Patents Issued in April 17, 2018
  • Patent number: 9943693
    Abstract: A medical device for stimulating the heart using biventricular stimulation. The device includes a sensor for detecting an endocardial acceleration parameter and a processing circuit configured to receive the endocardial acceleration parameter. The device further includes stimulation electronics coupled to the processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to use the EA parameter to evaluate the biventricular stimulation. The evaluation includes comparing the value of the EA parameter in biventricular mode to the value of the EA parameter in left only mode or right only mode, and using the comparison and an assessment of the variability of the EA parameter as a function of the AVD in the left or right mode to distinguish between cases comprising: (a) normal operation, (b) a loss of RV or LV capture, (c) possible anodal stimulation. The processing circuit is further configured to conduct at least one update to operational parameters of the device based on the determined case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Sorin CRM SAS
    Inventors: Filippo Ziglio, Fabrizio Renesto
  • Patent number: 9943694
    Abstract: Tissue stimulation systems generally include a pulse generating device for generating electrical stimulation pulses, at least one implanted electrode for delivering the electrical stimulation pulses generated by the pulse generating device, and a programmer capable of communicating with the pulse generating device. Stimulation pulses may be defined by several parameters, such as pulse width and amplitude. In methods of stimulating the tissue with the stimulation system, a user may adjust one of the parameters such as pulse width. The programmer may automatically adjust the pulse amplitude in response to the change in pulse width in order to maintain a substantially constant effect of the stimulation pulses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation
    Inventors: James R. Thacker, Harold Haut, Robert Nathan, David K. L. Peterson, Kerry Bradley
  • Patent number: 9943695
    Abstract: A medical device lead connector includes two or more electrically conducting contact rings spaced apart by electrically insulating glass material. The electrically insulating glass material fixes the two or more electrically conducting contact rings in axial alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC, INC
    Inventors: John E. Kast, Darren A. Janzig, Chris J. Paidosh, Andrew J. Thom, Brad C. Tischendorf, Gerald G. Lindner
  • Patent number: 9943696
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for supplying an electrical energy-converting implant with electrical energy, wherein an electrical voltage source is provided, wherein electrical voltage is generated by the linear movement of a piston of a free-piston generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Helmut Schmid, Wilhelm Eckl
  • Patent number: 9943697
    Abstract: This application includes systems and techniques relating to wirelessly rechargeable medical apparatus, such as a wirelessly powered medical system including: a wireless power transmitter; and a medical apparatus including a wireless energy harvesting device configured to receive at least one type of wireless power from the wireless power transmitter and be mounted on an exterior surface of a human body, a medical device configured to be implanted in the human body, and one or more electrical conduits configured to couple the wireless energy harvesting device on the exterior surface of the human body with the medical device implanted in the human body, wherein the one or more electrical conduits provide harvested electric power from the wireless energy harvesting device to the medical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: WiTricity Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Sasha John
  • Patent number: 9943698
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a method includes determining a target frequency corresponding to a target brain state and stimulating a brain of a user using feedback to attempt to achieve the target brain state in the user. The stimulating step may include measuring an electrical output of the brain of the user received from one or more sensors coupled to the user, determining a current frequency associated with the brain of the user based on the measured electrical output, and determining a difference between the current frequency and the target frequency. When the difference between the current frequency and the target frequency is greater than a predetermined amount, the method includes sending a signal to the brain of the user through one or more pathways. The signal may have a frequency operable to modify the current frequency associated with the brain of the user towards the target frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Charles J. Chase, Gerold Yonas
  • Patent number: 9943699
    Abstract: A reconfigurable magnetic therapy apparatus is formed by multiple magnetic magnetic components which are maintained in a stable planar array by either mutual magnetic attraction or mechanical fixtures which may include a ferromagnetic backing plate to which the elements are magnetically attached. The array can be separated and reconfigured by the user to provide different magnetic patterns that favor either high surface strength, or deep penetration, or multiple smaller sub arrays to treat multiple sites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Inventor: James J. Souder
  • Patent number: 9943700
    Abstract: A light therapy device is taught including a light emitting assembly having light emitting diodes (LEDs) as a light source. The light emitting assembly capable of generating 2,500 lux to 7,500 lux at 12 inches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: The Litebook Company Ltd.
