Abstract: Disclosed herein is a golf ball with a solid core having a PGA compression of 55 or less and an outer cover layer having a Shore D hardness of at least 60, the ball having a PGA compression of 80 or less. In another embodiment of the invention, the ball has a mechanical impedance with a primary minimum value in a frequency range of 3100 Hz or less after the ball has been maintained at 21.1° C., 1 atm. and about 50% relative humidity for at least 15 hours. A further embodiment of the invention is a golf ball having a core, and a cover with a Shore D hardness of at least 58, the ball having a mechanical impedance with a primary minimum value in the frequency range of 2600 Hz after the ball has been maintained at 21.1° C., 1 atm. and about 50% relative humidity for at least 15 hours. The balls of the invention have good distance while providing a soft sound and feel.

Abstract: A perimeter weighted golf ball with a low compression core is provided. The core preferably comprises a diene polymer that has low cross-link density or not cross-linked with a reactive co-agent. This core has low compression and low specific gravity. The low specific gravity core is encased within a thin dense layer positioned outside of the centroid radius to provide the ball with a high moment of inertia. The same core can be encased within a plurality of intermediate layers having either increasing hardness or decreasing hardness to provide selective golf balls for either low swing speed players or advanced players. Alternatively, a thin layer of diene polymer highly cross-linked with reactive a co-agent may be incorporated into the ball to increase the hardness of the ball.

Abstract: Surface of a golf ball 1 is comparted into 8 spherical regular triangles St and 6 spherical squares Ss by comparting lines that are formed by casting a reflection of sides of the cuboctahedron inscribed in the phantom spherical face onto the phantom spherical face. On the spherical regular triangle St are arranged regular triangular dimples A1. On the spherical square Ss are formed square dimples B1 and B2. Dimple patterns of respective spherical regular triangles St are identical with each other. Dimple patterns of respective spherical squares Ss are identical with each other. It is also permitted that the snub cube is envisioned, and the surface is comparted into spherical regular triangles St and spherical squares Ss. Surface area occupation percentage of dimples 4 is preferably equal to or greater than 70%.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a golf ball having a plurality of round dimples on the surface thereof, which is characterized in that said dimples include those of two kinds or more differing in diameter such that the ratio of the maximum diameter to the minimum diameter is at least 1.5, said dimples add up to 240 to 290, with large dimples 4.7 mm or above in diameter accounting for more than 50%, and said dimples are formed such that the volume under a flat surface surrounded by the edge of each dimple divided by the volume of a hypothetical cylinder having said flat surface as the bottom and the maximum depth from the bottom as the height is 0.49 to 0.85 on average for all the dimples. The golf ball having adequately formed and arranged dimples achieves a long flying distance.

Abstract: A portable sports assembly (10) having a left side ricochet panel (12), a left side strike panel (16) which is pivotally coupled to the left side ricochet panel (12), a center panel (20) which is pivotally coupled to both the left side strike panel (16) and a right side strike panel (18), and a right side ricochet panel (14) which is pivotally coupled to the right side strike panel (18). Particularly, each respective panel (12, 14, 16, 18, 20) may be selectively adjusted to provide a desired angle between each respective panel (12, 14, 16, 18, 20), effective to allow a user top propel a ball at the assembly (10), strike the assembly (10) with the ball, and have the ball ricochet back to the user.

Abstract: A foldable structure is a singular structure that includes first and second flexible, foldable panels that are pivotally connected to each other along adjacent edge portions. One or more support panels pivotally connects to one of the flexible, foldable panels and removably connects to the other flexible foldable panel. When in an unfolded position, the foldable structure may comprise any of a variety of structures such as, for example, soccer goals, sports goals, basketball hoops, tents, etc. The flexible, foldable panels comprise flexible, foldable, continuous members covered by fabric covers that are sewn together to form the pivotal connections.

