Abstract: A golfer training aid formed, preferably, of a synthetic turf. A first swing channel is defined by an area between opposing uprights projecting from an upper surface of the mat. A second swing channel is defined by a cut-away portion of the mat. The first swing path permits a golfer to practice a swing on the mat. The second swing path permits a golfer to practice a swing on any of a variety of surfaces including natural, manufactured or constructed which are exposed through the cut-away portion. The second swing path may also be defined by opposing rows of uprights. A golfer is aided in visualizing and executing a proper golf swing by the visual and physical cues afforded by the first and second swing channels of the golfer training aid.

Abstract: A sleeve includes an inner sleeve part securely fitted on a handle end portion of a golf club, and two outer sleeve parts; the inner sleeve part has circular concavities spaced apart on an outer side thereof; the outer sleeve parts are positioned around the inner sleeve part, and each stuck to the inner sleeve part at two ends thereof in a sealing manner such that an air containing sealed room is formed between it and the inner sleeve part, making the sleeve capable of functioning like an air cushion with increased capability to absorb reaction force from hitting a golf ball.

Abstract: A metal wood golf club head adapted for attachment to a shaft, comprising of a body portion and a crown portion, each portion constructed of a different density material. Combining a high-density material in the body portion, with a low-density material in the crown portion, creates an ultra-low center of gravity relative to the geometric face center, resulting in higher launch angles and spin rate ratios. The material for the crown portion is preferably a composite. The crown portion comprises an inner surface layer of a vibration dampening and acoustical attenuating material. The transverse surfaces of the crown and body portions creating a gap that is filled with a shock absorption material such as putty or a rubber based structural adhesive.

Abstract: A golf club head (20) having a body (22) with a front wall (30) with an opening (32) and a striking plate insert (40) is disclosed herein. The striking plate insert (40) has a substrate base layer (40a) and a second layer (40b). The second layer (40b) is preferably composed of a nickel-iron alloy material. The golf club head (20) preferably has a volume between 200 cubic centimeters and 600 cubic centimeters. The golf club head (20) preferably has a mass between 140 grams and 215 grams.

Abstract: A golf club head includes a hollow body with a side hole, a striking face securely connected to the hollow body to cover the side hole, a baffle formed inside the hollow body to be near to a peripheral edge defining the side hole so as to define between the striking face and the baffle a receiving space and a shock absorbing material inserted into the receiving space and securely attached to side walls defining the receiving space.

Abstract: Disclosed is a photochromic golf ball with a one- or multi-piece structure, which comprises a photochromic compound. The photochromic golf ball reversibly changes between two different color states according to exposure to U.V. radiation associated with direct sunlight. The photochromic golf ball is white when it is shielded from direct sunlight, but changes in color when it is directly exposed to direct sunlight. In a golf ball structure having a core, an outer cover, and a transparent coating, the photochromic compound is present either in the outer cover or the transparent coating.

Abstract: A putting training device used to teach a new method of putting that teaches the golfer to swing the putter along a target line that extends between the golfer and the hole and to adjust the angle of the putter head to match the final slope angle of the putting green. The device includes an elongated planar member with a longitudinally aligned target line indicator, a plurality of left and right swing-force indicators, and a putter head angle scale printed thereon. The planar member lays flat on the ground and is aligned so that the target line indicator is longitudinally aligned with the target line that points directly to the hole. The user then determines the final slope angle of the green and then identifies a reference line on the putter head angle scale that matches the final slope angle. The user then swings the putter with the face maintained in an opened or closed position that matches the selected reference line.

Abstract: A practice batting training apparatus is disclosed, which can accurately and consistently deliver balls to a desired location at a desired speed. The apparatus includes a base with a removable a post, and at least one feeder hingedly attached to the post for delivering various size balls to a desired location at a desired speed. The feeder can be adjusted to achieve different heights and speeds helping batters develop timing and hitting skills.

