12th week of 2012 patent applcation highlights part 45 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20120071213 | COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM PROVIDING AUTOMATIC TEXT-TO-SPEECH CONVERSION FEATURES AND RELATED METHODS - A communications system may include at least one mobile wireless communications device, and a wireless communications network for sending text messages thereto. More particularly, the at least one mobile wireless communications device may include a wireless transceiver and a controller for cooperating therewith for receiving text messages from the wireless communications network. It may further include a headset output connected to the controller. The controller may be for switching between a normal message mode and an audio message mode based upon a connection between the headset output and a headset. Moreover, when in the audio message mode, the controller may output at least one audio message including speech generated from at least one of the received text messages via the headset output. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071214 | Inductively Coupled Signal Booster For A Wireless Communication Device And In Combination Therwith - A passively re-radiating cell phone sleeve assembly capable of conforming to and nesting with a cell phone provides a partial enclosure capable of fitting over at least a portion of the cell phone. A multi-layer radio frequency (RF) coupling probe is fully embedded within the enclosure in a position that is in close proximity to an internal antenna of the cell phone when the enclosure is nested with the cell phone. A coupling probe is inductively coupled to the internal antenna for sharing RF signals and is desensitized from de-tuning the internal antenna of the cell phone. An external antenna is mounted on the enclosure; and a transmission line embedded within the enclosure joins the coupling probe and the external antenna for RF signal transfer. RF transmission signals of the cell phone are radiated from both the internal and the external antennae simultaneously and without mutual interference. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071215 | Method and Apparatus for Controlling a Smart Phone Charger - A method for controlling a charger to charge a power source of an electronic device includes connecting the charger and the electronic device and determining whether the power source of the electronic device is to be charged. The method further includes, the electronic device, sending a first control signal to the charger to enable charging of the power source of the electronic device in response to determining that the power source is to be charged and sending a second control signal to the charger to disable charging of the power source of the electronic device in response to determining that the power source is not to be charged. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071216 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR OPTIMIZING THE CONFIGURATION OF A SET OF PERFORMANCE SCALING ALGORITHMS - Systems and methods for optimizing performance scaling algorithms designated for operation on a mobile device are disclosed. A system memory includes program, use case, and results stores in addition to test logic. The program store contains a set of programs defined by the combination of a performance scaling algorithm and a set of parameters. The use case store contains information that identifies expected tasks to be performed by end users of the mobile device over time. The results store organizes a respective merit value determined after each of the set of programs has been executed for tasks defined by each use case. When executed, the test logic adjusts the mobile device and associates a select program for each of the use cases in response to the stored merit values. The merit values are determined as a function of a performance metric and a power metric. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071217 | PROTECTOR FOR SMARTPHONE - A protector for smartphones includes a cover located on the entire front face of a smartphone and constructed to have the same width as an LCD screen of the smartphone, the cover having through holes for exposing touch buttons and a speaker of the smartphone to the outside; and a main body made of a soft synthetic resin with flexibility, the main body having a space for accommodating the back of the smartphone, a retaining portion for fastening an outer edge of the cover located on the front face of the smartphone, and a through hole formed on a rear face thereof for exposing a camera of the smartphone to the outside. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071218 | ALLOWING AN ALTERNATIVE ACTION IN A VIRTUAL WORLD - A system for allowing an alternative action in a virtual world may include a processor and a module operable on the processor for allowing an alternative action in a virtual world in response to a request for an original action for an avatar of a user being unavailable in the virtual world. A queue stores the request in response to the original action being unavailable. Another module may determine if an alternative action is available for the avatar in response to the original action being unavailable. A further module may present an interface to permit the user to accept the alternative action. The avatar is permitted to perform the alternative action in response to the user accepting the alternative action while the request for the original action is still in the queue. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071219 | FANTASY SPORT AUCTION DRAFT APPLICATION ROSTER PREVIEW GRID - Methods and system for presenting a plurality of attributes of a plurality of players from a plurality of teams that are part of a league includes obtaining a plurality of attributes of the plurality of players and the plurality of teams. The plurality of attributes of the plurality of the players and of the teams is populated in one or more databases along with any updates to these attributes. The databases are queried to retrieve updated plurality of attributes of the plurality of players and the plurality of teams. A roster grid is generated for the plurality of teams for rendering at a client in substantial real time. The roster grid displays the updated status of the plurality of attributes of the plurality of players and the plurality of teams simultaneously in a clean, concise and effective manner. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071220 | System and Method for Puzzle Solving Utilizing Letter and Visual Representations - A method and system for providing a puzzle game containing an answer category clue, a letter grid containing multiple letters, numbers or characters, an image, and an answer grid which contains blanks for each letter that will be used to fill-in the correct answer. The game allows a letters from the letter grid to be selected and automatically placed onto the answer grid. Points are awarded if the letter selected is the next available blank in the answer grid. As the player selects a letter from the letter grid, that letter disappears and a portion of an image appears. As additional letters are removed from the letter grid, additional portions of the image are displayed, which provides another clue for the solution to the puzzle. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071221 | RANDOM SWITCHING GAME ENGINE FOR WAGERING GAMES - A random switching game engine for wagering games provides the advantage of switching between game engines in response to a triggering event. The switch engine controls which game engine will present a wagering game to the player. The different game engines may have different odds for presenting a winning outcome to a player. After a triggering event has occurred the switch game engine may utilize a random number generator to randomly determine whether a switch between game engines should occur. The triggering event may comprise the start of a game or any other event. A switch game engine may perform the switch by activating one of multiple game engines. The wagering game may be presented according to the same rules, but with different odds of receiving a winning outcome, to prevent a player from noticing that a switch between game engines has occurred, or different games may be presented. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071222 | LOTTERY GAME WITH A GUARANTEED WINNER - A lottery game with a guaranteed winner is provided. Lottery tickets with unique identifiers are sold. Money from the sale of lottery tickets is used in whole or in part to form one or more jackpots. At least one winner is guaranteed to win a minimum jackpot and additional winners, additional jackpots and/or increasing jackpot amounts may be awarded, based on number of tickets sold and/or revenue generated from ticket sales. