Abstract: A hollow golf club head which is composed of a metal part made of at least one kind of metal material and a FRP part made of a fiber reinforced resin, the metal part having a first lap joint part, and the FRP part having a second lap joint part being lap-jointed with the first lap joint part, wherein one of the first lap joint part and second lap joint part is provided with at least one securing hole, and the other is provided with at least one protrusion engaging with said at least one securing hole.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a golf ball with a mantle or cover layer formed from a composition comprising glass particles. More specifically, the golf ball has a mantle and/or cover that contains a combination of glass particles and an ionomeric component or a non-ionomeric component.

Abstract: A method for assembling a sports enclosure includes coupling a driving gear to an upper support structure, coupling a net having an upper edge and a lower edge to the upper support structure such that an enclosure is at least partially defined by the net, and coupling the lower edge of the net to the driving gear such that operation of the driving gear raises the net such that the net is folded in an accordion like manner between the upper support structure and the lower edge of the net.

Abstract: An exercise, practice, and training device has a transition piece adjustably connected to a distal end of a handle. An action receiving element is bendably connected to a distal portion of the transition piece and extends distally therefrom. The action receiving element is also connected to the transition piece by a biasing element that biases the action receiving element into alignment with the transition piece and enables bending during exercise, practice, and training by the user.

Abstract: A ball sports training aid includes a shaft and a slidably engaged replica sports ball assembly with an integral damper that is actuated when a player swings the shaft. Integral swing diagnostics means indicate correct batting, pitching and throwing techniques.

Abstract: An outdoor game system includes a pole adapted for anchoring to the earth. A water-carrying conduit extends upwardly through the pole and is rotatable within the pole. A sprinkler is mounted atop the pole and is connected to the conduit. A reel is affixed to the conduit within the pole adjacent an opening in the pole. The reel is rotatable with the conduit. A net, capable of extension from the opening in the pole, is wound upon the reel. An elongated cover is provided for closing the opening in the pole. The cover is connected to the net for supporting the net above the earth, when the net is extended from the opening in the pole. A handgrip, for rotating the conduit to rewind the net upon the reel, is affixed to the conduit beneath the reel.

Abstract: A game racquet includes head portion and a handle portion. The head and handle portions include one or both of a fiber-reinforced thermoset material and a fiber-reinforced thermoplastic material. The handle portion is coupled to the head portion by shock and/or vibration absorbing material.

Abstract: An idler pulley with an integral bearing carrier insert comprising: a pulley body having a peripheral surface for accepting and retaining an endless belt; and a tubular bearing carrier insert forming a central hub along a perpendicular axis of the idler pulley body, the hub having an inner circumferential surface and an outer circumferential surface.

Abstract: A flexible drive member attachment is connected to a flexible drive member by a yoke having side walls connected by a bridge wall that has a stud connecting the attachment to a driven member. A coupler is disposed between the side walls and attached to the bridge wall. The coupler has teeth that extend through respective windows of the flexible drive member. An outer shoe engages each side wall of the yoke. Each outer shoe has a forward flange engaging the bridge wall and a rearward flange that extends through a rearward slot of the associated side wall. Each rearward flange has fingers that extend behind the flexible drive member and through spaces between adjacent teeth of the coupler and into sockets of the other shoe. The flexible drive member may be a drive chain or a drive belt having spaced windows.

Abstract: An axle assembly for a motor vehicle. The assembly comprises a carrier housing and a differentially assembly rotatably mounted to the carrier housing. A ring gear is fixed to the differential assembly. A first pinion is in meshing engagement with the ring gear. The first pinion is driven by a combustion engine and is operable to drive the ring gear. An electric drive assembly is mounted to the carrier housing. The electric drive assembly comprises an electric motor and a second pinion. The second pinion is in meshing engagement with the ring gear. The second pinion is driven by the electric motor and is operable to drive the ring gear.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transmission apparatus (15) including at least one of a dividing unit (6) and a differential planetary gear unit (30), and a joint unit (20). A rotational power, which has been input to the transmission apparatus (15), is transmitted to the joint unit (20) via the dividing unit (6) or the differential planetary gear unit (30). A rotational power to be input to the joint unit (20) is smaller than the rotational power which has been input to the transmission apparatus (15), and the joint unit comprises a fluid coupling.

