Abstract: An elastic shaft joint is constituted of a joint member, a shaft member being fitted in a shaft of the joint member, and an elastic bush having a cylindrical inner sleeve fitted and fixed on the joint member, a cylindrical elastic member fixed on an outside surface of the inner sleeve, and a cylindrical outer sleeve fixed on an outside surface of the elastic member, for elastic torque transmission between the joint member and the shaft member, wherein the outer sleeve is fixed on the shaft member.

Abstract: A fixed type constant velocity universal joint having an outer joint member having eight arcuate guide grooves extending in the axial direction in an inner spherical surface, an inner joint member having eight arcuate guide grooves extending in the axial direction in an outer spherical surface. Eight balls are disposed between the guide grooves of the outer joint member and guide grooves of the inner joint member. A cage is interposed between the outer and inner joint members for retaining the balls. A center of the guide grooves of the outer joint member is offset from the center of the inner spherical surface, and the center of the guide grooves of the inner joint member is offset from the center of the outer spherical surface by an equal distance to opposite sides in the axial direction. A relation of 0.45?B/A?0.65 is established, where A represents the wall thickness of the cage, and B represents the radial displacement of balls at a maximum joint angle.

Abstract: A child swing includes a foldable support stand, a child seat and a locking device. The support stand includes two front support legs, two rear support legs, and two first coupling housings interconnecting the front and rear support legs such that the rear support legs can pivot toward the front support legs. Two swing arms are connected respectively and pivotally to the first coupling housings. Two second coupling housings are connected respectively and fixedly to lower ends of the swing arms. Two U-shaped support rods are connected to the second coupling housings, and are pivotable toward each other. The locking device locks the child seat releaseably on the U-shaped support rods.

Abstract: A battery compartment is supported on the frame apparatus of a child's swing at a location that is remote from the electric motor powering the operative movement of the seat assembly. The battery compartment is located within a mounting housing mounted on a rear leg of the frame assembly where a corresponding front leg is detachably connected to the rear leg. The battery array housed in the battery compartment is connected to the remote electric motor by wiring positioned within the interior of the rear leg interconnecting the mounting housing in which the battery compartment is located and the housing in which the electric motor is located. The battery compartment is positioned below the top surface of the seat member in which an infant would be positioned and rearwardly of the seat member due to the curved configuration of the rear legs of the frame assembly.

Abstract: An attachment apparatus provides a quick connection of the hanger tubes for a child's swing seat assembly to the pivot member of a drive mechanism powering the reciproal movement of the seat assembly. The shape of the mating attachment members, including a rounded upper portion and linear side portions, provides an intuitive and effective mounting apparatus for a swing seat assembly that can be accomplished simply by sliding the hanger tubes over or into the mating receptacles. A quick disconnect device engages automatically and provides a secure connection between the hanger tube and the receptacle. Removal of the seat assembly requires only a release of the quick disconnect device and a lifting of the seat assembly from the frame apparatus. In one embodiment the linear side portions are angled into a wedge-shape to ensure proper seating and driving connection to transmit torque to the hanger tubes.

Abstract: A bowling ball insert may be installed within a respective one of the finger holes of a bowling ball and includes a sleeve, at least one removable finger pad, and may include at least one spacer. The sleeve is mounted within the finger hole and the finger pad and spacer may be detachably mounted within the sleeve using hook and loop fastener material or the like. The finger pad and spacer may be constructed with various geometric forms and the finger pad may also include various types of outer layers to tailor the finger hole of the bowling ball to the size, fit, and feel preferences of a bowler, in order to improve comfort and control while bowling. The sleeve, spacer, and/or finger pad include notches that enable removal of the finger pad and spacer from the sleeve.

Abstract: A portable golf putting practice kit includes a case member, having a base portion with upstanding walls and a planar bottom surface, and a cover portion hinged to the base portion. The base portion includes one upstanding hinged wall, allowing the hinged wall to pivot outwardly from the base portion and lie flat on a support surface. A cup and ball return insert member is contained within the base portion. The insert member includes a ramp section and a planar plateau section, with the ramp section having an inclined surface extending from the base of the hinged upstanding wall to the planar plateau section. The plateau section includes a cup member with a top opening, a sidewall and a closed bottom end, the cup member extending below the plateau section. Ball return channels extend from the plateau section to the inclined surface at the base of the hinged, upstanding wall. The ball return channels are inclined from the plateau section toward the base of the hinged upstanding wall section.

