Patents Issued in April 18, 2017
  • Patent number: 9623246
    Abstract: Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) system having a recharging system with self alignment, a system for mapping current fields using a completely wireless system, multiple independent electrode stimulation outsource, and IPG control through software on Smartphone/mobile device and tablet hardware during trial and permanent implants. SCS system can include multiple electrodes, multiple, independently programmable, stimulation channels within an implantable pulse generator (IPG) providing concurrent, but unique stimulation fields. SCS system can include a replenishable power source, rechargeable using transcutaneous power transmissions between antenna coil pairs. An external charger unit, having its own rechargeable battery, can charge the IPG replenishable power source. A real-time clock can provide an auto-run schedule for daily stimulation. A bi-directional telemetry link informs the patient or clinician the status of the system, including the state of charge of the IPG battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: GLOBUS MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Saif Khalil, Raghavendra Angara, Miles Curtis, Christopher Biele, Daniel Fellmeth
  • Patent number: 9623247
    Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure includes a method for treating chronic or refractory rhinitis in a subject. One step of the method includes implanting a therapy delivery system in the subject so that at least one therapy delivery component of the system is positioned substantially adjacent a target location where modulation of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) is effective to treat chronic or refractory rhinitis. The therapy delivery component includes at least one electrode configured to deliver electric current to the target location. Next, electric current is delivered to the at least one electrode to effect a change in the ANS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: The Ohio State University
    Inventors: Bradley A Otto, Ali R Rezai
  • Patent number: 9623248
    Abstract: At least one of a medical device, such as an implantable medical device, and a programming device determines values for one or more metrics that indicate the quality of a patient's sleep. Sleep efficiency, sleep latency, and time spent in deeper sleep states are example sleep quality metrics for which values may be determined. In some embodiments, determined sleep quality metric values are associated with a current therapy parameter set. In some embodiments, a programming device presents sleep quality information to a user based on determined sleep quality metric values. A clinician, for example, may use the sleep quality information presented by the programming device to evaluate the effectiveness of therapy delivered to the patient by the medical device, to adjust the therapy delivered by the medical device, or to prescribe a therapy not delivered by the medical device in order to improve the quality of the patient's sleep.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth T. Heruth, Keith A. Miesel
  • Patent number: 9623249
    Abstract: A method and system of providing therapy to a patient using electrodes implanted adjacent tissue. The method comprises regulating a first voltage at an anode of the electrodes relative to the tissue, regulating a second voltage at a cathode of the electrodes relative to the tissue, and conveying electrical stimulation energy between the anode at the first voltage and the cathode at the second voltage, thereby stimulating the neural tissue. The system comprises a grounding electrode configured for being placed in contact with the tissue, electrical terminals configured for being respectively coupled to the electrodes, a first regulator configured for being electrically coupled between an anode of the electrodes and the grounding electrode, a second regulator configured for being electrically coupled between an anode of the electrodes and the grounding electrode, and control circuitry configured for controlling the regulators to convey electrical stimulation energy between the anode and cathode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventor: David K. L. Peterson
  • Patent number: 9623250
    Abstract: A neuromodulation system and method of providing sub-threshold therapy to a patient. An anodic perception threshold of super-threshold electrical energy and a cathodic perception threshold of super-threshold electrical energy are determined for a plurality of electrode sets. A ratio between the anodic perception threshold and the cathodic perception threshold is calculated for each of the electrode sets. An effective electrode set is selected based on the ratio between the anodic perception threshold and the cathodic perception threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignees: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Dongchul Lee, Changfang Zhu
  • Patent number: 9623251