Abstract: An automatic transmission providing modal speed ratios, single transition gear shifting, low internal speeds, and an output lock feature is provided. First, second and third modal torque-transmitting mechanisms are selectively engagable along with first and second input torque-transmitting mechanisms to effect power flow to first and second planetary gear set to cause the speed of a member of one of the gear sets to increase in the first mode (when the first and second input torque-transmitting mechanisms are engaged in successive order while the first modal torque-transmitting mechanism is engaged), decrease in the second mode (when the first and second input torque-transmitting mechanisms are engaged in reverse order while the second modal torque-transmitting mechanism is engaged) and increase in the third mode (when the first and second input torque-transmitting mechanisms are engaged in successive order while the third modal torque-transmitting mechanism is engaged).

Abstract: An epicyclic gear system (A, B), which is highly compact, yet capable of transferring substantial torque, includes a sun gear (2, 62), a ring gear (4, 64) around the sun gear, and planet gears (6, 8, 66, 68) organized in two rows between the sun and ring gears. In addition, the gear system has a carrier (10, 70) provided with one or two flanges (14, 72, 74) and flexible pins (20, 22, 80, 82) around which the planet gears revolve. The planet gears are mounted on the pins in a double cantilever arrangement to improve the mesh with the sun and ring gears and achieve better load distribution.

Abstract: A micro gear system, operating according to the principle of a strain wave gear system, a Wolfrom gear system, or a similar planetary gear system comprises at least one sun wheel (14) and at least two planet wheels (16) meshing with the sun wheel (14). The sun wheel (14) is rotatably fixed to drive shaft (20) placed along a longitudinal axis (18) of the gear system. The planet wheels (16) indirectly or directly mesh with a toothing which is rotatably fixed to a drive shaft (28) placed centrally along the longitudinal axis of the gear system. The drive shafts (20,28) are embodied as hollow shafts (30,32) having continuous bore holes (34,36) such that information or fluid media can be directed through the gear system. A sealing system (42) comprising a labyrinth seal (44) which includes a plurality of annular grooves (46) is disposed between the hollow shafts (30,32).

Abstract: To enhance precision in measurement of the number of steps even when a walk cycle changes. An acceleration detecting portion outputs a walk signal corresponding to a walk of a user detected by a walk sensor. A step number counting portion of a counting portion counts each signal which is judged to be beyond a first reference cycle range by a walk cycle comparing portion among signals from the acceleration detecting portion as the number of steps for one step, and when an extra-regulation step number processing portion judges that a predetermined number of signals each within a second reference cycle range among the signals each beyond the first reference cycle range is continuously outputted, counts the predetermined number of signals as the predetermined number of steps.

Abstract: A trampoline having a frame, a bounce member and a bounce sensor, sensing bounces activates lights and provide sounds for entertainment and training purposes. A control box interprets a variety of inputs from the bounce sensors and outputs a variety of lights and sounds. A light is activated underneath the bounce member when the bounce sensor senses a bounce. One are more sets of lights can be used. The best mode is a spring post configuration sensor. The lights can be encapsulated within a plastic lamination having an upper clear surface and a lower reflective surface.

Abstract: A personal exercise device having a body mounted shaft housing for mounting a shaft at a position near the rear portion of a user's waist. A shaft is confined within the shaft housing. Two leg mounts are attached to each of two legs of the user near the user's knees. Each of two torque arms are attached pivotally at one end to one of the leg mounts and also attached pivotally at the other end to the shaft. A torque adjustment device is also included and is for adjusting the torque required to produce pivot motion of the torque arms about the shaft. Also, a preferred embodiment includes two handles are connected to the body mounted housing unit via two flexible cords. The user preferably gains cardiovascular training utilizing the device while walking or running and gains additional resistance training by appropriately adjusting the torque and pulling the handles.

