Abstract: The invention in some embodiments relates to systems and methods of loading fluid in a prosthetic knee. A vacuum fill technique is utilized in one embodiment to load magnetorheological fluid within small gaps in a chamber of a prosthetic knee. Advantageously, this allows for an efficient loading scheme thereby desirably allowing for faster manufacturing speed. Another advantage is that the magnetorheological fluid is substantially uniformly distributed within the small gaps thereby desirably providing consistent production.

Abstract: The invention in some embodiments relates to a dynamic seal for a prosthetic knee. The dynamic seal in one embodiment is utilized to seal a magnetorheological fluid comprising a liquid and solid particles within a chamber of the knee. The dynamic seal embodiments are specially configured with a pre-loaded tensioned garter spring which has a coil spacing that is at least as large as the size of the particles or maximum size of the particles in the magnetorheological fluid. Desirably, this allows the magnetorheological fluid particles to flow in and out of the dynamic seal without clogging the seal and advantageously provides for a reliable dynamic seal.

Abstract: An interior trim component for a vehicle includes a main body having an exterior surface for facing the interior of the vehicle. The body defines an internal cavity formed therein and an opening in the exterior surface. The cavity and the opening are in communication with each other. A source of light is mounted in the cavity such that the source of light is hidden from direct normal viewing within the interior of the vehicle.

Abstract: A hollow item made of composite material and includes a hollow interior. An method for making the hollow item includes a step of preparing prepreg sheets; a step of preparing a resilient mediate layer with pre-set shape and the resilient mediate layer mounted to the prepreg sheets; a step of preparing a bladder which is enclosed by the resilient mediate layer; a step of putting the assembly of the prepreg sheets, the resilient mediate layer and the bladder in the previous step into a concavity of a mold and heating the mold to solidify the prepreg sheets, and a step of removing the solidified prepreg sheets from the concavity of the mold.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for treating individuals having an HCV infection, which individuals have failed to respond to therapy with an INF-? other than consensus interferon (CIFN), or who, following cessation of therapy with an INF-? other than CIFN, have suffered relapse. The methods generally involve a dosage regimen involving administering a dose of CIFN and a dose of ribavirin for a period of time, where the dosage regimen is effective to achieve a sustained viral response in the individual.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for treating individuals having a hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, which individuals have failed to respond to therapy with an IFN-? other than consensus interferon (CIFN), or who, following cessation of therapy with an IFN-? other than CIFN, have suffered relapse. The methods generally involve a treatment regimen comprising administering a first dosing regimen of CIFN, followed by a second dosing regimen of CIFN. Ribavirin is administered with at least the second dosing regimen.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of reducing liver fibrosis; methods of increasing liver function in an individual suffering from liver fibrosis; methods of reducing the incidence of complications associated with HCV and cirrhosis of the liver; methods of reducing viral load, and methods of treating an HCV infection. The methods generally involve administering a therapeutically effective amount of IFN-? and IFN-? concurrently.

Abstract: A system includes a central server in communication with public agencies through a private network and with local service-providers through a public network. The central server executes a profiling module configured to exchange standardized information with a local service-provider over the public network and with a public agency over the private network; an invoicing module in communication with the profiling module, the invoicing module being configured to process claims submitted by the local service-providers; a compliance module in communication with the profiling module, the compliance module being configured to monitor compliance with contracts between the local service-providers and the public agencies; a demand module in communication with the profiling module for forecasting demand for services; and a procurement module in communication with the profiling module for entering into contracts with the local service-providers.

Abstract: The present invention relates in one embodiment to magnetorheological fluids utilized in prosthetic joints in general and, in particular, to magnetorheological fluids utilized in controllable braking systems for prosthetic knee joints. Preferred magnetorheological fluids of the present invention comprises polarizable iron particles, a carrier fluid, and optionally an additive. Preferred additives include, but are not limited to functionalized carrier fluids as well as derivatized fluoropolymers. Preferred carrier fluids include, but are not limited, to perfluorinated polyethers.

