Abstract: A method and a system for a distributed electronic tournament system in which many remotely located players participate in a tournament through input/output devices connected to a central controller which manages the tournament. The method includes the steps of (a) uniquely identifying a player communicating with the central controller via an associated input/output device; (b) responding to payment of an entry fee by the player for allowing the player to participate in a tournament occurring within a fixed time window via an associated input/output device; (c) accessing a database to store in the database player information that is generated as the player participates in the tournament, such information being available for use in a subsequent tournament, which is administered by said controller and in which the player participates; and (d) awarding the player a prize for achieving a pre-established performance level in the tournament.

Abstract: A torsional vibration damper has an outer drive plate connected to a pair of retainer plates by an outer array of damping springs disposed partly in windows formed in the outer drive plate and partly in first windows formed in the retainer plates, and an inner drive plate which is connected to the retainer plate by an inner array of damping springs disposed partly in second windows formed in the retainer plates and partly in windows formed in the inner drive plate. The adjacent peripheries of the drive plates have a plurality of notches that are defined by radial tangs that are arranged in confronting pairs when the torsional vibration damper is in a neutral position. The retainer plates are spaced apart and connected to each other by drive blocks that are disposed partly in each notch of the outer drive plate and partly in each notch of the inner drive plate.

Abstract: An apparatus for damping torsional vibrations between the engine and the power train in a motor vehicle has flywheels which are rotatable relative to each other. One flywheel is mounted on the output element of the engine and another flywheel is connectable to the power train by a friction clutch. Installed between the flywheels are at least two resilient dampers operating in parallel. In a first stage of relative rotation between the flywheels from a starting position, only one of the dampers is active to oppose the rotation. In a next-following second stage of relative rotation the other of the two dampers becomes active to oppose the rotation in parallel with the first damper.

Abstract: A cross member for a universal joint has a base member (1) and four arms (2). The arms (2) extend away from a base member (1). To increase the torque bearing capacity of the cross member, the outer face of the arm (2) (if viewed in a longitudinal section) extends curve-like in a transition region (18) to the base member with a continually increasing diameter and with a decreasing radius of curvature (R). If viewed in a sectional plane extending through the axes (4, 5), a distance (X) exists between a first tangent (14), on the outer face of the transition region, and a second tangent parallel to the first tangent (14). The first tangent (14) extends at an angle of 45 degrees relative to the axis (4). The second tangent (15), if viewed from the center (6), is positioned behind the first tangent (14). The second tangent (15) contacts the outer face of the base member (1) at a point (16) which is located on a line of symmetry (17) of the cross member.

Abstract: A constant velocity joint includes an outer race (1) having a spherical inner surface (2) with track grooves (3) each extending in an axial direction thereof, an inner race having a spherical outer surface (5) formed with track grooves (6) equal in number to the number of the track grooves (3) in the outer race (1), a plurality of torque transmitting balls (7) sandwiched between the inner race (4) and the outer race (1) and accommodated in part in the track grooves (6) in the inner race (4) and in part in the track grooves (3) in the outer race (1), and a cage (8) for retaining the torque transmitting balls (7) while being guided by and between the spherical inner surface (2) of the outer race (1) and the spherical outer surface (5) of the inner race (4). This constant velocity joint of the structure described above is featured in that at least the track grooves (3) in the outer race (1) and an entry chamfer (11) of the outer race (1) are formed by a plastic working process.

Abstract: Provides a ride-type game machine which can provide special stimuli individually to a plurality of players. A game machine 1 designed to be ridden by a player, comprising a posture immobilization device 105 for immobilizing the posture of the player, and a medium-discharging device 109 or the like for discharging a prescribed medium (mist spray or the like) onto a specific bodily region (cheek or the like) of the immobilized player. The posture immobilization device 105 presses against the player's body, preventing the player's head from moving. Thus, the medium can be reliably directed onto a specific bodily region of the player, effectively scaring the player.