    Inventors: Larry V. Pederson, Clayton G. Coffey, Henry Hudema
  • Patent number: 9943702
    Abstract: A therapy planning system (18) and method generate an optimal treatment plan. A plurality of objectives are automatically formulated (154) based on a plurality of clinical goals including dose profiles and priorities. The dose profiles and the priorities correspond to a plurality of structures including a plurality of target and/or critical structures identified within a planning image. Further, a plurality of treatment plan parameters are optimized (156) based on the plurality of objectives to generate a treatment plan. The plurality of objectives are reformulated (162) and the plurality of treatment plan parameters are reoptimized (156) based on the reformulated plurality of objectives to generate a reoptimized treatment plan. The optimizing (156) is repeated based on the reformulated plurality of objectives to generate a reformulated treatment plan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignees: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V., BOARD OF REGENTS, THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SYSTEM
    Inventors: Prashant Kumar, Karl Antonin Bzdusek, Vaitheeswaran Ranganathan, Matthew Palmer, Michael Kantor
  • Patent number: 9943703
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for irradiation therapy using voxel based function measurements of organs-at-risk (OAR). The method includes determining size and location of each voxel of a plurality of voxels in a reference frame of a radiation device. The method further includes obtaining measurements that relate to utility of tissue type at each voxel. The method further includes determining a subset of the voxels that enclose an organ-at-risk (OAR) volume. The method further includes determining a value of a utility measure ƒj at each voxel of the subset based on a corresponding value of the measurements. The method further includes determining a series of beam shapes and intensities which minimize a value of an objective function that is based on a computed dose delivered to an OAR voxel multiplied by the utility measure ƒj for that voxel summed over all voxels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, BALTIMORE
    Inventors: Hao H. Zhang, Warren D. D'Souza, Nilesh N. Mistry, Hamid R. Ghaffari
  • Patent number: 9943704
    Abstract: Method and system fiducials contained in removable a device for use in guided radiation therapy treatment. One embodiment includes an active marker configured to be pre-loaded into a catheter for removeably implanting in the tissue of a patient. Another embodiment of the implantable device includes a stability element coupled to the marker and further coupled to an explant line. In some embodiments, the stability element is configured to hold the marker at a fixed location within the catheter (e.g., known location) with respect to a target in the tissue. In other embodiments, the explant line has a first portion coupled to the marker and/or the stability element and a second portion configured to be at least proximate to the dermis of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy P. Mate, Tricia V. Zeller, Steven C. Dimmer, Fergus Quigley
  • Patent number: 9943705
    Abstract: A method includes determining a first estimate of leaf positions for a plurality of leaves of a multi-leaf collimator (MLC) in a reference coordinate space based on an image generated by an image-based aperture verification system, wherein the leaf positions for the plurality of leaves define an aperture for the MLC. The method further includes determining a second estimate of the leaf positions for the plurality of leaves in the reference coordinate space based on data from an additional source. The method further includes verifying the leaf positions for the plurality of leaves based on comparing the first estimate to the second estimate, wherein the leaf positions are verified if the first estimate deviates from the second estimate by less than a threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: ACCURAY INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Jonathan Cecil Chappelow, Petr Jordan, Calvin Maurer, Sarbjit Singh, Andrew W. Fitting, Andriy Myronenko, Jian Gao
  • Patent number: 9943706
    Abstract: A radiation target is provided. The radiation target includes an implant, which includes a marker comprising a channel defined therethrough from one end of the marker to an opposite end of the marker. The implant further comprises a single non-looping suture thread disposed within the channel and a coating applied to both the single non-looping suture thread and to the marker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: SURGICAL RADIATION PRODUCTS, LLC
    Inventors: John D. Corbitt, Jr., Lori Anthony, Kishore Kumar Dass, Jay Sussman
  • Patent number: 9943707
    Abstract: Tracking a target structure contained within a target volume using an x-ray tomosynthesis imaging detector is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: ACCURAY INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Calvin R. Maurer, Jr., Mu Young Lee, Gopinath Kuduvalli, Petr Jordan, Prashant Chopra
  • Patent number: 9943708
