Abstract: A golf club head is characterized by stepped grooves in the striking face thereof. The grooves may have a V-shape or a U-shape. The V-shaped grooves have side walls that intersect at the bottom of the grooves, while the U-shaped grooves have side walls that terminate at opposite ends of a bottom wall, which preferably is parallel to the striking face. At least one side wall of the grooves contains at least one step portion, so that the grooves have a stepped configuration. The stepped grooves impart more consistent spin to a golf ball when struck by the club head.

Abstract: A golf ball (20) having a plurality of standard dimples (33) and a plurality of covered dimples (31) is disclosed herein. Each of the plurality of covered dimples (31) has at least one overhang land area portion (50) that covers a portion of a concavity (55) of the covered dimple (31). A covered region (70) under the overhang land area portion (50) generates eddy currents during the flight of the golf ball (20) which creates greater turbulence at the surface (22) of the golf ball (20) allowing for greater distance.

Abstract: A golf ball (20) having a non-planar parting line (25), a first false non-planar parting line (26a) and a second false non-planar parting line (26b). A first group 32 of parting dimples defines the non-planar parting line (25). A second group (33) of parting dimples defines the first false non-planar parting line (26a). A third group (34) of parting dimples defines the second false non-planar parting line (26b). A plurality of hexispheres (70) are defined by the non-planar parting line (25) the first false non-planar parting line (26a) and the second false non-planar parting line (26b).

Abstract: An air mattress has a resilient front panel, an opposed rear panel and at least one interior panel extending therebetween dividing the mattress into ball and strike chambers. A ball air valve attached to the rear panel at the ball chamber activates in response to a predetermined pressure increase in the chamber occurring in response to deflection of the front panel at the ball chamber. A strike air valve attached to the rear panel at the strike chamber activates in response to a predetermined pressure increase in the chamber occurring in response to deflection of the front panel at the strike chamber. Signaling devices alert when a strike or ball air valve activates informing a user whether a pitch is a ball or a strike.

Abstract: A hand accessory contoured to anchor into tough areas of a hand and bridge over sensitive areas in securing a grip on an implement handle, maximizing the transmission of force to the implement handle, minimizing stress received in the upper areas and sensitive areas of the hand and increasing power transmission through the lower areas and tougher areas of the hand.

Abstract: An illuminating ball has embedded with a power supply device. Multiple output wires extending from the power supply device are electrically connected to multiple light emitting elements mounted over the ball. When the ball experiences vibration, a vibration-triggered switch in the power supply device can be automatically conducted to actuate the light emitting elements. On the contrary, the vibrating-triggered switch is automatically turned off if the ball is in the static status. Further, these light emitting elements also can be manually activated by controlling a switch.

Abstract: Provided is a broadhead for an arrow having a shaft with a shaft bore. The broadhead comprises a ferrule and a plurality of blade members. The ferrule has a mating end and a tip end with a plurality of convex ridges being equiangularly spaced around the ferrule such that the ferrule has a tri-oval cross section. Each one of the ridges has a blade groove formed therein for receiving one of the blade members. The blade members each have a base portion that is shaped complementary to the blade groove so that the blade member may be axially insertable into the blade groove. The broadhead includes a shank extending outwardly from the mating end and which is threadably engagable into the shaft bore. An O-ring mounted on the shank is captured between the shank and the shaft bore when the broadhead is secured to the arrow at the mating end.

Abstract: A pulley for a continuously-variable-ratio drive, having a fixed half-pulley fitted to a shaft of the drive; a movable half-pulley mounted to slide axially with respect to the fixed half-pulley to define with it a V groove of variable size for a V belt; and a torque-sensitive, axial thrust compensating device having an acceleration cam and a deceleration cam, which are interposed between the fixed half-pulley and the movable half-pulley to generate thrust on the movable half-pulley in the compression direction of the belt in response to both a drive torque and a braking torque.

