Abstract: A new, novel and useful Oriented Thermoplastic Elastomer Thread Wound Golf Ball providing improved combinations of good spin for ball control on iron or wedge shots while providing for higher hardness and long travel with driver shots. The Oriented Thermoplastic Elastomer Thread Wound Golf Ball's performance is acheived by the incorporation of oriented thermoplastic elastomer threads in the golf ball design.

Abstract: A multi-piece golf ball includes a rubbery elastic core, a cover having a plurality of dimples on the surface thereof, and at least one intermediate layer between the core and the cover. The intermediate layer is composed of a resin material which is harder than the cover. The elastic core has a hardness which gradually increases radially outward from the center to the surface thereof. The center and surface of the elastic core have a hardness difference of at least 18 JIS-C hardness units. This construction and combination of features improve the distance of the ball when struck with a driver, provide the ball with excellent spin characteristics and thus good controllability on approach shots, and gives the ball a good feel on impact, enabling the ball to meet the high expectations of skilled golfers.

Abstract: A golf tee includes first and second symmetrical halves extending from a distal tip to an enlarged head and a sheet substrate sandwiched between the tee halves. The first and second tee halves are formed of a transparent material so that indicia, such as an advertisement or promotional message, printed on one or both opposite faces of the sheet substrate is visibly exposed along the stem of the formed tee. The two tee halves are joined together through several openings in the sheet substrate, thereby enhancing the bonding between the tee halves to form an integral unit. Use of a biodegradable material composition in the manufacture of the tee halves and sheet substrate, along with the divided structure of the first and second tee halves, enhances disintegration of the golf tee in the natural environment.

Abstract: Disclosed is a golf tee structure that is easy to use and move and prevents the loss and damage of the tee, thereby providing convenience in use and economical efficiency to a user. The golf tee structure of the present invention includes a hooker formed on the one side of a body, for carrying the golf tee structure, a plurality of tee-inserting holes formed on the other side of the body, into which three tees having different length from each other are inserted and fitted, and a coupling string connecting the body and each tee, for preventing each tee from being deviated from the body. Preferably, each tee includes a body made of a malleably synthetic resin and a metal pin on the lower portion thereof, as an integral body therewith, such that since the metal pin is driven into the ground when in use, the tee is not broken or lost. Further, the hooker formed on the body of the golf tee structure is adapted to be hooked on the loop for pants belt of a player.

Abstract: An apparatus (40) is used to implement a method for training a person to accomplish a basketball shot. A lower body positioning member (60) is located in front of a leg area of the person when that person is in a position to attempt the shot. When the person so attempts the shot, the lower body positioning member restrains forward rotation of the person's leading shin. An upper body positioning member (68) is located in front of a torso area of the person. When the person attempts the shot, the upper body positioning member restrains downward rotation of the person's shooting arm. In a repetitive process, the person is provided with a basketball and shoots the basketball at the goal. By this repetitive process the person learns to accomplish the shot without excessive rotation of the lower leg and upper arm.

Abstract: A target for an object thrown, struck or otherwise projected by a user. The target includes a number of uprights pivotally mounted to a base. A user projects an object at the uprights in an attempt to knock them down. The target optionally includes a reset mechanism for remotely raising the uprights back into their raised position after they have been knocked down, and a storage bin for storing and transporting equipment.

Abstract: In a transmission unit for a hybrid vehicle, an electromagnetic clutch, a motor, and a continuously variable transmission CVT are disposed in the transmission unit and a resolver to detect a position of a rotor of the motor is disposed on an input axle to input a revolution from the electromagnetic clutch to the motor and to the CVT and is disposed on the input axle at an inner side with respect to a stator of the motor.

Abstract: Front bicycle derailleur comprising an electrical motor controlling an actuating arm, consisting of an extension of an articulated arm of the derailleur, by means of a geared reduction transmission, comprising a worm screw and a sector gear, or a bevel pair.

Abstract: A metal belt, comprising a metal band (18) passed around a drive pulley (12) and a driven pulley (15) and a plurality of elements (19) disposed laminatedly in the extending direction of the band; each element being formed of wire material and further comprising a body part (31) in contact with the pulley, vertically installed parts (32) erected from both sides of the body part, and a pair of hook parts (33) which extended from the vertically installed parts and disposed opposedly to each other, wherein an opening part (34) is formed with the body part and both hook parts and, because the band (18) is inserted into the opening part (34) of each element so as to prevent the element from falling down from the band, a falling prevention body (20) is disposed in the opening part overlappingly with the band (18).

