Abstract: A golf putter head has a main body frame that is rear, perimeter and face weighted. A first weighting member weights the main body frame in the front and a second weighting member weights the rear and perimeter of the main body frame providing a dynamically balanced putter. The main body frame has a front region and a top surface with an underside in an upper portion of the main body frame. The first weighting member is attached to the front of the main body frame, and the second weighting member is attached to the underside of the main body frame. The main body frame supports various combinations of first and second weighting member weights and main body weights to achieve a dynamically balanced putter.

Abstract: A golf club head includes a body and a striking plate. The body includes a recess in a front side thereof. A plurality of positioning protrusions project from a perimeter of the striking plate. When the striking plate is inserted into the recess of the body, the positioning protrusions plastically deform and engage with an inner perimeter delimiting the recess, thereby positioning the striking plate in the recess and simplifying assembling and positioning for a subsequent welding procedure. In another embodiment, the positioning protrusions project from the inner perimeter delimiting the recess, and when the striking plate is inserted into the recess of the body, the positioning protrusions plastically deform and engage with the perimeter of the striking plate.

Abstract: A golf club head whose head volume is in a range of from 355 to 450 cc comprises a hollow body comprising a face portion and sole portion each made of a metal material, and the hollow body has a structure producing a ball-hitting sound whose maximum sound pressure level occurs around 6.3 kHz.

Abstract: A golf ball with favorable rebound and flight performances without impairing durability, and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. There are provided a golf ball having a solid core and a cover surrounding the solid core, characterized in that the solid core is composed of a vulcanizate of a rubber composition containing a microcapsule having sulfur coated with a thermoplastic resin, and a method of manufacturing the same. A blended amount of the sulfur in the microcapsule form is preferably 0.01–10 parts by mass with respect to 100 parts by mass of a rubber component.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a multi-layer golf ball having a soft outer cover. The golf ball has an inner cover layer with a Shore D hardness of 60 or more, and an outer cover with a Shore D hardness of 55 or less, and more preferably 50 or less. In a particularly preferred form of the invention, the outer cover comprises one or more polyurethane materials. The golf ball of the invention has exceptionally soft feel and high spin rates on short shots of 80 yards or less and, particularly, 40 yards or less, while maintaining good distance and average spin on full shots.

Abstract: A three-piece solid golf ball comprising a rubber-based core inner layer, a rubber-based core outer layer, and a polyurethane elastomer-based cover, wherein the core inner layer has a JIS-C hardness of 50–85, the core outer layer has a JIS-C hardness of 70–90, the JIS-C hardness of the core outer layer at its surface minus the JIS-C hardness of the core inner layer at its center is 20–30, and the cover has a Shore D hardness of 46–55 and a gage of 1.1–2.1 mm is improved in rebound, travel distance, controllability, feel on impact and durability.

Abstract: A multilayer golf ball with a solid center diameter in the range of about 1.40 to 1.52 inches, a ionomeric polymer mantle with a thickness of about 0.050 inches, and a hardness in the range of 50 to 55 Shore D and a polyurethane having a cover hardness in the range of 50 to 60 Shore D with a thickness of about 0.050 inches. The compression may be 50–60 PGA. The compression of the core may be 70–80 PGA. The compression of the above exemplary embodiment of the ball may be 80–90 PGA. A ball having such characteristics exhibits superior distance performance without compromising shot-making feel.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a golf ball having a cover composed of a transparent reaction injection molded polyurethane material. The cover is transparent to visible light and allows for viewing of a core or boundary layer. The core or boundary layer may have a visually appealing color. Further, an indicia may be printed on a surface of the core or boundary layer, and the indicia is visible through the cover material.

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: In a golf ball, ridges each extending to define a non-circular shape, typically a polygonal or star shape, delimiting a predetermined area are arranged on its spherical surface in good balance for reducing the air resistance of the ball in flight and thus drastically improving the flight performance.