Abstract: A basketball breakaway goal release apparatus, is designed to allow a basketball rim to pivot down under excessive pressure and reset to a normal horizontal playing position. The basketball breakaway goal release apparatus includes 1) a main support base assembly; 2) a basketball goal support assembly pivotally connected along an upper rear edge to the main support base assembly and 3) a positive release actuator mechanism operably mounted to the main support base assembly and the basketball goal support assembly. The positive release actuator mechanism includes a rocker arm assembly pivotally connected at one end to the main support base assembly and engageable with a roller track assembly under adjustable force of a compression spring member. After excess pressure is applied, the rocker arm assembly pivots relative to the roller track assembly to allow the downward pivotal movement of the basketball rim assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is a game and table for playing table tennis with six players simultaneously. Each side of the table includes a pair of lobes formed by angled edges, having arcuate edges and being arranged on either side of a central region that defines a playing surface upon which a central player or center plays. Wingmen stand behind the arcuate edges and play on either side of the center.

Abstract: A head of a lacrosse stick including a frame defining a back stop wall at one end, a scoop wall at an opposite end and side walls therebetween. A plurality of fingers are spaced along the interior face of the back wall and side walls respectively. Each of the fingers protrude outwardly from the interior face of the back wall and side walls respectively and include an outer sloped surface adapted to guide and direct a lacrosse ball into the pocket of the head. Each of the fingers also include a lower sloped shoulder adapted to hold the lacrosse ball in the head and guide and direct the ball between the back wall and the scoop wall. In one embodiment, the length of the fingers increases between the back wall and the side walls to define a pocket for the ball and then decreases along the side walls in the direction of the scoop wall to define a ball ramp.

Abstract: A lacrosse head comprising a frame, a pocket attached to the frame, and at least one energy absorbing element engaging the frame to absorb energy from an impact to the pocket. Preferably, the frame, which includes a scoop, a throat, and sidewalls, includes energy absorbing elements positioned proximate to the throat and along the sidewalls of the frame. The energy absorbing elements can be positioned on an external surface of the perimeter of the frame. The frame includes pocket attachment apertures and the energy absorbing elements include apertures, wherein the apertures on the energy absorbing elements are substantially aligned with the pocket attachment apertures to secure the energy absorbing elements to the frame.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a bat comprising a handle portion, a transition portion attached to the handle portion, and a barrel portion attached to the transition portion. The barrel portion includes one or more first cross-sections having a first stiffness and a plurality of second cross-sections having a second stiffness. Each first cross-section is beside one second cross-section or between two of the second cross-sections and the first stiffness is greater than the second stiffness. The variance in stiffness between the first cross-sections and the second cross-sections is created by varying the amount of material in the cross-section or by, more accurately, removing material in the second cross sections to make the second cross-sections more flexible by creating slots.

Abstract: A chain drive having a phaser such as a hydraulic vane phaser interposed between a timing chain and a driving or driven shaft is provided. The phaser or the vane are controlled to oscillate more at certain engine speeds to thereby reduce the tensioning force on the chain at the certain engine speeds.

Abstract: A two-mode, compound-split, electro-mechanical transmission utilizes an input member for receiving power from an engine, and an output member for delivering power from the transmission. First and second motor/generators are operatively connected to an energy storage device through a control for interchanging electrical power among the storage device. The transmission employs three planetary gear sets that cooperate with a plurality of torque transmitting devices to provide two distinct gear trains or power paths corresponding to two modes of electrically variable operation in which the speed ratio between the input member and the output member varies with the speed of at least one of the motor/generators. The torque transmitting devices are selectively engageable to provide six discrete, fixed speed ratios.

Abstract: An electric drive unit for a motor vehicle comprises an electric motor having a motor housing, a stator mounted in the motor housing and having coil-wound poles, a rotor arranged internally of the stator with an air gap present between the stator and the rotor, and a planetary gear system having a sun wheel, a planet carrier, planet wheels and a ring gear. The planet wheels have a maximum diameter and axial positioning that an imaginary common envelope cylinder for all maximum diameters of the planet wheels is located radially inside of the winding heads present on one axial side of the stator and axially beside the portion of the rotor adjoining the air gap and that the planet wheels project in axial direction outwardly beyond said winding heads either not at all or with less than 50% of their tooth width in engagement with the sun wheel.

Abstract: A hybrid powertrain system includes a first prime mover having an output, a multi-ratio transmission having an input, and a second prime mover having an output connected to the first prime mover output through a first power path and to the transmission input through a second power path. The first power path receives power from the second prime mover during a first operating mode to drive rotation of the transmission input and the second power path receives power from the second prime mover during a second operating mode to drive rotation of the first prime mover output. The second prime mover output is configured to rotate in a first direction in the first operating mode to transmit power to the first power path and in a second direction in the second operating mode to transmit power to the second power path.