Abstract: An apparatus for anterior and posterior mobilization of the human talocrural joints for rehabilitation and/or therapeutic utilization. A patient's foot is secured in an apparatus and an Ankle Mortise Strap is looped around the mortise of an ankle of the foot. A force strap is attached to the ends of the Ankle Ankle Mortise Strap. Anterior mobilization is achieved by moving the force strap ventrally from the foot so that the foot including the talus remains stationary while the tibia and fibula glide anteriorly. Posterior mobilizations are achieved by securing the foot, and looping an Ankle Mortise Strap around the front of the ankle. A force strap is attached to the ends of the Ankle Mortise Strap. Posterior mobilization is achieved by moving the force strap dorsally from the foot so that the foot including the talus remains stationary while the tibia and fibula glide posteriorly.

Abstract: A rotatable training device includes a base that has an aperture formed therein. An elongated support member has a bottom end nested within the aperture and extends vertically upward therefrom, and has a bore formed therein. A mobile rectilinear rod is telescopically seated within the bore and has a top end terminating above and to an exterior of the support member. The rod includes a spring-loaded stop member that is connected to a bottom end thereof. A circular dial is positioned about the rod top end. An arm is telescopically positioned about the rod and is rotatable along a 360 degrees arcuate path in clockwise and counter clockwise directions. The arm has a flange portion extending from the rod and situated beyond an outer base perimeter. Padded punching pillows are affixed to front and rear sides of the flange portion. Detachable protective covers are affixed to the punching pillows.

Abstract: Device for practicing exercises, sports, gymnastics and different physical activities, which join various techniques and concepts of eastern and western theories related to exercise, sports, and health; such a device comprising of a belt adjustable to the abdomen region of the user, which incorporates a sliding component with an optional blocking system to be crossed by two elastic straps of adjustable length, each strap having at the end a removable fastening system for the extremities of the user.

Abstract: A method and device for treatment of a varicose vein is provided which includes the step of applying to the skin of a subject superficial to the vein to be treated a device including: (a) an element for securing the device to the leg of a subject superficial to the vein to be treated such as a carrier tape; and (b) a one-way valve element such as a cantilever element biased by a spring for applying a selected amount of pressure to the skin superficial to the vein to be treated in a manner such that blood-flow toward the heart is permitted during peripheral venous pumping but wherein backflow away from the heart as a result of gravity is substantially reduced; and applying sufficient pressure to the skin superficial to the vein to be treated in a manner such that blood-flow toward the heart is permitted during peripheral venous pumping but wherein backflow away from the heart as a result of gravity is substantially reduced.

Abstract: A rotary torso exercise machine that isolates and targets the internal and external oblique muscles on both sides of the torso as well as providing conditioning to the rectus abdominis muscle. The machine supports a user's body in a generally supine position and includes five essential features, a frame, fixed feet stabilizing rollers, a fixed lower torso support or seat, a rotatable upper torso support, and a peg for holding free weights that impart resistance against the rotation of the upper torso support. The user may selectively vary the mount and direction of resistance as well as the degree of rotation. The machine may be easily converted for use as either a back or abdominal exercise.

Abstract: A method of making a resealable package is provided. The method comprises providing a closure mechanism, the closure mechanism comprising first and second closure profiles, the first and second closure profiles constructed and arranged to selectively engage, and wherein the first and second closure profiles are engaged. The method further comprises providing a pair of panels comprising a flexible polymeric material, inserting a wedge between the closure profiles, disengaging the closure profiles; and attaching the closure mechanism to the pair of side panels. Various embodiments of opening devices are also presented.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lift type weight measuring centrifuge which is able to measure the weight of a measurement object after spatially isolating the measurement object. The centrifuge includes an upper sensing plate to move upwards, and a weight sensing mechanism provided under the upper sensing plate to sense a weight of the measurement object seated on the upper sensing plate. The centrifuge further includes a lift mechanism to move both the upper sensing plate and the weight sensing mechanism vertically, and a control device to control the operation of the lift mechanism and to measure the weight of the measurement object using a weight sensing signal output from the weight sensing mechanism.

