28th week of 2009 patent applcation highlights part 38 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20090176561 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FACILITATING MONETARY AND REWARD TRANSACTIONS AND ACCOUNTING IN A GAMING ENVIRONMENT - One or more methods and apparatus for facilitating financial and player tracking/reward transactions. In one embodiment, a system includes at least one server and a plurality of gaming machines and/or a game generator for transmitting game information to a remote game play location. The server has a memory containing data files corresponding to players. The data files contain information such as credits or monies in an account which belong to the player or which may be used by the player to play games. The data files also contain player tracking information, such as points awarded to a player based upon their game play. In one embodiment, players are issued media in the form of player cards having identification information thereon. The identification information is used to access the player's account or files, such as at a gaming machine. A player and a casino may manage the player's accounts, such as by placing criteria upon the account, including the use of associated credits. A player may play a game using credits associated with their account. A player may also manage their accounts, including viewing financial and game play or reward information and transfer funds into and out of an account. | 2009-07-09 |
20090176562 | Method of presenting and playing games with enhanced outcomes - A method of presenting and playing a game provides the opportunity for enhanced awards. In one embodiment, if a winning game outcome is a predetermined winning outcome, an enhanced paytable or award is activated. The enhanced paytable or award offers the player a chance for enhanced winnings in one or more subsequent games. The enhanced award may be activated when a particular winning outcome is received in a game and may then be won by repeating that winning outcome in one or more subsequent games. The award might also be won by designating the outcome before a game and then receiving that outcome during the play of the game. The enhanced award or paytable may remain in effect for a period of time or for a certain number of games, and may be triggered, be selected by a player or be selected by a casino. | 2009-07-09 |
20090176563 | METHOD OF GAMING, GAME CONTROLLER, AND A GAMING SYSTEM - A method of gaming comprising conducting at least one dual game round, each dual game round being conducted by: generating a game outcome; determining whether to make an award in respect of the game outcome; and randomly determining whether to make a special award independently of the game outcome. | 2009-07-09 |
20090176564 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COLLECTING AND USING PLAYER INFORMATION - A distributed computer system is provided for collecting player information. Further, a scoring system is provided that rates a player based on one or more elements of the collected information. Players may be rated with respect to a number of characteristics. Responsive to a determined rating or score, action may be taken by the distributed system with regard to the player. For instance, the player may be provided a complimentary offer, provided an award, and invitation to come to a gambling location, presented an advertisement, or other action may be performed involving the player. Further, the distributed computer system may permit a player to manage their frequent player accounts and receive complimentary offers based on a set of criteria specified by the player. | 2009-07-09 |
20090176565 | GAMING DEVICES FOR BIOMETRICALLY IDENTIFYING A PLAYER - Various systems, gaming devices, and methods for biometrically identifying a player are disclosed herein. The capture of the biometric information is undisclosed to the player. The captured biometric information may be used to verifying a player's age, prevent underage gambling, promote responsible gaming, authorize and/or authenticate an electronic funds transfer. The biometric information may also be used to provide player-centric gaming. The player's preferences are associated with the biometric information, and a gaming device is reconfigured to the player's preferences once the player's biometric information is obtained at the gaming device. | 2009-07-09 |
20090176566 | METHODS FOR BIOMETRICALLY IDENTIFYING A PLAYER - Various systems, gaming devices, and methods for biometrically identifying a player are disclosed herein. The capture of the biometric information is undisclosed to the player. The captured biometric information may be used to verifying a player's age, prevent underage gambling, promote responsible gaming, authorize and/or authenticate an electronic funds transfer. The biometric information may also be used to provide player-centric gaming. The player's preferences are associated with the biometric information, and a gaming device is reconfigured to the player's preferences once the player's biometric information is obtained at the gaming device. | 2009-07-09 |
20090176567 | HAND-HELD GAME APPARATUS AND GAME PROGRAM - A hand-held game apparatus and a game program are provided which allow a user to play a game while going back and forth between two kinds of maps, namely, a narrow-range map and a broad-range map game, and arbitrarily change the displayed state of at least one of the broad-range map and the narrow-range map by manipulating a touch panel which is mounted on a liquid crystal display section for displaying the broad-range map. As liquid crystal display sections embodying two screens, a first liquid crystal display section and a second liquid crystal display section are provided, with a touch panel mounted on the second liquid crystal display section. The first liquid crystal display section displays a narrow-range map, and the second liquid crystal display section displays a broad-range map. If the player manipulates the touch panel to point to a coordinate position on the broad-range map, thus designating coordinates for a narrow-range map to display, an image of the narrow-range map, which is changed as desired, is displayed. If the player indicates a moving direction on the broad-range map, thus designating a scroll direction, the broad-range map displayed on the second liquid crystal display section is moved (scrolled). | 2009-07-09 |
20090176568 | GAMING MACHINE HAVING INTERCHANGEABLE DISPLAY CONTENT AND METHODS - Various embodiments disclosed herein are directed to methods, gaming machines, and gaming systems with multiple displays having interchangeable display content. According to one embodiment, a gaming machine includes a first display for presenting a primary game, a second display for presenting secondary display content to a player, and a player input device for receiving player input to configure content displayed on the first display and the second display such that the first display presents the secondary display content and the second display presents the primary game. | 2009-07-09 |
20090176569 | AMBIENT ENVIRONMENT EFFECTS - An ambient effects system and method of operation is described in which regions ( | 2009-07-09 |
20090176570 | CAMERA CONTROL FOR THIRD-PERSON CONSOLE VIDEO GAME - In a third-person shooter video game, the viewing perspective is smoothly transitioned between an “explorer” viewpoint and a “ready” viewpoint as game conditions change. In the “explorer” viewpoint, scenes are depicted from a camera positioned behind and removed from a character. The explorer viewpoint offers a wide angle of view of the surrounding combat area, enabling the game player to scout the terrain. In the “ready” viewpoint, scenes are depicted from the camera as it is repositioned close to the character. The ready viewpoint provides a narrower angle of view to facilitate better aiming when the character is engaged in armed combat. The transition between the explorer and ready viewpoints tracks a non-linear path. | 2009-07-09 |
