Patents Issued in February 6, 2018
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Patent number: 9884190Abstract: A method for subcutaneously treating pain in a patient includes first providing a neurostimulator with an IPG body and at least a primary integral lead with electrodes disposed thereon. A primary incision is opened to expose the subcutaneous region below the dermis in a selected portion of the body. A pocket is then opened for the IPG through the primary incision and the primary integral lead is inserted through the primary incision and routed subcutaneously to a first desired nerve region along a first desired path. The IPG is disposed in the pocket through the primary incision. The primary incision is then closed and the IPG and the electrodes activated to provide localized stimulation to the desired nerve region and at least one of the nerves associated therewith to achieve a desired pain reduction response from the patient.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2015Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Assignee: Syntilla Medical LLCInventors: Kenneth Lyle Reed, Robert Raymond Bulger, Michael Steven Colvin, Claire Denault
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Patent number: 9884191Abstract: An implantable neurostimulator system is disclosed, the neurostimulator system comprising a hollow cylindrical electronics enclosure having a top, a bottom, and a side; a coil extending from a first part of the electronics enclosure; and at least one electrode operatively connected to the electronics enclosure.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2015Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Assignee: ImThera Medical, Inc.Inventors: Paul M. Meadows, Marcelo G. Lima, Stanley R. Craig
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Patent number: 9884192Abstract: A method of blocking signal transmission through a nerve with reduced onset activity includes applying an HFAC to an axon of a nerve to block the transmission of signals through the axon. The method may also include applying a direct current (DC) to the axon, increasing the amplitude of the DC over time to a predetermined amplitude, applying the HFAC, and then decreasing the DC. The method may also include temporarily reducing the amplitude of the HFAC to permit the transmission of signals through the axon and subsequently increasing the amplitude to block transmission without triggering an onset response. The method may also include temporarily applying an unbalanced charge to the nerve and then balancing the charge over time.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2016Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Assignee: Case Western Reserve UniversityInventors: Kevin L. Kilgore, Niloy Bhadra
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Patent number: 9884193Abstract: The invention relates to an active implantable pacemaker. The device analyzes a ventricular electrogram signal (EGM) and is able to recognize, in a search window, an EA4 component of endocardial acceleration (EA) associated with atrial activity. In the presence of atrioventricular conduction, the search window is determined based on the temporal position of the EA1 and/or EA2 components of the EA signal. In the absence of atrioventricular conduction, a delay is counted from a paced ventricular event and applied to mask the EA1 and/or EA2 components in the EA signal, and the window for research of the EA4 component follows the masking delay. In the presence of a confirmed EA4 component, an atrioventricular delay is applied, counted from the EA4 component, and in the opposite case a predetermined escape interval is applied, counted from the last stimulated ventricular event.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2015Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Assignees: SORIN CRM SAS, UNIVERSITÉ DE BRETAGNE OCCIDENTALE, CENTRE HOSPITALIER RÉGIONAL ET UNIVERSITAIRE DE BRESTInventors: Amel Amblard, Jérôme Dumont, Fabrizio Renesto, Jacques Mansourati
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Patent number: 9884194Abstract: On a channel of an implantable cardiac generator, a cardiac lead is replaced by a vagus nerve stimulation VNS lead. The control circuit controlling the stimulation circuit of this channel of the generator is configured to generate sequences of VNS neurostimulation bursts according to a specific profile, synchronized or not with the heart rate. The control circuit dynamically controls the initial load voltage of the reservoir capacitor so as to adjust to a constant target value the electrical charge delivered to the nerve by each stimulating pulse, from a pulse to the next one and from a burst to the next one. This improves the consistency of the physiological effects of neurostimulation despite significant variations that may occur in impedance at the electrode/vagus nerve interface.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2015Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Assignee: SORIN CRM SASInventors: Thierry Legay, Hervé Blumstein, Guillaume Chatalic, Christine Henry
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Patent number: 9884195Abstract: The present invention relates a system that can configure a stimulus for functional electrical stimulation (“FES”) to maintain a constant muscle force while delaying the onset of muscle fatigue and a related method of use. The stimulus can be delivered to a nerve via a set of multiple electrode contacts according to a stimulation parameter that maximizes a joint moment associated with the stimulus and minimizes the overlap between pairs of contacts. The joint moment can be related to the muscle force, and the overlap can be related to the onset of muscle fatigue.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2016Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Assignee: Case Western Reserve UniversityInventors: Lee Fisher, Ronald Triolo, Dustin J. Tyler