Abstract: A gear unit includes a planet gear rotatable about a sun gear and supported by a planet carrier, the planet carrier including an annular formation for flow of lubricant and which is substantially concentric with the major axis about which the planet carrier is rotatable, and the gear unit including a housing having at least one lubricant supply position provided at a position radially aligned with the annular formation of the planet carrier as considered relative to the major axis about which the planet carrier rotates, and the planet carrier including flow paths for flow of lubricant from the annular formation to a planet gear bearing. The invention also discloses a method of lubricating a gear unit.

Abstract: A differential unit (102) is provided with a ring gear (10) that meshes with an output gear (21) of a transmission (101), an axle shaft (105) that is connected to front wheels, and a drive gear (11) that is fixed by screws to a plurality of boss portions (3e) and spaced apart from the ring gear (10). A transfer unit (103) disposed rearward of the differential unit (102) is provided with a driven gear (20) that meshes with the drive gear (11). Drive force is transmitted from the driven gear (20) to a propeller shaft (104), and the propeller shaft (104) transmits the drive force to rear wheels. First material-removed portions (12) made of concave portions are formed in an inner circumference of a portion of a case (1) to which the axle shaft (105) is mounted. Second material-removed portions (13) made of concave portions that extend in an axial direction of the axle shaft (105) are formed between the plurality of boss portions (3e).

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: The invention relates to a guide washer assembly (1) of a planet carrier for a planetary transmission having two guide washers (2, 3) which are interconnected via adequate connecting elements and held parallel at a distance from each other, the connecting elements being integral component parts of at least one of the two guide washers (2, 3). For reducing the assembly, production and storage costs and, at the same time, ensuring the durability of the guide washer assembly (1), the invention provides for the connecting elements (4, 5, 6) to be formed as dents (7) in at least one of the two guide washers (2, 3).

Abstract: A one-way clutch includes an outer member with inner teeth; an inner member rotatably retained in the outer member concentrically with the same and having a depression formed in an outer circumference thereof; at least one planet gear loosely and rotatably retained in the depression and engaging the inner teeth; and a removed portion formed in the outer circumference of the inner member adjacent the depression. When the inner member rotates in one direction with respect to the outer member, the planet gear freely rotates inside the depression. When the inner member rotates in an opposite direction with respect to the outer member, a part of teeth of the planet gear engages the removed portion. The planet gear is retained in the depression via a moving-range regulating member for regulating a moving range of the planet gear in radial and circumferential directions.

Abstract: A vehicle control apparatus is provided to synchronize the engine rotational speed during a gear shifting operation of a transmission by feedback-controlling the engine rotational speed at a level of response that is well-suited to the needs of the driver. When the transmission downshifts under conditions in which a brake switch is OFF and an accelerator pedal is completely released, the feedback gain used to feedback-control the engine rotational speed is set in such a manner that the engine rotational speed converges in a stable manner toward a target rotational speed (synchronization rotational speed) and gear shift shock is alleviated. Meanwhile, when the transmission downshifts under conditions in which the brake switch is ON or the accelerator pedal is depressed, the feedback gain is set in such a manner that the engine rotational speed approaches the target rotational speed quickly and a high gear shift response is ensured.

Abstract: Regarding torque reduction control of an engine started during an upshift, a reference deviation is set on the basis of a predetermined vehicle parameter. Accordingly, when the current turbine speed is within the reference deviation from the target turbine speed, the torque reduction control of the engine is finished.

Abstract: A shift operation control system for an outboard motor, which is capable of reducing a load acting on a shift operation lever during a shift operation and a shock occurring during the shift operation, to thereby facilitate the shift operation. The shift operation by the shift operation lever (21) is continuously detected by a shift position detector (24), and when an early stage of the shift operation from the forward position to the neutral position or from the reverse position to the neutral position is detected and at the same time the engine speed at the detection is not less than a predetermined value, engine output reduction control is carried out, and when the shift position detector (24) detects that the shift position has been switched to the neutral position, the engine output reduction control is canceled.

