Abstract: A propeller shaft assembly (10) comprising a constant velocity universal joint (12) including a hollow shaft (20) and a connecting shaft (18) is provided. The hollow shaft (20) includes an outer joint part (23) having an outer race surface (31) that includes an outer forward portion (32) and an outer rearward portion (34). The connecting shaft (18) includes an inner joint part (25) having an inner race surface (33) that includes an inner forward portion (35) and an inner rearward portion (36). The connecting shaft (18) further includes a recessed surface portion (38). A ball cage (26) that has a plurality of torque transmitting balls (28) is included. During a collision, the torque transmitting balls (28) translate off said inner race surface (33) and drop into the recessed surface portion (38) allowing the connecting shaft (18) to collapse into the hollow shaft (20).

Abstract: A drive shaft assembly to interconnect a driving component and a driven component has a first shaft and a second shaft operably engaged with the first shaft to enable torque transmission and relative axial sliding motion. A joint component operably interconnects one of the first and second shafts to one of the driving and/or driven components. The joint component is rotatable through a specified range of rotation, or “free-motion”. The joint component is axially fixed relative to one of the second shaft, driving component and/or the driven component.

Abstract: A finger grip (10) for a bowling ball (14) has a mechanism (20) to retain the grip to a bowler's finger (12). A pad (24) is included to contact the bowling ball (14). The bowling ball (14) is associated with the retention mechanism. Also the pad (24) has an arcuate surface.

Abstract: A training aid has a light beam generator (10) adjustably mounted to a universal joint fixture (14) which is in turn held by a support strip (18) in outwardly spaced relation away from a golfer's cap bill (36) with the assistance of a spring clip (20). In use, the generator (10) is adjusted to project a spot or beam onto the ground or a golf ball. On a golfer swinging a club at the light beam spot, any unwanted body or head movement is immediately indicated to the golfer by movement of the light beam spot. Preferably, the generator (10) is a laser beam generator.

Abstract: A dip-molded grip for a mid-length golf putter is preferably made of plastisol, has a circular cross-section, and a length of about 19 inches. The grip is made by dipping a mold rod into two types of plastisol and baking the plastisol layers. The result is a grip that fits any individual and provides an ideal surface.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a grip structure including a barrel-shaped grip having an inner wall axially formed with a mounting hole. The grip has a closed end formed with an air vent that communicates with the mounting hole, so that the grip may be mounted on a handle. The grip has a reduced mediate portion formed with a neck section, so that a grip tape may be wound around the neck section. The neck section is provided with a helical guide rib protruded outward therefrom, for guiding the grip tape to be wound around the neck section, thereby decreasing the difficulty of winding the grip tape, and thereby positioning the grip tape to prevent a sliding movement of the grip tape.

Abstract: A golf club head having a hollow metal body with a conical indentation in a sole of the metal body.

Abstract: A putter head including a toe portion, a heel portion, a generally vertically extending wall and an insert. The wall has a front strike face, a rear surface, an upper layer, and a lower layer. The upper layer, the lower layer and the rear surface each extend from the heel portion to the toe portion to define a recess rearwardly extending into the wall from the strike face. The rear surface of the wall is formed with variable thickness thereby providing the recess with a variable rearward depth. The insert substantially fills the recess and connects to the wall. The insert has a front surface, a top surface, a bottom surface and a rear surface. The front surface is exposed, while the top and bottom surfaces are substantially covered by the wall.

Abstract: A putter includes a shaft, a head having a front face for striking a golf ball and a rear face, and a connector interconnecting the shaft and the head. The connector has a rear edge that can be aligned visually with the rear face of the head by a golfer holding the shaft. The putter head has a toe and a heel, the heel being the end portion of the head that is closer to the golfer when putting and the toe being the end portion of the head that is remote from the golfer when putting. The shaft of the putter is connected to the head of the putter at or adjacent the “toe” end of the head of the putter. This allows a golfer to be able to obtain an accurate visual sighting by looking at that part of the head of the putter that is furthest from him.