Abstract: A batter training and protection system and method are shown. A protector for protecting an infield area is provided with a plurality of indicia situated thereon or integrally formed therein to define a plurality of target areas, respectively. The indicia may comprise a plurality of material segments, a plurality of colors, patterns, graphics or the like in order to define the plurality of target areas at which a player may practice bunting a baseball.

Abstract: A game apparatus is disclosed including a barrier member, a net, and a frame. The barrier member has two opposed major surfaces and an aperture passing through the opposed major surfaces. The net is positioned adjacent one of the major surfaces of the barrier member such that the net covers the aperture. The frame supports the barrier member in a generally planar and substantially vertical orientation.

Abstract: Blow molded plastic structures are provided for use in various structures such as, but not limited to, tables, chairs, walls, backboards, storage bins, sports equipment and the like. The blow molded plastic structure has a first surface and a second surface extending between a first end and a second end and forming a chamber there between. A plurality of depressions is formed on the second surface and extends into the chamber. The depressions are usually unitary structures formed by a depression wall. Generally, the steeper the depression wall, the more strength is provided to the structure. In addition, where the plurality of depressions has a low profile and a greater density, increased strength is provided to the structure. The depressions may or may not be joined to the first surface.

Abstract: An accessory for rackets having an adjustable belt (1a) or a fastener 1(b) for stable connection to a handle (M) of a racket (R) and contact means (2) having a shaped concave guide (3) for a user's hand (H), designed to identify the correct position of the user's hand (H) when changing the grip from the grip used for forehand strokes to that used for backhand strokes.

Abstract: A broadhead assembly includes a substantially planar metal blade that defines a plane of symmetry relative to the blade. The blade includes first and second sharp edges which are symmetric relative to the plane of symmetry. The first and second sharp edges nearing each other and defining a tip area therebetween/and defining a cutting bevel of between 17 and 30 degrees. The tip area is characterized by third and fourth sharp edges which are symmetric relative to the plane of symmetry. The third edge is adjacent to the first edge at a first inflection point and adjacent to the fourth edge at the tip area. The fourth edge is adjacent to the third edge at the tip area and the second edge at a second inflection point, wherein the angle formed between the first inflection point, the tip area, and the second inflection point is between 40 and 65 degrees.

Abstract: A starter unit comprising: an input and an output; a starter element, configured as a hydrodynamic component comprising a drive element that can be coupled to the input in a rotationally fixed manner and a driven element that can be coupled to the output. A free wheel mechanism is located between the driven element of the starter element and the output.

Abstract: An inter-axle differential gear assembly includes a first side gear driven by an input shaft, a plurality of inter-axle differential pinion gears in meshing engagement with the first side gear, and a second side gear in meshing engagement with the inter-axle differential pinion gears. The second side gear includes a gear body having a front face and a rear face positioned opposite of the front face. At least one channel, formed within the gear body, extends between the front and rear faces. Lubricating fluid is pumped through the channel to lubricate the inter-axle differential gear assembly. A tapered roller bearing is positioned adjacent the rear face of the second side gear. A seal, positioned between the tapered roller bearing and the rear face of the second side gear, forms a sealed fluid cavity. Rotation of the tapered roller bearing generates a pumping action that pumps the lubricating fluid through the tapered roller bearing, into the sealed fluid cavity, and into the channel.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission apparatus includes: an input shaft, an output shaft, a toroidal continuously variable transmission, a gear-type differential unit including a plurality of gears, and a controller. The controller calculates a torque actually passing through the toroidal continuously variable transmission to obtain a deviation of the torque from a target value and adjusts a transmission ratio of the toroidal continuously variable transmission to eliminate the deviation. The controller stops the adjustment of the transmission ratio when the torque is not stable.