Abstract: A link chain for use in the continuously variable transmission of the power train in a motor vehicle is assembled of pairs of composite identical or dissimilar links each having a stack of apertured plates, and of coupling units employing pairs of non-circular pins extending through registering portions of apertures in the respective stacks of plates. The pins are designed to cooperate with the plates to limit the extend of inward and outward pivotability of links of the respective pairs from positions of alignment, and the pins carry stops which act alone or cooperate with diaphragm springs or with other types of springs to prevent wobbling of the plates. The plates can be provided with projections which cooperate with the pins to limit the extent of pivotability of the pairs of links relative to each other and/or to prevent jamming of pairs of links in angular positions from which they cannot return to the positions of alignment. Each plate is traversed by two pairs of pins.

Abstract: The electrically variable transmission family of the present invention provides low-content, low-cost electrically variable transmission mechanisms including first, second and third differential gear sets, a battery, two electric machines serving interchangeably as motors or generators, and four or five selectable torque-transfer devices (two clutches and two or three brakes). The selectable torque transfer devices are engaged singly or in combinations of two to yield an EVT with a continuously variable range of speeds (including reverse) and four mechanically fixed forward speed ratios. The torque transfer devices and the first and second motor/generators are operable to provide five operating modes in the electrically variable transmission, including battery reverse mode, EVT reverse mode, reverse and forward launch modes, continuously variable transmission range mode, and fixed ratio mode.

Abstract: The electrically variable transmission family of the present invention provides low-content, low-cost electrically variable transmission mechanisms including first, second and third differential gear sets, a battery, two electric machines serving interchangeably as motors or generators, and four or five selectable torque-transfer devices (two clutches and two or three brakes). The four or five selectable torque transfer devices are engaged singly or in combinations of two to yield an EVT with a continuously variable range of speeds (including reverse) and four mechanically fixed forward speed ratios. The torque transfer devices and the first and second motor/generators are operable to provide five operating modes in the electrically variable transmission, including battery reverse mode, EVT reverse mode, reverse and forward launch modes, continuously variable transmission range mode, and fixed ratio mode.

Abstract: The electrically variable transmission family of the present invention provides low-content, low-cost electrically variable transmission mechanisms including first, second and third differential gear sets, a battery, two electric machines serving interchangeably as motors or generators, and four selectable torque-transfer devices (two clutches and two brakes). The selectable torque transfer devices are engaged singly or in combinations of two to yield an EVT with a continuously variable range of speeds (including reverse) and four mechanically fixed forward speed ratios. The torque transfer devices and the first and second motor/generators are operable to provide five operating modes in the electrically variable transmission, including battery reverse mode, EVT reverse mode, reverse and forward launch modes, continuously variable transmission range mode, and fixed ratio mode.

Abstract: A transmission apparatus for a working vehicle comprises a hydrostatic transmission, a sun-and-planetary gearing unit, and an auxiliary speed changing system. The hydrostatic transmission includes a hydraulic pump driven by a prime mover equipped on the working vehicle, a hydraulic motor fluidly connected to the hydraulic pump, and a hollow motor shaft serving as an output shaft of the hydraulic motor. The sun-and-planetary gearing unit includes first, second and third elements arranged coaxial to the motor shaft. The first element is drivingly connected to the motor shaft so as to be rotated integrally with the motor shaft. The second element is drivingly connected to front wheels of the working vehicle. The third element is drivingly connected to rear wheels of the working vehicle and differentially connected to the second element through the first element. The auxiliary speed changing system is drivingly interposed between the hollow motor shaft and the first element.

Abstract: An automatic transmission for a vehicle includes an input shaft, an output shaft, a first and second plurality of gears, and a series of engagement elements. The series of engagement elements includes at least one overrunning engagement element in mechanical communication with the second plurality of gears. A controller is operable to disengage a first engagement element associated with a first one of the first plurality of gears and apply a second engagement element associated with a second one of the first plurality of gears to achieve a speed change of the first plurality of gears. The controller is adapted to disengage one of the overrunning engagement elements from engagement with one of the second plurality of gears within a range of 20 to 120 milliseconds after the speed change of the first plurality of gears to accomplish a gear shift of the transmission.