Abstract: The normal control of an electrically-activated hydraulic valve armature is overridden to automatically and periodically open the armature for flushing out debris that has accumulated between the armature and a seat that the armature is designed to engage. The valve develops fluid pressure for maintaining engagement of a motor vehicle transmission clutch, and when excessive slippage of the clutch is detected, the armature is forced into engagement with the seat until the slippage is reduced or a predetermined period of time has elapsed, after which the armature is temporarily positioned away from the seat to provide full flow of hydraulic fluid across the seat to flush out debris that prevents the armature from engaging the seat. During Neutral operation of the transmission, the armature is continuously positioned away from the seat, and during low torque conditions the armature is temporarily positioned away from the seat.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for distributing brake torque between at least one first and one second brake device on a motor vehicle including at least two wheel pairs. The first brake device is a friction brake which acts on at least one wheel pair and the second brake device acts on at least the driven wheel pair via the transmission and is disposed before the clutch device of the transmission. Brake torque is distributed between the first and the second brake device in a manner that compensates for the loss of brake torque which occurs when the second brake device is disengaged by the clutch device of the transmission.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus has a linkage assembly which links rotation of an adjustable length crank to generally elliptical movement of a force receiving member. The linkage assembly includes a first link having a rearward end which is rotatably connected to the crank, and a forward end which is rotatably connected to a lower end of a suspended link. An upper portion of the suspended link is rotatably connected to the exercise apparatus frame.

Abstract: A variable stride exercise apparatus is described. A variable stride exercise apparatus may include a frame. A crank system may be coupled to the frame. A foot member may be coupled to the crank system. The foot member may include a footpad. A variable stride system may be coupled to the foot member. The variable stride system and the foot member may be coupled such that at least a portion of the variable stride system is under at least a portion of the footpad. The variable stride system may allow a user of the apparatus to vary the length of the user's stride during use of the apparatus. The foot of the user may travel in a substantially curvilinear path during use of the apparatus. At least a portion of the apparatus may remain substantially stationary during use.

Abstract: A portable, fully adjustable punching bag exercise system is disclosed whereby a punching bag structure is releasably mounted to the waist of a user and is fully adjustable to any height or distance in front of the user for use in physical training. The punching bag is supported in any orientation via attachment to a spring means which is adjustable in order to control the speed or action of the bag to suit users of varying skill levels. A preferred embodiment also has an optional rebounding means that is fully adjustable for the further control of the effective speed or action of the bag by adjusting the maximum angular deviation of the bag relative to its support mechanism at which the bag is caused to bound back toward the user. Alternative embodiments include resistance straps which elastically couple the belt assembly to the user's hands in order to provide resistance to the punching motion for enhanced physical training and a multi-bag design which provides for enhanced dexterity training.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus in which movement of a weight by the user generates a vibration which acts on the muscles being exercised.

Abstract: A training device for figure skaters and other athletes includes an elongate bungee-type cord, and a clipping mechanism with two normally closed loops secured to one end of the cord. At the other end, the cord is secured to itself to form a loop designed to accommodate the user's wrist. With the loop on the wrist and with the other end of the cord secured to the skate or other footwear by the clipping mechanism, the user practices gliding, spinning, twisting, or jumping maneuvers. The elasticity of the cord is selected to provide a gentle tensile force that guides the relative positioning of the linked hand and foot as the maneuvers are performed, to positively reinforce the correct positioning for the maneuvers.

Abstract: Apparatus for sealing a cylindrical roll with respect to a trough in which the roll is disposed is disclosed, the apparatus comprising an end seal applied to the end surface of the cylindrical roll, a longitudinally extending seal applied to the barrel-shaped outer surface of the cylindrical roll, and a spring for dynamically urging the end seal against the end surface of the cylindrical roll and against the longitudinally extending seal.