    Abstract: A medical imaging and therapy device is provided that may include any of a number of features. One feature of the device is that it can image a target tissue volume and apply ultrasound energy to the target tissue volume. In some embodiments, the medical imaging and therapy device is configured controllably apply ultrasound energy into the prostate by maintaining a cavitational bubble cloud generated by an ultrasound therapy system within an image of the prostate generated by an imaging system. The medical imaging and therapy device can be used in therapeutic applications such as Histotripsy, Lithotripsy, and HIFU, for example. Methods associated with use of the medical imaging and therapy device are also covered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignees: HISTOSONICS, INC., THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
    Inventors: William W. Roberts, Timothy L. Hall, Charles A. Cain, J. Brian Fowlkes, Zhen Xu, Michael Thomas Kusner, Jr., Dejan Teofilovic
  • Patent number: 9943709
    Abstract: Provided is a skin cleansing composition comprising the following components (A), (B), (C), (D), and (E): (A) 0.1 to 25 mass % of an ether oil which is in a liquid state at 25° C., (B) 0.003 to 1 mass % of a water-soluble polymer comprising acrylic acid or methacrylic acid as a constitutional unit, (C) 1 to 30 mass % of a hydrocarbon oil having a viscosity of 15 mPa·s or lower at 30° C., (D) 60 to 95 mass % of water, and (E) 0.49 mass % or less of a nonionic surfactant having an HLB of larger than 9, wherein the mass ratio of the component (B) to the component (A), (B)/(A) is from 0.0001 to 0.1, and the mass ratio between the component (A) and the component (C), (A)/((A)+(C)) is from 0.05 to 0.9.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: KAO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kouhei Yamada, Atsushi Tomokuni, Koji Tanaka, Daisuke Sawa, Takashi Kawai
  • Patent number: 9943710
    Abstract: An attachment device for installation onto a support, includes a pair of oppositely facing and laterally offset hooks rotatably mounted so as to be oppositely facing and laterally offset from one another; a stop defined on one of the hooks and located so that the other one of the hooks is prevented from rotating past the stop by contact with the stop; and a biasing member operatively associated with the pair of hooks for urging the hooks to rotate toward one another, and the stop limits rotation of the hooks to maintain the hooks relative to one another to define a yieldable guide that facilitates installation of the attachment device onto the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: The United States of America As represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: Cory Alan Cooper, Darren Craig Tidwell, Garrett Fritzsche, Christopher Yooshin Jang, Brock M. Flieger, Alan James Vaillencourt, Miranda Leigh Bray, Shane Michael Riley, Nathanael Jordan Szuch
  • Patent number: 9943711
    Abstract: A tank attachment arrangement for a self-contained breathing apparatus having at least one tank, including: a base member having a saddle portion comprising a contact side having at least one contact member directly or indirectly attached thereto, the at least one contact member configured to contact a surface of the at least one tank; and at least one tank retainer arrangement configured to retain the at least one tank with respect to the base member; wherein the at least one contact member includes at least one sloped portion to facilitate engagement or disengagement of the at least one tank with the tank attachment arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: MSA Technology, LLC
    Inventors: David J. Losos, Stephen J. Denninger
  • Patent number: 9943712
    Abstract: A communication and speech enhancement system featuring a first transducer designed to be temporarily affixed to a human such as a hospital patient to convert the audible vibrations of human speech into an electrical signal. The transducer provides this electrical signal to one or more electronic modules which modify and enhance the signal. The enhanced signal may then be amplified and converted back into audible sound by means of a second transducer. A user of the system controls the electronic modules through a user interface. In an embodiment, one or both of the user interface and second transducer feature smooth surfaces amenable to cleaning sterilizing with liquid agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: DOLORES SPEECH PRODUCTS LLC
    Inventors: John Hamilton, Christopher McDivit, Charles G Sproule, IV
  • Patent number: 9943713
    Abstract: Embodiments provide methods for storing a respiratory mask. In one embodiment, the respiratory equipment may include a respiratory mask having a front side and a rear side and a cavity having an opening in the rear side. There may also be provided an inflatable harness adapted to maintain the respiratory mask against the user face, and a storage element comprising a housing In one embodiment, the method may include pulling on the harness on the front side of the respiratory mask in order to place the harness on the respiratory mask in an storage position outside said cavity, and maintaining the harness on the respiratory mask in the storage position and inserting the respiratory mask into the housing of the storage element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Zodiac Aerotechnics
