Abstract: The invention concerns a bellows (7) designed to be coupled by a front end region (30) to a first rotary member (8) and by a rear end region (34) to a second rotary member (6). The bellows rear end region (34) is provided, over at least part of its periphery whereof the axial curve has a transverse contour with inflection points, a radially projecting lug (36) designed to be housed in a groove (20) of the second rotary member to retain axially the bellows rear end region (34) relative to the second rotary member (6), and sealing means designed to be supported on the second rotary member. The sealing means are axially located on the same side as at least part of the lug (36) retaining the bellows rear end region (34). The invention is applicable to tripod constant velocity universal joints.

Abstract: A stage element movement assembly includes a first cable in a tunnel below the stage deck and extending in a first path in a first direction. A first dog is secured to the first cable for movement therewith in the tunnel, and an engagement member is engaged with the first dog and will extend upwardly through a slot in the stage deck for engagement with the stage deck for engagement with the stage element to be moved. A second cable is provided for disposition in a tunnel below the stage deck in a second path in a direction at an angle to the direction of the first cable and crosses below the first cable. Linearly spaced cable guide rollers on opposite sides of the cable crossing cause the cable to move downwardly to pass below the first cable and thereafter be moved upwardly to the plane of its original path. Engagement elements are secured to the cable in spaced relationship and a crossing dog having spaced engagement elements are engaged with the engagement elements on the second cable.

Abstract: The launch angle of an object in flight after being launched from a initial position, such as a golf ball struck by a golf club, is determined by measuring the velocity of the object using a sensor, such as a Doppler Radar transceiver, positioned, for example, at a known distance forward of the initial position along an expected straight aim line. The launch angle is calculated using a mathematical model, describing the relationship between the measured velocity as a function of elapsed time since launch and the geometrical relation between the sensor and the initial position. The aim angle of the object may be determined by performing independent launch angle calculations corresponding with velocity measurements from a plurality of sensors positioned, for example, in a line at a known distance forward of the initial position. The aim angle is obtainable from the ratio of the calculated launch angles.

Abstract: A practice putter for improving a golfer's putting game having a conventional grip attached to a conventional shaft. The shaft is connected to a head having a concave bottom surface of a predetermined radius. One or more balls are mounted in the bottom surface on an axle, and each ball revolves freely only in the direction of the axle. Each ball is positioned adjacent opposed sides of the concave middle portion. Each ball is mounted on an axle having a shock system that allows the ball to be pushed inward towards the head with the application of a predetermined force thereon. The length of the shaft is adjustable, and the angle determined by the top surface of the head and the shaft is also adjustable. In proper use, each ball is made to contact the putting surface as the head is moved in a straight line guided by the rolling balls.

Abstract: A system for converting readily available standard off the shelf golf club parts into a interchangeable golf club system. A conversion system consists of a head insert which can be glued into the hosel of a standard golf club head. A shaft insert having a central flange is insertable and glueable into place on a standard shaft of a golf club. The shaft insert and the head insert forming a quick connect to attach the shaft to the golf club head. Through the use of different club heads representing the full range of woods, irons, and putter, each having a head insert pre-installed, the club may have emulating any club by attaching the desired club head. A shaft length adjustment is made by a cooperating pin installed in the top of the shaft and slidable within a number of slots provided in a telescoping sleeve slidable over the shaft.

Abstract: The Wunder Wedje Golf System gives the average golfer for the first time, a simple and efficient tool to quickly and easily overcome some of the basic problems that hinder the golfer. It allows the golfer to utilize practice methods used by professionals in a simple and easy way to get the most out. It also allows the golfer to maintain consistent foot and ball position. It is a teaching and practice system that at a minimum would not hurt the golfer's game, but almost certainly would improve it.

