Abstract: A preload system for bearings in a waterjet propulsion apparatus, the apparatus including a water intake section and a pumping unit including a bearing cartridge. The bearing cartridge is designed such that during operation a preload system provides tailoring between radial and axial thermal growths of a plurality of bearing components that comprise the bearing cartridge and such that an initial ambient temperature preload condition can be maintained or reduced during normal water mode operation conditions. The preload system includes a plurality of spacers that when positioned relative to the bearing components of the bearing cartridge prevent relative motion between the bearing components during land mode operation and maintain or reduce the initial ambient room temperature preload condition during normal water mode operation.

Abstract: A mechanism for transferring total weight of outboard engine from a boat to be loaded onto water surface comprises mainly of two parts, first part is to be fixed to the boat and second part to be fixed to an engine where the second part connected to the first part through a connecting component controllable in such a manner that the second part can either move freely vertically or fixed tightly relative to the first part while the first part is stationary to the boat. There is ski structure at the lower end of second part to help carrying weight of the engine and to pass the load onto the water surface while the boat is moving at high speed.

Abstract: A marine stern drive and multi-speed transmission propulsion system in which a transmission, either manual or automatic, is interposed between the engine and stern drive extending at least partially outboard of the transom. A stern drive extension housing enclose the outboard transmission. The various embodiments may include automatic shifting, torque-absorbing couplings, dry oil sump and misalignment couplings. The system may be provided as an OEM item or as a retrofit and allows the engine to be maintained in its normal or original position thus enhancing the performance characteristics of the boat. The stern drive has forward, reverse and neutral shifting capabilities.

Abstract: A flotation device includes an elongated and flexible member with a channel extending between longitudinal ends of the flexible member, where the flexible member is configured to support an individual within water during a recreational activity, and a nozzle member securable to the flexible member. The nozzle member includes a flexible bulb member with at least one opening and a shaft suitably dimensioned to fit within the channel of the flexible member to secure the nozzle member to the flexible member. The bulb member can be squeezed to establish a pressure differential between a location within the bulb member and a location near the at least one opening.

Abstract: A structure includes a substrate and a metallized carbon nano-structure extending from a portion of the substrate. In a method of making a metallized carbon nanostructure, at least one carbon structure formed on a substrate is placed in a furnace. A metallic vapor is applied to the carbon nanostructure at a preselected temperature for a preselected period of time so that a metallized nanostructure.

Abstract: A 3-dimensional assembly is constructed from three 2-dimensional pieces. Each piece is formed with two slots such that the pieces are operatively identical and are interchangeable, and such that the pieces may be formed into a structure without bending of the pieces, and such that the pieces do not all share a common line of intersection. The resulting 3-dimensional structure may be used as a toy, puzzle, ornament, engineering structure, etc.

Abstract: A balloon illumination and inflation device has a tubular housing assembly comprising a balloon neck attachment at one end, an inflation mouthpiece at an opposite end; an air valve adjacent the mouthpiece, a lamp mount adjacent the one end to direct light into the attached balloon; an internal battery mount and a switch to connect the lamp to the battery circuit for illumination of the balloon interior. The switch is formed by first and second tubular housing members relative rotatable to close the air valve means and simultaneously to connect the battery circuit to the lamp.

Abstract: Embodiments of toy dolls and doll stands are disclosed, in which a user input applied to the doll or stand may generate motion in the stand and/or doll to animate the doll and/or stand. In some embodiments, a users' input motion may be stored in a compression or expansion member, such as a spring, and gradually released to actuate motion of one or more parts of the stand and/or doll. In some embodiments, the dolls and stands can be separate or for use with each other, the same stand usable for multiple dolls. In some embodiments, the doll may be powered to move independent of the stand.

Abstract: A data set (D) is provided for machine control of a grinding machine to determine time-efficient, collision-free travel paths. The data set has a collision parameter of “0” or “1” in each separate coordination point (X, Y, Z, A) as well as for each combination of the separated tool types (WZI) and workpiece types (WSJ). The collision parameter indicates if the constellation assigned to the corresponding coordination point (X, Y, Z, A), which means the relative position of workpiece (11) and tool (3), does or does not result in a collision or spatial overlapping of the tool and the workpiece. The data base (D) forms a lookup table that can be used to check given paths or expansions or the step-by-step layout of paths. The computation of time-efficient paths can be performed within a few seconds, even at limited computing capacities.