20090176571 | SYSTEM FOR AND METHOD OF OPERATING VIDEO GAME SYSTEM WITH CONTROL ACTUATOR-EQUIPPED STYLUS - A system and method expand game action functionality of a portable game system in which user manipulation of a stylus contributes to control of game action in the operation of two-handed game play. The stylus is equipped with one or more control actuators that are integrally associated with (i.e., positioned on or in) the stylus to respond to manipulation by the user to control game action. One or more game action functions are selected and implemented for control by the number of the stylus-equipped control actuators. The game action functions include one or both of game action functions caused by actuation of the number of first and second control actuator devices and other, additional game action functions. The selected game action functions expand practicable game action functionality of the portable game system by enabling use of the user's hand manipulating the stylus to cause performance of one or more game action functions. | 2009-07-09 |
20090176572 | GAMING MACHINE HAVING INTERCHANGEABLE DISPLAY CONTENT - Various embodiments disclosed herein are directed to methods, gaming machines, and gaming systems with multiple displays having interchangeable display content. According to one embodiment, a gaming machine includes a first display for presenting a primary game, a second display for presenting secondary display content to a player, and a player input device for receiving player input to configure content displayed on the first display and the second display such that the first display presents the secondary display content and the second display presents the primary game. | 2009-07-09 |
20090176573 | Assembly for A Gaming Machine and Player Interface - Certain embodiments relate to gaming machines and in particular to electronic gaming machines having a monitor and one or more than touch sensitive screen. The touch sensitive screen is releasably or detectably mounted in front of the monitor so that in the event of either one of the touch screen or the monitor failing, the failed item and be removed, and replaced or service as desired. | 2009-07-09 |
20090176574 | User Interface for a Communication Device - A device for use in a communication system the device comprising processing means arranged to execute first and second applications, and first and second interface means, the first application for detecting a communication event, the second application comprising means for controlling the second interface to allow a user to use the second application; wherein the first application is arranged to control first interface means to indicate to a user of the device that the communication event has occurred, when the second application is running. | 2009-07-09 |
20090176575 | GAME SERVER SYSTEM, GAME ELEMENT PROVIDING METHOD, GAME DEVICE, AND PROGRAM PRODUCT - There are stored in a database stored in a host server ( | 2009-07-09 |
20090176576 | PLAYBOOK FOR ONLINE GAMING - An online gaming system includes logic to apply a playbook to an active team competition and to score the playbook according to acts of the team competition. | 2009-07-09 |
20090176577 | Incentive-Based Video Gaming System - There is provided a method of playing a video game with at least one interactive information element incorporated within the game. The method includes: a player manipulating a control unit to play the game in a preferred mode; and the player having an option to engage the interactive information element when playing the game. The information element may be either advertisements or public announcement services. In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a video game including at least one interactive information element, where gameplay is preferably not disrupted when the interactive information element is engaged. Finally, there is also provided a method of incorporating at least one interactive information element into a video game, including: adding an engageable module into the video game; updating the engageable module with the interactive information element; and locating the interactive information element at a juncture in the video game. | 2009-07-09 |
20090176578 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COLLECTING AND USING PLAYER INFORMATION - A distributed computer system is provided for collecting player information. Further, a scoring system is provided that rates a player based on one or more elements of the collected information. Players may be rated with respect to a number of characteristics. Responsive to a determined rating or score, action may be taken by the distributed system with regard to the player. For instance, the player may be provided a complimentary offer, provided an award, and invitation to come to a gambling location, presented an advertisement, or other action may be performed involving the player. Further, the distributed computer system may permit a player to manage their frequent player accounts and receive complimentary offers based on a set of criteria specified by the player. | 2009-07-09 |
20090176579 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COLLECTING AND USING PLAYER INFORMATION - A distributed computer system is provided for collecting player information. Further, a scoring system is provided that rates a player based on one or more elements of the collected information. Players may be rated with respect to a number of characteristics. Responsive to a determined rating or score, action may be taken by the distributed system with regard to the player. For instance, the player may be provided a complimentary offer, provided an award, and invitation to come to a gambling location, presented an advertisement, or other action may be performed involving the player. Further, the distributed computer system may permit a player to manage their frequent player accounts and receive complimentary offers based on a set of criteria specified by the player. | 2009-07-09 |
20090176580 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COLLECTING AND USING PLAYER INFORMATION - A distributed computer system is provided for collecting player information. Further, a scoring system is provided that rates a player based on one or more elements of the collected information. Players may be rated with respect to a number of characteristics. Responsive to a determined rating or score, action may be taken by the distributed system with regard to the player. For instance, the player may be provided a complimentary offer, provided an award, and invitation to come to a gambling location, presented an advertisement, or other action may be performed involving the player. Further, the distributed computer system may permit a player to manage their frequent player accounts and receive complimentary offers based on a set of criteria specified by the player. | 2009-07-09 |