Abstract: A training aid for monitoring and improving the orientation a golfer's hands while gripping the golf club as well as the golf club itself during the swing thereof, wherein the structure of the training aid is such as to allow it to be removably attached to the golf club and travel therewith during the swing without interfering with the normal path of the golf club during such swing. A base assembly comprises a housing removably connected to the club shaft and a reference assembly movably interconnected to the housing and positionable into an operative position. The reference assembly includes one or more legs disposable radially outward from the housing and into frontal alignment with a longitudinal axis of the golf club when in the operative position such that the one leg and/or an indicator structure thereon is readily observable as the club travels along the swing path.

Abstract: A golf club shaft is attached to a club head hosel by a ferrule system including a ferrule mating member and a ferrule sleeve. The mating member includes an enlarged portion on which the second ferrule is seated and a reduced portion which is seated within the club head hosel. The mating member overlaps axially with the ferrule sleeve and hosel to support the shaft extending therethrough. The reduced portion seats within a recessed annular portion of the hosel and includes radially outwardly extending projections which define flow channels therebetween through which adhesive may flow during assembly.

Abstract: The partial crown portion member comprises: the edge frame made from metal; and the shell body provided inside the edge frame and made from resin enveloping the inner edge of the edge frame. Inside the edge frame, the plural through-holes penetrating the front surface of the edge frame to the rear surface thereof are provided, while the shell body is inserted in the through-holes by casting manner. Since the front and rear surfaces of the inner edge of the edge frame, the through-holes are enveloped by casting manner, the adhesiveness thereof can be enhanced.

Abstract: A golf club head enables the initial velocity of a ball to be increased and enables the carry to be lengthened. In some example structures, the golf club includes a face plate formed from metal and club head body (e.g., a crown and sole) formed from fiber reinforced plastic. A weighted body is provided inside the rearmost portion of the golf club head and a low rigidity portion whose width becomes gradually narrower as it approaches the rearmost portion is provided in the crown extending from the vicinity of the face plate to the rearmost portion.

Abstract: A face or face insert (40) for a golf club head (20) is disclosed herein. The face (40) has an interior surface (40a) with a first thickness section (200) and a second thickness region (205). The first thickness section (200) preferably has a thickness that is at least 0.025 inch greater than the thickness of the second thickness region (205). In a most preferred embodiment, the first thickness section (205) has a X shape. The face or face insert (40) with variable thickness allows for a face or face insert (40) with less mass in a golf club head (20) that conforms to the United States Golf Association regulations.

Abstract: The high spin golf club uses modified grooves for use on all types of known golf clubs, wherein the modified grooves maximizes control of the golf ball through increasing backspin. The high spin golf club's modified grooves can be used alone or in a combination with conventional grooves to tailor the properties of the club face. The modified grooves are of varied configurations and all modified grooves can be used in combination with any other modified or conventional grooves to maximize the backspin of the golf ball and tailor the spin properties of the face of the club. Further a method for making high backspin golf clubs that reduce cover damage of golf balls is disclosed.

Abstract: A golf club head includes a golf club head body having a connecting groove and a filling space, and a striking plate having an annular upright bent wall and a connecting end. In assembling, the connecting end of the annular upright bent wall of the striking plate is initially inserted into the connecting groove of the golf club head body so that an intensified structure is provided. The filling space of the golf club head body is further filled with a braze material. In brazing, the braze material contained in the filling space of the golf club head body is melted and thus filled within a clearance between the connecting groove of the golf club head body and the connecting end of the striking plate to form a welded layer.

Abstract: A golf club head includes a golf club head body and at least one club head component. The golf club head body provides with an assembling opening which includes a welding inner circumference, a supporting bottom periphery and a tapered portion. The club head component correspondingly provides with a welding outer circumference and a rear periphery. In welding, the welding inner circumference of the assembling opening is engaged with the welding outer circumference of the club head component, and the supporting bottom periphery of the assembling opening is further engaged with the rear periphery of the club head component. The tapered portion of the assembling opening is used to form a space for releasing inert gas from a welding portion in welding operation.

