Patents Issued in February 7, 2017
  • Patent number: 9561378
    Abstract: Energy delivered from an implantable medical device to stimulate tissue within a patient's body is controlled. An electrical signal used to stimulate the tissue is changed from a first energy state to a second energy state during a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. The energy delivered is maintained at the second energy state after the MRI scan. A capture threshold of the tissue is then measured, and the energy delivered to the tissue is adjusted based on the measured capture threshold of the tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott R. Stubbs, Kevin G. Wika
  • Patent number: 9561379
    Abstract: A neurostimulation device capable of being placed between a stimulation state and an EMI protection state. The neurostimulation device comprises a plurality of electrical terminals configured for being respectively coupled to a plurality of stimulation electrodes, stimulation output circuitry configured for being selectively activated during the stimulation state to output a plurality of stimulation pulses to the plurality of electrical terminals, electromagnetic protection circuitry configured for being selectively activated during the EMI protection state to prevent at least a portion of the electrical current induced on at least one of the electrical terminals by an electromagnetic field entering the stimulation output circuitry, and a controller configured for automatically defaulting the neurostimulation device to the EMI protection state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Rafael Carbunaru, Salomo Murtonen, Jordi Parramon, Ross Venook
  • Patent number: 9561380
    Abstract: A system and method for selecting leadwire stimulation parameters includes a processor iteratively performing, for each of a plurality of values for a particular stimulation parameter, each value corresponding to a respective current field: (a) shifting the current field longitudinally and/or rotationally to a respective plurality of locations about the leadwire; and (b) for each of the respective plurality of locations, obtaining clinical effect information regarding a respective stimulation of the patient tissue produced by the respective current field at the respective location; and displaying a graph plotting the clinical effect information against values for the particular stimulation parameter and locations about the leadwire, and/or based on the obtained clinical effect information, identifying an optimal combination of a selected value for the particular stimulation parameter and selected location about the leadwire at which to perform a stimulation using the selected value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen Carcieri, Dean Chen, Micahel A. Moffitt
  • Patent number: 9561381
    Abstract: A system level scheme for networking of implantable devices, electronic patch devices/sensors coupled to the body, and wearable sensors/devices with cellular telephone/mobile devices, peripheral devices and remote servers is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: IP Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Raman K. Rao, Sanjay K. Rao
  • Patent number: 9561382
    Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, apparatuses and methods are provided for coordinating operation between leadless pacemakers (LPs) located in different chambers of the heart. A method includes configuring a local LP to receive communications from a remote LP through conductive communication over first and second channels, maintaining the first channel active for at least a portion of a time when the second channel is inactive to listen for event messages from the remote LP, detecting an incoming signal at the local LP over the first channel, determining whether the incoming signal received over the first channel corresponds to an LP wakeup notice, when the incoming signal corresponds to the LP wakeup notice, activating the second channel at the local LP, and receiving an event message over the second channel from the remote LP.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin T. Persson, Gleb Klimovitch, Kenneth J. Carroll
  • Patent number: 9561383
    Abstract: Cardiac defibrillation or cardioversion waveform energy control systems employ transvenous ICDs, subcutaneous SICDs, or pacemakers for treating cardiac conditions. The systems comprise differentially driven amplifier circuit operational modes to control the delivery of pacing, anti-tachycardia pacing, defibrillation, and/or cardioversion electrical shocks, wherein the pacing, anti-tachycardia pacing, and shock waveforms employ constant current, constant voltage, or constant energy. Biphasic arbitrary shock waveforms deliver increasing energy with increasing time as represented by phase 1 ascending ramp, ascending exponential, ascending chopped, ascending stepped, ascending curved, square, or rectilinear and/or any combination of geometric shaped ascending arbitrary waveforms or any BTE waveform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Ruse Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Raymond E. Ideker, Richard B. Ruse, Scott Bohanan
  • Patent number: 9561384
    Abstract: A Transcranial Magnetic Stimulator (TMS) is used by a patient to treat a variety of human disorders including migraine headaches. The device has an electronic device to charge a capacitor to a high voltage which creates a high current in a magnetic coil which produces an intense magnetic pulse applied to the patient's head for treatment of migraine headaches or to other patient body parts to treat other disorders. The TMS has a geometric shape where each one of the patient's thumbs passes through a hole formed into the cover of the TMS and as many as the four fingers of each hand may be placed into a groove in the cover to accommodate the patients fingers and provide a secure holding mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Eneurak, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Fischell, David R. Fischell, Joseph P. Fredrick, Stanley P. Woods
  • Patent number: 9561385
    Abstract: Phototherapy systems comprising a therapeutic lamp platform for radiant lamps such as LEDs disposed in an assembly including a reflective surface facing towards a patient and a plurality of light apertures substantially aligned with the LEDs for communicating lamp radiation from the lamps to a user. The lamps and associated circuitry are disposed so that the reflective surface is relatively smooth and seamless towards the patient. The walls have a malleable rigidity for flexible adjustability relative to the user, and the device is mounted to the user with a frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc.