Abstract: A lower cost differential gear assembly capable of inputting driving force through a differential gear, whose teeth have sufficient strength is provided. To achieve the object, the differential gear is constructed by engaging a gear part provided with teeth at equal intervals on one of its perimeter surfaces, and a support part pivotally supported by right and left axles through engagement of a spline. Accordingly, the gear part can be formed from a high strength material and the support part can be formed from a lower cost material.

Abstract: A multi-stage automatic transmission possesses an input drive shaft (AN), an output drive shaft (AB), three single planetary gear sets (RS1, RS2, RS3) as well as five shifting elements (A to E), via the pairwise selective closure of which, an entry speed of rotation of the input drive shaft (AN) can be transmitted to the output drive shaft (AB) without group shifting. A sun gear (SO3) of the third planetary gear set (RS3) can be set motionless by the first shifting element (A) on the transmission housing (GG). The input drive shaft (AN) is bound to a sun gear (SO2) of the second planetary gear set (RS2) and via the second shifting element (B) can be connected with a sun gear (SO1) of the first planetary gear set (RS1) and via of the fifth shifting element (E) with a spider (ST1) of the first planetary gear set (RS1).

Abstract: Durability and power transmission efficiency are enhanced in a six-speed powertrain of an automatic transmission by a scheme that includes first to forth planetary gearsets. The first planetary gearset includes a first sun gear, first ring gear, and first carrier. The second planetary gearset includes a second sun gear, a second ring gear, and a second carrier. The third planetary gearset includes operational elements of a third sun gear, a third ring gear, and a third carrier. The fourth planetary gearset includes a fourth sun gear, a fourth ring gear, and a fourth carrier. The powertrain also includes an input shaft, an output gear, and a transmission case.

Abstract: Method and arrangement for driving a wheel of a vehicle in which the arrangement includes a planetary gear transmission (6) which in turn has a sun gear (7) connected to a driving axle (4), a planet carrier (11) on which at least one planet gear (8) is arranged and the planet gear is also arranged in engagement with the sun gear (7), and a ring gear (9) arranged around, and also in engagement with the planet gear. The driving arrangement also includes a braking device (16) and a wheel hub (12), which hub is connected to the planet carrier (11). The braking device is adapted to brake the planet carrier relative to a static part (18) arranged outside the planet gear carrier in the radial direction. The ring gear (9) and the outer, static part (18) are constructed in one piece in the form of an annular member (20).

Abstract: A dynamo-electric drive unit controlled compound system includes one dynamo-electric unit, a primary and a secondary dynamo-electric unit, or more than two dynamo-electric units incorporated with an engine or other rotating device, and one or more control units including a centrifugal clutch, one-way transmission mechanism, output clutch, or related transmission mechanism, a manual control interface, a central controller, and a storage device to create a specific control pattern and to execute the operation of a specific compound power function by selection among the control units and control of drive control device operation.

Abstract: A driving force control apparatus for a hybrid vehicle includes a section for determining a target driving torque based on an accelerator opening degree and a vehicle speed a section for calculating a compensating toque for compensating for decrease in a vehicle driving force otherwise caused at the time of engagement of an engine clutch, a section for calculating a vehicle-driving motor torque by subtracting the compensating torque from a maximum motor torque, a section for instructing the engine clutch to start engagement, and a section that corrects the target driving torque to a corrected target driving torque that can be realized by the vehicle-driving motor torque after engagement of the engine clutch is started and before the engagement of the engine clutch is completed. A driving force control method is also provided.

