Abstract: A composite golf club shaft is constructed having a reduced butt diameter of 0.400 to 0.560 inches in diameter. The shaft tapers without intentional discontinuities from the reduced-diameter butt section to a cylindrical tip portion having a standard tip diameter adapted to be attached to the hosel of a club head. By reducing the diameter of the butt portion of the shaft while maintaining the shaft free of substantial discontinuities, lead-lag flexure is increased uniformly, thereby improving the controllability of the shaft, and without inducing the artificial bending modes found in bubble shafts and other shaft configurations having intentional discontinuities.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a golf ball wherein at least one portion of the golf ball is formed from a staged resin film that may contain fillers or additives to alter the physical or chemical characteristics of the ball, such as its weight distribution, its moment of inertia, and its moisture transmission properties. The invention also relates to methods of forming a golf ball having a portion formed from a staged resin film.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising an inner core formed of a first material and comprising i) a central portion; and ii) a plurality of spaced projections extending radially outward from the central portion forming gaps between each projection, and each projection having an enlarged free end and a substantially conical shape; an outer core formed of a second material, said second material being disposed within the gaps and the recesses to form a core; and a cover layer; wherein at least one of the first and second materials comprises a polymer containing an acid group neutralized by an organic acid or a salt thereof, the organic acid or salt thereof being present in an amount sufficient to neutralize the polymer by at least about 100%.

Abstract: A bat structure includes a central portion, two symmetrical opposite side enclosure portions, and two symmetrical opposite outer enclosure portions. The central portion has a square cross-section, and the two side enclosure portions and the two outer enclosure portions are wound around the four sides of the central portion in a staggered manner. Thus, the bat structure can provide a shock-absorbing effect to prevent the bat structure from being broken due to a larger shock, thereby increasing the lifetime of the bat structure. In addition, the batter can feel more comfortable when the bat structure hits the ball.

Abstract: This invention provides an improved power transmission belt which has a relatively thick rubber backing layer for improved interface with associated pulleys and improved wear resistance. The belt also has an aramid, glass, or other high modulus relatively inextensible cord secured by a layer of fabric.

Abstract: The differential (13) includes a clutch system. The clutch system includes a clutch (41a, 43a) for being displaced to establish engagement thereof. The clutch system includes an actuator (61) for operating the clutch. The actuator includes a solenoid (63). The actuator a plunger (65, 67, 73) driven by the solenoid for giving a displacement to the clutch. The differential includes a rotatable driving member (31). The differential includes a differential mechanism (45, 49, 51 and 53) driven by the driving member. The clutch interlocks the driving member and the differential mechanism with each other.

Abstract: A planetary gear mechanism 3 is provided at one end portion of a housing 2 in a direction of the rotation axis L. The mechanism 3 includes a planetary gear 31 disposed at the housing such that the planetary gear is rotatable about its own axis and revolvable about the rotation axis together with the housing, and an inner gear 33 and a sun gear 34 which are in mesh with the planetary gear. A differential gear mechanism 4 is provided at the other end portion of the housing. The mechanism 4 includes a casing 41 non-rotatably connected to the sun gear, a pair of pinion gears 43 disposed within the casing such that the pinion gears are rotatable about their axes and revolvable about the rotation axis together with the casing, and a pair of side gears 44, which are in mesh with the pinion gears.

Abstract: A differential having a driving member; an input member; first and second rotatable output members; differential gearing operable between the input member and the first and second output members, for transmitting rotation from the input member to the first and second output members and providing for differential rotation of the first and second output members relative to one another; an engaging device operable to establish a driving connection between the driving member and the input member; an inhibiting device operable to inhibit relative rotation between the first and second output members; and an actuating device for causing the operation of the engaging device and the inhibiting device.

Abstract: A powertrain includes a power transmission having an input shaft continuously connected directly between an engine and a planetary gear member of a first planetary gearset. Another member of the planetary gearset is selectively grounded by a torque transmitting mechanism to establish a reaction member during the launch of a vehicle incorporating the powertrain. The reaction member is established during both the lowest forward drive ratio and the reverse drive ratio. A third member of the planetary gearset transmits the torque from the input shaft, as modified by the planetary gearset, to other planetary gearsets in down stream power flow arrangement with the first planetary gearset.

