Abstract: A stability control system for road vehicles comprising a limit handling assistance controller which uses video lane detection measurements in conjunction with vehicle dynamics information, including inertial brakes and steering measurements to control vehicle EPS and VSC systems to assist the driver stabilize the vehicle and correct for any lane offset prior to and/or during of understeer, oversteer, split-? and heavy breaking conditions, and lane changes.

Abstract: A lacrosse head having a soft mesh pocket with an area of its strings coated with stiffening material. The coated area defines, for example, a ball release area, a ball pocket, and/or a throwing channel. One embodiment provides a lacrosse head pocket that includes a continuous piece of mesh, and a stiffening material coating a first area of the mesh, with a second area of the mesh being uncoated. The first area defines, for example, a ball release area, a ball pocket, and/or a throwing channel.

Abstract: A lacrosse head having a wide catching area and channeled thongs. One embodiment includes a stop member, a left sidewall connected to the stop member, a right sidewall connected to the stop member, and a scoop connecting the left sidewall to the right sidewall opposite the stop member. The scoop is disposed about 25.5 cm from the stop member. The widest point of lacrosse head is in a catching section disposed from about 6 cm to about 17 cm from the stop member. The left sidewall is convex with respect to the interior area of the head at a portion of the left sidewall between the widest point and the scoop. The right sidewall is convex at a portion of the right sidewall between the widest point and the scoop. In another embodiment, the sidewalls rise from the plane of the scoop and include thong holes to provide channeled thongs.

Abstract: A manufacturing system and method for use in the production of high strength plastic materials which can be used in the construction arts. The system and method includes a central rotary mold element which has vacuum means and cooling means placed inside thereof. Heating elements are positioned exteriorly of the rotary mold. Treated long fiber sheets are introduced to the rotary mold and combined with plastic sheets which are also fed to the mold.

Abstract: A vehicle stability compensation system, which is arranged to adjust dynamically the self-centering position and the steering feel of the vehicle steering system during split mu braking operation. The adjustment being based on at least one operational variable representing a corrective steer angle for the vehicle and hence representing a target self-centering position. A target self-centering error is derived from the difference between the target self-centering position and an actual vehicle steering angle. A torque demand that is proportional to the target self-centering error is then added to an assistance torque generated by the electrically assisted steering system to shift the self-centering position so as to encourage the vehicle driver to move the steering wheel such as to reduce the target self-centering error to zero for maintaining the vehicle stable and controllable.

Abstract: A multi-component lacrosse stick head, made of at least two materials, including a base lacrosse head structure of one material and one or more overlays made of one or more other materials strategically located on the base structure. The base structure and overlays provide particular performance characteristics for the lacrosse head. An embodiment of the invention includes a base lacrosse head structure, and at least one of a ball stop overlay, a sidewall overlay, an edge overlay, a thread opening overlay, and a scoop overlay. The overlays are affixed to the base lacrosse head structure by, for example, insert molding, over molding, reaction injection molding, spray application, rotational molding, dual extrusion, casting, or an interference fit.

Abstract: A field hockey stick including a throat and a head adjoining the throat, the head having an upper portion adjacent to the throat and a lower portion, and at least the lower portion of the head defining at least one depression. The throat can also define a throat depression.

Abstract: A variable hand placement sports equipment handle, such as a lacrosse stick handle, hockey stick handle, or field hockey stick handle, that includes a shaft and at least one overlay attached to the shaft at a location of frequent hand placement. The overlays are specially located and structured to provide the shaft with structural and tactile features that correspond to and accommodate the way in which a player moves his hands along the shaft and grips the shaft. The structural and tactile features, such as ribs, grooves, and hourglass and conical shapes, are located on the shaft to enhance a player's control of the shaft when performing various skills.

Abstract: An adjustable customized golf club, e.g., a golf putter, as well as a method for using the club, wherein the club has a head, a striking surface attachment, and one or more lock fittings that positively lock the striking surface attachment to the head. The striking surface attachment is one of several selectable attachments, each with different performance characteristics, e.g., rebound. The one or more lock fittings positively lock the striking surface attachments to the putter head such that the club components are firmly fixed, yet are still quickly removable and replaceable. In a representative embodiment, the striking surface attachment can be removed by hand and without tools. A golfer quickly changes the striking surface attachments without losing the feel of the prior striking surface attachment, thereby enabling the golfer to realistically compare the differences between the attachments before selecting and playing with a particular striking surface attachment.

Abstract: System and method for authorizing third-party transactions for an account at a financial institution on behalf of the account holder. A financial institution can collect process, transmit and confirm authorizations to third parties for electronic payments and direct deposits on behalf of its account-holder customer. In at least some embodiments, a method of processing account-holder requests to authorize third-party transactions for an account includes the establishment of a pre-existing list of prospective third-party participants such as employers and billers. The financial institution receives account-holder requests to authorize third-party transactions. Specific requests from among the account-holder requests are matched to third-party participants and forwarded and can be confirmed. The system of the invention can include various engines and data repositories that work together to provide the means for implementing embodiments of the invention.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dampening the rebound of a lacrosse head pocket. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a frame having a thread hole and an aperture proximate to the thread hole. The aperture creates a moveable structure of the frame. The moveable structure encompasses at least a portion of the thread hole. The moveable structure is adapted to flex relative to the frame.

Abstract: A method of providing advertising material to a computer for display on a monitor of the computer comprises connecting the computer to the Internet using a modem or other communication device or system. The computer is then linked with a website on the internet having a selection of advertising material, and at least selected portions of the advertising material are transferred to the computer for storage thereon. The advertising material is displayed on the monitor of the computer at a predetermined time for observation by a user of the computer.

Abstract: A method of spin forming, comprising the steps of: providing a tool having a first plurality of forming rollers spaced at a second plurality of distances from a spin axis; spinning around the spin axis at least one member of a set comprising (i) a work piece and (ii) the tool; and engaging the tool and a first end of the work piece. The method allows increased diameter reductions of a free end of a work piece in a single forming operation without collapse of the end of the work piece.

Abstract: Some new truck and van weather seals have a cross-sectional shape like an inverted U, with inwardly upturned, flexible feet. These feet seal against the opposite sides of the window glass when the window is closed. Special retainer means are disclosed for holding rain shields in the upper horizontal casings of motor vehicle windows that are fitted with this type of resilient seal. The retainer means comprises a combination of (a) a substantially U-shaped plastic channel member that fits inside the seal, and which is held by the seal's upturned feet, and (b) a substantially U-shaped steel clip that is held inside the channel member, and which clamps and holds the top edge of the rain shield in the casing.