Abstract: A transmission controller commands a demand torque of an engine to an engine controller according to an actual secondary pulley pressure that is detected by a secondary pulley pressure sensor when a vehicle speed is 0 km/h and a state wherein gear ratio is equal to or higher than a predetermined gear ratio is continued for a first predetermined time or more. Thereby, since an input torque corresponding to a secondary pulley pressure which is actually generated is inputted to a primary pulley even when a failure occurs in the secondary pulley rotation sensor, engine performance of a vehicle can be ensured.

Abstract: If a user presses a clutch pedal to perform gear-shifting operation while a vehicle is traveling, a clutch disc, which has been engaged with a flywheel rotating with an engine, is brought to partial clutch engagement and slides on an end surface of the flywheel to generate friction. Thus, a first phenomenon in which a decreasing rate of the engine rotation speed rapidly increases occurs. Then, a second phenomenon in which the clutch disc is completely disengaged from the flywheel to eliminate the friction and the decreasing rate of the engine rotation speed returns to an original state occurs. If the first and second phenomena are detected successively when neither an engine side nor a power transmission system side transmits power for varying an engine rotation speed, it is determined that the clutch disc is disengaged.

Abstract: There is provided a start clutch control system for a vehicle, including a start clutch disposed between an engine and a transmission in the vehicle, a detection unit that detects vehicle running conditions including at least a vehicle speed, and a control unit that controls engagement and disengagement of the start clutch according to the detected vehicle running conditions. The control unit has a target torque determining section to determine a target torque transmitted by the start clutch with reference to the vehicle running conditions, a torque transmission characteristic setting section to set a transmission characteristic of the target torque differently depending on the vehicle speed, a phase compensating section to make a phase compensation for the torque transmission characteristic based on actual and target mathematical models of the vehicle, and a clutch control section to control the start clutch according to the phase-compensated torque transmission characteristic.

Abstract: A control system for a vehicle includes an engine switch control unit for switching the operating condition of the engine between the all-cylinder operating condition and the partial-cylinder operating condition, a failure determining unit for determining the failure of the lockup clutch control device, and a coupling capacity change inhibiting unit for inhibiting a change in coupling capacity of the lockup clutch accompanied by the switch control of the operating condition of the engine by the engine switch control unit during the failure determination by the failure determining unit.

Abstract: A wheelchair is disclosed having two adjustment structures for allowing adjustment of the elevation of two handlebars relative to the two parallel vertical main frame bars thereof, each adjustment structure including a holder block fixedly provided at the top of the respective vertical main frame bar to accommodate the respective handlebar, a holding down block movably mounted in the holder block, and a locking lever pivoted to the holder block for moving a locating rod into one of a vertically aligned series of locating holes at the respective handlebar and forcing the holding down block against the respective handlebar.

Abstract: A variable stride exercise apparatus is described. The apparatus may include a frame. A crank system may be coupled to the frame. In certain embodiments, arm links may be coupled to the frame. The apparatus may include foot members that travel in multiple paths. The foot members may include footpads. The foot members may be coupled to the arm links. The foot members may be coupled to the crank system through cam devices. The variable stride systems may be coupled to the foot members such that at least a portion of the variable stride system is under at least a portion of the footpad. The foot members may be cross coupled so that the left foot member moves in opposition to the right foot member.

Abstract: An exercise machine, such as a treadmill, has a display arrangement that is configured for easily repair and replacement. The display arrangement comprises a sandwich of a keypad panel, a display panel and an electronics panel. The display arrangement is secured within a console by one or more fasteners and the display arrangement comprises one or more sockets that connect with wires to a power supply and a controller.

Abstract: A treadmill has a frame, a table assembly and an elevating apparatus to elevate the table assembly. The treadmill has a driving device provided at a bottom side of the table assembly. A transverse shaft is connected to the driving device. Two first linkages each has three pivot portions, wherein two of the pivot portions at ends thereof are pivoted on the table assembly and ends of the transverse shaft respectively. Two second linkages have opposite ends pivoted on the frame and the table assembly respectively, each of which has a pivot portion between the ends thereof to be pivoted on the first linkages at the third pivot portions respectively.