Abstract: A basketball frame structure includes a backboard, two fixing plates, a base, two first upright rods, two second upright rods, two first links, an adjusting bar, two second links, and a plurality of hollow weights. Thus, the height of the backboard is changed by movement of the adjusting bar, thereby facilitating a user adjusting the height of the backboard. In addition, when the adjusting bar is moved, the positioning bolt is slidable in the slideway of the adjusting bar and detachably locked in either one of the retaining slots of the adjusting bar, so that the height of the backboard is changed in a multi-stage manner so as to fit requirements of different users.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ball, in particular a football. The ball according to the invention has, in its outer skin, a syntactic material that consists of a matrix material into which essentially dimensionally stable, elastic blow-molded parts are mixed. Furthermore, a new method of producing a ball with a verre églomisé print is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is an improved power transmission belt tensioner of the type having a first pulley adapted to communicate with a surface of a power transmission belt, a first arm supporting the first pulley upon which the first pulley is rotatably mounted via a first pulley bearing, a second pulley adapted to communicate with a surface of the power transmission belt, a second arm supporting the second pulley upon which the second pulley is rotatably mounted via a second pulley bearing. It is improved by the inclusion of a strut, a first attachment point for the strut, and a second attachment point for the strut, with the strut attached to the first and the second attachment points. The first arm is rotatably supported at a first pivot. The second arm is rotatably supported at a second pivot. The first pulley and the first attachment point are each laterally offset in relation to the first pivot and substantially balanced in terms of parasitic torque across the first pivot.

Abstract: A drive system for a vehicle utilizes a series of drive motors and a single planetary gear box to provide driving input to a differential for an axle assembly. The differential drives a pair of axle shafts that drive a pair of laterally spaced wheels. The planetary gear box includes a sun gear, a plurality of planet gears in meshing engagement with the sun gear, a planet carrier that supports the planet gears, and a ring gear that is in meshing engagement with the planet gears. One drive motor drives the sun gear and another drive motor drives the ring gear. The planet carrier provides the output driving force from the planetary gear box to the differential. The motor that drives the sun gear provides for high output torque by taking advantage of a high gear ratio reduction and the motor that drives the ring gear provides for high output speed by taking advantage of a low gear ratio reduction. When both motors are simultaneously powered, a variable gear ratio is provided.

Abstract: A drive axle assembly (10) includes a carrier (24) for supporting a differential case (22) with axle shafts (14, 16) extending therethrough and rotatable with the differential case (22) relative to the carrier (24). A plurality of friction discs (74, 76) are disposed within the differential case (22) and are alternatively connected to the differential case (22) and a drive hub (78), which is connected to one of the axle shafts (14). A sleeve (100) is operably connected to a piston (90) for generating a thrust force and for transmitting the thrust force through the sleeve (100) to move the friction discs (74, 76) closer together. A plurality of levers (104) are operably connected one with the other and disposed between the sleeve (100) and the friction discs (74, 76) to amplify the thrust force of the sleeve (100).

Abstract: A steering actuator of an independent type steer-by-wire system comprises a housing fixed to a vehicle body and an ultrasonic motor. The ultrasonic motor has a stator internally fixed to the housing and a rotator rotating relative to the stator when an electric current is applied. A steering rod having a first end and a second end penetrates through a center portion of the ultrasonic motor. The first end of the steering rod extends out of the housing for connection to a tie rod. In one embodiment, a ring gear, planetary gears, sun gear and/or racks formed at the steering rod are operably associated with converting rotating movement of the ultrasonic motor into linear movement of the steering rod. In another embodiment, a rotator ring, a plurality of pinions, worm gears and a plurality of racks formed at the steering rod are operably associated with converting rotating movement of the ultrasonic motor into linear movement of the steering rod.