Abstract: In one aspect, a correlated set of individually numbered golf club iron heads progresses from a high numbered head to a low numbered head. Individual heads have a front striking face, a rear face, a sole, a toe, a heel and a hosel. The front striking faces of heads within the set individually have a total planar area defining a progressively decreasing loft angle in going from the high numbered head to the low numbered head. For at least two chosen pairs of heads within the set, the striking face total planar area of individual heads within each chosen pair increases in size in going from the higher numbered head to the lower numbered head in the pair. In another aspect, a correlated set of individually numbered golf club iron heads comprises at least a 3-iron head, a 4-iron head and a 5-iron head. The hosel is provided relative to the sole to provide a different and increasing lie angle in sequentially progressing from the 3-iron head to the 5-iron head.

Abstract: A golf club having products of inertia Ixy, Ixz, and Iyz with absolute values below 100 g-cm2 is disclosed herein. The golf club has a large volume, a high moment of inertia, or both. Preferably, the moment of inertia, Izz, of the golf club head about a vertical axis Z through the center of gravity ranges from 3000 g-cm2 to 5000 g-cm2, and a moment of inertia, Iyy, about a horizontal axis Y through the center of gravity of the golf club head ranges from 1900 g-cm2 to 2050 g-cm2. Preferably, the golf club head is composed of plies of pre-preg sheets. The volume of the golf club head preferably varies form 300 g-cm2 to 600 g-cm2.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a multi-layered core golf ball that comprises a center, a cover and a thin laminate comprising of at least one core layer formed around the center to create an inner ball, wherein the laminate includes at least one outer core layer that is relatively stiff and hard relative to the center, at least one outermost core layer that is heavily filled with a density increasing material and at least one core layer that functions as a moisture vapor barrier. One core layer may serve to provide all the functions in a single layer.

Abstract: A vortex generating golf ball dimple for producing a turbulent boundary layer on the surface of a golf ball during its flight is a composite of a plurality of overlapping smaller concave sections. Preferably, the dimple is a plurality of peripheral spherical sections overlapping a central spherical section to form a ridge-like polygon. The polygon, the top edge of which lies below the outer edges of the dimple, acts as a vortex generating structure within the dimple concavity for producing the turbulent boundary layer. Each pair of opposite or near opposite sides of the polygon has a common cross-sectional shape or structure. The aerodynamic characteristics of the cross-sectional structure are such that the turbulent boundary layer is formed about the dimple at even relatively low velocities without any unnecessary interference being produced at high velocities.

Abstract: In a dimpled golf ball, those dimples in which a tangent A to the dimple wall has an inclination angle of at least 13° are included in the majority, the variation of the dimple area with different positions on the ball surface and the variation of the dimple cavity volume with different positions on the ball surface are within specific ranges. The golf ball exhibits uniform flight performance in that the variation of flight performance with a dimple arrangement is minimized.

Abstract: A greenspeed measuring device for quick and accurate measurement of the speed of a golf ball on a putting surface. The greenspeed measuring device includes an elongated shaft having a release end and a handle end opposite the release end, the shaft including a bottom side surface and a top side surface. The greenspeed measuring device also includes a ball rolling channel defined in the top side surface that extends from the release end. A ball holding notch is defined in the top side surface adjacent the channel. A handle is attached to the shaft at the handle end and is configured so that the handle end of the shaft can be independently held above a putting surface when the top side surface faces away from the putting surface.

Abstract: A method of determining a bounce fitting for a golf club for use in sand for a particular golfer, by determining the relative hardness of golf course bunker sand in which the tests are conducted, having a golfer hit a golf ball from that sand thereby forming a divot, measuring the length of the divot, determining the relative depth of the divot, and correlating the divot length, divot depth and sand hardness to determine a desired bounce fitting. The divot length is measured with a device for designating a certain location from which a golf ball is to be hit and for measuring the length of a divot caused by hitting a golf ball from that location.

Abstract: A golf ball marker carrier has an elongated element having at least two through bores to accommodate a shoe shoelace so that the carrier can be affixed to a shoe. A golf ball marker is affixed to the elongated element in the form of a snap fastener in which the removable snap of the fastener constitutes the golf ball marker. Included is a method for affixing the golf ball marker carrier to a shoe.