Abstract: An exercise treadmill is disclosed which includes various features to enhance user operation and to reduce maintenance costs. These features include handlebars with an upwardly curved center section and outwardly flared side portions along with pivoting rear legs for the treadmill frame. The control panel features include snap-in user trays and an overlay covering the numerical key pad along with an auxiliary control panel having a subset of user controls that are larger and more easy to use than the same controls on the main control panel. Maintenance enhancing features include the provision for access panels in the treadmill housing and a belt lubrication system that uses a priming pulse to clear the wax spraying nozzle along with using treadmill operating criteria for scheduling and operating the lubrication system. For injection molded parts such as the control panel, structural strength is enhanced by utilizing gas-assist injection molding to form structural ribs.

Abstract: A differential motion machine for closely simulating natural human motion is provided. A user mountable carriage is designed to slide freely, in the fore and aft directions. The carriage contains a power transfer element, such as pedals, arm levers or the like, which convert the user's motions into a means for propelling the carriage relative to a dynamic element. A dynamic element generally consists of an endless belt or the like driven by a motor or by a slight incline to a base frame which engages the power transfer element. Additionally, a force element causes a force against the carriage preferable relative to the dynamic element. This force to the carriage simulates the drag and other resistances encountered in nature.

Abstract: A device for exercising the plantar fascia has a first member positionable under the ball of a foot, and a second member positionable under the toes of the foot. A third member having an eye attaches to the ankle. A first line extends from the first member and a second line extends from the second member and through the eye at the ankle. By pulling on the first and second lines, the plantar fascia is stretched.

Abstract: An exerciser including a movable body support mounted on an exerciser frame for movement along tracks provided by the frame. A movable foot support extends from the exerciser frame. The movable foot support is adapted to be engaged by the user's feet to absorb the energy of movement in a first direction and to provide the user with a bouncing movement, which the user may translate into a movement of the movable body support in the opposite direction. The movable foot support may be provided as an attachment and retrofitted to existing exercisers. The exerciser may include a resilient resistance system coupled to the movable body support and a set of pull lines with user grips trained over pulleys carried by the exerciser frame. Also disclosed are methods for enabling users to exercise.

Abstract: A weight plate for use with physical fitness equipment is disclosed including a plate body with a central and two outwardly throughbores. The body additionally has an internal bore within the thickness of the plate body which intersects the central throughbore. A selector pin is movably mounted within the internal bore to selectively engage the plate body to a center post. A toggle lever is mounted in the plate to selectively position the selector pin.

Abstract: A multiple exercise performance or positioning apparatus comprising a generally upright stationary frame on which is mounted an elongated arm mechanism which is mounted on a pivot mechanism, the arm mechanism extending from a proximal end to a distal end relative to the frame, the pivot mechanism enabling pivoting of the arm mechanism such that the distal end of the arm mechanism is adjustably movable between positions of variable distance away from the frame, wherein a cable mechanism is mounted around one or more pulleys, the cable mechanism having a first end interconnected to a handle mechanism which is mounted at the distal end of the elongated arm mechanism, the cable mechanism being interconnected to a weight resistance mechanism such that a user may grasp and pull the handle mechanism against an opposing force exerted by the weight resistance mechanism through the cable mechanism.

Abstract: This invention is an exercise club, which may be held comfortable in one hand. Two of these clubs may be used, one in each hand, to execute a series of planned movements, which result in a full body workout. The weight of the clubs may be easily adjusted, to alter the intensity of the workout as desired. Virtually any person can use the clubs to improve their strength, health and fitness. This club can be made preferably of enforced polypropylene for rapid and quick volume production through injection molding.