Abstract: A golf club having an inertia capsule for supporting the strike face of the club, said inertia capsule inertia capsule having a novel air relief channel that is partially filled with mercury and inserted in a hollow club head to transmit ball impact at transition curves cast into the club face a the “sweet spot” uniformly across the club face. A feature of the inertia capsule is that it is configured to be selectively partially filled with mercury fluid for imparting controlled force against distribution curves cast in the strike face. The inertia capsule is supported in said interior chamber by a pair of saddle members.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-piece solid golf ball having excellent flight distance, spin performance, shot feel and scuff resistance. The present invention relates to a multi-piece solid golf ball comprising a core consisting of a center and an intermediate layer, and a cover having many dimples, wherein the center and intermediate layer are formed from polybutadiene rubber, the center has a diameter of 25 to 40 mm, and a surface hardness of the center is higher than a central point hardness of the center by not less than 15, the intermediate layer has a thickness of 0.5 to 8.0 mm, and a surface hardness of the intermediate layer is higher than the central point hardness of the center by 20 to 50, and the hardness difference (C−D) between the cover hardness (D) and the surface hardness of the intermediate layer (C) is within the range of 0 to 12.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward more durable golf ball cores and more durable golf balls. The golf balls of this invention comprise a cover and a core wherein the core may further comprise a center and one or more layers of a mantle disposed between the center and the cover. The core, the mantle or the layers of the mantle, comprise a mixture of one or more thermoset rubber materials and at least one compatible, modified, non-ionic polyolefin. The non-ionic polyolefin that is modified may be a homopolymer, copolymer, terpolymer, block copolymer or a mixture thereof that is present at about 0.5 to about 10 parts per hundred of the thermoset rubber material used in the core or core layer.

Abstract: A golf ball includes a solid core and a cover of at least one layer; wherein each of a specific gravity of the solid core and a specific gravity of the cover is nearly equal to a value (S) of a relation expression given by S=W/[(&pgr;/6)×D3], where W is a weight of the golf ball and D is a diameter of the golf ball. The golf ball can enhance the durability to increase the carry of the ball with less variations in carry of the ball.

Abstract: A golf ball with aerodynamic coefficient magnitude and aerodynamic force angle, resulting in improved flight performance, such as increased carry and flight consistency regardless of ball orientation. In particular, the present invention is directed to a golf ball having increased flight distance as defined by a set of aerodynamic requirements, at particular spin ratios and Reynolds Numbers. The invention is also directed toward golf balls with dimple diameters of greater than 6.5 percent of the ball diameter and dimples with a profile defined by a catenary curve.

Abstract: A golf ball includes, on a surface thereof, a first dimple (1) having a diameter of 4.50 mm, a second dimple (2) having a diameter of 4.00 mm, a third dimple (3) having a diameter of 3.60 mm, a fourth dimple (4) having a diameter of 2.80 mm and a fifth dimple (5) having a diameter of 2.30 mm. A region surrounded by a circle (C) in a phantom spherical surface is a crown portion and other region are non-crown portion. A total area of the crown portions and that of the non-crown portion are equal to each other. A difference between a dimple occupation ratio Yc (%) in the crown portions and a dimple occupation ratio Yn (%) in the non-crown portion is 5% to 30%.

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 improved arrow and sliding stabilizer therefor are provided. The sliding stabilizer is used instead of fixed or glued tail feathers, vanes or other fletching as a means for stabilizing arrow flight. The invention improves current projectile technology with reduced assembly labor cost, the elimination of bow clearance issues, improved accuracy with the consistent production of the sliding stabilizer, easy replacement of the stabilizer in the field, and improved arrow storage. A sliding stabilizer is designed to slide along the shaft of an arrow and comprises an annular wing and a plurality of fins. In use, the stabilizer is positioned at the front of the arrow prior to launch, and the arrow slides quickly through the stabilizer until secured at a stop position at or near the trailing end of the arrow.

Abstract: A game ball including a casing and a lacing. The casing has a laced region. The lacing is coupled to the laced region of the casing. The lacing has an exposed surface comprised of an outer material that is compressible, resilient, and tactile. The outer material has a modulus of elasticity of between 14 and 170 kg/cm2 and a tensile strength between 100 and 650 kg/cm2. At least a portion of the lacing can have an exposed pebbled surface.