Abstract: A hockey stick has a head (3) with an enlarged gape (20) with an extended toe height (T). The stick exhibits a circulation effect whereby when placed face down on a ball with the lowermost part of the outer edge of the stick in contact with the ground, the stick may be twisted in one direction to the open stick playing position and in the other direction to the reverse stick playing position, whilst the spatial position of the stick is not varied and the outer edge is in rolling contact with the ground and without disturbing the ball. The head also provides enhanced catching features which provide significantly increased control of the ball during play.

Abstract: A ratchet tensioner includes a plunger releasing mechanism for turning a ratchet pawl against the force of a plunger spring to disengage a locking prong of the ratchet pawl from a rack tooth of a plunger. The plunger releasing mechanism has a pin insertion hole formed in a plunger housing transversely across a recessed groove formed in the housing for mounting the ratchet pawl, and a sloped surface formed on the ratchet pawl and normally extending obliquely across the axis of the pin insertion hole. The sloped surface, upon abutment with the tip end of a pin which is inserted in the pin insertion hole, is capable of causing the ratchet pawl to turn against the force of the ratchet spring to thereby disengage the locking prong of the ratchet pawl from the rack tooth of the plunger for releasing the plunger.

Abstract: A transaxle apparatus provided with a planetary gear type differential The differential comprises a pair of co-axial axles, a sun gear, a center gear serving as a driving input gear, a pair of carriers, a pair of ring gears serving as steering input gears, and planet gears. The center gear interlocks with the sun gear. The pair of carriers are fixedly disposed around the respective axles oppositely to each other with respect to the center gear. The pair of ring gears are rotatably disposed around the respective carriers so as to slidably abut at their inner peripheral surfaces against outer peripheral surfaces of the respective carriers. Each of the ring gears is extended between the sun gear and each of the carriers disposed in the ring gear so as to be inner peripherally formed into an internal gear. Each of the carriers is integrally provided with a plurality of projections projecting toward the center gear between the sun gear and the internal gear.

Abstract: The continuously variable automatic transmission has a plurality of clutches and brakes wherein at least a part of the clutches is designed as wet multi-disk clutches having an inner and an outer disk carrier and wherein the inner disk carrier generally rotates and the outer disk carrier remains fixed. The clutch in which, in the operating state of stationary disengagement, the inner disk carrier remains fixed and the outer disk carrier rotates is provided with a splash-lubrication pot (5), which is situated within the inner disk carrier coaxially to the hollow shaft and which is firmly connected with a constantly rotating part (7) of the clutch, the outer wall of the splash-lubrication pot being provided with holes (6).

Abstract: A dynamic balance is improved in an S-P-C type planetary gear mechanism. An input shaft is fixed to a disk, and an output shaft is fixed to a planetary gear. A circular recess is formed in the disk so as to be eccentric to the input shaft. A ring gear engaged with the planetary gear is rotatably supported by the circular recess. A weight-reduced portion having the same depth as that of the recess is provided in a part of the disk where the circular recess is not formed, and a weight portion is formed to recover the axial dynamic balance of the disk, which is lost by arranging the circular recess and the ring gear. Since the planetary gear is fixed coaxially to the output shaft, it does not perform an eccentric motion and thus secures the dynamic balance thereof. Accordingly, the dynamic balance in the axial direction is secured for every individual rotating element constructing a gear device.

Abstract: A vehicle automatic transmission includes an input shaft connected to an output shaft of an engine, an output shaft, and a torque converter for transmitting driving torque from the engine to the automatic transmission. A planetary gear system of the automatic transmission is provided with first, second, third and fourth planetary gear sets. The first gear set has a first sun gear, a first ring gear, a pair of first pinion gears, and a first planetary carrier. The second, third and fourth gear sets respectively have second, third and fourth sun gears, second, third and fourth ring gears, second, third and fourth single pinion gears, and second, third and fourth planetary carriers. The planetary gear system is further provided with four rotational elements, two clutches, and three brakes.