Abstract: An optical reference marker system comprising at least one optical reference marker and a storage member, wherein the storage member is adapted to hold the optical reference marker. The optical reference marker typically comprises a thin film material such as vinyl, and is adapted to be removably attached to a lens on a pair of glasses on a golfer's head. Thus, a golfer may select the appropriate optical reference marker for the ensuing shot, and thereafter return it to the storage member, which may comprise a laminated card.

Abstract: An instrumented golf club system having an instrumented golf club, an interface means and a computing means is disclosed herein. The instrumented golf club includes a plurality of sensors, an internal power supply, an angular rate sensor and an internal ring buffer memory for capturing data relating to a golf swing. The interface means is capable of transferring data from the instrumented golf club to the computing means for processing the data and presenting the data in a useful and informative format. The data may be used to assist a golfer's swing, or to design an appropriate golf club for a specific type of golfer.

Abstract: An improved golf club with markings visible on the club head face indicating the ideal points of contact with a golf ball regardless of whether the golf ball is lying on the ground, on a golf tee or otherwise, together with markings visible on club head top indicating basic alignment of club head and golf ball to the target, with methods and tools for determining same. The markings are determined by intersecting lines, planes and axes. The markings may be determined for an existing already manufactured or for a custom fitted golf club regardless of whether the golf club has a flat or round base. The location of the markings may vary from golfer to golfer and from club to club depending upon parameters.

Abstract: A golf club set in which the weight balance of club shafts is optimized for each individual club. The weight balance at the grip-end of the shaft of each of the individual golf clubs increases as the corresponding loft angles of each of the individual golf clubs increase.

Abstract: A golf club for imparting a desired spin to a golf ball. The golf club includes a club head having a cavity formed in its club face for securing a removable insert. The insert includes a striking face with a preferred frictional surface for imparting spin to a golf ball.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved golf club head having a ball striking face with vertical grooves and intermediate vertical land areas between the grooves. The club head includes a resonator system having specific resonant frequencies which are determined by the specific variable width and depth combinations of vertical grooves and specific variable widths of the land areas between the vertical grooves. This controls the harmonics and feedback of a golf club head when it is used to stroke or strike a ball. In accordance with the invention, having more land area between the vertical grooves, creates a lower frequency resonance when striking a golf ball resulting in more energy transfer to the ball from a greater surface contacting the ball. Having less land area where the vertical grooves are closer together, creates a higher frequency resonance and somewhat less energy is transferred to a golf ball struck by the club head, thereby providing a softer feel.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved multi-layer golf ball comprising a core, an inner cover layer and an outer cover layer. The inner cover layer is comprised of a low acid ionomer blend which may or may not include a filler such as zinc-stearate. The outer cover layer is comprised of a soft, very low modulus ionomer or ionomer blend, or a non-ionomeric thermoplastic elastomer such as polyurethane, polyester or polyesteramide. The resulting multi-layered golf ball of the present invention provides for enhanced distance without sacrificing playability or durability when compared to known multi-layer golf balls.

Abstract: A dimple pattern for a golf ball with multiple sets of dimples is disclosed herein. Each of the multiple sets of dimples has a different diameter. A preferred set of dimples is seven different dimples. The dimples may cover as much as eighty-six percent of the surface of the golf ball. The unique dimple pattern allows a golf ball to have shallow dimples with steeper entry angles. The unique dimple pattern also allows a golf ball to have greater low speed lift with a lower high speed drag. In a preferred embodiment, the golf ball has 384 dimples covering eighty-six percent of the surface.

Abstract: A golf tee includes a shaft-shaped wooden base or leg. A ball receiving part formed of a plastic material is removably installed on an upper end of the base such that a golf ball can be placed on the ball receiving part. A plurality of substantially circular through-holes are formed through the ball receiving part. A cylindrical connection portion is formed integrally with the ball receiving part. Linear projection portions are formed on an inner wall of the connection portion such that each projection portion is triangular in section and extends continuously in an insertion-removal direction of the base. The projection portion is arranged such that as the level of the projection portion becomes nearer to an innermost end of the connection portion, a projection height thereof from the inner wall of the connection portion becomes increasingly larger.

