Abstract: A gaming system includes a network server connected to a plurality of gaming devices that are adapted to provide a video payout on each play based on a set of payout parameters. Memory at each gaming device stores payout parameters that correspond to each possible gaming result or outcome. When a play is initiated by a player, a gaming result is generated at a gaming device. The gaming device responds by accessing a corresponding payout parameter from the memory which may be a monetary amount, a video presentation segment or a combination thereof. If the payout is video, the network server receives the payout parameter and transmits video presentation segment to the gaming device accordingly. The gaming device then provides a video payout, in the form of displayed video presentation, to the player. The player thus receives at least one form of payment on each play.

Abstract: The golf ball conveying apparatus is provided in a place such as an indoor driving range to collect a golf ball, struck by a golfer, and places the golf ball onto a golf tee again. The golf ball conveying apparatus prevents dimples of a golf ball from wearing during a process of conveying the golf ball and solves a problem in which a ball conveying pipe becomes clogged by a damaged golf ball supplied into the ball conveying pipe.

Abstract: A golf club includes a head having a golf ball retriever integrated into the head. The retriever comprises a substantially vertical and substantially frusto conical passage (or throat) radially enclosed in the bottom the head. Because variations exist in regulation golf ball size and exterior, the diameter and taper of the throat is selected to be suitable for a variety of golf balls. A release hole extends though the head from the throat to a top surface of the head, and allows easy ejection of a ball from the throat. The head further includes aligning (or aiming) marks on opposite sides of the release hole to facilitate aligning the head for a stroke.

Abstract: A golf club head comprising an outer shell and a strike plate having a strike face. The outer shell and the strike face define a club head volume. A heel/toe axis extends through the center of gravity of the club head. The heel/toe axis is generally parallel to the strike face and generally horizontal relative to a ground plane when the club head is at an address position. The rotational moment of inertia about the heel/toe axis is related to the club head volume by the equation Ixx ?,46*HV+77, where Ixx is the rotational moment of inertia about the heel/toe axis in units of kg-mm2 and HV is the club head volume in units of cm3.

Abstract: Golf balls including at least one non-surface layer that has been treated with a radiation source to effect a complete cure of the non-surface layer and methods for making same, wherein the radiation-curable non-surface layer includes a polymer component and, optionally, an initiator, a crosslinking agent, or both.

Abstract: A golf ball approaching zero land area is disclosed herein. The golf ball has an innersphere with a plurality of lattice members. Each of the plurality of lattice members has an apex and the golf ball of the present invention conforms with the 1.68 inches requirement for USGA-approved golf balls. The interconnected lattice members form a plurality of polygons, preferably hexagons and pentagons. Each of the lattice members preferably has a continuous contour.

Abstract: A golf ball (20) approaching zero land area is disclosed herein. The golf ball (20) has an innersphere with a plurality of primary lattice members (40) and a plurality of sub-lattice members (41). Each of the plurality of primary lattice members (40) has an apex and the golf ball (20) of the present invention conforms with the 1.68 inches requirement for USGA-approved golf balls. The interconnected primary lattice members (40) and plurality of sub-lattice members (41) preferably form a plurality of dual polygons, preferably dual hexagons and dual pentagons.

Abstract: A ball hitting practice apparatus for use by a hitter is provided. The ball hitting practice apparatus includes a substantially rigid member having a first end and a second end, a hinge capable of suspension from a frame and attached near the first end of the rigid member such that the rigid member rotates about a substantially horizontal axis, and a ball mounting assembly suspended from the second end of the rigid member. Methods for using and making the ball hitting practice are also provided.

Abstract: An obstacle device for use on a playing field has a base and a frame approximating in shape the front profile of a human head and torso. The frame is coupled to the base. The frame includes a collapsible frame member that has an expanded configuration that defines an expanded frame area. The frame member also has a collapsed configuration that defines a collapsed frame area that is less than the expanded frame area. A covering material is attached to the frame so that the covering material is spread by the frame when the frame member is in the expanded configuration.