Abstract: A power tool is a “low profile” power tool, that is the overall height of the power tool is sufficiently small that a user can grasp the top of the power tool with the user's hand and the hand will be positioned relative close to the bottom of the power tool compared with existing power tools. The low profile power tool uses a low profile motor having a diameter to lamination height ratio of at least 2:1. In an aspect of the invention, the motor is an electronically commutated “pancake” style motor. In an aspect of the invention, the power tool is a random orbital sander or an orbital sander having a motor that provides at least 40 watts of power. In an aspect of the invention, the sander has a mechanical brake that brakes the orbital mechanism and the motor is dynamically braked.

Abstract: A system for removing film from a planar substrate includes a shuttle which transports a film-coated substrate through a film removal station to a rotation station. At the rotation station, the substrate is removed from the shuttle and rotated to a new orientation. After being repositioned on the shuttle, the substrate is transported by the shuttle through a second film removal station.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a grinding wheel (1) including a circular wheel that rotates about a central axis and with a surface (2) to which edge parts of a number of sand paper items (3) are fastened, and that the surface (2) has increasing height inwards from a periphery (6) of the surface (2), and that the sand paper items (3) have approximately the same height and are mounted mainly perpendicularly to the surface (2) of the wheel and have approximately radial extension over the greater part of the radius of the surface (2).

Abstract: The present invention is a fume hood capable of exhausting contaminant, having an air pipe in a sash and a suction slot corresponding to the air pipe deposed at the front rim of the bottom surface to obtain an air curtain, where contaminant is efficiently prevented from leakage and energy is saved.

Abstract: Game program is comprised of a procedure for setting a block arrangement space 20 having a plurality of block locations 20a so as to correspond to each character, a procedure for instructing to insert a skill block 21 corresponding to a skill into said block arrangement location 20a, a procedure for computing and judging as to whether or not there is a collision between an instructed position of the skill block to be inserted and the skill block already inserted into the block arrangement space and for informing a player of the collision if any, and a procedure for displaying a state of arrangement of the skill blocks in the block arrangement space.

Abstract: A gaming device that, after setting a count initially to zero, enables an input to be sent to the processor upon a player's selection of one of a plurality of displayed choices. After receiving the input, the game randomly generates a component from a preferably weighted database associated with the choice or with the order of the selection. The game adds the generated component to the count. The game awards the player if the updated count is below a predetermined game termination condition. The game ends if the updated count satisfies the game terminating condition. The game repeats this process until the updated count satisfies the game terminating condition.

Abstract: A gaming machine is provided, which is arranged to play a game having 2 modes wherein the base game, when in the first mode, has a standard set of features and when in the second mode has an enhanced set of features which improve its attractiveness to players. The first game mode is available to all players and the second enhanced game mode is made available to players who have established membership in a group by inserting a members card.

Abstract: Disclosed is a gaming system and method designed or configured to provide wins of restricted credits. Restricted credits may be awarded according to the same or a different pay table than cashable credits on the same machine or at the same gaming property. Where separate pay tables are used for restricted and cashable credits, the invention may be implemented with a machine that accepts and pays only restricted credit according to a single, fixed internal payout schedule (“pay table”). Alternatively, the invention may be implemented with a machine that pays restricted credit according to one fixed internal pay table and cashable credit according to another fixed internal pay table. Or, a machine may pay restricted credit according to an external pay table provided by a host system to which the machine is connected.

Abstract: A spring-loaded torque limiter includes an annular outer member, an inner ring rotatably inserted in the annular outer member, a coil spring fitted on the radially outer surface of the inner ring, and a lid member fitted between the inner ring and the annular outer member, thereby closing a gap therebetween at one end of the annular outer member. The coil spring has a uniform diameter. The annular outer member has an axially inner end face formed with a protrusion adapted to engage one of the two end faces of the coil spring. The lid member has an axially inner surface formed with a protrusion adapted to engage the other end face of the coil spring.