Abstract: A hybrid transfer case includes a mainshaft, front and rear output shafts, an electric motor/generator connected to the mainshaft, and an input clutch for selectively coupling the transmission to the mainshaft. The transfer case further includes a planetary gearset having a sun gear driven by the mainshaft, a ring gear, and planet gears supported from a carrier. A direct clutch is operable to selectively couple the rear output shaft for rotation with the input shaft. A low brake is operable to selectively brake rotation of the ring gear. A transfer clutch controls the amount of drive torque delivered through a transfer assembly to the front output shaft. A hybrid control system is provided for controlling actuation of the various clutch and brake assemblies and the electric motor/generator to establish various drive modes.

Abstract: A method for controlling hydraulic pressure of an automatic transmission for a vehicle is provided. The automatic transmission has a clutch element engaged by a solenoid pressure to perform speed change. The solenoid pressure is generated by a solenoid that is driven by a solenoid drive current. The method calculates a required clutch engagement pressure and a required solenoid pressure corresponding to the required clutch engagement pressure based on a relationship between the clutch engagement pressure and the solenoid pressure. The method outputs a required solenoid drive current corresponding to the required solenoid pressure based on a relationship between the solenoid pressure and the solenoid drive current. The solenoid outputs the solenoid pressure corresponding to the required solenoid drive current.

Abstract: Axial positions of two driven external gears 66 making up each of a plurality of paired-gear groups 67 with respect to an input shaft 62 are made identical, and a different paired-gear group 67 is arranged by being offset in the axial direction of the input shaft 62. Therefore, only two driven external gears 66 making up the paired-gear group 67 are present at an identical axial position of the input shaft 62. Consequently, even if the diameters of these driven external gears 66 are made large up to the very limit, these driven external gears 66 do not interfere with each other. Accordingly, it is possible to readily enlarge the reduction ratio based on the driving and driven external gears 65 and 66.

Abstract: The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least seven forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members include three planetary gear sets with three fixed interconnections and six torque transmitting mechanisms. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to at least one member of the planetary gear arrangement and an output member that is continuously connected with another of the planetary gear members. The six torque transmitting mechanisms provide interconnections between various gear members and with the transmission housing, the input or output shaft, in some instances, and are operated in combinations of two to establish at least seven forward speed ratios.

Abstract: A family of power transmissions which are utilized in a powertrain include three planetary gearsets and five torque-transmitting mechanisms. The torque-transmitting mechanisms are engaged in combinations of two to provide a reverse drive ratio and six forward speed ratios. The torque-transmitting mechanisms include at least three rotating type torque-transmitting mechanisms and, two stationary type torque transmitting mechanisms in some family members, four rotary type torque transmitting mechanisms and one stationary type torque-transmitting mechanism in other family members, and five rotary type torque transmitting mechanisms in still other family members. The planetary gearsets are of either the single pinion type or of the double pinion type of planetary gearsets.

Abstract: A multi-stage automatic transmission using a reduction planetary gear and a planetary gear set in which the respective thrust forces generated thereat are supported by a low bearing load or a low case load. The automatic transmission is provided with a reduction planetary gear, coupled to an input shaft to fix a reaction force element so as to output a reduction rotation to an output element, and a planetary gear set, that outputs a speed shift rotation upon input of the subsequent reduction rotation. During at least first gear driving, there is provided a force transmission route in which thrust forces generated at one element of the reduction planetary gear and one element of the planetary gear set, respectively, are transmitted. In that route, a torsion direction of the helical teeth of the respective elements are set such that a direction of a thrust force of the element and a direction of the thrust force of the other element are different from each other during first gear driving.

