Abstract: The present invention provides a golf ball which provides a longer ball distance and excellent abrasion resistance while maintaining a soft shot feeling. The golf ball includes a core, and an outer layer wrapping the core, wherein the outer layer is made of a resin composition containing cation-treated phillosilicate. In particular, by use of a resin composition containing the cation-treated phillosilicate for a cover layer, the resultant golf ball exhibits excellent flight performance and abrasion resistance.

Abstract: In a golf ball having a core and a cover of one or more layer which encloses the core, at least one cover layer is made primarily of a mixture of (A) a thermoplastic resin or thermoplastic elastomer and (B) a polyacetal. The golf ball has an excellent durability to repeated impact, and improved resistance to both scuffing and discoloration.

Abstract: This device will train an individual to strike a baseball. It is used for beginners as well as some of the advanced players by allowing the ball to be forced into different directions to simulate various pitching maneuvers.

Abstract: A hockey stick blade has a puck impacting portion with at least one groove extending along the length of the blade. The groove contains a titanium thermoset substantially co-planar with the surface of the blade.

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 holes.

Abstract: A collar for a bat. The bat includes a barrel, a taper extending from the barrel, and a handle extending from the taper opposite the barrel. The handle includes a knob and a grip. The collar is slideably positioned on the grip between the knob and the taper to secure the grip to the handle. The collar includes a circumferential wall, a plurality of securing members positioned on the circumferential wall to engage the grip, and the collar is slideably preferably positioned on the handle between the grip and the taper. The securing members removably secure the collar to the grip and in turn removably secure the grip to the handle.

Abstract: A belt clamping pressure setting device includes: a belt clamping pressure setting unit that sets a belt clamping pressure of a continuously variable transmission that includes an input-side pulley, an output-side pulley, and a belt running between the input-side pulley and the out-side pulley; an input revolution detection sensor that detects a number of input revolutions of the input-side pulley; an output revolution detection sensor that detects a number of output revolutions of the output-side pulley; an input torque detection unit that detects an input torque to the input-side pulley; a reference clamping pressure computing unit that computes a reference clamping pressure, based on the number of input revolutions detected by the input revolution detection sensor, the number of output revolutions detected by the output revolution detection sensor, and the input torque detected by the input torque detection unit; and a belt clamping pressure computing unit that computes the belt clamping pressure to be set

Abstract: A transmission apparatus for a bicycle is capable of performing a transmission operation even while operating or running by the inertia of the bicycle. The transmission apparatus T for a bicycle includes a driving sprocket member rotationally driven by a crankshaft; a multi-stage driven sprocket member drivingly connected to the output shaft cooperatively engaged and rotated with the rear wheel; a chain applied over the driving sprocket member and the driven sprocket member; and a transmission changing-over mechanism M2 for positioning the chain among a plurality of transmission sprockets. The driven sprocket member is integrally arranged to always be rotated, and the one-way clutch for transmitting a rotation of the crankshaft to the driving sprocket member while in its normal rotating direction is arranged in the power transmitting path extending from the crankshaft to the driving sprocket member.

Abstract: A belt for a continuously variable transmission (CVT) includes at least one continuous band supported against a contact face in a slot formed in each of a plurality of transverse elements of the CVT. The band has a surface positioned against the contact face. This surface is coated with chromium nitride by physical vapor deposition to reduce wear.

Abstract: An over-molded beaded driving cable which has an inner core, a plurality of inner core structures. An outer jacket may encompass the inner core and inner core structures. Each of a plurality of outer beads concentrically surrounds an inner core structure. The outer beads are over-molded in this position, forming an interlocking inner core structure and outer bead configuration capable of high load and high flexible performance. An end fitting placed at each end portion of the inner core provides for a driving cable assembly with a variety of end fitting configurations, including a closed loop connection, for automotive and non-automotive applications. Alternatively, the over-molded beaded driving cable has a plurality of clamps and/or pins surrounded by the outer beads respectively. The cables may also be provided with seamless connection structure for forming closed loops.