    Abstract: Systems and methods for switching modes in a multi-device medical system. In one example, a first leadless cardiac pacemaker (LCP) may be implantable at a ventricular site, and a second leadless cardiac pacemaker (LCP) may be implantable at an atrial site and configured to sensing atrial contractions. The first LCP and the second LCP may be configured to be communicatively coupled such that the first LCP and the second LCP can deliver pacing therapy to the ventricular site in a tracking mode. The first LCP and/or the second LCP may additionally be configured to deliver pacing therapy to the ventricular site in a non-tracking mode if an interval between atrial contractions sensed by the second LCP becomes shorter than a threshold duration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey E. Stahmann
  • Patent number: 9623252
    Abstract: Approaches for selecting an electrode combination of multi-electrode pacing devices are described. Electrode combination parameters that support cardiac function consistent with a prescribed therapy are evaluated for each of a plurality of electrode combinations. Electrode combination parameters that do not support cardiac function are evaluated for each of the plurality of electrode combinations. An order is determined for the electrode combinations based on the parameter evaluations. An electrode combination is selected based on the order, and therapy is delivered using the selected electrode combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Alok S. Sathaye, M. Jason Brooke, Bruce Alan Tockman
  • Patent number: 9623253
    Abstract: Some implementations provide a method for treating urological disorders in a patient, the method including: placing an introducer into a patient's body through an incision site on the patient's body, the patient suffering from an urological disorder; placing an implantable wireless device into an inner lumen of the introducer, the implantable wireless device suitable to fit into the inner lumen and configured to receive electromagnetic energy non-inductively from a source located outside the patient's body; through the inner lumen of the introducer, positioning the implantable wireless device adjacent to or near one or more excitable tissue in the patient, the one or more excitable tissue regulating a nerve activity associated with the urological disorder; and causing neural modulation of the one or more excitable tissue through one or more electrodes on the implantable wireless device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Micron Devices, LLC
    Inventors: Laura Tyler Perryman, Chad Andresen
  • Patent number: 9623254
    Abstract: A method and system for fitting and adjusting the operation of an acoustic hearing prosthesis or a hybrid electric and acoustic hearing prosthesis. A graphic user interface allows for the acoustic and electric fitting parameters to be viewed and adjusted in a comparable way. The method further allows for the parameters for acoustic stimulation of the acoustic channels to be adjusted in response to behavioral or objective measurement of response to known stimuli, so as to achieve a desired response curve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Cochlear Limited
    Inventors: Christopher J. James, Ibrahim Bouchataoui, Mattheus J. P. Killian, Koen Van den Heuvel
  • Patent number: 9623255
    Abstract: Various aspects of the present subject matter provide an implantable medical device. In various embodiments, the device comprises a pulse generator, a first monitor and a controller. The pulse generator is adapted to generate a neural stimulation signal for a neural stimulation therapy. The neural stimulation signal has at least one adjustable parameter. The first monitor is adapted to detect an undesired effect. In some embodiments, the undesired effect is myocardial infarction. The controller is adapted to respond to the first monitor and automatically adjust the at least one adjustable parameter of the neural stimulation signal to avoid the undesired effect of the neural stimulation therapy. Other aspects are provided herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventor: Imad Libbus
  • Patent number: 9623256
    Abstract: Designs and methods of construction for a printed circuit board (PCB) in an implantable pulse generator (IPG) are disclosed which facilitate IPG PCB testing while also providing for protection of IPG circuitry in a simple and cost effective manner. The IPG PCB is formed as part of a larger test PCB, which includes an extender portion with traces routing nodes of interest in the IPG PCB to an edge connector. IPG electronics are mounted or soldered to the IPG PCB, and then such electronics are tested via the edge connector. The IPG PCB is then singulated from the extender portion in a manner leaving one or more PCB tabs at the severed edge of the PCB. The PCB tab(s) extend from the severed edge, and create an offset distance preventing traces severed and now exposed at the severed edge from contacting and potentially shorting to conductive structures in the IPG.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: Damon Moazen, Robert G. Lamont, Robert R. Tong, Navin N. Bunyan
