Patents Issued in February 21, 2017
  • Patent number: 9572992
    Abstract: A method is provided for establishing a communication session with an implantable medical device (“IMD”). The method includes configuring an IMD and an external device to communicate with one another through a protocol that utilizes a dedicated advertisement channel. The advertisement period and the scan period of the protocol are independent of one another such that the advertisement and scan periods at least partially overlap intermittently after a number of cycles. When the external device detects one of the advertisement notices, the method includes establishing a communications link between the external device and the IMD.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Pacesetter Inc.
    Inventors: Reza Shahandeh, Richard Williamson, Gabriel A. Mouchawar, Brent Croft, William Winstrom, Robert McCormick, Jorge N. Amely-Velez, Thanh Tieu, Ali Dianaty, Samir Shah, Yongjian Wu
  • Patent number: 9572993
    Abstract: Implantable medical devices include connector enclosure assemblies that utilize conductors electrically coupled to feedthrough pins that extend into a can where electrical circuitry is housed. The conductors may be coupled to the feedthrough pins and to capacitor plates within a filter capacitor by an electrically conductive bonding material and as a single bonding event during manufacturing. The base plate of the connector enclosure assembly may also include a ground pin. Ground capacitor plates may be present at a ground aperture of the filter capacitor where the ground pin passes through so that the ground pin, a ground conductor, and the ground capacitor plate may be coupled. A protective cover may be provided for the connector enclosure assembly to enclose the conductors intended to extend into the can prior to the assembly being joined to the can. Conductors may be attached to a common tab that is subsequently removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: Steven T. Deininger, Michael J. Baade, Rajesh V. Iyer
  • Patent number: 9572994
    Abstract: In general, techniques are described for labeling an implantable medical device (IMD). In one example, an IMD can include a housing including electronic circuitry. The IMD can include a header coupled to the housing and includes a core. The core can define a bore and include a first metal label positioned adjacent to the at least one bore. The IMD includes a lead assembly including at least one lead having a distal end and a proximal end, the at least one lead including a second metal label, the distal end including at least one electrode and the proximal end received within the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Kane, Michael Keane, John O'Rourke
  • Patent number: 9572995
    Abstract: A system may receive, from a content provider, metadata associated with a video asset, where the metadata includes information associated with the video asset and identifies a future time when the video asset will be available for distribution. The system may further process the metadata to create a virtual asset associated with the video asset, where the processed metadata include at least an indication that the metadata is associated with the virtual asset; publish the virtual asset to a store front that allows the user device to select the virtual asset to obtain the virtual asset; and transmit a notification or the video asset, to the user device and at the future time, based on the selection of the virtual asset by the user device, where the notification indicates that the video asset is available to be downloaded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: VERIZON PATENT AND LICENSING INC.
    Inventors: Srirama Kalidindi, Sanjay Ahuja, John Trimper, Laxmi A. Arte
  • Patent number: 9572996
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the stimulation of thermal receptors in the skin of a patient by means of thermal stimuli. The device comprises a plurality of noninvasive stimulation units for irradiating the skin of the patient with electromagnetic radiation, wherein thermal stimuli are produced by absorption of the electromagnetic radiation in the skin of the patient and the wavelength range of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the stimulation units can be adjusted. The device also comprises a control unit for controlling the stimulation units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Forschungszentrum Juelich GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Alexander Tass, Jean-Christophe Roulet, Thomas Von Bueren, Jean-Noel Fehr, Urban Schnell
  • Patent number: 9572997
    Abstract: A method of compensating for breathing and other motions of a patient during treatment includes periodically generating internal positional data about an internal target region. The method further includes generating external positional data about external motion of the patient's body using an external sensor and generating a correlation between one or more positions of the internal target region and one or more positions of an external region using the external positional data of the external sensor and the internal positional data of the internal target region. The method further includes predicting the position of the internal target region at some later time based on the correlation model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Accuray Incorporated
    Inventors: John R. Adler, Achim Schweikard
  • Patent number: 9572998
    Abstract: A collimator for a radiotherapy apparatus, comprising a block of radiation-attenuating material having a front face forming the leading edge of the block and at least one main rear face defining the trailing edge of the block, in which the or each rear face is substantially planar in the direction of the depth of the block and non-parallel to the front face. The collimator may form part of a radiotherapy apparatus, and methods of operation of such apparatus are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Elekta AB (Publ)
    Inventors: Virgil Willcut, Martin Broad, David Anthony Roberts
  • Patent number: 9572999
    Abstract: Devices and processes for performing magnetic resonance imaging of the anatomy of a patient during radiation therapy to measure and control the radiation dose delivered to the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventor: James F. Dempsey
  • Patent number: 9573000
    Abstract: An applicator for providing HIFU therapy to a patient includes a HIFU transducer that is rotatably coupled to a frame. In one embodiment, the rotatable coupling is configured such that the HIFU transducer can be mechanically oriented to position a focal zone of the HIFU transducer at any desired location in a treatment volume radially outward from a longitudinal axis of the applicator while the HIFU transducer remains within a housing that is not more than a defined percentage (e.g., 50%) larger than the maximum diameter of the HIFU transducer. In one embodiment, the HIFU transducer is rotatably coupled to the frame with a ball and socket joint. In another embodiment, the HIFU transducer is rotatably coupled to the frame with an offset gimble assembly. A pair of linear actuators and drive shafts engage the HIFU transducer to orient HIFU transducer in a desired direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Mirabilis Medica Inc.