    Inventor: Jean-Paul Libis
  • Patent number: 9943714
    Abstract: A harness system includes a waist belt assembly, a first releasable retainer attached to the waist belt assembly, shoulder straps, a back plate connected to the shoulder straps, and a release system including at least a first release strap connected to and extending from the back plate. The first release strap includes at least a first releasable connector in operative connection with the first releasable retainer so that actuation of the first release strap causes disconnection of the first releasable connector from operative connection with the first releasable retainer so that the first releasable retainer becomes disconnected from connection with the back plate and the back plate can be removed by a user while the waist belt assembly remains worn by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: MSA TECHNOLOGY, LLC
    Inventors: Jeremy A. Steck, Marco Tekelenburg, Stewart Shannon
  • Patent number: 9943715
    Abstract: Disclosed is a cellular telephone recharging device which operates as a support bed for a cellular telephone during the recharging stage. The device includes a first pocket for retaining a fire extinguishing packet of super absorbent polymer capable of extinguishing a lithium battery fire. A second pocket is formed within the device for positioning of the cellular telephone over the fire extinguishing packet. Use of the device reduces or eliminates thermal meltdowns by positioning the fire suppressant directly adjacent to the most likely area for the thermal meltdown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: GelTech Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Cordani, Michael Reger
  • Patent number: 9943716
    Abstract: A combined trigger and concealing device for an automatic fire protection sprinkler includes a first plate attached to a second plate by a heat fusible material. Each plate is formed with an aperture which receives an actuator depending from the bottom of the sprinkler. The trigger device depends a preselected distance from the bottom of the sprinkler body and includes a cover which has an outer dimension which conceals the internal components of the sprinkler from view. The cover includes openings and is dimensioned and positioned to permit heat energy to be received by the inner and outer surface of the trigger device. Conduction of heat energy from both the inner and outer surface of the trigger device permits the heat fusible material to be expeditiously raised to the preselected separation temperature. This construction minimizes response time of the sprinkler while maintaining a highly aesthetic appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: THE VIKING CORPORATION
    Inventors: David Vaneerden, Thomas E. Winebrenner
  • Patent number: 9943717
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compositions comprising 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene that may be useful as heat transfer compositions, aerosol propellants, foaming agents, blowing agents, solvents, cleaning agents, carrier fluids, displacement drying agents, buffing abrasion agents, polymerization media, expansion agents for polyolefins and polyurethane, gaseous dielectrics, extinguishing agents, and fire suppression agents in liquid or gaseous form. Additionally, the present disclosure relates to compositions comprising 1,1,2,3-tetrachloropropene, 2-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene, or 2-chloro-1,1,1,2-tetrafluoropropane, which may be useful in processes to produce 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: THE CHEMOURS COMPANY FC, LLC
    Inventor: Mario Joseph Nappa
  • Patent number: 9943718
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to power an exercise machine are disclosed herein. An example exercise machine includes a power receiver to measure a power output by a generator that is to convert movement of a moveable part into electric power, the power receiver is to calculate a rotations per minute of the moveable part. A mode controller is to calculate a power supply duty cycle based on the power output by the generator, the rotations per minute of the moveable part, and a user selected wattage. A power output controller is to control power provided to a console of the exercise machine based on the power supply duty cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: BRUNSWICK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert Sutkowski, John Michael Wong, Ferdinand David, Ming Jiang
  • Patent number: 9943719
    Abstract: A dumbbell assembly includes a cradle. The cradle includes a body, a trough defined in the body and sized to receive a weight of an adjustable dumbbell, an input mechanism incorporated into the body, and a selection mechanism incorporated into the body. The selection mechanism includes a selector that adjusts a connection of the weight with the adjustable dumbbell in response to a command received from the input mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: ICON Health & Fitness, Inc.