Abstract: A basketball apparatus having a ball body with a plurality of slots extending circumferentially around the ball body and a plurality of elastic rings removably received within the plurality of slots. The plurality of elastic rings extend circumferentially around the ball body. The ball body has a first pole area and a second pole area. Each of the elastic rings has a thickness at the pole areas that is less than a thickness between the pole areas. Each of the elastic rings extends outwardly of the outer surface of the ball body. Each of the plurality of elastic rings has a textured outer surface.

Abstract: A base ball includes a central spherical core made of high density cork, a plurality of highly elastic rubber layers wound upon said core, a first layer of blended wool yarns with different diameters wound upon said rubber layers, a second layer of blended wool yarns with different diameters wound upon said first layer, a moisture proof layer of soft foam wound upon said second layer, a layer of yarns wound upon said moisture proof layer and then sprayed with adhesive agent, and an outer cover encasing said layer of yarns, whereby the moisture proof layer of soft foam can effectively prevent the base ball from getting moisture and can provide stable resiliency thereby enabling the base ball to keep its weight and resiliency at a stable condition and therefore warranting fair play even in bad weather.

Abstract: A game ball including a casing and a lacing. The casing has a laced region. The lacing is coupled to the laced region of the casing. The lacing has an exposed surface comprised of an outer material that is compressible, resilient, and tactile. The outer material has a modulus of elasticity of between 14 and 170 kg/cm2 and a tensile strength between 100 and 650 kg/cm2. At least a portion of the lacing can have an exposed pebbled surface.

Abstract: The invention comprises a tensioner having a pulley journaled to a housing. The housing further comprises a guide. The guide slidingly engages rails on a base. The guide and rails constrain the housing to move in a predetermined linear path. The rails are horizontally offset from two axis defined by the pulley. The pulley load is also vertically offset from the axis of movement of the guide. The guide and rails have a predetermined frictional coefficient so that the cumulative result is an asymmetric damping effect. Further, a linkage is connected between the housing and a camming body. The camming body is rotatably connected to the base. A biasing member such as a torsion spring biases the camming body against the belt load through the linkage. The radius of the camming body is variable to maintain a constant belt load as the tensioner pulley moves in response to a load change.

Abstract: A hoop for a CVT belt including foreign matter existing in a nitrided hardened layer and surface of the hoop, the foreign matter comprises at least one of an oxide-type foreign matter, a nitride-type foreign matter, and a carbide-type foreign matter. The oxide-type foreign matter has a particle size of 25 &mgr;m or less, the nitride-type foreign matter and/or the carbide-type foreign matter have particle sizes of 17 &mgr;m or less.

Abstract: A link plate for silent chains 10 includes a pair of teeth or toes 10a each formed of an inside flank 11 and an outside flank 12 and a pair of pin apertures 10b to insert connecting pins 3 thereinto. A moment M around a pin 3 is shown as follows: M=F×Lo where F is a force applied by a tooth 21 of a sprocket 20 against a meshing point 12e on the outside flank 12, and Lo is a length of a perpendicular drawn from a center O of a pin aperture 10b to an action line m of the force F. In order to decrease this moment M, the length Lo of the perpendicular is shortened, said link plate having an engaging point E with a tooth of a sprocket on an intersection between a straight line n and a flank, said straight line n and the direction of a central line connecting each center O of pin apertures forming a pressure angle &agr;, and being in contact with a circle C, said circle C having a center located at a center O of said pin aperture and a radius r≦0.25×P, where P is a pin aperture pitch.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a power transmission apparatus which enables a shifting with high efficiency and small shock. A power transmission apparatus for a hybrid vehicle having two driving means; an engine and a motor generator, including; a planetary gear unit including at least a sun gear, a carrier and a ring gear; and a counter shaft for transmitting power to driving wheels of a vehicle, wherein the rotor of the motor generator is connected to the sun gear, an engine output shaft and a first main shaft which is capable of transmitting torque to the counter shaft through gears in a plurality of transmission gear ratios are connected to the carrier, and torque of the ring gear can be transmitted through gears to a second main shaft which is capable of transmitting torque to the counter shaft through gears in a plurality of transmission gear ratios.