Abstract: A drive axle assembly includes an input operably coupled to a power source. The input drives first and second axle shafts, which in turn drive laterally spaced wheel ends. Each wheel end includes a gear set that is driven by one of the axle shafts. The axle shafts are enclosed within a center axle housing and the gear sets are enclosed within gear housings. The drive axle includes a pumping mechanism that maintains predetermined oil levels within the center axle housing and gear housings. The oil level in the center axle housing is lower than the oil level in the gear housing. The pumping mechanism includes an impeller that is mounted for rotation with the axle shaft. The impeller draws oil from the center axle housing into a cavity, which transfers the oil to the gear housing.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission apparatus having input and output shafts, a toroidal-type continuously variable transmission unit (CVT unit), a gear-type differential unit with gears, and a control unit, the CVT unit has; input and output side disks, power rollers, input and output side rotation sensors, wherein the differential unit has; a first input portion and a second input portion, and wherein the control unit regulates the transmission ratio of the CVT unit so as to change relative displacement speeds of the gears of the differential unit to thereby convert the rotational state of the output shaft to forward and backward rotations with a stationary state being interposed therebetween, with the input shaft being kept rotating in one direction, and to calculate a rotational speed of the output shaft based on rotational speeds of the input and output side disks and a gear ratio of the differential unit.

Abstract: A differential assembly includes a case, a gearset having a pair of pinion gears and a pair of side gears, and an electrically operable coupling including a magnetically responsive fluid. The coupling is operable to selectively interconnect one of the side gears to the case. In one instance, the present invention includes a rotor having a plurality of outwardly extending blades positioned in communication with a magneto-rheological fluid. An electromagnet is selectively actuated to change the viscosity of the magneto-rheological fluid. In this manner, the differential may function as an “open” differential, a “locked” differential or a differential accommodating a limited-slip condition.

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

Abstract: A multi-step gear including a drive shaft linked with a non-shiftable front-mounted gear train, an output shaft linked with a shiftable rear-mounted gear train with four free shafts, and shift elements for selective shifting without group shifts. The first free shaft of the rear gear train is linked with a first shift element, the second free shaft with second and third shift elements, the third free shaft with fourth and fifth shift elements and the fourth free shaft with the output shaft. With six shift elements, the first or third free shaft of the rear-mounted gear is additionally linked with a sixth shift element. With seven shift elements, the third free shaft is additionally linked with a sixth shift element and the first free shaft is additionally linked with a seventh shift element.

Abstract: A toroidal type continuously variable transmission having first and second discs supported around a rotating shaft and receiving power rollers therebetween includes a ball spline having a first spline groove formed in an outer circumferential surface of the rotating shaft, a second spline groove formed in an inner circumferential surface of the first disc, and balls provided between the first spline groove and the second spline groove rollably. An axial position of an end portion of an effective groove portion of the first spline groove is located to correspond to an axial position of an inner end portion of the second spline groove or more closely to the second disc than the axial position thereof when a pressing unit, a preload spring and the first disc are installed around the rotating shaft, pressure oil is not fed to the pressing unit, and the preload spring is not elastically deformed.

Abstract: A toroidal variable-speed drive unit includes at least one axial offset transmission, at least one actuating member, pivotable supporting journals, and rollers arranged on the pivotable supporting journals which are coupled to one another by the at least one axial offset transmission and can be supported on the at least one actuating member, wherein the rollers are arranged between the actuating member and the at least one axial offset transmission.

Abstract: A control device for a hybrid vehicle, which has; a first prime mover and a second prime mover for transmitting a power to a wheel; a power distribution device for distributing the power of said first prime mover to the wheel and to a rotary device; a transmission arranged on a power transmission route from said second prime mover to the wheel; and a gear ratio control device for controlling a gear ratio of the transmission; characterized in that comprising a sub control device for controlling a status of said transmission to enable suppression of decline in a driving performance of the vehicle, even when the function of said gear ratio control mechanism declines.

Abstract: In a locking device for a selector lever of a motor vehicle transmission comprising a locking member, which is pivotally supported on a support structure, and an adjustable locking element is supported on the support structure and engages the locking member for fixing the selector lever, a locking part is mounted resiliently on the locking member so as to bear against the support structure and to engage the selector lever, the locking part being movable by the selector lever between a first rest position to second position by application of a predetermined force by the selector lever.

