Abstract: An engine damping system is disclosed. The engine damping system includes an actuating device that is hydraulically powered using a power steering system of a motor vehicle. The system also includes a steering position sensor to determine a steering mode of the motor vehicle. The system also includes an acceleration sensor to provide controlled feedback for the actuating device.

Abstract: A sport ball may include a casing, an intermediate layer, and a bladder. In manufacturing the sport ball, a panel element of the casing and the bladder may be located in a mold, and a polymer foam material of the intermediate layer may be injected into an area between the bladder and the panel element. In addition, edges of panel element may be heatbonded to each other to join the panel elements and form seams of the casing.

Abstract: An article of footwear with a heel cushioning system is disclosed. The heel cushioning system includes a sole, a curved plate and tread members. The tread members may lift a heel portion of a sole above a ground surface. The curved plate may deflect when a force is applied to the sole.

Abstract: Customizable studs for articles of footwear having variable ground interaction characteristics are disclosed. A customizable stud may generally include a fastening member formed of a fastening member cap and fastening member shaft, a plurality of rings, and a washer. The fastening member cap and the plurality of rings define the ground interaction characteristics of the stud. To vary the ground interaction characteristics, the contour, height, and material makeup of the stud may be altered by varying the shape, number, thickness, length, and material of the rings. The stud components may be sold as a kit with at least one fastening member and a plurality of rings with varying characteristics. The kit may also include at least one washer.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a system, method, process, software and standards that enable a unified trading and control process utilized by sponsoring organizations and asset managers (money managers) for sub advised or externally managed investment portfolios as to increase control over the trading process by a sponsoring organization, enhance regulatory compliance, substantially lower trading costs and improve investment performance on a recurring basis for the shareholders and beneficiaries investing in registered and non registered mutual funds and institutional investment portfolios.

Abstract: A repair system including a closure prosthesis and deployment device, and associated methods for repairing any imperfection including a flaw, hole, tear, bulge, or, in some cases, a deliberate cut or incision in any tissue including an intervertebral disc. The prosthesis has first and second side portions with a connecting central portion, and is designed to span an imperfection with opposite ends positioned on opposite sides of the imperfection. The prosthesis may include anchoring features including barbs and/or members that extend transversely. The deployment device can include a cannula for positioning the prosthesis near the imperfection, and, in some cases, a mechanism that may cause the two sides of the prosthesis to be deployed in a specific order.

Abstract: An article of footwear may have a sole structure with a chamber, a plate, and an outsole. The chamber encloses a fluid and has an upper surface and an opposite lower surface. The plate is positioned adjacent to the upper surface and has a plurality of projections that extend into indentations in the chamber. The outsole may be positioned adjacent to the lower surface and may have a plurality of projections that extend into indentations in the chamber. In some manufacturing processes for the sole structure, the plate and outsole may be located within a mold, and the chamber may then be shaped by surfaces of the plate, outsole, and mold.

Abstract: A collision absorption system including a collapsing armrest. The armrest is configured to provide support for vertical loading during use. During a side impact collision, the armrest is configured to deform or collapse in a lateral direction. The collapsing armrest may include multiple layers with at least one layer having grooves and channels, or containing cross-ribs, to allow greater deflection in a lateral direction during a side impact collision.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a composite preform from tape material, including feeding a tape section into a tape section guide that suspends the tape across a tooling surface, moving at least one of the tape section guide and the tooling surface relative to each other to position the tape section at a desired location and orientation relative to the tooling surface, moving the tape section toward a pre-existing tape section disposed on the tooling surface, and tacking the tape section to the pre-existing tape section. A corresponding apparatus for manufacturing composite preforms is also disclosed.

Abstract: A sole with adjustable sizing is disclosed. The sole includes a fixed region and an adjustable region. The adjustable region is deformable when the sole is heated to a melting point associated with the adjustable region. The shape and size of the sole may be adjusted by deforming the adjustable region.

Abstract: A sole system for an article of footwear comprising: an outsole layer and an insole layer, each of which include a vertically extending opening, a midsole layer disposed between the outsole and insole layers and including a bottom surface, a top surface, and an opening that extends vertically through the midsole layer to define a cavity therein, the cavity opening having a first dimension at the bottom surface substantially corresponding to the outsole layer opening and a second dimension at the top surface substantially corresponding to the insole layer opening; and a bladder element having a top and a base, wherein a portion of the bladder element is secured within the midsole cavity such that the top extends into at least a portion of the insole layer opening and the base extends into the outsole layer opening, wherein the bladder element and the midsole cavity include corresponding shapes and dimensions.

Abstract: A control system for a variable pitch radiator fan is disclosed. The control system is capable of varying the blade pitch of the radiator fan from a normal position to a full reverse position. The control system can change the blade pitch based on a number of factors, including vehicle speed. In systems with a plurality of fans, the control system is also capable of independently controlling the blade pitch of each of the fans. In systems with multiple fans, the control system can produce a circulation mode.

Abstract: A mounting system for a seat of a motor vehicle is disclosed. The mounting system includes a sliding rail, a mounting foot member and a covering member. The covering member includes a covering portion and an attachment portion. The covering portion may cover the mounting foot member. In some cases, the covering portion may cover the mounting foot member mounted in a recessed groove in a floor of a motor vehicle. The attachment portion may engage the sliding rail of the mounting system.

Abstract: Customizable articles and a method of customization are disclosed. The method produces customizable articles having a graphic or pigment arrangement sandwiched between a film transfer layer and an exterior surface of the customizable articles. The process involves aligning a customizable article and a graphical transfer assembly on a press assembly, heating the press assembly, and applying pressure to the customizable article using the press. After removing the customizable article from the press assembly, the process comprises removal of the carrier layer and inspection of the resulting customizable article.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treatment of heart failure by increasing secretion of endogenous naturetic hormones ANP and BNP such as by stimulation of the heart atria. Heart pacing is done at an atrial contraction rate that is increased and can be higher than the ventricular contraction rate. Pacing may include mechanical distension of the right atrial appendage. An implantable device is used to periodically cyclically stretch the walls of the appendage with an implanted balloon.

Abstract: A method of applying graphics to a set of articles with a graphic transfer assembly is disclosed. The method includes a step of selecting an article from a set of articles comprising different types of articles. After selecting a last that may be associated with the article, the last may be attached to a last assembly of the graphic transfer assembly. With the article attached to the graphic transfer assembly, a deformable membrane may apply graphics to curved portions of the article.