  • Patent number: 9623257
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for tuning a frequency at which an external device transcutaneously transfers energy. The transferred energy may be used to charge a rechargeable power source of an implantable medical device (IMD) and/or to power the IMD directly. One embodiment relates to a charging system that may comprise a circuit to drive a primary coil of an external device at a drive frequency and a control circuit to tune the drive frequency based on a characteristic of a monitored signal that is associated with the primary coil. The characteristic is not present when the primary coil is being driven at a resonant frequency of the system. In a specific example, the characteristic comprises a stub pulse and the control circuit is configured to tune the drive frequency based on at least one of a relative timing and a width of the stub pulse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: David P. Olson, Nicholas A. Delisi, Jay T. Eisch, Philip R. LaBrosse, Joseph J. Nolan
  • Patent number: 9623258
    Abstract: The present invention includes a method for cardiac defibrillation, especially low-voltage defibrillation, in a subject, including converting fibrillation into tachycardia and using feedback or an estimation thereof from the heart to time stimuli to occur when large amounts of tissue are excitable in the heart of the subject. The resultant tachycardia can then be terminated using a tachycardia termination protocol known to or conceivable by one of skill in the art. The method can be implemented using a currently available defibrillator or an internal cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) configured to apply a lower voltage shock, such as a far-field stimulation. A device designed especially for the method or another device employing this method can also be used. Because the proposed defibrillation method requires less energy than current approaches using single biphasic stimulus, defibrillator battery life is improvable or battery size decreasable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: Natalia Trayanova, Lukas Rantner
  • Patent number: 9623259
    Abstract: A portable pain treatment device including a base portion having a first plurality of light emitting devices and a first heating unit on a bottom surface, an upper portion positioned on the end of the base portion opposite the bottom surface, the base portion including an opening, a second plurality of light emitting devices and a second heating unit positioned on an inner surface of the opening, and a control unit configured to control the light intensity of the first and second plurality of light emitting devices and the heat intensity of the first and second heating units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Inventor: Ronald K. Downs
  • Patent number: 9623260
    Abstract: A method for brachytherapy in a lumpectomy cavity of a breast including, positioning a distal end of a brachytherapy device within the cavity, expanding an expandable surface portion located between proximal and distal ends of the device within the cavity, the source lumen tubes defining a curved configuration within the cavity; and positioning a source of radiation sequentially within one or more source lumens of the source lumen tubes according to a brachytherapy treatment plan. The device includes an inner tube, and a plurality of source lumen tubes located around the inner tube and including distal ends secured together with the inner tube at the distal end disposed within the body cavity, the source lumen tubes comprising proximal portions sufficiently long to extend outside the breast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Theragenics Corporation
    Inventors: Jack C. White, David Wesley Stephens, Amit Prakash Govil, Joshua J. Bergman, Nathan Christopher Griffith, Kyle Kevin Millage
  • Patent number: 9623261
    Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly for performing brachytherapy treatment of tumor tissue in a human or animal body comprising an intracavitary component and at least one guiding unit, said at least one guiding unit exhibiting a longitudinal axis and being connectable to said intracavitary component, and wherein said at least one guiding unit is provided with coupling means for coupling at least one interstitial needle-assembly for delivering treatment to said tumor tissue. The assembly has coupling/uncoupling means arranged to allow a displacement of said at least one interstitial needle-assembly in a direction transverse to said longitudinal axis and to prevent a displacement of said at least one interstitial needle-assembly in a direction parallel to or a pre-defined angle to said longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Nucletron B.V.