20090176581 | INSTRUCTIONAL GAMING METHODS AND APPARATUS - An instructional gaming apparatus and method implements adaptive instructional gaming from a start point along a trajectory to a final goal. The system comprises a receiver for electronically receiving data from a user. The system further includes an electronic subject matter database with a clearly defined set of discrete heuristics combined with an electronic processor for the creation of an electronic instructional gaming curriculum unique to the individual user and their goals to enable proficiency in the given subject matter. Performance is periodically tested. And electronic means allows the information from the user performance database to be incorporated into the discrete heuristic utilized by the electronic processor for the creation of future electronic instructional gaming curriculums and/or individual instructional gaming lessons for the specific user in the given subject. | 2009-07-09 |
20090176582 | Gaming machine with belly located media dispenser - A gaming machine has a media dispenser, such as a ticket printer. The media dispenser is located in a belly portion of the gaming machine below a console portion. The media dispenser may be located in front of a cabinet portion of the gaming machine and behind a door thereof. The media dispenser preferably extends horizontally through the gaming machine. A portion of the media dispenser may be located in front of a currency box of a currency acceptor of the machine. The location of the media dispenser simplifies the configuration of the gaming machine as well as access to the media dispenser. | 2009-07-09 |
20090176583 | One-way Isolator For High Torque Devices - A one way isolator for high torque devices, such as alternator-starters, driven by a flexible drive means includes a hub and a sheave each of which includes at least one stop member. The hub and sheave are linked by a isolating spring and, via a bearing and/or bushing, can rotate with respect to each other to provide isolation, through the spring, from torque variations when torque is transferred from the flexible drive means to the device. When substantial amounts of torque are transferred from the device to the flexible drive means, the sheave rotates with respect to the hub to bring the stop members into contact such that the isolator then acts like a solid pulley to facilitate the transfer of the torque from the device. | 2009-07-09 |
20090176584 | Universal Cross Joint with Axial Insulation - A universal joint comprises a first joint yoke having bearing bores at axially opposite yoke arms and being connected with the drive shaft, a first pin bearer being connected to the first joint yoke; a second joint yoke having bearing bores at axially opposite yoke arms and being connected with the driven shaft, a second pin bearer being connected to the second joint yoke; and an elastic coupling element connected to the cross member at each pin bearer. The first and second joint yokes are arranged radially at an angle of 90° in relation to each other to form an internal space. The first and second pin bearers each comprise an appendage such that each pin bearer extends through a respectively associated joint yoke and protrudes with its appendage over an outer side of the respective joint yoke opposite to the internal space. | 2009-07-09 |
20090176585 | Torque Transmission Device Useful as a Fixed Constant Velocity Ball Joint for Drive Shafts and Method for Producing Such a Joint - A torque transmission device such as a fixed constant velocity ball joint constructed as an opposed track joint and a process for producing such a device, in which the curvatures bases of the tracks of the joint deviate in their axial course from the curvatures of the ball contact lines. The process is characterized in that prior to the formation of a longitudinal profile of the joint component, the component is brought to an increased hardness by a hardening process and a diffusion layer is partially or completely removed in the region of the longitudinal profile. | 2009-07-09 |
20090176586 | Torque Transmission Device Useful as a Fixed Constant Velocity Ball Joint Constructed as an Opposed Track Joint and Method for Producing Such a Joint - A torque transmitting device, such as a fixed constant velocity ball joint as a counter track joint and a method for producing such a joint, in which the curvatures of the bases of the joint tracks deviate in their axial course from the curvatures of the ball contact lines. The method is characterized in that the joint component is brought to an increased hardness by a hardening process prior to the formation of the longitudinal profile of the component, and a diffusion layer is partially or completely removed in the region of the longitudinally profiled structure. | 2009-07-09 |
20090176587 | Propshaft With Constant Velocity Joint Attachment - A propeller shaft assembly includes a substantially cylindrical hollow propeller shaft, a stub shaft and a constant velocity joint having inner race and an outer race drivingly interconnected by a plurality of balls. The stub shaft has a first end fixed to the propeller shaft and a second end drivingly coupled to the inner race. The second end includes a portion positioned adjacent to the inner race that defines an outer diameter greater than an outer diameter defined by the interface between the inner race and the plurality of balls. | 2009-07-09 |
20090176588 | Method and apparatus for storing and transporting portable stationary sheet flow water rides - The invention relates to a portable water ride having a trailer with a water catch basin built therein, wherein at least two pivoting supports are provided which can be deployed to an expanded position and stowed to a vertical position. When the supports are deployed, a flexible ride surface can be stretched between said supports to form an inclined ride surface upon which a sheet flow of water from a nozzle housing can be provided upon which water skimming maneuvers can be performed. A walkway on either side of the ride surface, as well as an entrance platform at the top of the ride surface, and other grated platforms, railings, etc., can also be provided. | 2009-07-09 |
20090176589 | Billiard table and billiard ball storage compartment with mating connectors - A billiard table and billiard ball storage compartment with mating connectors are disclosed. In one embodiment, a billiard table is provided comprising a frame comprising a first connector, a playing surface supported by the frame, and a billiard ball storage compartment comprising a second connector, wherein the second connector is configured to mate with the first connector when the billiard ball storage compartment is moved into a first position with respect to the frame. In exemplary embodiments, the billiard ball storage compartment comprises a ball storage box and/or a ball receiver box. | 2009-07-09 |
20090176590 | PUTTING MAT - An aspect of the invention provides a putting mat including a mat portion, a ball returning net portion, and a pair of bumps. The mat portion is configured for a ball to travel along. The ball returning net portion includes an entrance, a confining net portion, and a slope portion configured to guide the ball in the confining net portion toward and beyond the entrance. The pair of bumps along the two side portions of the mat portion are configured to limit the ball on the central path portion of the mat portion. The mat portion is tilted downward from the first end portion to the second end portion such that the ball is fallen off the entrance of the ball returning net and rolls toward the second end portion of the mat portion. | 2009-07-09 |
