Abstract: A game progress program is provided that allows a player to play an interesting secondary game while the main program and associated data are being loaded, without increasing the amount of data to be stored. While the main program and associated data are being loaded into the RAM, the background sound output controller reads the background sound data from the background sound data storage unit and outputs background sounds from the speaker, and the operation sound output controller receives player operations via the first key, second key and fourth key located on the controller, reads out from the operation sound data storage unit the operation sound data associated with each key, and outputs operation sounds from the speaker.

Abstract: A first damper mechanism 159 for absorbing and attenuating minute torsional vibration in a damper disk assembly for transmitting torque in a vehicle, has a plate spring 162. The plate spring 162 extends in the rotational direction having main surfaces facing in the radial direction. The plate spring 162 is pushed by the hub 106 in the rotational direction to slide against the intermediate rotating member 110 when the hub 106 and the intermediate rotating member 108 rotate relative to each other, thereby generating friction resistance.

Abstract: A coupling for connecting two components, in particular a clamping collar with a centering hub, whereby, between both components an axially deformable and radially centering element is arranged.

Abstract: A cross shaft joint tiltably coupling two shaft members each other includes: a cross shaft which includes four shaft portions and is arranged between the two shaft members; outer ring cups rotatably provided to the four shaft portions, respectively, the outer ring cups being adapted to be coupled to corresponding shaft members; and an attachment portion to which a balance weight for balancing the outer ring cups can be attached is formed on at least one of the outer ring cups.

Abstract: In a dynamic damper including: a torque transmissible tube member; a mass member housed within an inside of the tube member concentrically to the tube member; and a pair of elastic members, both ends of the mass member in a center axis direction of the tube member are coupled to the tube member via the pair of elastic members, the mass member includes a large mass section interposed between the pair of elastic members, a length of the mass member in the center axis direction of the tube member is longer than a diameter of the large mass section, and, from among two different bending resonance vibration modes of the tube member, a node of a higher order bending resonance vibration mode is placed at a position between the pair of elastic members.

Abstract: Disclosed is a billiard ball racking device consisting of two-pieces (two V-shaped mirror-image sides) which form a diamond-shape capable of racking the balls in the tightest possible position (balls touching each other) and is likewise capable of being removed (withdrawn) without disturbing the balls. The disclosed invention is capable of racking a wide variety of configurations with different multiples of billiard balls. The disclosed invention is three proportionally-sized apparatuses, each size directly relating to the number of billiard balls being racked. The disclosed invention is capable of racking a number of conventional and unconventional configurations. The design of the invention is extremely simple in nature, yet superior in function.

Abstract: A system, a computer program product and a method for registration and analysis of data from a practised stage, and for generation of action programs in dependence of said data. Preferably, the system and the method are adapted for the analysis of the player properties of a sports practiser (1500) and for the generation of an action program in the form of a training model for the player, whereby the player will, while practising (1501) the sport, register (1502) player data (101) and result data (102) in a registration unit (104). In a parameter processing unit (106), a player characteristics profile, depending of said registered data, is generated (1503), regarding various parameters, such as shot type, number of shots per shot type, etc., as well as a comparison profile by means of which a current player characteristics profile for a player is compared with a normal profile for an average player.

Abstract: A golf practice device that can be utilized for both practice as well as playing of one or more games. The golf practice device includes a base member adapted to be conformable and removably fixable to a ground surface, preferably utilizing securing elements included with the golf practice device. In a preferred embodiment, the base member is formed as a typical green on a golf course and can be a circle, oval, or non-geometric shape. In a further preferred embodiment, the base member includes indicia such as rings, lines, letters, numbers, symbols or the like, with rings being most preferred. The golf practice device further includes an aiming point such as a flagstick. The golf practice device of the present invention is foldable for storage when not in use and can be stored in a case which is relatively small and is designed to be easily carried in a standard golf bag.