Abstract: A training bat system for increasing the batting skills of a baseball player. The training bat system includes a tubular member having a center bore, a plurality of weight members removably positioned within the center bore, an inner cap secured to an inner end of the tubular member, and an outer cap secured to the outer end of the tubular member. A compression spring is preferably positioned between the weight members and the inner cap for maintaining the weight members non-movably adjacent one another. The tubular member in the preferred embodiment has an outer diameter similar to a handle grip of a baseball bat. The tubular member's outer diameter over the area of the bat used for hitting a ball is much smaller than a conventional bat. The tubular member's length is similar to a conventional bat.

Abstract: A continuously variable planetary gear set is described having a generally tubular idler, a plurality of balls distributed radially about the idler, each ball having a tiltable axis about which it rotates, a rotatable input disc positioned adjacent to the balls and in contact with each of the balls, a rotatable output disc positioned adjacent to the balls opposite the input disc and in contact with each of the balls such that each of the balls makes three-point contact with the input disc, the output disc and the idler, and a rotatable cage adapted to maintain the axial and radial position of each of the balls, wherein the axes of the balls are oriented by the axial position of the idler.

Abstract: A continuously variable planetary gear set is described having a generally tubular idler, a plurality of balls distributed radially about the idler, each ball having a tiltable axis about which it rotates, a rotatable input disc positioned adjacent to the balls and in contact with each of the balls, a rotatable output disc positioned adjacent to the balls opposite the input disc and in contact with each of the balls such that each of the balls makes three-point contact with the input disc, the output disc and the idler, and a rotatable cage adapted to maintain the axial and radial position of each of the balls, wherein the axes of the balls are oriented by the axial position of the idler.

Abstract: A continuously variable planetary gear set is described having a generally tubular idler, a plurality of balls distributed radially about the idler, each ball having a tiltable axis about which it rotates, a rotatable input disc positioned adjacent to the balls and in contact with each of the balls, a rotatable output disc positioned adjacent to the balls opposite the input disc and in contact with each of the balls such that each of the balls makes three-point contact with the input disc, the output disc and the idler, and a rotatable cage adapted to maintain the axial and radial position of each of the balls, wherein the axes of the balls are oriented by the axial position of the idler.

Abstract: A variable speed transmission having a plurality of tilting balls and opposing input and output discs is illustrated and described that provides an infinite number of speed combinations over its transmission ratio range. The use of a planetary gear set allows minimum speeds to be in reverse and the unique geometry of the transmission allows all of the power paths to be coaxial, thereby reducing overall size and complexity of the transmission in comparison to transmissions achieving similar transmission ratio ranges.

Abstract: A multiple ratio transmission having a planetary primary gear unit producing forward ratios and a reverse ratio, and a planetary auxiliary gear unit in series with the primary gear unit producing a direct drive ratio and either an underdrive ratio or an overdrive ratio. The transmission produces six or seven forward ratios and two reverse ratios by combining the ratios of the primary and auxiliary gear units. Five friction clutches and brakes plus one one-way clutch control operation of the primary unit, and operation of the auxiliary unit is controlled by a clutch and a brake plus one one-way clutch. The same six or seven ratios can be achieved with a total of seven friction clutches and brakes in the primary and auxiliary unit by deleting the one-way clutches.

Abstract: A multi-speed transmission is provided with a selectable (reversible) braking one-way clutch operative to brake rotation of a member of a planetary gear set of the transmission when the transmission is in reverse and first speed. First and second rotating input clutches are slipped when the vehicle is launched in reverse or first speed. The transmission is preferably characterized by the absence of a torque converter, but the invention may be implemented with a torque converter if desired.

Abstract: A method for controlling engine idle in a vehicle having a motor connected to the engine through a power transfer unit is provide. Upon receiving a neutral command, the engine torque is commanded to approximately zero. The motor torque is adjusted to maintain an approximately constant engine speed as the engine torque is reduced. The torque from the engine transferred to the vehicle wheels is at or near zero. When the torque at the vehicle wheels is non-zero, a second motor is used to cancel the torque output from the engine so the torque at vehicle wheels is zero. When the engine torque has reached approximately zero, or when a predetermined amount of time has past, both motors are shutdown, and all of the remaining engine torque is transferred to the first motor through the power transfer unit.