Abstract: A wood-type golf club head (40) having a major body (50), a striking plate insert (55) and a minor body (60) is disclosed herein. The major body (50) is composed of a metal material and has a front wall section (72), a return section (74), a sole section (76), a ribbon section (78) and a ledge portion (80). The minor body (50) is preferably composed of a low density material and has a crown section (62) and a ribbon section (64). The striking plate insert (55) is composed of a metal material. An epoxy-based composition (200) is placed at a face-sole junction (205) to lower the amplitude of the sound of the golf club head (40) during impact with a golf ball.

Abstract: A golf club head (20) having optimized inertial properties and center of gravity is disclosed. The golf club head (20) preferably has a volume between 300 cubic centimeters and 500 cubic centimeters. The golf club head (20) has a center of gravity located less than 1.7 inches from an exterior surface of a front wall (30). The positioning of the center of gravity of the golf club head (20) and the optimized inertial properties provide the golf club with greater ball spin robustness and better performance.

Abstract: A golf ball product, or other non-streamlined body, having a dimple pattern in which at least some of the dimples overlap at least one adjacent dimple is disclosed. A new parameter called Overlap Saturation (OS) is disclosed. OS is the ratio of the number of overlap instances on a ball to the maximum possible number for an ideal hypothetical ball with the same number of dimples. Overlap instances are tallied by summing the number of overlapping neighbor dimples for every dimple. Golf ball products employing the disclosed dimple patterns have an increase in total yardage compared to an equivalent product without overlapping dimples.

Abstract: A portable basketball practice system or apparatus and method are shown having a plurality of pads situated on a plurality of adjustable arms that provide a toggle assembly, respectively. A position of the pads can be adjusted relative to a box-out area and can be engaged by a player during a basketball practice or training session. After a pad is engaged and driven away from the box-out area, the other pad is driven toward the box-out area. The player experiences a predetermined amount of resistance in order to simulate “boxing out” during a rebound drill. The apparatus and method may be provided separately or integrally with a basketball backboard and hoop. There is a disclosure of a friction-based swivel assembly that utilizes at least one brake pad for use in a basketball practice system.

Abstract: A reinforced lacrosse head having improved strength includes a pair of opposing sidewall portions each having a top end and a bottom end, a scoop portion extending between the sidewall portions, a base portion extending between the bottom ends of the sidewall portions, and a throat portion extending from the base portion for attachment to a lacrosse handle. This reinforced lacrosse head has one or more reinforcement members that are coupled to one or more portions of the lacrosse head.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shuttlecock comprising a conical crown (2) and a base (3) for hitting. In order to modify the flying characteristics, a preferably toroidal ring (4) which is made of an elastic material is mounted on the shuttlecock (1) in a biased state so as to surround the crown (2). Said ring is preferably retained in a fixed position by means of the rear limit of the base (3) and the forward zone (21) of the crown (2), rear and forward being in relation to the flying direction. The forward zone (21) of the crown (2) can be formed by stems (21), for example. Alternatively, several rings can be provided. The invention allows the flying characteristics of the birdie to be modified in a particularly simple and fast manner. The birdie can be made to fly in a more stable fashion by means of the weight of the ring, for example, resulting in greater speeds and ranges.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for carrying out a drive belt slippage regulation in a continuously variable transmission. A driving disk set and a driven disk set are connected together for torque transfer by an endless torque-transmitting element in which a power ratio between the driving disk set and the driven disk set of a variable speed drive is set as a function of a safety margin value.

Abstract: A bicycle transmission is configured and arranged to improve the durability of the transmission. The transmission basically has a transmission operating device, a support structure, a front input section, an intermediate transmission and a rear output section. The transmission operating device operates the intermediate transmission to change the gear ratio between the front input section and the rear output section. The intermediate transmission has a plurality of drive members arranged to move in the axial direction on an intermediate drive axle in response to its pivotal movement shifting structure. An endless drive member is operatively coupled between a rotatable driving member of the front input section and one of the intermediate drive members. The endless drive member remains substantially in a single plane during shifting of the drive members on the intermediate drive axle.

Abstract: A sprocket of a chain transmission for a bicycle is described, intended to be coupled with a further sprocket with a smaller diameter in a group of sprockets integral in rotation. The sprocket comprises a plurality of teeth which follow each other on the sprocket separated by spaces according to a direction of rotation of the sprocket, in which each tooth has a thickness, a width and a height and has a lead side, a following side, a front side and a rear side. The sprocket has a front bevel on at least one tooth of first disengagement of said plurality of teeth and a rear bevel (60) on at least one tooth of last engagement of said plurality of teeth.