    Inventors: Jay Tapper, Lawrence A Blaustein, David Shuter, Eric Freitag, Charles Peter Althoff, Alistair Douglas Bramley, Daniel Joseph Shuter, Zbigniew Paul Lorenc, Allen Zadeh
  • Patent number: 9561386
    Abstract: A hand-held device for hair growth stimulation. The device parts the user's hair while the light source radiates user's exposed scalp. Non-light emitting teeth are uses to part the user's hair in front of an associated light source. An optional timer can be used to control the length of time the light source is activated. Parallel rows of teeth are aligned with a central row of light beams and part the individual's hair to form furrows in the user's hair as the device is combed through the user's hair. The furrows create an unobstructed path for the light beam to reach the user's scalp. Various embodiments use laser and/or non-coherent light sources to provide light energy to the user's scalp. An optional removable teeth assembly can be used to allow repair or sharing of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Lexington International, LLC
    Inventors: Henry Pearl, David Sinofsky
  • Patent number: 9561387
    Abstract: An ambiguity-free optical tracking system (100) includes a position sensor unit (104), a control box (106), a computer (110) and software. The position sensor unit includes two cameras (121 and 122) that track a plurality of individual infra-red reflecting markers (160) affixed on a patient's skin. Coordinates of the cameras in a coordinate system of the cameras are determined as part of a system calibration process by intentionally creating ambiguous markers with two true markers. Using this information, an ambiguity elimination algorithm automatically identifies and eliminates ambiguous markers. A recursive backtracking algorithm builds a one-to-one correspondence between reference markers and markers optically observed during treatment. By utilizing a concept of null markers, the backtracking algorithm deals with missing, misplaced and occluded markers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Unitversity of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Guanghua Yan, Bo Lu, Chihray Liu, Jonathan G. Li
  • Patent number: 9561388
    Abstract: A radiotherapy system includes a radiotherapy device, such as a LINAC, operable to direct a radiation beam from a head thereof during operation, a field detector positioned to be within the radiation beam during operation of the radiotherapy device and operable to generate a beam measurement signal, a reference detector positioned to be outside of the radiation beam during operation of the radiotherapy device and operable to generate a reference signal, and at least one computer in signal communication with the field detector and the reference detector and configured with software to normalize the beam measurement signal based on the reference signal and to output a normalized beam measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Sun Nuclear Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Hildreth, Thomas Allen Simon
  • Patent number: 9561389
    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 KnifeĀ® radiosurgery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: STC.UNM
    Inventors: Shuang Luan, Lijun Ma, Zhe Chen
  • Patent number: 9561390
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for making up the skin and/or lips, wherein a cosmetic makeup composition comprising, in a cosmetically acceptable medium, at least one polyalkene-based supramolecular polymer is applied. The disclosure also relates to a cosmetic composition for making up the skin and/or lips, comprising, in a cosmetically acceptable medium, at least one polyalkene-based supramolecular polymer and at least one coloring material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: L'OREAL
    Inventors: Sandrine Chodorowski-Kimmes, Pascal Arnaud, Claudia Barba
  • Patent number: 9561391
    Abstract: A vacuum anchor for securing a fall protection system to a surface has a gas inlet to receive pressurized gas from a gas container and generates a vacuum to secure the anchor to a surface. An attachment enables a fall protection system to be connected to the anchor, the attachment being rotatably mounted to the anchor. A container mounting device is provided for mounting the gas container to the anchor in connection with the gas inlet, the container mounting means being rotatable with the rotatable. Alternatively or additionally, the gas inlet is coaxial with the axis of rotation of the attachment means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Latchways plc
    Inventors: Owain Jones, Karl Jones
  • Patent number: 9561392
    Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a gas or liquid-jet curtain generated by spraying non-flammable gases or liquids for diluting and/or ejecting clouds of flammable gases, the density of which does not exceed the density of air, from containments that have one or more outer openings, and also to a method for diluting and/or ejecting clouds of flammable gases, the density of which does not exceed the density of air, from containments that have one or more outer openings, wherein, by spraying non-flammable gases or liquids at at least one outer opening, a gas or liquid-jet curtain is generated that dilutes the clouds of flammable gases situated in the containment or bears them in the direction of the at least one outer opening and thus ejects them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: BASF SE
    Inventors: Levente Csaba Bodizs, Franz Niklaus Windlin, Klaus Peter Gumbel, Johannes Fischer, Oliver Odenwald, Jens Denecke
  • Patent number: 9561393
    Abstract: A fluid hose apparatus with integrated nozzle includes a hose having at least one sidewall hole formed within a sidewall thereof. At least one patch is affixed to the sidewall of the hose, the at least one patch positioned over the at least one sidewall hole. A chamber is formed between the at least one patch and the sidewall of the hose, wherein the chamber is in fluid communication with the at least one sidewall hole. At least one nozzle is formed in an exterior wall of the at least one patch, wherein the at least one nozzle is in fluid communication with the chamber. A related supply line system for conveying and spraying a fluid and method of protecting an elongated hose from a heat source is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Inventor: Stephen D. Shoap
  • Patent number: 9561394
    Abstract: A fitness equipment spring counterweights balancer, comprising hand wheel, lead screw, upper and lower frame beams, upper and lower pulley blocks, spring guiding pillar, upper and lower spring seats, at least one spring, vortex track, big wheel, steel wire rope connecting the pulley block and the vortex track, steel wire rope which connects both the big wheel and fitness equipment. The springs are arranged between upper and lower spring seats. After the spring guiding pillar passes through the springs and the upper and lower spring seats, the both ends of the spring guiding pillar are connected with the upper and lower frame beams. One end of the steel wire rope connecting the pulley block and the vortex track is mounted on one side of the lower pulley block. One end of the steel wire rope connecting the big wheel and fitness equipment is mounted on the big wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Inventor: Jiajia Chen
  • Patent number: 9561395
    Abstract: An ankle strengthening exercise device is disclosed. The device is intuitive and simple to use by a patient even without professional medical supervision since the device indicates a specific movement of a foot by pivoting an ankle of the patient. In particular, the device may have an extension member that can be positioned on a frame of the device. The foot of the patient may engage the device. An elastic member may be secured to the extension member and the foot. The direction of the elastic member indicates the direction the foot of the patient should move by pivoting his or her ankle to specifically work or strengthen and exercise a particular ankle muscle of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: ST. JOSEPH HEALTH SYSTEM
    Inventor: Scott Rogoff
  • Patent number: 9561396
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a multi-layered structure including a first layered structure with a multiple of first openings, a first component with a multiple of first columns, each of said multiple of first columns extend at least partially through one of the multiple of first openings, a second layered structure with a multiple of second openings, and a second component with a multiple of second columns, each of said multiple of second columns extend at least partially through one of the multiple of second openings, wherein the first layered structure includes a first characteristic and the second layered structure includes a second characteristic, the first characteristic different than the second characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: SEQUENCE LLC
    Inventors: Daniel B. Lazarchik, Stephanie F. Connaughton
  • Patent number: 9561397
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus with enhanced strength for use with one or more limbs of a user to perform a variety of exercises includes a resilient strap having a first end portion, a central portion and a second end portion, the first end portion of the strap coupled to the central portion of the strap to create a first loop, the first end portion being disposed around a top portion of the central portion of the strap and a bottom portion of the central portion of the strap, the second end portion of the strap coupled to the central portion of the strap to create a second loop, the second end portion being disposed around a remaining top portion of the central portion of the strap and a remaining bottom portion of the central portion of the strap. Each of the first and second loops can receive a user's limb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Inventor: Amir Zaki