Abstract: The angular motion translator is a device with direct mechanical coupling which allows a user to reliably and durably change the angular relationship between two elements in a rotating frame (i.e. two output shafts) by changing the angular relationship between two elements in a static reference frame, whereby the change in the angular relationship of the elements in the rotating frame is proportional to the change in the angular relationship of the elements in the static reference frame. Essentially, the angular motion translator is comprised of two linked identical planetary gear sets facing one another as mirror images. Matching elements in the two planetary gear sets are held static, although one of the static elements may be rotated with respect to the other, matching elements are rigidly attached together so that they rotate as a single unit, and the remaining matching elements are attached to either the input shaft and the inner output shaft or the outer output shaft respectively.

Abstract: An infinitely variable toroidal drive comprising a housing (1), an input shaft (3), a torque converter (34), two input discs (5, 15) with toroidal inner surfaces, two output discs (6, 16) with toroidal inner surfaces wherein one input disc and one output disc each form a pair and the two output discs are arranged next to each other with mirror symmetry, several friction wheels for transmitting a torque from one input disc to the corresponding output disc, an output shaft (10) and a gear wheel system (8, 9) being coupled via engaging gears (57) with an output disc (16).

Abstract: A shift control system for a continuously variable transmission has a target gear ratio corresponding value calculating device for calculating a target gear ratio corresponding value of the continuously variable transmission according to at least a throttle opening, a shift control device for controlling a gear ratio of the continuously variable transmission so that the target gear ratio corresponding value can be obtained. It further has a reactive force applying device disposed on an accelerator pedal and applying a reactive force, which increases according to an increase of the accelerator pedal opening, to a pedal depression force of a driver in a large accelerator pedal opening range.

Abstract: The invention proceeds from a system for adjusting the tension of a belt part (for example, a band) of a belt transmission mounted downstream of a vehicle engine. The belt transmission preferably is continuously adjustable with respect to its transmission ratio. A first means is provided for controlling (open loop and/or closed loop) the vehicle engine and a second means is provided for controlling (open loop and/or closed loop) the belt transmission. Here, a first signal is determined by the first means and this signal represents the engine torque of the vehicle engine and this signal is supplied by the first means to the second means. The tension is adjusted by the second means in dependence upon the first signal and a safety reserve. The essence of the invention is that the safety reserve is not fixedly pregiven; instead, it is determined in dependence upon various conditions.

Abstract: The invention proceeds from a system for generating a signal for hydraulically adjusting the transmission ratio of a continuously variable transmission in a motor vehicle. Here, a valve is provided which influences the hydraulic connection from a pressure reservoir, which exhibits a hydraulic pressure, to a pressure chamber. The adjustment of the transmission ratio takes place via the drive of at least the valve via the electrical signal. For this purpose, the electrical signal is generated in such a manner that it is limited to maximum and/or minimum values. The essence of the invention is that the maximum and/or minimum values are determined in dependence upon the hydraulic pressure. With the limiting in accordance with the invention, it is ensured that an adequate pressure reserve for the adjustment of the belt tension is available notwithstanding the adjustment of the transmission ratio.

Abstract: A CVT has primary and secondary pulleys, and a control unit for controlling the transmission ratio by controlling the line pressure applied to the first and secondary pulleys. The control unit calculates a standard step position of a step motor corresponding to the target transmission ratio and provides a command signal representative of the difference between the standard step position and the current position of the step motor. A shift control valve actuated by the step motor controls the pressure to be applied to the primary pulley. The control unit compares the actual transmission ratio with the target transmission ratio, and if the shift is not completed, the control unit commands an additional step number. Unless the shift to the HI side is accomplished when the additional step number reaches the threshold value, the line pressure is increased to achieve the shift.