Abstract: The system includes at least two power disc elements, each mounted for rotation on a central shaft which is typically fixed. The first power disc element includes a first peripheral gear portion at the rim of the power disc element by which the first power disc element is turned. A first system gear mounted on a first system shaft mates with the first peripheral gear portion with first system shaft being offset from the central shaft. The first power disc element also has a second peripheral gear portion in the vicinity of the rim extending forwardly of the first power disc element. A second power disc element has a plurality of outer drive gears mounted for rotation to a rearwardly facing surface, positioned to mate with the second peripheral gear portion on the first power disc element. A central gear is fixed to the central shaft and mates with the outer drive gears on the second power disc element.

Abstract: An objective method is provided for selecting gear ratios for use in a motor vehicle transmission having multiple selectable gears. The method includes selecting gear ratios for a specific application includes calculating a low gear ratio, and a high gear ratio based upon vehicle parameters and performance requirements. The total ratio spread is determined by dividing the low gear ratio by the high gear ratio. Using the total ratio spread, a geometric sequence is created with a plurality of terms, such that each of the terms respectively represent the ratio steps between the gears. Lastly, each gear ratio is divided by its respective ratio step plus one to find the gear ratio for the next gear. This method provides an objective method for selecting gear ratios, such that the steps between each of the ratios are uniformly progressive.

Abstract: The method for decreasing gear select shock comprises determining whether a vehicle is stopped and if idle conditions exist based on vehicle operating parameters. It is then determined whether the vehicle has been stopped for longer than a predetermined period. If it is determined the vehicle has been stopped for longer than the predetermined period, the automatic transmission is up-shifted into a higher speed gear from a first speed gear. The automatic transmission may then be shifted into neutral from a drive range through line pressure control, upon detecting selection of a neutral gear.

Abstract: The system of the invention for adjusting a transmission ratio in a transmission, which is built into a motor vehicle, includes at least two determining elements with the aid of which values are determined based on different determining modes. These values represent the driving behavior of the driver of the motor vehicle. According to the invention, administrator means are provided with the aid of which the determined values are called up by the determining elements. Then, at least one counter value is changed in counter means in dependence upon the called up values. Finally, the transmission ratio is set at least in dependence upon the outputted values.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically managing the operation of an exercise device includes a timer that determines if a predetermined time interval has elapsed, and an embedded processor that identifies if the exercise device has submitted an indication that it is operational. If the exercise equipment is not operational, the embedded processor transmits a reset signal to the exercise device when the predetermined time interval has elapsed causing the equipment to restart operation properly.

Abstract: A system for treating orthopedic injuries by presenting a set of treatment protocols; approving a treatment protocol from among the presented set of treatment protocols; capturing information identifying the approved treatment protocol from among the set of presented protocols; and generating information from the captured information into a form compatible with a handheld computer adapted for connection to an orthopedic sensor system. The generated information includes parameters of the identified approved treatment protocol. The process may also include the steps of basing the presented set of treatment protocols upon a database of historic patients, orthopedic injuries, treatment protocols and outcomes, and retaining information about the current patient, the patient's injury, treatment protocol and outcome.

Abstract: A body shaping machine has an action mechanism and a massaging belt which is fastened at two ends to two action members of the action mechanism. The action mechanism includes two deceleration devices and two displacement devices. The deceleration devices each have an output shaft, and a crank mounted on the output shaft. The two cranks of the two deceleration devices are mounted in reverse. The rotary motions of the two cranks are changed into the reciprocating linear motions by the two displacement devices, thereby enabling the two action members to bring about linear displacement motions opposite in direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for assisting a child to walk comprises a handlebar including a first handle having a grip portion. A pair of second handles each have a grip portion substantially coplanar with one another. The second handles are connected to and extend laterally outwardly from the first handle. The first handle and the second handles together define a space disposed laterally inwardly of the second handles sized to accommodate a child's head. A harness includes a loop for surrounding the torso of a child, and a connector for coupling the loop to the handle.

Abstract: A pogo stick comprising a handlebar, a grip portion, and a footrest that is collapsible into a small volume for easy transportation and compact storage. The handlebar is provided with at least one elongate telescoping member, the grip portion is provided with removable grips, and the footrest is provided with pivotally mounted plates. The collapsible pogo stick incorporates a pneumatic spring of variable stiffness for accommodating users of different body weights. The pneumatic spring includes a pressure cylinder and a shaft extending out of the cylinder for engagement with the ground. The pneumatic spring includes a self-charging mechanism such that the cylinder may be charged without the use of an external pump.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to an exercise bag specifically designed to accommodate the practice routines of the martial arts and kick-boxing practitioner. The bag features a suspendable enclosure having a bottom, a removable top and a continuously curving side. The enclosure is fabricated from a durable material and encloses a padded structure which, in turn, envelopes a water-tight resilient container that can be easily removed and re-inserted to facilitate toting.