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Patent number: 9884196Abstract: An external control device for use with a neurostimulator coupled to a plurality of electrodes capable of conveying electrical stimulation energy into tissue in which the electrodes are implanted. The external control device comprises a user interface configured for receiving direct input from a user specifying a target value for a target electrode. The user interface includes a display screen configured for displaying graphical representations of the electrodes. The user interface comprises a controller/processor configured for, in response to the direct user input, assigning a new stimulation amplitude value to the target electrode, and output circuitry configured for transmitting the new stimulation amplitude value to the neurostimulator.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2013Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation CorporationInventors: Prakash Rao, Anita Yip, Sridhar Kothandaraman
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Patent number: 9884197Abstract: A device, including an implantable electronic circuit integrated at least one of in or on a substrate, wherein the device includes a hermetic enclosure having a space therein, wherein the substrate forms at least a portion of the hermetic enclosure.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2014Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Inventors: Torsten Lehmann, Gregg Jørgen Suaning, Tony Mikael Nygard, Thomas Guenther, William Lim, Kushal Das
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Patent number: 9884198Abstract: Systems and methods for extending the life of an implanted pulse generator battery are disclosed. A representative method for establishing charge parameters for a battery-powered implantable medical device includes receiving a patient-specific therapy signal parameter and, based at least in part on the patient-specific therapy signal parameter, determining a discharge rate for a battery of the implanted medical device. The method can further include determining a therapy run time, based at least in part on the discharge rate. The method can still further include determining at least one battery charging parameter, based at least in part on the run time.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2015Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Assignee: Nevro Corp.Inventor: Jon Parker
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Patent number: 9884199Abstract: A method and apparatus for treatment of chronic kidney disease (CKD), particular diabetic nephropathy, are disclosed. The method comprises activation of adenosine A2a receptors in parenchymal and immune cells infiltrated into kidneys. The activation is performed by PEMF (pulsed electromagnetic field) stimulation applied locally to kidneys. Adenosine A2a signaling pathway is a potent anti-inflammatory and immuno-suppressive regulator that has been proven to attenuate inflammation and injury in diabetic nephropathy. Efficient activation of A2a receptors is achieved by applying electromagnetic field stimulation consecutively in 3 spatial dimensions. This allows attaining a significant increase in activation of A2a receptors in comparison with one-dimensional stimulation. Assistant thermal stimulation may be applied to increase expression of heat shock proteins (HSPs) in parenchymal cells.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2015Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Assignee: Minnesota Medical Physics LLCInventors: Victor Ivan Chornenky, Ali Jaafar
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Patent number: 9884200Abstract: A method and device provide simple positioning of a TMS coil relative to a coordinate system of the patient's head while allowing flexible positioning of the patient's head. The system includes a mobile console on a wheeled base that integrates various subsystems and supports a mast that, in turn, supports a coil gantry that supports a TMS coil assembly. The coil gantry includes a balance arm with a counterbalance and a halo assembly that connects to the coil. The coil gantry supports the weight of the coil and allows free movement of the coil in all dimensions for easy placement on the patient's head. A head support and coil alignment aligns the patient's head and holds the head in place relative to the coil during TMS treatment.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2008Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Assignee: NEURONETICS, INC.Inventors: Ravi Pillutla, Vincent A. Juliana, Mark E. Riehl
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Patent number: 9884201Abstract: An apparatus for determining a thermal property of tissue includes a base unit with one or more energy source and at least two, preferably detachable, leads. The distal end of each lead, which is introduced into the tissue to be treated, has at least two longitudinally spaced temperature measuring elements to measure surrounding tissue temperature and at least two longitudinally spaced electrode surfaces for applying current to the tissue. Each distal end is also provided with an element which uses energy emitted by the sources of energy to heat up the surrounding tissue. The base unit has computing elements, current generating elements for generating an alternating current, and conductance determining elements for determining the tissue conductance between pairs of electrode surfaces based on the alternating current applied by the current generating elements to the tissue. Methods for using the device and leads for use in the device are also described.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2012Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Assignee: Clinical Laserthermia Systems ABInventors: Pär H. Henriksson, Karl-Göran Tranberg