Abstract: The electrically variable transmission family of the present invention provides low-content, low-cost electrically variable transmission mechanisms including first, second and third differential gear sets, a battery, two electric machines serving interchangeably as motors or generators, and up to five selectable torque-transfer devices, and possibly a dog clutch. The selectable torque transfer devices are engaged singly or combinations of two to yield an EVT with a continuously variable range of speeds (including reverse) and up to four mechanically fixed forward speed ratios. The torque transfer devices and the first and second motor/generators are operable to provide five operating modes in the electrically variable transmission, including battery reverse mode, EVT reverse mode, reverse and forward launch modes, continuously variable transmission range mode, and fixed ratio mode.

Abstract: A rotational drive device includes a drive motor and a drive transmission mechanism that are coupled together via an input coupling. The input coupling includes a coupling body that is coupled and fixed to an output shaft of the drive motor. A vibration damper that projects outward and damps vibration from the drive motor is disposed at an outer peripheral portion of the coupling body.

Abstract: In a drive unit (10) for vehicle seat, in particular for a motor vehicle seat, having at least one motor (12) and at least one gear stage (14) provided on the output side of the motor (12), the gear stage (14) is designed as a switch gear, so that two different directions of rotation of the output (54) can be provided/selected between, while retaining one sole permanent direction of rotation of the motor (12).

Abstract: A powertrain arrangement for selectively operating a vehicle in a skid-steer configuration is provided. The arrangement includes an engine coupled to a differential. A first torque transfer mechanism is coupled to a coupling mechanism and arranged to drive a first set of wheels on a side of the vehicle orientated parallel to a wheelbase of the vehicle. A second torque transfer mechanism is coupled to the differential and arranged to drive a second set of wheels on an opposite side of the vehicle. The coupling mechanism is coupled to the differential and includes a rotation selector arranged to selectively engage an output of the differential to provide a torque input to the first torque transfer mechanism of a direction so as to drive the first set of wheels in one of a same and an opposite direction as the second set of wheels.

Abstract: A drive axle assembly includes first and second axleshafts connected to a pair of wheels and a drive mechanism operable to selectively couple a driven input shaft to one or both of the axleshafts. The drive mechanism includes a differential, a speed changing unit operably disposed between the differential assembly and one of the first and second axleshafts, and first and second mode clutches. The first mode clutch is operable to engage the speed changing unit for reducing the rotary speed of the second axleshaft relative to the rotary speed of the first axleshaft. The second mode clutch is operable to engage the speed changing unit for increasing the rotary speed of the second axleshaft relative to the rotary speed of the first axleshaft. A control system controls actuation of both mode clutches.

Abstract: A transverse differential and a welding method for its producing, in which a differential bolt and a differential case are fixedly connected to one movement-wise. For this purpose, a bolt/case welding is produced in which, material of a differential bolt is fused and is transported or entrained into the preferably likewise fused material of the differential case, and fused entrained material of a differential bolt is solidified in the region of the differential case.

Abstract: Differential assembly and a method of operating the same. The assembly includes a differential case and a pinion housing including a first pinion gear and a second pinion gear positioned substantially therein. A first side gear and a second side gear are operably coupled to the first pinion gear and the second pinion gear. A sliding collar selectively engages at least one of the differential case, the pinion housing, and the first and second side gears. The sliding collar provides at least three engagement modes. The method includes providing a differential case and a pinion housing including a first pinion gear and a second pinion gear positioned substantially therein. A first side gear and a second side gear are provided. At least one of the differential case, the pinion housing, and the first and second side gears are selectively engaged in one of at least three engagement modes.

Abstract: A torque transfer mechanism for controlling the magnitude of a clutch engagement force exerted on a clutch pack that is operably disposed between a first rotary member and a second rotary member includes a hydraulic clutch actuation system. The hydraulic clutch actuation system includes a primary fluid circuit coupled to a secondary fluid circuit by a pressure intensifier. The pressure intensifier provides magnified pressure to a piston for actuating the clutch pack.