Abstract: The invention relates to a golf tee (10) which includes a writing point (18) and an eraser (12). In a preferred embodiment, tee (10) has shaft (11) and head (12), shaft (11) tapering from head (12) to end (13). Received in cylindrical bore 17 is writing point 18 having free end 19. Hollow bore 16 is adapted to receive end 13A of second tee 10A, thus protecting writing point 18A. Circumferential rim (14) defines a hollow depression (15) which is intended to aid in support of a golf ball.

Abstract: An implement for repairing ball marks on golf greens, the implement having a grasping portion at a proximal end and at least one prong at a distal end with a ramp-like profile ending in a transversely oriented abutment in a mediate region. The abutment provides a surface against which an index finger of a user can rest to apply increased pressure to insert the implement into a golf green. The method of using the implement includes inserting the implement adjacent the ball mark and moving turf laterally. In those instances where insertion of the ramp-like prong or prongs is insufficient to repair the damage of the ball mark, the method further includes rocking the implement about the distal end to move the turf laterally.

Abstract: A portable basketball retrieval and return device includes a movable support platform having casters for allowing the positioning of the device on a playing surface adjacent a basketball backboard and rim, a slidable upright frame mounted to the platform and to which a plurality of telescoping arms are attached whereby both the frame and arms are selectively extensible and retractable for disposing netting material which collects shot basketballs from the basketball backboard and rim.

Abstract: A basketball practice assembly a case including a box-like receptacle which is open at a front side thereof, and a pair of doors hingedly connected with two lateral sides of the box-like receptacle, a pair of fixing members fastened in the box-like receptacle by screws and having a vertical dovetail groove, a pair of telescopic arms each having two inner ends and two outer ends, one of the inner ends being fixedly engaged with the vertical dovetail groove, another one of the inner ends being slidably fitted in the vertical dovetail groove, a net arranged on the telescopic arms to form a rectangular member with an open top, a backboard installed in the receptacle, and a basket pivotally mounted on the backboard.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hockey stick shaft. The shaft includes a core of rectangular cross-section running the full length of the shaft. A cloth fabric, such as an aramid fiber cloth, is wrapped around the perimeter of the core and extends from the shaft blade end at least partways toward the shaft opposed end. A wood veneer is then wrapped around the core/cloth fabric and extends from the shaft opposed blade end at least partways toward the shaft blade end, with a space between the end of the wood veneer and the shaft blade end where the cloth fabric is exposed. This permits heat to be applied to the shaft for removal and/or insertion of a blade without the heat damaging the wood veneer.

Abstract: The present invention is a control apparatus for an implement transmission. The transmission is operably coupled to a plurality of driven mechanisms for providing a driving power from a prime mover to the plurality of driven mechanisms. A shift assembly has a first and a second actuator apparatus. The first actuator apparatus is operably coupled to the transmission for selectively controlling the transmission of a driving power to at least a first driven mechanism, and the second actuator apparatus is operably coupled to the transmission for selectively controlling the transmission of a driving power to at least a second driven mechanism. The second actuator apparatus has a biasing apparatus for exerting a variable, selective bias on the transmission. A clutch for selectively engaging and disengaging a prime mover and the transmission has a rotatable stop member and an idler-stop assembly.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system for an automatic transmission includes first and second passages connected to first and second engaging elements, first and second accumulators arranged with the first and second passages, and a timing valve connected to a back-pressure chamber of the first accumulator and for determining a timing for draining a first pressure within the back-pressure chamber of the first accumulator in accordance with a second pressure within a back-pressure chamber of the second accumulator.