Abstract: A fastener includes first and second tracks. The first track includes a first profile, and the second track includes a second profile for interlocking with the first profile. The fastener extends between opposing ends. The first and second profiles at each of the opposing ends are sealed to each other using a laser. In one embodiment, the fastener is initially continuous and is subsequently divided into segments by simultaneously cutting and sealing the fastener at spaced target locations using the laser. The segments are associated with respective plastic bags. At each of the target locations, the laser directs a laser beam at the fastener such that the laser beam cuts through the first and second profiles and simultaneously seals the first and second profiles to each other on opposite sides of the cut. The seals on the opposite sides of the cut terminate respective ends of adjacent ones of the segments.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for folding a nonwoven web without mechanical contact against a folding surface. A first portion of the nonwoven web is secured to a collector by vacuum and a positive pressure differential is applied to a second portion of the moving nonwoven web. An unbalanced lifting force applied by the positive pressure differential causes the first portion to fold along a longitudinal fold line extending in a machine direction and to assume an overlapping relationship with the second portion. The vacuum assists in the folding process and maintains the overlapping relationship until the nonbonded nonwoven web is consolidated. One or more elastic strands or bands may be captured in the space defined between the overlapped first and second portions.

Abstract: A folding gear is comprised of a cylinder that is mounted to a frame for rotation. At least one clamp is arranged on the outer surface of the cylinder. The at least one clamp can be positioned by an actuator which includes a flexible toothed shell that is shaped by a non-circular section of a shaft. A hollow gear engages this flexible shell and cooperates with it to form a harmonic drive gear.

Abstract: A paper folding machine is provided including a housing having upper and lower fold plates constructed for quick and easy removal of the upper plates from the machine so that repairs can be made. The plates include a paper stop and an adjuster connected to the paper stop for adjusting the position of the paper stop. The upper plate partially encloses a work area and the upper plate has a slot for receiving the adjuster therethrough for easy adjustment and/or removal of the upper plate.

Abstract: A culture/centrifugal tube includes a tube and a cap. The cap has a disk portion and an annular portion that define an annular groove therebetween. The annular groove opens at a position level with the surface of the disk portion. The open end of the tube extends into the annular groove, with the open end of the vessel in abutment against the surface of the disk portion when the cap is fully engaged on the tube. An angle rotor that is used in a centrifuge is formed with an accommodation hole that receives the culture/centrifugal tube. The accommodation hole including a smaller-diameter tube accommodating portion that accommodates the tube and a larger-diameter cap accommodating portion that accommodates the cap. The cap accommodating portion includes a region that entirely encompasses a corresponding portion of the outer periphery of the annular portion of the cap.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for applying vacuum near to devices for delivering treatments to tissue adjacent a body cavity, effective to draw adjacent tissue near to such devices and to enhance treatment of the tissue. Body cavities include natural body cavities and cavities remaining after removal of tissue such as cancerous tissue. A device may include an inner balloon assembly with an inflation conduit. A sheath assembly having a fluid-permeable sheath wall may enclose the inner balloon assembly. Vacuum applied to the space between the sheath and the inner balloon is useful to draw tissue into contact with the device, improving treatment effectiveness. Methods for treating tissue with such devices and systems are also provided. Treatments may include providing radioactive material for radiation treatment, providing chemotherapeutic material for chemotherapy, providing thermal treatment, and combinations thereof. Systems may include devices of the invention and a vacuum source.

Abstract: An implanted microphone is provided that has reduced sensitivity to vibration and attendant acceleration forces. In this regard, the microphone differentiates between the desirable and undesirable components of a transcutaneously received signal. More specifically, the present invention utilizes an output that is indicative of acceleration forces acting on the implanted microphone (e.g., an acceleration signal) to counteract and/or cancel the effects of acceleration induced pressures in an output signal of a microphone diaphragm. This may be done in a variety of ways, including but not limited to, pneumatically, mechanically, electrical analog, or digitally, or combinations thereof. In one arrangement, the generated output may be filtered to match the an acceleration response of the output signal of the microphone diaphragm such that upon removal of the motion signal from the microphone output, the remaining signal is an acoustic signal.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for using the apparatus are disclosed for cardiac restraint. More specifically, the apparatus and methods are directed to accessing the pericardium, accessing the heart within the pericardium, and restraining the heart by at least partially enclosing the heart with the apparatus. An embodiment of a cardiac restraint apparatus according to the present invention comprises a jacket, the jacket having a rim which defines an opening for receiving a heart. The apparatus also comprises a knot pusher that has a hollow elongate body, as well as a strand that extends around the rim of the jacket and is tied into a slipknot. The strand is positioned such that at least one end portion of the strand extends through the knot pusher such that a distal end of the knot pusher can be moved into engagement with the slipknot, whereby pulling the end portion of the strand away from the heart while pushing the knot pusher against the slipknot and reducing the diameter of the opening defined by the rim.