    Inventors: Kent M. Smith, William T. Dalebout
  • Patent number: 9943720
    Abstract: A resistance exercise apparatus comprising a mechanism for allowing the machine to inhibit in intervals along a range of motion for an amount of time, movement in a direction caused by an external force applied to a movable surface on the machine, while allowing movement of the surface in the opposite direction to the external force, wherein said movable surface is linked to a resistance source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Inventor: Wilfred Holness
  • Patent number: 9943721
    Abstract: An exercise machine for performing dip exercises, having: a stationary main frame; first and second mounting brackets connected to the stationary main frame; first and second dip handle assemblies connected to the mounting brackets, each dip handle assembly having a first exercise arm, a first stop plate, and a first arm mount hub, wherein the first and second dip handle assemblies are each configured to be converted between an exercise position and a storage position while connected to the exercise machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: HOIST FITNESS SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Bruce Hockridge
  • Patent number: 9943722
    Abstract: A treadmill system includes a deck, an endless tread belt covering at least a portion of the deck, and a motion transducer positioned to detect movement of the tread belt. The treadmill system also includes a processor and memory where the memory includes instructions executable by the processor to receive an output of the motion transducer, determine an exercise type performed on the tread belt, and calculate an amount of work performed by a user on the tread belt based on the output of the motion transducer and the determined type of exercise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: ICON Health & Fitness, Inc.
    Inventor: William T. Dalebout
  • Patent number: 9943723
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method and apparatus for a wireless exercise monitoring system for interactively monitoring an aspect of exercise, sports, or fitness utilizing a wearable device, such as a watch, eyewear, or smart apparel. The device is equipped with, or connected to, a digital camera. Sensors integrated with, or wirelessly connected to, the wearable internet device record physiological data during exercise and data measuring the amount of exercise performed. The data and visual images from the camera are transmitted to one or more internet servers, and may be shared with other mobile internet devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventor: Roger J. Quy
  • Patent number: 9943724
    Abstract: A physical activity monitoring method and system may include a competition component requiring users to compete based on various metrics. The challenge may be device-specific, activity type-specific, user-type specific and the like. In some examples, the users' performance might only affect the status of the competition if the user synchronizes the information to an activity monitoring system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Alex Mestas
  • Patent number: 9943725
    Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a balance exercise training equipment having a planar platform with a ballast assembly that lowers its center of mass below a ball-and-socket joint. In an illustrative example, the planar platform may couple to a support assembly through the ball and socket joint to pivot and rotate relative to the support assembly. The ballast assembly may include laterally extending members to releasably receive and retain ballast plates. In response to the laterally extending members receiving and retaining ballast plates, the center of mass may descend below a pivot point of the ball-and-socket joint. In a mount or dismount mode, a locking mechanism may lock the planar platform in a predetermined position to facilitate mounting and dismounting onto the planar platform. Advantageously, a user may adjust the center of mass in accordance with a user's skill level or exercise preference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: InertiaCore Training Systems LLC
    Inventors: Terri Todd, Byron Tietjen
  • Patent number: 9943726
    Abstract: An aquatic training device including a body having a contact surface for engaging a hand of a user and a securing fin extending substantially transverse from the contact surface. The securing fin further includes a retaining member spaced from the contact surface. The aquatic training device is designed to improve a user's stroke technique, particularly with respect to hand arm positioning while swimming, by forcing the user to engage shoulders, arms, elbows, wrists, hands, and fingers in optimal hand arm positions while swimming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Aquatic Research and Training Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Bethany Christine Tilson, Eric Jeffery Snell, Warren Nicholas Snell, Jackson Lee Snell
  • Patent number: 9943727
    Abstract: The invention is a semi-rigid adjustable diving foot pocket with a clamping system to allow simple attachment and detachment of a multitude of various flippers/blades. This foot pocket is adjustable to the foot and is semi-rigid to allow partial medial rotation, but very limited lateral rotation. The flippers secured to the foot-pocket by a system utilizing clamping pressure to hold the flipper in place. This system allows for the flipper to be attached and detached easily, with no damage occurring to either the invention or the flipper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Inventor: Peter Stefano Giovannotto
  • Patent number: 9943728
    Abstract: The present invention relates to golf balls having improved packing efficiency and aerodynamic characteristics and a high degree of dimple interdigitation. In particular, the present invention relates to a golf ball including at least a portion of dimples having a plan shape defined by low frequency periodic functions having high amplitudes. The present invention is also directed to methods of developing the dimple plan shape geometries, as well as methods of making the finished golf balls with the inventive dimple patterns applied thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Nicholas M. Nardacci, Michael R. Madson, Chris Hixenbaugh