Abstract: An electric machine coupled to an internal combustion engine in a motor vehicle, a control unit being provided for specifying an optimal efficiency operating state or for specifying a dynamically optimal operating state for the electric machine. Switchover means are used for switching over the usually specified optimal efficiency operating state to the dynamically optimal operating state before operating procedures in the motor vehicle which require a rapid torque setting.

Abstract: A ski training apparatus is provided that simulate movement similar to alpine skiing. A pivoting arm is mounted at the base of the front vertical post and carries a parallelogram linkage assembly, with two flanged wheels mounted on the linkage assembly. A guide swivel is mounted on the floor base underneath the flanged wheels. Two horizontal and parallel foot platforms are mounted on the linkage assembly for rocking motion about vertical parallel axes. The pivoting arm, foot platforms, flanged wheels and guiding swivel constitute a low friction mechanism that provides the compound motion similar to that of alpine skiing. A holding bar and a padded lower back rest will maintain the body properly positioned.

Abstract: A weight plate have integrally formed handles is provided. The weight plate has a weight plate body having an outer periphery, a first side, and a second side that is substantially flat. The weight plate also has a central bore extending through the body, a raised flange member forming a portion of the outer periphery on the first side, and at least one handle opening extending through the body and through ht least a portion of the outer periphery. The handle formed by each handle opening, the corresponding recess, and the raised flange member is sufficient for a human hand to grip. In one embodiment, the weight plate further includes an interlock for interlocking the weight plate with another weight plate when positioned together. In another embodiment, the weight plate further includes a pock defined in the weight plate. The pock allows the weight of the weight plate to be adjusted to a desired weight by allowing additional material to be added to the pock.

Abstract: Abdominal exercisers allow a user to perform sit-ups without straining their back. A set of adjustable handles allow the user to use his or her arms and upper body to assist the upward motion of the torso if necessary, thereby reducing back strain. A head and neck cushion and seat cushion support the user, and footrests hold the user's feet in place. Nonskid pads are attached to the bottom of the abdominal exerciser to prevent it from slipping during use. The abdominal exerciser folds in half for ease of transport and storage.

Abstract: A cutting unit for cutting blanks for collars of rigid cigarette packets, wherein a continuous strip of packing material is fed in a given direction through a cutting station equipped with a knife having an incision member and a blade, and with a fixed cutting block having a counterblade; the knife oscillates, about a fixed axis crosswise to the travelling direction of the strip, to and from a work position in which the incision member cooperates with a contact surface of the cutting block to incise a portion of the strip upstream from the counterblade, and the blade is located beyond the counterblade to cut the strip along a cutting line.

Abstract: Soft, multi-fingered resilient robotic fingers for selectively assisting heart ventricles or other organ to produce internal pressure and to pump blood, in synchrony with the systolic contraction of the ventricle or organ, as well as providing arrhythmia control of a beating heart. The apparatus is electrically-controlled and implantable. The plurality of soft fingers monitor and gently squeeze the heart (systole) or organ to enhance blood circulation and assist the heart or organ. The soft fingers work in harmony, by means of a micro-processor controlled solenoid or other linear robotic actuators such as metal-hydride actuators or polymeric artificial muscles, and a resilient body or a spring, to close once the solenoid is powered to retract away from the heart or organ when the solenoid is not powered. Monitoring electrodes can be affixed to the soft fingers. The power supply for the implanted device can be transcutaneously rechargeable batteries.

Abstract: Cardiac apparatus and methods of using such cardiac apparatus are described. In one embodiment, a cardiac apparatus includes a covering that is configured to at least partially encircle a heart with a first portion of the covering adjacent to a second portion of the covering. The cardiac apparatus also includes an electroactive polymer actuator. A first end of the electroactive polymer actuator is coupled to the first portion of the covering, and a second end of the electroactive polymer actuator is coupled to the second portion of the covering. The second end of the electroactive polymer actuator is oriented such that, upon actuation of the electroactive polymer actuator, the second end of the electroactive polymer actuator extends away from the first end of the electroactive polymer actuator to move the second portion of the covering towards the first portion of the covering.