Abstract: The exercise apparatus comprises a frame and a carriage. A resistance system resists movement of the carriage with respect to the frame and the longitudinally headward direction. The resistance system allows the resistance to be changed at the head end portion of the frame and further does not require elastic members to travel with the carriage when they are not use. The rebound system that adjusts the range of motion of the carriage comprises two flexible members attached to the carriage and the frame and a resistance member is attached to a central portion of the flexible members and resists lateral seperation of the central portions of the flexible members.

Abstract: A multifunctional physical training machine. The training machine includes a frame, two first pad members, a second pad member and a cord assembly. The frame includes a first base bar and a second base bar for resting on the ground, a first frame bar having an end thereof fixed with the first base bar and a second frame bar having an end thereof fixed with the second base bar and the other end thereof connected to the first frame bar. The first and the second pad members are disposed on the first frame bar in different elevation. The cord assembly has two elastic cords detachably connected to the first base bar or the second base bar, and two holding members disposed at the ends of the elastic cords respectively. The cord assembly further has two length adjusting devices to change the lengths of the elastic cords.

Abstract: Rollers and cylinders that are useable in a rotary printing presses are made using hollow tubular casings having metallic foam cores. The casings and cores are made separately. The cores are then placed inside the casing and the two are secured in a force-transmitting manner.

Abstract: Known methods for producing folded containers, especially folding boxes, from blanks use folding-box gluing machines and accessory units comprising machine elements (2, 6, 10, 13) for processing and/or conveying the blanks or containers, which can be manually positioned to fit different blank sizes. Measuring devices (17) for determining the actual position of the machine elements (2, 6, 10, 13) to be positioned and a memory unit for storing the desired positions for different blank sizes are also known. To be able to support a machine adjuster in the adjustment of positions the invention provides for both the memory unit for the desired positions and each measuring device (17) for the actual positions to be connected to a computing element which calculates the differences between the desired positions and the actual positions.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method for making booklets. Such structures of this type, generally, employ a variety of creasing techniques in order to form the booklet.

Abstract: A centrifuge that includes a centrifugal drum having a drum part, a centrifuge chamber bottom, a drum cover, solid matter discharge openings in a jacket area of a drum bottom part, and a piston valve axially movably disposed in the drum bottom part. The piston valve is held in a closed position by springs supported at the drum bottom part. The piston valve is movable by a control medium introduced into an opening chamber between the piston valve and the centrifuge chamber bottom. The control medium can overcome the springs and open the solid matter discharge openings. The springs are made from an unalloyed spring steel and are substantially encapsulated by sleeves made of corrosion resistant material. The sleeves project on one side into the piston valve and, on the other side, into bores of a bottom area of the drum bottom part.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for stimulating specific areas of a brain using an induction device (1), comprising the following steps: recording the spatial structure of the head, in particular the brain; generating a simulation model of the induction device (1); and arranging the induction device (1) relative to the head such that a specific area of the brain determined by means of the simulation model of the induction device (1) is stimulated by a current flowing in the induction device (1), as well as to a method for stimulating specific areas of a brain using an induction device (1), comprising the following steps: recording the spatial structure of the head, in particular the brain; generating a simulation model of the head; and arranging the induction device (1) relative to the head such that a specific area of the brain determined by means of the simulation model of the head is stimulated by a current flowing in the induction device (1), as well as to a device for stimulating specific areas of a br

Abstract: A device, potentially implantable in a living organism, intended to utilize at least a part of the hydraulic energy generated by the heart (10)—the primary unit—at the natural phases of work when the cavities of the heart (11, 12 and 16, 17) are filed with blood. The device includes at least one secondary unit (24), which is connectable to the cardiovascular system of the organism and arranged to utilize said hydraulic energy. The secondary unit is represented by at least one hydraulic motor (24a) arranged to transfer the hydraulic energy to a transferal organ (28). The transferal organ (28) is arranged to influence at least one tertiary unit, for example an executive device (29), which is constructed in order to convert the transferred energy to an alternative form of energy, with the purpose to influence certain defined functions within the organism. Preferably is arranged a regulating device (30) in order to control running parameters of the unit.