Abstract: Method and arrangement for providing a range gearbox with planetary gear (1) for motor vehicles, intended to be connected to the output side of a basic gearbox. The ring gear (18) of the planetary gear is axially displaceable. The ring gear (18) can engage coupling rings (10, 16) alternatively. A synchronizing means (15) is intended to synchronize the rotational speed difference between the ring gear (18) and at least the coupling ring (16). The synchronizing means (15) and the coupling ring (16) are arranged coaxially outside the ring gear (18). A second means (25) for engaging the coupling ring (16) and a third means (25, 25b) for driving the synchronizing means (15) are arranged on the external side, seen radially, of the ring gear (18), and the synchronizing means (15) is arranged between the coupling ring (16) and the first means (27) for axial displacement of the ring gear (18).

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission is disclosed for use in rotationally or linearly powered machines and vehicles. The single axle transmission provides a simple manual shifting method for the user. An additional embodiment is disclosed which shifts automatically dependent upon the rotational speed of the wheel. Further, the practical commercialization of traction roller transmissions requires improvements in the reliability, ease of shifting, function and simplicity of the transmission. The disclosed transmission may be used in vehicles such as automobiles, motorcycles, and bicycles. The transmission may, for example, be driven by a power transfer mechanism such as a sprocket, gear, pulley or lever, optionally driving a one way clutch attached at one end of the main shaft.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting stalling of an engine of a hybrid electric vehicle. The method includes determining whether the engine is running, determining whether a gear ratio of a power transfer unit is selected, starting a timer, and implementing a stall mitigation strategy. The stall mitigation strategy is terminated when a predetermined period of time has elapsed.

Abstract: A vehicular powertrain includes operatively coupled engine, electrically variable transmission and driveline. During normal operation when all motors are operating as expected, the engine is operated in a torque control mode in accordance with a torque command provided by a system controller to an engine controller and engine speed is controlled by the motors. During operation when all motors are not operating as expected, the engine is operated in a speed control mode in accordance with a speed command provided by the system controller to the engine controller and engine load torque is controlled by the operative motors.

Abstract: A method, a device, and use thereof for operating a motor vehicle having a drive motor and a transmission in the drive train are proposed.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission is disclosed comprising a transmission input, a transmission output, and a continuously variable ratio unit (“variator”) arranged to be coupled between the transmission input (205) and output (240) by means of at least one clutch (230,250) thereby to enable transfer of drive between the input and the output at a continuously variable transmission ratio. The variator is connected to a hydraulic control circuit (50) and so subject to a hydraulic control pressure which is adjustable by the control circuit and is also influenced by changes in variator ratio. The variator is constructed and arranged such as to adjust its ratio to provide a variator reaction torque which corresponds to the control pressure. The transmission further comprising means (311,310) for adjusting the torque capacity of the clutch while it is engaged so that by controlling torque loading applied to the variator, the clutch influences the control pressure and the reaction torque.

Abstract: A control apparatus and method for a vehicle including a stepped automatic transmission and a shift control device which controls an operation of the automatic transmission based on a vehicle state such as a value corresponding to a driving force required for the vehicle, according to a pre-stored shift pattern having a shift line for determining whether shifting is performed from one shift speed to an adjacent shift speed.

Abstract: An improved structure finger strengthening device, the design of which features elastic components installed between upper and lower housings and finger sleeves. The fingers of the user are inserted into the finger sleeves, the fingers then forced outward and relaxed inward for conditioning and drilling. At the same time, the present invention provides for simple assembly and component replacement.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an exercise step and an air-cushioning leg for the exercise step. The exercise step (1) includes a plate-shaped panel (10), and air-cushioning legs (30). Each of the air-cushioning legs is provided under the panel to support the panel, and absorbs a load applied to the panel by air cushioning effect. The exercise step has a high air cushioning effect, thus protecting a user's knees from injury, allowing the user to exercise in comfort and safety, and minimizing noise generated during a cushioning operation. Further, the exercise step prevents the panel from being deformed due to a load applied to the panel.