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Patent number: 9884202Abstract: A device (10) for light based skin treatment is provided. The device (10) comprises a light source (18) for providing an incident light beam (21) for treating a skin (30), optical elements for focusing the incident light beam (21) in a focal point (22) inside the skin (30), and a skin interface element (11) for, during use of the device (10), providing optical coupling of the incident light beam (21) from the device (10) into the skin (30). The skin interface element (11) comprises a transparent exit window (12) for allowing the incident light beam (21) to leave the device (10), on top of the exit window (12), a transparent mixture (13) of a polar substance and an apolar substance, and on top of the transparent mixture (13), a transparent foil (14), the transparent foil (14) being more hydrophobic than the exit window (12).Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2013Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.Inventors: Babu Varghese, Rieko Verhagen
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Patent number: 9884203Abstract: A device having medical and veterinary applications of light to antimicrobial and antineoplastic chemicals includes a solution retainer adapted to retain a therapeutic solution against a user, the therapeutic solution including an antimicrobial chemical, an antineoplastic chemical, or both; a fiber optic cable; a light termination on the fiber optic cable that provides light from the fiber optic cable to the therapeutic solution in the solution retainer; and a light source that provides a light of a predetermined wavelength to the fiber optic cable; wherein the light provides a synergistic effect in the therapeutic solution that inhibits microbial or neoplastic growth.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2017Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Assignee: DABNEY PATENTS, L.L.C.Inventor: Paul Dabney
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Patent number: 9884204Abstract: A device that reduces subcutaneous adipose tissue using a matrix of LEDs to heat and destroy fat cells. The surface facing the patient's skin may be a plate of thermally conductive material such as copper or aluminum, with apertures for the LEDs. Fat reduction may be optimized using infrared LEDs with peak spectral power in the range of 920 nm to 950 nm. The device may include multiple light emitting sections connected with flexible couplings so that the device can conform to curved body shapes; treatment surfaces of individual sections may also be curved. Sections may include cooling mechanisms to cool both the LEDs and the plate facing the patient's skin, such as thermoelectric cooling elements and air or water circulation. A user interface may provide monitoring and control of treatment parameters. The device may incorporate ultraviolet LEDs to facilitate removal of an adhesive attaching the device to the patient.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2016Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Inventors: Casper Dolleris, Jan K. Enemaerke, Edward Victor Ross
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Patent number: 9884205Abstract: Brachytherapy seed insertion and fixation devices and systems to decrease implanted brachytherapy seed migration within tissue and minimize trauma. Component(s) with cavity or opening features are attached to a brachytherapy seed or series of seeds. The cavity or opening features interact with the patient's tissue to fix the seed and component assembly in place and inhibit movement/migration of the seed(s). The cavity or opening features may optionally be filled with an adhesive or other beneficial material. The seed(s) or seed and component assembly may be inserted using a delivery device having a needle through which the seed(s) or assembly are implanted and a stylet extending through the needle to cut tissue and facilitate insertion of the needle. The stylet has a reduced diameter cutting tip to cut a narrow hole in tissue, and a tapered region that stretches the narrow hole to accommodate insertion of the larger diameter needle.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2014Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Assignee: C. R. Bard, Inc.Inventors: John Spittle, Michael W. Drobnik, Christopher D. Drobnik, Mike Krachon
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Patent number: 9884206Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein include methods for performing intensity-modulated radiation therapy on a subject using a plurality of pencil beams. The methods can include generating a treatment plan for intensity-modulated radiation therapy that satisfies dose constraints for each of a plurality of sub-volumes. The treatment plan can be generated using a superiorization technique that reduces total variation in dose space. Additional dose-volume constraints that permit a fraction of treatment doses to violate a prescription by up to a defined percentage of intensity can be used to assist in determining the treatment plan.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2016Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Assignees: Loma Linda University Medical Center, Carmel-HAIFA University Economic Corporation Ltd.Inventors: Reinhard W. Schulte, Yair Censor
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Patent number: 9884207Abstract: A detector for measuring scanning ion beams in radiation therapy sequentially includes a first high voltage electrode, a first spacing member, and a segmented electrode. The first spacing member is connected to the first high voltage electrode and the segmented electrode to form a first ionization cavity. The first ionization cavity is formed with a plurality of first reading electrodes and a plurality of second reading electrodes therein. A second spacing member and a second high voltage electrode are further sequentially disposed. The second spacing member is connected to the second high voltage electrode and the segmented electrode to form a second ionization cavity. The first reading electrodes and the second reading electrodes are respectively formed in the first ionization cavity and the second ionization cavity. With the first reading electrodes and the second reading electrodes in different directions, highly accurate space resolution, space dosage and scanning speed are achieved.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2017Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Assignees: Academia Sinica, National Central UniversityInventors: Chih-Hsun Lin, Ping-Kun Teng, Augustine Ei-Fong Chen