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071223 | System and Method for Generating and Placing Combination Bets - A method and system for generating and receiving a combination bet may include presenting a plurality of betting events in a display resembling a slot machine. In one embodiment, the user may place a total wager for a combination bet prior to knowing what the betting events are. Placing the bet may “spin” the reels to randomly generate a plurality of betting events, and success in the combination bet may require that each individual bet is a winner. In another embodiment, the user may be able to “spin” the reels prior to placing the bet. Betting events still may be randomly generated, but the user may have the ability to select the events on which to wager. Events may comprise in-live sporting events, and the user may have the ability to select various event features, such as the type of events displayed and the odds for each event, in order to customize the betting experience to the user's interests and risk tolerance. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071224 | System and Method for Identifying Errors in Slot Machine and Video Lottery Terminal Games - The present invention provides a testing system, apparatus and program for efficiently testing VLT games and other games before they are installed. The present invention uses input elements, pay lines and pay table information to generate test cases for each permutation of element combinations. Once the test cases are generated, pay line wins and credit amounts for each test case can be determined. Each of the generated test cases can include a key that can be used with the actual game code to determine if the results generated by the key in the actual game match the results that were determined during testing. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071225 | 3D REELS - A mechanical reel ( | 2012-03-22 |
20120071226 | Wagering Game System with Community Gaming System - A method of conducting a wagering game on a gaming system, the method including receiving an indication of a wager and displaying outcomes of wagering games on at least one display device in response to a wager indication being received, the displayed outcomes being randomly generated by at least one processor. The method also including accumulating a bonus-event playing time upon satisfying at least one predetermined condition as the wagering games are played, initiating a bonus game in which a player is eligible to receive awards for a period of time, determining, via at least one processor, the accumulated playing time accrued prior to the initiation of the bonus game, allowing the player to participate in the bonus game for at least as long as the accumulated playing time and providing any awards earned by the player during their participation in the bonus game. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071227 | METHOD FOR ENHANCING WINNING OUTCOMES IN A REEL SPINNING GAME - Various embodiments are directed to a method for enhancing the outcome of a reel spinning game having one or more shared award-modifier reels. An embodiment of the method includes providing a game including a first set of reels, a second set of reels, and a shared base award-multiplier reel positioned adjacent to a first and second set of reels, wherein the first set of reels, second set of reels, and the shared base award-multiplier reel form a contiguous set of reels having a common axis of rotation, and the shared base award-multiplier reel enhances any winning outcomes in the first and/or second set of reels. Additionally, an embodiment of the method includes determining whether the game outcome of one set of reels is a winning outcome and enhancing the winning outcome of at least one set of reels when an award-multiplier symbol is present on the shared base award-multiplier reel. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071228 | BINGO GAME WITH BLACKJACK COMPONENT - A method, system, and computer readable storage medium to implement a bingo related game that uses cards to determine individual outcomes. A dealer can deal blackjack hands to determine the individual outcomes which are designated on game pieces. A shoe of multiple decks can be used, with each deck having a different color. Thus, each outcome can have a point total representing a hand value as well as a color representing the last card dealt to make that hand. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071230 | METHOD AND ARRANGEMENT FOR IMPROVED CLIENT EXTENSION MANAGEMENT - A poker gaming server configured to support a plurality of connected poker clients and a plurality of connected operator servers, each said poker client being associated with at least one of said plurality of operator servers, said poker gaming server comprising a gaming data feed unit configured for providing a gaming data feed relating to each connected poker client to its respective associated operator servers, a notification unit configured for receiving and forwarding client notifications to a connected poker client from its associated operator server, and an authentication unit configured for authenticating at least one of a plurality of operator specific extension units upon request from a connected poker client. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071231 | GAMING SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF GAMING - A method of gaming comprising: determining a wagering threshold to apply to play of at least one gaming device during a current gaming session based on an amount wagered in at least one prior gaming session; and triggering an event upon reaching the wagering threshold in the current gaming session. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071232 | GAMING SYSTEM, GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD OF PROVIDING SELECTION GAME WITH INTERDEPENDENT AWARD DISTRIBUTION - The disclosed gaming system, gaming device and method provide a selection game having a plurality of selectable positions and a plurality of awards interdependently distributed or associated with the selectable positions. For one, a plurality, or all the selectable positions, the award associated with such selectable position is interdependent in that such award has a relationship to one or more of the awards associated with the selectable positions bordering such position. In various embodiments, the value of the award associated with such selectable position has a relationship to one or more of the values of the awards associated with the selectable positions bordering such position. Based on these interdependencies, when each of the selectable positions is selected, the award, or value of the award, associated with the position provides certain information which can be subsequently used to make better informed position selections. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071233 | HIGH GRANULARITY PROMOTION-BASED AWARDS AND USE IN GAMING ENVIRONMENTS - A method is shown for enhancing game play on a gaming machine. In one embodiment, the gaming machine may include a processor, a memory, and program logic stored in the memory that may be executable to play a base game in exchange for a wager. The method includes receiving a Newprom award that is not issued by the gaming machine. The method may include altering, using the processor, the base game to an enhanced base game state in response to the Newprom award. The Newprom award may be configured to add one or more base game play enhancements available to a player only by way of the Newprom award to the base game. This may alter the base game to the enhanced base game state so that the base game is played with the one or more game play enhancements. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071234 | Late Bet Baccarat - Among other things, enabling late bets in a game of Baccarat includes accepting a first bet from one or more participants. Two cards are dealt to each of a player position and a bank position. A player position score and a bank position score are determined based on the two cards dealt to each of the player position and the two cards dealt to the bank position. Based on the determined scores for the player position and the bank position, a determination is made on whether to deal a third card to at least one of the player position and the bank position. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071235 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONDUCTING OR FACILITATING A PROMOTION - A method and apparatus for conducting a promotion and for distributing promotions to potential users provide a merchant or promotion organizer flexibility in the way they conduct the promotion as well as an ability to change one or more aspects of the promotion during the operation of the promotion. In accordance with one embodiment, such a promotion may provide for a game on a mobile device, wherein a locked outcome of the game may be unlocked using an unlock code. In one embodiment, a result of the locked outcome may correspond to an intra-game benefit. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071236 | APPARATUSES, METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR A LIVE ONLINE GAME TESTER - A method for testing a new feature of an online gaming application is provided. According to the method, a gaming application request is received from a user, and it is determined whether to add the user to a live test for a new game feature. If the user is added to the live test, then the user is assigned to a test group or a control group. If the user is assigned to the test group, then a gaming application is provided including the new game feature enabled. If the user is assigned to the control group, then the gaming application is provided without the new game feature enabled. User social graph data identifying co-users of the user is obtained, and gaming activity and social network activity of the user is evaluated. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071237 | PREVENTING A MEDIA DISPLAY FROM HIJACKING A GAMING MACHINE - A gaming machine includes a display device and a processor coupled to the display device. The processor is configured to monitor at least one display property of a media display on the display device, detect that the at least one display property is equal or greater than a preselected threshold, and generate an alert in response to the detection. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071238 | MUSIC GAME SOFTWARE AND INPUT DEVICE UTILIZING A VIDEO PLAYER - A video game includes an audio-video stream combined with game graphics and game sounds. The game graphics are overlaid on the video stream and updated in synchronization with the stream. Update of the game graphics and sounds depends on inputs received from a game player. The game player may provide input using a game controller coupled to the video game by an adapter. The video game may play on a Blu-ray player. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071239 | STEREO VIDEO FOR GAMING - A real-time stereo video signal of a captured scene with a physical foreground object and a physical background is received. In real-time, a foreground/background separation algorithm is used on the real-time stereo video signal to identify pixels from the stereo video signal that represent the physical foreground object. A video sequence may be produced by rendering a 3D virtual reality based on the identified pixels of the physical foreground object. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071240 | MUSICAL ACTION RESPONSE SYSTEM - A framework is disclosed for associating visual elements of a computer game with musical scores of a computer game. In one embodiment, a visual element is moved in a virtual environment of the computer game, in response to user input. Playback of a musical score may be altered based on movement of the visual element. A visual effect in the scene may also be generated, based on the altered playback of the musical score. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071241 | METHOD, APPARATUS AND RECORDING MEDIUM FOR GAME USING TOUCH INPUT - Disclosed is game technology, and more particularly to a method, an apparatus, and a recording medium for a game using touch input, which can more variously control the display, etc. of elements of a game screen, thereby providing games capable of employing various game schemes. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071242 | COMPUTER-READABLE STORAGE MEDIUM HAVING INFORMATION PROCESSING PROGRAM STORED THEREIN, HANDHELD TERMINAL APPARATUS, SYSTEM, INFORMATION PROCESSING METHOD, AND COMMUNICATION SYSTEM - A game apparatus automatically receives piece information from another game apparatus by short-range wireless communication. The game apparatus obtains step count data based on an amount of movement of the game apparatus (i.e., a step count of a user of the game apparatus). The game apparatus uses piece information obtained by the short-range wireless communication, thereby performing a predetermined process of an application (i.e., a process of incorporating a piece image into a collection image), or uses step count data (i.e., an owned coin count resulting from conversion of the step count data) instead of piece information obtained by the short-range wireless communication, thereby performing the predetermined process of the application (i.e., the process of incorporating a piece image into a collection image). | 2012-03-22 |
20120071243 | TERMINAL DEVICE, METHOD FOR CONTROLLING SAME, INFORMATION RECORDING MEDIUM, AND PROGRAM - A terminal device ( | 2012-03-22 |
20120071244 | ENTERTAINMENT DEVICE AND METHOD - An entertainment device operable to connect to a first on-line virtual environment comprises a group membership selector operable to select members of a group of entertainment devices connected to a first on-line virtual environment comprising a plurality of connected entertainment devices, a server evaluator operable to evaluate a plurality of servers of a second on-line virtual environment according to one or more criteria whilst the entertainment device is connected to the first on-line virtual environment, a server selector operable to select at least a first server of the second on-line virtual environment based upon the evaluation whilst the entertainment device is connected to the first on-line virtual environment, and a storage arrangement operable to cause the storage of server selection data defining the selected server. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071245 | Method and Apparatus for Gaming Reward Platforms - Method and systems for providing online gaming to a plurality of players through a network, such as the Internet is disclosed. A server enables the plurality of players on remote terminals to access a game application in the memory in the server through the network. A processor on the server monitors the activity of each of the plurality of players while accessing the game application to determine an activity level of each of the plurality of players. It also compares the activity level of each of the plurality of players and causes a reward to be issued to one or more of the plurality of players based on the comparison of the activity level of each of the plurality of players. Various levels of rewards are contemplated. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071246 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SIMULATING A PARTICULAR USER IN AN INTERACTIVE COMPUTER SYSTEM - Systems and methods for simulating a user's behavior in an interactive computer system are provided. For example, a computer program product includes a simulator configured to simulate a user interacting with a computer program. The simulator includes a learning mode of operation and a simulation mode of operation. During the learning mode, for example, the simulator is configured to monitor the user's interaction with the computer program for one or more events and analyze one or more current circumstances during the occurrence of the one or more events, and further, to record at least one user input in response to the occurrence of at least one event, store the at least one user inputs in at least one data field, and associate the at least one data field with the at least one events and the at least one current circumstances. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071247 | Geographic Data Collection Using Game Play - A method is disclosed for collecting geographic data during game play. A game scenario includes an activity for the game player to perform. The game player may be given an incentive within the context of the game for performing the activity. The incentive may be of non-monetary, monetary or in-game value. Performing the activity within the context of the game directly or indirectly results in the generation of data that is collected and used for the purpose of updating, adding to or supplementing a geographic database. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071248 | Video Game Device Case for Enhanced Playing Experience - A video game device case includes a body configured to receive a hand-held video game device and a plurality of video game cartridges. In some examples, the video game device case includes a selector switch, which may be used to select between the plurality of video game cartridges housed in the video game device case. In some examples, the body of the video game device case is configured to receive a battery. Upon being electrically connected to the hand-held video game device, the video game device case may provide power to the hand-held device and different games for play at the touch of a switch, thus enhancing the length of playing time and the variety of gaming experiences available when using the hand-held gaming device. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071249 | TRIPOD CONSTANT VELOCITY JOINT, AND METHOD AND DEVICE FOR ASSEMBLING SAME - Provided are a tripod constant velocity joint, and a method and a device for assembling the joint. The opening of a through-hole formed in an inner member of the tripod constant velocity joint has formed therein a tapered, reduced diameter section having a diameter tapered from the opening toward the inside. A first annular groove is formed in the side wall of a driving power transmission shaft, and a clip serving as an engaging member is engaged with the first annular groove. A second annular groove is formed in the inner wall of the through-hole in the inner member. In inserting the driving power transmission shaft through the through-hole in the inner member, the tapered, reduced diameter section guides the shaft in such a manner that the clip is contracted toward the bottom surface of the first annular groove. The clip expands and contracts due to the elasticity thereof when the positions of the first annular groove and the second annular groove coincide with each other. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071250 | Spacer for a Driveshaft Assembly - A driveshaft assembly having a tubular shaft, an end component, and an annular anti-fretting spacer is disclosed. The tubular shaft has a first receiving end portion with an opening and an inner diameter, a center portion with an inner diameter, and an interior with an inner surface. The driveshaft end component has an insert end portion and an attachment end portion. The spacer has a first outer diameter that is substantially equal to the receiving end portion inner diameter, a second outer diameter, and an outer surface. At least a portion of the outer surface contacts the shaft inner surface and the spacer is disposed on the insert end portion of the driveshaft end component and the insert end portion, including the spacer, is disposed within the receiving end portion with an interference fit, and the shaft is rigidly coupled to the driveshaft end component. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071251 | FREE SWING FERRIS WHEEL - A Ferris wheel-type ride. A lever arm is mounted to the wheel rim to freely pivot between front and rear stops. Passenger gondolas, pivotally attached to the lever arms, travel through four zones experiencing differing ride dynamics. In the first zone, the lever arm abuts the front stop while, in the second, the lever arm is spaced apart from the stops and the lever arm is supported from above by the wheel via the lever arm causing the gondola to be vertically lifted and to rotate slower than the hub rotation rate. In the third zone, the lever arm abuts the rear stop and, in the fourth zone, the lever arm is spaced apart from the stops and is supported from below by the wheel as it falls toward the front stop at a rate greater than the hub rotation rate. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071252 | ACCESSIBLE ENCLOSED PLAYGROUND SYSTEM - A playground system has an enclosure that defines a play area and an entry point. A transfer system couples with the entry point of the enclosure. A modular playground is positioned within the enclosure to exclude the playground system from compliance with accessibility standards. The modular playground has a plurality of base members arranged within the enclosure, a play unit positioned on each base member, and an securement member engaged with the base member, the play unit, and the enclosure for securement in a customized arrangement. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071253 | SUSPENSION DEVICE FOR ELECTRIC SWING AND ELECTRIC SWING COMPRISING THE SAME - A suspension device for an electric swing including a supporting bracket, a supporting beam, a suspended swing stem, a swing push rod, a gear motor, an electromagnetic clutch, a torque output plate, a direction switching pendulum weight, a swing direction monitor, a safety switch, and a microcomputer controller. The shaft of the gear motor is fixedly connected with the electromagnetic clutch. Two end surfaces of the electromagnetic clutch are fixedly provided with two rigid pins clamped at two sides of the torque output plate. The torque output plate pushes the direction switching pendulum weight. The direction switching pendulum weight pushes the swing push rod and the swing push rod pushes the suspended swing stem and the suspended body to swing. The gear motor and the electromagnetic clutch are electrically connected with the microcomputer controller. The device has a simple structure, reliable and silent operation, and is easy to carry. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071254 | BILLIARD TABLE AND RAIL CLOTH COVERING SYSTEM - A hook and loop fastening system for attaching a billiard table cloth to a table bed and a rail, a billiard table cloth with template markings for assisting the installer in the correct positing and tensioning of the bed cloth and in the cutting of slits in the cloth for pocket openings (for pocket pool tables) and rail bolt holes, and a rail cloth that incorporates a tract system for attaching the rail cloth on rails to replace conventional feather strips. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071255 | GOLF GRIP TRAINING GLOVE - A golf training aid includes a first upper hand glove having a palm side portion, a back hand side portion, a thumb pocket having a first indicia affixed to the back hand side portion of the upper hand glove to observe the indicia while utilizing a first desirable hand position and a second indicia affixed to the back hand portion to observe the indicia while utilizing a second hand position and a third indicia affixed to the back hand side which corresponds to the first indicia to provide an alignment aid across which a golf club is placed such that a golfer observes the indicia while utilizing said first desirable hand position and a fourth indicia affixed to the back hand side portion corresponding to second indicia to provide an alignment aid across which a golf club is placed to observe the indicia while utilizing the second hand position. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071256 | GOLF SWING WRIST CONDITION TRAINING DEVICE - In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a golf swing training device which is uniquely configured to maintain a desirable bent wrist condition through the entirety of the downswing (including golf ball impact) and follow-though or finish of the golf swing. The training device allows the wearer to start the golf swing with the right wrist in its natural, generally flattened condition at address. Once the backswing of the golf stroke is initiated, the training device allows the wearer to bend the right wrist back naturally, and at different amounts so as to represent the different amounts of right wrist bend a golfer may employ for shorter and longer strokes. Once the right wrist has achieved its full amount of bend at the time of the downswing, the training device effectively maintains such bend throughout the entirety of the downswing and follow-through or finish of, the golf swing. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071257 | SPORTS TRAINING DEVICE - A training device for improving one's swing in a particular sport having a weighted member flexibly tethered to a handle. The handle is gripped swinging the weighted member against a target. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071258 | GOLF CLUB - A golf club of the present invention comprises at least one adjusting mechanism. In the golf club, at least two specifications can be adjusted independently of each other. Preferably, a head, a shaft, a grip, or a joined part therebetween has an adjusting mechanism ( | 2012-03-22 |
20120071259 | IRON-TYPE GOLF CLUBS - The present invention is directed to an iron-type golf club that may be included in a set. In particular, the inventive golf club includes an adjustable hosel coupling and a mechanism for altering the sole configuration. The golf club may be included in a set having a progressive sole configuration that provides desired bounce for each club within the set. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071260 | IRON-TYPE GOLF CLUBS - The present invention is directed to a number of customized sets of iron-type golf clubs selected from a relatively small number of clubs. The multiple custom-fitted iron sets can be achieved by pivoting these sets off a common 6-iron. In a preferred embodiment, a portfolio of clubs contains seventeen forged iron-type golf clubs, wherein the clubs are a blended collection of oversized cavity back-type clubs, mid-sized clubs, and standard-sized muscle back-type clubs, which can be configured to create at least four custom-fitted iron sets pivoted off a common 6-iron. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071261 | GOLF CLUB - A golf club | 2012-03-22 |
20120071262 | GOLF CLUB - A golf club comprises a shaft, a club head, and a connection assembly that allows the shaft to be easily disconnected from the club head. In particular embodiments, a sleeve including a top portion and a middle portion connected to the top portion is described. The middle portion includes a thin wall thickness. A bottom portion is connected to the middle portion including a plurality of engaging surfaces. A central longitudinal axis and an offset angle offset from the central longitudinal axis is described. The offset angle allows a maximum loft change of about 0.5 degrees to about 4.0 degrees. The total weight of the sleeve is less than 9 g. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071263 | GOLF CLUB - A golf club comprises a shaft, a club head, and a connection assembly that allows the shaft to be easily disconnected from the club head. In particular embodiments, a sleeve including a top portion, a middle portion connected to the top portion is described. The middle portion includes a thin wall thickness. A bottom portion is connected to the middle portion including a plurality of engaging surfaces. A central longitudinal axis and an offset angle offset from the central longitudinal axis is described. The offset angle allows a maximum loft change of about 0.5 degrees to about 4.0 degrees. The total weight of the sleeve is less than 9 g. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071264 | GOLF CLUB - A golf club comprises a shaft, a club head, and a connection assembly that allows the shaft to be easily disconnected from the club head. In particular embodiments, a sleeve including a top portion, a middle portion connected to the top portion is described. The middle portion includes a thin wall thickness. A bottom portion is connected to the middle portion including a plurality of engaging surfaces. A central longitudinal axis and an offset angle offset from the central longitudinal axis is described. The offset angle allows a maximum loft change of about 0.5 degrees to about 4.0 degrees. The total weight of the sleeve is less than 9 g. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071265 | Releasable and Interchangeable Connections for Golf Club Heads and Shafts - Golf club heads are releasably engaged with shafts so they may be readily interchanged and/or so that the shaft orientation with respect to the club head can be readily changed. Assemblies for connecting the club head and shaft may include a shaft adapter and a head adapter. The shaft adapter may have an exterior surface extending along a first axis and a bore having a cross-sectional shape along a second axis configured to attach to a shaft member. The second end of the shaft adapter has a cross-sectional shape of a regular polygon. The head adapter has a first end and a second end along a first axis and a bore having a shape of a regular polygon along a second axis that is shaped to receive the second end of the shaft adapter in a plurality of orientations. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071266 | GOLF CLUB SHAFT WITH HIGH BALANCE POINT AND GOLF CLUB INCLUDING SAME - A golf club shaft having a weight distribution such that the balance point percentage is less than or equal to 44.50%. The weight distribution of the shaft allows for an increase in length and/or club head weight of a golf club while having a reduced impact on the swing weight. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071267 | HIGH VOLUME AERODYNAMIC GOLF CLUB HEAD - A high volume aerodynamic golf club head with a club head volume of at least 400 cc and a front-to-back dimension of at least 4.4 inches producing reduced aerodynamic drag forces. The club head has a crown section having a crown apex located an apex height above a ground plane, wherein a portion of the crown section between the crown apex and the face has an apex-to-front radius of curvature that is less than 3 inches. The apex height and location of the crown apex obtain desirable airflow reattachment close to the face and improve airflow attachment to the crown section. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071268 | HIGH VOLUME AERODYNAMIC GOLF CLUB HEAD HAVING A POST APEX ATTACHMENT PROMOTING REGION - A high volume aerodynamic golf club head having a post apex attachment promoting region with a club head volume of at least 400 cc and a front-to-back dimension of at least 4.4 inches producing reduced aerodynamic drag forces. The post apex attachment promoting region is on the surface of the crown section at an elevation above a maximum face height and begins at the crown apex and extends toward the back of the club head. The post apex attachment promoting region is a relatively flat portion of the crown section that is behind the crown apex, yet above the maximum top edge plane, and aides in keeping airflow attached to the club head once it flows past the crown apex. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071269 | Golf Clubs With Golf Club Heads Having Grooves Formed With Textured Surfaces - A golf club with a golf club head having a plurality of grooves formed using electrical discharge machining is presented. The grooves may be formed in a ball striking surface of the golf club head and may include portions having a texture. In some examples, the roughness of the texture may vary as the groove extends from the ball striking surface along a sidewall of the groove. For instance, texture formed along an edge radius of the groove extending between the ball striking surface and the sidewall may be rougher than texture extending lower along the sidewall. In some examples, portions of the sidewall and/or bottom of the groove may be void of texture. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071270 | IRON TYPE GOLF CLUB HEAD - An iron type golf club head | 2012-03-22 |
20120071271 | PHASE TRANSITION GOLF BALL AND METHOD OF USE - A phase transition golf ball comprises a phase transition material. The phase transition material may optionally include a microwave susceptor or an induction susceptor. The phase transition material preferably comprises an ethylene acid copolymer, or an ionomer of an ethylene acid copolymer. The performance of the phase transition golf ball, for example its hardness or compression, is adjusted by inducing a complete or partial phase transition in the phase transition material. The extent of the adjustment in performance is correlated with the extent of the phase transition. Preferably, the phase transition is reversible and repeatable and takes place at temperatures that might be achieved through the use of common household appliances. Also preferably, the phase transition material returns to its original state over an extended period, for example hours or days. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071272 | GOLF BALL - The invention provides a golf ball in which an intermediate layer formed of a highly neutralized resin mixture obtained by using two nonionic resins of differing weight-average molecular weights and breadths of molecular weight distribution (weight-average molecular weight/number-average molecular weight) as the base resin and adding thereto an organic acid or a metal salt thereof and a basic inorganic metal compound capable of being neutralized is combined with a cover formed of an ionic resin having a weight-average molecular weight in a specific range and a breadth of molecular weight distribution (weight-average molecular weight/number-average molecular weight) in a specific range. The golf ball material of the invention has an excellent rebound and durability. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071273 | GOLF BALL HAVING CROSS-CORE HARDNESS DIFFERENTIAL AND METHOD FOR MAKING IT - A golf ball core that includes a center point having a first hardness value and/or first specific gravity value, and a surface having a second hardness value and/or second specific gravity value. The first hardness value, or first specific gravity value, is different from the second hardness value, or second specific gravity value, respectively. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071274 | GOLF BALL WITH A TRANSLUCENT LAYER COMPRISING COMPOSITE MATERIAL - A golf ball comprising an opaque core, a composite cover layer, an intermediate layer, and an outer cover layer is provided. The composite cover layer and outer cover layer are formed from a translucent polymeric matrix, and a fibrous material is embedded in the translucent polymeric matrix of the composite cover layer. In one version, the fibrous material comprises a woven or non-woven mat. In another version, the fibrous material comprises a shape memory alloy. In yet another version, the fibrous material comprises a ferromagnetic material and the metal material is subjected to induction heating to improve adhesion between adjacent ball layers. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071275 | Golf Ball - A golf ball including a plurality of continuous dynamic focus patterns between 0.5 and 8 millimeters wide on the exterior surface of the golf ball, such that each continuous dynamic focus patterns circumscribes the golf ball and the center of each said continuous dynamic focus pattern coincides with the center of said golf ball. A golf ball including at least four discrete dynamic focus patterns between 0.5 and 8 millimeters across on the exterior surface of the golf ball. A golf ball including both a plurality of continuous dynamic focus patterns and at least four discrete dynamic focus patterns on the exterior surface of the golf ball. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071276 | DIMPLE PATTERNS FOR GOLF BALLS - The present invention provides a method for arranging dimples on a golf ball surface that significantly improves aerodynamic symmetry and minimizes parting line visibility by arranging the dimples in a pattern derived from at least one irregular domain generated from a regular or non-regular polyhedron. The method includes choosing control points of a polyhedron, generating an irregular domain based on those control points, packing the irregular domain with dimples, and tessellating the irregular domain to cover the surface of the golf ball. The control points include the center of a polyhedral face, a vertex of the polyhedron, a midpoint or other point on an edge of the polyhedron and others. The method ensures that the symmetry of the underlying polyhedron is preserved while eliminating great circles due to parting lines. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071277 | GOLF GPS - A portable golf GPS device comprising a microprocessor operably coupled to a GPS unit, an input device such as a keypad (or touch screen) operably coupled to the microprocessor, a voice recognition unit operably coupled to the microprocessor, and a display such as a liquid crystal display (“LCD”) operably coupled to the microprocessor. A program memory system which contains at least some of the software and data to operate the device is also operably coupled to the microprocessor. The portable golf GPS device is preferably contained in a housing such that the entire device has a very compact and lightweight form factor, and is preferably handheld and/or pocket size. The golf GPS device is configured to display distances to course features, and to receive and process voice input in order to select functions or input data into the golf GPS device. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071278 | NETTING SYSTEM FOR DRINKING GAMES - An accessory for the game of beer pong and related games. The accessory includes two separate net assemblies that attach to both ends of a beer pong table. The netting assembly catches ping-pong balls that go over the edges of the game table during game play to prevent the ping pong balls from touching the floor. This netting system will reduce the amount of dirt and contamination on the ping pong balls, which will reduce the amount of dirt and contamination dirty ping pong balls spread to beverages containers used in game play. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071279 | SPORTS TRAINING SYSTEM AND METHOD - The disclosure provides a modular sports training system that can be assembled, placed on a supporting surface, and stood upon by a person during sports training activities. The system is adapted to be assembled with one module being disposed at a non-parallel angle to another module. The non-parallel angle allows a person standing on the system to place one foot on one module and another foot on another module at the non-parallel angle, such as in a batter's stance, and allows the person to stand in a stable manner while encouraging certain positioning of the feet during the sports training activities. The modules can be coupled by an interlocking protrusion and receiver arrangement. The modules can be coupled together by inserting a protrusion of one module into a receiver of another module when the modules are unaligned relative to each other; and then twisting the modules into alignment. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071280 | LACROSSE HEAD WITH DIFFERENTIATED BALL STOP - A lacrosse stick includes an elongated handle and a head frame which adapted for mounting thereon a net and which includes first and second portions which are made from different materials. One of the materials is typically more flexible than the other. Part of the handle and head frame may be formed as a unitary structure made of the same material. In addition, the stick provides a mechanism for forming the head frame with a center of gravity at a location which facilitates the ability of a player to discern orientation of the head frame by feel. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071281 | PLAYING OBJECT HAVING A BOUNCE WITH LIMITED UNPREDICTABILITY - The present invention relates to a playing object ( | 2012-03-22 |
20120071282 | Lighted Projectile - A projectile illuminated by a chemiluminescent light source is capable of producing a stroboscopic effect when set in motion. The projectile body is a solid body preferably made of a soft, pliable material such as NERF®, in the shape of a sports ball, and the light propagates, unobstructed, through orifices in the body that allow for maximum light transmission. There need not be any ancillary components, only the light stick(s) and the soft, pliable body, however, an optional housing may be included to contain the light source. Orifices through which the light escapes the body may be modeled in the shape of team or corporate logos. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071283 | Stitchingless baseball, softball or the like and manufacturing method thereof - A baseball, softball or the like includes a ball core and a plurality of carcass panels attaching on the outer surface of the ball core. Each of the carcass panels, which is cut into a predetermined shape, has a main portion and an edge portion formed along a peripheral edge of the main portion, wherein each of the carcass panels is attached on the outer surface of the ball core without stitching with other the carcass panels at a position that the carcass panels are attached in an edge-to-edge manner, such that the carcass panels form an outer shell at the ball core in a thread-less manner. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071284 | Bicycle Gear Mechanism - A bicycle gear assembly comprises first and second sets of cog wheels, each having at least three cog wheels of various sizes including a largest cog wheel and a smallest cog wheel. These two sets are oriented so that the largest cog wheel of the first set is aligned with the smallest cog wheel of the second set and vice versa, the first and the second sets of cog wheels define at least a first, second and third pair of substantially aligned cog wheels. Additionally, a chain is mounted about a first pair of the aligned cog wheels and a gear shift assembly is adapted to move the chain from the first pair of substantially aligned cogwheels to the second pair of substantially aligned cogwheels and from the second pair of substantially aligned cogwheels to the third pair of substantially aligned cogwheels. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071285 | Tooth Designs for Block Transmission Belts - An inclined partial cylinder tooth shape for a block transmission belt that can be used with single tooth cones, cones with two opposite teeth, and transmission pulleys. Said inclined partial cylinder tooth shape allows for full surface to surface contact engagement between the engaging surfaces used for torque transmission in transmissions using block transmission belts, which is not achievable with currently known tooth shapes for a block transmission belt. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071286 | Power Transmission Belt and Method of Making Same - A method of making a belt including the steps of: (a) helically wrapping a fabric strip of predetermined width on a mandrel at a first helix angle; (b) helically winding a tensile cord onto the mandrel over the fabric at a second helix angle less than the first helix angle; (c) wrapping a sheet or a strip of elastomer material around the mandrel over the tensile cord; and (d) curing the elastomer material under pressure to form a belt sleeve. The mandrel may be grooved for making toothed belts. The fabric strip may be preformed. A resulting toothed belt has a fabric seam spanning several teeth and having a helix angle. The seam may be joined. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071287 | SILENT CHAIN HAVING DEFORMABLE GUIDE PLATES - In a silent chain, guide plates are U-shaped so that they can deform when tension is applied to the chain, thereby avoiding deformation of the connecting pins of the chain and warping of the guide plates. When the chain is unloaded, the frontmost edges of front pin holes of intermediate link plates of each link row are located forward of the frontmost edges of the front pin holes of the guide plates of the same link row, and the rearmost edges of the rear pin holes of the intermediate link plates of each link row are located rearward of the rearmost edges of the rear pin holes of the guide plates of the same link row. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071288 | METHOD FOR MODIFYING AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION AND GEAR TRAIN - The present invention relates to methods for modifying automatic transmissions and gear trains. In particular, the instant invention relates to methods for modifying an automatic transmission gear train in order to improve resistance to deterioration. The modified gear grain of the instant invention comprises eight pinion gears assembled into one carrier utilizing a forward and a rear sun gear, a ring gear, a band drum and a one way roller clutch. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071289 | MULTI-SPEED TRANSMISSION HAVING AUTOMATIC AND MANUAL MODES - A transmission is disclosed having an input member, an output member, and first, second, third and fourth planetary gear sets each having first, second and third members. A plurality of interconnecting members continuously interconnect one of the first, second and third members of one of the planetary gear sets with one of the first, second and third members of another of the planetary gear sets. Six torque-transmitting mechanisms are selectively engageable in combinations of at least three to establish at least nine forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio between the input member and the output member. The first of the five torque-transmitting mechanisms is a selectable one-way clutch. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071290 | MULTISTAGE TRANSMISSION - The present invention relates to a multistage transmission, comprising: a center shaft arranged in a frame such that the center shaft does not rotate; an input member arranged coaxially to the center shaft such that the input member is rotatable; a hub arranged coaxially to the center shaft such that the hub is rotatable; an epicyclic gear set which is coupled to the input member and mounted on the hub, and which is arranged coaxially to the center shaft such that the epicyclic gear set is rotatable, and which has at least two pairs of epicyclic gears, wherein each of the epicyclic gears has a sun gear, a ring gear, a satellite carrier and a pinion; an axial clutch which is involved in the operation of the sun gear which is selectively coupled to or separated from at least one of the peripheral members; a clutch assembly in which at least one of the clutches in a rotating direction are arranged in correspondence with the respective sun gears, wherein said clutches in the rotating direction are involved in the operation of the sun gear which is selectively coupled to or separated from the center shaft; and a transmission shaft which has a hollow portion and a plurality of radial through-holes, and which covers the center shaft and rotates to select a rotating direction, and which is involved in the operation of the clutch assembly. The multistage transmission of the present invention provides two or more gear ratios between the input member and the hub in accordance with the rotating direction of the transmission shaft. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071291 | MULTI-SPEED TRANSMISSION HAVING AUTOMATIC AND MANUAL MODES - A transmission is disclosed having an input member, an output member, and first, second, third and fourth planetary gear sets each having first, second and third members. A plurality of interconnecting members continuously interconnect one of the first, second and third members of one of the planetary gear sets with one of the first, second and third members of another of the planetary gear sets. Five torque-transmitting mechanisms are selectively engageable in combinations of at least three to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio between the input member and the output member. The first of the five torque-transmitting mechanisms is a selectable one-way clutch engageable to interconnect the third member of the first planetary gear set with the stationary member. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071292 | MULTI-SPEED TRANSMISSION HAVING AUTOMATIC AND MANUAL MODES - A transmission is provided having a stationary member, an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and five torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The five torque transmitting mechanisms are selectively engageable to interconnect one of the first, second, and third members with another of the first, second, third members, and a stationary element. The torque transmitting mechanisms are selectively engageable in combinations of at least three to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio between the input member and the output member. A first of the five torque-transmitting mechanisms is a selectable one-way clutch engageable to interconnect the third member of the fourth planetary gear set with the stationary member. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071293 | Two-Speed Drive System for Motor-Driven Appliances - There is disclosed a mechanical two-speed drive system/gearbox for household appliances such as a blender or food processor. The gearbox comprises a motor, a motor shaft, a drive-outlet, and the installation of one-way bearings in suitable places in the gear-train. The drive-outlet can be driven at two different speeds in the same rotational direction. By operating the motor in the clockwise direction and counter-clockwise direction, a change in the drive-outlet rpm is achieved. When operating in the hi-speed mode, the drive-outlet is directly driven by the motor. When operating in the lo-speed mode, the drive-outlet is driven via the gear-train, with a resulting increase in torque. This gearbox is simple to construct, and operable without expensive control electronics. In particular applications with electronic motor speed and directional control, a much broader and useable drive-outlet speed range is achieved. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071294 | Drive device for hybrid vehicle - A drive device for a hybrid vehicle is provided with an engine and a motor generator. A one-way clutch is provided between the engine and the motor generator. Power is transmitted from the engine to the motor generator, while power from the motor generator to the engine is blocked. As a result, the electric motor can be operated without operating the engine. Furthermore, a torque converter is connected to the motor generator, and the engine is connected to the torque converter via a starting clutch. As a result, if a one-way clutch is provided, the motor generator can serve as a starter motor. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071295 | POWER TRANSMITTING DEVICE - Provided is a power transmitting device that lets a motor in a hybrid vehicle be smaller and lighter, prevents internal resistance and inertia of the generator motor from becoming driving resistance, and can effectively utilize energy. Via a first clutch ( | 2012-03-22 |
20120071296 | APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING MOTOR TORQUE - In a vehicle that generates creep torque using an electric motor, a controlling means that causes, on the basis of the results of the detecting by the vehicle speed detecting means and the braking operation detecting means, the electric motor to generate the creep torque, wherein if the brake is operated when the creep torque is generated, the controlling means decreases the creep torque by a first level, if the brake is not operated when the creep torque is generated, the controlling means increases or decrease the creep torque in a level range on the basis of the speed of the vehicle detected by the vehicle speed detecting means, and the first level is a decreasing level larger than a possible maximum decreasing level in the level range. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071297 | CONTROL DEVICE OF VEHICLE POWER TRANSMISSION MECHANISM - A control device provided with a first map capable of performing coast down control of altering a transmission ratio of a continuously variable transmission at a time of deceleration of a vehicle has a second map which is set by making a lock-up release vehicle speed for releasing a lock-up clutch and an engine rotation frequency correspond to each other, wherein, when cost down control is performed, the second map is used to set a lock-up release vehicle speed for releasing the lock-up clutch. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071298 | DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING AUTOMATIC START OF ENGINE MOUNTED ON VEHICLE WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSION - A device for controlling an automatic start of the engine mounted on a vehicle which includes a clutch to transmit/block motive power between an output shaft of the engine and the driving wheel of the vehicle. The automatic start control device includes an automatic restart processing in which a starter is driven to crank the engine when predetermined restart conditions are met thereby restarting the engine. The automatic start control device detects a state of the clutch being either transmitting or blocking and detects whether or not a transition lo of the state occurs during the cranking of the engine in the automatic restart processing. The control device forcibly stops driving of the starter when the transition of the state occurs. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071299 | FOLDING TREADMILL - A folding treadmill includes a base frame, a running platform having a first end thereof pivotally connected to the base frame, a lifting mechanism mounted to one end of the base frame and to the first end of the running platform for lifting the associated first end of the running platform relative to the base frame A damping device is mounted to the base frame, and a folding mechanism having a lift cylinder is installed in the running platform and a link is pivotally connected between the lift cylinder and the damping device. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071300 | BALANCE PERTURBATION SYSTEM AND TRAINER - Apparatus for exercising a person's balance control, the apparatus comprising: a motion stage operable to displace an object mounted thereto; a treadmill mounted to the stage and comprising a belt having a runway surface on which a person using the treadmill stands, walks and/or runs; and a controller that controls the motion stage to provide a displacement of the treadmill and thereby the treadmill runway surface. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071301 | ADJUSTABLE INCLINING AND DECLINING EXERCISE BICYCLE - An exercise apparatus comprises an exercise cycle having a pedal assembly configured to rotate and at least one flywheel. The pedal assembly is in an operative relationship with the flywheel such that rotating the pedal assembly causes the flywheel to rotate. The exercise cycle comprises a frame connected to the pedal assembly, the frame supporting a seat for a user. The exercise apparatus further comprises a base configured to support the exercise cycle and to dynamically tilt the exercise cycle to simulate cycling on an inclined surface. The base comprises a platform configured to support the frame of the exercise cycle. The base further comprises at least one actuator configured to support at least part of the platform, the at least one actuator connected to the platform and configured to dynamically tilt the platform during operation of the exercise cycle. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071302 | Rotor with variable hydrodynamic resistance for a stationery wter bicycle and related bicycle - A rotor with variable hydrodynamic resistance for a stationary water bicycle comprises a central body ( | 2012-03-22 |
