stimulate a second different region of the tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventor: Michael A. Moffitt
  • Patent number: 9387327
    Abstract: Selective high-frequency spinal cord modulation for inhibiting pain with reduced side effects and associated systems and methods are disclosed. In particular embodiments, high-frequency modulation in the range of from about 1.5 kHz to about 50 kHz may be applied to the patient's spinal cord region to address low back pain without creating unwanted sensory and/or motor side effects. In other embodiments, modulation in accordance with similar parameters can be applied to other spinal or peripheral locations to address other indications. Particular embodiments include applying a paresthesia-inducing signal with a frequency of less than 1.2 kHz.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Nevro Corporation
    Inventors: Konstantinos Alataris, Andre B. Walker, Jon Parker, Yougandh Chitre, Sangsoo Wesley Park, James R. Thacker
  • Patent number: 9387328
    Abstract: A system for an neurostimulator coupled to electrodes. The system comprises a input device configured for generating directional control signals, and memory storing ideal multipole configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignees: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventor: Dongchul Lee
  • Patent number: 9387329
    Abstract: Techniques are provided for use by implantable medical devices for controlling multi-site left ventricular (MSLV) pacing using a multi-pole left ventricular (LV) lead. In various examples, a reduced number of “V sense”, “RV pace”, and “LV pace” tests are performed to determine preferred or optimal interventricular pacing delays (VV) for use with MSLV pacing. Additionally, techniques are described for sorting the order by which LV sites are to be paced during MSLV pacing. Furthermore, techniques are described for detecting and addressing circumstances where AV/PV delays are longer than corresponding AR/PR delays during MSLV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: PACESETTER, INC.
    Inventor: Xiaoyi Min
  • Patent number: 9387330
    Abstract: Methods and/or devices used in delivering cardiac resynchronization therapy based on a plurality of device parameters (e.g., A-V delay, V-V delay, etc.) are optimized by setting a device parameter based on selection data. The selection data may be acquired by acquiring temporal fiducial points (e.g., heart sounds) associated with at least a part of a systolic portion of at least one cardiac cycle and/or temporal fiducial points associated with at least a part of a diastolic portion of the at least one cardiac cycle for each of a plurality of electrode vector configurations, and extracting measurements from the intracardiac impedance signal acquired for each of a plurality of electrode vector configurations based on the temporal fiducial points. The acquired selection data may be scored and used to optimize the device parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd M. Zielinski, Yong Kyun Cho, Douglas Hettrick, Xusheng Zhang
  • Patent number: 9387331
    Abstract: An implantable medical device (IMD) antenna and methods of fabricating the same are provided. An IMD can include a ceramic structure having at least one wall defining a hollow cavity. The ceramic structure can include a first end and a second end distal from the first end, the first end being open to provide access to the hollow cavity and the second end being closed. The IMD also includes an antenna cofire-integrated into the at least one wall of the ceramic structure and a housing adjoined to the ceramic structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Yanzhu Zhao, Nicholas C. Wine, Joyce K. Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 9387332
    Abstract: An implantable medical device (IMD) antenna and methods of fabricating the same are provided. An IMD can include a ceramic structure having at least one wall defining a hollow cavity. The ceramic structure can include a first end and a second end distal from the first end, the first and second ends being open to provide access to the hollow cavity. The IMD also includes an antenna cofire-integrated into the at least one wall of the ceramic structure and a housing adjoined to the ceramic structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Yanzhu Zhao, Nicholas C. Wine, Joyce K. Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 9387333
    Abstract: An identifier apparatus 10 for acquiring a signature signal frequency 12 from an implantable medical device 11 that is internally implanted in a patient. The apparatus 10 identifies the type of implantable medical device 11 and the device manufacturer by the unique signature signal frequency 12 of the manufacturer and device. The apparatus 10 aids healthcare providers with quick and exact knowledge of a patients implanted device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Inventor: Vassilis Dimas
  • Patent number: 9387334