    Inventors: Ethan P. Albright, Roland Horth, John Murkowski, Troy Brown, Daniel B. Phillips, Gregory P. Darlington, Adam L. Smith, Scott C. Thielman, Blake R. Stancik
  • Patent number: 9573001
    Abstract: A depilatory cream composition comprising a depilatory active, and one or more volatile, essential oils selected from the group consisting of orange oil, cedarwood oil, patchouli oil, pine oil, cabreuva oil, guaiacwood oil, lavandin oil, bergamot oil, petitgrain paraguay oil, lavender oil, mint oil, Virginia cedarwood oil, Citrus Aurantium dulcis oil and Citrus grandis oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Reckitt & Colman (Overseas) Limited
    Inventors: Asa Mansson, Candice Monge
  • Patent number: 9573002
    Abstract: The self-blocking descender-belay device (1) according to the invention comprises: a first lateral guide flange (6) for the rope, comprising a braking nose (4e), a second lateral guide flange (7) for the rope, which is separated from the first flange (6) by a transverse gap (8) for passage of the rope, and can be displaced between a spaced position for putting into place and removal of a rope, and a closed position in which the rope is trapped in the transverse gap (8) for passage of the rope, a cam (4d) which is engaged between the first and second flanges (6, 7) and is mobile towards and away from the braking nose (4e), and is thrust towards the braking nose (4e) by a cam return spring, the transverse gap (8) for passage of the rope extending between a rope input in the vicinity of the braking nose (4e), and a rope output opposite, the rope output having a large opening such as to permit free orientation of the rope output end between a blocking orientation in which the rope surrounds the cam (4d), and a
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: ETABLISSEMENTS SIMOND
    Inventors: Patrick Lefebvre, Mathieu Mansuy, Romain Molliex
  • Patent number: 9573003
    Abstract: A tumble dryer includes a drum receiving laundry to be dried and a container accommodating an extinguishing agent, with the drum and the container being connected by a first line. A first temperature-activated valve is arranged in the first line in thermal contact with the interior of the drum and provided to close the container and to open automatically at a temperature produced by a fire. Further connected to the container is a second line which has a mouth feeding into a region of a base plate of the tumble dryer. A second temperature-activated valve is configured to close the second line in a region of the mouth and to open automatically at the temperature produced by the fire. The first and second valves are hereby positioned in such a way that either the first valve or the second valve opens automatically at the temperature produced by the fire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: BSH Hausgeräte GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Grunert, Günter Steffens
  • Patent number: 9573004
    Abstract: The application discloses a control system of a fire fighting truck for high-rise and super high-rise building firefighting, comprising: a command control equipment (2), a launch control equipment (3), a turret control apparatus (8), and a photoelectric detection equipment (9), wherein, the photoelectric detection equipment (9) comprises: an installing shell, a power supply, a white light zoom camera, an infrared camera, a laser rangefinder, and an integrated processing unit, wherein the white light zoom camera is connected to the installing shell via screws, the infrared camera is connected to the installing shell by using a screw, the laser rangefinder is connected to the installing shell by using a screw, the power supply interface of the white light zoom camera is connected to the power supply by using a wire, the power supply interface of the infrared camera is connected to the power supply by using a wire, the power supply interface of the laser rangefinder is connected to the power supply by using a wi
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Beijing Mechanical Equipment Institute
    Inventors: Xiaofei Ge, Jiahui Li, Tao Wang, Xuchang Ding, Xuyang Qiu, Zhengxin Li, Chao Tian
  • Patent number: 9573005