Abstract: A frictional forced power transmission belt transmits power to a pulley with its belt body wound around and in contact with the pulley. At least a contact part of the belt body with a pulley is formed of a rubber composition which contains ethylene-?-olefin elastomer as a rubber component but contains substantially no short fibers and which has a rubber hardness of not less than 80 but less than 95 when measured with a type A durometer in conformity with JIS K6253.

Abstract: An apparatus for compensating the viscous characteristics of a hydraulic medium in a pressure line (10) in which apparatus a pressure nozzle (12) with constant geometry and constant through-flow cross-section is located in the pressure line (10). It is provided according to the invention that in the pressure Line (10) upstream or downstream of the pressure nozzle (12) at least one channel-shaped area (11, 28) is made or situated which, compared to the pressure nozzle (12), has a smaller through-flow cross-section and a larger axial extension and that the control pressure (P_SekV) abutting between the channel-shaped area (11, 28) and the pressure nozzle (12) can be supplied via a control pressure line (13) to a shift valve (14).

Abstract: A drive axle assembly is provided that improves lubrication of the bearing surfaces of the inter-axle differential gears, the side gears meshed with the differential gears, and the input and output shafts. Lubricant splashed from the ring gear is collected and is then distributed by a bearing supporting the output side gear for rotation within the housing for the assembly. The bearing directs lubricant to the differential gears where seals and/or close tolerances retain the lubricant an allow it to flow to the surfaces of the input shaft and the helical side gear disposed about the input shaft. The output side gear disposed about the output shaft may also include a passage allowing lubricant to flow through the gear to the bearing surfaces of the output shaft and output side gear.

Abstract: A simultaneous multiple rotation interface where a series of discs rotate about an eccentric camshaft. Each disc is engaged with the other by a series bearings embedded within each disc. As the camshaft rotates, each disc alternatively engages an outer shell so as to rotate the shell in the same direction as the shaft, albeit at a reduced speed.

Abstract: A device for actuating a reciprocating recovery apparatus for recovery of underground fluid. The actuating device has a centrally aligned input component, that transversely receives an output component through a central aperture, and is engaged with a driving mechanism. Torque is increased about the central output component as a series of axially aligned, but centrally offset, lobes push a corresponding driver disc around the central output at reduced velocity and increased torque. Each driver disc moves in eccentric fashion, yet remains engaged with a corresponding, centrally aligned take off member, each of which is further in combination with the central output component.

Abstract: A differential carrier housing having both reduced weight and improved strength along the operational load path of the housing is provided. The housing includes a hollow rib that extends from a forward end rearward of an outer bearing for an input shaft to a rear end at a flange on the carrier housing that is connected to an axle housing.

Abstract: The drivetrain with multiple differentials includes a common side gear. The side gear has a cylindrical body with a central bore. Receiving members are on the bore to receive a shaft. An annular member is on the body with the bore extending through the annular member. A plurality of teeth is formed on an external surface of the annular member. A plurality of steps is formed in the wall defining the central bore. The steps extend towards the body from the annular member. A retaining mechanism, to retain the side gears on the shaft, is positioned in one of the plurality of the steps.

Abstract: Differential gearing for vehicles, having a gearing input and two gearing output shafts which exit on mutually opposite sides of a differential gearing housing from the differential gearing housing, having a differential holder which is arranged in the differential gearing housing in the area between the gearing output shafts, the differential holder being rotatably disposed in the differential gearing housing by means of a ball bearing arrangement which has a bearing prestress. At least one disk spring is provided which generates the bearing prestress of the ball bearing arrangement.

Abstract: A power train of a 7-speed transmission for a vehicle is provided which comprises a first, a second, and a third single-pinion planetary gear set on an input shaft. A first ring gear and a second planetary carrier, a second ring gear and a third planetary carrier, a third ring gear and a first planetary carrier are respectively fixedly connected. A first brake selectively connects a first sun gear to a transmission case, a second sun gear is fixedly connected to the input shaft to operate always as an input element, and a third brake selectively connects a third sun gear to the transmission case.