Abstract: A composite material bat comprising: a hitting part with a large diameter and a holding part with a smaller diameter. It forms a conical area at the shoulder of where the hitting part and the holding part connects. Wherein the improvement is characterizing in that the holding part includes an inner shell and an outer shell, said inner shell has better rigidity or stiffness then said outer shell and said outer shell has better flexibility then said inner shell.

Abstract: An interior trim component for a vehicle includes a main body having an exterior surface for facing the interior of the vehicle. The body defines an internal cavity formed therein and an opening in the exterior surface. The cavity and the opening are in communication with each other. A source of light is mounted in the cavity such that the source of light is hidden from direct normal viewing within the interior of the vehicle.

Abstract: A shockproof device in the throat of a tennis racket includes a racket having a frame, a stringing surface in the frame, a throat of truncated triangular configuration under the frame and including a pair of tubular branches spacedly extending downward from the lower peripheries of the frame and a Y-shaped handle including a pair of solid branches spacedly extending upward and each having an elastic sleeve wrapped on inserted into the tubular branches in a predetermined depth and secured by adhesives, and a conical gap centrally formed in the bottom of the frame and filled up by an conical elastic projection of a sheath which wraps the frame. Thereby, the shock waves from the frame are partially hindered and absorbed by the conical elastic projection and partially absorbed by the elastic sleeves in the throat without transmitting to the handle.

Abstract: Elastic sheath dampers in tennis racket throat include a racket having a frame, a stringing surface in the frame and a throat separated from a handle to respectively form a truncated triangular configuration and a Y-shaped configuration each of which has a pair of hollow interior branches made engageable with each other and connected by a pair of cylindrical bars by adhesives respectively. The cylindrical bars each has a pair of elastic sheaths respectively sleeved on two ends and inserted into the branches. Thereby the shock waves from the frame are absorbed twice by the elastic sheaths in the throat without transmitting to the handle.

Abstract: An attachment for a tennis racket is provided. The attachment has a curvature capable of engaging with a U-shaped groove of the frame of the racket, a pair of first and second lateral walls connected by two end portions without a bottom, a plurality of shafts disposed spaced apart in the attachment and connected at their two ends to the inner surfaces of the lateral walls, a plurality of rollers of saddle outer periphery rotatably engaged on the shafts on pair by pair basis and a plurality of partition posts projected transversely from the inner surface of the first lateral wall and positioned spaced apart between each pair of the rollers. A string comes in and out of the string holes in the groove and suspends from each pair of the rollers.

Abstract: A steering wheel and air bag antitheft locking apparatus for preventing theft of a vehicle or air bag having a steering wheel with a wheel rim and a wheel spoke includes a tubular outer wheel spanning member having a receiving end and a handle end; an elongate inner wheel spanning member having an entry end and an outwardly protruding end, the entry end being telescopingly fitted into the outer wheel spanning member receiving end; where the inner wheel spanning member protruding end has attached a first pair of outwardly opening wheel rim engaging hooks; where one of the handle end and the protruding end protrudes substantially radially from the steering wheel when the apparatus is engaged to prevent turning of the steering wheel sufficiently to drive the vehicle; and where a second pair of outwardly opening wheel rim engaging hooks is attached to the outer wheel spanning member between the receiving end and the handle end; and a key operated locking mechanism which releasibly secures the inner and outer whee

Abstract: A racket includes a head portion, a throat portion including two rods and a handle, at least one of the head portion and/or the throat portion has a segment having an ovoid cross section when taken in a plane orthogonal to an axis of the segment thereof, the ovoid cross section having a front arc, a rear arc, an inner arc, an outer arc and four quadrant arcs, the front/rear arc inscribed to an imaginary circle with radius R0 at point A which is located on a vertical central line of the imaginary circle, the profile of first quadrant and the second quadrant of the cross section being symmetrical to that of the third quadrant and the fourth quadrant of the cross section about a horizontal central line, the respective extension curve of the first quadrant arc and the second quadrant arc intersecting at two points one of which is located above the point A, the length of any radius of the four quadrant arcs being equal to 1.02-1.

Abstract: A game racket (11) having improved aerodynamics and hitting response is disclosed. With the exception of the handle (13) the entire racket is comprised of elements all having a substantially circular cross section. The head (17) of the racket (11) is comprised of three sections. Each section may have a different cross sectional diameter.