Abstract: A control system for a hydraulically-operated transmission for a vehicle is disclosed. The transmission is connected to a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine and having a plurality of friction engagement elements. A working oil temperature of the transmission, a cooling water temperature of the engine, and an operating condition of the transmission are detected. An estimated value of the working oil temperature is calculated on the basis of the detected cooling water temperature and the detected operating condition of the transmission. A weighting factor is calculated according to the detected working oil temperature. A weighted average value of the working oil temperature and the estimated working oil temperature is calculated as an actual working oil temperature by using the weighting factor. A hydraulic pressure of the working oil is controlled according to the actual working oil temperature.

Abstract: A shift device including a key cylinder and a shift lever is disclosed. The key cylinder is located adjacent to the shift lever. The key cylinder receives a key corresponding to the key cylinder. When the key is located at the ON position, the key cylinder generates an engine driving signal to an engine ECU. A stopping mechanism is located between the key cylinder and the shift lever for selectively stopping the movement of the shift lever depending on the selected key position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle comprising a fully automatic transmission, of the type in which a management unit (20) controls the operation of the engine (10) as a function of torque demand information from a throttle pedal (24), and of the type in which the engine management can be modified as a function of information transmitted by a transmission (16) control unit (22) to the engine (10) management unit (20), characterized in that for certain phases of operation of the vehicle, the transmission (16) control unit (22) inhibits the action of the torque demand information, for which it substitutes an engine management command to which the management unit (20) is subordinated.

Abstract: A system for controlling an automatic transmission of a vehicle, wherein if the change of the destined gear GB (i.e., the target gear SH) is required when the jumping shift, i.e., two-gear downshifting is in progress, the input/output rotational speed ratio GRATIO (indicative of degree of shift progress) is compared with the predetermined input/output rotational speed ratio #GRCN312 or #GRCN423, and based on the result of comparison, how the shift to establish or effect the required destined gear GB, i.e., the shift mode QATNUM is determined, thereby enabling to improve or enhance the response to the change of the destined gear GB during two-gear downshifting. It can also prevent the clutch from being degraded in such a shifting.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for diagnosing a malfunction in a clutch actuator of a motor vehicle, the actual position of the clutch actuator is measured by a position sensor. Simultaneously, an estimated position of the clutch actuator is calculated by an emulation unit that emulates the function of the clutch actuator. Malfunctions of the clutch-actuator are diagnosed by comparing the actual, measured position to the estimated position.

Abstract: A neuro-fuzzy exerciser instrument panel installed in an exerciser, including a housing, a main control circuit, a set of control buttons, a massager unit, the massager unit having energy generating means adapted to generate an energy for stimulating the muscles of the user and at least one massaging device adapted to transmit the energy from the energy generating means to a part of the body of the user, switch means adapted to switch on/off the massager unit; and power source means adapted to provide the necessary working voltage to the main control circuit and the massager unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of pull/push exercise with an exercise machine that exercises the abdominal, back and arm muscles with the operator recumbent in the face upwards position. Foot contacts follow a closed elongate curve positioned above the recumbent operator. A linkage is provided for each foot contact in conjunction with a crank to drive a flywheel. Arm exercise is coordinated with the linkage.

Abstract: An exercise device is provided which includes a surface for supporting a body of a user and a frame(s) for supporting the surface(s) above a floor. Resistance device(s) are connected to the device for providing resistance to movement of the user. A mechanism(s) may be provided for changing the orientation of the surface relative to the floor during an exercise routine. Also mechanism(s) may be provided for changing the orientation of the resistance devise(s) relative to the floor during an exercise routine. And mechanism(s) may be provided for changing the orientation of the surface(s) and the resistance devise(s) relative to the floor and to each other during an exercise routine. The resistance devise(s) may include component(s) for converting user motion into energy, electricity, etc. to power the exercise devise. Display device(s) may be provided to display various information relating to an exercise routine(s) to the user and to other(s).