    Abstract: A system for an electrical neurostimulator coupled to a plurality of electrodes. The system comprises a user-controlled input device configured for generating directional control signals. The system further comprises control circuitry configured for sequentially defining a plurality of different ideal bipole/tripole configurations relative to the plurality of electrodes in response to the directional control signals, generating a plurality of stimulation parameter sets respectively corresponding to the plurality of ideal bipole/tripole configurations, each stimulation parameter set defining relative amplitude values for the plurality of electrodes that emulate the respective ideal bipole/tripole configuration, and instructing the electrical neurostimulator to convey electrical energy to the plurality of electrodes in accordance with the plurality of stimulation parameter sets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignees: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Dongchul Lee, Changfang Zhu
  • Patent number: 9387335
    Abstract: Systems and methods for implantable medical devices and headers are described. In an example, an implantable medical device includes a device container including an electronic module within the device container. A modular header core includes a first core module including a first bore hole portion of a first bore hole, the first bore hole portion configured to couple a first electrical component with the electronic module. A second core module includes a second bore hole portion of a second bore hole different than the first bore hole, the second bore hole portion configured to couple a second electrical component with the electronic module. The first core module is detachably engaged with the second core module. A header shell is disposed around the modular header core and attached to the device container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Kane, John O'Rourke
  • Patent number: 9387336
    Abstract: Method for producing a hermetically sealed casing, comprising the following steps: a) supplying a ceramic substrate (20), b) supplying a metal surround (21) and placing it facing the said substrate (20), c) forming a first hermetically sealed joint (22) at the interface between the said substrate (20) and the said metal surround (21), in order to assemble them and form an assembly, d) superposing a cover (23) on the said assembly, e) forming a second hermetically sealed joint (24) between an upper face of the metal surround (21) which is the opposite face to the said interface, and the cover (23), in order to obtain the said casing, characterized in that, during step c), the first hermetically sealed joint (22) is formed on a portion of the said interface and in that prior to step c), the method involves an additional step consisting in placing a ceramic surround (25) on the upper face of the metal surround so as to partially cover the said face of the metal surround, the projected surface of the said ceram
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
    Inventors: Simon Perraud, Nicolas Karst
  • Patent number: 9387337
    Abstract: There is provided an energy delivery device comprising a storage device, a discharge circuit and a disarm circuit. The discharge circuit comprises a switch electrically connected to the storage device, and is selectively operable to deliver energy from the storage device to a load, e.g., a patient needing defibrillation, preferably in a multiphasic waveform. The disarm circuit comprises the switch. Preferably, the discharge circuit comprises an H-bridge circuit. There are also provided delivery devices: which comprise a shoot-through elimination circuit; which include housing elements which, when assembled, cause electrical connection between respective components; which include a housing having a small volume and an energy storage device having a large capacitance; which comprise a shunt circuit which, when activated, prevents switching of a switch. There are also provided methods of assembly and disassembly of an energy delivery unit and methods of delivering energy to a load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: ZOLL Medical Corporation
    Inventors: Michael C. Garrett, Robert Larson, Jerry Bazata, Dean L. Milani, William J. Smirles
  • Patent number: 9387338
    Abstract: In certain variations, systems and/or methods for electromagnetic induction therapy are provided. One or more ergonomic or body contoured applicators may be included. The applicators include one or more conductive coils configured to generate an electromagnetic or magnetic field focused on a target nerve, muscle or other body tissues positioned in proximity to the coil. One or more sensors may be utilized to detect stimulation and to provide feedback about the efficacy of the applied electromagnetic induction therapy. A controller may be adjustable to vary a current through a coil to adjust the magnetic field focused upon the target nerve, muscle or other body tissues based on the feedback provide by a sensor or by a patient. In certain systems or methods, pulsed magnetic fields may be intermittently applied to a target nerve, muscle or tissue without causing habituation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: EMKinetics, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel R. Burnett
  • Patent number: 9387339
    Abstract: A disposable housing including a single-use thermal exchange component can be configured to be mechanically, removably coupled to a receptacle on a cuff positionable around a joint to provide temperature-based therapy to the joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: OrthoCor Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Kin-Joe Sham, Jared Jon Savela
  • Patent number: 9387341