    Inventors: Cor Van De Wardt, Emil Matthijs Buijs, Arie Luite Visscher
  • Patent number: 9623262
    Abstract: A system, method and computer program product to determine radiation dose from radionuclides used to treat a patient in need thereof. The present invention allows users to visualize and understand the impact of radionuclide choice, distribution of activity in the cell, distribution of activity among the cells, cell dimensions, cell separation distance, cluster size, and radiobiological response parameters on the capacity to kill populations of cells. All of these parameters can play a substantial role in determining the surviving fraction of cells. Accordingly, this system, method and computer program product can assist in designing treatment plans for therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals suited to individual needs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: RUTGERS, THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW JERSEY
    Inventors: Behrooz Vaziri, Han Wu, Roger W. Howell, John M. Akudugu, Venkata S. Neti
  • Patent number: 9623263
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for therapy delivery are disclosed. In one embodiment, a therapy delivery system includes a plurality of movable components including a radiation therapy nozzle and a patient pod for holding a patient, a patient registration module for determining a desired position of at least one of the plurality of movable components, and a motion control module for coordinating the movement of the least one of the plurality of movable components from a current position to the desired position. The motion control module includes a path planning module for simulating at least one projected trajectory of movement of the least one of the plurality of moveable components from the current position to the desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: VISION RT LIMITED
    Inventors: Chieh C. Cheng, David A. Lesyna, Michael F. Moyers
  • Patent number: 9623264
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to systems and methods for stimulating cellular function in biological tissue. In certain embodiments, the invention provides a method for stimulating cellular function within tissue that involves providing a first type of energy to a region of tissue, in which the first type is provided in an amount that inhibits cellular function within the region of tissue, and providing a second type of energy to the region of tissue, in which the second type is provided in an amount that facilitates cellular function within the region of tissue, wherein the combined effect stimulates cellular function within the tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Highland Instruments
    Inventor: Timothy Andrew Wagner
  • Patent number: 9623265
    Abstract: A device for heating target tissue comprises a housing, an array of ultrasound transducers and a deflector member. The housing includes a tissue contacting surface. The array of ultrasound transducers is mounted within the housing on an array surface shaped so that ultrasound energy from the transducers converges on a target area a predetermined depth from the tissue contacting surface. The deflector member is located at a selected position within a field through which a portion of the ultrasound energy generated will pass on its way to the target area. The deflector member refracts a selected portion of the ultrasound energy to control a distance of separation between the array and a proximal edge of a region at which a level of ultrasound energy exceeds a predetermined threshold level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Isaac Ostrovsky, Ty Fairneny, Victor Shukhat
  • Patent number: 9623266
    Abstract: A magnetic-resonance-guided focused ultrasound system may be calibrated by generating ultrasound foci using ultrasound transducers, establishing coordinates of the foci and of magnetic-resonance trackers associated with the transducers, and determining a geometric relationship between the trackers and the transducers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: INSIGHTEC LTD.
    Inventors: Shuki Vitek, Rita Schmidt, Amir Seginer
  • Patent number: 9623267
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus (100) are described for modifying unwanted tissue for cosmetic reasons. The methods provide a non-invasive manner to perform body contouring by destroying adipose tissue while simultaneously causing collagen contraction in a single procedure. Adipose tissue destroyed during the medical procedure may be removed from a treatment volume during the wound healing process, allowing the treatment volume to gradually shrink (22). The gradual shrinkage may promote better skin tone in the treatment area. The procedure may involve multiple treatments to the same treatment area or location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: LIPOSONIX, INC.
    Inventors: Tanar Ulric, Charles S. Desilets, Blake Little
  • Patent number: 9623268
    Abstract: This invention relates to nail coating compositions, to packages including the nail coating compositions, to methods of applying the nail coating composition to a nail and to a use of an additive compound to improve the properties of the nail coating composition of the present invention. In particular, the invention relates to nail coating compositions having improved chip resistance, good adhesion to the nail, a high gloss finish and a short dry-to-touch time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Chemence Limited
    Inventors: Hugh Cooke, Colin John Brunton, Maria Dincheva
  • Patent number: 9623269
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to an assisted braking belay system with a housing, camming mechanism, and clutch mechanism. The housing may include a substantially enclosed rope channel through which a rope may extend to the climber. The camming mechanism is moveably coupled to the housing and configured to automatically engage a camming surface upon the rope across the rope channel if the rope translates through the channel at a particular acceleration rate. The clutch mechanism may function as a secondary locking mechanism to engage the camming surface of the camming mechanism upon the rope across the rope channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Black Diamond Equipment, Ltd.