  • Patent number: 9943729
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to golf balls consisting of a multi-layer core and a cover. The multi-layer core includes at least one layer formed from a relatively soft or low modulus HNP composition and at least one layer formed from a relatively hard or high modulus HNP composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, David A. Bulpett, Robert Blink, Mark L. Binette, Brian Comeau
  • Patent number: 9943730
    Abstract: Golf balls comprising a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core has a very high positive hardness gradient and comprises at least three layers, including at least one thermoset layer and at least one thermoplastic layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Derek A. Ladd, Brian Comeau, Douglas S. Goguen
  • Patent number: 9943731
    Abstract: A flying toy for throwing and/or catching includes an elongated body forming a fuselage. The body extends along a longitudinal axis from a front end to a rear end. A lift-generating wing is non-movably attached in relation to the body. A horizontal stabilizer is disposed at or near the rear end of the body, where the horizontal stabilizer disposed behind the lift-generating wing. A vertical stabilizer is disposed at or near the rear end of the body, where the vertical stabilizer is disposed behind the lift-generating wing. A push surface is attached to the body and extends perpendicular in relation to the longitudinal axis. The push surface faces towards the rear end of the body. The push surface allows a user to push the flying toy forward when thrown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Inventor: Marc Gregory Martino
  • Patent number: 9943732
    Abstract: A golf club having improved visual feature recognition includes a golf club head coupled to a golf club shaft. The golf club head includes a hosel defining a bore, a sole, and a design attribute that is generally not capable of easy visual discernment. The bore has a first portion having a first diameter, a second portion having a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter, and a transition from the first diameter to the second diameter. The bore extends through the golf club head to the sole, and the golf club shaft is disposed within the first portion of the bore and secured to the hosel. A polymeric plug is disposed within the bore between the golf club shaft and the sole. The polymeric plug includes a restraining feature that contacts the transition to prevent withdrawal of the polymeric plug through the sole, and is a color that corresponds to the design attribute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Karsten Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Jamil Jacaman, Michael G. Taylor, Nate Radcliffe, Matt Daraskavich
  • Patent number: 9943733
    Abstract: A ball striking device has a head with a body member having a face having a striking surface configured for striking a ball, a crown portion and a sole portion connected to the face and extending rearward from the face, where the body member has a void extending inwardly from a rear periphery of the body member, and a rear member connected to the body member and received within the void, such that the rear member forms portions of a crown and a sole of the head. A connection member connects the rear member to the body member to form a joint between the rear member and the body member. A resilient member separates the rear member from the body member, and the resilient member engages the rear member and the body member within the void and is configured to transfer momentum between the rear member and the body member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: David N. Franklin, Brian Kammerer, Eric A. Larson, Raymond J. Sander, John T. Stites, Robert Boyd
  • Patent number: 9943734
    Abstract: A golf club head comprises a face and a golf club head body. The face includes a toe end, a heel end, a crown end, and a sole end. The face defines a thickness from an outer surface to an inner surface of the face. The face defines a leading edge, the leading edge being the forwardmost edge of the face. The golf club head body is defined by a crown, a sole, and a skirt. The crown is coupled to the crown end of the face. The sole is coupled to the sole end of the face. The skirt is coupled to the sole and the crown. The golf club head body defines a trailing edge, the trailing edge being the rearwardmost edge of the golf club head body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew James, Todd P. Beach, Matthew David Johnson
  • Patent number: 9943735
    Abstract: A putter type golf club head having a frontal face formed with ball striking, land areas in a repeating patter between the toe and heel and complementary recesses between the land areas. The land areas are smaller than the recesses at the midpoint of the striking face and are progressively larger away from the midpoint on the face providing a progressively larger ball contact area the further the land area is displaced from the midpoint of the striking face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Inventor: Guerin D. Rife
  • Patent number: 9943736
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a golf club holder configured to support a golf club with an offset head in a grip-up, head-down orientation. More specifically, the disclosed golf club holder includes a body having a shaft-engaging portion, a head-engaging portion, and a middle portion between the shaft-engaging portion and head-engaging portion. A ground-engaging base extends from the head-engaging portion, supporting the body in a substantially vertical orientation. The shaft-engaging portion removably secures the shaft of a golf club. The middle portion includes an opening providing clearance for a bent club shaft or hosel. The head-engaging portion removably secures the angled offset head of the golf club. Pushing the club downwards presses the club head against a lower stop, forcing the ground-engaging base into the ground. Pulling the club upwards presses the club head against an upper stop, lifting the ground-engaging based from the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Inventor: David W. Luking