Abstract: An endoscope system comprises: an endoscope main body having an insertion portion in which a lumen is formed, the insertion portion having a proximal end and a distal end, a distal end opening of the lumen being provided to the distal end of the insertion portion, and a proximal end opening of the lumen being provided to the proximal end of the insertion portion; a first fixing member provided to the distal end of the insertion portion, capable of selecting between a fixed state for fixing the distal end portion of a linear member inserted into the lumen and a released state thereof in the distal end portion of the insertion portion; a second fixing member provided to the proximal end of the insertion portion, capable of selectively fixing the proximal end portion of the linear member inserted into the lumen in the proximal end of the insertion portion; and a tubular member having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen running therebetween, and removably inserted into the lumen, wherein a slit is formed fr

Abstract: A medical diagnostic apparatus, such as an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, capable of performing various measurements or scans of a subject, including a measuring unit configured to measure data of the subject based on a scanned image, a monitor which displays the data and the image, an input device configured to input information of the subject and an interface such as a touch command screen (TCS) for selecting measurement items. When an operator selects a switch for a desired measurement item displayed on the TCS in a first form, the measuring unit measures the selected item. When the measurement is finished, the switch is displayed in a second form different from the first form.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for smoothing speckle pattern and increasing contrast resolution in ultrasound images is provided. Compared to other frequency compounding techniques, wide-band harmonic frequency compounding reduces speckle noise without sacrificing the resolution. Compared to spatial compounding, wide-band harmonic frequency compounding is more robust against tissue motion because sequential vectors rather than frames are summed together for compounding. The method and apparatus is implemented by transmitting two or more firings, combining two or more of the firings coherently to extract the tissue-generated harmonic components, detecting the outputs of the coherent sums and detecting one or more firings before coherent sum, and finally combining all detected outputs to form the compounded image. The method and apparatus sums wide-band fundamental and wide-band harmonic images after detection to form a compounded image.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving transducer response sensitivity in an ultrasound-imaging system are disclosed. One method includes selecting a desired transmit spectrum, quantifying the transmit channel impulse response, calculating a drive signal that when applied to the transmit channel will produce the desired transmit spectrum and applying the drive signal to the transducer. The method may be applied in principle to the receive channels. An improved ultrasound-imaging system in accordance with the invention includes a transducer and a switch controlled to apply an excitation signal to the transducer in a transmit mode of the ultrasound-imaging system. A signal shaper is configured to generate an excitation signal in response to the impulse response of the transmit channel such that a desired ultrasound energy waveform is generated by the transducer. An adaptable filter responsive to a desired echo spectrum and the impulse response of the receive channel of the system may be included.

Abstract: A blood-pressure measuring apparatus including a cuff which is adapted to be worn on a portion of a living subject to press the portion, a waveform analyzing device for analyzing a form of a cuff pulse wave which is obtained from the cuff, and a cuff-pulse-wave obtaining device for obtaining, before the cuff presses the portion of the subject for measuring a blood pressure of the subject, the cuff pulse wave from the cuff so that the waveform analyzing device analyzes the form of the cuff pulse wave.

Abstract: A blood pressure monitor including a cuff, a pressure sensor which detects a pressure in the cuff, a pressure regulating device which increases the pressure of the cuff, a pulse-amplitude determining device for determining an amplitude of each of pulses of a pulse wave which are produced in the cuff and detected by the pressure sensor while the cuff pressure is increased, a candidate determining device for determining, as a diastolic BP candidate, a pressure of the cuff which is detected by the pressure sensor and which corresponds to an amplitude of a first pulse of the pulses determined by the pulse-amplitude determining device, by judging whether the amplitude of the first pulse is not greater than a reference value which is smaller than an amplitude of at least one second pulse of the pulses, by a predetermined proportion of the amplitude of the second pulse, the amplitude of the second pulse being determined by the pulse-amplitude determining device after the amplitude of the first pulse is determined, a

Abstract: A sphygmogram measure method and device, which detects pulse pressure and blood flow rate simultaneously, includes an upstream and a downstream pressure sensors provided to measure the pulse pressure of two adjacent points on radial artery. The time lag of pulse wave passing through the two pressure sensors is obtained by a time delay detection circuit. The values of pulse pressure at the upstream pressure sensor and time lag are inputted into a digital signal process unit for calculating the value of pulse pressure at the downstream pressure sensor. A thermal image device and an optical displacement sensor are used to measure the unstressed vessel's diameter and the variation of vessel's diameter. A viscometer measures the blood viscosity coefficient of blood specimen. All the values above are used to calculate vessel compliance and blood flow rate as a helpful reference of human's health status.