    Inventors: Paul Oddou, Jake Hall, Bill Belcourt, Ben Walker
  • Patent number: 9623270
    Abstract: A personal safety apparatus and systems include a mast connected to a base. The mast includes a plurality of mast sections and is vertically extendable from the base between a collapsed position and an extended position. A jib is rotatably connected to the mast. The jib is moveable between a first position wherein the jib is generally parallel to the mast and a second position wherein the jib extends outward from the mast. The jib includes a first jib arm and a second jib arm. The second jib arm is moveable relative to the first jib arm. An anchor point is secured to the jib. The anchor point is configured to connect to a cable configured to secure to a person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Fall-Botics, LLC
    Inventor: Timothy James Palet
  • Patent number: 9623271
    Abstract: A fire hose deployment device for a firefighting robotic vehicle comprises a wagon body having a bottom and two generally vertical sides, a front tongue coupled to the wagon body and hitched to a rear hitch of the robotic vehicle. The wagon body has left and right wheels coupled to the wagon near the rear of the wagon body, and the wagon body carries a fire hose with a first end coupled to a nozzle on the robotic vehicle and a second end coupled to a fluid source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: ROM Acquisition Corporation
    Inventors: John E. McLoughlin, Neocles G. Athanasiades, Kiam Meng Toh
  • Patent number: 9623272
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide a starting block system for use with a swimming pool. A pedestal is designed to support a platform. A back plate is disposed along a rear edge of the platform and has a width dimension that is less than the width dimension of the platform. A slide mechanism is disposed adjacent the rear edge of the platform and is in communication with the back plate. The back plate is designed to slide laterally adjacent the rear edge of the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc.
    Inventors: Jim Drozdowski, Jonathan Mapes, Chris Jung, Jerry Amato
  • Patent number: 9623273
    Abstract: An exercising device includes a housing member having one or more rollers, and having a handle device, the handle device is pivotally attached to the housing member with a pivot spindle for allowing the handle device to be rotated relative to the housing member between an upwardly extended working position and a folding position. The handle device includes two end portions pivotally attached to the housing member with the pivot spindle. The housing member includes two seats for engaging with the end portions of the handle device and for supporting the handle device at the upwardly extended working position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Inventor: Paul Chen
  • Patent number: 9623274
    Abstract: A versatile, functional training device of substantially elliptical shape and comprising a fluid weight that employs principles of unstable resistance as a means of increasing balance, stability, overall strength, core strength and proprioception while increasing lean muscle mass and burning calories. During operation, a user moves the device through a regimen of individualized movements, and the fluid weight moves and shifts inside the device, creating a instability at a point of resistance. The device comprises D-shaped handles with finger grooves adapted for maneuverability. The handles also may be filled with fluid to increase the weight and adaptability of the device across multiple activities and physical regimens. Measuring scales are provided on the device to measure the amount of fluid added to or removed from the device. The device may be transparent or translucent, and the fluid weight may be tinted to aid in visibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Mobius Enterprises, LLC
    Inventors: John Holt, IV, Garry E. Anderson, Brenton Robinson
  • Patent number: 9623275
    Abstract: A dumbbell caster assembly includes a first omnidirectional wheel assembly mechanically coupled to a grip. A second omnidirectional wheel assembly is mechanically coupled to the grip. The omnidirectional wheel assemblies can include a plurality of wheel sub-wheels. The dumbbell caster assembly allows a user to perform exercises, such as push-up exercises and abdominal exercises, that require omnidirectionality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: BODY KINETICS, INC.