Abstract: A set of iron-type golf clubs includes long irons with channel back configurations and short irons with cavity back configurations. The rear face configurations transition from channel backs through to pure cavity backs for increased performance continuum for the set. Additional design parameters for the set may also be systematically varied through the set, such as groove type and depth, loft angle, cavity volume, hitting face roughness, and sole width. At least one of the clubs of the set includes a sandwich-type construction for the hitting face having a dampening element disposed between a hitting face insert and a lightweight reinforcing core. In one embodiment, at least one club head is oversized.

Abstract: A set of iron-type golf clubs includes long irons with channel back configurations and short irons with cavity back configurations. The rear face configurations transition from channel backs through to pure cavity backs for increased performance continuum for the set. Additional design parameters for the set may also be systematically varied through the set, such as groove type and depth, loft angle, cavity volume, hitting face roughness, and sole width. At least one of the clubs of the set includes a sandwich-type construction for the hitting face having a dampening element disposed between a hitting face insert and a lightweight reinforcing core. In one embodiment, at least one club head is oversized.

Abstract: A golf club head includes a body having a front surface, a back surface, a heel end, a toe end, a sole extending between lower portions of the heel and the toe ends, and a top rail extending between upper portions of the heel and toe ends. A face is coupled to the body through a rheological fluid. The golf club head is tuned by changing the viscosity of the rheological fluid.

Abstract: A golf club head comprises a sole, a crown, and a face plate. A secondary plate attaches to a rear side of the face plate.

Abstract: A golf club head has a face insert that is supported from beneath by a substrate composed of a plurality of elongate rod elements arranged in a parallel closely packed array. Because the face insert is made of a single material, the resiliency of the face insert itself does not vary across the front surface of the face insert; however, the effective resiliency of the face insert may be varied by varying the resiliency of the substrate. This is accomplished by selecting different materials and/or different overall lengths for the rod elements that comprise the substrate. Use of a substrate comprising a plurality of rod elements permits the effective resiliency of the face insert to be varied without varying the face material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a three-piece solid golf ball, of which flight distance is improved by accomplishing high launch angle and low spin amount in initial flight performance, while maintaining soft and good shot feel when hitting at low head speed. The present invention relates to a three-piece solid golf ball comprising a center, intermediate layer and cover, wherein the center has a deformation amount of 3.5 to 5.5 mm, a hardness difference (HS?HC) from a central point hardness (HC) of 10 to 40 and a surface hardness HS of 36 to 50, base resins of the intermediate layer and cover are formed from thermoplastic resin, and the intermediate layer has a hardness HM of 36 to 50, the cover has a hardness HL of 58 to 69, a hardness difference (HS?HM) is 0 to 15, and (HL?HM) is 10 to 28.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-piece golf ball comprising a core 3, a first intermediate layer 5, a second intermediate layer 7, and a cover 9, wherein the first intermediate layer 5 comprises a plurality of ribs 51 formed on the core 3; the second intermediate layer 7 is placed in concave portions surrounded by the ribs 51; and the cover 9 forms an outermost layer; with each of the ribs extending so that its width increases from the cover side to the core side; the concave portions being shaped into a funnel-like form by the side surfaces of the ribs; the hardness of the core 3, the first intermediate layer 5 and the second intermediate layer 7 being different from each other; and the hardness of the first intermediate layer 5 being greater than that of the second intermediate layer 9.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a golf ball with a mantle or cover layer formed from a composition comprising glass particles. More specifically, the golf ball has a mantle and/or cover that contains a combination of glass particles and an ionomeric component or a non-ionomeric component.

Abstract: A pocket for a lacrosse head (10) includes a mesh portion (20) attached to the lacrosse head (10). The mesh portion (20) has a plurality of holes (22) therein. Furthermore, the mesh portion (20) has less than nine holes (22) disposed within a horizontal row between a pair of opposing sidewall portions (12) of the lacrosse head (10).