Abstract: A system and method for providing diagnosis and monitoring of myocardial ischemia for use in automated patient care is described. At least one recorded physiological measure is compared to at least one other recorded physiological measure on a substantially regular basis to quantify a change in patient pathophysiological status for equivalent patient information. An absence, an onset, a progression, a regression, and a status quo of myocardial ischemia is evaluated dependent upon the change in patient pathophysiological status.

Abstract: This invention provides a new reagent for detecting a woman's period of ovulation in a quick convenient manner, comprising Component A which can conduct a color reaction with hydrogen peroxide, and Component B (hydrogen dioxide solution). This invention also provides a kit containing said reagent.

Abstract: A needle has an external cannula (1) and a closing stem (3). The cannula (1) has one portion of relatively small thickness (s) and one portion, set at the mouth (1B) of the needle, of a larger thickness (s1), the two portions of different thickness being separated by an internal edge (1D) developed according to plane (W) inclined with respect to the axis (X—X) of the cannula. Inserted between the cannula (1) and the stem (3) is a tubular element (5), which can slide axially and which can be controlled independently, the tubular element (5) having one end provided with a tabe-like extension (5C) designed to engage with the inclined edge (1D) so as to undergo deflection in order to close the mouth of the cannula (1).

Abstract: An improved catheter system having an ultrasonic imaging transducer coupled to a drive cable disposed within a lumen of a flexible tubular catheter body. An improvement including a reconfiguration of the ferrites in the hub assembly, such that the need for the gap between the ferrites is removed. A strain relief member is provide to increase the strength of the electrical transmission lines to enable them to withstand the tensile forces caused by either flushing and/or pull-back operations. A device which allows the electrical transmission lines to extend their length when placed in tension may also be employed to provide strain relief to the electrical transmission lines. Another improvement includes a counter-wound coil structure, which may either expand or contract as the drive cable is being rotated to strengthen the drive cable. The distal tip of the catheter body may be redesigned to provide a lumen which allows for the release of flushing fluids through a distal port in the guidewire lumen.

Abstract: A posture training device for back muscles direct training to maintain good posture. Rigid spinal curvature model with sensors and single attachment point method provide preferable shoulder based and alternative belt based embodiments.

Abstract: A method of processing a raw acceleration signal, measured by an accelerometer-based compression monitor, to produce an accurate and precise estimated actual depth of chest compressions. The raw acceleration signal is filtered during integration and then a moving average of past starting points estimates the actual current starting point. An estimated actual peak of the compression is then determined in a similar fashion. The estimated actual starting point is subtracted from the estimated actual peak to calculate the estimated actual depth of chest compressions. In addition, one or more reference sensors (such as an ECG noise sensor) may be used to help establish the starting points of compressions. The reference sensors may be used, either alone or in combination with other signal processing techniques, to enhance the accuracy and precision of the estimated actual depth of compressions.

Abstract: An ankle-foot orthosis comprising a generally L-shaped member including a lower leg support having a U-shaped cross section, a U-shaped heel support portion and a foot support portion. The lower leg support portion partially embraces the rearward side of the lower leg of the patient while the heel support portion embraces a portion of the patient's heel. A total contact ankle support having an upper end, a lower end and opposite sides is pivotally secured, at the lower ends thereof, to the opposite sides of the heel support portion with the ankle support being movable between open and closed positions. The ankle support may be moved to its open position to enable the patient to easily don the orthosis. A first connector, retainer or strap extends between the opposite sides of the lower leg portion, above the ankle support, to maintain the patient's leg therein.

Abstract: The present invention is for a controlled therapeutic traction device utilizing a warmed hypertonic solution or other fluid of sufficient specific gravity to float the patient in a relaxing, relatively weightless environment. Traction is applied to a portion of the patient's body using various means to apply tension to that portion of the body, while the remainder of the patient's body continues to be suspended in the fluid.