    Abstract: A protection device, in particular a fire protection device on a motor vehicle. The device includes a fire fighting device having at least one container which is filled with an extinguishing agent and which can be paired with a body of a vehicle or an airplane or with a building wall or ceiling and comprising at least one outlet device which is to be closed by a temperature-controlled first valve, and/or the device includes at least one temperature-resistant tank which can be fluidically connected to an air conditioner, in which a negative pressure is present in order to receive a coolant of the air conditioner, and which is paired with at least one temperature-controlled second valve in order to open at least one flow channel for the coolant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: CHS GMBH
    Inventor: Michael Wedowski
  • Patent number: 9573006
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fire extinguishing assembly for transforming a liquid into a liquid mist. The assembly includes an adapter section (3a, 14a) having at least one liquid inlet (3b, 14b) and a nipple section (6a, 9a) that connects to the adapter section. The nipple section includes a plurality of bores (6c, 9c) extending between an internal duct (12g) that connects to the liquid inlet (3b, 14b), and outlets on an outside of the nipple section (6a, 9a). The bores (6c, 9c) are located around the nipple section (6a, 9a). A deflecting surface (3d, 12d) for guiding the liquid is positioned around the outlets of the bores (6c, 9c). The deflecting surface (3d, 12d) includes recesses extending in a direction substantially from the nipple section (6a, 9a) to a circumference of the deflecting surface (3d, 12d).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Prevent Systems AS
    Inventor: Bjørn Rafael Hansen
  • Patent number: 9573007
    Abstract: A fire protection sprinkler that includes a body defining an internal passageway extending along a sprinkler axis between an inlet end and an outlet end to define a passageway length and a nominal K-factor greater than 16. A deflector is supported and spaced from the outlet end by a pair of support arms. The sprinkler includes means for allowing a flow of water from the outlet end of the body. The means includes a closure assembly having a body defining a blind bore and a thermally responsive glass bulb. The glass bulb has a first end disposed within the blind bore defining a first seat diameter and a second end defining a second seat diameter. The glass bulb has a bulb length that is greater than the length of the internal passageway and a maximum wall thickness less than the difference between the bulb length and the passageway length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignees: Tyco Fire Products LP, FLN FEUERLOSCHGERATE NEURUPPIN VERTRIEBS GMBH
    Inventors: Bernhard Abels, Stefan Vaeth
  • Patent number: 9573008
    Abstract: A fire suppression system including at least one heat-sensing device attached to a CPU-controlled sprinkler, which upon detection of a heat signature, activates the sprinkler to selectively dispense water from a fire sprinkler system pipe or a fire suppressant contained within a canister from a nozzle directly aimed at the source of the heat signature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Inventor: Frank Fletcher
  • Patent number: 9573009
    Abstract: A metal container with a combustible liner for use as a portable firefighting training unit. The combustible liner is formed of particle board sections loosely assembled inside the metal container with an opening in the liner in registry with an access opening in the metal container. The unit may be used to demonstrate various phenomena associated with a developing fire including the flammability of unburned products of combustion, hose stream techniques with a spray bottle filled with water, flashover and backdraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Max Fire Training, Inc.
    Inventor: Shawn C. Bloemker
  • Patent number: 9573010
    Abstract: A process for neutralizing and for controlling acid gas emissions during the neutralization, solidification, or stabilization of acidic waste products in liquids, sludge, or soil, resulting from the acid treatment of petroleum products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Rice Environmental, Inc.