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Patent number: 9884208Abstract: An apparatus for position-detection of an object within a region is disclosed. The apparatus includes first and second target elements mounted on an object and having a known separation distance between the two. A scanning light source is configured to issue a beam of light along a substantially one-dimensional scanning path, which illuminates a point that moves over the first and second target elements. A detector is provided for detecting light reflected from, or received by, the first and second target elements. A processing system is configured to determine the position of the object within the region based on first and second points in the scanning path at which the detector detects light returned from, or received by, the first and second target elements and the known separation distance between the two reflective elements.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2013Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Assignee: REFLEX IMAGING LIMITEDInventor: Malcolm Humphrey
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Patent number: 9884209Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a rope grab comprising a body, and a cover member pivotally coupled to the body. The rope grab also comprises a cam pivotally coupled to the body for grabbing a rope or other lifeline. The rope is grabbed or engaged within a recess defined by the body. The rope grab is designed to provide fall protection, work positioning, and a moveable and temporary anchor point on the lifeline.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2014Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventor: Han Young Hwang
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Patent number: 9884210Abstract: The invention relates to an aircraft passenger emergency oxygen supply device comprising an oxygen mask having a mask body with a first opening for covering mouth and/or nose of the passenger, a second opening connecting said first opening with a source of oxygen, a passenger service unit, a connecting line fixed to the oxygen mask body at one end and having a coupling at the other end for coupling said line to the passenger service unit wherein a chemical reaction component is comprised in the oxygen mask.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2013Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Assignee: Zodiac AerotechnicsInventors: Wolfgang Rittner, Rüdiger Meckes, Günter Boomgaarden, Marco Hollm
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Patent number: 9884211Abstract: A fall arrest device comprises a guide (3) for a track member (7) which, in use, passes through the device, a cam member (9) including a cam portion, and a clutch (21) responsive to at least one of the relative speed and relative acceleration of the fall arrest device and the track member. The clutch serves to determine when the relative speed and/or acceleration is at least a predetermined value. The clutch includes a trigger arm (19) connecting to the cam member so as to move the cam portion of the cam member toward the guide so as to lock the track member between the cam member and the guide when at least the predetermined value is attained.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2014Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Assignee: CAPITAL SAFETY GROUP (NORTHERN EUROPE) LIMITEDInventors: Robert Hirst, Steven Eltringham
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Patent number: 9884212Abstract: A fire suppression system for anechoic chambers with multiple non-retractable tubes fixed on the ceiling of the chamber, with each tube connected to a pneumatic valve. Each valve is controlled by a compressed air supply that reacts to the presence of fire in the chamber. Once fire is detected in the chamber, the valves vent the compressed air to permit fire retardant fluid to pass through the fixed tubes into the chamber. The tubes and the valves do not interfere with the functions of the chamber and provide immediate fire suppression.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2016Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Inventor: Dan Swift
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Patent number: 9884213Abstract: A storage system includes a storage tank adapted to store a fluid therein, a flame arrestor being positioned downstream from the storage tank, a thermal valve being positioned downstream from the flame arrestor, and a flare stack being positioned downstream from and in fluid communication with the thermal valve. An outlet port of the storage tank is in fluid communication with an inlet port of the flame arrestor, and an outlet port of the flame arrestor is in fluid communication with an inlet port of the thermal valve. A flow path is formed between the storage tank and the flare stack via the flame arrestor and the thermal valve. The thermal valve has a cross-sectional area along a direction of the flow path which is substantially vacant of physical detonation-inducing obstructions.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2016Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Assignee: Emerson Process Management Regulator Technologies Tulsa, LLCInventors: Peter F. Barry, John D. Cockerham, Matthew A. Farris, Samuel S. Garman
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Patent number: 9884214Abstract: The hose winding device has an open rectangular parallelepiped skeleton frame made of tubular members. The upper cross members at opposite ends of the frame include a lower wringer roller mounted on a shaft fixed to opposite sides of the frame and an upper wringer roller spaced above the lower wringer roller. The wringer rollers compress and flatten the fire hose as it is cranked through the wringer rollers, thereby removing any water left inside the hose. A pair of spaced apart, vertical guide rollers are mounted closely behind the wringer rollers, the four rollers being configured similar to a winch's roller fairlead, permitting the hose to be smoothly wound on the device without first straightening the hose. A hand crank is removably mounted to opposite sides of the frame halfway between opposite ends of the frame. The crank has a hose coupler retainer extending parallel to the crank's axle.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2017Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Inventor: Naieef F. N. M. D. Al-Mutairi