20090176591 | Golf putting practice target - A putting aide device that can be used with or without an existing golf cup or hole and has a perimeter lip for nesting on the surface edge of the hole or cup. Without the use of a hole, the device can be placed on a practice green surface of grass or a carpet or any other substitute surface for putting practices. The device has an elevated circular body with a lateral opening in a side thereof that allows a limited ball entry to itself or to the hole beneath (when used). The device includes a tuning fork feature that is struck by a properly delivered golf ball. When struck, the fork emits a sound dependent on the ball's aim, force and/or contact. This way, the golfer receives visual and audible feedback as to the quality and effectiveness of the putting stroke. | 2009-07-09 |
20090176592 | Golf training device - A swing training device which positively prevents a player's wrists from uncocking until a desired point the swing is reached. | 2009-07-09 |
20090176593 | GOLF PUTTER - A golf putter for training in the shape of a right cylinder is made out of good weight material such as solid brass. The weight of the putter conditions the golfer's muscles and inhibits the golfer from decelerating during the stroke. The putter includes opposite circular striking faces and is swung in the manner of a pendulum whereby the golfer's finger and arm muscles are conditioned during putting. | 2009-07-09 |
20090176594 | Golf swing trainer - A golf swing modeling device includes a base having a first row of sensors, a striking row of sensors, a second row of sensors and a third row of sensors. The various sensors output individual signals. The striking row of sensors comprises a striking row inside sensor and a striking row outside sensor. A ball striking assembly has a lower ball mounted on a lower ball arm which is mounted on a lower retainer and an upper ball mounted on an upper ball arm which is mounted on an upper retainer. The upper ball has a sensor which outputs a signal when struck. A striking face of the lower ball is placed between the striking row inside sensor and striking row outside sensor. A processor receives individual signals from the sensors. The processor calculates club speed, and club head orientation from individual signals, and the processor provides output. | 2009-07-09 |
20090176595 | GOLF SWING TRAINING TOOL PROVIDING A DIRECT VISUAL INDICATION OF PROPER CLUB HEAD SWING PATH - The present golf swing training tool assists a golfer in learning the correct swing path the club head should follow during a normal golf swing, in order to consistently hit the ball in the desired direction, by providing a direct visual prompt of the proper club head swing path during each swing of the golf club. The tool may be used indoors or outdoors and is very portable. | 2009-07-09 |
20090176596 | WEDGE TYPE GOLF CLUB INCLUDING PITCHING WEDGE, APPROACH WEDGE AND SAND WEDGE - There is provided a golf club capable of giving a strong backspin to a golf ball. A shaft is connected to a head formed with score lines on a face surface thereof. A height from a sole face of the head or a horizontal plane flush with the sole face is formed greater than a radius of a golf ball. An upper protrusion and a lower protrusion are provided spacedly rearwardly of upper and lower portions of the head, respectively. By providing the center of gravity of the head in an upper portion than the center of the golf ball, backspin can be accelerated by a gear effect generated at the time of hitting the golf ball. Further, the height of up to the center of gravity of the head is freely adjustable. | 2009-07-09 |
20090176597 | Golf Club Head - The present invention provides a golf club head that can hit a ball with a sufficiently large amount of backspin. The golf club head according to the present invention is an iron type golf club head made of a metal and including a flat face. A plurality of traces are formed by milling on the face. The pitch of the traces is between 0.1 mm and 1 mm. | 2009-07-09 |
20090176598 | GOLF PUTTER HEAD - A golf putter has a head provided with spaced, upper and lower leading edges and a toe and heel presenting a club face for striking a golf ball. The face extends linearly substantially from the toe to the heel, and extends between the upper and lower edges of the head along an arc having a radius of from approximately nine to thirty-five inches to provide consistent and predictable ball rolling characteristics. | 2009-07-09 |
20090176599 | GOLF CLUB HEAD - A golf club head ( | 2009-07-09 |
20090176600 | GOLF CLUB HEAD - The invention prevents a resin member from being broken so as to improve durability. The invention provides a golf club head ( | 2009-07-09 |
20090176601 | GOLF BALL WITH SOFTER FEEL AND HIGH IRON SPIN - A golf ball comprising:
| 2009-07-09 |
20090176602 | Baseball Batting Device - A baseball batting device includes an elongate lever arm having opposed proximate and distal ends. The device includes a fulcrum lowerly adjacent the lever arm for separating the proximate or distal end of the lever arm from a ground surface during use. The lever arm is rotatable about the fulcrum between a first position in which the distal end is adjacent a ground surface and a second position in which the distal end is separated from the ground surface. A downward force exerted on the proximate end moves the lever arm from the first position to the second position. The lever arm distal end is configured to support a baseball when the lever arm is at the first position and to release the baseball when the lever arm is at the second position. The fulcrum and distal end are adjustable so as to modify the path of a tossed ball. | 2009-07-09 |
20090176603 | Soccer training target, method for practicing kicking using same, and method for advertising using same - The subject matter described herein includes a soccer training target, a method for practicing kicking using same, and a method for advertising using same. According to one aspect of the subject matter described herein, a soccer training target is provided. The soccer training device includes a target panel having a front surface, a rear surface, and a hole for hanging the target panel from a soccer net, the target panel comprising a rigid member. At least one visual target is located on the target panel, where the target panel is configured to receive impact from soccer balls during kicking practice. An attachment device is insertable into the at least one hole for hanging the target panel from the soccer net. | 2009-07-09 |
20090176604 | Collapsible ball game basket and apparatus for playing a ball game - A collapsible ball game basket comprising an entrance hoop and three or more legs, means for holding the legs together at a predetermined position on each leg, means for detachably connecting the upper end of each leg to said hoop and means for locating the lower end of each leg on a ground sheet. | 2009-07-09 |
20090176605 | FOLDING TABLE - The invention relates to a folding table comprising: a board which is formed by two articulated halves ( | 2009-07-09 |
20090176606 | Tennis ball retriever - A spring wire loop is affixed to a tennis racquet to enable a player to conveniently scoop a tennis ball off the playing surface and retrieve it. In one add-on embodiment, the loop can be affixed by mounts secured to the strings of an existing racquet; in another it is held in place by the racquet's bumper guard; in a further alternative, the loop can be secured to mounts built into the racquet at manufacture. | 2009-07-09 |
20090176607 | Conical pulley with integrated torque sensor for a belt-driven conical-pulley transmission - A conical pulley assembly with integrated torque sensor. A torque-dependent force is transmitted through a transmitting component to a sensing piston whose position determines the pressure in a sensing chamber. The transmitting member is connected to the movable disk, and is formed in such a way that it transmits the torque-dependent force to the sensing piston in a manner that is dependent on the position of an axially movable disk of the conical pulley. | 2009-07-09 |