    Inventor: David T. Musser
  • Patent number: 9573011
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a plurality of stations and at least one harness assembly connecting the stations together. Each station includes a riser assembly having a top and a bottom, and a platform assembly coupled to the bottom of the riser assembly. Each platform assembly is adjustable between a first state, in which the platform assembly rests on a horizontal support surface, and a second state, in which the platform assembly is folded vertically against the respective riser assembly. Each riser assembly includes a lower riser and an upper riser that are coupled together such that the upper riser may be translated up and down. An exercise accessory is coupled to at least one of the riser assemblies. The apparatus is adjustable from a use state to a transport state, without disassembly, such that it may be moved from a first use location to a second use location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Inventor: Matthew T. Nasta
  • Patent number: 9573012
    Abstract: A multi-functional chair includes a front leg frame, a footrest assembly connected pivotally to and extending obliquely upward from a bottom end of the front leg frame, a link rod assembly connected pivotally to the footrest assembly, a seat cushion connecting rod connected pivotally to the link rod assembly, a supporting frame connected pivotally to the seat cushion connecting rod, a seat cushion supported on the supporting frame, a backrest frame connected to and extending obliquely upward from the seat cushion connecting rod, a pivot seat connected pivotally to a top end of the backrest frame, and a backrest fixed to the pivot seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Superweigh Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sunny Lee
  • Patent number: 9573013
    Abstract: Provided herein is an apparatus including a top member configured to couple with an anatomical appendage or a structure thereof; a bottom member rotatably attached to the top member; and a movement-enabling means for enabling the apparatus to move across a surface substantially without interruption, wherein the movement-enabling means comprises a turntable bearing between the top member and the bottom member, and a rolling mechanism about a bottom surface of the bottom member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Inventor: Robert P. Lopez
  • Patent number: 9573014
    Abstract: A center mass bell apparatus, comprising: a main body shaped substantially like a hollow sphere with spherical caps removed in a same central axis of the body to create two opposing openings and where the main body is balanced in at least three dimensions from a center point of the sphere; and, a hand hold traversing centrally through the hollow of the spherical main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Inventors: Albert Sorin, Richard Sorin
  • Patent number: 9573015
    Abstract: A method of using a weight holding device includes the steps of positioning the strap behind a bar, wherein the handgrip is positioned opposite the strap-separating component, and the strap is suspended from the handgrip, raising the lowest portion of the strap, bringing the handgrip through the raised portion of the strap, and pulling the handgrip upwards so that the strap tightens around the bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Inventor: William B. Hall
  • Patent number: 9573016
    Abstract: An exercise device is formed of inelastic, fixed length, substantially rigid straps connected in a T-shaped configuration so as to define an anchor member and two support members. An anchor loop is fixed to the outer end of the anchor member for securing a weighted member thereon or for securing to various stationary objects. A hand grip is coupled to the outer end of each support member such that the user must exert additional effort during various exercises to maintain proper position of their hands relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: MYT EQUIPMENT INC.
    Inventors: Sami Ishag Jamil Haddad, Stephen John Davies
  • Patent number: 9573017
    Abstract: A buffer board structure of a treadmill includes bamboo layers made by attaching bamboo sheets side by side, a bottom surface of which is adhered by a membrane layer whereby the bamboo sheets are firmly stuck on the membrane layer. Each membrane layer has an upper and lower faces respectively stuck between the bamboo layers. The bamboo sheets of each bamboo layer face the same juxtaposing direction, whereas bamboo layers juxtaposed lengthways provide a better buffer. By setting one membrane layer between two bamboo layers, contact faces of the bamboo layers and the membrane layer adhered together become smoother, and an adhesive fills in a gap more evenly. A slip resistant layer is stuck on the top bamboo layer. A smoother buffering effect and a stable juxtaposition are obtained when the bamboo layers are trodden to prevent the breakdown of buffer relations between the bamboo sheets and the membrane layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Inventor: Chung-Fu Chang
  • Patent number: 9573018
    Abstract: The exercise device described herein includes a pair of roll bars in spaced parallel relation thereto and having first and second ends, each roll bar having a curved portion configured to contact a ground surface for performing selected exercises. A handle bar is connected to the roll bars' first ends. A head bar is provided, a portion of which contacts the ground surface, and include a pair of spaced connector arms that extend above the ground surface with ends thereof connected to the roll bars' second ends, forming side rails in spaced parallel relation. The side rails are canted from the roll bars to the head bar at an upward angle relative to the ground surface. A singular material canopy is attached to the head bar and side rails for supporting the head, neck, shoulders, and upper back of a user during selected exercises.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: IMPLUS FOOTCARE, LLC
    Inventors: Ian Coats MacColl, Kurin V. Tu, Zachary M. Goldberg-Poch, Alden Morris Mills
  • Patent number: 9573019
    Abstract: A mobility and exercise system includes a user support platform, a leg platform connected to the user support platform, a first linearly movable mount and a second linearly movably mount each coupled to the leg platform and movable relative to the leg platform in two directions parallel to a longitudinal axis of the leg platform. A first abducting arm and a second abducting arm are coupled to the leg platform, each by a respective hinge. The first and second abducting arms are movable relative to the leg platform by swinging motion away from the longitudinal axis and back toward the longitudinal axis. A first foot cradle is mounted on the first linearly movable mount or the first abducting arm, and second foot cradle is mounted on the second linearly movable mount or the second abducting arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Megeriann Corp.