Abstract: An automatic transmission including a mechanical reduction gear connected to an input shaft that generates a decelerated rotation smaller than a rotation of the input shaft from a decelerated rotating member and a compound planetary gear for shifting with a first element, a second element, a third element, a fourth element, and a fifth element.

Abstract: A six-speed powertrain of an automatic transmission includes a first single pinion planetary gear set having a first sun gear, two first planet carriers, a first planetary gear, and a first ring gear. A second single pinion planetary gear set has a second sun gear, a second planetary gear, and a second ring gear. A double pinion planetary gear set has a third sun gear, a pair of third planetary gears, and a third ring gear. One planetary gear of the pair of third planetary gears and the second planetary gear are commonly connected by a common planet carrier such that the second and third planetary gears may independently rotate.

Abstract: An automatic transmission includes a first power path producing a first ratio of a speed of the input and a speed of a first power path output; a second power path producing a second ratio of a speed of the input and a speed of the second power path output, the second ratio being is less than the first ratio; a double planetary gear unit including first, second, third and fourth members, the second member being secured to the output; a first clutch being operable to connect the first member to the input through the first power path; a second clutch being operable to connect the fourth member to the input through the first power path; a third clutch being operable to connect the third member carrier to the input through the second power path; a fourth clutch being operable to connect the fourth member to the input through the second power path; a first brake being operable to hold the fourth member against rotation; and a second brake being operable to hold the third member against rotation.

Abstract: A planetary gear device includes a housing having a chamber for receiving lubricating member and having an internal gear, a carrier rotatably received in the chamber of the housing and having an output shaft and having a number of openings for rotatably receiving planet pinions. The planet pinions are engaged with the internal gear of the housing, and each includes a bore for receiving an axle, and a number of rollers received between the planet pinion and the axle to act as a bearing device for smoothly attaching the planet pinions on the axles. The planet pinions each has one or two side portions each having one or more slots for filling the lubricating member into the bore of the planet pinion.

Abstract: A transmission comprises a first transmission mechanism and a second transmission mechanism. When a clutch is in an engaged state, the first transmission mechanism transmits a driving force from the engine to the axle shaft. When a clutch is in a disengaged state, the second transmission mechanism transmits a driving force from the engine to the axle shaft. An electromagnetic brake is connected to the second transmission mechanism. A braking force generated by the electromagnetic brake allows the transmission of a driving force by the second transmission mechanism. Thus, a driving force is continuously provided even when the clutch is released for a gear change operation.

Abstract: A method for controlling a coasting downshift in an automatic transmission having a torque converter that includes an impeller driveably connected to an engine and a turbine hydrokinetically coupled to the impeller and driveably connected to the transmission input. During a coast condition, the speed of the turbine decreases, and the speed of the engine decreases to and is maintained at an engine idle speed. After the downshift event begins, the turbine speed increases due a transfer of torque from an off-going transmission control element to an oncoming control element. Engine speed increases steadily until it reaches the target engine speed. The downshift is completed, and engine speed decreases until it again reaches the idle speed.

Abstract: The object of this invention is an the apparatus for ski exercising and rehabilitation, intended to serve for both beginning and professional skiers who shall later ski on snow on either carving or traditional skis, water skis or snowboards. The apparatus according to the invention has upper drive roll (11) and, below, lower drive roll (13) and rotatable glide rolls (12) in between them, all arranged on arc (b) in slanted side beams (4), (5) of frame (a), said arc being formed by contact points of the inner side of endless downhill run strip (14) in form of mat, with 2.

Abstract: A lightweight, foldable device for the partial weight bearing during walking and gait training is provided. The lightweight, partial weight bearing suspension walker is made from two frames that are pivotally attached and can be folded at the pivot point for storage or transport. The apparatus can be adjusted to fit over wide treadmills or wheelchairs and through narrow doors. The apparatus includes two fail-safe lift and support devices to insure patient safety in case of unintentional release by the operator.