  • Patent number: 9561398
    Abstract: An incline angle adjustable stair climbing machine includes a base frame, a tilting seat pivotally mounted at the base frame, a tilting seat adjuster for adjusting an incline angle of the tilting seat relative to the base frame, a staircase mounted at the tilting seat and including a plurality of tread boards biasable relative to the tilting seat, and a tread board adjuster mounted at the tilting seat for adjusting a biasing angle of the tilting seat to maintain the plurality of tread boards constantly horizontal for enabling a user to conduct stair-climbing exercises at different climb gradients while maintaining good posture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: HEALTHSTREAM TAIWAN INC.
    Inventor: Chun-Ting Chen
  • Patent number: 9561399
    Abstract: A lung instrument training device including at least one weighted insert, a hollow cylinder having a bottom and a top, wherein the weighted insert is positioned within the hollow cylinder, and a tube, wherein the distal end of the tube is connected to the bottom of the hollow cylinder, and a user breathes into the proximal end of the tube. A method for exercising lung capacity, strength and control including exhaling air from a user's lung in a tube connected to a cylinder, moving at least one weighted insert positioned inside the cylinder; and regulating the position of the weighted inserts within the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Lung Trainers, LLC
    Inventors: Frank Acosta, William Rose
  • Patent number: 9561400
    Abstract: A sensor unit (18) adapted for mounting on a rubber band (17) for physical training. The sensor unit comprises attachment means such as a clamp (4, 5), means (10) for measuring the tension of the rubber band, a power source (1), a processor (11) and optionally a signal transmitter (12) for cable or wireless data transfer. In one embodiment, the means for measuring the tension is an integral part of the attachment means. In another embodiment, the means for measuring the tension is adapted to measure the mechanical resonance frequency of the rubber band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: BANDCIZER ApS
    Inventor: Anders Stengaard Soerensen
  • Patent number: 9561401
    Abstract: A monofin, for use in swimming, includes a fin shaped like a whale tail, wherein the fin further includes a leading edge and a trailing edge. At least one corrugation is formed in the fin, wherein the at least one corrugation is parallel to a portion of the leading edge. At least one foot pocket assembly may be removably coupled to the fin. The at least one foot pocket assembly includes a foot pocket cover formed to removably couple around a portion of the fin. At least one foot opening is formed in the foot pocket cover and at least one cuff surrounds the at least one foot opening. At least one foot pocket is in communication with the at least one foot opening. The at least one cuff stretches to encompass an ankle of users of many sizes and holds the monofin on the users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Inventor: Jessica Wiseman
  • Patent number: 9561402
    Abstract: A launchable or throwable flying device that comprises a tapering tube or hollow truncated cone shape with a front aperture that is larger in diameter than the rear aperture. Various aerodynamic and design features are designed to optimize the device's performance in flight, such as (but not limited to) a tail section that induces the device to tack into the wind when thrown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Inventor: Shaun P. Fogarty
  • Patent number: 9561403
    Abstract: A collection apparatus including an autonomous power supply means and an image acquisition means for acquiring image sequences of at least one area of surveillance is disclosed. The collection apparatus may further include control means connected to the image acquisition means for receiving and processing the acquired sequences of images, to detect the presence and position of said game elements, and to send a control command to move the collection apparatus to collect a detected spherical game element. The collection apparatus also includes interaction means for interacting with a player to deliver a previously collected spherical game element to the player and a delivery device controlled by the control means to perform the delivery. An automatic collection system is also disclosed that uses two collection apparatuses, operating in a complementary and/or synchronized way to collect and deliver a spherical element to a player, on request by the player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Foxtenn Bgreen, S.L.