Abstract: A system for use in an exercise apparatus for synchronizing the movement of the upper limbs comprises a shaft mounted for rotation about its longitudinal axis, left and right pulleys mounted at opposed end portions of the shaft, and left and right handlebars respectively connected to the left and right pulleys and pivotable therewith about the longitudinal axis of the shaft. Left and right one-way clutches are provided for respectively transmitting a torque from the left and right pulleys to the shaft in one direction, while allowing the left and right pulleys to rotate freely relative to the shaft when driven in an opposite direction. First and second cables are connected in parallel between the left and right pulleys to communicate a movement imparted to one of the pulleys to the other pulley but in an opposite direction, thereby causing the handlebars to pivot in an inverted synchronized fashion.

Abstract: An exercise device comprising a pedal adapted for use with a skate and having a skate engaging portion disposed therewith.

Abstract: A spring connecting apparatus is disclosed for use in an exercise apparatus that has one or more springs fastened between a movable member and a stationary member. The connector apparatus is adapted to fasten one end of a spring to one of the members. This apparatus includes an elongated connecting member having a head end and a foot end, a polymer stopper body adapted to fit within one end of a coil spring, the body having an axial bore through which the foot end of the connecting member extends, and a washer disc on the connecting member between the polymer stopper body and a deformed section of the connecting member near the foot end.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus that will exercise at least five groups of muscles is disclosed. The exercise apparatus exercises the abdominal muscles, the serratus muscles, the intercostals muscles and the leg muscles. The apparatus uses a seated position for the person exercising and the exerciser is seated on a swing. When the exerciser contracts his or her abdominal muscles while lifting the legs, the swing rotates such that the exerciser's feet rotate upward. When the exerciser releases tension on the abdominal muscles, the apparatus goes back to its original position. When the exerciser bends forward, the above four groups of muscles are exercised.

Abstract: A stretch therapy apparatus provides for enhanced physical fitness as well as rehabilitation and medical treatment by allowing the user to increase core flexibility and shoulder flexion. The stretch therapy apparatus includes both a hip locking mechanism that retains the user's hips securely so that he or she may than rotate about his or her spine to grasp a grip (i.e., handle, vertical pole, etc.) located outside the opposite hip and preferably located behind the user's opposite shoulder prior to beginning the stretch. One embodiment of the hip locking mechanism allows the user to easily and safely separate his or her legs by 180 degrees or more using a hand crank or motorized mechanism. Alternatively, the hips and pelvis may be locked in place by the legs being restrained and the hips pushed against an object such as the back of a chair.

Abstract: A passive exercise apparatus for use in an erect, non-recumbent seating position that provides an unstable platform capable of encouraging an omni-directional involuntary rocking motion that will result in the involuntary contractions of muscles involved in maintaining muscle tone and promoting proper posture (viz., the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and gluteus minimus muscles, external oblique muscles, and other muscles in the abdominal, lumbar/sacral, and pelvic regions) in order to counterbalance the rocking forces. The purpose of the device is to provide continuing involuntary contractions of these muscle groups (a recognized form of EXERSITTING, which is the combined execution of concentric and isometric muscle exertion and contractions performed while sitting on the apparatus of the present invention in order to help maintain muscle tone and encourage good seated posture.

Abstract: A cardboard tube, with respect to a narrow marginal end area of the same provided with a hollow interior roll, is applied against a rotatory die which has a concave surface suitable for forming an entrant perimetric step by means of constriction of the narrow marginal area. The diameter of the riser thereof is equal to the interior diameter of the cardboard tube. At the same time, against the interior hollow roll is applied a force of enough intensity to flatten the cavity of the interior hollow roll and apply the wall thereof against the interior face of the wall of the cantilevered end of the cardboard tube formed by the action of its rotatory die.

Abstract: A plastic sheet with a bending rule line, having satisfactory bending properties and pliability, feeling soft, having a fine appearance, and allowing a bending operation to be mechanically performed; and a ruled line blade for such plastic sheet. A bending ruled line (2) added to the bending portion of a plastic sheet (1) is formed, and shallow grooves (3) are formed along the bottom surface (2b) of the bending ruled line 2 and at predetermined longitudinal intervals, while a plurality of grooves (4) deeper than the shallow grooves (3) are formed longitudinally along the bottom surface (2b) between shallow grooves (3,3).