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Patent number: 9884215Abstract: A fire suppression system may comprise a shape memory actuation system. The shape memory actuation system may be configured as a retainer that retains a plug and/or a disk. The shape memory actuation system may be a shape memory plug that is configured to discharge from a vessel exhaust port. The shape memory actuation system may be deployable in response to an electrical stimulus (e.g., resistive heating causing the shape memory alloy to have a temperature exceeding a transition temperature).Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2016Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Assignee: KIDDE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Adam Chattaway, Harlan Hagge
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Patent number: 9884216Abstract: A fire protection sprinkler system includes a water source, a sprinkler, a piping network interconnecting the water source and the sprinkler, and an automatic gas vent coupled to the piping network and configured to discharge gas from the system. The automatic gas vent includes a sensor configured to sense a presence or absence of a liquid and an electrically operated valve. The automatic gas vent is configured to open the electrically operated valve in response to the sensor sensing the absence of a liquid and close the electrically operated valve in response to the sensor sensing the presence of a liquid. Automatic gas vent assemblies and methods of venting and discharging gas from fire protection sprinkler systems are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2014Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Assignee: ENGINEERED CORROSION SOLUTIONS, LLCInventors: Jeffrey T. Kochelek, Adam H. Hilton, Lucas E. Kirn, Matthew J. Kochelek
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Patent number: 9884217Abstract: An improved jump rope handle and method of assembling the same. The jump rope handle includes a head. The head includes a channel, a set hole perpendicular to the channel, and a set mechanism adjustably insertable into the set hole. The jump rope handle further includes a grip. The grip includes a cylindrical member, first and second bearings arranged along the cylindrical member, an inner bushing arranged along the cylindrical member between the first and second bearings, and a sleeve around said inner bushing, said bushing being fixedly attached to an inner surface of the grip. An end portion of the cylindrical member is fixedly attached to the head whereby the cylindrical member and the head rotate together about a same axis. The channel of the head is configured to receive a rope. The set mechanism is configured to be inserted into the set hole to secure the rope.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2012Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Assignee: Coulter Ventures, LLCInventors: William Henniger, Dylan Jones
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Patent number: 9884218Abstract: A jump rope includes an elongated flexible member (e.g., a rope) that extends between two handle arrangements. The elongated flexible member can be stored within the handle arrangements. For example, each handle arrangement can hold a spool on which a portion of the flexible member can be wound. The portions of the flexible member can be automatically retracted within the handles.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2015Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Assignee: THE PROPHET CORPORATIONInventors: Alison Marie Harguth, Jason J. Ness, Caleb Summers
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Patent number: 9884219Abstract: An exercise apparatus comprises an elongate support member extending along a length between first and second ends. The rigid member has a passage extending therethrough between the first and second ends. The apparatus further comprises a handle extending between first and second handle ends, the handle having connectors proximate to each of the first and second ends and a grip section therebetween and at least one elongate flexible member extending through the passage of the support member and having end connectors on each end thereof, the at least end connectors being connectable to one of the connectors of the handle.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2016Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Inventor: Roman Bertolutti
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Patent number: 9884220Abstract: A portable exercise apparatus having a base, at least two handle assemblies, and a cable wrapped between at least one flywheel within the base, wherein the cable is attached to a handle assembly and is affixed to a spring mechanism configured to provide resistance against the pulling of the handle assemblies. The load provided by the spring mechanism can be adjusted to accommodate more or less resistance for the user. The exercise apparatus is compact and can be used in a standing or sitting position.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2014Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Inventors: Kareen Smith, Seyi Ajirotutu, Andrei Carnes, Bobby S. Lepori, Ryan Matthews