Abstract: A coupling device for attaching the external hearing aid part to the skull bone anchored part in a bone conducting hearing aid apparatus. The retaining force in the coupling device is substantially established with a permanent magnet. The bone anchored part and the external hearing aid part include a magnetic part.

Abstract: The present invention provides a urethral prosthesis including a first and a second arm that join to form a junction, and a stem that is also joined to the junction. The junction is adapted to exert sufficient pressure on a portion of a patient's urethra to prevent unintentional voiding of the patient's bladder. However, upon exerting a tension force on the stem, the pressure exerted by the junction is reduced such that the patient's bladder may be intentionally voided.

Abstract: Methods and devices for performing surgery in a patient are provided. A cannula provides a working channel for access to a location in the patient. A clamp assembly is removably engaged to the cannula. The clamp assembly allows use of an endoscopic viewing system or can be removed to allow use of a microscopic viewing system in order to view the surgical site in the patient through the working channel. The clamp assembly includes a viewing element mounting portion having a length along which an endoscopic viewing element can be selectively positioned.

Abstract: A connecting device is designed releasably to connect a control section of an endoscope and a catheter control portion in a manner such that a channel opening portion in the control section of the endoscope and the catheter control portion are located close to each other.

Abstract: Data measured by a thermometer is temporarily stored in a connection terminal, then transmitted to a server from the connection terminal via a network, and stored. The server makes analyses based on the stored temperature data, and transmits the analysis results. Thus, a body temperature managing and analyzing method, providing information unobtainable with a thermometer alone, can be provided by managing and analyzing body temperature over a network.

Abstract: An ultrasonic enhanced-contrast imager includes an ultrasonic probe for transmitting an ultrasonic wave to an organism and receiving an ultrasonic wave from the organism, a transmitting section for transmitting an ultrasonic signal to the ultrasonic probe, a receiving section for processing a response signal ultrasonic wave received by the ultrasonic probe, a filter for extracting a specific frequency component from the processed response signal, a setting control section for setting a pass frequency band of the filter on the basis of a frequency band of the response signal from a contrast medium injected to the organism, and a control section for controlling the operation of the filter in the set pass band.

Abstract: A method for analysing pressure-signals derivable from pressure measurements on or in a body of a human being or animal, comprising the steps of identifying from said digital data features related to single pressure waves, and determining at least one parameter of the single wave parameters elected from the group of: pressure amplitude ?P, latency (?T), rise time coefficient ?P/?T, and wavelength of the single wave, as well as determining numbers of single pressure waves with pre-selected combinations of two or more of said single pressure wave parameters during said given time sequence. In another aspect of the invention, the method is capable of identifying from said digital data features related to absolute pressures relative to atmospheric pressure a number of different pressure levels and duration thereof, and presenting the numbers of levels of various time durations in said matrix format.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide intrabody communication using acoustic telemetry. The system includes a first or control implant including a first acoustic transducer, and a second implant including a switch and a second acoustic transducer coupled to the switch. The second acoustic transducer receives acoustic signals from the first acoustic transducer for closing the switch to activate the second implant. The second implant may include a sensor for measuring a physiological parameter that is transmitted using acoustic signals including the physiological data to the first implant. For example, the second implant may measure pressure in the patient's heart that may be used by the first implant to control a pacemaker. Alternatively, the second implant may blood sugar concentration that may be used by the first implant to control an insulin pump. Alternatively, the first implant may store and transfer the data to an external device for monitoring the patient.

Abstract: A method and system for determining pulse rate of a patient are disclosed. The method and system include acquiring measured information for at least one pulse at a pressure step, determining and storing quality values for the at least one pulse at the pressure step, analyzing pulse matching criteria for the pressure step, and determining pulse rate based on the measured information, quality values, and pulse matching criteria.