    Abstract: This application is directed to a method of treating a patient with acne by applying a photodynamic agent to skin having acne lesions, waiting at least 12 hours, and then exposing the skin to which the photodynamic agent has been applied to light that causes an activation reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: DUSA PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
    Inventor: Scott Lundahl
  • Patent number: 9387342
    Abstract: A method of delivering external radiation beams to a target volume in a body portion includes positioning a radioactive isotope source at a plurality of locations spaced apart around the body portion, and collimating radiation beams of the radioactive isotope source from the plurality of locations, whereby the target volume in the body portion is deposited with a predetermined dose distribution. A radiation device employs a member having a configuration adapted to surround a body portion to be irradiated. The member has a channel and a plurality of collimators spaced apart along and coupled to the channel. The plurality of collimators define a plurality of dwelling locations for a radioactive isotope source in the channel and are configured to collimate radiation beams of the radioactive isotope source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Stavros Prionas, Michael C. Green, Edward Seppi, Larry D. Partain, James Clayton, Stanley Mansfield, John Boone
  • Patent number: 9387343
    Abstract: A medical apparatus for effecting radiation treatment on a pre-selected anatomical portion of an animal body is disclosed. The medical apparatus may include a plurality of treatment channels configured to be positioned adjacent a body tissue and a plurality of delivery channels coupled to a corresponding number of treatment channels. The medical apparatus may also include a plurality of source channels configured to receive one or more energy sources, a tracking channel configured to receive a tracking element, and a connecting element configured to connect each delivery channel with either one of the plurality of sources channels or the tracking channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Nucletron B.V.
    Inventors: Johann Kindlein, Arie Luite Visscher, Johan Henning, Wouter Peter Engels
  • Patent number: 9387344
    Abstract: The disclosure discusses methods for determining absorbed dose information. A tomography imaging device generates an anatomy image relating to anatomy of a particular patient. A tomography imaging device also generates multiple radioactivity images regarding radioactivity distribution of an internally administered pharmaceutical over time in the particular patient. The radioactivity images related to the radioactivity distribution over time are registered. Each radioactivity image is combined with each anatomy image to create activity images. A Monte Carlo simulation for each activity image is run to obtain absorbed dose-rate images of the pharmaceutical at multiple times. The absorbed dose-rate images are integrated over time to obtain a total absorbed dose image. The absorbed dose-rate images and the total absorbed dose image are used to obtain a biologically effective dose (BED) image. The BED image is used to obtain an equivalent uniform does (EUD) of BED values for a chosen anatomical region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: George Sgouros, Hong Song, Andrew Prideaux, Robert Hobbs
  • Patent number: 9387345
    Abstract: A control circuit optimizes a radiation-treatment plan (as regards treating at least one target volume for a given patient) by automatically determining a spatially-variant normal tissue constraint as a function, at least in part, of dose distribution for normal tissue that is proximal to the target volume. If desired, the control circuit can repeatedly determine spatially-variant normal tissue constraints while optimizing the radiation-treatment plan. This automatic determination can comprise evaluating dose distributions at specific different distances from the target volume. So configured, the control circuit can effect such evaluation by penalizing, during the optimization of the radiation-treatment plan, dose distribution levels that exceed a predetermined distribution property (such as an aggregation value for the dose values including, but not limited to, an average value of dose values for each of the given specific different distances) at a given one of the specific different distances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems International AG
    Inventors: Janne Nord, Jarkko Peltola
  • Patent number: 9387346
    Abstract: A particle beam treatment system includes an accelerator system that accelerates a charged particle beam and a beam transport system that transports a high-energy beam emitted from the accelerator to an irradiation location, wherein the beam transport system is provided with at least one steering electromagnet and at least one beam position monitor corresponding to the at least one steering electromagnet, and wherein the at least one beam position monitor supplies an excitation current for correcting a beam position, which periodically varies, to the at least one steering electromagnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazushi Hanakawa, Kengo Sugahara, Shuhei Odawara, Hisashi Harada, Masahiro Ikeda, Toshihiro Otani, Taizo Honda, Katsuhisa Yoshida
  • Patent number: 9387347