    Inventors: Javier Simon Vilar, Fernando Gonzalez Minguez
  • Patent number: 9561404
    Abstract: An adjustable shaft and hosel assembly allows for dependent and independent adjustment of a golf club's face angle, loft angle, and lie angle. The adjustable shaft and hosel assembly comprises a shaft sleeve, a hosel portion, and a ball joint, wherein the ball joint is located either on the shaft sleeve or the hosel portion and fits within, and is rotatable along various axes within, a socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Homer E. Aguinaldo, Broadus Perry Wall, Jr., Denver Holt, James A. Seluga, Scott Manwaring
  • Patent number: 9561405
    Abstract: An exemplary golf club head having an increased amount of discretionary mass may be realized by utilizing improved drop angles, an improved average crown height, and/or articulation points. The discretionary mass may be placed low and deep in the club head to improve the location of the center of gravity as well as the inertial properties. A preferred break length may also be utilized to further improve the depth of the center of gravity. In one example, the center of gravity may be positioned to substantially align the sweet spot with the face center of the club head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: SRI SPORTS LIMITED
    Inventors: John J. Rae, Nathaniel J. Radcliffe, Daniel J. Stone, Trent E. Garner, Brad S. Hooley, Robert J. Horacek, Sam G. Lacey, Jeff D. Brunski, Kevin Schaeffer, Scott A. Carlyle, Stephen C. Chien, Craig R. Schnell, Douglas E. Roberts, Dan S. Nivanh, Michael J. Wallans
  • Patent number: 9561406
    Abstract: A golf club head includes a face, a crown, a sole, and defines a bore that is configured to receive and to selectively retain an elongate weight. The bore is aligned on a longitudinal axis that intersects the face. An elongate weight is insertable into the bore in either a first orientation or a second orientation, with a first end of the weight making initial entry into the bore when inserted in the first orientation, and a second end of the weight making initial entry into the bore when inserted in the second orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Joshua Boggs
  • Patent number: 9561407
    Abstract: A golf club head including a club face defined by a toe end, a heel end, a top rail and a sole. The golf club head including a plurality of grooves disposed on the club face between the top rail and the sole. Each groove extends between the toe end and the heel end. Depths of the grooves vary in a direction extending between the top rail and the sole and in a direction extending between the heel end and the toe end. Widths of each of the plurality of grooves vary in a direction extending between the heel end and the toe end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Karsten Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony D. Serrano, Paul D. Wood, Bradley D. Schweigert, Calvin S. Wang
  • Patent number: 9561408
    Abstract: A golf club head including a crown, a sole, a hosel, a face and a flexure. The flexure provides compliance during an impact between the golf club head and a golf ball. The flexure is tuned to vibrate, immediately after impact, at a predetermined frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Stephanie Bezilla, Uday V. Deshmukh, Charles E. Golden, Mark C. Myrhum, Noah de la Cruz, John Morin, Darryl C. Galvan
  • Patent number: 9561409
    Abstract: A wood-type golf club head includes a main body and a striking wall associated with the main body. The striking wall has a striking face including a face center, a first imaginary plane tangent to the face center, and a rear surface opposite the striking face. In a second imaginary plane perpendicular to the first imaginary plane and passing through the face center, the striking face includes a first point associated with a maximum thickness, tmax, of the striking wall, and a second point associated with a minimum thickness, tmin, of the striking wall, such that a ratio, tmax/tmin, is no less than 1.70. Also, in the second imaginary plane, the striking wall gradually tapers in thickness entirely from the first point to the second point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: DUNLOP SPORTS CO. LTD.