20120071303 | Exercise Device - An architecture is presented that provides an exercise device designed for a multitude of exercises. The exercise device comprises an elongated tube having a first end, a second end and a middle portion between the first and the second ends. The exercise device also comprises a first cord that extends from a first cord attachment point and a second cord that extends from a second cord attachment point, wherein the first and second attachment points are located near the ends of the elongated tube. The first and second attachment points allow the cords to slide within the elongated tube and to slide above a top edge or below a bottom edge of the elongated tube. The cords engage one or more slots disposed on the elongated tube to form various loops for wrapping around a user's legs or arms. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071304 | Piri-Stretcher - The Piri-Stretcher is piece of training and/or exercise equipment designed to aid the user in stretching the human piriformis muscle with optimal comfort and simplicity. The device is placed around the leg and used manually for several intervals of 15 seconds per leg and designed to assist in the elimination of lower back, leg and buttocks pain caused by taut piriformis muscles or a distressed sciatic nerve caused by taut piriformis muscles. The Piri-Stretcher is engineered to concentrate and target the leg and hip movements necessary to stretch the elusive and deeply embedded piriformis muscles. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071305 | Training Method and Device - Securing straps are attached to two legs of a standard bed and extend under the bed and up the side onto the top surface of the bed where they are attached to the user's legs near the ankles by cuffs. The user can then extend their upper body off the edge of the bed so that it can move through a wide range of angles above and below the plane of the top surface of the bed. The securing straps and cuffs hold the user's lower body in place during these exercises, allowing the user to exercise all of their core muscles through the zone of peak gravitational resistance. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071306 | PORTABLE MULTIPURPOSE WHOLE BODY EXERCISE DEVICE - A portable multipurpose whole body exercise device which can be used for general fitness, Pilates-type, core strengthening, therapeutic, and rehabilitative exercises as well as stretching and physical therapy and which includes storable accessories that can be withdrawn from storage within the device and subsequently secured to the main tubular portion of the apparatus. The storable accessories can be used for a variety of resistance, stretching, and strength training exercises. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071307 | APPARATUS FOR AN ABDOMINAL EXERCISER DEVICE - An apparatus for an abdominal exerciser device in the general shape of an adult human cervical spine which acts to fix the position of the neck and cervical spine during a stomach crunch exercise movement is presented. The abdominal exerciser device comprises three major components: the device spine, the cushion assemblies, and the hand straps. The device spine is a bar or tube curved to follow the adult human cervical and upper thoracic spine and provides attachment points for the cushion assemblies and straps. The cushion assemblies are contact points for the exerciser's head and upper back, while the straps allow the exerciser to keep contact with the exerciser device during the exercise movement with minimal force. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071308 | METHODS AND COMPONENT PARTS FOR MANUFACTURING FOAM PAINT ROLLERS - Described is a paint roller cover strip for use in manufacturing paint rollers. The paint roller cover strip being formed from a length of foam base shaped in a trapezoidal cross section with two parallel sides, the foam base having a scrim affixed along the length of the narrower one of the two parallel sides. The paint roller cover optionally comprising a microfiber lamination along the length of the wider of the two parallel sides. Also described are methods of making a paint roller having a foam cover. On or two strips of material are helically advanced about a mandrel, a layer of adhesive is placed on the strip(s), and a cover material having the trapezoidal cross section is helically wound about the adhesive. Prior to permitting the layer of adhesive to set, the cover material having the trapezoidal cross section is helically wrapped around the outer strip, and an inward compressive force is applied upon the cover material urging the cover material and the strip(s) toward the mandrel, forming the paint roller having a foam cover. The materials can be assembled in a continuous manufacturing process and the foam base has the shape of a trapezoid with one or more angles sufficient to eliminate gaps between the outer surface of successive helical winds on a finished paint roller. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071309 | METHOD OF MANUFACTURING A TOP SHEET OR BACK SHEET OF A DISPOSABLE ABSORBENT ARTICLE - A method of manufacturing a top sheet material or back sheet material for use in the manufacture of disposable absorbent articles, including the steps of: a) splitting a continuous first web of sheet material having substantially straight side edges into a second and third continuous web by an alternating concave-convex cutting line cut in a longitudinal direction along the continuous first web, the cutting line being distanced from both side edges of the continuous first web; b) shifting the second continuous web in a lateral direction in relation to the third continuous web so that the substantially straight edges of the second and third continuous webs are parallel to and adjacent to each other and longitudinally shifting the second continuous web so that the series of concave edge portions and the series of convex edge portions of the second and third continuous webs are longitudinally aligned with each other: c) directly or indirectly joining the substantially straight edges of the second and third continuous webs to each other, thereby forming a composite fourth web. The cutting line is made in the first continuous web so that all portions of the cutting line are distanced from a longitudinal centre line of the first continuous web. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071310 | Sheet folding device and image forming apparatus - A sheet folding device includes: a conveying path to convey a sheet; a conveying unit to convey the sheet to downstream in a sheet conveying direction; a folding-conveying path branching from the conveying path downstream of the conveying unit in the sheet conveying direction to discharge a folded sheet; a pair of folding rollers arranged in a branching portion of the folding-conveying path to fold the sheet in a nip formed between the rollers; a leading end stopper on which a leading end of the sheet is abutted to determine a folding position; an angle adjustment unit that adjusts an angle of the leading end stopper; a folding-length measurement unit to measure lengths of both edges of the sheet; and a control unit that operates the angle adjustment unit based on the measurement result of the folding-length measurement unit to variably control the angle of the leading end stopper. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071311 | Device For Driving The Folding Arms Of An Interfolding Machine - The device for driving folding arms of comb-like folding means along a closed operating path is used on an interfolding machine | 2012-03-22 |
20120071312 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PREPARING FOLD LINES - The method and the apparatus are used for preparing fold lines on laminated materials on the basis of cardboard. At least one region intended for providing the fold line is subjected to heat such that an at least partial local reduction of shear fracture stresses of the material is produced in said region. The application of heat is done using a heating device, which is disposed adjacent to a guide device for the laminate. The local reduction of the shear fracture stresses supports local delamination, which supports the formation of a folding joint. | 2012-03-22 |
20120071313 | CENTRIFUGE HAVING A LUBRICANT SYSTEM - Disclosed is a centrifuge including a rotatable centrifugal drum and a drive spindle to drive the centrifugal drum. The drive spindle is rotatably mounted via a bearing in a housing supported elastically on a machine framework. Further included is a drive device including a drive motor to rotate the drive spindle and a lubricant system to lubricate the bearing. The lubricant system is configured to deliver lubricant from a lubricant supply tank through a lubricant channel into a region of the bearing. An injection device is arranged downstream of the lubricant-supply tank and is configured to deliver the lubricant into the region of the bearing by dispensing quantities of lubricant in temporally discrete pulses with a limited-time air stream. A method is disclosed of directing lubricant into a region of a bearing of the centrifuge as noted above. | 2012-03-22 |