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and related computer program products for image-guided radiation treatment (IGRT) are described. Provided according to one preferred embodiment is an IGRT apparatus including a barrel-style rotatable gantry structure that provides high mechanical stability, versatility in radiation delivery, and versatility in target tracking. Methods for treatment radiation delivery using the IGRT apparatus include conical non-coplanar rotational arc therapy and cono-helical non-coplanar rotational arc therapy. A radiation treatment head (MV source) and a treatment guidance imaging system including a kV imaging source are mounted to and rotatable with a common barrel-style rotatable gantry structure, or alternatively the MV and kV sources are mounted to separate barrel-style rotatable gantry structures independently rotatable around a common axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Accuray Incorporated
    Inventor: Calvin R. Maurer, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9387348
    Abstract: Photon-based radiosurgery is widely used for treating local and regional tumors. The key to improving the quality of radiosurgery is to increase the dose falloff rate from high dose regions inside the tumor to low dose regions of nearby healthy tissues and structures. Dynamic photon painting (DPP) further increases dose falloff rate by treating a target by moving a beam source along a dynamic trajectory, where the speed, direction and even dose rate of the beam source change constantly during irradiation. DPP creates dose gradient that rivals proton Bragg Peak and outperforms Gamma Knife® radiosurgery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: STC.UNM
    Inventors: Shuang Luan, Lijun Ma, Zhe Chen
  • Patent number: 9387349
    Abstract: Provided are compositions comprising an extract of Paulownia tomentosa wood and methods of use thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc.
    Inventors: Chong Jin Loy, Khalid Mahmood, Claude Saliou
  • Patent number: 9387350
    Abstract: There is provided a full body harness comprising a chest strap, an abdomen strap and a damping unit between the chest strap and the abdomen strap. The damping unit is adapted in the event of a fall to limit the maximum loading acting on the wearer of the harness. The damping unit has a connection for connection to an external runner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: WOBBEN PROPERTIES GMBH
    Inventors: Heinrich Gopfert, Mike Gimmerthal
  • Patent number: 9387351
    Abstract: A support post assembly for a safety line system for a workman at a height above the ground. The assembly comprises a support post, a safety line mount to which a safety line may be secured, and a shock absorber. The support post has opposite first and second ends, a post axis extending therebetween, and at the first end, a base portion for fixing the assembly to a supporting surface. The safety line mount extends away from the second end of the support post. The shock absorber is within the support post between the ends of the support post, the shock absorber comprising a pivot, such that in the event of a fall by a worker secured to the safety line, lateral forces imparted to the safety line mount by the fall are transmitted to the shock absorber, causing the shock absorber to deflect laterally relative to the post axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Checkmate Limited
    Inventors: Oliver Auston, Duncan Barrier
  • Patent number: 9387352
    Abstract: A system for extinguishing and/or inerting, including an extinguishing-agent tank, a conveyor device for an extinguishing agent, a pipeline, and nozzles. A synthetic liquid extinguishing agent (12) is stored at low pressure of up to 3 bar relative to 21° C. in the extinguishing-agent tank (1) and at least one incidence sensor detects fire signals and reports them to a fire detection panel and/or control panel (9) which activates the conveyor device (4) that conveys the synthetic liquid extinguishing agent by means of a pipeline (5) to nozzles (6), and the liquid extinguishing agents transitions into the gas phase after leaving the nozzles (6). The system represents a more cost-effective system that requires less technical efforts in comparison to previous systems having synthetic liquid extinguishing agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Minimax GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Wolfgang Habitzl
  • Patent number: 9387353
    Abstract: A fitness and exercise device utilizes magnetic force to facilitate energy expenditure, muscle build up and weight loss upon the swinging of bending of the arms and/or legs and/or body. The device comprises an upper and a lower pad, sized to be disposed over the front side of the joint, with the upper pad overlying an upper part of the limb and with the lower pad overlying a lower part of the limb. Magnetic force is generated by magnetic energy sources of opposite polar orientation incorporated into an upper pad and a lower pad disposed above and below over the front side of a joint, with an upper pad overlying an upper part of the limb and with a lower pad overlying a lower part of the limb. When the joint is straight the magnetic energy sources are positioned sufficiently close so that they attract. When the arm is being bent the magnetic energy sources exert resistance due to their opposite polar orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Inventor: Gilbert Lloyd
  • Patent number: 9387354