    Inventors: Mitchell Samson, Alex L. Timmons
  • Patent number: 9561410
    Abstract: A golf club head including a crown, a sole, a hosel, a face and a flexure. The flexure provides compliance during an impact between the golf club head and a golf ball, and is tuned to vibrate, immediately after impact, at a predetermined frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Thomas Orrin Bennett, Stephanie Bezilla, Richard L. Cleghorn, Uday V. Deshmukh, Noah de la Cruz, Darryl C. Galvan, Charles E. Golden, Marni Ines, John Morin, Stephen S. Murphy, Mark C. Myrhum, Gery Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 9561411
    Abstract: A golf club head includes a head body having a crown portion, a face portion, and a sole portion; at least one regular weight member configured to be detachably attached to the sole portion; and a cover kit configured to be detachably attached to the sole portion. The cover kit includes a cover provided with a decoration and configured to cover at least a portion of the sole portion, and optionally includes at least one auxiliary weight member configured to be attached to the cover. A weight of the cover kit is the same as the weight of the regular weight member. The sole portion is configured to selectively be in one of a first mode in which the regular weight member is attached, and a second mode in which the cover kit is attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: DUNLOP SPORTS CO. LTD.
    Inventor: Naruhiro Mizutani
  • Patent number: 9561412
    Abstract: An iron-type golf club head comprises a head main body and a face plate attached thereto. The face plate has an annular outer edge portion fixed to the head main body, and a noncontact portion not contacting with the head main body. The noncontact portion includes a first thin part and a second thin part having a thickness less than that of the outer edge portion. The first thin part extends in a peripheral side along the upper edge, the toe-side edge and the lower edge of the face plate. The second thin part is formed to have a thickness less than that of the first thin part. The area of the first thin part is 10% to 35% of the area of the noncontact portion. The area of the second thin part is 65% to 90% of the area of the noncontact portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: DUNLOP SPORTS CO. LTD.
    Inventor: Naoyoshi Ueda
  • Patent number: 9561413
    Abstract: A golf club head comprises a body having a face, a crown and a sole together defining an interior cavity. The body having a channel located on the sole and extending generally from a heel end of the body to a toe end of the body. A weight member movably positioned within the channel such that a position of the weight member within the channel is able to be adjusted, thereby adjusting a location of a center of gravity of the body. Additionally, adjustment of the weight member provides a maximum x-axis adjustment range of the position of the center of gravity (Max ?CGx) that is greater than 2 mm and a maximum z-axis adjustment range of the center of gravity (Max ?CGz) that is less than 2 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: TAYLOR MADE GOLF COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph Reeve Nielson, Nathan T. Sargent, Christopher John Harbert, Todd P. Beach, Brian Bazzel, Mark Vincent Greaney, Christian Reber Wester, Craig Richard Slyfield, Matthew David Johnson, Matthew Greensmith, Kraig Alan Willett
  • Patent number: 9561414
    Abstract: Embodiments of headcovers having a headcover body that includes a plurality of collapsible portions that allow the headcover body to be configured between a collapsed configuration and a non-collapsed configuration and methods to manufacture such headcovers are generally described herein. Other embodiments of the headcovers may be described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Karsten Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: John A. Solheim, John R. Marusiak, Xiojian Chen, Daniel Lee
  • Patent number: 9561415
    Abstract: An adjustable training golf tee is provided. The adjustable training golf tee may include a top body, a stem and a base. The top body may have a first side and a second side, wherein the second side forms a concentric threaded recess, wherein the first side forms a concentric stem aperture communicating the first side to the threaded recess. The stem may have a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is dimensioned and adapted to rest a golf ball thereon. The base may include a threaded flange and a spike perpendicularly joined thereto, wherein the threaded recess is dimensioned and adapted to rotatably mate with the threaded flange, and wherein the stem aperture is dimensioned and adapted to be slidably receive the stem secured to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Fits to a Tee Golf, LLC
    Inventor: Greg Rost
  • Patent number: 9561416