Abstract: A power transmission device equipped with a torque biasing system and control system for controlling the torque biasing system is operable to determine a torque command and calculate a torque error based on the torque command and a model-based torque. A control signal is generated based on the torque error and the torque biasing system is operated based on the control signal.

Abstract: An automatic shift control is executed in an automatic transmission with 5 shift speeds of range hold type in the highest gear stage of a shift range at the manual shift mode. Upon selection of a shift mode from the automatic shift mode to the manual shift mode, the shift range at the manual shift mode is selected in accordance with the vehicle speed detected at the automatic shift mode. If the vehicle speed is in the low-speed range, the shift range 3 is selected. If the vehicle speed is in the medium-speed range, the shift range 4 is selected. If the vehicle speed is in the high-speed range, the shift range 5 is selected.

Abstract: A system is provided for controlling the operation of powertrain, including an engine and a torque converter having a torque converter clutch. The system may include a torque governor for controlling a torque output of the engine and a speed governor for controlling a rotational speed of the engine. The system may further include a powertrain controller operable to receive a command selecting between first and second modes of operation. If the command indicates the first mode of operation, the powertrain controller may enable the torque governor and control the torque converter clutch to operate in accordance with a first clutch profile. If the command indicates the second mode of operation, the powertrain controller may enable the speed governor and control the torque converter clutch to operate in accordance with a second clutch profile that is different from the first clutch profile.

Abstract: A fitness method for an exerciser in a format that utilizes a moving surface (the moving belt of a standard treadmill); and two types of fixed surfaces: the first type being the narrow platform edges that run along the right and left sides of the moving belt of standard treadmills; the second type of fixed surface being the floor space immediately surrounding the treadmill 3 to 5 feet out and away from it on all 4 sides, front, back, night and left. The format involves specific movements of the feet that take the practitioner from occupying a position on the moving surface (the moving belt of a standard treadmill) to occupying a position on either of the 2 types of fixed surfaces (the narrow platform edges that run along the right and left sides of the moving belt of standard treadmills or the floor space immediately surrounding the treadmill 3 to 5 feet out and away from it on all 4 sides, front, back, right and left) and back to the moving surface one time or more repeatedly.

Abstract: A quick action lock for vertically adjustable legs of a stilt or workbench utilized by construction workers, as for example, installers of wallboard. The lock includes a pair of horizontally aligned squeeze spring fingers completely positioned within the confines of the telescoping struts of the legs for biasing a pair of stop pegs outwardly into alignable holes formed in such struts.

Abstract: A postural awareness apparatus includes a pad, signal means for producing a signal, detection means for determining a weight applied to the pad and activating the signal means when the weight exceeds a predetermined weight, means for producing an output when the detection means determines the weight, and means for recording the output.

Abstract: A compliant pressure roller (10) for creating uniform pressure at a nip (42) has a stationary inner core (12). A plurality of shoes (14) is pivotally mounted to the stationary inner core. Non-magnetic dividers (16) create a plurality of annular chambers (18) and one shoe occupies one of the chambers. A magneto-rheological fluid fills each of the chambers and a plurality of magnetic field generators (13) changes a magnetic field in each of the chambers. A thin, rotatable shell (24) surrounds the plurality of chambers, shoes, and stationary inner core.

Abstract: A gathering and pressing device for a folded box gluing machine has two machine-width, circulating conveyor belts which are connected to a drive and whose conveying runs are disposed horizontally, one above the other and running parallel to each another. An upper conveying run of the lower conveyor belt being mounted such it can be moved vertically with respect to the lower conveying run of the upper conveyor belt in order to press the folded blanks. Both the lower conveyor belt and the upper conveyor belt having their own drive which includes a servomotor with a resolver connected directly to the respective drive roll.

Abstract: A packaging machine utilizing side connected chains of open bags is disclosed. The machine has loading and closure sections which are moveable between operating and cleaning/service positions. A resistance heater subassembly is removeable to enable washdown.

Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine and related methodology characterized by one or more features including, inter alia, a feeding/connecting assembly which enables an operator to easily vary a characteristic, for example the density, of the cushioning product; a feeding/connecting assembly wherein input and/or output wheels or rollers thereof are made at least in part of an elastomeric or other friction enhancing material, which reduces the cost and complexity of the input and output rollers; a manual reversing mechanism that is useful, for example, for clearing paper jams; a modular arrangement of a forming assembly and feeding/connecting assembly in separate units that may be positioned remotely from one another, as may be desired for more efficient utilization of floor space; a turner bar which enables alternative positioning a stock supply roll; and a volume expanding arrangement cooperative with the feeding/connecting assembly for reducing the density of the cushioning product and increasing product yield.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for treating a patient, including maintaining the patient in a low-frequency, low-intensity magnetic field for an extended period. The frequency of the magnetic field is preferably in the range of from about 40 Hz to about 80 Hz. The intensity of the magnetic field is less than about 2 mT. The patient may preferably use a thermoregulator to select a temperature for treatment, preferably between the temperatures of 65° F. and 100° F. This temperature should be maintained at a uniform temperature over his body, and at a constant temperature over time. The thermoregulator controls heating elements to heat the patient if the patient's body temperature is too low, and controls cooling apparatus, such as fans, air conditioning, or cooling coils, for cooling his patient if the body temperature is too high.

Abstract: One electronic device proper for strengthening the immune system, produces magnetic fields with characteristics which are determined by a multi channel biomagnetometer. The electronic device is including an alternating current output generated by a microcontroller of symmetric square wave signals with a specific frequency which is regulated by one integrated circuit which receives the frequency value from a keyboard or from a computer through a serial port and an interface integrated circuit and supplies a great number of coils, up to 122, with hemispheric or plane arrangement for the production of symmetric square wave signal of magnetic fields. The electronic device is including also a liquid crystal display and a crystal of high constant oscillation for timing of the system.

Abstract: An improved stuttering treatment program provides for a multi dimensional diagnostic procedure for identifying the problems associated with stuttering. A simultaneous attitude modification phase and a speech fluency enhancing techniques phase define a supervised, hands-on exercise portion of the program which is intended to advance the level of speech of a stutter afflicted person to speech fluency. Upon completion of attitude modification and speech fluency enhancing exercises, which raises the patient to speech fluency, a self-discipline phase of the program is provided where the patient supervises himself during speech exercising, monitors and analyzes exercise effect and reports his analysis to speech professionals. The self-supervised exercise is up-dated and communicated to the patient, for preventive maintenance of speech fluency.

Abstract: An ostomy plug is described comprising first and second chambers having adjacent ends coupled to, and in fluid communication with, each other. The first chamber may be for insertion into a stoma. The second chamber may contain fluid for inflating the first chamber when the second chamber is squeezed or otherwise compressed. The plug may have a figure-of-eight configuration. The plug may be configured to permit venting of flatus while obstructing escape of other body waste from the stoma. The plug may incorporate an insertion aid for aiding insertion into a stoma. The plug may also incorporate a device for regulating the inflation pressure of the fluid to avoid undesirably high inflation pressures in the stoma.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for temperature modification of a patient, or selected regions thereof, including an induced state of hypothermia. The temperature modification is accomplished using an in-dwelling heat exchange catheter within which a fluid heat exchange medium circulates. A heat exchange cassette of any one of several disclosed variations is attached to the circulatory flow lines of the catheter, the heat exchange cassette being sized to engage a cavity within one of various described re-usable control units. The control units include a heater/cooler device, a user input device, and a processor connected to receive input from various sensors around the body and the system. The heater/cooler device may be thermoelectric to enable both heating and cooling based on polarity. A temperature control scheme for ramping the body temperature up or down without overshoot is provided.

Abstract: An endoscope 2 has a CCD 9 incorporated in the distal part of an insertion unit 6 thereof. The sensitivity of the CCD 9 can be varied by applying a plurality of pulsating driving signals so as to change an electron multiplication rate. The endoscope 2 is connected to a processor 3 so that it can be disconnected freely. Information representing a type of endoscope stored in advance in a ROM 48 is transmitted to a controller 21 incorporated in the processor 3. The control means 21 uses a CCD sensitivity control means 12 to control the sensitivity of the CCD 9 according to the type of connected endoscope 2. Consequently, a view image of proper brightness can be produced irrespective of the type of endoscope 2.

Abstract: An endoscope inserting direction detecting system receives an endoscopic image, detects an endoscope inserting direction, in which an endoscope should be inserted, on the basis of the endoscopic image and produces information concerning the detected inserting direction. A plurality of detecting algorithms, each of which detect the inserting direction, are included and any of the plurality of detecting algorithms can be selected based on the endoscopic image.