    Abstract: A portable upper body exerciser which is compatible with walking or using a treadmill permits vigorous upper body exercise involving hands, arms, biceps, triceps, shoulders, and neck. The upper body exerciser is a harness that rests on the shoulders and/or mid back and waist of a person with a forward extension member presenting handgrips at the distal ends of a hand crank that can be rotated much as bicycle pedals are rotated by the feet. The hand crank is positionably movable and attachable anywhere along the outer surface of the forward extension member, for the convenience of the person using the portable upper body exerciser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Inventor: Vincent Santoro
  • Patent number: 9387355
    Abstract: A machine that can be selectively configured to exercise most any muscle group. The exercise machine has a large platform that supports both the elements of the exercise machine and the person exercising. A post extends upwardly from the platform. A hub rides along the length of the vertical post. At least one arm extends from the hub. Receptacles are disposed on the platform and the arms. Gimbaled connectors are provided. Each gimbaled connector is capable of being selectively received by any of the receptacles. Each gimbaled connector holds a free moving anchor post. Elastic resistive elements are provided. The first end of any elastic resistive element in use selectively interconnects with the anchor post within any gimbaled connector. The opposite second end of the elastic resistive element is connected to a garment element that is worn by the person exercising.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Inventor: Pedro Flores Joya
  • Patent number: 9387356
    Abstract: A multi-exercise device including a device body including a first side and a second side disposed on opposite sides of the device body, at least one weight receiving area disposed on an interior of the device body, where the at least one weight receiving area is configured to secure at least one weight inside of the device body, at least one side handle including a first end and a second end, where the at least one side handle is coupled with the first side of the device body near the first end and the second end, two or more side grips disposed on the at least one side handle, and two extending handles, each including a proximal end and a distal end, where the two extending handles are coupled with the second side of the device body at the proximal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Inventor: Jorge Jaidar
  • Patent number: 9387357
    Abstract: An exercise device is disclosed comprising a flexible seat cover capable of conforming to a seat, the seat having a horizontal seat portion and a vertical back portion. The device further includes a plurality of exercising resistance members, each having a first end and a second end and one or more fasteners coupled to each first end of each of the plurality of exercising resistance members. The exercise device, when installed on a seat, enables a user seated thereon to engage in resistance exercises by grasping said grip and extending said exercising resistance member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Inventor: Boris Mueller
  • Patent number: 9387358
    Abstract: A balance board adapted for riding rail-to-rail, preferably so that at least a portion of a rider's feet will be placed on the board over the elongated roller. The balance board includes an elongated, planar board having a length that exceeds a width. The balance board further includes two pair of stops mounted to an underside of the board, each pair of stops being mounted near opposite ends of the board, and each stop of the pair of stops being mounted near opposite sides of the board. The balance board further includes a traction region between each stop of each pair of stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: GOOFBOARD PRODUCTS, LLC
    Inventor: Armin Brown
  • Patent number: 9387359
    Abstract: Described is an exercise tool. More particularly, it is a therapy and exercise tool specifically devised as a foot-therapy and toe-aligning device to align, separate, and stretch toes. The foot-therapy and toe-aligning device comprises a frame with a plurality of posts connected with the frame. The device is formed of an elastic material such that a user may place at least one of the plurality of posts between a user's toes and pull the post to stretch and elongate the post between the toes. Upon release, the elastic material of the post causes the post to attempt to return to its original shape, thereby causing it to expand out and conform its shape to fit snugly against the user's toes. Additionally, the elastic material allows the toe posts to be positioned and maintained at numerous locations between the user's toes for customizable positioning between the toes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: FENF, LLC
    Inventor: Frederic Ferri
  • Patent number: 9387360
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a wrist strengthening device having a first handle, a second handle and a tightening mechanism for increasing the resistance between the first handle, the second handle and the tightening mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Inventor: Justin Niederman
  • Patent number: 9387361