Abstract: A system for controlling a torque reduction at shifting for an automatic transmission is provided with actual gear-ratio detecting means for detecting an actual gear ratio out of input rotation and output rotation of the automatic transmission, and torque-reduction amount computing means for calculating a torque-reduction amount out of a torque-reduction set gain set previously, which is a rate of change of the torque-reduction amount with respect to a change in gear ratio, and the detected actual gear ratio. With this, the start and completion timings of torque-reduction control can be optimized to prevent elongation of shifting. This results in enhancement in the shift quality and in the endurance reliability of a friction material for shifting.

Abstract: An automatic transmission ratio shift and shift feel control system and method for a powertrain having an engine, multiple-ratio gearing controlled by friction elements actuated by hydraulic pressure, an output shaft torque sensor producing a signal representing the magnitude of current output torque, an electronic controller for controlling the target output torque based on the current output torque, increasing the torque capacity of the oncoming friction element and decreasing the torque capacity of the offgoing friction element after a gear ratio change is initiated. During the inertia phase of the ratio change, the controller controls the engine speed to follow a predetermined rate of change of input speed. The strategy employs an electronic throttle and closed loop engine torque control and closed loop engine speed control at various phases of the gear shift, to improve shift feel.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle driveline includes an internal combustion engine for transmitting input torque to a hydraulically-actuated input clutch, and having a throttle controlled by a displaceable accelerator pedal. A transmission produces multiple gear ratios between the clutch and an output. A method for controlling operation of the clutch includes determining a magnitude of clutch pressure that would produce a torque capacity of the input clutch equal to the current magnitude of input torque; if no transient condition occurs, pressurizing the clutch at a magnitude of pressure that produces a predetermined slip of the input clutch at the current magnitude of input torque; and if a transient condition occurs, holding and/or reducing the determined input clutch pressure such that slip occurs at the input clutch.

Abstract: A system for simultaneously capturing data from multiple sources from individuals training on exercise equipment is provided. The system utilizes a wireless means of either transferring data to a computer server for permanent storage and interactive analysis or to prompt the delivery of programming content or data from a computer server to the exercise units or attachments affixed thereto. The system also includes an interactive means of incorporating third-party input regarding additional characteristics about each exercise unit, entertainment system or human user that when integrated with the base line equipment data becomes highly relevant and valuable. The present invention utilizes a programmable transceiver that can receive entertainment programming and data communications from a central computer server while simultaneously receiving data from multiple devices attached to or integrated within the exercise unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a standup exercise apparatus that simulates walking, jogging and climbing with arm exercise. More particularly, the present invention relates to an exercise machine having separately supported pedals for the feet and arm exercise coordinated with the motion of the feet. Elliptical cross trainers guide the feet along a generally elliptical shaped curve to simulate the motions of jogging and climbing. Existing elliptical cross trainers often use excessive pedal articulation which can overwork the ankle to achieve a longer stride. The present invention is an improved elliptical exercise machine capable of extended exercise with less pedal articulation that is more ankle friendly. One end of a foot support member is guided by a guide for back and forth movement while the other end is guided by an orbital link to drive an alternator and flywheel. The resulting pedal motion is foot friendly. Stride length can be adjusted.

Abstract: A standing single leg press exercise machine is comprised of a single movable step arranged to move up and down along an inclined path for exercising only one leg at a time. A resistance mechanism is connected to the movable step for providing resistance to movement. Two stationary steps are positioned on either side of the bottom position of the movable step. Hand rails are also positioned on either side of movable step. A shoulder pad is positioned above the movable step. A method for using the leg press is comprised of standing on one of the stationary steps with a stationary leg, and repeatedly operating the movable step up and down with an active leg. The active leg is exercised until it is tired, and the legs are switched to exercise the previously stationary leg while the previously active leg is rested.