Abstract: An exercising device has a flexible tension member connected to a user interface that is connected to a mechanism for generating a resistive force which is overcome by the user moving the user interface to obtain exercise. The exercising device has a driving member rotating about a first axis and a circular oscillating surface rotatably connected to the driving member to circle about the first axis while also rotating about a second substantially parallel axis through the center of the circular oscillating surface. The first and second axes are offset a distance d. The flexible member wraps at least part way around the circular oscillating surface to rotate the oscillating surface as the user interface moves during use of the exercise device. The offset d provides an oscillatory motion to the user interface to increase the effectiveness of the exercise.

Abstract: Exercise devices having a frame, and upper and lower force receiving members movably mounted on the frame and constrained to move in opposite directions. A resistance device is preferably interconnected between the frame and at least one of the force receiving members to resist movement of the members toward one another and/or to bias the members away from one another. The lower member is configured to support a person's feet, and the upper member is configured to support a person's hands and/or to engage a person's chest. The device facilitates a combination crunch and leg lift exercise that involves both a person's upper abdominal muscles and a person's lower abdominal muscles. The upper member may be resiliently supported in a manner that facilitates exercise of a person's oblique muscles, as well.

Abstract: An articulated bench comprising a two-section pad and two folding/pivoting support leg assemblies attached to a frame. A length-adjustable (telescoping) dual tubular brace assembly folds out of the frame from beneath the pivoting padded section (i.e. the section for supporting the upper body) and is inserted into one of a series of catches located on the section's rear surface to hold it at a selectable incline. Improved pivoting support leg assemblies include primary foot cross-bars, and secondary foot crossbars each fixedly attached to a leg to either provide lateral floor-support when the support legs are locked in the inwardly stowed position, or alternatively serve as a hand holds or foot rests when the legs are deployed for performing exercises, thereby allowing a broader range of positions and much greater utility.

Abstract: A carriage for use in a reformer exercise apparatus is disclosed that has a pair of upwardly extending folding shoulder stops mounted thereto at one end and a headrest between the shoulder stops that extends outward from the carriage toward the head end of the frame. A pair of roller wheels at the head end and a pair at the foot end of the carriage support the platform. A single common axle supports the head end pair of rollers from the carriage, forms a pivot support for the folding shoulder stops, and forms part of an adjustable position support assembly for the headrest. The shoulder stops are preferably attached to a tubular sleeve that rotates on the common axle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for improving flexibility in a user. The apparatus may include: a base frame having forward lateral, medial, and rear lateral supports; a post having a flexible joint and an upper extremity support; and a user support assembly having forward, rear, foot supports. If desired, the post may provide a plurality of non-fixed, upper extremity positions and recoiling from same. The user support assembly may provide a plurality of non-fixed pivot points for conducting compounded progressive stretching of at least one muscle group.

Abstract: A stretching and exercise apparatus comprises at least one track member. The apparatus further comprises a pair of sliding platforms engaged to the at least one track member, wherein the platforms are configured to freely slide along the track member. The apparatus further comprises a pair of hand rails.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for treating headaches. The system employs a self-contained, battery operated, readily portable and easy-to-operate head-mounted magnetic depolarizer to generate a transient or time-varying high-intensity magnetic field into and around the user's head or neck. The magnetic depolarizer system can be used to depolarize the neurons of the brain and/or the trigeminal nerve. This type of neuronal depolarization has the capability for terminating migraine or other types of headaches.

Abstract: A position control apparatus for controlling position along an axis, comprising: an extensible member that can be extended and contracted along said axis, comprising shape memory alloy locatable to expand and contract along said axis, heating means for controlling said temperature of said shape memory alloy, and a feedback mechanism for controlling said heating means and responsive to variations in said position, wherein said position is controllable by means of said heating means and can be stabilized by means of said feedback mechanism.

