Abstract: The present invention is directed to golf balls having at least one layer formed from a rubber composition comprising a base rubber and from 5 to 100 parts of an oily substance, by weight per 100 parts of the base rubber. The rubber composition may be present in any one or more of a core layer, a cover layer, or an intermediate layer.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core, an intermediate layer, and a cover exhibits a good profile of rebound, feel and durability suited for low head speed amateur players when it satisfies the requirements that (Shore D hardness of the cover)?(Shore D hardness of the intermediate layer)>0, (initial velocity (in m/s) of the core enclosed with the intermediate layer)?(initial velocity (in m/s) of the core)>?0.2, 0.90?(Deflection amount of the core enclosed with the intermediate layer)/(Deflection amount of the core)?1.00.

Abstract: A golf ball having a core, an intermediate layer enclosing the core and a cover enclosing the intermediate layer is characterized in that the core, the intermediate layer and cover is are each made from a specific material. The golf ball is also characterized in that the core has a diameter of at least 36.7 mm but not more than 40.7 mm, the core has a deflection when subjected to a load of 100 kg of at least 3.5 but not more than 6.0 mm, the intermediate layer has a thickness of at least 0.50 mm but not more than 1.50 mm, the intermediate layer has a Shore D hardness of at least 40 but not more than 55, the cover has a thickness of at least 0.50 mm but not more than 1.40 mm, the cover has a Shore D hardness of at least 60 but not more than 70, the golf ball has a deflection when subjected to a load of 100 kg of at least 2.8 mm but not more than 4.5 mm, and the deflection by the core under 100 kg load minus the deflection by the golf ball under 100 kg load is less than 1.0 mm.

Abstract: A golf ball having a core, an intermediate layer enclosing the core and a cover enclosing the intermediate layer is characterized in that the intermediate layer and cover are each made from an ionomer resin-containing thermoplastic resin. The golf ball is also characterized in that the core has a diameter of at least 36.7 mm but not more than 40.7 mm, the core has a deflection when subjected to a load of 100 kg of at least 3.5 but not more than 6.0 mm, the intermediate layer has a thickness of at least 0.50 mm but not more than 1.40 mm, the intermediate layer has a Shore D hardness of at least 40 but not more than 55, the cover has a thickness of at least 0.50 mm but not more than 1.40 mm, the cover has a Shore D hardness of at least 60 but not more than 70, the golf ball has a deflection when subjected to a load of 100 kg of at least 2.8 mm but not more than 4.5 mm, and the deflection by the core under 100 kg load minus the deflection by the golf ball under 100 kg load is less than 1.0 mm.

Abstract: In the present invention, by optimizing the balance of Shore D hardness between the intermediate layer and the cover, the balance of Shore D hardness between the surface and the center in the core, the balance of initial velocity between the core and the sphere, and the balance of Deflection amount between the core and the sphere are optimized, and the total thickness of the intermediate layer and the cover, the inventive golf ball is given a good profile of rebound, feel, controllability and durability.

Abstract: Golf ball 2 has a core 4, a mid layer 6, a reinforcing layer 8 and a cover 10. Base polymer of the mid layer 6 includes an ionomer resin as a principal component. The mid layer 6 has a hardness Hm as measured with a Shore D type hardness scale of equal to or greater than 55. Base polymer of the reinforcing layer 8 is a thermosetting resin. Base polymer of the cover 10 includes a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer as a principal component. The cover 10 has a nominal thickness Tc of equal to or less than 0.6 mm. The cover 10 has a hardness Hc as measured with a Shore D type hardness scale of equal to or less than 54. Ratio (Tr/Tc) of the thickness Tr of the reinforcing layer to the nominal thickness Tc of the cover is 0.005 or greater and 3.0 or less. This golf ball 2 includes dimples 12 having a depth Dp. Thickness Td of the cover 10 immediately below the deepest site of one or more of the dimples 12 is greater than (Tc?Dp).

Abstract: The batter monitoring system is a modified home plate for baseball including a sensor unit to detect whether or not the bat crosses the plate as a hitter swings at a pitched ball and also when a runner crosses the plate. After the pitch, a green light is illuminated to indicate that the batter swung the bat or a red light is illuminated if the batter did not swing the bat. Each player would wear a transmitter which the sensor would detect as it crossed the plate, illuminating the lights and sounding a buzzer to indicate when the device is detected crossing the plate. This allows the umpire to watch the ball coming into the baseman's glove and determine whether the ball arrived before or after he heard the buzzer. The sensor, lights, control unit, and buzzer would be built into the plate, and the plate would be recessed into the ground so that its appearance does not differ from that of a conventional home plate.