Abstract: A string tensioning force controlling apparatus for a racket stringer includes a string pulling mechanism having a support housing, a string pulling head movably supported by the support housing for engaging a string, and a drive arrangement drivingly coupled to the string pulling head. The apparatus also includes an encoder disposed adjacent to the string pulling mechanism for sensing displacement of the string pulling head relative to the support housing and generating a digital output signal representative thereof, and a central processing unit for receiving the digital output signal and in response thereto controlling operation of the drive arrangement to move the string pulling head such that a desired tensioning force is accurately applied to the string so as to produce a tensioned string.

Abstract: A system for controlling a V-belt type CVT is constructed to change a first position of a step motor to a second position of the step motor corresponding to a second target shift ratio if it is determined that the primary-pulley pressure fails to reach a predetermined value. The second target shift ratio is on the high-speed side with respect to a third position of the step motor corresponding to a third target shift ratio to be achieved if it is determined that the primary-pulley pressure reaches the predetermined value.

Abstract: In case a primary hydraulic pressure sensor is normal, when reverse rotation of pulleys is detected a primary pulley (Plpri) torque capacity is calculated from a primary pressure detected by the primary hydraulic pressure sensor. When the primary hydraulic pressure sensor fails, a secondary hydraulic pressure sensor is checked, and when the secondary hydraulic pressure sensor is normal, the PLpri torque capacity is determined from a secondary pressure detected by the secondary hydraulic pressure sensor by using a map. On the other hand, when the secondary hydraulic pressure sensor fails too, the PLpri torque capacity is read out from the map by using a secondary pressure target value as the secondary pressure.

Abstract: The electrically variable transmission family of the present invention provides low-content, low-cost electrically variable transmission mechanisms including first and second differential gear sets, a battery, two electric machines serving interchangeably as motors or generators, and four or five selectable torque-transfer devices. 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 method of controlling a continuously variable transmission includes sensing an output speed of a motor, determining an upper speed limit based on the output speed of the motor and a positive torque limit associated with the motor, determining a limited motor speed command based on the lesser of a motor speed command and the upper speed limit, and controlling the motor based on the limited motor speed command.

Abstract: A device for increasing torque about a central member as a series of driver discs eccentrically rotate about a central shaft input member and alternatingly engage an output component via a low-friction, rolling engagement mechanism. Each disc is engaged with the other through a series of rings and dowels partially embedded within each disc. As the central input shaft rotates, each disc alternatingly engages the output component so the output, and central member, rotate with increased torque, albeit at a reduced speed.

Abstract: An axle driving apparatus comprises a housing. The housing contains a hydrostatic transmission, a differential unit driven by the hydrostatic transmission, a pair of axles mutually differentially connected through the differential unit, and a restricting mechanism for selectively restricting differential motion of the axles by manual operation. The differential unit comprises a ring gear serving as an input gear and a pair of bevel gears which can be differentially rotated by rotation of the ring gear. The restricting mechanism engages one of the bevel gears with the ring gear. If a pair of differential side gears fixed on the respective axles serve as the bevel gears, the restricting mechanism engages one of the bevel gear to the ring gear through a claw clutch or a friction clutch.

Abstract: The powertrain includes an arrangement of three single planetary gearsets to form six operational elements, among which a first operational element that always operates as an input element. A second operational element selectively operates as an input element and a stationary element. A third operational element selectively operates as an input element. A fourth operational element selectively operates as a stationary element. A fifth operational element always operates as an output element. A sixth operational element selectively operates as a stationary element.

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 three interconnecting members. The powertrain includes an engine that is selectively connectable 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, the input shaft 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-speed hub for a bicycle that includes a hub shell, a hub shaft nonrotatably mounted to the bicycle, a driver, a planetary gearing system for providing a plurality of gear ratios and a control device for selecting the desired gear ratio. The planetary gearing system includes first, second and third planetary gear mechanism. The first planetary gear mechanism includes a first sun gear, a first planet carrier and a first ring gear, The first ring gear also functions as the planet carrier for the second planetary gear mechanism. A second sun gear of the second planetary gear mechanism is connected to the first planet carrier. The second planetary mechanism includes a second ring gear that substantially surrounds the planetary gearing system. A pawl carrier including a plurality of pawls that connect the driver to the planetary gearing system to provide different gear ratios. A stepped planet gear functions as the second and third planet gears.