    Inventor: Michael S. Reid
  • Patent number: 9623276
    Abstract: The light weight exercise bar is a weight bar that is built to simulate an Olympic style bar but that is much lighter in weight. This reduction in weight allows new lifters to safely learn and practice difficult Olympic style exercises such snatch and the clean and jerk. The light weigh exercise bar comprises a men's weight bar and a women's weight bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Inventor: Jose Deras
  • Patent number: 9623277
    Abstract: A Yoga mat with a main body having an upper surface and a plurality of Drishti points at the upper surface of the Yoga mat body. The Drishti points are symmetrically spaced along a perimeter edge of the upper surface. The Drishti points are within a perimeter border region of the upper surface. The Drishti point can be carried by a discrete body that is selectively engagable with and disengagable from the Yoga mat body for allowing Drishti points of different design configuration. The upper surface of the Yoga mat body can be configured with one or more inferred lines, which can be aligned with one or more of the Drishti points. The upper surface can also include one or more centrally located symmetric alignment features, which can be aligned with one or more of the Drishti points and/or one or more of the inferred lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Inventors: Dennis Paul Thompson, Charles Austin Murphy, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9623278
    Abstract: An exercise mat including a material sized and shaped to support at least one user body part thereon, the material having an upper planar surface, a single starting point representing a number zero on the upper planar surface, and at least two series of sequential integers disposed on the upper planar surface and extending from the single starting point. Each of the at least two series of sequential integers corresponding to a coordinate and placement site for a body part of a user to facilitate measurement of a linear distance along the upper planar surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Inventor: Daniel Saltzman
  • Patent number: 9623279
    Abstract: Lever-type rowing machine, whose main rigging dimensions meet the corresponding parameters of sweep rowing or sculling boat is mounted to the base frame by using front and rear elastic suspension so that the simulator makes it possible to rotate (tilt) about its transverse and longitudinal axes and move vertically, thus making it possible to simulate the boat swings on the transverse and longitudinal axes and movement in the vertical direction. In addition, the simulator has passive and active stabilization systems, enabling the athlete to maintain a balance, and stiffness of its front and rear suspension and stabilizer system can be adjusted depending on the weight and balancing ability of user. There is also a possibility to constraint the suspension thus ensuring full stability of the simulator and exercise regime, corresponding to the exercising on common rowing machines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: LAUNAS UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Aurelijus Domeika, Vytautas Grigas, Pranas Ziliukas
  • Patent number: 9623280
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an exercise device comprising a base that is attached onto an exercise machine and a rolling rod, which is cradled into the base. The apparatus can be attached either into the jumpboard connection located near the footbar or into the shoulder rests depending on the reformer model. The attachment site allows the user to perform a wide variety of movements or exercises in a manner depending on level or special considerations. Related methods of exercise are also provided. A DVD, instructional manual, or programming exercises may optionally be included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: ABSOLUTELY FITNESS, LLC
    Inventor: Pamela S. Justice Velasco
  • Patent number: 9623281
    Abstract: A selectively inclining hiking exercise apparatus supports a user ambulating thereon. The selectively inclining hiking exercise apparatus includes a support base and a treadbase that selectively inclines with respect to the support base. The treadbase includes a motor for driving an endless belt upon which the user ambulates. The treadbase also includes a magnetic braking assembly for regulating the speed of the endless belt to prevent the endless belt from moving at a rate that is faster than the rate at which the treadbase motor is driving the endless belt. The magnetic braking assembly includes a magnet that selectively moves relative to the treadbase flywheel along a threaded lead screw to provide the braking force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: ICON Health & Fitness, Inc.
    Inventors: Rick W. Hendrickson, Greg W. Law, Rodney L. Hammer, Paul C. Ricks, Darren C. Ashby
  • Patent number: 9623282
    Abstract: A figure trimmer comprises a base, a pedal set, and a rotating assembly. The pedal set comprises a left pedal and a right pedal. The rotating assembly movably connects with the base. The rotating assembly is able to rotate about a shaft of the base. The rotating assembly comprises two ends, in which one end includes a first shaft and the other includes a second shaft. The left pedal can rotate about the first shaft, and the right pedal can rotate about the second shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Dyaco International Inc.