  • Patent number: 9943737
    Abstract: A target game system including a target game device having a plurality of hoop members arranged in stacked relationship, each hoop member including a frame defining an elongated central opening through which a tossable item may pass, the elongated central opening having an opening width greater than an opening height, coupled to the frame, a capture net configured to capture the tossable item passing through the central opening, and at least one coupler configured to removably couple the hoop member with at least one other hoop member of the plurality. In addition, each target game device includes a vertical support member configured to support the plurality of hoop members above a ground surface, the vertical support member including a ground-engaging stabilizer configured to positionally stabilize the vertical support member by engagement with the ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Inventor: James B. Burdan
  • Patent number: 9943738
    Abstract: A mechanism allowing the control of multiple orbiting bodies comprising: a bearing surface (306) which may or may not be integral to a handle (300); a rotatable section (308) free to move through 360 degrees upon the bearing; and, attached to the rotatable section, an array of two or more pendulums (314, 316) which are first whirled in coplanar orbits and subsequently, via changes made to the attitude of the axis of the rotatable section, in precessing, non-coplanar, non-chaotic orbits equaling the pendulums in number. The pendulums may be identical or have differing properties of length, weight, or aerodynamics affecting their relative tendencies to precess and may be decorated and incorporate elements which emit light and/or sound. In certain applications some or all of these characteristics of length, weight, and aerodynamics, as well as the visual and auditory components are customizable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: David Matthew Edge
  • Patent number: 9943739
    Abstract: A game ball throwing machine utilizing a rotating arm to pitch a game ball, able to induce a variety of spins and types of pitches interchangeably. The ball thrower includes a base, a support frame attached to the base, rotating arm mechanism attached to the support frame, a source of power rotating the arm, ball holding means attached to the arm, and a human-machine interface which enables control of ball spin, release point, speed and target location. A novel software program integrates the throwing machine, indexing elements and one or more human-machine interface screens, calculating pitch parameters and converting them to machine outputs to enable customization of pitch variety and characteristics to the same or different locations rapidly with a high degree of accuracy, including means to simulate a known pitcher's unique pitch collection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Inventor: Thomas Hart
  • Patent number: 9943740
    Abstract: A training bat for increasing the speed of the swing of a baseball batter. The training bat includes a tubular body with a first end including a grip and a sealing knob. A second end of the body includes a cavity therein with a detachable pin. The cavity within the tubular body includes a plurality of core members of various weights. A batter can vary the weight of the training bat by securing a selected core member within the cavity using the detachable pin. The pin may include a flexible clip member or a strap including hook and loop layers thereon for connecting a core member within the training bat. A knob boot extends from the knob and around the first end of the tubular body. A selected core member secured by the pin is held in a non-rotatable relationship with respect to the tubular body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Inventors: Fred T. Mayers, III, Jake Mayers, Matthew A. Tyner
  • Patent number: 9943741
    Abstract: Practice hockey goaltenders, positionable on a playing surface in front of a hockey goal, include a generally three-dimensional representation of a life-size hockey goaltender disposed in a playing position having a front side and a rear side. The generally rigid three-dimensional representation represents a padded left leg, a padded right leg, a hockey stick, a blocker, a catcher, a torso, and a mask. The practice hockey goaltender includes rearwardly-extending supports, releasably attachable spikes, a weight distribution so that it is supportable in an angled forward orientation on a forwardly and upwardly-extending bottom surface portion, an appearance of being formed from plate-like components, and/or a hollow monolithic structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Inventor: James F. McMahon, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9943742
    Abstract: A boxing trainer includes a housing and a controller. The housing includes a plurality of targets. Each of the plurality of targets includes a target pad and a light operable to illuminate the target pad. The controller includes a plurality of target commands. Each target command is linked to and corresponds with one of the targets. Therefore, activating one of the target commands will activate the light of one of the target pads that the target command is linked with.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Inventor: Amzi B. Burt, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9943743
    Abstract: A putting trainer that teaches a golfer to practice a repetitive putting stroke while maintaining the golfer's hands and arms connected to the golfer's core torso body portion. The trainer teaches the golfer to eliminate excessive use of the hands and arms by synchronizing the movement of the putter with the golfer's spine and core body structure. The trainer uses a core attached yoke, a connector coupling the yoke to a putter and a visual indicator for the golfer to determine the relationship of the putter to the golfer's core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Inventor: Mark J. Diley