    Abstract: A net boundary indicator can comprise a strap comprising an inside surface and an outside surface opposite the inside surface. A reinforcing member can comprise a top end and a bottom end, the reinforcing member being attached along a length of the inside surface of the strap. A top clip can be coupled to the strap adjacent the top end of the reinforcing member. A bottom clip can be coupled to the strap adjacent the bottom end of the reinforcing member. A first sleeve can be attached along a length of a surface of the strap. An aligning device can be coupled to the surface of the strap below the first sleeve and in-line with the first sleeve, and a bubble level can be coupled to the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Inventors: Gregory Paul Gesicki, Erin Marie Gesicki, Terese Marie Gesicki
  • Patent number: 9561417
    Abstract: A training bat has a central rod extending through the longitudinal length of the bat. A knob may be located at a proximal end of the bat. A handle located immediately distal to the knob may slide along the length of the rod. A cone section may be located distal to the handle. The knob and cone section may limit the longitudinal sliding of the handle. A barrel section may be located distal to the cone section. If the barrel section includes an interior chamber, the distal end of the barrel section may include a removable cap. Weights, springs, pins and other objects may be located inside the barrel section. Electrical components or other devices may also be included in the cone section, barrel section or cap. The handle may include an acoustic chamber and an amplifying chamber to provide for emission of a sound when the bat is swung. The acoustic chamber and amplifying chamber may also incorporate safety features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Inventor: Juan Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 9561418
    Abstract: A physical fitness device that simulates the motion of horseback riding. Innovative features of the present invention include a horseback riding simulation post which extends both vertically, at a vertical angle toward a rider seated on the device, and an upwardly extending longitudinal section which extends toward a rider on the exercise device seat and terminates in a transverse handle which enables the user to grasp the handle with both hands or one hand. There are a pair of parallel crank arms with a respective one of the crank arms adjacent opposite sides of the exercise device with each crank arm having an upwardly extending section extending forwardly or rearwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Hupa International Inc.
    Inventor: Bob Hsiung
  • Patent number: 9561419
    Abstract: A bicycle trainer includes a body having two spaced positioning portions for supporting the wheel axle of a bicycle wheel, a damper unit for giving a damping resistance to the bicycle wheel, and a holding fixture mounted at the two positioning portions of the body for securing the bicycle wheel in a non-coaxial manner relative to the axial direction of the wheel axle. Thus, the invention can conveniently, rapidly and steadily secure the bicycle wheel in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: GIANT MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Wen-Hai Lo
  • Patent number: 9561420
    Abstract: A force sensing kickboxing apparatus is disclosed. An example apparatus includes a body including an externally facing first side and an internally facing second side and a base connected to the body configured to enable the body to be rotated with respect to the base. The example apparatus also includes an electronic device connected to the base and configured to provide information associated with the body. The example apparatus further includes a sensor housing attached to a portion of the second side of the body forming a pocket between the sensor housing and the portion of the internally facing second side and a sensor positioned within the pocket and communicatively coupled to the electronic device. The sensor is configured to detect an object contacting a portion of the first side of the body in proximity to the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Medal Sports (Taiwan) Corporation
    Inventor: Kevin Chunhao Tsai
  • Patent number: 9561421
    Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include a swing training apparatus for use in sports, like golf, baseball, tennis, bowling, or the like where the swinging of an arm, a club, bat or racket is part of the sport. Embodiments of the apparatus include a base, foot receptacles, a torso stabilizer, a swing channel, and a shaft. In disclosed embodiments, the user attaches himself or herself to the torso stabilizer and grasps the shaft. The shaft may be confined to travel along the swing channel and thereby trains the user to swing with the proper motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Inventor: James Hungelmann
  • Patent number: 9561422