    Abstract: A swing analyzing apparatus includes at least an angular velocity sensor, an impact detection section, an angular velocity information calculation section, and an impact state judgment section. The impact detection section detects the timing of impact in a swing of a sporting good. The angular velocity information calculation section calculates at least one of the amount of change in angular velocity with respect to a predetermined axis in a predetermined period after the impact timing and the greatest value of the angular velocity based on data outputted form the angular velocity sensor. The impact state judgment section judges the state of impact based on the result calculated by the angular velocity information calculation section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuo Nomura, Yasushi Nakaoka
  • Patent number: 9387362
    Abstract: A multifunctional exercise apparatus includes a tether removeably affixed to a user and has at least two engagement points. The apparatus includes a base removeably affixed to the tether by at least one engagement point. A triangle is formed when the tether is affixed to the base at a first engagement point and at a second engagement point. The triangle has a first side of the triangle extending between the first engagement point and the second engagement point, a second side of the triangle extends away from the base at an angle from the first engagement point, and a third side of the triangle extends away from the base at a second angle from the second engagement point. A ratio of a length of the second side to a length of the third side varies is substantially proportional to a dragging resistance of the base along the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Inventor: Mark Andrew Dallstream
  • Patent number: 9387363
    Abstract: An exemplary exercise device includes a deck, a track, and a ball. Opposing ends of the deck include foot supports. The track bulges upwardly from the deck to form a dome that receives the ball. With the ball and deck on the floor, a user balances herself on the foot supports and may move along multiple axes as the ball rolls on the floor. The user may (for example) pivot and rock the exercise device (as she balances herself), rolling the ball along the track while alternately touching the ends of the deck to the floor, or the user may twist the exercise device clockwise and/or counterclockwise. The exercise device allows for enhanced strength and cardiac training, in addition to balance training, as the user engages in motions and repetitions that may include rolling the ball in the track and contacting different portions of the deck with the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: NAUTILUS, INC.
    Inventor: Glenn Polinsky
  • Patent number: 9387364
    Abstract: An interchangeable finger insert apparatus for a bowling ball includes a cylindrical outer body configured to be disposed in a bowling ball hole. The outer body defines an internal bore open to a first end of the outer body and a number of protrusions extending from an inner surface of the bore. The finger insert apparatus also includes a cylindrical inner slug sized to be inserted into the bore of the outer body. The inner slug defines a plurality of helical grooves corresponding to the protrusions of the outer body. At least one of the protrusions is uniquely sized relative to other protrusions and corresponds to only one of the helical grooves such that the slug may be rotatably inserted to a single set position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Inventor: Jerome M. Penxa
  • Patent number: 9387365
    Abstract: Multi-piece golf balls having a solid core of at least one layer and cover of at least one layer are provided. At least one of the layers is formed from a thermoplastic polyamide composition, comprising a blend of about 40 to about 99% by weight polyamide and about 1 to about 60% by weight fatty acid amide. Preferably, the ball has a dual core construction. A rubber composition is preferably used to form the outer core layer and the polyamide composition is preferably used to form the inner core. The flex modulus of the polyamide composition is preferably at least 15% greater than the flex modulus of the rubber composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, David A. Bulpett, Brian Comeau, Mark L. Binette, Robert Blink
  • Patent number: 9387366
    Abstract: Golf balls having a multi-layered solid core and multi-layered cover are provided. The center of the core is made of a thermoset rubber material and preferably has a positive hardness gradient. The intermediate core layers is made of a thermoset or thermoplastic composition. The outer core layer is made of a highly neutralized polymer composition. The inner cover is made of a thermoplastic composition, preferably an ethylene acid copolymer. The outer cover is made of a composition comprising a polyurethane, polyurea, or copolymer or blend thereof. The finished ball has high resiliency and rebounding properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventor: Michael J. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 9387367
    Abstract: A prolate spheroidal inflatable game ball in the form of a football is provided with a segmented panel having stripes formed by attaching stripe pieces to adjacent segments. In one embodiment, the stripe pieces have beveled edges and the edges of adjacent segments have corresponding beveled edges. The component pieces of the panel can be joined to the stripe pieces using stitching to securely fasten the components of the segmented panel together. A segmented panel of this construction can allow different materials having different characteristics to be used for various portions of the segmented panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: NIKE Inc.