Abstract: A rotor (40) for a centrifugal separator (20) used for separating solid contaminants from pressurized engine lubricant, is driven by pressure of the lubricant, a portion of which is directed to, and expelled from rotor nozzles (88). The rotor comprises an open-type vessel (42), which in operation is only partially filled with liquid as an annular layer whose radial thickness is determined by outlet passages (721 etc). The rotor is formed from a cap (62), an annular cup-like component (60) with a tubular wall (50) that in use surrounds a spindle and defines an inlet region (66) for pressurized liquid, and a drive member (84) having nozzles (88). The cap and cup-like component are individually molded from synthetic resin and joined to form a vessel (40). Inlet region (66) is connected to the cup by transfer passage (70).

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of osteopontin, or of an agonist of osteopontin activity, for treatment or prevention of a neurologic diseases.

Abstract: The invention is directed to the use of magnetic shielding alone and magnetic shielding combined with magnetic field stimulation in methods for the treatment, diagnosis and assessment of disease, condition, or physical or mental state. The invention also includes portable devices for the shielding of magnetic fields for therapy and treatment of disease, condition, or physical or mental state.

Abstract: Methods and structures for placing sensing and driver assemblies in a middle ear of a patient are disclosed. Methods and structures according to various embodiments of the invention provide minimally invasive techniques and devices that facilitate placement of sensing/driver assemblies in a middle ear using a trans-canal implantation technique. Certain embodiments include placement of a longitudinal body through the ear canal for mounting in the middle ear, and for supporting a sensing/driving assembly subsequently coupled thereto.

Abstract: A medical implant and method for implantation of the same. One embodiment is an implant for use in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence that includes an implantable, elongated tape having a multiplicity of openings formed through the thickness thereof, the tape having a first end region and a second end region longitudinally opposite the first end region, and first and second bio-compatible fixation elements attached to the first and second end regions of the tape respectively. Each bio-compatible fixation element has a tissue adherence property greater than that of the tape.

Abstract: A gastric ring includes a band that surrounds the wall of the stomach of a patient, and structure that makes it possible, after implantation, to modify the cross section of the opening delimited by the ring.

Abstract: A method for tightening a cardiac support device includes forming offsets in excess material in the cardiac support device and inserting a fastener through the offsets. A device for tightening a cardiac support device includes first and second clamp members moveable into and out of mateable engagement. Each of the first and second clamp members includes offset-forming structure.

Abstract: A low cost camera and radio frequency transmitter are coupled to an endotracheal tube to obtain an image in real time of tissue at the distal end of the endotracheal tube. The image recorded by the camera is transmitted to a low cost radio frequency receiver nearby and conveyed to a video monitor to display the image. The use of a wireless transmission system avoids the presence of wires and cords that otherwise might become entangled and cause the endotracheal tube to be inadvertently repositioned or pulled out of the patient.

Abstract: There is provided a surgical treatment instrument in which the mode can be easily switched between a treatment under a pneumoperitoneum condition and a treatment outside the peritoneal cavity, and forceps can be manipulated under the pneumoperitoneum condition, and when taking out a cancer-affected part, an incision in the abdominal wall is protected, and the incision is free from infection. The surgical treatment instrument includes a tubular portion which has a first fixing member provided at a near end-side open portion thereof, and also has a second fixing member provided at a remote end-side open portion thereof. At least two tension belts are mounted on the second fixing member, and fixing means for adjusting the length of the tension belts to position the first fixing member is provided at the first fixing member.

Abstract: A surgical joint includes a first clamping member comprising a first clamping surface for engaging a first surgical rod and an attachment end. A second clamping member is mounted with respect to the first clamping member wherein the second clamping member comprises a second clamping surface for engaging a second surgical rod. A shaft is disposed through and positioned within the attachment end of the first clamping member and wherein the shaft is in communication with the second clamping member. A force providing mechanism is disposed between the first and second clamping members and disposed about the shaft wherein when the force providing mechanism and the shaft are movable with respect to each other and place the first and second clamping members in either a non-clamping position or a clamping position.