Abstract: In a toroidal continuously variable transmission, a primary oil pump is driven by an engine, whereas a secondary oil pump is driven in response to rotation of a road wheel. A hydraulic servo mechanism is connected to a trunnion to create an offset of the trunnion from a neutral position for a tilting motion of the power roller. Also provided is a hydraulic system that supplies the hydraulic pressure discharged from the secondary pump to the hydraulic servo mechanism to prevent the offset of the trunnion in the trunnion-axis direction, corresponding to an upshift, occurring owing to rotation of the road wheel in a stopped state of the engine. A modulated hydraulic pressure, which is constantly produced by the hydraulic system during operation of the engine, acts to hold the secondary pump at either of an inoperative state and an unloaded condition during the operation of the engine.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission is disclosed for use in rotationally or linearly powered machines and vehicles. The transmission provides a simple manual shifting method for the user. Further, the practical commercialization of traction roller transmissions requires improvements in the reliability, ease of shifting, function and simplicity of the transmission. The present invention includes a continuously variable transmission that may be employed in connection with any type of machine that is in need of a transmission. For example, the transmission may be used in (i) a motorized vehicle such as an automobile, motorcycle, or watercraft, (ii) a non-motorized vehicle such as a bicycle, tricycle, scooter, exercise equipment or (iii) industrial equipment, such as a drill press, power generating equipment, or textile mill.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle mode shift control device comprises a drive force combining transmission that includes a differential gear device coupled to an engine, at least one motor, and an output member, an engine clutch configured to connect and disconnect the engine with the differential gear device, and a low brake configured to hold the drive force combining transmission at a lower side gear ratio. The hybrid vehicle is operated at least in an EV mode, an EV-LB mode, an E-iVT mode, and an LB mode. The hybrid vehicle mode shift control device comprises a mode shift control section configured to select one of a mode shift route passing through the E-iVT mode and a mode shift route passing through the EV-LB mode based on the transitional drive force request of the driver when a mode shift request is issued to shift from the EV mode to the LB mode.

Abstract: In control apparatus and method for an automotive vehicle, the vehicle having a continuously variable transmission associated with a vehicular engine and including a belt that transmits a revolution of a primary pulley to a secondary pulley that is enabled to make a gear shift by modifying a pulley ratio between the primary and secondary pulleys with a hydraulic, a determination is made as to whether a belt slip between at least one of the primary and the secondary pulleys occurs and an output section outputs a signal to command an engine control unit to increase an engine speed by a predetermined engine speed when the belt slip is determined to occur.

Abstract: An automatic transmission control device adjusts a hydraulic pressure of a working fluid to generate pressures applied to a plurality of friction elements of an automatic transmission to control the engagement or disengagement of the friction elements. The control device includes a plurality of electromagnetic valves, a plurality of application pressure control valves, a selector, and a line pressure control valve. The application pressure control valves control pressures applied to the friction elements according to the output pressures of the electromagnetic valves. The selector selects the maximum pressure from the output pressures of the electromagnetic valves. The line pressure control valve controls a line pressure according to the output pressure selected by the selector.

Abstract: The upshift control method of an automatic transmission for vehicles includes determining whether a start condition of a damper clutch control operation is satisfied during an upshift under a power-off. The method also includes executing the damper clutch control operation depending on predetermined control intervals and control duties in order to enhance a shift feel, the predetermined control intervals and control duties being set on the basis of a shift speed, a turbine RPM, and a transmission oil temperature, when the start condition of the damper clutch operation control is satisfied. The method further includes executing a fuel cut control after a damper clutch is engaged by the damper clutch control operation.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to regulate the braking torque in a drive train comprising an internal combustion engine (2) and a gearbox unit (3) which can be coupled to the same, using a regulatable clutch (5). To this end, the power introduced by the wheels into the drive train of the vehicle is transmitted via the regulatable clutch (5), in the overrun condition. The torque which can be transferred via the regulatable hydrodynamic clutch is controlled or regulated in such a way that the drive motor connected to the gearbox unit is operated at a rotational speed nm-soil which is equal to or larger than the idling rotational speed nLeerlauf.