Abstract: A control system for a continuously variable transmission provided with a first pulley (1) having two pulley discs (5, 7), with a second pulley (2) having two pulley discs (6, 8) and with a drive belt (10) wound around said pulleys (1, 2) for transmitting torque there between, at least one disc (7) of the first pulley (1) being axially movable with respect to the other disc (5) of the pulley (1) under the influence of an axial force provided on the movable disc (7) by a line pressure (PLP) in a cylinder (11) of a piston/cylinder assembly (11, 13) associated with the the first pulley (1) and at least one disc (6) of the second pulley (2) being axially movable with respect to the other disc (8) of the pulley (2) under the influence of an axial force provided on the movable disc (8) by a second cylinder pressure (P2CP) in a cylinder (12) of a piston/cylinder assembly (12, 14) associated with the the second pulley (2).

Abstract: A system and method for the soft shift of a transmission connecting a power source to a well stimulation pump through a transmission. When it is desired to change gear ratios in the transmission, the transmission is caused to enter a torque converter mode from a lockup mode. The engine speed is adjusted according to a signal representative of the speed of the transmission output shaft. Once the gear ratio has been changed, the transmission is caused to enter a lockup mode from the torque converter mode.

Abstract: An improved vehicle driving control device controls a vehicle without giving vehicle occupants a feeling of abnormality during acceleration and deceleration and optimally controls the operating torque of the engine. A vehicle driving control procedure sets the target operation torque of the vehicle and determines a target engine torque and a target engine speed from the target operation torque. Engine control is performed according to the target parameters. To compute each target parameter of the engine, the target output torque of a torque converter is first computed from the target operation torque, to determine the condition of a lockup clutch. Furthermore, each target parameter is computed in accordance with a control law set in accordance with the condition of the lockup clutch.

Abstract: A starting shift control system for a continuously variable transmission is provided which includes a control unit having a high start judgment device for judging whether or not a high start in a high speed side gear ratio is caused on the basis of a comparison between the generated number of the input rotation pulses and the generated number of the output rotation pulses from the time a first vehicle starting operation is performed after start of a prime mover, and a high start control device for restricting downshifting from the high speed side gear ratio to a target gear ratio when a start of the vehicle is judged to be the high start. A starting shift control method is also provided.

Abstract: A steer-by-wire gear shifter comprises: a holder; a rotary shaft rotatably held by the holder; a shift lever whose bottom is fixed on the rotary shaft; a shift knob attached to a top of the shift lever; detecting means for detecting an operational condition of the shift knob; an actuator which applies an external force for force feedback to the shift knob through the rotary shaft and the shift lever; a control section which receives a detection signal a from the detecting means, a transmission signal d from a transmission controller and an engine revolution speed signal e from an engine controller, generates and outputs a control signal b for the actuator and a gear shift signal c for the transmission controller; and a release switch which unlocks the shift knob.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle comprising at least one device for preventing unintentional movements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a protection device for a trampoline, wherein the protection device comprises a plurality of support parts, the two ends of each support part being separately installed with an upper half part and a lower half part; and a protection film being installed between two support parts. Finally, the protection device is combined with a trampoline in order to ensure the safety of a person exercising on the trampoline.

Abstract: A computer controlled exercise machine, particularly adapted for running exercises, virtually eliminates inertial effects and controls resistance to pushing and pulling as a function of instantaneous position in a stroke and/or instantaneous velocity, using the controlled flow of working fluid through computer-controlled valves and sensors of various system parameters in a feedback loop.

Abstract: The exercise device of the present invention has a base having two side members and front member that extends between the side members. At least one truss member extends from the base. A rotatable shaft is positioned on the truss member and a flywheel is mounted on the shaft. A rotatable drive shaft is mounted on the truss member and a first one-way clutch and a second one-way clutch are mounted on the drive shaft. A means is provided for operatively connecting the drive shaft to the rotatable shaft whereby rotation of the drive shaft causes the rotatable shaft to rotate. A pair of arms have a first end that is pivotally mounted on the base and a second end that extends from the base. A foot pad is positioned on the second end of each of the arms. The foot pads are disposed to move in an arcuate path towards and away from the side members of the base and the movement of the foot pads is in a direction that is substantially parallel to the front member of the base.