Abstract: A system and method for allowing a patient to access an automated process for managing a specified health problem called a disease. The system performs disease management in a fully automated manner, using periodic interactive dialogs with the patient to obtain health state measurements from the patient, to evaluate and assess the progress of the patient's disease, to review and adjust therapy to optimal levels, and to give the patient medical advice for administering treatment and handling symptom flare-ups and acute episodes of the disease. The medical records are updated, the progression of the disease is stored and tracked, and the patient's preferences for treatment are stored and then used to offer medical advice based on the current state of the disease. A prestored general disease trend curve is compared against a patient specific disease trend curve, and the system makes an automated response such as adjusting therapy.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for remotely measuring one's adherence to a diet program while making it convenient and easy to place food orders, and learn about and try new foods that are acceptable to the diet program. The system includes a user system with a processor, memory and at least one user interface device, a server system with a processor and memory, and a food delivery system coupled to the server system over the network.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for tracking and monitoring the location, health, emotional state, position, environment, sound, appearance, and other characteristics of subjects remotely over an electronic communications network by receiving signals transmitting such information from a device or devices located on or in the subject to a remote monitoring device over the electronic communications network.

Abstract: A system and method for providing computerized, knowledge-based medical diagnostic and treatment advice. The medical advice is provided to the general public over a telephone network. Two new authoring languages, interactive voice response and speech recognition are used to enable expert and general practitioner knowledge to be encoded for access by the public. “Meta” functions for time-density analysis of a number of factors regarding the number of medical complaints per unit of time are an integral part of the system. A semantic discrepancy evaluator routine along with a mental status examination are used to detect the consciousness level of a user of the system. A re-enter feature monitors the user's changing condition over time. A symptom severity analysis helps to respond to the changing conditions. System sensitivity factors may be changed at a global level or other levels to adjust the system advice as necessary.

Abstract: Provided is a bio-sensor system which utilizes radio frequency identification technology and which includes a remote transponder in wireless communication with an implantable passively-powered on-chip transponder. The bio-sensor system is specifically adapted to provide a substantially stable and precise sensor reference voltage to a sensor assembly that is included with the on-chip transponder. The remote transponder is also configured to remotely receive data representative of a physiological parameter of the patient as well as identification data and may enable readout of one or more of the physiological parameters that are measured, processed and transmitted by the on-chip transponder upon request by the remote transponder.

Abstract: One embodiment is a microprobe. An example of the microprobe comprises a housing having an aperture. This example of the microprobe also comprises an ISFET attached to the housing. The ISFET may have a gate located proximate the aperture. This example of the microprobe further comprises a reference electrode attached to the housing proximate the aperture. Another embodiment is a microsensor system. Another embodiment is a method for measuring a characteristic of tissue. Yet another embodiment is a method for monitoring tissue pH.

Abstract: Techniques are described for detecting ischemia, hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia based on intracardiac electrogram (IEGM) signals. Ischemia is detected based on a shortening of the interval between the QRS complex and the end of a T-wave (QTmax), alone or in combination with a change in ST segment elevation. Alternatively, ischemia is detected based on a change in ST segment elevation combined with minimal change in the interval between the QRS complex and the end of the T-wave (QTend). Hypoglycemia is detected based on a change in ST segment elevation along with a lengthening of either QTmax or QTend. Hyperglycemia is detected based on a change in ST segment elevation along with minimal change in QTmax and in QTend. By exploiting QTmax and QTend in combination with ST segment elevation, changes in ST segment elevation caused by hypo/hyperglycemia can be properly distinguished from changes caused by ischemia.