    Inventors: Miriam B. Donohue, John Tyler Willis Hagler, Patrick B Murphy, Michael Poorman, Jessica Springer, Drew Brisley, Galen Robertson
  • Patent number: 9573021
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball excellent in shot feeling, flight distance and durability. The present invention provides a golf ball comprising a spherical core and at least one cover layer covering the spherical core, wherein the spherical core is formed from a core rubber composition containing (a) a base rubber, (b) a co-crosslinking agent, (c) a crosslinking initiator, and (x) a crosslinked rubber powder; (x) the crosslinked rubber powder contains (x1) soft particles with a hardness difference (Hs?Hp)between a particle hardness (Hp) of the soft particles and a surface hardness (Hs) of the spherical core being 20 or more in JIS-C hardness, and a hardness difference (Hs5?Hp) between the particle hardness (Hp) of the soft particles and a hardness (Hs5) at 5 mm point inside the surface of the spherical core being 15 or more in JIS-C hardness; and the core rubber composition contains (x1) the soft particles in an amount of 1.0 mass % or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: DUNLOP SPORTS CO. LTD.
    Inventors: Ryota Sakamine, Katsumi Terakawa
  • Patent number: 9573022
    Abstract: Golf balls comprising a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core comprises a layer formed from a highly neutralized polymer composition and a layer formed from a thermoset rubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, David A. Bulpett, Robert P. Blink, Mark L. Binette, Brian Comeau
  • Patent number: 9573023
    Abstract: A multi-layer golf ball includes a core, and intermediate layer, and a cover. The core has an outer surface that includes a plurality of depressions extending from a spherical land portion. Each depression has a maximum depth relative to the spherical land portion of between 0.15 mm and 2.0 mm. The intermediate layer surrounds the core and has a radially inward surface that is flush with the outer surface of the core. The cover layer surrounds the intermediate layer and defines an outermost portion of ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Hideyuki Ishii, Nicholas Yontz, Jun Ichinose, Chien-Hsin Chou, Chen-Tai Liu
  • Patent number: 9573024
    Abstract: A method of forming a golf ball includes forming a core using a 3D printer, and molding a cover in a surrounding position over the core through at least one of compression molding and injection molding. The core may be formed by printing a first core portion, printing a second core portion, and fusing the first core portion with the second core portion to form the core. Each of the first and second core portions may respectively include a plurality of concentric shells that are sequentially constructed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Aaron Bender
  • Patent number: 9573025
    Abstract: A device for retrieving an object such as a golf ball. The retriever comprises a handle, a stationary member or loop that is rigidly attached to the handle, a reactive member or loop that is pivotally attached to the stationary member and a spring for biasing the reactive member substantially perpendicular to the stationary member. A locking clip is attached to the stationary member and is rotatable between a locking position and an unlocking position. In the locking position, the clip restrains the reactive member in a position substantially parallel to the stationary member so that the retriever can be stored without the reactive member rotating into the perpendicular position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Inventor: Albert James Light
  • Patent number: 9573026
    Abstract: A golf putter includes a club shaft and a club head. The club shaft includes a club shaft body extending from a proximal end to a distal end. The club shaft body has a first linear portion defining a longitudinal axis. The distal end defines a tangent angled with respect to the longitudinal axis. The club shaft body also includes a curved portion between the first linear portion and the distal end. The club head includes a ball striking surface, a heel proximate to a first end of the ball striking surface, and a toe opposing the heel proximate to a second end of the ball striking surface. A club head axis is defined between the toe and the heel. The distal end of the club shaft body is connected to the club head at a connection point on the heel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Inventor: James T. DeCarlo, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9573027
    Abstract: A weight member for removable attachment to a weight port of a golf club head is provided. The weight member comprises a head that has a tool mating port for operatively receiving a portion of a fastening tool. The weight member further comprises a shaft that is associated with the head such that the shaft terminates at an end surface. The shaft has a threaded external surface and a non-threaded internal bore that extends from the end surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: SRI SPORTS LIMITED
    Inventors: Dan S. Nivanh, Nathaniel J. Radcliffe, Jimmy H. Kuan
  • Patent number: 9573028