Abstract: This invention relates to an integrally weighted baseball cover and system, method and apparatus for quickly delivering the cover and placing it onto an area of a baseball field, such as one or more of the infield areas, such as home base area, first base area, second base area, third base area, pitcher's mound area and/or bullpen areas.

Abstract: The invention involves an arrow system having a shaft having a first end and an insert receptive of a standard point, the insert being disposed completely within the first end of the shaft. An insert installation tool may be used as part of the invention to facilitate insertion of the insert into the first end of the shaft. The invention further includes a reduced diameter hunting arrow shaft that maintains sufficient spine and weight characteristics. The reduced diameter hunting arrow shaft is receptive of standard or non-standard internal components for increasing arrow penetration and shot accuracy. Still further, the invention includes an arrow tip assembly including a male insert and a female point to assist in aligning points with arrow shafts.

Abstract: a linear actuator capable of transmitting tractive forces as well as thrust forces and operating then as a rigid single-piece rod. The linear actuator has two identical actuating belts (1, 1?) with notches on each of their sides (10, 10?; 11, 11?) and provided on one first side (10, 10?) with uniformly spaced blocks (2, 2?) which mesh with drive members (3) such that the two actuating belts (1, 1?) are independent upstream of the drive members (3), whereas downstream of the drive members, they are integrally assembled so as to define a section extending along a straight line wherein the linear actuator operates like a single-piece rigid rod.

Abstract: A planetary gear carrier for a planetary gearset comprising a web for receiving planetary gear pins on which planetary gears of the planetary gearset are disposed, also comprises an oil baffle which axially abuts the web on the side of the web plate facing away from the planetary gears and forms a lubricating oil chamber in conjunction with the web for guiding an amount of lubricating oil into lubricating holes of the planetary gear pin. The web has a locking profile for a positive connection between the planetary gear carrier and a gearbox component, which is axially adjacent to the planetary gear carrier on the side of the web facing away from the planetary gears. The oil baffle comprises a device for axially securing the gear component abutting the planetary gear carrier to the locking profile of the web in a mounted state.

Abstract: In response to a start request of an engine in setting of a gearshift position SP to a drive (D) position, the control procedure sets a relatively small value N1 to a threshold value Nref (step S120) and starts fuel injection and ignition of the engine when a rotation speed Ne of the engine reaches or exceeds the threshold value Nref (=N1) (steps S160 to S180). This ensures a quick start of the engine. In response to a start request of the engine in setting of the gearshift position SP to a parking (P) position, on the other hand, the control procedure sets a greater value N2 than the value N1 to the threshold value Nref (step S140) and starts fuel injection and ignition of the engine when the rotation speed Ne of the engine reaches or exceeds the threshold value Nref (=N2) (steps S160 to S180). This effectively reduces potential vibrations at a start of the engine.

Abstract: An acceleration mode recommended for a vehicle with a continuously variable transmission, within the scope of which, after the shift takes place, the engine speed progress will continue as a function of the speed with a calibrated rotational speed gradient (H), the rotational speed gradient is greater in the acceleration mode than the rotational speed gradient within the scope of a standard driving strategy.

Abstract: An automatic transmission shifter assembly comprises a shift lever support configured for attachment to a vehicle, a shift lever mounted to the shift lever support to shift between transmission gear settings; a brake transmission system interlock (BTSI) comprising a shift lever control member controllable by actuation of a solenoid or other powered actuator to selectively block the shift lever from moving out of the PARK position. An electronic ignition switch, an ignition actuator and an ignition key interlock are mounted to the shift lever support. The ignition key interlock comprises an interlock member controllable by the ignition actuator to selectively block the solenoid from moving the shift lever control member to the unblock position.

Abstract: A drive unit for a motor vehicle, comprising a drive engine, a transmission having an intermediate shaft with intermediate shaft brake, and a friction clutch which is engaged between the engine and the transmission and which, via an electronic control unit, is operated by an operating cylinder. A torque transmitter is provided, which detects input torque to the transmission. The control unit is arranged so as, on predetermined occasions, when the transmission is in the neutral position, the friction clutch is disconnected and the intermediate shaft brake is applied, gradually to engage the friction clutch and to register and store, as a function of the position the operating piston of the operating cylinder, the torque measured by the torque transmitter.