Abstract: A wheel end assembly having a dual wheel configuration includes independently rotating wheel hubs to reduce tire wear. The wheel end includes a first planetary gear assembly with a sun gear driven by a differential side gear and a ring gear for driving one wheel hub. A second planetary gear assembly with a sun gear driven by a differential side gear and a ring gear drives another wheel hub. A differential assembly is coupled to the first and second sun gears to allow the first and second wheel hubs to rotate relative to one another as the vehicle executes turning maneuvers.

Abstract: A casing 23 of a second differential gear mechanism 2 is constituted by a carrier 19 and a sun gear 22 which are separately formed. Owing to this arrangement, the casing 23 is divided into two parts in a direction of its axis. The carrier 19 is movable in a direction of an axis L. By meshing engagement between a pinion gear 26 and a side gear 27A, the carrier 19, which forms a part of the casing 23, is press contacted with a housing 11 through a washer 29.

Abstract: A drive axle assembly is provided that includes an axle housing having a cavity. A differential case is disposed within the cavity. The ring gear is supported on the differential case such as by fastening the ring gear to a flange extending from the differential case. A pinion cage eccentrically supports the driveshaft and pinion, which are rotatable about a first axis. The pinion cage may be used for different axle assemblies having different gear ratios. Moreover, the same differential case may be used for the different axle assemblies. The pinion cage is rotatable relative to the carrier housing between first and second positions in which the first axis is spaced from the ring gear first and second distances, respectively. In this manner, the pinion offset and gear mounting distance may be varied. The pinion cage is secured to the housing, preferably by fasteners, in one of the positions to accommodate a particular gearset.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a driving state switching unit with a synchro-mechanism which employs a synchro-mechanism to perform switching of a driving state. The switching unit is equipped with a first gear (32) and a second gear (33) coaxially disposed, a gear connecting member (34) axially movable so that the first gear (32) and the second gear (33) can be connected, and a synchro-mechanism (35) interposed between the first gear (32) and the second gear (33). By moving the gear connecting member (34) by an electric actuator (50), the first gear (32) and the second gear (33) are connected, while they are being synchronized by the synchro-mechanism (35). When this occurs, control means (102) controls a supply current to the electric actuator (50), and judgement means (102) judges synchronization of the synchro-mechanism (35), based on a change in the supply current value to the electric actuator (50).

Abstract: When an operator takes his foot from an accelerator pedal, a returning speed of the accelerator pedal is calculated from a signal of an accelerator sensor. In casewhere the returning speed is larger than a reference value, it is judged that the operator intends to decelerate a vehicle with an engine brake applied and the speed ratio of the continuously variable transmission is fixed to a value at the moment when the operator releases the accelerator pedal. As a result, the vehicle decelerates while the engine brake is exerted. In case where the returning speed is smaller than the reference value, it is judged that the operator intends to run the vehicle by inertia and the speed ratio of the transmission is changed to a speed ratio on an overdrive side so as to allow a coasting operation.

Abstract: When an ignition switch is turned off to stop an engine, a control apparatus of a continuously variable transmission places a line pressure regulating valve in a fully draining condition to reduce a load of a hydraulic pump by maintaining an electric power supply to the line pressure regulating valve, a shift control pressure regulating valve and the control apparatus.

Abstract: An enhanced braking mode for a work machine includes activating engine compression release brakes while placing a torque converter in an overspeed condition. By doing so, both the engine and the torque converter contribute to decelerating the work machine. This combined braking horsepower is greater than that available using the engine compression release brakes with the torque converter in a locked condition. In addition, the braking horsepower available in this enhanced braking mode is comparable to that available with the employment of hydraulic retarders, which can be substantially more expensive, and require additional hydraulic cooling system capability. The enhanced braking mode is preferably carried out automatically by the electronic control module when the vehicle is in a retarding mode.