Abstract: A conscious sedation system and a request assembly for a response testing apparatus for a conscious sedation system. The conscious sedation system includes a controller which generates a request for a predetermined response from a patient and which analyses at least a response made by the patient to the request to determine a level of sedation of the patient. The response testing apparatus includes a request assembly and a response assembly. The request assembly audibly communicates to the patient the request generated by the controller and includes a non-ear-canal-contacting speaker. The response assembly senses the response and communicates the response to the controller.

Abstract: A device for use with a penetrating member driver to penetrate tissue is provided. A plurality of penetrating members are coupled to a single cartridge and are operatively couplable to the penetrating member driver. The penetrating members are movable to extend radially outward from the cartridge to penetrate tissue. A plurality of analyte sensors are coupled to the single cartridge and are positioned on the cartridge to receive body fluid from a wound in the tissue created by the penetrating member.

Abstract: The invention relates an arrangement (10) for measuring and presenting forces exerted on body, describing the amount and intensity of physical exercise. The arrangement according to the invention comprises a detector unit (11), a communications device (13), a server (14) and a database (16) connected therewith, and a data presentation means (18). Furthermore, the invention relates to a detector unit (11) used in the arrangement and a method using the arrangement for measuring and analyzing the effectiveness and amount of physical exercise.

Abstract: A cover is described for providing a protected area on a user's arm or leg, and especially over a cast on the arm or leg. The cover includes a sheath portion with an open end and a closed end. A user's arm is placed within the sheath. An inflatable ring is cooperable with the open end of the sheath to create a seal above an area of the arm or leg that is to be protected. An adhesive strip may be provided on the outside of the ring to adhere to a free end of the sheath.

Abstract: A method for splinting rib injuries is disclosed. A pair of anchor strips having a plurality of fasteners on their exposed surfaces are attached to the skin of the chest cavity by an adhesive, the strips being more or less vertically oriented and equidistantly spaced from the injury. Elastomeric straps having a plurality of fastener receivers are removably fastened to the anchor strips across the injury so as to produce a stabilizing/reducing force at the injury. Tension in the straps and orientation of the straps are adjusted to maximize patient comfort. In another embodiment a pad is placed between the elastomeric straps and the chest wall. In other embodiments the pad is a hot or cold compress. In yet another embodiment the pad is connected to a cold therapy machine.

Abstract: A knee brace divided into anterior and posterior halves including a proximal member and a distal member. The brace further including at least one substantially inelastic cross strap adjustable in length and connected to the proximal and distal members. The at least one cross strap has first and second portions which intersect at an intersection point located between the proximal and distal members. The intersection point is defined at a location posterior of the frontal plane of the brace.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for providing sterile connection during, for example, dialysis therapy. The present invention provides a connector and a cap therefore that easily and readily attaches to a dialysate container and a catheter inserted into a patient's peritoneal cavity. The connector and the cap enable the dialysate to readily transport between the container and the peritoneal cavity while minimizing the potential of contamination therein due to, for example, handling during use. The connector includes a shell that encloses a cap. The cap houses a slit septum and also includes a sealed disinfectant within an interior receptacle. When the catheter or catheter set attaches to the cap, the seal breaks and the disinfectant spreads over the threads between the catheter set and the cap.

Abstract: An applicator for delivering pharmaceutical products or the like to a bodily cavity includes a barrel member having a distal end which is equipped with an opening. The applicator also includes a plurality of petals extending outwardly from the distal end in a generally axial direction. The petals cooperate with the opening so as to form a receptacle for releasably receiving a pharmaceutical product in the distal end of the barrel member. Each of the petals has a truncated flexible tip sized and shaped so as to engage a substantially central portion of the pharmaceutical product such that a large section of the pharmaceutical product extends outwardly beyond the petals so as to facilitate the release of the pharmaceutical product from the receptacle. The device also includes a plunger member for releasing the pharmaceutical product from the receptacle. In accordance with the present invention, the device can be packaged in a package together with the pharmaceutical product received in the receptacle.