Abstract: A portable exercise device is provided. The device includes an elastic cord with two ends. Each of the ends of the cord is received into opposite sides of a coupling. A clamp element is provided around a portion of the coupling. The clamp element compresses the coupling around the elastic cord to hold the cord in place inside the coupling. A handle may be provided around the coupling. The handle may be made from a resilient material so that the hand of the user may squeeze it. Additionally, end plugs may be provided for the handle to prevent the handle from slipping off the coupling.

Abstract: An abdominal exerciser which is characterized in that the moveable mechanism has a main shaft end portion mounted with a leg-hooking module and the top face of the end of the main shaft is a seat pad, and the two lateral walls of the main shaft corresponding to the middle section of the seat pad is extended with a hollow inner clutching member. The end face of the hollow clutching member corresponding to one lateral side of the leg-hooking module is extended with an extended engaging block. The interior of the inner clutching member is provided with a rod for pivotal mounting. The top portion of the two ends of the first supporting frame is formed into a first clutching member which corresponds to the rod. A twisting module is also formed in the abdominal exerciser to permit both rocking seesaw motion and twisting motion.

Abstract: A folding collapsible exercising machine includes a base frame that can rock on the floor and is provided with a seat pad, two damping spring members adjustably mounted in the base frame for adjusting damping resistance to the base frame during operation of the exercising machine to rock the base frame on the floor, a T-shaped leg extension bar pivoted to the base frame and locked in the operative position with a detachable lock screw, and a collapsible handlebar provided at the top side of the T-shaped leg extension bar.

Abstract: A splitting blade changing device for a block splitter, comprising a revolving mechanism in which an upper rotary member is suspended by a supporting plate which is moved up and down by a cylinder installed in an upper part of a gate-like frame, a plurality of upper blades are held on a circumferential face of the upper rotary member, a slit is provided in a table which is supported in a lower portion of the gate-like frame via buffer members, an lower rotary member fixed detachably on a bottom plate of the gate-like frame is installed in a lower part of the table, a plurality of lower blades facing the upper blades are held on a circumferential surface of the lower rotary member such that one of the lower blades protrudes from the table surface via the slit of the table, and the upper and lower rotary members sequentially select and install the upper blades and lower blades.

Abstract: In the production of packs with outer wrappers which have a tear-open strip (12), the latter of continuous material strips (18), for the purpose of severing the tear-open strips (12), are provided with printing, markings (24), etc. Moreover, the film webs (13) from which the outer wrappers are made also are preferably provided with markings, printing or printed marks (25). Sensing elements help to detect the relative positions of the tear-open strip (12) and the film webs (13) on account of the printing and the drive of the film web (13) and/or of the material strip (18) is controlled accordingly.

Abstract: An apparatus in a folding box gluing machine has a catch hook mounted such that it can rotate about an axis in order to initiate a leading fold in a product. The apparatus further has a restoring device for the catch hook. The restoring device has at least one elastic element, the axis of the catch hook is connected to the elastic element by a rolling belt.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for enhancing tissue repair in mammals, with the apparatus comprising: a sleeve for encircling a portion of a mammalian body part, said sleeve comprising an electrically conductive coil capable of generating an electromagnetic field when an electrical current is applied thereto, means for supporting the sleeve on the mammalian body part; and means for supplying the electrically conductive coil with a square wave time varying electrical current sufficient to create a time varying electromagnetic force of from approximately 0.05 gauss to 0.05 gauss within the interior of the coil in order that when the sleeve is placed on a mammalian body part and the time varying electromagnetic force of from approximately 0.05 gauss to 0.