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Patent number: 9884221Abstract: An exercise bench that allows elderly, obese, and physically challenged individuals to participate in the same exercise regimens as younger, more agile athletes is provided. The exercise bench of the current invention comprises cushioned side supports that stabilize the individual during reclining and during exercise. Due to the nature of the exercises performed in the prone position, an exercise bench is generally narrow in order to allow freedom of movement for the Individual's arms. The narrow bench can provide stability challenges for elderly and obese individuals which the side support cushions address by providing the required stability without interfering with the individual's range of arm motion for exercising. The present invention also includes mechanical means to assist the user in reclining to a prone position, and returning to an upright sitting position.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2016Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Assignee: HEALTHY U PERSONAL TRAINING, INC.Inventor: William Charles McJames, II
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Patent number: 9884222Abstract: A multifunctional treadmill is provided with a platform on the running deck. A reception cavity is formed on a top of the platform, the reception cavity has a sensor and an operating board tiltably mounted on one side of the reception cavity. When the operating board is released for the reception cavity, the treadmill is in a standard speed mode. When the user wants to exercise and work or do other activities at the same time, the user can store the operating board into the reception cavity so that the operating board and a top surface of the platform become a workbench. Simultaneously, the sensor is triggered and the treadmill changes to a low speed mode. Thus, the safety may be improved by forcefully restricting the speed of the running deck.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2016Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Assignee: JIH KAO ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.Inventor: Hung-Tu Chen
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Patent number: 9884223Abstract: An exercise equipment with an improved connecting bar connecting an exercise foot retaining device to a resistance, wherein a first longitudinal pedal bar is connected to a first bent longitudinal pedal connector bar and a second longitudinal pedal bar is connected to a second bent longitudinal pedal connector bar, the first and second bent longitudinal pedal connector bars each having a bent angle greater than zero and less than ninety degrees to thereby prevent an occurrence of a dead angle.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2017Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Assignee: Hupa International Inc.Inventor: Bob Hsiung
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Patent number: 9884224Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for enabling an operator to exercise comprising a frame having a body, a base and a top. A load is positioned on the frame for providing a resistive force. A press is positioned on the frame for displacement by the operator. A linkage joins the load with the press for displacing the load upon displacement of the press by the operator. An arm extends between a support end and a user end. A support pivot secures the support end of the arm to the top of the frame for pivoting the arm about the frame. A user interlace inputs and outputs data. A user pivot securing the user interface to the user end of the arm for pivoting the user interface about the arm.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2017Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Inventor: Michael G. Lannon
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Patent number: 9884225Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a material for obtaining a golf ball having excellent shot feeling and flight distance. The present invention provides a golf ball resin composition having a ratio (flexural elastic modulus/slab hardness) of a flexural elastic modulus (MPa) to a slab hardness (Shore D hardness) in a range from 3 to 5, and containing, as a resin component, (A) a polyamide resin, (B) at least one selected from the group consisting of (b-1) a binary copolymer, (b-2) a metal ion-neutralized product of a binary copolymer, (b-3) a ternary copolymer and (b-4) a metal ion-neutralized product of a ternary copolymer, and (C) a thermoplastic elastomer.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2016Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Assignee: DUNLOP SPORTS CO. LTD.Inventors: Hidetaka Inoue, Toshiyuki Tarao, Mami Tanaka
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Patent number: 9884226Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball excellent in hitting durability. The present invention provides a golf ball comprising a spherical core and at least one cover layer covering the spherical core, wherein at least a part of the spherical core is formed from a rubber composition containing (a) a base rubber, (b) a co-crosslinking agent, (c) a crosslinking initiator, and (x) an olefin-alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymer, and a content of (x) the olefin-alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymer in the rubber composition ranges from 0.5 part by mass to 7.0 parts by mass with respect to 100 parts by mass of (a) the base rubber.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2015Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Assignee: DUNLOP SPORTS CO. LTD.Inventors: Satoko Okabe, Masatoshi Yokota
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Patent number: 9884227Abstract: A sport ball may include a casing that forms an exterior surface of the sport ball. The casing may incorporate a plurality of joined panels, including a closure panel. In addition, the ball may include a backing layer located radially inward of the closure panel, the backing layer extending beyond a peripheral boundary of the closure panel and at least partially overlapping with one or more panels adjacent to the closure panel. The backing layer may also include an opening located radially inward of the closure panel, the opening being smaller than the surface area of the closure panel. Also, the ball may include a bladder located radially inward of the backing layer, the bladder including a valve for introducing fluid into the ball, the valve extending through the opening and through the closure panel.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2015Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Scott R. Berggren, Scott W. Johnson, Vincent F. White