Abstract: The apparatus for deployment of a therapeutic device such as a micro-coil detachably mounts the therapeutic device to a distal portion of a pusher member. In one embodiment, the therapeutic device is detachably mounted to the distal portion of the pusher member by a tubular collar that can be heated by a heater such as an electrical resistance coil to expand the collar and release and deploy the therapeutic device. The apparatus for deployment of a therapeutic device such as a micro-coil may also provide for a pusher member and a connector fiber for securing the therapeutic device to the pusher member. The connector fiber passes through a heater within the distal portion of the pusher member, for heating and breaking the connector fiber to release the therapeutic device when a desired placement of the therapeutic device within the vasculature is achieved.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for positioning and creating an opening in a person's shirt or blouse at a location that varies depending on the underlying location necessary to perform a medical procedure. The created opening allows access to a porta-cath without requiring the patient to remove his/her shirt/blouse.

Abstract: Injection devices are known for the self administration of medicament by patients in which medicament is typically contained within a cartridge located within the injection device. It is a problem that injection devices should be small enough to fit into a jacket pocket or a hand bag without difficulty. Also, the injection device must be of a size that enables a piston or similar used to drive a cartridge bung within the cartridge to be moved both to a maximum dispense position within the cartridge and to be fully withdrawn from the cartridge to allow for replacement of the cartridge.

Abstract: A multiport infusion device used as an intravenous administrator of prescribed fluid is provided. The device includes a band adapted to be secured to a user's body part near an intravenous therapy location. A multiport body is secured to the band and includes a multiport fluid exchange route fluidly communicating between a first port and at least a second port of the body's ports.

Abstract: A passively guarded, fillable injection syringe includes an adapter for holding the proximal end of a hollow needle. An inverted plunger is slidingly mounted on the adapter to establish a medicament chamber that is in fluid communication with the needle. Also, a substantially cylindrical needle guard is positioned on the needle for reciprocal axial movement under the influence of a spring which biases the guard and adapter in opposite axial directions. A mechanism is provided such that plunger movements that are required in a typical fill and inject procedure also function to control the position of the guard relative to the needle. Initially, the guard is locked covering the needle tip. A plunger movement unlocks the guard and retracts the guard for syringe filling and injection. Depressing the plunger to complete the injection releases the guard for distal movement under the spring force into a needle protecting position.

Abstract: Medical needle shield apparatus for covering a needle after use. In embodiments of this invention a shield with two or more segments hingedly connected to each other is movable from a retracted position where the needle is exposed, to an extended position where the shield extends beyond the end of the needle. The needle is affixed in a hub of a medical needle device, and the shield is articulated to the hub. At least one of the two or more segments has an open orifice through which the needle passes to form an axis of intersection about the needle. The shield includes a channel for covering the needle when the shield is linearly extended. One or more locks associated with one or more of the segments secures one or more of the segments relative to the shield in the extended position. A latch is also disposed on the distal segment for securing the distal segment relative to the shield when in the extended position.

Abstract: Valve syringes of the invention include a syringe barrel and an applicator valve adapted to rotate relative to the barrel between closed and open positions. In the open position, one or more slots in the applicator valve align with one or more holes in a discharge end of the syringe barrel in order to allow fluid material to flow therethrough. In a closed position, the contact surface of the applicator valve occludes the holes in the barrel in order to seal them and prevent flow of fluid material therethrough. The valve syringe may include structure that increases the sealing engagement between the syringe barrel and applicator valve when rotated toward at least one of the open or closed positions. The applicator valve may include an applicator tip that is either integrally or detachably connected to the applicator valve. The valve syringe may also include a plunger adapted to expel fluid material contained in the syringe barrel through the discharge end and into the applicator valve.

Abstract: The invention is a saline lock and intravenous catheter combination that is simple to use. The device preferably includes a hub and a catheter with the hub having a first port and a second port. A further embodiment provides a needle in communication with the device. The invention also includes a method for using the device in combination with a needle.

Abstract: A disposable diaper having an attachment assembly including a subassembly bonded or attached to an exterior surface of a front waist region of the diaper and extending laterally from opposing side edges of the front waist region to form laterally opposing front ears. A reduced-size attachment panel is properly positioned and bonded to the subassembly to improve the functionality of a fastening system of the diaper without interfering with or limiting the extensibility of the diaper chassis, while minimizing the use of relatively expensive attachment panel material.