Abstract: An arm motion assembly for an exercise device includes a first link which is pivotally affixed to a frame portion of the exercise device at a first pivot point so as to be capable of reciprocal motion thereabout. The assembly includes a second link which is pivotally affixed to a second frame portion of the exercise device at a second pivot point separated from the first pivot point so that the second link is capable of reciprocal motion about the second pivot point. The assembly includes a connector link which extends between the first link and the second link. The connector link is pivotally joined to the first link at a first junction point and to the second link at a second junction point so that when one of said first links and said second links reciprocates about its respective pivot point the connector link causes the other of said links to pivot about its respective pivot point. The assembly includes a handgrip which is affixed to the connector link or to one of the first and second links.

Abstract: The invention is an exercise device comprising (i) a frame, (ii) first and second foot supports operably associated with the frame for traveling in a forward and backward direction along a closed loop path relative to a transverse axis defined by the frame, (iii) a means effective for sensing the direction of travel of the foot supports along the closed loop path as between the forward and the backward directions, and (iv) a means for automatically adjusting the stride length and/or stride height of the closed loop path traveled by the foot supports based upon the sensed direction of travel of the foot supports.

Abstract: In order to provide rehabilitation, physiotherapy and maintain suppleness, an exerciser is provided in which a skid with a slide or movement surface is provided on one side and a grip on the other in order that a user can perform controlled oscillatory motions by resting a limb upon the grip. In such circumstances, for example, bed ridden patients recovering from hip or other joint replacement surgery can initially conveniently perform oscillatory motions, the extent of which can be progressively controlled to improve mobility. The exerciser can also be used for recuperative muscle development and maintenance of suppleness with regard to limb and joint movements.

Abstract: An aspect of the invention involves a method of using a collapsible exercise device including providing a collapsible exercise device; positioning a first end of an adjustable incline at a desired height with respect to a vertical support member so that the adjustable incline is at a desired inclination; moving first and second combination pulley-support and pull-up bars to a desired position; moving first and second pulleys connected to the first and second combination pulley-support and pull-up bars to a desired location; and moving a support platform along the adjustable incline through cable movement through the first and second pulleys on the combination pulley-support and pull-up bars.

Abstract: An exercise device for strengthening muscles used in horseback riding includes a handle and a base having opposed surfaces. An elongated arm has a joint between a first and a second section. The first section is affixed to the handle at an outer end, and the second section is affixed to the base at an outer end. The joint permits angular movement between the first and the second section in a plane generally parallel to planes defined by the base surfaces. The first and the second section are bendable between a first and a more-acute second angle. In use, a user lies substantially prone and grasps the handle, places one heel against each of the base surfaces, and draws the base toward his/her trunk using heel pressure, thereby bending the arm from the first angle to the second angle.

Abstract: Novel apparatus and methods enhance the ability of a rowing machine to provide a full body workout by increasing the range of movement possible during a rowing stroke, thereby producing increased strength, muscle mass and/or range of movement. These benefits are achieved by use of, in conjunction with a rowing machine, a handle assembly uniquely configured such that, when a user of the rowing machine grasps the handle assembly and performs an exercise routine which includes a pull phase of a stroke, the handle assembly defines a space in which the body of the user may be received during the pull phase. As a result, the user may extend the pull phase of the stroke.

Abstract: A method of tucking a pair of side panels into a body portion of a pant-like garment in which the fold locations can be controlled. The garment is positioned between an upper vacuum conveyor and a lower vacuum conveyor. Opposing vacuum zones from the upper and lower conveyors hold a front region of the garment away from a back region of the garment. While the garment is in the opened, or pulled apart, position, the side panels are pushed between the front and back regions toward one another.

Abstract: A surgical retractor includes a pair of small grips that are disposed at the ends of arms that can be moved toward or away from each other. The grips engage and separate the sides of an incision that has been made in a patient. A lifting mechanism that can be attached to one of the arms enables one side of the incision to be raised relative to the other side of the incision. The lifting mechanism includes a clamp that can be connected to the retractor and a foot that is connected to the clamp and which is movable relative thereto. The foot is engageable with the patient such that extension of the foot causes a selected grip to be raised. Retraction of the foot permits the selected grip to be lowered. In the preferred embodiment, the foot is disposed at one end of a notched rack; a rotatable pinion is in contact with the notches to extend and contract the rack; and a pivotally movable pawl permits movement of the rack in one direction and prevents movement of the rack in the other direction.