Abstract: A trunnion (3) of a toroidal continuously variable transmission comprises a pulley (38) having a pulley groove (30) and a notch (37) crossing the pulley groove (38). The trunnion (3) rotates in synchronism with another trunnion by looping an endless wire around the pulley groove of each trunnion (3) and by engaging a large diameter part of the endless wire with the notch (37). After the trunnion (3) is formed by die forging, a rotary tool (90) is first aligned with a boundary interface (31′A, 31′B) between the pulley groove (30) and notch (37). The tool (90) is then rotated while it is moved forward in the axial direction of the tool (90), and the boundary interface (31′A, 31′B) is cut to a predetermined position.

Abstract: The method for monitoring a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with a variator for adjustment of the speed ratio, which has its primary and secondary adjustment devices respectively controlled by a pressure-regulating valve, consists of a travel monitoring and/or pressure monitoring of the pressure-regulating valves wherein in case of detection of an incorrect operation the power-flow transmitting clutch is opened.

Abstract: A device for controlling the vehicle to travel at a constant speed, which clearly distinguishes a downhill road over a flat road while the vehicle is traveling at a constant speed, and resets or resumes the overdrive position in order to stably maintain a vehicle speed at all times. The device comprises a downhill control means 10 for resetting the overdrive position of an automatic transmission 2 when the vehicle is traveling a downhill, wherein the downhill control means includes a downhill state detection means 13 for detecting the downhill state of the vehicle based on the throttle opening degree &thgr; and the vehicle speed Vs, and an overdrive reset means 14 for resetting the overdrive position of the automatic transmission in response to the downhill state, wherein the reset state of the overdrive position is maintained while the downhill state is being detected, and the throttle valve opening degree is used as a reference for judging that the overdrive is resumed from the state of being shifted down.

Abstract: A partially automated transmission system (100) and method for controlling same is provided. The system includes a manually shifted splitter-type transmission (10) having a splitter section (14) and a manually shifted main section (12). The splitter section is controlled by a three-position splitter actuator (116) under control from a system ECU (146). A sensor (120) is provided for sensing an operator's intent to shift and, upon sensing an intent to shift, the splitter section is urged to the neutral position while engine fueling is controlled to cause a reduced drive line torque condition.

Abstract: A testing and training appliance and a method of testing and/or training with a testing and training appliance that includes a loading device (5), a stand (2, 3) adapted to accommodate the loading device (5), a maneuvering arrangement (11, 12, 13) connected to the loading device (5), a connecting element (6, 7) disposed between the loading device (5) and the maneuvering arrangement (11, 12, 13), and a controlling and regulating unit (14) adapted for testing and/or training purposes. The loading device (5) can be regulated between an upper position and a lower position with the aid of the maneuvering arrangement (11, 12, 13) and the connecting element (6; 7) of said loading device.

Abstract: A therapeutic hand exerciser includes a resilient core and a fabric exterior lining. The core is soft, pliable and smooth when squeezed. The soft smooth feel of a segmented polyurethane fabric, such as LYCRA®, also provides a more pleasurable feel than a rubber cover. The addition of the thermo plastic urethane (TPU) lining prevents the core material from passing through the fabric cover.

Abstract: Exercise apparatus has a base to which is pivoted one end of a rockable arm, the opposite end of which is coupled to one end of a force transmitting line by means of which the arm may be rocked from and to a rest position. Movement of the arm away from the rest position is yieldably opposed by elastic resistance members which react between the rockable arm and the base. An upright arm is removably supported by the base and is equipped with one or more line guides about which the force transmitting line may be reeved. In one embodiment the line guide automatically compensates for variations in the force which must be applied on the rockable arm to overcome variations in the resistance of the resistance members.

Abstract: A stepping exerciser includes a base having an upright tubular member disposed thereon. The tubular member has lower left and right portions formed with a respective circumferentially extending slot, and upper left and right portions having a respective pivot arm extending radially therefrom. A rotary member is disposed inside the tubular member and is rotatable relative to the tubular member about an axis of the tubular member. The rotary member has a pair of force transmitting rods that extend outwardly and respectively of the tubular member through the slots. Each of a pair of pivot couplers is sleeved rotatably on a respective pivot arm, and has a movement driving rod that extends downwardly therefrom and that abuts against a respective force transmitting rod. Each of left and right pedal arms has a front end connected to a respective one of the pivot couplers. Each of a pair of resistance cylinders interconnects the base and the rear end of a respective pedal arm.