Abstract: Novel multi-planar rowing machine apparatus as well as exercise methods and protocols to enhance the ability of a rowing machine to provide a full body workout. The rowing machine apparatus of the present invention allows for the rowing motion to occur in multiple planes or stroke axes. The exercise protocols of the present invention provide efficient methods for using the rowing apparatus in decline and incline positions to maximize fitness gains. The apparatus and protocols of the present invention combine gravity and isokinetic resistance to provide full exercise spectrum including strength, muscle mass, and energy system stimulus to major body flexors and extensors. The two-phase resistance provided creates maximum calorie burn per unit of exercise time, and further results in a strength balance in virtually every major leg, arm, and body core extensor and flexor.

Abstract: A weight plate for fitness weightlifting that provides an ergonomic gripping device is described. The ergonomic weight plate comprises a disc-shaped member having a center through-hole for positioning the weight plate onto a barbell. The disc-shaped member further comprises at least one ergonomic gripping cutout located around the periphery of the disc-shaped member. The gripping cutouts are adapted to receive human fingers to facilitate lifting of the weight plate. The ergonomic gripping cutouts each have an outer periphery and an inner periphery. A portion of the outer periphery of the cutouts is convex to properly conform the gripping cutout to the shape of a human hand. In a second embodiment the gripping cutout has a grip enhancement strip located on the inner surface of the outer periphery of the gripping cutouts.

Abstract: An abdominal exerciser including a leg rest assembly optionally pivotally connected to a weighted main frame. The leg rest assembly may include a first member and second and third members extending transversely from the first member. One or more pads may be affixed about the first member. The second and third members may terminate in a hinge member such as a female coupler. The main frame may include a plurality of curved members connected at an apex at a first end thereof. Second ends of the members may terminate in a hinge member such as a male coupler. If disconnected, the leg rest assembly and main frame are connected by making the hinge members, e.g., the male and female couplers. A person utilizes the abdominal exerciser by forcing the leg rest assembly downwardly by exerting pressure thereagainst by the person's calves until the person's feet are flat against the floor. The person then exercises by constricting the person's abdominal muscles, while maintaining the person's feet flat against the floor.

Abstract: A method for folding a polymeric flat bottom bag. The process includes, in general, opening the partially folded bottom of the unfinished bag, pulling the bag bottom taught in the transverse direction, and forming a fin where the two material edges join. A sharp crease is formed between the fin and the base portions of the bag bottom, and the fin is sealed. The fin is creased and sealed while the bag is moving in its transverse direction. The bag's direction is changed, so that the bag is moving in its longitudinal direction, and the fin flaps then folded against the base of the bag bottom. The flaps are sealed to the bottom, resulting in a flat bottom bag. A label may be added to the bottom of the bag.

Abstract: A process for the stabilization of metal bearing waste is provided that is based upon the discovery that landfills have anaerobic environments. This process includes adjusting the pH of the waste and adding a sulfide containing reducing agent to the waste to achieve a reducing environment. In one embodiment, electric arc furnace dust is stabilized for landfill disposal. Also provided is a method for a determination of landfilled waste leachability. This method is performed under conditions that simulate the chemical characteristics of landfills. In one embodiment, stabilized metal bearing waste is deoxygenated and a simulated leachate is prepared under anaerobic conditions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for altering the charge distribution upon living membranes with functional stabilizational of the membrane physical electrical integrity further comprising a method for using submicroscopic, quadripolar, circular, center charged, energy balanced magnetic device in a four (4) magnet array of alternating polarity in which the magnetic poles are separated only by a distance which will allow a magnetic sphere of influence on all adjacent poles to suppress the firing of action potentials of mammalian sensory neurons. The method and apparatus further provides a static magnetic device for production of a magnetic field for treatment of various disorders.

Abstract: A blood pump may be adapted to sense the onset of left ventricular collapse by monitoring a pulsatility index, and may adjust the pump speed to maintain the index at a setpoint. The pulsatility index may be measured by the amount of difference between the maximum and the minimum volume of flow through the pump during a particular time period. The setpoint may be increased when the onset of ventricular collapse is detected, for example, when the pulsatility index falls suddenly. The setpoint may be decreased incrementally when the onset of ventricular collapse has not been detected for a period of time, such as for a particular period of time since the last detection of the onset of ventricular collapse.