Abstract: A sleep efficiency monitor and methods for pacing and leading a sleeper through an optimal sleep pattern. Embodiments of the present invention include a physiological characteristic monitor for monitoring the sleep stages of a sleeper, a sensory stimulus generator for generating stimulus to affect the sleep stages of a sleeper, and a processor for determining what sleep stage the sleeper is in and what sensory stimulus is needed to cause the sleeper to move to another sleep stage. A personalized sleep profile may also be established for the sleeper and sleep guided in accordance with the profile parameters to optimize a sleep session. By providing sensory stimulus to a sleeper, the sleeper may be guided through the various sleep stages in an optimal pattern so that the sleeper awakens refreshed even if sleep is disrupted during the night or the sleeper's allotted sleep period is different than usual. Embodiments of the invention also involve calibration of the sleep guidance system to a particular sleeper.

Abstract: Devices and methods for aligning a probe body and a treatment surface adjacent a target tissue. A guide shaft can be positioned in a urethra. The probe body can be positioned in a vagina and registered relative to the guide so as to position the treatment surface in alignment with the target tissue.

Abstract: A method for determining instructions for handling a flexible instrument comprises parameterizing the flexible instrument according to a plurality of parameters for handling the instrument, determining at least one instrument configuration, wherein the configuration describes at least one parameter, and determining instructions for handling the instrument according to the configuration.

Abstract: A correcting portion of an endoscope subjects a reference image to a magnification correction process so that the distance between a first mark and a second mark within the reference image is substantially equal to the distance between a first mark and a second mark within a comparative image. Next, the corrected reference image is subjected to a rotation correction process so that the orientation of the second mark with respect to the first mark within the reference image is substantially equal to the orientation of the second mark with respect to the first mark image within the comparison image. Further, the corrected reference image is subjected to a brightness distribution correction process so that the brightness distribution thereof becomes equal to that of the comparison image. The display state of the reference image and comparison image are made substantially equal, comparative diagnosis is facilitated, and diagnostic efficiency is improved.

Abstract: A visible light spectrum and a fluorescent light spectrum are received by a variable gain solid state imaging device provided to an endoscope. The variable gain solid state imaging device can be said to lower amplification levels for easily observed visible light spectrum, and higher amplification levels for low intensity fluorescent light spectrum observation. By varying the gain of the imaging device with the different spectrums, an object observed with the endoscope is displayed with approximately similar brightness in each white spectrum. A controller coupled to endoscope system switches different light spectrum to irradiate the observed object, while controlling amplification of the image device. The endoscope provides enhanced image detail to improve diagnosis and treatment of observed abnormal objects.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus having an internal channel comprises a scope portion in which a flexibly bending portion is provided at an elongated insert portion having a flexibility, the insert portion being inserted into a space which is a target of inspection, and a manipulating device inserting channel is formed, the channel being capable of loading therein a predetermined manipulating device which advances the inside of the insert portion to its distal end side, a remote controller which operates the flexibly bending portion by a joystick, and a connecting device which connects the scope portion and the remote controller to be integrally linked with each other at a position where an operation of the joystick and an operation for inserting the manipulating device through a proximal opening end do not interfere with each other.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for manipulating and supporting an organ. The subject devices are characterized by having an inflatable annular member having a central opening and an organ contacting surface, a vacuum distribution element configured to create a diffused vacuum space in the central opening, and a positioning element having a lumen coupled to a vacuum source and to the inflatable annular member. The subject devices are suitable for use in a variety of surgical approaches and, as such, may be configured to be inserted into a patient's chest cavity through a sheath. Methods are also provided for using the subject devices, where the order of the methods may be altered. Also provided are systems and kits for manipulating and positioning an organ.

Abstract: A retractor has an elongate body and an expandable shroud. The elongate body has an outer surface and an inner surface partially defining a passage. The elongate body also has a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge. The elongate body is capable of having an enlarged configuration when inserted within the patient. In the enlarged configuration the first longitudinal edge is spaced apart from the second longitudinal edge. The expandable shroud is configured to extend from the first longitudinal edge to the second longitudinal edge when the first and second edges are spaced apart. The shroud partially defines the passage. The cross-sectional area of said passage at a first location is greater than the cross-sectional area of the passage at a second location, wherein the first location is distal to the second location.