Abstract: The invention relates to office and work furniture with a table top or work bench top and a support frame supporting the top, where+in the support frame is supported on the floor by at least two legs or at least one support surface. A treadmill exercising device in the form of a moveable continuous conveyor belt is stored in its rest position inside the three-dimensional space of the treadmill exercising device, from which rest position the device can be moved or tilted into the operating position on the floor in front of the table top or work bench top and locked in place. The treadmill exercising device includes at least one support frame and a continuous conveyor belt guided over to deflection rolls which are supported in the support frame. The conveyor belt is constructed from rubber or from lamellar elements. The support frame is enclosed by side covers and provided with slider or roller elements.

Abstract: A weighted flexible exercise device made of a flexible material in an I shape containing a fluid or particulate weight, such device being generally loose and flexible for performing a variety of exercises utilizing its shape as providing both grasping areas and areas which frictionally catch and interact with the user's body.

Abstract: A shoulder protection device for use with a barbell, during the performance of a bench-press-type exercise. The device consists of a cylindrical pad adapted to be coupled to the barbell at a point substantially over the chest of a user, and having sufficient thickness to reduce the downward travel of the barbell during the performance of a bench-press movement. Such reduction, preferably, should be to the point where the upper arms descend to the horizontal plane defined by the back of the user, but do not break that plane.

Abstract: A weight lifting machine provides an instantaneous variable resistance, which can be adjusted manually during a workout routine or through a program, which has been selected by the user prior the workout routine. The weight lifting machine includes a pair of guides and a stack of weights which are slidably mounted on the guides and movable along the guides from a rest position to an elevated position. The weight lifting machine also includes a selector member and a lift member. Each of the weights includes an opening to receive the selector member. The openings are aligned to define a transverse passage through the stack of weights to allow the selector member to couple to each of the weights in the stack. The selector member includes a plurality of couplers which are adapted to instantaneously couple to and decouple from respective weights of the stack of weights.

Abstract: A dumbbell includes a bar, a soft cushion wrapping around the bar, two end caps, and two weights as main components. The two end caps respectively are combined with and close on two ends of the bar. Between each end cap and a vertical circular disc is formed a support space for each weight to fit around thereon. Each weight has an elastic annular cloth bag wrapping iron sand, having flexibility to change its shape a bit by force to fit tightly around the support space. A user can replace the weights with other ones of different weight volume. If the dumbbell should fall down on the ground, it might not produce sound because of flexibility of the weights, not hurting a user or a person around, the ground surface or the weights, and thus very safe to use.

Abstract: An orthopedic apparatus for rehabilitation or healing of a knee or the muscles of a leg. The apparatus has a dynamic adjustment mechanism allowing the execution of exercise of different degrees of tension without running the risk of injuring the knee by applying unnecessary or excessive amount of tension on the knee. The dynamic adjustment mechanism is designed to keep the eccentricity of the rotational axes of the leg support member and the leg nil. The orthopedic apparatus may also include a resistance or assistance mechanism for adjusting different degrees of tension during extension and flexion of the leg in order to gain either range of movement or strength. This specially designed mechanism provides a linear type resistance or assistance, which is invariable during the whole range of movement. This particular resistance, applied on the plantar foot, reproduces normal bio-mechanical stress on the lower limb.

Abstract: A simple and economical yet effective training and exercising device is disclosed for sports such as golf wherein an implement such as a golf club is moved along a swing path. An elongated handle has a proximal end with a hand grip and a distal end with a weighted body. A foot plate, sized to received a foot of the user, includes one or more connection features, preferably inverted-U-shaped hooks rigidly secured to the foot plate. A removable, stretchable tether is provided having a first end tied at a point between the proximal and distal ends of the handle and a second end tied to a connection point on the foot plate. The connection point on the handle is preferably a hook which doubles as a wrist indicator. The length of the tether is adjustable so as to resist upward movement of the handle when swung by the user to promote training and exercise with respect to the sport.