Abstract: A versatile bidirectional isometric exercise device is provided in the form of an inflatable flexible exercise ball (10A-C), about 46 cm (18 inches) in diameter, fitted with a pair of looped handles (12A-B, 30A, 30C), secured to diametrically opposite points of the ball, through which arms or legs can be placed for performing specialized exercises that use the ball (10A-C) in a tension mode. The ball (10A-C) is only partially inflated so as to provide soft compliant accommodation to various body surfaces, and can be utilized bidirectionally, i.e. either in compression or in tension, in conjunction with various body parts such as hands, legs, knees, feet, etc., for a broad array of isometric muscle exercises directed to overall body strengthening, particularly for persons prone to and/or desiring protection from the effects of osteoporosis. A sequence of recommended exercises may be depicted directly on the surface of the ball (10A-C).

Abstract: A muscle stretching apparatus comprising a frame with adjustable extremity grips, a fulcrum, adjustable leg braces, and leg support assemblies with padded rollers, lever handles that allow an aide to push upward providing additional stretching assistance. The apparatus further comprises an adjustable frame which comprises lever handles. A human with lower extremities on the fulcrum and arm extremities on the extremity grips, by a combination of pushing, pulling, or pushing and pulling, can accomplish a variety of stretching exercises.

Abstract: An exercise device comprising a pneumatic hand pump with a valve in the exhaust port. The hand pump is pivotally attached to a folding metal chair or, in an alternate embodiment, to an elongated step board for easy use and storage and provides exercise and muscle toning when pumped against a strong force caused by a nearly closed valve in the exhaust port.

Abstract: A rack exercise system (30), according to the invention, having a main support frame (38), two upright support racks (42), a base frame, and a floor unit (36), for conditioning in three-dimensions using a mobile support (32) such as a Swiss ball. The rack excerise system is a multi-capability platform, or anchoring system that, in conjunction with the Swiss ball, allows an exercise or rehabilitation professional or an exercise enthusiast to fully express their creativity in exercise design, and selection.

Abstract: In some process contexts it is desirable to maintain a constant strain on the web instead of constant tension. The novel system measures the caliper of the web material and adjusts the tension to achieve the desired constant strain. The caliper may be measured by monitoring the radius of the expiring web reel in connection with the angular position of the reel. The web caliper is input into a control scheme that includes an algorithm determining the appropriate tension to applied to the web in accordance with its caliper. The control scheme outputs a variable force command to a dynamic dancer which adjusts the web tension and thus sets the constant web strain. The variable force may be injected via an air cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, a spring with a dynamic ground, or an electromagnetically driven actuator.

Abstract: A tension fluctuation absorbing device used in a cardboard sheet manufacturing apparatus and equipped with a tension fluctuation detection assembly and a tension adjustment assembly. The tension fluctuation detection assembly detects fluctuations in the tension generated in a material paper. The tension adjustment assembly is installed on the upstream side of the tension fluctuation detection assembly and adjusts the tension generated in the material paper by increasing or decreasing the feed-out speed of the material paper on the basis of fluctuations in tension detected by the tension fluctuation detection assembly.

Abstract: A method of folding an air bag consisting of the following steps: providing an air bag with a square configuration; folding four corners of the air bag toward the center of the air bag resulting in a smaller square configuration; repeating said folding step to place the air bag in a smaller square configuration; folding a resulting left corner of the air bag toward the center of the air bag; folding a resulting right corner of the air bag toward the center of the air bag; and pinching lower and upper portions of the air bag while folding the lower and upper portions, respectively, toward the center of the air bag.

Abstract: A sulfonated, oxidized rubber composition and a neutralized, sulfonated, oxidized rubber composition are provided. The sulfonated, oxidized rubber composition, preferably a composition containing such sulfonated, oxidized rubber composition, can be used as an additive in or for asphalt. The neutralized, sulfonated, oxidized rubber composition, preferably a composition comprising such neutralized, sulfonated, oxidized rubber composition, can be used for oil field applications such as preventing the loss of fluids used during such oil field applications. A process of preparing such compositions includes contacting a rubber composition, such as butyl rubber in the form of waste tire particles, with an oxidizing agent to provide an oxidized rubber composition. The oxidized rubber composition is then contacted with a sulfur-containing acid to provide a sulfonated, oxidized rubber composition.