    Inventors: Hung Ta Tung, Hsuan-Fu Huang
  • Patent number: 9623283
    Abstract: An massage device, includes a hollow cylindrical foam roller, two end plates fixable at the opposite ends of the roller, the inner envelope of the roller and the end plates essentially defining a cavity, and each of the end plates further including centrally situated bearing arrangement, two supporting feet each having a first and a second support, the first and the second support of the supporting feet are alignable at the end plates to set the supports at an angle relative to each other, and each of the supporting feet being fixable at the end plates of the roller by a fastening arrangement so that the supporting feet are at least functionally connected to the bearing arrangements of the associated end plates and the roller is rotatably fixed to the supporting feet, and the supporting feet may be stored inside the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: OMAVALMENTAJA KAJAANI OY
    Inventors: Pekka Vallo, Atte Haataja
  • Patent number: 9623284
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for providing coaching, training, or equipment specification information to individual golfers based on data generated during their individual golf swings. Additionally, data hubs are described that provide information and services to individuals based on data collected for a community of multiple golfers. Such community data hub systems and methods may provide one or more of the following: (a) storage of scoring data, swing data, ball flight data, and/or equipment data for multiple golfers; (b) at least some level of individual access to the stored data for the community; and/or (c) electronic interaction between golfers within the community.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Karsten Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Mario A. Lafortune, James A. Niegowski
  • Patent number: 9623285
    Abstract: A barbell level indicator includes a housing shaped to fit adjacent a barbell, one or more magnets positioned within the housing for securing the housing to the barbell, a microprocessor positioned within the housing, an accelerometer secured within the housing for detecting data related to an angle and movement of the barbell, the accelerometer in electrical communication with the microprocessor, an alarm in electrical communication with the microprocessor for emitting a warning signal when an angle of the barbell is greater than a desired limit, and a short-range communications module in electrical communication with the microprocessor for transmitting the data related to an angle and movement of the barbell from the accelerometer to a mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Inventor: Mariano M Ruiz
  • Patent number: 9623286
    Abstract: A stair-climber includes a base, a first inclination unit, a second inclination unit, a step unit, and a sensor. The front end of the first inclination unit is slidably disposed at the base. The second inclination unit is pivotally connected to the rear end of the first inclination unit. The rear end of the second inclination unit is pivotally connected to the base. The inclination angle of the second inclination unit is adjusted by an inclination unit regulator disposed between the first and second inclination units. The step unit is disposed at the second inclination unit and has multiple steps. The steps undergo angle adjustment with a step regulator disposed at the second inclination unit and thus tilt at angles suitable for a tread performed by users ergonomically. The sensor is disposed at the rear end of the second inclination unit to detect whether the users have lost footing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: HEALTHSTREAM TAIWAN INC.
    Inventor: Chun-Ting Chen
  • Patent number: 9623287
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to golf balls and more particularly to golf balls having multi-layered cores comprising a thermoset rubber center, a thermoplastic intermediate core layer, and a thermoset rubber outer core layer. A cover layer is disposed about the multi-layered core. At least one of the center, intermediate core layer, and outer core layer comprises a polyalkenamer rubber. In one preferred embodiment, the center, intermediate core, and outer core layers have positive hardness gradients. The core layers preferably have different specific gravities. The polyalkenamer rubber may be blended with other rubbers such as polybutadiene, polyisoprene, ethylene propylene diene, and styrene-butadiene rubbers. The polyalkenamer rubber composition helps improve resiliency of the core and provides the ball with a comfortable and soft feel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Brian Comeau, Douglas S. Goguen, Robert Blink, David A. Bulpett, Mark L. Binette
  • Patent number: 9623288
    Abstract: A table tennis ball faithfully reproduces the playing characteristics of celluloid table tennis balls without using celluloid, and a thermoplastic resin composition for table tennis balls provides a table tennis ball having an excellent balance of elastic modulus, impact resistance, and density. The table tennis ball is composed of a celluloid-free thermoplastic resin or thermoplastic resin composition having a flexural modulus according to ISO 178 of 1650 MPa or more, a Charpy impact strength according to ISO 179 of 20 kJ/m2 or more, and a density according to ISO 1183 of less than 1.20 g/cm3, has a diameter of 39.0 mm or more, and weighs 2.0 to 3.5 g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignees: Nippon Takkyu Co., Ltd., Toray Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Hidenori Mochizuki, Hitoshi Egawa, Tetsu Sato, Tadakatsu Takasaki, Satoshi Toki