    Abstract: A metal wood type golf club with improved performance characteristics is disclosed herein where the metal wood type golf club head will combined the performance characteristics of both a driver type golf club head and a fairway type golf club head. More specifically, the present invention relates to a golf club head with a volume of between about 150 cc to about 360 cc, a CG location between about 10 mm to about 20 mm above the ground, a face depth of between about 30 millimeters (mm) to about 65 millimeters (mm), a loft of about between 10 degrees to about 16 degrees, and a COR of about 0.790 to about 0.830, wherein the entire golf club has a length of between about 41 inches to about 45 inches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Andrew J. Curtis, Noah de la Cruz, Charles E. Golden, Bradford Hughes Hartwell, Gregory D. Johnson, John W. Morin
  • Patent number: 9573029
    Abstract: A computer program is disclosed for reconfiguring a property-adjustable golf club. The program receives data input corresponding to a current configuration of an adjustable feature of the golf club, and data input corresponding to trajectory adjustment information. Based on the data input, reconfiguration information is generated, and outputted, that corresponds to one of a plurality of configurations of the adjustable feature of the golf club.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: SRI SPORTS LIMITED
    Inventors: Christopher J. Beck, Casey Casburn, John J. Rae, Aram Salehi
  • Patent number: 9573030
    Abstract: A golf tee is disclosed that provides stability and promotes less spin on a struck golf ball. The tee may be beneficial for use on mats at a driving range. The golf ball may be elevated from the ground surface to help avoid the club head from contacting the ground thereby avoiding injury to the golfer and damage to the club.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Inventor: Dean Clark
  • Patent number: 9573031
    Abstract: A reinforced hockey stick blade and a related method of manufacture are provided. The hockey stick blade can include a core element defining one or more longitudinal channels bounded by an upper core portion, a lower core portion, and a bridge portion interconnecting the upper and lower core portions. The hockey stick blade can additionally include a plurality of fiber-reinforced plies substantially encapsulating the core element and a reinforcing material received within the one or more longitudinal channels. The reinforcing material can extend longitudinally from a first channel end portion to a second channel end portion, and can include woven or unidirectional fiber-reinforced plies. The reinforcing material can additionally extend transversely across the channel to form a blade structure having increased blade strength and durability over existing composite hockey stick blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Warrior Sports, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean Xun, Carlos Raul Gutierrez Bautista, Edmundo Gerardo Llamas
  • Patent number: 9573032
    Abstract: In one example, a system for fitting golf equipment for an individual can be configured to be used with an electronic device comprising a fitting processor module and a camera. The system can comprise an image analysis module configured to receive image data of at least a portion of the individual and one or more physical indicia proximate to the individual, where the image data can be captured by the camera. The image analysis module can also be configured to recognize one or more reference features of the individual from the image data, and to calculate one or more fitting dimensions between the one or more reference features in the image data. Other examples, devices, and related methods are also disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: KARSTEN MANUFACTURING CORPORATION
    Inventors: John K. Solheim, Roger J. Cottam
  • Patent number: 9573033
    Abstract: A returning goal system including a generally U-shaped entryway, first and second sides extending away from the entryway, and lower and upper back crossbars extending between the sides to form lower and upper open portions. A net is connected to the goal and covers the lower open portion and upper open portion. The lower open portion of the net is sufficiently tensioned so as to return a ball towards the entryway without causing it to be ejected from the goal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Inventor: Scott T. Surbrook
  • Patent number: 9573034
    Abstract: The disclosure provides embodiments of a goal frame and net suitable for use in the sport of lacrosse and other sports. An upper frame portion typically includes a top horizontal crossbar connecting two vertical front posts. A second piece of the goal structure typically includes a base frame portion which can be formed from, for example, two elongate structural members (e.g., flat metal bars) connected to and terminating at a hinge which can be selectively opened into a “V” shape. A plurality of rods can pass through a number of pockets sewn around the perimeter of the net and tubular sleeves of the upper and lower frame portions about the perimeter of the frame creating an assembled goal with a net.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: MARTY GILMAN, INC.