Abstract: An endourethral device including proximal and distal anchor assemblies selectively spaced apart by a device body is provided. The proximal anchor assembly is adapted to abuttingly engage at least portions of a bladder neck so as to at least proximally anchor said device, the distal anchor assembly being adapted to engage at least portions of a bulbous urethra so as to at least distally anchor said device. The body extends between the proximal and distal anchors assemblies, the device being adapted such that the anchors are selectively spaced apart for fixed positioning within a lower urinary tract in furtherance of a portion of the body at least partially traversing a prostatic urethra.

Abstract: A system for implanting an implant and method thereof is disclosed. In general overview, the system includes an implant, an envelope enclosing the implant, a delivery assembly and an attachment piece for attaching the envelope or implant to the delivery assembly. The envelope may include a drug coating, positioning aids, and means to ease envelope removal. In one embodiment, the delivery assembly is employed for implant and/or envelope delivery inside the patient's body. In another embodiment, the delivery assembly and an attachment piece are employed to deliver the implant or the envelope inside the patient's body.

Abstract: A miniature sexual aid device comprising a battery powered electric vibrator which attaches to the user's clothing. The sexual aid device includes a vibration motor, a button cell battery, a moisture resistant housing that contains the motor and battery, and a clip for attaching the device to the clothing material. The retaining clip may use magnets, friction or pins to attach to clothing material. The device is no larger than some jewelry broaches or pins and may be shaped and colored to be worn as an ornament.

Abstract: A coupling component has laterally and rearwardly extending ends. An intermediate component has free lower and upper ends. A dildo is located above the rearwardly extending end. The dildo has an interior end and a free exterior end located above the rearwardly extending end of the coupling component removably coupling the upper intermediate component to the dildo. A handle extends outwardly and upwardly from each laterally extending end of the coupling component.

Abstract: A male sexual aid is made of soft and elastomeric material such as rubber, silicone rubber, or latex. The device is composed of a hollow tube and two rings arranged on two lateral sides thereof. The hollow tube (tubular cone body) has only one opening for accommodating a micro-vibrator or LED capsule. The two rings include a testis ring and a penis ring. In usage, the two rings respectively embrace the base of the testis and penis in parallel or crosswise so that the erected penis extends and lasts longer. Moreover, the hollow tube holds tightly on the top of the base of the penis so that the device stimulates or vibrates the clitoris of females for increasing sexual pleasure during intercourse.

Abstract: An implantable pump with a plurality of protrusions and grooves is described.

Abstract: A medical treatment method comprises orally inserting a first endoscope having a first treatment tool provided thereto into a body cavity, inserting a first insertion member insertion support tool from at least one of abdominal and transdermal cavities into the body cavity, inserting a second endoscope having a second treatment tool provided thereto into the body cavity through the first insertion member insertion support tool, grasping a lesioned part by the second treatment tool inserted into the body cavity by the second endoscope, cutting the lesioned part by the first treatment tool inserted into the body cavity by the first endoscope, and collecting the lesioned part.

Abstract: Insertion tube devices are disclosed.

Abstract: A dual bladed laryngoscope for quickly and easily intubating a patient. The invention has two blades pivotally hinged on one side while the opposing side is open allowing the laryngoscope to be easily removed after intubating a patient. The proximal end of the upper blade has a grip portion which can be moved closer to or farther away from the handle attached to the proximal end of the lower blade to open or close the distal ends of the lower and upper blades. The lower blade of the invention has a distal end adapted as an esophageal obturator for obstructing the esophagus. An arytenoid bumper to prevent the laryngoscope from penetrating too far into the esophagus is preferably secured to the distal end of the lower blade. The arytenoid bumper may have a ramp or wedge shape adapted to deflect an intubation tube through a patient's larynx and into the trachea.