Abstract: An electronic engine-governor control is carried out using no arithmetic tables and thus relieving a load to the CPU. A throttle opening is controlled with a control quantity to suppress a difference between the actual revolutions and the target. Calculator 107A is provided for calculating the difference D between the current revolutions and the target Ne(tgt). The difference D is corrected with an adjustment A based on a difference between the current revolutions Ne(0) and the previous revolutions Ne(−1)and an adjustment B based on a difference between the previous revolutions Ne(−1) and the revolutions before previous revolutions Ne(−2). Calculator 107B is provided for calculating an adjustment E in relation to a load from the throttle opening &thgr;TH(0) and the target Ne(tgt). Calculator 107C is provided for calculating D/E, the throttle controlling signal P&thgr;TH.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transmission between a drive member and a drive shaft (1) of an automotive engine of the type comprising, in a housing (2), a friction clutch constituted by at least one rotatable driving element (3) and at least one driven element coming into bearing contact with variable gripping to obtain a variation of the couple transmitted to the output shaft (1) under the action of a control device that at least partially projects from the housing (2).

Abstract: A shift control system and a method thereof for an automatic transmission of a vehicle are provided. A shift range assembly permits selection of a specific shift range of automatic shift mode ranges and manual shift mode ranges. The automatic shift mode ranges include a park range, a reverse range, a neutral range, a drive range, and an engine-brake range. A shift lever position sensor detects the specific shift range selected by the shift lever assembly and outputs a corresponding signal. A shift controller outputs a shift signal for down-shifting from a current shift speed to a shift speed lower by 1 shift speed, if the detected specific shift range is the engine-brake range.

Abstract: When a deceleration slip executing minimum gear stage is not established in a state of continuously executing a deceleration slip control at a target slip amount, it is judged whether or not an input shaft rotational speed of a transmission becomes a down shift judging rotational speed. When it becomes equal to or less than a predetermined down shift judging rotational speed, a down shift is executed, and a clutch pressure is controlled such that an engine rotational speed becomes a target engine rotational speed.

Abstract: An elliptical exercise apparatus including a frame, a crank, a pair of guide tracks, and a pair of flexibly resilient foot supports that provide elliptical exercises. Each foot support comprises a leaf spring and a foot engagement pad configured to receive the foot of a user. The foot engagement pads rotate in elliptical paths and the leaf springs flex in varying degree to accommodate for varying forces and gaits of different users. The leaf springs provide upward biasing forces in direct response to sudden and irregular downward forces, thereby flexing to improve the feel of the exercise.

Abstract: An exercise device (10) for working and stimulating the legs of disabled children is disclosed. The exercise device (10) includes a portable housing (12), a crankshaft (14) rotatably mounted in the housing (12), and a power source (16) coupled to the crankshaft (14). The power source (16) and the crankshaft (14) cooperate to provide the exercise device (10) an active operating mode, wherein rotation of the crankshaft (14) is resisted, and a passive operating mode, wherein rotation of the crankshaft (14) is assisted.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a treadmill having a frameless treadbase. The treadmill is lightweight and inexpensive. A preferred embodiment features an arched deck. The arched deck has a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion, wherein the intermediate portion is has an upward incline or convex arch. The arched deck provides intrinsic cushion and incline. The arched deck maintains a convex arch independent of any structure in the treadmill. Additionally, the arched deck is connected to a front support and a rear support, the front support being independent from the rear support.

Abstract: A damping device for a stationary bicycle has a main wheel defining a side-opening chamber. The main wheel has a magnetic layer mounted thereon. Multiple clamping wheels are received in the side-opening chamber and sandwich a sleeve securely mounted on the main wheel. The clamping wheels are respectively connected to a driving disk. The driving disk is securely connected with a shaft. At least one damping member having at least one magnetic member is pivotally connected inside the side-opening chamber so as to generate magnetic force with the magnetic layer of the main wheel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pogo stick structure, more particularly, a pogo stick comprising a foot-pad housing with handlebars thereof and a support rod; wherein, a foot-pad housing rises at the position of the foot pads and forms a hollow tube creating space for placing a compression spring therein; the installation of the tube helps to stabilize the compression spring while making constrained and released movements, and also reduces great height of the foot pads to the ground which can decrease user's fear in operating the pogo stick; moreover, the external flange of the foot pads is mounted with a plurality of LED flash lights, and under the foot pads installs a controller which switches on/off the LED flash lights and creates sound.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a reorientable pulley system. A tube, a first pulley and a second pulley are provided so that the second pulley may be selectively reoriented in relation to the first pulley while still maintaining an alignment between the hollow passageway of the tube and the channels of the first and second pulleys. An exercise device employing the pulley system is disclosed.