Abstract: An ambulatory repeater for use in automated patient care and method thereof is presented. At least one sensor is communicatively interfaced to measure and collect patient health information on an ad hoc basis. A cryptographic key is uniquely assigned to an implantable medical device. Authorization to access patient health information stored on the implantable medical device is authenticated using an ambulatory repeater. The ambulatory repeater is interfaced to the at least one sensor and implantable medical device through wireless telemetry and interfaced to an external data processing device through wireless communications. The patient health information is exchanged with the at least one sensor, implantable medical device and external data processing device via the ambulatory repeater.

Abstract: A three dimensional ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system is operated to guide or observe the operation of an invasive medical device (30) in three dimensions. The appearance of the invasive device (30) in the three dimensional ultrasonic image is enhanced to be more readily observable by a clinician. The enhancement is produced by transmitting a greater ultrasonic beam density in a subvolumetric region including the invasive device (30) than in the surrounding portion of the volumetric region (120). The beam density may be uniformly high in the subvolumetric region and uniformly low in the surrounding region, or may taper from a relatively high beam density around the invasive device (30) to a minimum beam density at distances removed from the invasive device (30).

Abstract: A new method is introduced to evaluate the flow through a constriction based on Doppler data and the principle of mass conservation. This principle, properly inserted within a combination of data rearrangements allows the extraction of the complete velocity field and the optimal evaluation of the flow through the constriction. The digital implementation of the method into electronic equipments, like an echographic machine, gives an additional capability of quantifying specific valvular flows and improves diagnostic potential.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for pulse detection based on blood pressure measuring stage is disclosed. Both monitoring of blood pressure and blood vessel pulse are integrated and applied to an apparatus. With the components of the blood pressure monitor, such as an inflatable cuff an air pump and a variable flow valve, with a unique sequential pressure control of reduction and regulation of pressure, not only can blood pressure parameters but also pulse signals under various pressures be measured to provide a complete analysis of blood artery/vessel conditions.

Abstract: A device for and a method of measuring a blood flow of a living body having blood vessels that emit bio-photons and through which blood flows, the device including a detector positioned adjacent to a predetermined portion of the living body for measuring a bio-photon emission from the living body and a processor for analyzing and displaying the blood flow of the living body based on a value of the bio-photon emission.

Abstract: It has surprisingly been found that nasal NO release is greatly increased by the presence of a an oscillating airflow in healthy subjects. Accordingly, a device comprising means for generating and/or maintaining an oscillating airflow is described and suggested for use in the diagnosis of a condition of the upper airways of a human. The invention also encompasses method wherein the concentration and/or flow of at least one gaseous component in nasally exhaled air is determined and recorded in the presence and absence of an oscillating airflow acting on the upper airways or parts thereof.

Abstract: Devices and methods for cooling an electro-mechanical chest compression device. A blower or fan forces air through the device and a metal foil distributes heat. The temperature of the device and the patient is measured and the processor controls the operation of the device based on the measured temperature.

Abstract: A therapeutic system for massage comprises a massage device having an activation cell comprising a hollow pocket at least partially filled with a ferro-magnetic fluid, a permanent magnet suspended in the ferro-magnetic fluid, a coil of electrically-conductive material in proximity to the pocket, and a connection interface to connect the coil to a source of varying voltage and current, and a power source of varying voltage for connecting to the connection interface to drive the activation cell.

Abstract: Apparatus for abrading hair and exfoliating skin. An electric motor drive produces rotation at three transmission outputs. A universal joint connects each motion transmission output to a disk for supporting annular abrasive pads. The abrasive disks and pads are free to swivel to maximize surface contact between the abrasive pad and skin during use.