Abstract: The preferred embodiments described herein relate to three-dimensional pictograms and indicators for use with medical images. In one embodiment, a three-dimensional pictogram representing anatomy shown in a medical image is displayed along with a marker that represents a medical instrument used to create the medical image. A user can adjust an orientation of the marker with respect to the three-dimensional pictogram. In another embodiment, a set of three-dimensional pictograms of anatomy is displayed. A user can select one of the three-dimensional pictograms for display near a medical image and rotate the three-dimensional pictogram. In another embodiment, a saved three-dimensional pictogram is retrieved, and a user can rotate the three-dimensional pictogram starting from the orientation shown in the retrieved pictogram. In yet another embodiment, a three-dimensional pictogram is used as an indicator for a three-dimensional medical image.

Abstract: In transmissions of each frame through intermittent transmissions, by performing ultrasonic wave transmissions while increasing a mechanical function step by step, destructions of bubbles of a contrast medium can be induced step by step according to their different sizes. By generating ultrasonic images using the destructions at the respective steps as the sources of echoes, it is possible to provide new ecological information including, for example, information reflecting the dynamics of substances smaller than the red blood cells, the distribution of predatory cells, new diagnosis information, etc.

Abstract: A process and a device are provided for determining the proportion of a component of the air exhaled by a breathing living being that is characteristic of the metabolic function of such living being. The invention relates to a process for determination of a first component Aa,1 in the air exhaled by a patient that is characteristic of the metabolic function of the patient such as carbon dioxide (CO2) or oxygen (O2), where the exhaled air having at least two components (i=1, 2, . . . ) each having a proportion Aa,i. The molecular weights M; and the adiabatic coefficients ki of the components are known. The process measures the velocity of sound vS in the exhaled air, and the portion Ai,1 of the first component in the exhaled air is calculated by use of the measured velocity, at a temperature T of the exhaled air. The proportion of the component is determined by the equation MG/kG=R×T/(vs2), where MG=sum(Aa,i×Mi), i=1, 2, . . .

Abstract: A medical needle device includes a needle assembly, a hollow needle assembly holder, and a one-way rotational collar. The needle assembly includes a needle hub supporting a needle. The needle hub has a proximal end and a distal end. The hollow needle assembly holder has a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the holder defines an opening communicating with the interior of the holder. The one-way rotational collar is rotatably received in the opening in the holder for connecting the needle assembly to the holder. The collar defines a needle assembly receiving socket. The proximal end of the needle hub is received in the socket. The collar is configured to co-act with the interior of the holder such that the collar and needle assembly can rotate in only one direction relative to the holder.

Abstract: A massage assembly (20) wherein a massage unit (40) comprising a therapeutic member (50) for massaging the body of the user by a kneading and/or tapping movement is reciprocatingly moved between a pair of frames (22) (23) and which comprises a motion converting mechanism for converting the reciprocating movement of the massage unit (40) to the kneading and/or tapping movement of the therapeutic member (50). The massage assembly (20) is incorporated in a backrest (16) of a chair (12) or a bed to provide a massage machine (10) of the invention.

Abstract: An orthopedic fixture has a support member adapted to be positioned around a diseased or injured part of a patient's body and conformed to the shape of the diseased or injured part, and at least one buffer member comprised of a mixture containing a predetermined amount of elastic granules and a predetermined amount of a water-curable resin having an elasticity after curing sufficient for bonding the elastic granules after curing of the water-curable resin. The mixture of the buffer member forms a mass before curing of the water-curable resin so that when the support member is positioned around the diseased or injured part and pressure is applied to the mass, the elastic granules move one another to shape the mass into a configuration corresponding to the shape of the diseased or injured part.

Abstract: A posture system is made from a single strap and having opposing ends. At the opposing ends are fastening elements. In use, the user places the strap about the back of the user's neck “N” and, thereafter, crosses the strap 100 at a point on the user's back. During tension, the user fastens the strap in order to secure the strap to the user. The loops across the front of the shoulders pull the shoulders back or remind a user to pull the shoulders back for better posture and health.