Abstract: A rower exerciser includes a frame which is disposed on the floor to serve as a supporting frame, a slide rail connected between front end rear ends of the frame, and a slide seat slidably mounted on the rail to slidably reciprocate along the rail and being adapted for sitting by the user. Two sides of a front end of the slide rail are respectively connected to outwardly extending curved arm frames. Each of the arm frames is connected pivotally to a rocker via a universal connector. The rocker and a respective one of the arm frames are connected pivotally to a hydraulic rod via a pivot seat. By adjusting the foot pedals and the slide seat to be in a fixed mode or a slidable mode, and by virtue of the universal connector and the pivot seat, the rockers can rotatably swing to enable the user to simulate actual rowing actions and to provide various exercising effects.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus utilizes a weight-laden frame which is grasped by the hands of a user during an exercise routine for lifting the frame from the floor during a lift phase of the exercise routine and for subsequently returning the frame to the floor during a lowering phase of the routine. To enhance the strength gains of the user, the user walks while holding the apparatus in spaced relationship with the floor following the lift phase of the routine. The frame of the apparatus is sized so that walking movements of the user are unobstructed by the frame and so that if the apparatus is dropped while the user walks while holding the apparatus, no part of the apparatus strikes the legs or feet of the user.

Abstract: An exercise dumbbell includes a handle and weight plates maintained in spaced relationship relative thereto. At least one latch is movable into and out of engagement with desired weight plates to prevent movement of the engaged weight plates in a first direction, and thereby secure same relative to the handle. At least one catch is connected to the at least one latch and operable in a second, discrete direction to encourage the latch to remain engaged with the weight plates.

Abstract: Abstract A lower-body exercising device and method including a three-dimensional platform with a resilient means for providing a resistance-based workout while sitting at work, home or traveling is disclosed. Preferably, the invention is manufactured from a single piece of material, is designed to be wedge-like in shape, is compact in size so as to fit under a desk or table or airplane seat, and is constructed from polyurethane foam that provides resistance to a pushing force by the user during manipulation. The invention can be manipulated by pressing the soles of the feet alternately into the device, or together in a “pumping” motion. Optionally, the device is covered it in a plush, washable upholstery material, has textured s, and/or includes heating elements.

Abstract: A body inversion exercise equipment comprises a base frame which has two connect boards at top end. A rotatable assembly has two connect bars pivoted to the connect boards of the base frame for free rotating. A holder assembly is disposed at the rotatable assembly for holding a user on the rotatable assembly, and two locking assemblies are disposed at the position between the connect boards and the connect bars by means of an axial rod passing through them. The locking assembly has an adjustment piece and a position piece. The adjustment piece is rotatable relative to the axial rod. The adjustment piece has a guiding slot, openings and an adjusting bar. The position piece connects to the rotatable assembly for rotating along with the rotatable assembly. The position piece has a pin can insert into one of the openings of the adjustment piece to lock the tilting angle of the rotatable assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a slide shoe assembly for a roll (1) in a paper/board machine or a finishing machine, said roll (1) comprising a stationary axle (4), around which is rotatably mounted a cylindrical roll shell (2), a clearance (5) formed between the axle (4) and an inner surface (3) oF the roll shell (2) being fitted with loading elements (11) operated by a pressurized hydraulic fluid and provided with slide shoes (10, 110) which are loadable against the inner surface (3) of the roll shell (2) for controlling the distribution of a nip pressure in a nip (N) established with a counter roll (9). According to the invention, the loading element is equipped with means capable of eliminating or compensating for a nip-load induced deflection of the roll shell and/or a deflection of the slide shoe caused by the pressure of a hydraulic medium, thereby eliminating the harmful effects caused by said deflections on an oil film between the loading shoe and a cylindrical surface supported thereby.

Abstract: There is provided a method for limiting an operating speed of a rotor installed in a centrifuge system. The method includes the steps of (a) determining whether an actual change in energy required to accelerate the rotor from a first speed to a second speed is within a predetermined range of an expected change in energy required to accelerate the rotor from the first speed to the second speed, and (b) limiting the operating speed when the actual change in energy is not within the predetermined range of the expected change in energy.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator includes an input section for allowing a user to enter operating conditions of a centrifugal separation of a sample accommodated in a rotor driven by a motor. A memory of the centrifugal separator stores a user ID code and a corresponding user name which are registered in advance by the user. Operation of the centrifugal separator is allowed when a user ID code entered through the input section agrees with the registered user ID code.