20090176608 | Overrunning Alternator Decoupler Pulley with Bare Wire Spring and Grease Lubrication - A decoupler assembly is provided for a system that employs an endless power transmitting element. The decoupler includes a one-way clutch with a wrap spring and a torsion spring that are disposed between a pulley, which is engaged to the endless power transmitting element, and a hub. The one-way clutch permits overrunning of a driven or output one of the pulley and the hub, whereas the torsion spring stores and releases energy to attenuate the response of the one-way clutch in a manner that provides improved durability of an interface between the wrap spring and the pulley. | 2009-07-09 |
20090176609 | TIMING BELT TENSIONER WITH STOPS CONTROLLED BY BRAKE DEVICE - A tensioner having a backstop device which allows free rotation of the pivot arm in a first direction but controls rotation of the pivot arm in a second, opposite direction. The backstop device permits a predetermined, limited amount of free rotation in the second direction and thereafter, employs a braking device to prevent rotation in the second direction if the torque that acts on the pivot art is less than a predetermined threshold. | 2009-07-09 |
20090176610 | Two-Mode Electrically Variable Transmission - An electrically variable transmission (EVT) is provided with input member and output member, first and second motor/generators, a first and a second planetary gear set, and a final drive gearset. Two torque-transmitting mechanisms that are selectively engagable alone or in different combinations to establish an electric-only operating mode, an input split mode, a compound split mode, and a neutral mode. The first torque-transmitting mechanism may be configured as a one-way clutch in parallel with a friction clutch or a dog clutch, or configured as a lockable one-way clutch. A vehicle having the EVT may be driven electrically using one or both motor/generators, up to a maximum speed of the motor/generators. There are no slipping clutches when operated in an electric-only operating mode, and the engine provides most of the power for high-speed cruising. The EVT can transition from input split mode to compound split mode by synchronous shift. | 2009-07-09 |
20090176611 | Auxiliary Unit Drive for a motor vehicle - In an auxiliary unit drive for a motor vehicle, having planetary gearing (P), with a sun gear (S) of the planetary gearing (P) connected in a power-transmitting fashion to a first electric machine (EM | 2009-07-09 |
20090176612 | Method for Operating an Automatic Gearbox - A method for operating an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle, in particular a variable-speed automatic transmission. The automatic transmission has five shift elements and for transferring torque or force in a forward gear and in a reverse gear at least three of the five shift elements are engaged. In a neutral position of the automatic transmission, to prevent torque or force flow at least one of the shift elements that are engaged in the respective forward or reverse gear is fully disengaged. | 2009-07-09 |
20090176613 | ELECTROMECHANICAL DIFFERENTIAL LOCK ASSEMBLY - A differential lock assembly includes a shift collar ( | 2009-07-09 |
20090176614 | Differential assembly with oil deflector shield - An axle assembly that includes a housing assembly, a lubricant and a differential assembly. The housing assembly defines a differential cavity with a lubricant sump into which the liquid lubricant is received. The differential assembly is mounted in the differential cavity for rotation about a rotational axis and includes a differential case, a ring gear, a gear set and an oil shield. The differential case has a body, which defines a gear cavity into which the gear set is received, and a flange that is coupled to the body and includes a flange face. The ring gear is coupled to the flange. The oil shield is coupled for rotation to the differential case and covers a least a radially outward portion of the circumferentially discontinuous features so that they do not directly contact the liquid lubricant in the lubricant sump when the differential assembly rotates about the rotational axis. | 2009-07-09 |
20090176615 | Epicyclic Reduction Gear With Multiple Modular Stages for Tubular Motor Reducers Operating Winding Roller Shutter,Roller Shades and the Like - The present invention relates to an epicyclic reduction gear with multiple modular stages (M | 2009-07-09 |
20090176616 | Continuously variable transmission - A continuously variable transmission includes an input shaft rotatably supported in a housing; a first speed change unit and a second speed change unit, provided within the housing and disposed facing each other symmetrically with respect to a plane normal to the axial direction of the input shaft, to continuously vary the speed of rotation of the input shaft using traction force; an output rotating gear supported to be able to rotate freely about the input shaft so that the rotation of the output rotating gear is synchronized with the rotation which has been varied in speed by the first speed change unit and the second speed change unit; and an output shaft. The torque of the input shaft can be doubled by the two speed change units while continuously varying the speed, and the thrust loads generated in the axial direction of the input shaft cancel each other out. | 2009-07-09 |
20090176617 | METHOD FOR THE OPERATION OF A HYBRID DRIVE TRAIN IN A MOTOR VEHICLE - The hybrid drive train has an internal combustion engine connected to a first input shaft via a first clutch and connected to a second input shaft via a second clutch. An electric machine is connected to the second input shaft. The first input shaft is coupled to an output shaft via a first gear, and the second input shaft is coupled to the output shaft via two second gears. In the method for operating the hybrid, the first gear is engaged and torque is applied by the engine. To change, one of the second gears is engaged, engine torque is reduced by slipping the clutch while electric machine torque is increased. To change again, electric machine torque is reduced to zero, the other second gear is engaged while engine torque transmitted via the first clutch is increased by reducing slipping of the first clutch. | 2009-07-09 |
20090176618 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION AND PROGRAM FOR PERFORMING THE CONTROL METHOD - An apparatus and method for controlling a CVT (continuously variable transmission), and a program for executing the control method that reduces a transmission shock during a braking operation. When a foot brake switch is turned on and a vehicle speed is less than or equal to a threshold speed, the ECU increases a clamping pressure applied to a transmission belt to a pressure level higher than a normal pressure. When the vehicle speed falls to or below the threshold speed when the foot brake switch is turned on, the ECU prohibits an increase in the clamping pressure applied to the transmission belt. | 2009-07-09 |
20090176619 | VEHICLE CONTROL APPARATUS - Control apparatuses ( | 2009-07-09 |