Abstract: A tubular sleeve (40) comprises an anterior portion (16) of inextensible material that comes to bear against the tibial ridge, and a posterior portion (18) of extensible material covering the region to be compressed. These two portions are connected together along two connection generator lines (20). Inflatable balloons (22) are disposed on the inside face of the anterior portion, being interposed between the inextensible material and the tibial crest. Means (24, 26, 28) are provided for inflating each of the balloons differently to a respective given pressure so as to apply deformation to the anterior portion of the sleeve that is suitable for inducing a traction force that is exerted on the extensible posterior portion; this force is distributed regularly along the generator lines and acts perpendicularly thereto, and consequently leads to compression action on the compressible region of the limb.

Abstract: An apparatus for exercising and supporting an upper limb includes two support modules connected on the first side by a rigid connecting piece. Both support modules have a frame, with a support plate fixed to their upper part. An exercising part is removably attached to the support plate of the first support module. An upper arm support part is articulated in the support plate and an actuator actuates the support part relative to the support plate. The frames of the support modules can be fitted immediately underneath the shoulder joints, the other upper limb being supported on the support plate in such a way that the upper limb exerts a force on the rigid connecting piece. The first upper limb is supported on the exercising part so that the weight of the upper limb exerts a force on the rigid connecting piece, the forces being balanced by the connecting piece.

Abstract: An ankle-foot orthosis including a footplate having a line of progression that extends from a heel portion to a middle portion to a toe portion of the footplate, and a leg support connected to the footplate. The footplate has at least two superimposed and discrete structural layers each having a different length and extending along at least a segment of a length of the footplate. The footplate defines regions with different thicknesses and stiffness. The leg support has a first end portion connected to the heel portion of the footplate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing blood component products. In one embodiment, a plurality of a predetermined type of blood component is harvested from a source of whole blood. At least two on-line yield determination techniques are utilized to determine the yield for the harvested blood components. One is a predetermined yield prediction technique and the second is a predetermined yield monitoring technique, each of which are individually calibrated in relation to a predetermined off-line yield determination technique. The predetermined yield prediction and monitoring techniques each provide the yield for the harvested blood components and each is then utilized to provide a determined yield. Consequently, when the harvested blood components are packaged the determined yield my be associated therewith, thereby providing a blood component product.

Abstract: An ultrasonic driving apparatus consists mainly of a digital oscillatory circuit, an amplifier, a detection circuit, a phase difference detection circuit, a register, a data transfer circuit, and a switching circuit. The digital oscillatory circuit is used to drive an ultrasonic transducer at the resonance frequency of the ultrasonic transducer. The amplifier amplifies a driving signal output from the digital oscillatory circuit. The detection circuit detects the phase ?v of an applied voltage and the phase ?i of an induced current from the driving signal applied to the ultrasonic transducer via the amplifier. The phase difference detection circuit detects a difference between the phases ?v and ?i. The register holds digital frequency data with which a frequency at which the digital oscillatory circuit is oscillated is determined, and changes the digital frequency data. The data transfer circuit transfers the digital frequency data to the register.

Abstract: A system and method to administer a liquid agent into a body cavity of a patient is provided. One exemplary system comprises a lumen disposed into an airway of the patient and a valve assembly coupled to the lumen. The valve assembly comprises a body portion, a first port and a second port. A pump assembly for receiving the liquid agent is coupled to the valve assembly in a fluid tight relationship. The pump assembly provides the liquid to the lumen through the first port of the valve assembly. The liquid along with a portion of secretions generated by the patient are extracted through the lumen and flow out of said valve assembly through the second port for disposal responsive to a natural body function and/or a vacuum from a vacuum source.

Abstract: A drug to be infused into a patient is contained in a syringe or vial having a displaceable plunger for ejecting the drug out through an injection port into an administration set. Motion of the plunger of the drug delivery syringe/vial is controlled by a driver syringe having a piston or plunger for ejecting either a compressible or an incompressible fluid through a flow resistance element. Motive power for the piston of the drive syringe is provided by a constant load spring. A suitable linkage is provided for coupling the piston of the drive syringe to the plunger of the drug delivery syringe. Several types of flow rate control elements for use with the driver syringe are disclosed.

Abstract: A catheter appliance having a catheter in fluid communication with a luer connector is releasably secured to a catheter applicator having a track for slidably mounting a needle carrier module. The needle carrier module includes a hypodermic which extends through the catheter for insertion and which is in fluid communication with a flashback indicator on the module. The catheter applicator includes a needle cavity for containing the hypodermic needle after use.