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Patent number: 9884228Abstract: A device is provided for stringing a racket having a racket frame with holes in the racket frame. The device includes a frame and a cradle rotationally coupled to the frame and configured to mechanically secure the racket via the racket frame. The device also includes multiple elements coupled to at least one of the frame and cradle, including a grasping element configured to engage a string and modify the position and/or tension of the string, a clamp configured to engage the string and maintain the position and tension of the string, an imagining device, and a processor, the processor capable of receiving information from the imaging device indicative of a racket position, hole position, and/or string position, and providing instructions for operating the grasping element, clamp, and/or cradle.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2015Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Inventor: Chethan Yadav
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Patent number: 9884229Abstract: The present invention provides, as a material for a golf club face of a driver, an iron or the like, a titanium alloy which satisfies the regulation for a coefficient of restitution, and has high Young's modulus and tensile strength and also has excellent hot and cold workability. The titanium alloy for a golf club face according to the present invention comprises, in percent by mass, 1.0 to 3.5% of Al, 0.5 to 1.4% of Fe, 0.2 to 0.5% or O and 0.002 to 0.030% of N, and the balance of Ti with inevitable impurities, wherein an ?-phase is strengthened by combined addition of O and Al, and inexpensive Fe is selected as a ?-phase stabilizing element, leading to high strength and high Young's modulus in combination. The content of Al causing deterioration of hot workability is limited to a low value, leading to low rolling load during hot rolling, and thus flaws and edge cracking are unlikely to occur during hot rolling.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2012Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Assignee: NIPPON STEEL & SUMITOMO METAL CORPORATIONInventors: Akira Kawakami, Hideki Fujii
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Patent number: 9884230Abstract: Golf clubs and golf club heads, such as iron heads, may include an iron body and a ball striking plate engaged with the iron body. The ball striking plate may include a face layer and a backing layer. The face layer of the ball striking plate may be formed of a metal material, while the backing layer may be formed of a polymeric material. The backing layer isolates the face layer from the iron body. In some arrangements, the backing layer of the insert may be visible at the top, the bottom, the side and/or the front surfaces of the iron head. Methods for making such iron devices are also described.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2015Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Assignee: Karsten Manufacturing CorporationInventor: Jeremy N. Snyder
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Patent number: 9884231Abstract: An iron type golf club head comprising a blade portion located near a terminal end of said iron type golf club head forming a cavity near a bottom sole portion of said blade portion; a hosel portion located near a proximal end of said iron type golf club head; wherein said first material has a yield strength greater than about 570 MPa; wherein said second material has a yield strength less than about 570 MPa.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2015Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Jonathan Hebreo, Uday V. Deshmukh, Marni Ines
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Patent number: 9884232Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 10, 2017Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Assignee: SRI SPORTS LIMITEDInventors: Christopher J Beck, Casey Casburn, John J Rae, Aram Salehi
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Patent number: 9884233Abstract: Golf club heads having sensors configured to measure one or more swing parameters are provided. The golf club head may include several gyroscopes and accelerometers. In one embodiment, the club head contains three gyroscopes that measure angular rate data along different orthogonal axes. At least one gyroscope may an analog gyroscope. Accelerometers may provide data regarding the three orthogonal axes associated with the gyroscopes. The club head may further include software and/or hardware that perform computer-executed methods for determining one or more swing parameters. Exemplary club heads may include a display device for displaying an output of the swing parameter(s). Further aspects of the invention relate to novel methods and algorithms for calculating measurements relating to the swing parameters.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2016Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Assignee: Karsten Manufacturing CorporationInventors: John T. Stites, Jeremy N. Snyder, James S. Thomas, Daniel J. Simpson, Daniel A. Roberts, Jeffrey A. Hadden, Bradley C. Glenn, Douglas A. Thornton