20090176620 | SYSTEMS FOR DETERMINING THE POSITION OF A PUNCHING BAG - A punching bag system is provided for determining the position of a punching bag. A punching bag is suspended by a coupling from a stand which permits the punching bag to travel between an up position where it is in contact with a contact area on the stand, and a down position where it is free from contact with the stand. Light-emitting devices and light-receiving devices are radially positioned on the stand between the coupling and the contact area. Light is emitted from the light-emitting devices and reflected into the light-receiving devices when the punching bag is in the up position. The light-receiving devices generate an output proportional to the amount of light received therein which is analyzed to determine if the punching bag is in the up position. A metric is determined based in part on the determined position and is presented by an output device. | 2009-07-09 |
20090176621 | Tumbler apparatus - In one embodiment, a tumbler apparatus comprises a metal roller padded with foam, a frame to give support and height to the roller and elastic bands connected at opposite ends of the roller to connect the roller to the frame. The elastic bands connect to support hooks on the frame risers. | 2009-07-09 |
20090176622 | Framework System - A load bearing framework system ( | 2009-07-09 |
20090176623 | Adductor Exerciser - An adductor exerciser has a stanchion, a stand, a crossbar and two legs. The stanchion has an upper end and a lower end. The stand is attached to the lower end. The crossbar is attached to the upper end of the stanchion. Each leg is pivotally connected to the crossbar and has a distal end and a pedal assembly. The pedal assembly is mounted rotatably to the distal end of the leg. | 2009-07-09 |
20090176624 | Exercise apparatus - An exercise machine comprises a frame, left and right swing mechanisms, left and right driving members, left and right actuating mechanisms, and a handle assembly. The left and right swing mechanisms are pivotally connected to the frame in outward skew modes. The left and right driving levers are respectively jointed between the left and right swing mechanisms and the left and right actuating mechanisms. Furthermore, one of the actuating mechanisms is coupled to a handle assembly which is connected to the frame in an inclined mode. | 2009-07-09 |
20090176625 | Exercise Apparatus - An exercise apparatus comprising:
| 2009-07-09 |
20090176626 | UPPER BODY EXERCISE AND FLYWHEEL ENHANCED DUAL DECK TREADMILLS - An exercise device includes a first treadle assembly supporting a first moving surface and a second treadle assembly supporting a second moving surface. The exercise device further includes an upper body exercise assembly operably associated with the exercise device. The first treadle assembly is pivotally coupled with the frame structure, and the second treadle assembly is pivotally coupled with the frame structure. In another form, an exercise device includes a frame structure, a first treadle assembly having a first endless belt in rotatable engagement with a first roller, a second treadle assembly having a second endless belt in rotatable engagement with a second roller, and a flywheel operably coupled with the first endless belt and the second endless belt. | 2009-07-09 |
20090176627 | INTEGRATED FOLDING MECHANISM OF A TREADMILL - An integrated folding mechanism of a treadmill having a slide pusher supported by a pneumatic cylinder at the bottom of a platform frame thereof. In this way, the rear support may be pushed upward to bring the platform frame in a vertical stable folding position or in a flat ground-touching position when the platform frame is moved upward and downward. Meanwhile, a connecting rod is interposed between the rear support and the handrail assembly such that the handrail assembly can synchronically move with the platform frame in an extracted or an extended position. | 2009-07-09 |
20090176628 | TREADMILL BELT WITH FOAMED CUSHION LAYER AND METHOD OF MAKING - The present invention is directed to a treadmill belt with foamed cushion layer and method of making same. In one embodiment, the treadmill belt includes a fabric base layer and a foamed cushion layer foamed on and integral with the fabric base layer. The foamed cushion layer includes a thermoplastic composition and has a Shore A hardness of about 20 to about 80. In one example, the first foamed cushion layer is from about 0.05 inches to about 0.35 inches thick. The thermoplastic composition, prior to being foamed, includes about 1 part to about 5 parts of a foaming agent, e.g., a chemical foaming agent, based on 100 parts thermoplastic material, e.g., polyvinyl chloride. An outer wear layer is securely adhered on the foamed cushion layer to sandwich the foamed cushion layer between the fabric base layer and outer wear layer thereby defining the treadmill belt. | 2009-07-09 |
20090176629 | AUTOMATIC VELOCITY CONTROL TREADMILL USING PRESSURE SENSOR ARRAY AND FUZZY-LOGIC - The present invention relates to an automatic speed-controlled treadmill using a pressure sensor array and a method of operating the same. The automatic speed-controlled treadmill includes a walking belt, a pressure sensor array including pressure sensors for detecting loads of the exerciser's feet and outputting the detected loads of the feet as load detection signals, a pace speed status storage unit for storing a pace speed and variation in pace speed of the exerciser, and a control unit provided with an algorithm for calculating a pace speed of the exerciser using the load detection signals, calculating a difference between a previous pace speed and a current pace speed as the variation in pace speed, calculating the exercise center of the exerciser, and proportionally accelerating/decelerating a driving speed of the walking belt in consideration of the variation in pace speed and the exercise center. | 2009-07-09 |
20090176630 | EXERCISE APPARATUS HAVING A SURFACE FOR SLIDING - An exercise apparatus including: a pair of platforms, each of the pair of platforms having: a base including a lower surface and a pair of opposed flanges extending upwardly from the lower surface; roller units received side-by-side in the base and being independently rotatable, each of the roller units extending between the pair of opposed flanges of the base and including at least two roller bodies spaced from one another by a groove, each of the at least two roller bodies including an outer surface, at least a portion of the outer surface being in continuous contact with the lower surface of the base; a retainer coupled to the base for maintaining the rollers units on the base; and a connector for coupling the pair of platforms to one another to provide a surface for sliding. | 2009-07-09 |
20090176631 | Simulated Ski Motion Machine - Ski simulation device has at least two arching rails parallel each other on a sloped plane elevated at an angle of a variable degree, joined to frame structure which includes handgrip and cross rail, arching rails providing track; a carriage rides in side-to-side movement on track; whereas carriage on which platform is mounted around axis, whereas platform on which two cradles each is mounted around its axis, whereas cradles wherein two rocking footrests are nested; resistance members providing a constraint on carriage as it rides on track; dampening member extending from front section of frame structure joined to midpoint on transverse bar of which ends joined to cradles; an assembly of rollers mounted on frontal sides of both cradles, whereby rollers as guide roll on cross rail; and rod extending from front section of frame structure to a point where mounted ball can be reached by user's both knees. | 2009-07-09 |