Abstract: A catheter system and method for intracranial infusion of therapeutic substances to a patient. An anchor formed of generally flexible, elastomeric material is used to mount the catheter to the outer surface of the skull of the patient. The anchor has a through hole for receiving the catheter, a channel, extending substantially from the through hole, into which a portion of the catheter may be inserted to retain the portion substantially parallel to the surface of the skull, and at least one flange for engaging the outer surface of the skull. An anchor clip may be provided to engage the anchor adjacent the through hole to further stabilize the catheter.

Abstract: The absorbent article provides a signal viewable from the top surface of the absorbent article which gives a perception of depth within the absorbent article. This creation of depth perception is accomplished by the use of at least two tones within a color and/or by the use of multiple tones and multiple colors operating together to create a perception of depth within the absorbent article. At least one tone contains a graphic.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide an interlabial pad with which the fitting point can be found with ease and without damaging the interior of the labia in the fitting process. By equipping a transmitting region 20, which transmits the feel of a finger to a wearer's body in the thickness direction of an interlabial pad, on the entirety or a part of a belt-shaped region that spans the longitudinal direction central axis of the interlabial pad and extends in the longitudinal direction, an interlabial pad 10, with which the fitting point can be found with ease and without damaging the interior of the labia, can be provided.

Abstract: A method of treating an abnormal biological condition involves the steps of introducing a metal oxide into the vaginal canal and repeating the step of introducing at regular intervals to treat an abnormal biological condition. The abnormal biological condition treated in accordance with the present invention may be symptomatic or asymptomatic. Treating may involve treating at least one of an abnormal fungal, bacterial, biofilm, viral, inflammatory or neoplastic biological condition.

Abstract: A delivery catheter for delivering material(s) into the body of a mammal can include a first elongated member and a second elongated member. At least a portion of the second elongated member can be slidably disposed within a lumen of the first elongated member. The delivery catheter can mix two materials and then introduce the mixed materials into the body of a mammal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing autologous medical treatment to a patient. The apparatus is characterized by its provision of a harvest catheter operatively connected to a pump and a delivery catheter operatively connected to the pump downstream from the harvest catheter, whereby material from the patient's donor site may be delivered to the patient's treatment site. The method is characterized by surgically implanting at least a first end of the harvest catheter and at least a second end of the delivery catheter within the patient's body. The entire apparatus may be implanted within the patient.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the disclosure is directed to an integrated apparatus for delivering energy to a tissue. The integrated apparatus included a housing having a distal end and a tubular structure located within the housing forming a first annulus between the tubular structure and the housing. The tubular structure is configured to accept an energy delivery component and is configured to form a second annulus between the tubular structure and the energy delivery component. The first annulus and the second annulus are configured to communicate with each other proximate to the distal end of the housing.

Abstract: A laser handpiece is disclosed, including a fiber optic end having a non-cylindrical shape and further including a reflector surrounding a portion of the fiber optic end. The reflector is shaped to direct laser energy emitted from the fiber optic end in a direction away from the laser handpiece and toward a treatment site.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for selectively applying electrical energy to a target location within a patient's body, particularly including tissue in the spine. In a method of the invention high frequency (RF) electrical energy is applied to one or more active electrodes on an electrosurgical probe in the presence of an electrically conductive fluid to remove, contract or otherwise modify the structure of tissue targeted for treatment. In one aspect, a dura mater and spinal cord are insulated from the electrical energy by an insulator positioned on a non-active side of the probe. In another aspect, a plasma is aggressively formed in the electrically conductive fluid by delivering a conductive fluid to a distal end portion of the probe and aspirating the fluid from a location proximal of the return electrode.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and methods for treating spinal tissue and other body structures in open and endoscopic spine surgery to relieve symptoms, such as neck or back pain. In particular, the present invention provides methods for the controlled heating of various tissues in or around the vertebral column, including various interspinous tissues, such that spinal ligaments and cartilage surrounding the vertebrae and the facet joints are shrunk or tightened to stabilize the vertebral column of a patient. Thermal energy is applied to the target tissue in a subablation mode of an electrosurgical system to cause shrinkage of the tissue, thereby stiffening the interspinous tissue and stabilizing the vertebral column. In an exemplary embodiment, a high frequency RF voltage can be applied between one or more active electrode(s) and one or more return electrode(s) to heat a target interspinous tissue to within a temperature range at which irreversible shrinkage of the tissue occurs.