Abstract: A method and device are disclosed for treating congestive heart disease. The material of the device is secured to the heart proximate the septal wall. The material covering the ventricles may or may not have the same tension and or compliance. The device can be constructed as a unitary “jacket” that is slipped over the apex of the heart. Alternately, the device implanted as one, two or more separate components. In one embodiment, the material covers both the left and right ventricles. In another embodiment, the material covers only one ventricle. The device may include at least one adjustment mechanism configured to adjust the tension of the material.

Abstract: A pill inserted into a body of a patient acquires in-vivo information on the body of the patient. A receiver disposed on the outside of the body receives the in-vivo information on the body of the patient from the pill through an antenna. When a power supply signal is transmitted from the receiver to the pill through the antenna, a drive control signal for making the pill to execute a predetermined function is superposed on the power supply signal, which makes it possible to control various functions performed by the pill from outside.

Abstract: A structure having a proximal open end for inserting a treatment instrument into a channel of the insertion portion that opens to a display panel side, and is provided on the frame of the display portion, wherein the treatment instrument inserted from the proximal open end (forceps-port) that extends out from the open end of the distal portion.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention provides a laryngoscope comprising a blade; a doployable mirror, and an operating mechanism, the operating mechanism being arranged to deploy the mirror. The mirror is pivotable with respect to the blade and the arrangement is such that an initial operation of the operating mechanism causes the mirror to be deployed while further operation of the operating mechanism causes the mirror to be pivoted with respect to the blade. In the preferred embodiment, the blade has a pivotable tip which is also operable by the operating mechanism. The deployment of the mirror, the pivoting of the mirror 30 and the pivoting of the tip 18 can all be performed by operation of a single operating mechanism, preferably in the form of a simple lever. The laryngoscope may therefore readily be operated using only one hand and without the need for any dextrous finger movements.

Abstract: A surgical device for use in minimally invasive surgery in which body cavity is accessed by a surgeon though an access port defined by the device, the device including a body cavity engagement feature for insertion into the incision to locate the device in position, fixing feature with a ring that attaches the device to the patient's skin, and a toroid cell having a bladder filled with a liquid or a gel to prevent substantial leakage of gas from the body cavity and formed to mould about a substantial portion of a surgeon's hand or surgical instrument on insertion.

Abstract: An instrument useful in performing lumbar arthrodesis with a minimal approach which spares the lumbar muscles from surgical disruption and includes one of two retractor designs having blades angled approximately 90° with respect to each respective retractor handle. One blade is bent at an end portion thereof in a direction away from the handle portion. The other blade has first and second blade faces, with the second face having at least two toothed structures located thereon.

Abstract: A method of detecting lie detection including the steps of first conditioning the subject to produce an involuntary physiological response triggered when the subject provides false statements; and secondly asking the subject to state whether each of series of statements presented to the subject are true. As the subject answers, the subject is monitored for the conditioned involuntary response. Detecting whether the subject is providing false statements is based on whether the involuntary response is observed during these answers. A system (19) for lie detection includes a computing device (21), a controller (40), and at least one conditioning interface (42, 44).

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. A transmitter and receiver for produces and transmits signals. The medical monitor is in communication with the sensors, by which information on biological activity and states is stored on the at least one disk drive. An enclosure surrounds the at least one hard disk drive, where the enclosure includes sound-proofing materials.

Abstract: Techniques for controlling one or more modular circuits (“satellites”) that are intended for placement in a subject's body. The one or more satellites are controlled by sending signals over a bus that includes first and second conduction paths. Also coupled to the bus in system embodiments is a device such as a pacemaker that provides power and includes control circuitry. Each satellite includes satellite circuitry and one or more effectors that interact with the tissue. The satellite circuitry is coupled to the bus, and thus interfaces the controller to the one or more effectors, which may function as actuators, sensors, or both. The effectors may be electrodes that are used to introduce analog electrical signals (e.g., one or more pacing pulses) into the tissue in the local areas where the electrodes are positioned (e.g., heart muscles) or to sense analog signals (e.g., a propagating depolarization signal) within the tissue.