20090176632 | IMPACT DETECTION DEVICE - This present invention concerns an impact detection device, as well as a system that includes such a device, and is employed particularly in electronic training systems for a combat sport, or for simulation of such a combat sport, such as boxing, karate, kendo, or fencing in particular, or more generally in a sport in which the user creates an impact by striking an adversary or a support, directly or by means of an object that is liable to transmit the impact. | 2009-07-09 |
20090176633 | Gluteus training device - This invention relates to gymnastic apparatuses and devices for gymnastic exercises, more specifically, to devices for the training of specific muscles, and can be used for musculature development and strengthening by means of exercises based on the overcoming of a counteracting force, for example, for gluteus training. | 2009-07-09 |
20090176634 | Elastic Cord Unit for Pull Exerciser - An elastic cord unit includes a hollow outer elastic cord having a first longitudinal hole and two ends. Two first stops are respectively and securely received in the ends of the outer elastic cord. A hollow inner elastic cord is received in the outer elastic cord and includes a second longitudinal hole. Two ends of the inner elastic cord are respectively received in the first stops. Two second stops are respectively received in the ends of the inner elastic cord. Each end of the inner elastic cord is securely clamped between one of the first stops and one of the second stops. When the outer elastic cord breaks while a user is stretching the elastic cord unit, the inner elastic cord does not break to avoid injury to the user. | 2009-07-09 |
20090176635 | Exercise Device - An exercise device including vibrating element may be used for various forms of exercise such as strength training, physical therapy, balance training, massage, stretching, yoga, pilates and other exercise. The device includes at least one vibrating motor or other vibration means and a user may control the vibration direction, amplitude and frequency through the use of a control panel disposed on one end of the exercise device. | 2009-07-09 |
20090176636 | Automatic tool exchange apparatus, tool exchange method therefor, and machine tool making use of the same - An automatic tool exchange apparatus is provided, which dispenses with a robot hand for grasping and moving a tool, and a mechanism for mechanical movement of a tool, such as a tool conveyance device for conveyance of a tool, and which is simple in construction and enables to surely and automatically exchange a tool in a short time. | 2009-07-09 |
20090176637 | OA APPARATUS ROLLER - The invention offers an OA apparatus roller that has a surface layer formed by applying fluororesin and baking it, that has various excellent properties without impairing the parting ability and thermal conductivity, and that is suitable for mass production. An OA apparatus roller is produced by forming an elastic layer and a surface layer in this order on a core metal. In the roller, the surface layer is composed of a plurality of fluororesin layers and has a thickness of 6 to 30 μm. An OA apparatus roller has a structure in which of the multiple fluororesin layers forming the surface layer, at least one layer is a fluororesin layer containing filler. An OA apparatus roller has a structure in which of the multiple fluororesin layers forming the surface layer, the outermost layer is a fluororesin layer containing no filler and at least one layer other than the outermost layer is a fluororesin layer containing filler. | 2009-07-09 |
20090176638 | Gas sealed apparatus for separating solids, liquids and gases having different specific gravities - An axial flow-type pump apparatus with gas seals for separating immiscible flowable materials having different specific gravities and a discharge manifold connected to the fluid pump for drawing off the flowable material having the heavier specific gravity with greatly improved efficiency, and pump and apparatus longevity. The flowable material pump employs a rotatable impeller mechanism having a hollow core and a decreasing axial pitch in the direction of materials flow. The flowable materials are introduced into the inlet end of the rotatable impeller to produce a high velocity swirling action and a low pressure area along the longitudinal axis of the flow line, to generate a high centrifugal force as the flowable materials move axially and cause the flowable material having the heavier specific gravity to migrate to the perimeter while the lower specific gravity materials migrate to the center of the perimeter, whereupon they are separately discharged. | 2009-07-09 |
20090176639 | Method and furnace with series-arranged baths for producing glass frits - The invention relates to a furnace for continuously melting a silica-containing compound comprising at least two series-arranged baths each of which is provided with at least one burner submerged into molten material. Said invention also relates to a method for producing silica-containing compounds, the silica and the melt thereof being loaded into the first bath. The invention is intentionally adapted for the high performance production of frits for re-enameling ceramic products (sandstone, faience and burnt clay) at low temperatures and a fast transition time. | 2009-07-09 |
20090176640 | ALKALI-FREE GLASS SUBSTRATE, METHOD FOR PRODUCING IT AND LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY PANEL - To provide an alkali-free glass substrate, which has a high Young's modulus, a low linear expansion coefficient, a high strain point and a low density, does not devitrify in the float forming process and is excellent in acid resistance. | 2009-07-09 |
20090176641 | OPTICAL GLASS, GLASS MOLDED BODY, OPTICAL DEVICE AND THEIR PRODUCTION METHODS - An optical class comprising, by mass %, 12 to 30% of total of B | 2009-07-09 |
20090176642 | High-resistance high-zirconia cast refractory material - A high-zirconia cast refractory material which contains 85-95 wt % of ZrO | 2009-07-09 |
20090176643 | Sour service dewaxing catalyst without separate hydrogenation function - Catalysts for dewaxing of hydrocarbon feeds, particularly feeds with elevated sulfur and nitrogen levels, are provided. The dewaxing catalysts include a zeolite with a low silica to alumina ratio combined with a low surface binder, or alternatively the formulated catalyst has a high ratio of zeolite surface area to external surface area. | 2009-07-09 |
20090176644 | Processes for Controlling Catalyst Particle Morphology - Processes for forming catalyst particles utilizing a defoamer are described. Also described are processes for forming catalysts, where the processes comprise providing a correlation between defoamer concentration and catalyst particle morphology, and determining an amount of defoamer to include in a precursor composition to obtain the target morphology based on the correlation. | 2009-07-09 |
20090176645 | CATALYSTS AND METHODS FOR CATALYTIC OXIDATION - Catalytic systems and methods for oxidizing materials in the presence of metal catalysts (preferably manganese-containing catalysts) complexed with selected macropolycyclic rigid ligands, preferably cross-bridged macropolycyclic ligands. Included are using these metal catalysts in such processes as: synthetic organic oxidation reactions such as oxidation of organic functional groups, hydrocarbons, and heteroatoms, including enantiomeric epoxidation of alkenes, enynes, sulfides to sulfones and the like; oxidation of oxidizable compounds (e.g., stains) on surfaces such as fabrics, dishes, countertops, dentures and the like; oxidation of oxidizable compounds in solution, dye transfer inhibition in the laundering of fabrics; and further in the bleaching of pulp and paper products. | 2009-07-09 |