Abstract: Apparatus and method are described for delivery of a treating element, such as a radiation source, through a catheter to a desired site in the vascular system of a patient, such as a coronary artery, for inhibiting the formation of scar tissue such as may occur in restenosis following balloon angioplasty. The apparatus includes an elongated flexible catheter tube having proximal and distal end portions, with a lumen extending therebetween, and a diameter sufficiently small for insertion in to a patient's vascular system. One or more treating elements, such as a capsule or pellet containing radioactive material, is positionable within the lumen and movable between the proximal and distal end portions under the force of liquid flowing through the lumen. A method for using such apparatus, including a method for using such apparatus simultaneously with a balloon angioplasty procedure, is disclosed.

Abstract: A means and apparatus for breaking non-cellular tissues such as cancer cells to be used in medical treatments for human or animal body wherein heat energy is generated due to electric field energy of microelectromagnetic wave radiated from a microelectromagnetic radiator (2) with the use of a magnetron (16) are provided. A cancer cell tissue is radiated with microelectromagnetic wave from the microelectromagnetic radiator (2) composed of the magnetron (16) and an electromagnetic horn (1) and thus active oxygen constituting the cancer cell tissue and electrolytes in the blood acting around the tissue are heated due to the self-vibration by the electrical field energy of the microelectromagnetic wave. Thus, cancer cells are exclusively broken.

Abstract: Apparatus (40) for generating a localized magnetic field inside a body of a living subject (44) includes first and second electromagnets (46,48), adapted to be positioned in proximity to the body so as to apply magnetic fields thereto. The core (50) of at least one of the electromagnets has a shape that can be altered under control of an operator of the apparatus so as to adjust the magnetic fields to assume a desired relation within the body.

Abstract: A method for treating living tissues with electromagnetic fields by subjecting the tissues to be treated with an electromagnetic field that varies as a function of time, and without the need for a corresponding static magnetic field, is provided.

Abstract: A blood pump system includes a housing having an inlet port and an outlet port, a rotor rotated in the housing for pumping blood, and a motor for rotating the rotor. The blood pump system includes a motor current measuring function, and a backflow detecting function for detecting a backflow of blood by use of the motor current value continuously measured by the motor current measuring function.

Abstract: A heart assist device, for example a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) including a blood pump, is controlled on the basis of a ratio of the pump's speed and the patient's heart rate. The patient's activity and a required cardiac assist level can be defined via the heart beat rate of the patient and a rotational speed of the LVAD pump. Controlling the pump of the heart assist device based on the pump speed and the patient's heart rate enables the heart assist device to respond to changes in the patient's activity level.

Abstract: The arrangement is for controlling the connection for a hearing aid (15) with a fixture (13) anchored in the skull bone. A control arm (1) extends from a connector (17), disposed between the hearing aid (15) and an abutment (9), to a handle (3) disposed at a side of the hearing aid (15) where the handle (3) is reachable by a patient. Biasing means provides a biasing force for biasing the control arm towards the connector (17). The control arm (1) is in operative engagement with the biasing means and movable in a direction to counter-act the biasing force of the biasing means to release the abutment (9) from the connector (17).

Abstract: A device and method for umbilicus protection during abdominal surgery; and, especially plastic reconstructive and aesthetic surgery requiring umbilicoplasty and/or umbilicus transposition is provided. The device embodies an umbilicus shield, which envelops the umbilical pedicle during abdominal surgery. The device can include a tubular element, having a distal end and a proximal end, containing near its proximal end, means for releasabley retaining suture material from tacking stitches taken in the umbilicus to provide means for drawing the umbilical pedicle into the tubular element. The suture material is advantageously drawn through the tubular element by means of a suture shuttle which contains, proximate its distal end, means for releasabley retaining the suture material.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a system for removing a cover from a medical instrument includes a flexible cover configured to cover at least a portion of a medical instrument, an insertion element coupled proximate a first end of the flexible cover, a pair of substantially parallel perforations formed in the insertion element, a pair of substantially parallel score lines formed in the cover and aligned with the pair of substantially parallel perforations. A portion of the insertion element between the pair of substantially parallel perforations is removable from the insertion element and a portion of the flexible cover between the pair of substantially parallel score lines is removable from the flexible cover when a force is applied to the portion of the insertion element between the pair of substantially parallel perforations.