Abstract: A method and a device for determining the blood flow QF in a vascular access (F) during an extracorporeal blood treatment is described, where the blood enters the blood treatment unit (3) of the blood treatment machine through an arterial branch (19) of an extracorporeal circulation loop (2) which is in fluid connection with the vascular access at an arterial connection. The blood is returned through a venous branch (21) of the extracorporeal circulation, which is in fluid connection with the vascular access at a venous connection (13). The blood flow in the vascular access is determined by measuring the pressure Part, Pven, in the arterial and/or venous branch of the extracorporeal circulation when the vascular access is open and interrupted, while the extracorporeal blood flow QB is varied. Then the fistula flow QF is determined from the measured values for the arterial and/or venous pressure while the vascular access is open and interrupted.

Abstract: Shunt devices and a method for continuously decompressing elevated intraocular pressure in eyes affected by glaucoma by diverting excess aqueous humor from the anterior chamber of the eye into Schlemm's canal where post-operative patency can be maintained with an indwelling shunt device which surgically connects the canal with the anterior chamber. The shunt devices provide uni- or bi-directional flow of aqueous humor into Schlemm's canal.

Abstract: Shunt devices and a method for continuously decompressing elevated intraocular pressure in eyes affected by glaucoma by diverting excess aqueous humor from the anterior chamber of the eye into Schlemm's canal where post-operative patency can be maintained with an indwelling shunt device which surgically connects the canal with the anterior chamber. The shunt devices provide uni- or bi-directional flow of aqueous humor into Schlemm's canal.

Abstract: The control of fluid introduction into and out of body conduits such as vessels, is of great concern in medicine. As the development of more particular treatments to vessels and organs continues it is apparent that controlled introduction and removal of fluids is necessary. Fluid delivery and removal from such sites, usually referred to as irrigation and aspiration, using fluid exchange devices that control also need to be considerate of potential volume and/or pressure in the vessel or organ are described together with catheter and lumen configurations to achieve the fluid exchange. The devices include several electrically or mechanically controlled embodiments and produce both controlled and localized flow with defined volume exchange ratios for fluid management. The applications in medicine include diagnostic, therapeutic, imaging, and uses for the introduction or removal of concentrations of emboli within body cavities.

Abstract: A system and process for providing safety limits on the delivery of an infusion formulation by an infusion pump system in response to a sensed biological state. The safety limits may comprise user-initiated event signals corresponding to events that may significantly affect the biological state. The safety limits may further comprise user-initiated event ranking signals for respective events which specify a degree, quantity, or measure for the respective event. The user-initiated event and event ranking signals may be communicated to a computing element associated with the infusion pump by an associated communication device having a user interface which comprises a plurality of user-selectable operators for entering information about the events and event rankings.

Abstract: A catheter useful for non-surgical entry into a uterus to dispense a diagnostic fluid therein. The catheter includes a tubular body having a lumen extending from a first end thereof to a second end thereof. The lumen includes an external opening adjacent the first end for dispensing a diagnostic fluid into the interior of a subject uterus, and a balloon disposed marginally adjacent to the first end of the body for fluid sealing the interior of the subject uterus. The lumen further includes a second opening in fluid communication with the interior of the balloon for inflation thereof with the diagnostic fluid. In most applications, the catheter can be combined with a syringe to form a catheter apparatus.

Abstract: A safety syringe is disclosed. A plurality of axial slits are formed in the outer wall of the unidirectional buckling chamber of the seat. An inner wall of the unidirectional buckling chamber has a second unidirectional buckling lip. A buckling head at a front end of the rod head of the push rod is installed with a unidirectional buckling lip; the third unidirectional buckling lip is installed with a plurality of slits so that the third unidirectional buckling lip is elastic. Thereby, by the axial slits of the unidirectional buckling chamber and the slits of the third unidirectional buckling lip, when the push rod is pushed to a foremost end, the buckling head at the front end of the rod head is pushed into the unidirectional buckling chamber at the rear end of the rod head of the push rod.

Abstract: A catheter anchoring system is provided to securely anchor to a patient's skin a catheter and fluid supply tube interconnection. The anchoring system comprises a retainer configured to receive a catheter adaptor in a variety of positions. The adaptor interconnects the catheter and the fluid supply tube. In one embodiment the adaptor takes the form of a conical-shaped fitting permanently attached to the collar and includes a recess which extends around the circumference of the adaptor. The anchoring system additionally includes a flexible, adhesive anchor pad which supports a tube clip, as well as the retainer. The retainer includes a channel that is configured to receive the adaptor in a snap-fit manner. The retainer also includes a plurality of projections. Each projection is sized to be received by a recess of the adaptor to prevent the adaptor from sliding within the channel.