Abstract: A quick-release collar is provided for securing weight plates to a weight bar in the sport of weight lifting. The collar includes a collar body defining an opening for receiving the weight bar, and defining a tangential ramp leading to the opening. A lock rod engages the ramp, and a tie rod extends through the collar to the lock rod. A handle threads onto the tie rod and, when rotated, tensions the tie rod, pulling the lock rod against the ramp into a securely wedged, interlocked engagement with the bar.

Abstract: An exercise device has a central elastic portion and a pair of cuff portions. The central elastic portion has an elastic band of a predetermined tension. Each of the cuff portions is removably attached to one end of the central elastic portion, and each of the cuff portions includes a backing strip having two Velcro portions. The Velcro attachment allows the cuffportions to be securely and removably attached to a portion of the user's body, such as the user's ankles. A variety of central elastic portions may be provided with bands having different lengths and elasticities, so that the user may select the band desired for a particular workout, and easily attach it to the cuff portions. The different bands are preferably color coded so that they may be easily distinguished and selected by the user.

Abstract: The present invention provides a therapeutic back stretching device that stretches and relaxes the muscles in the lumbar section of the spine as well as concomitant muscles, such as the abdominal muscles. The device includes a rigid base constructed from a strong rigid lightweight plastic material. The base has two opposed ends with a plurality of spaced parallel slots between which is selectively fit an arched insert. The insert being formed from a lightweight flexible material and includes an opening in the center thereof to accommodate the spine of a user. The insert can be fit between slots closer or further apart to vary the degree of curvature.

Abstract: A balance training device includes a platform having a recess defined in an upper side of the platform and a through hole centrally defined in the recess. A level is received in the recess and has a hole defined to communicate with the through hole in the recess. Multiple beads are received in the level and a tube is perpendicularly mounted on a lower side of the platform. At least three resilient compressible legs with compressible assemblies are mounted on the lower side to support the platform so that the platform can be made to tilt or be level during use. The user must control the platform with his legs and roll the beads will the tube through the bore in the level and the through hole in the platform.

Abstract: A balance training device includes a platform having three sunken holes defined near a center of the platform and three recesses defined in a bottom of the platform. Each of the recesses communicates with a corresponding one of the sunken holes. Each of three compressible members has one end mounted in a recess in the platform and is held in place by a bolt that extends through the sunken hole in the platform and is screwed into the compressible member. A base is detachably connected to the compressible members, and includes a first side having at least three blind holes defined to hold a corresponding free end of one of the compressible members and a second side having at least three grooves radially defined in the base. Three legs each has one end secured in one of the corresponding grooves to support the base.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an embossing roll for embossing running webs of material and a method of making that roll. More particularly, the present invention is an embossing roll of a hard elastomer surface that can be engraved and subsequently plated to form a protective wear-resistant surface.

Abstract: A roller assembly has at least one bushing for preventing the longitudinal movement of an end cap and its associated bearing housing along an axle. One end of the bushing is located in an abutting relationship with the bearing housing. The bushing is secured to the axle and placed in contact with the bearing housing which is secured within the end cap. By preventing longitudinal movement of the bearing housing, longitudinal movement of the end cap is thereby prevented.

Abstract: A paperboard blank for forming a carton and a machine for applying the same to a series of containers for forming a package without the need for glue or other adhesives and including novel gussets attached between a locking panel and a front panel, the gussets being properly placed in position by the machine and held in place by the weight of the containers in the finished package, thereby holding the front panel in a closed position. A particular embodiment includes drinking straws, or the like, which are protected by the front panels upon assembly of the completed package.