Abstract: A ultrasound platform is used to generate, process and display ultrasound images using a probe connected via a sterilizable connector. The probe is used to take ultrasound images, and can be a sterilizable finger mounted probe. The sterilizable connector includes a connector housing which has been sealed to prevent moisture from entering it, and a multi-wire cable which is electrically coupled to the probe at a first end and coupled to the connector housing at a second end. The multi-wire cable has its second end sealed with the connector housing to prevent moisture from entering the sealing between the multi-wire cable and the connector housing. A plurality of electrical contacts are formed on at least one surface of the sterilizable connector. A mating connector is used to electrically couple the sterilizable connector to a standard connector for directly connecting to the ultrasound platform.

Abstract: Elastography is used to examine soft tissue of the uterus to detect tumors and to evaluate the strength of the cervix of the uterus based on its elastographic properties.

Abstract: A method for optimizing transmit and receive ultrasound imaging pulses generates transmit pulses from an array of transducers which are energized by excitation signals that are applied to each individual transducer of the array. Each of the excitation signals are individually weighted to optimize the transducers' contribution to a predetermined energy function. Such optimization may also be performed on the received pulses.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for acquiring multi-line acquisition ultrasound data. Ultrasound signals are transmitted into an area of interest. Echo signals are acquired and analyzed to produce a first data stream associated with a first receive beam. The first data stream is decimated by removing at least two consecutive data samples therefrom, while passing at least two consecutive data samples to form a first decimated data stream. Using this decimation pattern, a bandwidth of one-half to three-quarters of the data sampling rate after decimation may be achieved.

Abstract: In a technique for collecting and analyzing physiological signals to detect sleep apnea, a small light-weight physiological monitoring system, affixed to a patient's forehead, detects and records the pulse, oximetry, snoring sounds, and head position of a patient to detect a respiratory event, such as sleep apnea. The physiological monitoring system may contain several sensors including a pulse oximeter to detect oximetry and pulse rate, a microphone to detect snoring sounds, and a position sensor to detect head position. The physiological monitoring system also can contain a memory to store or record the signals monitored by the mentioned sensors and a power source. The physiological monitoring system may be held in place by a single elastic strap, thereby enabling a patient to use the system without the assistance of trained technicians.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for monitoring, diagnosing, and treating certain medical conditions, such as asthma, gastroesophageal reflux or laryngopharyngeal reflux. The system includes a mask apparatus or sensor module fitted with a pH sensor and thermocouple, a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device, a processing receiver, and a therapeutic nebulizer/atomizer/humidifier device. The mask apparatus, CPAP device and therapeutic nebulizer/atomizer/humidifier device are connected by a pneumatic means. The pH sensor and the thermocouple are in electrical communication with the processing receiver that controls, through an electronic means, the CPAP device and therapeutic nebulizer/atomizer/humidifier device. The electrical communications can be in the form of a plurality of wires or employ wireless means.

Abstract: The invention may include a biopsy instrument having a proximal end and a distal end. The biopsy instrument may include a distal assembly for performing a surgical operation, an elongate flexible member connected to and extending in a proximal direction from the distal assembly, the flexible member including a conduit thereth rough, a proximal actuation handle coupled to a proximal end of the flexible member, the proximal actuation handle including an access opening in fluid connection with the conduit, and a sample collector including a catcher handle and a catcher body. The catcher body may be configured for insertion into the access opening and is removably attached to the catcher handle.

Abstract: These and other objects of the present invention are achieved in a body fluid sampling system for use on a tissue site that includes a single drive force generator. A plurality of penetrating members are operatively coupled to the force generator. The force generator moves each of the members along a path out of a housing with a penetrating member exit, into the tissue site, stops in the tissue site, and withdraws out of the tissue site. A flexible support member couples the penetrating members to define a linear array. The support member is movable and configured to move each of the penetrating members to a launch position associated with the force generator. A user interface is configured to relay at least one of, penetrating member performance or a penetrating member setting.

Abstract: Overall and constituent oral mucositis assessment scale scores are generated by the use of a probe to obtain moisture measurements at a particular site. A control collects data samples. A converter produces a value for the oral mucositis assessment scale (OMAS) in response to the collected data (DPM) in accordance with a correlation defined by: OMAS = DPM - DPM o K ? ( I ) .