  • Patent number: 9623289
    Abstract: An inflatable game ball and a method of constructing an inflatable game ball is described. Panel segments are formed from an outer panel portion and an inner panel portion having different sizes, with the inner panel portion being smaller than the outer panel portion. The inner panel portion and the outer panel portion are joined so that peripheral edges of the inner panel portion and the outer panel portion are aligned. Multiple panel segments are attached together to form a cover. Due to the differences in sizes between the inner panel portion and the outer panel portion, when an inflatable bladder within an interior of the cover is inflated to a fully inflated condition, variations in the dimensions of the ball caused by stretching of the cover may be reduced or minimized. In one embodiment, an alignment guide can assist with aligning the peripheral edges of the panel portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark McNamee
  • Patent number: 9623290
    Abstract: A club 2 includes a head 4, a shaft 6 and a grip 8. A club length L1 is 45 inches or greater and 48 inches or less. A ratio (Wh/Wc) of a head weight Wh to a club weight Wc is equal to or greater than 0.71. A moment of inertia Ix about an axis of a swing is equal to or less than 6.90×103 (kg·cm2). However, when the club weight is defined as Wc (kg); an axial-directional distance between a grip end and a center of gravity of the club is defined as Lc (cm); and a moment of inertia about the center of gravity of the club is defined as Ic (kg·cm2), the moment of inertia Ix (kg·cm2) is calculated by the following formula (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: DUNLOP SPORTS CO. LTD.
    Inventor: Takashi Nakamura
  • Patent number: 9623291
    Abstract: A golf club head includes a body defining an interior cavity. The body includes a sole positioned at a bottom portion of the golf club head, a crown positioned at a top portion, and a skirt positioned around a periphery between the sole and crown. The body has a forward portion and a rearward portion. The club head includes a face positioned at the forward portion of the body. In some embodiments, the crown includes a lattice-like structure having thin regions surrounded by a web of relatively thicker regions. In some embodiments, the club head includes one or more stiffening tubes attached between the sole and the crown to improve the acoustic performance of the golf club head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Greensmith, Todd P. Beach, Nathan T. Sargent, Kraig Alan Willett, Joshua J. Dipert
  • Patent number: 9623292
    Abstract: A golf club head has a hollow therein and a head volume of not less than 350 cc. The head comprises a head main body and a substantially cup-shaped face member which are united with each other. The face member integrally includes a face portion having a club face for hitting a ball, and a turnback extending backwardly of the head from a peripheral edge of the club face. The inner surface of the face member is provided with a groove extending along the boundary of the turnback with the face portion. The face member is a press-formed part whose turnback is bent by press working.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: DUNLOP SPORTS CO. LTD.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Abe
  • Patent number: 9623293
    Abstract: A golf club head has a hollow therein and a head volume of not less than 100 cc and less than 350 cc. The head comprises a head main body and a substantially cup-shaped face member which are united with each other. The face member integrally includes a face portion having a club face for hitting a ball, and a turnback extending backwardly of the head from a peripheral edge of the club face. The inner surface of the face member is provided with a groove extending along the boundary of the turnback with the face portion. The face member is a press-formed part whose turnback is bent by press working.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: DUNLOP SPORTS CO. LTD.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Abe
  • Patent number: 9623294
    Abstract: A golf club head comprising a means for adjusting the location of the center of gravity is disclosed herein. In particular, the golf club head of the present invention comprises a first channel that includes a rail extending upwards from its floor and a second channel including a groove extending into its floor. The second channel intersects the first channel at a junction, and a slidable weight comprising a contoured body portion, one or more mechanical fasteners, and a clamping structure that engages the rail or the groove when the one or more fasteners are tightened is disposed within at least one of the channels. The slidable weight can be moved into either of the channels without being removed from the golf club head and indexed, thus saving a golfer time during adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Keith L. Kingston, Matthew Myers, Wee Joung Kim
  • Patent number: 9623295
    Abstract: An aerodynamic golf club head with a low center of gravity and producing reduced aerodynamic drag forces. The club head has crown section attributes that impart beneficial aerodynamic properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: TAYLOR MADE GOLF COMPANY, INC
    Inventors: Kraig Alan Willett, Jeffrey J. Albertsen, Michael Scott Burnett