    Inventor: Mark McNamee
  • Patent number: 9387368
    Abstract: A golf putter with a novel offset and shaft-attachment design is disclosed and claimed. The club includes a head having a strike surface, a sole, and a top line. A tube is coupled to the head, a coupling member is coupled to the distal end of the tube, and a shaft is also coupled to the coupling member. The coupling member connects the tube and the shaft such that they are relatively offset. The longitudinal axes of the tube and the shaft may be substantially parallel. An alignment indicia is provided on the club head. The tube is coupled to the head at an angle such that it blocks the indicia from a user's view at address when the head is aligned properly. If the club head is not properly aligned, the golfer will be able to see the indicia and therefore know to adjust the club head before putting. Thus, putter disclosed and claimed herein provides both offset and a putting alignment aide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventor: Don T. Cameron
  • Patent number: 9387369
    Abstract: A golf club includes a club head, and a shaft. The club head includes a hosel formed into a tubular body having a top end and a shaft insertion hole extending downwardly from the top end. The shaft includes a shaft main body and a reinforcing member. The shaft main body is formed into a tubular shape having a tip end, and an internal surface surrounding cavity therein. The reinforcing member has a specific gravity of not more than 2.0 and is fixed in the cavity of the shaft main body. The reinforcing member includes a first portion fitting the internal surface of the shaft main body. The first portion includes an uppermost edge positioned upwardly with respect to the top end of the hosel, and a lowermost edge positioned between the top end of the hosel and the tip end of the shaft main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: DUNLOP SPORTS CO. LTD.
    Inventor: Akio Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 9387370
    Abstract: A co-forged iron type golf club is disclosed. More specifically, the present invention discloses a co-forged iron type golf club with the body portion made out of a first material and at least one weight adjustment portion monolithically encased within the body portion of the co-forged iron type golf club head without the need for secondary attachment or machining operations. The present invention creates of an iron type golf club head from a pre-form billet that already contains two or more materials before the actual forging process resulting in a multi-material golf club head that doesn't require any post manufacturing operations such as machining, welding, swaging, gluing, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Jonathan A. Hebreo, Marni D. Ines
  • Patent number: 9387371
    Abstract: A golf club head is described, in one embodiment, including a body with an exterior surface defining a first body volume of at least about 400 cm3. The body has a bottom portion, a top portion, a front portion, and a back portion. A face positioned at the front portion of the body and is configured to receive an impact. A top portion silhouette profile located along a perimeter of the top portion is further described. The top portion silhouette profile defines the outer bounds of the top portion in an X-direction and Y-direction. At least one indentation is located on the bottom portion below the crown silhouette profile. The removal of the at least one indentation from the bottom portion creates a second body volume that is at least 12 cm3 larger than the first body volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd P. Beach, Nathan T. Sargent, Kraig Alan Willett
  • Patent number: 9387372
    Abstract: A golf club set 2 includes a plurality of golf clubs 41 to 45 having different club lengths. Each of the golf clubs 41 to 45 includes a head 6, a shaft 8, and a grip 10. The club length of each of the clubs 41 to 45 is 38.5 inches or greater and 42 inches or less. Face progression of the head 6 is substantially constant. If a moment of inertia of the head about an axis line of the shaft is defined as MI, an MI difference ratio between the adjacent clubs is equal to or less than 3%. Preferably, a loft angle is equal to or greater than 17 degrees in each of all the clubs 41 to 45.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: DUNLOP SPORTS CO. LTD.
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Hayashi
  • Patent number: 9387373
    Abstract: A golf club head having a face component, a crown, and a composite sole or a composite body patch with one or more weight ports for receiving one or more weight inserts is disclosed herein. At least part of each of the weight ports is integrally formed in the composite sole or composite body patch, and each of the weight ports include a weight receiving region for receiving a weight and a screw receiving region for receiving a screw that secures the weight in the weight port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Brandon D. DeMille, William C. Watson, Patrick Dawson