Abstract: A polyalkylene oxide-modified phospholipid represented by formula (1) defined in the specification, has a monoacyl phospholipid content of not more than 3% by weight and a content of a base having a nitrogen atom of not more than 0.02% by weight.

Abstract: A supplemental agent for a hazardous waste composition containing electric arc furnace dust (EAFD) includes potassium magnesium sulfate or a magnesium salt such as magnesium sulfate or magnesium chloride. The supplemental agent when mixed with EAFD and water, along with either lime inherent within the EAFD or added lime, reduces the leaching of heavy metals from the waste composition over a wide range of leaching conditions, including both acidic, neutral, and alkaline environments. The method for reducing the concentration of heavy metals in a leachate from the EAFD involves forming a mixture of EAFD, water, the supplemental agent, and, optionally, ferrous sulfate, along with lime, then permitting the mixture to react.

Abstract: A radioactive member for use in brachytherapy comprising an essentially stiff elongate, single stranded bioabsorbable carrier material with spaced radioactive sources disposed therein, and methods for the manufacture thereof. The radioactive members may be used in the treatment of, for example, prostate cancer.

Abstract: A pain eliminator includes a motor, a connected axle and a set of magnets. The motor spins the magnets to generate an alternating magnetic field. This field is applied, non-invasively, to reduce muscular and other deep body pains.

Abstract: A method of creating an elevated concentration of free radicals having augmented lifetimes within a tumor, that includes creating an elevated concentration of free radicals in the tumor and creating a magnetic field that traverses the tumor and that inhibits the recombination of the free radicals in the tumor. A magnetic field of 0.1 mTesla to 10 mTesla is generally used for this purpose.

Abstract: A magnetic key chain which provides for the ability to attach itself to a magnetic material, such as the inner surface of a front door of a home or a refrigerator door. The magnetic key chain also allows for therapeutic treatment of an anatomical site in a living body. In another embodiment, magnetic jewelry is adapted for both ornamental and therapeutic use.

Abstract: An intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) having improved automated electrocardiogram (ECG) based intra-aortic balloon deflation timing. Said IABP capable of automatically determining to either deflate the intra-aortic balloon upon the detection of the next cardiac cycle (non-predictive deflation) or at an earlier point derived from predicting the occurrence of the next cycle (predictive deflation). This automated determination is based upon a quantitative assessment of the performance of the intra-aortic balloon pump in predicting the prevailing cardiac rhythm.

Abstract: An infant care unit of the type comprising means for controlling the environment in which the infant resides includes one or more sensors spaced apart from the infant to sense a physiological parameter and provide a sensor output, the controlling means being responsive to the sensor output to change the environment or provide an alarm or other indication of the parameter. The sensors include one or more of an infrared sensor for sensing the infant's temperature, cameras coupled to video processing software for sensing respiration rate, heart rate or skin perfusion, microphones coupled to audio processing software for sensing respiration rate, breathing difficulty, or infant distress. Speakers are provided for cancelling noise or providing audio signals to the infant. The camera, microphone and speakers are capable of being coupled to a computer network for remote monitoring of the infant.

Abstract: An expandable vaginal insert device for reducing the occurrence of female urinary incontinence. The vaginal insert device includes at least a resilient member capable of expanding to transmit pressure to the urethro-vaginal myofascial area. Optionally, the device may include one or more non-absorbent layers in addition to the resilient member. The resilient member and any additional layers are formed into an elongated member, which may be then be shaped into a M-shaped shaped profile or a dome-shaped profile.

Abstract: An implantable system for treating male impotence by delivering a vasodilator agent directly to the erectile bodies of the penis comprising an implantable supply pump; deformable reservoir; conducting catheter; and a dispensing catheter. The supply pump is implanted into the abdominal wall. It includes a fluid chamber for holding a vasodilator substance and pressure chamber for exerting a pressure on a plate positioned between the two chambers for delivering the substance into a conducting catheter. The pressure chamber is either spring driven or driven by a liquid-vapor pressure reservoir. The deformable reservoir is preferably implanted in the scrotum and being manually deformable for forcing the substance therefrom and into a dispensing catheter to the erectile bodies of the penis. The dispensing catheter tip is preferably expandable and is operable to expand when the substance is forced into the catheter.