Abstract: A system for advising an exerciser about his physical activities, associated either with displacement of the exerciser itself or of an object displaced by the exerciser, or an object displaced simultaneously with the exerciser. The system comprises a first unit for monitoring the activities. This unit is not in physical contact with the exerciser or the object, displaced by the exerciser. The first unit is capable to collect raw data defining the activities either in terms of distance or acceleration. The first unit transmits the collected raw data in a wireless fashion to a second unit, which receives the transmitted raw data, processes it and calculates various parameters, defining the said physical activities, and represents the calculated parameters in a form recognizable by the exerciser. The system enables tracking, recording and updating the relevant information, provides improved feedback and thus helps to the exercising individual to improve his performances.

Abstract: A fold-out treadmill includes a deck having a rear portion mounted on a base so as to be selectively rotatable between an operational position in which the deck is positioned for operation by a user positioned thereon and a storage position in which the deck is positioned proximate to the handrail. The fold-out treadmill includes a fold-out assembly configured to allow the handrail to rotate into a storage configuration when the deck is rotated from the operational position into the storage position which comprises a leg and an elongated support. The fold-out treadmill includes a mechanism that is configured to vary the inclination of the deck relative to a support surface while the deck is in the operational position and to automatically move the deck between the operational position to the storage position.

Abstract: Adjustable lifting apparatus, comprising, in combination, a base, multiple cords connected to the base, a mover to be moved along a slide path in response to force exertion by the user's arms or legs, a connection or connections between the mover and one or more of the cords.

Abstract: There is now provided an expander type exercise device for performing physical workout exercise that can be configured in a simple manner to adjust the resiliency of an elastic strand for various physical workout exercises, by varying the length of the elastic strand that is disposed between two handgrips by means of which the elastic strand can be expanded by exerting a force of pull upon the elastic strand.

Abstract: A variable spring resistance to movement of a rod uses a plurality of springs permanently connected between a base and a stack of end connector links extending in the direction of the rod movement. Selecting which of the links is connected to the rod then determines which of the springs are deployed to resist movement of the rod, without requiring any disconnection or reconnection of the springs. The selection can be made by a pin inserted through an aligned hole between a link and the rod. The arrangement can also be inverted with the springs connected between the links and a moving element, and the rod or other link selector being fixed to a base. Connecting one of the links to the rod then determines which of the springs will be extended between fixed and movable elements to establish a selectively variable spring resistance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the manufacture of a perforated nonwoven material, whereby a prebonded nonwoven with embossing points is guided to a nonwoven perforation device, needles of a needle roller engage into the prebonded nonwoven and perforate it, and the perforated nonwoven material then undergoes further processing. A ratio is set between the number of needles to the number of embossed points of between 0.15 and 0.25 and a ratio of hole size to embossed point size of between 0.15 and 0.25.

Abstract: A gripping system uses a pin mounting block having at least one passage for accommodating holding pins of a holding pin member that cooperate with a dome to hold a laminate ply there between, the improvement being a releasable latch positioned to engage the pin member and hold the pin member in an operative positions and being releasable to release the pin member. Various forms of pin members may be used. In a preferred form a gripper is provided positioned adjacent to holding pins and moveable between a retracted position and an operative position wherein the gripper member grips the laminate ply.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an air-cooled centrifuge comprising a rotor driven around a rotation axis by a motor and a cooling channel, which surrounds one wall of the rotor, wherein the cooling channel is provided for the air transportable in the cooling channel with an outlet opening, through which air can flow out from the centrifuge, and the outlet opening comprises a first wall, which starts at the outer periphery of the cooling channel and continues in such a way that it has an increasing distance from the rotation axis of the rotor with the simultaneously increasing rotation angle around the rotation axis of the rotor, wherein the outlet opening comprises a second wall, which starts at the outer periphery of the cooling channel and continues in such a way that it has an increasing distance from the rotation axis of the rotor with the simultaneously increasing rotation angle around the rotation axis of the rotor, so that the second wall extends as a straight line or has a curved contour, whose cent