    Abstract: A training aid for the game of golf capable of indicating golf club path through a swing and the club's point of contact at impact to a user. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for a golf swing practice apparatus comprising a plurality of ball pins defining a movable golf ball hitting surface, each ball pin of the plurality of ball pins being comprised of a spherical ball joint, a ball tee portion running through a center portion of the spherical ball joint, and an artificial turf portion extending from an upper surface of the ball tee; a ball pin plate having a planar surface and a plurality of apertures disposed upon the planar surface in horizontal rows, the plurality of ball pins being movably coupled to the ball pin plate; and, a ball pin reset plate, the ball pin reset plate having a plurality of apertures being rectangular in shape and being slidably coupled to the ball pin plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Fatt Matt LLC
    Inventors: Mark Csencsits, Christopher Michael Albright
  • Patent number: 9561423
    Abstract: A scorecard (1) and a method of recording the number of strokes in a game of golf by means of movable indicator devices (2) are described, the scorecard (1) being provided with at least one further movable indicator device (3) to enable the indication of a marker of a player, and a player indicator (4), and both the movable marker indicator (3) and the player indicator (4) being designed for mechanical, optical reading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: PEG-IT AS
    Inventor: Bjorn Roness
  • Patent number: 9561424
    Abstract: A low-rider roller skate having a first sole, a pair of front wheels attached to a front axle that is mounted to a front portion of the first sole, and a pair of wheels attached to a rear axle that is mounted to a rear portion of the first sole. The skate defines a longitudinal length, where the rear axle is perpendicular to the length, and the front axle is disposed at an angle to the length, such that the front axle is not parallel with the rear axle. The roller skate including a second sole member including a cap toe sized for receiving a toe-portion of the roller skate, and second heel that rests over a heel-portion of the roller skate, and an integral waist therebetween, the waist includes a front indent for receiving the front axle, and a rear indent for receiving the rear axle. With the second sole member attached, the skates no longer act as roller skates but are walking shoes. With the second sole member removed, the skates are low-rider skates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Inventor: Don E. Abel
  • Patent number: 9561425
    Abstract: A compression board apparatus of a generally planar surface has an insert that compresses to a position that is flat or flush with a top surface of the board, when a load is applied to the top surface of the board. When the load is removed, the insert releases, thereby expanding to a released position. The insert is arranged to both extend above the top surface of the board and extend below a bottom surface of the board. The insert may be secured by at least locking mechanism and enables a user who applies a load to the top surface of the board to maintain contact with the board's surface, even in an airborne position and when the board is in a non-planar position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Inventor: David Baird
  • Patent number: 9561426
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for moving playing cards from a first group of cards into plural hands of cards, wherein each of the hands contains a random arrangement of cards. The apparatus may comprise a card receiver for receiving the first group of cards, a single stack of card-receiving compartments generally adjacent to the card receiver, the stack generally vertically movable, an elevator for moving the stack, a card-moving mechanism between the card receiver and the stack, and a microprocessor that controls the card-moving mechanism and the elevator so that an individual card is moved into an identified compartment. The number of compartments receiving cards and the number of cards moved to each compartment may be selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Bally Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: Attila Grauzer, Feraidoon Bourbour, Troy D. Nelson, Robert J. Rynda, Paul K. Scheper, James B. Stasson, Ronald R. Swanson
  • Patent number: 9561427
    Abstract: A method and device for controlling a user interface displaying a game board, comprising, via at least one processor, displaying a game board arrangement having a plurality of game objects each having one or more characteristics, information on said game board arrangement and the game objects being stored in memory, determining an initial selection of a first game object based on user input and the stored information, determining a subsequent input selection of a second game object based on user input and the stored information determining the validity of the subsequent selection as being valid defined by said first and second game objects based on a first direction of the sequence with respect to the game board arrangement, the length of the sequence and if the first and second game object have at least one same characteristic, updating said game board arrangement information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: KING.COM LTD.
    Inventors: Daniel Frostberg, Patrick Kelly