Abstract: Methods and devices for performing surgery in a patient are provided. A cannula provides a working channel for access to a location in the patient. A clamp assembly is removably engaged to the cannula. The clamp assembly allows use of an endoscopic viewing system or can be removed to allow use of a microscopic viewing system in order to view the surgical site in the patient through the working channel. The clamp assembly includes a viewing element mounting portion having a length along which an endoscopic viewing element can be selectively positioned.

Abstract: An ergonomically superior endoscopic suction-irrigation instrument for surgery comprises a telescope sheath connected at an adjustable angle, preferably approximately 30°, to a vertically elongated handle having thumb-operated irrigation and suction valves and a hook for supporting the handle from the surgeon's hand when the surgeon's grip on the handle is loosened. The instrument is especially suited for sinus surgery.

Abstract: The endoscope device comprises an endoscope suitable for high temperature autoclave sterilization, an endoscope not suitable for high temperature autoclave sterilization, an external endoscope device to which these endoscopes are connected, and an identification part for identifying whether the endoscope is suitable for high temperature autoclave sterilization.

Abstract: A guide catheter apparatus that comprises the following: (a) a guide catheter portion that includes a plurality of electroactive polymer actuators disposed along its axial length and (b) a control unit coupled to the actuators and sending control signals to the actuators. The actuators change the shape of the guide catheter portion based upon the control signals that are received from the control unit. In another aspect of the present invention, a method of introducing a guide catheter into a body lumen is provided. The method comprises: (a) providing a guide catheter apparatus like that above, and (b) inserting the guide catheter portion of the guide catheter apparatus into the body lumen, while using the control unit to control the shape of the guide catheter portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a medical surgical or dental laser light irradiating apparatus which enables operators as well as third persons to precisely view the treatment. The medical laser light irradiating apparatus of the present invention comprises an optical fiber 3 for emitting from its front end the laser light which is incident upon the rear end thereof from said laser light supply means, a handpiece 1 for holding said optical fiber 3, an light incident face 21 which is made integrally with said handpiece 1 so that it faces at least a laser light irradiated area, imaging means 20 for imaging of at least laser light irradiated area based upon the light which is received through the light incident face 21, display means 30 for displaying a result of imaging from said imaging means 20, and jetting means 40, 40A, 41, 42 for jetting an air to an area in front of said light incident face 21.

Abstract: A micro-endoscopic system employs a pulsed xenon light source and novel image collection optics with a fine diameter optical probe for an endoscope. Very bright pulses of light emitted by a xenon flash tube increase the intensity of light incident on the light transmitting optics, allowing a reduction in size of the optical components, resulting in a corresponding reduction in the size of the optical probe. A novel segmented glass image guide directs the reflected light to a sensor array. Segmentation of the image guide avoids the birefringence problems associated with fine diameter glass optical structures. Conventional optical fiber imaging and light delivery apparatus may also be used in conjunction with the pulsed xenon light source.

Abstract: An endoscope assembly is disclosed having a housing adapted to be manipulated by medical personnel, such as a surgeon. An elongated lens tube has one end secured to the housing while an elongated stage is removably secured to the housing so that the stage encompasses and is coaxial with the tube. The stage together with the lens tube are adapted for insertion into the cavity of a body. A lens assembly provided within the lens tube relays the optical image from the free end of the stage to the housing. A lens assembly within the housing, furthermore, varies the magnification of the image between macroscopic magnification and microscopic magnification in which tissue may be examined on a cellular level. For macroscopic magnification, white light is transmitted through the lens tube as well as reflected back from the target tissue through the lens tube and to the housing. For microscopic examination, laser radiation is utilized in lieu of the white light illumination.

Abstract: A patient monitor has an information processor, an information display, a control or selector, at least two sensor sockets, and at least two patient sensors. The information processor is programmable and re-programmable according to a user's requirements. The sockets are substantially identical with a number of socket connectors and are electrically connected in parallel with one another. One of the sensors monitors one aspect of a patient's condition and generates a signal to the information processor accordingly. A second sensor monitors a second aspect of a patient's condition and generates a signal to the information processor accordingly. Each of the patient sensors plugs into any of the sensor sockets. The sensor sockets and the sensors have connectors that connect when the sensors are plugged into the sockets.