20090176646 | CATALYST SUPPORT USING CELLULOSE FIBERS, PREPARATION METHOD THEREOF, SUPPORTED CATALYST COMPRISING NANO-METAL CATALYST SUPPORTED ON CARBON NANOTUBES DIRECTLY GROWN ON SURFACE OF THE CATALYST SUPPORT, AND METHOD OF PREPARING THE SUPPORTED CATALYST - Disclosed are a porous catalyst support for maximizing an increase in catalytic reaction activity and a method of preparing a nano-metal-supported catalyst using the same. The method includes splitting cellulose fibers, thus preparing a catalyst support, growing carbon nanotubes on the prepared catalyst support, and supporting a nano-metal catalyst on the catalyst support having the carbon nanotubes grown thereon. A nano-metal-supported catalyst including the cellulose catalyst support and the use of cellulose fibers as the catalyst support for supporting the nano-metal catalyst are also provided. When porous cellulose fibers having a plurality of micropores are used as material for the catalyst support for supporting a nano-metal catalyst, the preparation cost of the catalyst is reduced and the increase in catalytic reaction activity is maximized even with the use of a small amount thereof in various catalytic reactions. A technique for directly growing carbon nanotubes is applied, thereby controlling the electrical conductivity of the catalyst and increasing the surface area, and further, an expensive nano-metal catalyst component can be easily collected after the reaction, resulting in eco-friendly properties. | 2009-07-09 |
20090176647 | HEAT-SENSITIVE RECORDING MATERIAL - The present invention provides a heat-sensitive recording material having a support, a heat-sensitive color-developing layer containing a leuco dye and a developer, and a protective layer, the heat-sensitive color-developing layer and the protective layer being formed on the support, wherein carboxylic-acid-modified polyvinyl alcohol with a weight average degree of polymerization of 100 to 400 and a modification degree of 0.2 mol % to 1.0 mol % is used as a dispersing agent for dispersing the leuco dye. | 2009-07-09 |
20090176648 | Herbicidal Mixture, Comprising an Imidazolinone Herbicide and an Adjuvant - A herbicidal mixture, comprising
| 2009-07-09 |
20090176649 | Permanent Current Switch - There is disclosed a permanent current switch which has a high temperature margin and which is thermally stable and which securely performs a switching operation between a superconducting state and a normal conducting state. The permanent current switch of the present invention has a coiled superconducting wire and a heater wire which switches the superconducting wire between the superconducting state and the normal conducting state, the superconducting wire is a magnesium diboride superconducting wire having a high-resistance metal on an outer side and a magnesium diboride superconducting portion on an inner side and prepared by forming a superconducting metal on a layer between the high-resistance metal and the magnesium diboride superconducting portion, and the permanent current switch further comprises a superconductive connecting section superconductively connected to a lead wire guided from the superconducting wire and a superconducting wire for a wiring line. | 2009-07-09 |
20090176650 | INTERNAL DIFFUSION PROCESS NB3SN SUPERCONDUCTING WIRE - An internal diffusion process Nb | 2009-07-09 |
20090176651 | A H+-Gated Ion Channel - The invention relates to an isolated or recombinant Na | 2009-07-09 |
20090176652 | Methods and Oligonucleotide Designs for Insertion of Multiple Adaptors into Library Constructs - Aspects described and claimed herein provide methods to insert multiple DNA adaptors into a population of circular target DNAs at defined positions and orientations with respect to one another. The resulting multi-adaptor constructs are then used in massively-parallel nucleic acid sequencing techniques. | 2009-07-09 |
20090176653 | ZINC FINGER DOMAIN LIBRARIES - Disclosed are libraries of chimeric zinc finger domains. The libraries can include two or more zinc finger domains from naturally occurring proteins, e.g., mammalian proteins and particularly human proteins. Useful chimeric zinc finger domains can be identified from the library. Also disclosed are the amino acid sequences of zinc finger domains that recognize particular sites. | 2009-07-09 |
20090176654 | Universal fibronectin type III binding-domain libraries - Walk-through mutagenesis and natural-variant combinatorial fibronectin Type III (FN3) polypeptide libraries are described, along with their method of construction and use. Also disclosed are a number of high binding affinity polypeptides selected by screening the libraries against a variety of selected antigens. | 2009-07-09 |
20090176655 | Methylation detection - A method of identifying nucleic acid molecules differentially methylated in a disease comprises steps of incubating fragmented DNA, from a disease cell, with a reagent which specifically binds to methylated DNA to thus concentrate methylated DNA fragments, incubating fragmented DNA, from a disease cell related to the disease cell utilised in step (a) in which DNA methyltransferase expression and/or activity has been inhibited, with a reagent which specifically binds to methylated DNA to thus concentrate methylated DNA fragments and comparing the methylated DNA fragments obtained in steps (a) and (b) to identify nucleic acid molecules differentially methylated in the disease. A method of detecting a predisposition to, or the incidence of, colorectal cancer in a sample comprises detecting an epigenetic change in at least one gene selected from RASGRF2, SCNN1B, HOXD1, PLK2 and BHLHB9 wherein detection of the epigenetic change is indicative of a predisposition to, or the incidence of, colorectal cancer. | 2009-07-09 |
20090176656 | TISSUE REJECTION - This document relates to methods and materials involved in detecting tissue injury and/or rejection (e.g., injury and/or rejection of transplanted tissue). For example, this document relates to methods and materials involved in the early detection of kidney tissue injury. | 2009-07-09 |
20090176657 | BINDING AND FUNCTIONAL ASSAYS THAT USE THE T1R3 RECEPTOR TO SCREEN FOR TASTE MODULATORY COMPOUNDS - Newly identified mammalian taste-cell-specific G protein-coupled receptors, and the genes and cDNA encoding said receptors are described. Specifically, T1R G protein-coupled receptors active in taste signaling, and the genes and cDNA encoding the same, are described, along with methods for isolating such genes and for isolating and expressing such receptors. Methods for representing taste perception of a particular tastant in a mammal are also described, as are methods for generating novel molecules or combinations of molecules that elicit a predetermined taste perception in a mammal, and methods for simulating one or more tastes. Further, methods for stimulating or blocking taste perception in a mammal are also disclosed. | 2009-07-09 |
20090176658 | Real Time Binding Analysis of Antigens on a Biosensor Surface - The invention provides methods for detecting interactions between phage and antigen or antigen and antibody using biosensors. | 2009-07-09 |
20090176659 | TRANSCRIPTIONAL ENGINEERING OF LACTOBACILLUS - The invention relates to global transcription machinery engineering to produce altered cells having improved phenotypes and methods for evaluating phenotypic diversity. | 2009-07-09 |
20090176660 | Engineered Baculoviruses and Their Use - Baculovirus is engineered so that the capsid displays one or more heterologous peptides or protein. Such baculovirus can be used to deliver therapeutics, and in functional genomics. | 2009-07-09 |