Abstract: A surgical retractor is configured to provide surgical access in thoracic surgery, for example through an intercostal incision. The surgical retractor includes at least one inflated or inflatable member to cushion the ribs and surrounding tissue from injury or trauma. In one embodiment, the inflatable member is configured as an inflatable ring with a concave outer surface for engaging and spreading apart two adjacent ribs when the ring is inflated. In another embodiment, the inflatable ring can be combined with a substantially rigid inner ring for supporting and rigidifying the retractor. In yet another embodiment, a plurality of substantially rigid retractor blades is mounted on a spreading track or the like. One or more inflatable members or an inflatable ring are used to cushion the tissue from the rigid retractor blades.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a surgical instrument relative to a base is provided having a mounting portion configured and dimensioned to engage a portion of a base, a jaw assembly including first and second jaw members which define a retaining area therebetween configured and dimensioned to retain the shaft of a surgical instrument therein and thereby fix the length of the instrument shaft relative to the base and an operative site, and an instrument position adjustment mechanism which includes an adjustment member rotatably disposed in relative to the mounting portion to facilitate selective position adjustment of the jaw assembly with respect to the mounting portion.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a wireless medical communication system includes a plurality of transmitters. Each of the plurality of transmitters is capable of being coupled to at least one of a plurality of patients and operable to communicate over a communication link a substantially unprocessed physiological data signal associated with at least one patient. At least a portion of the communication link comprises a wireless connection. The system further includes at least one medical diagnostic device operable to receive at least two substantially unprocessed physiological data signals communicated from the plurality of transmitters. Each of the at least two substantially unprocessed physiological data signals are associated with different patients.

Abstract: A system for medical detection and treatment comprising a number of treatment and/or detection devices which exchange data with each other within the context of a medical treatment, in particular a surgical or radiotherapeutic and/or radiosurgical operation, wherein the data are exchanged via radio interfaces in and/or on the devices.

Abstract: A testing system and method for evaluation of neurological function are provided. Specifically, the system and method can be used to differentiate between normal and pathological function for motor skills, logic, reasoning, coordination, verbal function, memory, and various other skills. In addition, it is designed to provide a package to a clinician, including a recommended battery of tests and a results report. The system and method described herein is designed to reduce bias due to the human nature of the tester, while still maintaining versatility, individualized attention and depth of analysis in testing.

Abstract: A cardiac event microrecorder comprising a hermetically sealed housing is shaped and dimensioned to facilitate the subcutaneous implantation of the microrecorder in a human patient by injection through the lumen of a hypodermic needle. The housing comprises a tubular central section of an electrically insulating material, the central section having spaced apart extremities. An electrically conductive sense electrode is secured to and seals each extremity. The housing may have an interior enclosing (1) electrical circuitry for processing, storing and telemetering data representing physiologic information detected by the sense electrodes; (2) a primary cell or rechargeable battery for electrically powering the electrical circuitry; and (3) an inductively couplable charger where a rechargeable battery is used.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for implementing a signal morphology preservation smoothing scheme. The smoothing scheme includes generating an output signal representative of a filtered version of the input signal, wherein the output signal is generated by adaptively removing low amplitude, high frequency noise components while simultaneously preserving signal morphology of the input signal. The smoothing scheme includes comparison of a distance metric against a distance threshold to determine whether an initial smoothed version of the input signal would be oversmoothed or undersmoothed. Then the smoothing scheme appropriately increments, decrements, or maintains the initial level of smoothing to generate an optimal smoothed signal representative of the output signal.

Abstract: A medical instrument includes a gripping section having a first portion having a first composition, and a second portion over a selected portion of the first portion. The second portion has a second composition different than the first composition.

Abstract: A blood-drawing device has a specimen tube having a projecting tip having an outer connection region of a predetermined diameter and a guide sleeve fittable over the tip and having an inner resilient part. The inner resilient part has an inside diameter smaller than the diameter of the connection region. A needle fitted to the guide sleeve is surrounded by an elastomeric tubular needle shield inward from the guide sleeve. The sleeve can move between an outer position with the needle shield extending inward past the inner needle end and the resilient part offset outward from the connection region and an inner position with the needle end in the specimen tube, the needle shield compressed between the sleeve and the specimen tube, and the resilient part fitting tightly around the connection region and deformed outwardly thereby such that the resilient part grips the connection region.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a motion monitoring apparatus and method for monitoring a patient under medical care. A sensor arrangement is provided in the form of a pad which the patient lies on. The sensor arrangement provides a signal which can be monitored to observe motion of the patient and provide an alarm should the motion meet certain predetermined conditions. The invention is particularly applicable for monitoring patients under sedation, recovering from anaesthesia, or in intensive care. The device is particularly useful for veterinary patients.