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Patent number: 9884234Abstract: An aerodynamic golf club has a club head connected to an elongated shaft. The club head has a central section and contiguous thereto, a separated pair of flanking sections on opposite sides of the central section. The central section has a striking face in front and a rear surface in back. The pair of flanking sections each has a leading face in front and a trailing surface in back. The leading face of each of the flanking sections has a plurality of inlets. The trailing surface of each of the flanking sections has a plurality of outlets. Each of the flanking sections has a plurality of distinct channels. Each of the channels runs from a corresponding one of the plurality of inlets to an associated one of the plurality of outlets. The central section has an exposed top surface and an exposed bottom surface. Each of the top surface and the bottom surface extends up to the pair of flanking sections. The central section is impervious between its top surface and its bottom surface to internal airflow.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2016Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Inventor: Alan Fischer
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Patent number: 9884235Abstract: A sport game which utilizes a plurality of play articles, at least three stations cum goals or targets, a playground, a game controller device and a display device is disclosed. The game is played by individual participant or participants wherein the rules of the game maintain a familiarity with an ancient puzzle game and is based on a mathematical formula of logarithmic scale where the play articles are moved around the stations by play participants to accrue points or goals and where the devices are incorporated with identification, tracking, data transmission, data processing, determination and data display capabilities to monitor and manage the game. The game provides physical, skill and cerebral challenges and is applicable to a plurality of normal sports wherein goal or target shooting is primal; the game can be played indoors or outdoors, for fun, exercise, training of sport skills, light or serious competition.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2016Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Inventor: Aung Min
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Patent number: 9884236Abstract: A removable paddle attachment assembly is provided. The attachment assembly may include a attachment bracket terminating at opposing saddles, a handle saddle for engaging a first portion of a watercraft paddle and an activity saddle for engaging an activity device, whereby the activity device is removably yet rigidly secured to the watercraft paddle so that the activity device may be employed for game-playing and/or exercise-training purposes, while not impairing the performance and functionality of the watercraft paddle. The attachment bracket provides at least one attachment strap cleat so that a attachment strap may be stretched from one lateral surface of the attachment bracket to an opposing lateral surface thereof, thereby securely sandwiching the first and a second portion of the watercraft paddle against the handle saddle.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2015Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Inventors: Steven Douglas Gurney, John Wesley Gurney
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Patent number: 9884237Abstract: A bicycle trainer includes a base frame including a first pivot connection part, a damper unit mounted at the base frame, a support frame including a locating portion and a second pivot connection part, which is pivotally connected to the first pivot connection part of the base frame for enabling the support frame to be biased relative to the base frame in direction away from or toward the damper unit such that when the support frame is held in an inclined position relative to the base frame, the locating portion and the damper unit can hold a wheel of a bicycle in place, and a non-return unit mounted at the base frame or support frame and adapted to prohibit the support frame from being biased in direction away from the base frame. The invention enables the support frame to be constrained by the non-return unit.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2014Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Assignee: Giant Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Chih-Kai Wang, Wen-Hai Lo
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Patent number: 9884238Abstract: A rotating force sensing kickboxing apparatus is disclosed. An example apparatus includes a support member including a first connector located at a bottom portion of the support member and a body. The apparatus also includes a sensor attached to the body, the sensor configured to detect an object striking a portion of an exterior side of the body. The apparatus further includes a stand including a circular recessed channel and a second connector secured within the circular recessed channel and configured to connect to the first connector. The second connector is configured to rotate within the circular recessed channel. The connection of the first connector to the second connector enables the body and the support member to be rotatable with respect to the stand.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2015Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Assignee: Medal Sports (Taiwan) CorporationInventor: Kevin Chunhao Tsai
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Patent number: 9884239Abstract: An exercise weight support device includes a retractable belt with an upper end for attachment to a ceiling or other overhanging support structure to enable suspension therefrom of the exercise weight support device, a cradle and/or one or more hooks to enable the weight support device to be used to suspend a free weight from the ceiling or other overhanging support structure, a retracting reel mechanism attached to the lower end of the belt to selectively retract or pay out the belt to selectively enable vertical movement of the free weight to a desired height, and a trigger handle co-located with the retracting reel mechanism and operable to selectively disallow lowering of the free weight when the trigger handle is not continuously operated by a lifter performing a lifting exercise.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2016Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Inventors: John Gordon Kay, Thomas John Slomka, David Gilchrist Kay, John Emerson Pine