    Inventor: Neil F. Gilman
  • Patent number: 9573035
    Abstract: A computer implemented personified sporting goal apparatus, system, method and/or computer program product may provide electronically and programmably controlled personification attributes to a sporting or intermediary goal. Certain embodiments include robotic, animatronically moveable appendages, emotions, and/or gestures, via audio, visual, or enhanced features. A personified sporting goal apparatus can include: sporting goal device, including processor(s); memory coupled to the processor; input or output device(s) coupled to the processor; a sporting goal; a personified feature, attribute, or movement; and user interface coupled to the device, including: a display device, the input device, the output device, a keyboard, or a touchscreen, and is configured to: enable a user to interact with the sporting goal device; receive a selection of a sporting goal routine; or receive instructions to control the sporting goal device. Embodiments include a robot, display(s) and/or speech bubbles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Inventor: Christopher DeCarlo
  • Patent number: 9573036
    Abstract: A portable training device and training method is disclosed. The portable training device includes a non-linear section. The non-linear section is configured to form a target area that substantially imitates the reach of a goalkeeper. The training method includes covering a portion of an opening of a goal with the portable training device to create a target area configured to substantially imitate the reach of a goalkeeper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: NINETYNET LLC
    Inventor: Philip P. Markham
  • Patent number: 9573037
    Abstract: A system (234, 220, 200) for monitoring movements of one or more users and/or one or more projectiles during sports activities performed by the one or more users is provided. The one or more projectiles (200) incorporate sensors (202, 204) for sensing movements of the one or more projectiles (200) during the sports activities. A user interface (220) is used for presenting automated sports training services. A data processing arrangement (234, 232, 220) is used for analysing one or more records of the movements of the one or more projectiles (200) against reference data, for providing the automated sports training services to the one or more users via the user interface (220).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Sstatzz Oy
    Inventor: Harri Hohteri
  • Patent number: 9573038
    Abstract: A variable speed swim spa system wherein the user can choose between a combination of speeds with two or more pumps connected through a manifold to one or more swim jets. Check valves are used on all but the first pump to prevent backflow of water effluent and can be placed inside the manifold or between the pumps and the manifold. A user interface attached to electronic controls and operating software allow the user to program his preferred speeds with the one more jets using the two or more pumps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Waterway Plastics
    Inventors: Jason Hillyard, Michael Holtsnider
  • Patent number: 9573039
    Abstract: A golf aid for assisting a user in determining distances on a golf course includes a user tracking system configured to determine the location of a user on a golf course, a heads up display, and a processor. The heads up display is configured to be worn on the user's head, and to display an image within a field of view of the user. The processor is in communication with the user tracking system and with the heads up display, and is configured to determine a distance between the location of the user an object or a landmark on the golf course, and display a numeric representation of the determined distance via the heads up display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Nicholas A. Leech
  • Patent number: 9573040
    Abstract: A golf swing training apparatus to be used exclusively in the short game of golf to provide a first audible clicking sound when the golfer cocks his wrists and a second audible clicking sound when the golfer releases the club head. The training aid includes a base having a clamping mechanism for attaching the apparatus to the end of the grip of a golf club and a click generating mechanism including a spring having a free end which engages an actuator during the cocking of the wrist and flexes to generate the first audible click and again the second audible click when the flex of the spring relaxes during the release of the club head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Inventors: Michael Metz, Anthony Martino
  • Patent number: 9573041
    Abstract: Method for calculating a parameter (P) representing a tennis player's technical level during a series of strokes includes: a) determining, for each executed stroke, an impact zone of the stroke on the stringed zone of a tennis racquet used by the player; b) determining, for each executed stroke, the type of stroke, with the type being chosen from a list including at least two type of strokes; c) using the impact zones determined in step a) and types of strokes determined in step b) for the series of strokes, determining a zone index for each type of stroke; d) using the zone indexes calculated in step c), calculating the parameter value, using the following formula: P = ? i = 1 C ? Zi × Ni ? i = 1 C ? Ni where C is the number of stroke types, Zi, with i between 1 and C, is the zone index, and Ni is the number of strokes executed per type of stroke i.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: BABOLAT VS
    Inventors: Pierre Mace, Fabien Gauthier
  • Patent number: 9573042
    Abstract: Board rotating mounts, a kit containing board rotating mount components, and methods of making and using board rotating mounts are described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Inventors: David Eugene Renshaw, Curtis Eugene Renshaw