Abstract: A radioactive source is made by forming a polymer layer substantially free of inorganic polymers on a substrate material, and exposing the polymer layer to a radioactive isotope. The source is useful for inhibition of restenosis in coronary arteries after balloon angioplasty or stent implantation. In particular, a radioactive source of 32P, 90Y, or 144Ce is deposited on a poly(ethylene terephtalate) (PET) substrate. The polymer substrate was first coated with pH-sensitive hydrogel and then adsorbed various amount of phosphoric acid (PA) in aqueous solutions. The substrate was immersed in 32P, 90YCl3 or 144CeCl3 solutions, and then 32P, 90Y or 144Ce was deposited on the surface as 32PPO4, 90YPO4 or 144Ce PO4. Two different polyurethanes were used to encapsulate and seal the deposited isotopes on the surface to minimize the leakage of the isotope.

Abstract: A system and method for orienting an endoscope shaft and operator control module. The operator control module includes an engaging mechanism that allows the operator control module to be disengaged from the endoscope shaft. This allows the operator control module to remain in the operator's preferred orientation and then be re-engaged to the endoscope shaft. Remotely powered tip articulation cables are also provided, thus allowing the operator control module the freedom of not having to remain mechanically attached to the endoscope shaft in a fixed position. When the operator wants to rotate the endoscope shaft axially and does not want the position of the operator control module to be changed, the operator control module engaging mechanism is disengaged, after which the endoscope shaft is rotated to the desired position, and the engaging mechanism is then re-engaged to the endoscope shaft or to a fixed feature on the shaft.

Abstract: The invention relates to an in vivo sensing device having a specific gravity of about 1 or a volume to weight ratio that enables it essentially to float. In one embodiment the in vivo sensing device consists of an image sensor system and a buoyant body. The buoyant body, which is attached to the sensor system or which can optionally house one or more elements of the sensor system, keeps the sensor system essentially floating in a body lumen liquid.

Abstract: A medical monitor is disclosed for implantation in a human body for monitoring biological activity and states as detected by implanted sensors. The medical monitor includes at least one hard disk drive. An enclosure surrounds the at least one hard disk drive. The medical monitor is in communication with the sensors, by which information on biological activity and states is stored on the at least one hard disk drive. A transmitter and receiver produces and transmits signals, and include a GPS transmitter and a receiver for producing and receiving transmission signals in the radio frequency range, where the GPS sends satellite communication signals via the public GPS frequencies and protocol.

Abstract: A medical device chronically monitors cardiac function in a patient. An input circuit of the medical device receives a pressure signal representative of a pressure sensed within a ventricle of the patient's heart as a function of time. A processor derives from the pressure signal a myocardial performance index based upon pressures in the ventricle. The processor then provides an output based upon the myocardial performance index.

Abstract: A vascular coupler adapted to be fixed into position upon a blood vessel and there retain and position a matable sensing device. In a preferred embodiment, the vascular coupler is an anastomotic coupler and the sensing device comprises an ultrasonic Doppler probe.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining accumulated body fatigue index (BFI), wherein one or more parameters from the measurement of one or more signals are obtained sequentially as input and these parameters are information on the intensity of physical activity. BFI has a predetermined initial value, and next BFI value is always a sum of BFI-value and a difference. The difference is combination of upslope and optional downslope components of BFI determined with the said parameters and the upslope component and the optional downslope component are each determined with a function, which is scaled by a preset physiological character.

Abstract: A pulse wave analyzing apparatus that detects a pulse wave from a living body and computes a waveform distortion factor and determines a waveform shape for performing a diagnosis of a condition of the living body.