Abstract: Rapeseed in plants producing rapeseed which have a yellow-seed coat are provided. The yellow-seed coat is controlled by a single locus mutation. Plants from the rapeseed are useful for transferring the trait into elite lines of canola.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing materials solidified with sulfur, comprising the steps of bringing the water content of a mixture of sulfur and a raw material to less than 3% by weight, heating and mixing the mixture of raw materials including molten sulfur at 119 to 159° C., to cause the sulfur to penetrate and encapsulate the raw material that is solid or liquid at the molecular level, thereby preparing a fluid mixture, and, if necessary, then molding the mixture into a desired shape or cooling it into a granular form.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating the human body with variable magnetic fields, which comprises an electrical waveform generator to be connected, through a cable, to Helmholtz coils, adapted to be moved close to the person to be treated, which produce low-intensity, low-frequency variable magnetic fields; an impedance meter with electrode terminals to be applied to the person to evaluate the effectiveness of the waves of the generator; and an electronic processing unit for controlling the waveform generator as a function of the measurements of the impedance meter and of memory parameters stored in the processing unit.

Abstract: The basic principle in repairing retinal detachments is closing the retinal break. An internal tamponade is a material suitable for intraocular use which is used to directly close a retinal break. A scleral buckle is a flexible device which can conform to and allow movement of the sclera. A new method to treat retinal detachment is to combine usage of a magnetic fluid tamponade with a magnetized flexible scleral buckle, which effects tamponade of the retina without interfering with vision. A substantial percentage of complicated retinal detachments currently go on to blindness despite multiple attempts at surgical intervention because of our inability to tamponade retinal breaks in certain locations. In a cross-sectional view of the eye, the retina and choroids sit on the sclera. Each break in the retina therefore sits on a specific location on the sclera.

Abstract: Implantable arrangement for mechanical coupling of an output-side driver part of an active or passive hearing system, the driver part having a capacity to be excited to mechanical vibrations, to a preselected coupling site on the ossicular chain, the footplate of the stapes or a membrane which closes the round window or an artificial window in the cochlea, in the vestibulum or in the labyrinth (equilibrium organ), via a coupling arrangement which has a coupling element adapted to be connected to a preselected coupling site. The coupling element is provided with a positioning device for selective movement of the coupling element between an open position in which the coupling element is adapted to be engaged with and disengaged from the coupling site, and a closed position in which the coupling element in the implanted state is joined by force fit and/or form fit to the coupling site.

Abstract: A non-blood contacting, implantable heart assist system surrounds the natural heart and provides resistance to cardiac hypertrophy. The restraint system is composed of adjacent tube pairs arranged along a bias with respect to the axis of the heart and bound in a non-distensible sheath forming a heart wrap. The tube pairs are tapered at both ends such that when they are compressed they approximately follow the surface of the myocardium. Inflation of the tube pairs with a compressible fluid causes the wrap to exert a restraining force on the heart to prevent overexpansion during diastole.

Abstract: A multifacet sexual aid device for increasing the level of sexual enjoyment between partners which includes a waist belt having a first, second and third belt portion. The first belt portion has a substantially planar portion and a first and second attachment end. The planar portion is a parabolic shaped front element which include a spring-loaded attachment mechanism within a substantially central portion of the planar portion for attaching at least one prosthetic phallic element thereto, as a quick release and quickly deployed element. A couple connector is also used to couple a plurality of different prosthetic phallic elements as either a convex or concave connection to the spring-loaded mechanism. The free ends of each second and third belt portions are fixedly secured at opposing internal first and second internal surface portions via hook and loop fasteners.

Abstract: A sexual stimulation device is placed on the root of the penis before sexual intercourse and is constructed of an outer ring and an inner ring. During sexual intercourse a first portion of the inner ring is displaced inwardly, resulting in a squeezing force being applied to the root of the penis and a second portion of the inner ring and a portion of the outer ring are displaced outwardly and contact the vulva of the female sex organ.