Abstract: A cord controlling device is used in conjunction with a game racket and is composed essentially of a housing formed of a base and an upper cover. The base is provided with a fastening portion by which the device is fastened with the head frame network of the game racket. The base is provided at the center of the upper side thereof with a shaft on which a rotary seat is rotatably mounted. The rotary seat is provided with a receiving chamber in which a volute spring is located such that the volute spring is fastened at one end thereof with the rotary, seat, and at other end thereof with the shaft of the base. A cord reel is mounted on the rotary seat for winding up or letting out a cord which is wound on the cord reel such that the cord is fastened at one end thereof with the cord reel, and that other end of the cord is let out via a cord outlet of the housing for fastening with a ball.

Abstract: A shoe, preferably an athletic shoe, with an attachment designed to give people who have just begun an exercise program, and have not yet achieved sufficient flexibility to be able to comfortably touch their toes, something to grab onto that is attached to the toes of their shoes. The attachment consists of two side members that go on each side of the shoe from the toe to the opening for the leg, and a front piece and several cross-pieces connecting the side members, like rungs on a ladder. The side members, front piece and cross-pieces can be sewn together, or cut from one piece of material. The front piece is sewn to the toe of the shoe or otherwise permanently attached. A person using the invention may begin by reaching the cross-piece furthest from the toe, and work his or her way downward, one rung at a time, until they are able to touch their toes. The side members may be removably attached to the shoe by strips of hook and loop fasteners, when the attachment is not in use.

Abstract: An exercise device for strengthening the muscles of the pelvis, particularly the collective group of muscles involved in human sexual response, which are also important for controlling the evacuation of the intestines and the bladder. This exercise device focuses on increasing the mass, strength and tone of these muscles. The device comprises a pair of longitudinally extending members that are connected to one another at their first ends. The opposing second ends of these members are movable between an open position and a closed position, but are biased toward the open position providing resistance to movement toward the closed position. In the open position the second ends of the members are spaced apart from one another further than the first ends of the members are spaced apart from one another. The device is sized and configured to be received within the vaginal and anal cavities of the human body to exercise the groups of muscles related thereto.

Abstract: Printing rollers and sleeves for printing rollers can be provided with a high quality top coat composition which can improve various properties such as solvent resistance, cut resistance, and thermal stability (with respect to dimensional stability and hardness stability), and reduce manufacturing time and costs. A polyurethane top coat composition is used with filler present in an amount of from about 15-70% by weight of the coating. The coatings may also include a low density, high hardness foam underlayer which can be applied without a molding operation.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for blocking a tabbing feature of a mail handling system are provided which preferably include a mail register positioned to register a plurality of pieces of mail being conveyed so that each selected edge of the plurality of pieces of mail aligns along a common path of travel, a mail presence detector positioned downstream from the mail register to detect the presence of each piece of mail as the piece of mail travels along the common path of travel, and a mail identifier positioned downstream from the mail detector and in communication with the mail detector to identify preselected pieces of mail which should not be tabbed. The apparatus also preferably includes a tab controller positioned in communication with the mail detector and the mail identifier to communicate to a tabber of a mail handling system to not tab the preselected pieces of mail.

Abstract: A bag construction includes first and second opposed panel sections. Each of the panel sections have first and second opposite side edges. The panel sections are secured to one another along at least a portion of the first and second opposite side edges by first and second side seals, to define a bag construction interior. The first and second side seals each have an inner edge portion adjacent to the bag construction interior. The first side seal inner edge portion has at least one non-linear edge section extending over a part of the first side seal inner edge portion. The non-linear edge may include an edge with a plurality of spaced inwardly directed projections, or an edge with curved portions, or an undulated edge. The seals may be used in a variety of packaging arrangements, and help to provide an arrangement which will stand upright when filled or at least partially filled with material.

Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus for stapling multiple sheets with a stapler and delivering the sheets in folio, includes a staple hitting device, a stapler having an anvil opposed to the staple hitting device with respect to a sheet path and a shifting device for shifting the sheet so as to escape a staple from a groove on the anvil after the sheet is stapled by drive of the staple hitting device.

Abstract: A buckle folder machine includes two or three folder pockets and several folding rollers mounted in a folding block which can be detached from the machine frame. The sheets are fed to the folding block via transport devices along an input plane in the direction of travel of the paper and delivered along an output plane in the same direction. The input plane and output plane are situated on substantially the same plane. The folding rollers and machine pockets are arranged in the folding block in such a way that the sheet input and sheet output are also situated in the area of this common plane in line with the position in which the folding block is mounted inside the machine frame. All folding rollers are connected to each other in the folding block via coupling gear wheels positioned on either end of each folding roller.

Abstract: A rotor (1) designed to be installed in the housing (16) of a free jet centrifuge, the rotor being provided with at least one inlet (3) and at least one outlet (4), which outlet is configured as a nozzle which is oriented at least substantially tangentially to the axis of rotation (13) of the rotor. The rotor is provided with receptacles for bearings for rotatably mounting the rotor, and the rotor having at least one guide element (7) which extends from an inner wall (38) to an outer wall (39) of a rotor interior space (8). At least the rotor shell (11) is made of synthetic resin material. Owing to its form, the synthetic resin centrifuge rotor can be made up of a reduced number of parts. The rotor may be composed of two elements, a base (10) and a shell (11), connected together either by a snap connection or by welding, such as vibration welding. An oil centrifuge fitted with such a rotor is particularly suitable for cleaning lubricating oil used in an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: An improved blade design and method for enhancing the efficiency of operation of a centrifuge is disclosed based on measuring a varying value of the load on the centrifuge as the flow of contaminated fluid is injected into the centrifuge. The centrifuge has a plurality of blades with radially overlapping edges to keep the fluid being centrifuged compartmentalized and thus quiet for maximum efficiency. Additionally, the scraping blade assembly has blades which are angled in the scraping direction to force the solids towards the exit of the centrifuge, whether that be at the bottom or the top. A programmable logic controller monitors the load on the drive motor and compares a baseline value of load after accelerating the rotor to speed to the value of load while the contaminated fluid is injected into the rotor.

Abstract: A flexible metal support device for a rotatable centrifuge rotor (2) provided in a frame member (1) by a bearing member (4). The support device comprises a support element (7) provided between the bearing member (4) and the frame member (1), and arranged to absorb relative movements between the centrifuge rotor and the frame member. The support element (7) comprises an inner mounting portion, essentially immovable in relation to the bearing member (4), and an outer mounting portion, essentially immovable in relation to the frame member (1). Moreover, the support element (7) comprises three flexible connecting portions which each extends between the inner and outer mounting portions and is arranged to absorb radial and axial relative movements between the centrifuge rotor and the frame member. Furthermore, the inner portion, the connecting portions and the outer portion form an integrated unit manufactured in one piece of metal material.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for treating marine cuttings, preferably in situ, so that the cuttings can be discharged back into marine waters without causing oxygen depletion of marine sediment. In a preferred embodiment, the treatment emulsifies and then encapsulates free hydrocarbons in the marine cuttings.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a radiation delivery catheter assembly for maintaining patency of a body lumen for a period of time sufficient to allow delivery of a radiation source to the body lumen. The catheter utilizes an inflatable region which maintains and centers the catheter in the body lumen. The catheter may include a perfusion lumen for supplying oxygenated blood to tissue located downstream from the catheter when the inflatable region is expanded in the body lumen. The inflatable region can be made up of a plurality of balloon segments which help center the radiation source, even if placed on a curved section of the body lumen. Embodiments of the invention include a catheter design which utilizes “rapid exchange” features and a dual therapeutic catheter which is capable of dilating a stenosed region of the body lumen prior to the administration of the radiation treatment. A two-piece protective sheath is used to protect the radiation source from bodily fluids.