Abstract: A massaging device includes a housing, a motor, a cover, and an operation mechanism. The operation mechanism includes a rotation member secured on the rotation shaft of the motor to rotate therewith, and a massaging member pivotally mounted on the rotation member to move therewith. Thus, the massaging surface of the massaging member is rotated about the rotation shaft of the motor in an eccentric manner to move in the normal rotation direction and is rotated about the pivot shaft of the rotation member to move in the reverse rotation direction so as to provide a double massaging effect to the human body, thereby enhancing the massaging effect.

Abstract: An improved foot orthotic is disclosed which includes an L-shaped boot and a sole plate which mat be mounted to the boot using a bracket disposed in a recessed arch portion of the boot. Typically, a projection extends from the sole plate into the bracket. The projection may extend into a slot and may have an enlarged head which nests in a recess in the bracket. The sole plate may be removed by withdrawing the projection from the bracket. Preferably, the bracket is recessed so that when the wearer of the orthotic walks, the bracket does not touch the walking surface. A toe plate may also be used in conjunction with the boot. The toe plate may be mounted to the bracket independently of the sole plate. In one embodiment, the toe plate includes two arms separated by a slot. The two arms embrace a portion of the bracket. Mating ribs and recesses on the bracket and toe plate arms retain the toe plate in the desired position.

Abstract: Methodology and related medical devices for effectively bypassing a blocked or partially blocked coronary artery and providing oxygenated blood to the myocardium. A coronary artery bypass method utilizes a shunt member. An upstream end portion of the shunt member is disposed in the myocardium of a patient's heart so that the upstream end portion communicates with the left ventricle of the patient's heart. An opposite or downstream end portion of the shunt member is placed in communication with a coronary artery of the patient downstream of a blockage in the coronary artery. The shunt member extends into the coronary artery from the myocardium either directly or indirectly with an intermediate or middle portion of the shunt member being disposed in an intrapericardial space of the patient, outside of the myocardium and outside of the coronary artery.

Abstract: Smoke evacuation apparatus designed to provide safe and efficient filtration and evacuation of smoke plume generated by laser-surgical, electrosurgical, radiosurgical, and electrocautery devices. A filter assembly is removably mounted on a front panel of the apparatus housing and is thus easily accessible from the front side which typically faces the user. The filter assembly at its front is provided with a hose connector to which the suction hose of the system is conveniently attached, and the front of the filter assembly is configured with a symbol, such as a letter or number, that represents an identification of the system supplier or manufacturer, and the hose connector is mounted on that symbol identifier.

Abstract: A catheter having one or more radially expanded portions that comprise a guidewire lumen. The guidewire lumen and the main lumen of the catheter are not separate and share the same fluid space. The catheter maintains a large, circular lumen for aspiration or delivery. The catheter is made by lacing a guidewire lumen mandrel through openings made in the catheter shaft and then forcing the shaft to expand radially to create a guidewire lumen.

Abstract: A fluid collection or infusion set is provided. The set includes flexible tubing with a fitting attached to a proximal end and a needle assembly attached to the distal end. The needle assembly includes a needle hub and a needle cannula secured in the hub. An actuator arm extends proximally and outwardly from the needle hub and has an actuator button at its free end. The needle assembly is disposed in a barrel and can move from a distal position where the needle cannula is exposed to a proximal position where the needle cannula is shielded. A spring is disposed in the barrel for propelling the needle assembly to the proximal position. The barrel includes an actuating aperture that receives the actuator button for locking the spring in a compressed condition. Depression of the actuator button enables the spring to propel the needle assembly into its proximal shielded position.