Abstract: An endoscope is described in which the diameter of the image relay assembly is less than that of the objective lens assembly. An endoscope sheath is also described for sheathing the endoscope and housing or directing optical fibers for use in illuminating the endoscope view of view. An endoscope-sheath system is further described comprising the combination of the endoscope and the endoscope sheath.

Abstract: An optical device for viewing an object at a range of working distances. The device comprises a slender tube of a certain length and having a distal end and a proximal end. The device further comprises an imaging system disposed at the distal end and having a wide viewing angle. The device also comprises a telescopic system associated with the proximal end and having a narrow viewing angle. The imaging system is designed to form an image of the object at an image plane located on the device's optical axis and within the tube closer to the distal end than to the proximal end. The telescopic system is designed to enable viewing of the image of the object. The device is especially adapted to function as an endoscope in medical applications and may be disposable.

Abstract: An endoscope image pickup unit is disclosed that captures magnified images of an object. An objective optical system of the image pickup unit includes, in order from the object side, a front lens group having positive refractive power and an aperture stop. Various conditions are satisfied so as to provide an observation scale factor in the range of about 200 to 2000 so that cellular details can be observed, as in a microscope, while keeping the objective optical system sufficiently compact for insertion within a patient. Also disclosed is a focus adjustment apparatus and method for the endoscope image pickup unit, and a focus range check apparatus and method for the endoscope image pickup unit.

Abstract: A method of analyzing biological pressure signals in a patient including obtaining arterial blood pressure, cerebral blood flow rate and intracranial pressure signals from the patient, and analyzing frequencies of the signals in relation to a range of target frequencies corresponding to at least one of type-B slow waves, infra-B waves and ultra-B waves; and an apparatus for analyzing biological pressure signals in a patient including an acquisition module, located adjacent to the patient and having input channels that receive signals from an arterial blood pressure (ABP) sensor, a cerebral blood flow rate (CBF) sensor, and an intracranial pressure (ICP) sensor; an analysis module that performs frequency analysis of the signals from a target frequency selected from the group consisting of type B slow waves corresponding to a frequency between 8×10?3 hertz and 50×10?3 hertz, infra-B waves corresponding to a frequency lower than 8×10?3 hertz, and ultra-B waves corresponding to a frequency including between 50×10

Abstract: A system for measuring a glucose level in a blood sample includes a test strip and a meter. The test strip includes a sample chamber, a working electrode, a counter electrode, fill-detect electrodes, and an auto-on conductor. A reagent layer is disposed in the sample chamber. The auto-on conductor causes the meter to wake up and perform a test strip sequence when the test strip is inserted in the meter. The meter uses the working and counter electrodes to initially detect the blood sample in the sample chamber and uses the fill-detect electrodes to check that the blood sample has mixed with the reagent layer. The meter applies an assay voltage between the working and counter electrodes and measures the resulting current. The meter calculates the glucose level based on the measured current and calibration data saved in memory from a removable data storage device associated with the test strip.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring respiration including sensing a signal that varies with respiration, deriving a respiration parameter, applying criteria for detecting a respiration disturbance and determining one or more respiratory disturbance metrics. The system preferably includes an implantable sensor with an associated implantable medical device such that chronic respiration monitoring is possible. The implantable medical device may execute methods for detecting and measuring respiratory disturbances or may store data to be transferred to an external device for detecting and measuring respiratory disturbances. Respiratory disturbance detection may trigger a responsive action such as physiological data storage, a change in therapy delivery, or a clinician warning. Assessment of cardiac function may be made based on metrics of respiratory disturbances or a measure of circulatory delay time following detection of a respiratory disturbance.