Abstract: A golf system that includes a tee or other area for striking a golf ball; and a golf green having a concave surface with a ball receptacle located at the lowest point in the surface so that a ball landing and remaining on the green will roll into the ball receptacle. The green includes a resiliently compressible layer coinciding with the concave surface. The resiliently compressible surface may include at least one layer of corrugated plastic material and may be covered with an artificial turf surface. The concave surface may be angled at approximately a 1:4 pitch, and the rear of the green may be approximately one-half times higher than the front thereof. The golf system may include a ball sensor that senses when a ball has been received in the receptacle. The golf green may be mounted on a portable frame.

Abstract: A golf putter wherein the putter is equipped with a removable laser. The head of the putter includes a mounting plate which has a mounting plate cover. When the laser is not in use, the mounting plate cover is placed on the mounting plate. When the laser is in use, the laser which includes a mounting bracket is attached to the mounting plate. The shaft of the putter includes a battery located inside of the shaft and the electrical connection to the at least one battery. The electrical connection to the laser is located in the center of the mounting plate and is covered by a cap when not in use. An on/off switch and a height adjustment switch are located on the shaft. The on/off switch controls the electricity to the laser and the height adjustment switch allows a user to pivot the laser as necessary.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a static pose fixture (10) used for measuring a subject (42) that is the object of a motion capture system. The static pose fixture (10) provides a means for holding the subject (52) in a static position by using various struts in order to automate the sizing of a computer generated model or to position and orient markers with respect to the model.

Abstract: A golf club comprises a club shaft having a tip end and a butt end, a club head being attached to the tip end of the club shaft, and a golf grip being attached to a region of the club shaft extending from the butt end toward the tip end of the club shaft, the grip having an end by the side of the butt end of the club shaft, wherein the club head has an moment (M) of inertia around a center line of the club shaft of not less than 6500 g·cm2, and the club shaft has a bending stiffness (E) of not less than 5.0×106 kgf·mm2 at the position which separates 200 mm from the end of the grip toward the club head.

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

Abstract: A golf club head includes a front body formed of a metal material, an FRP body, a metallic sole plate, and a weight member. The front body has a face portion, a metal sole portion, a metal side portion (toe), a metal crown portion, a metal side portion (heel), and a hosel portion. A slight gap in a range of 4 mm to 12 mm is formed between a front side of the sole plate and the metal sole portion. This part is formed of the FRP body. Preferably, the metal material of the front body includes a titanium-based alloy or a zirconium-based amorphous alloy. The sole plate is made of stainless steel.

Abstract: A broadhead adapter is comprised of a collar and at least one broadhead blade. The collar is adapted to receive the stud of an adjustable weight broadhead adapter bolt through an opening. The collar is adapted to securely fit between an end of an arrow shaft and the shoulder of the bolt. Each blade is attached to the collar to form an arrowhead configuration. The adjustable weight bolt is comprised of a threaded stud, a shoulder, a boss and at least one weight. The threaded stud screws into the arrow shaft to secure a broadhead adapter to it. One or more weights are attached to the bolt to incrementally increase the effective weight of the arrowhead. An arrow having an adjustable weight broadhead arrowhead may be formed by securing a broadhead adapter between the shoulder of an adjustable weight broadhead adapter bolt and the threaded opening of an arrow shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus for achieving the return of a chain to a rear derailleur tension pulley more easily by means of pedaling action when the chain falls off from the tension pulley is provided. The rear derailleur is equipped with a base component, a link mechanism, a movable component, Outer Plate 20, Inner Plate 21, Guide Pulley 22, Tension Pulley 23, and Chain Return Section 32. The base component is a component which is mounted on the frame. The link mechanism is a mechanism of which one end is mounted on the base component. The movable component is a component which is mounted on the other end of the link mechanism, and which can be relatively displaced from the base component. The outer plate is a component which is mounted on the movable component so as to undulate like a see-saw. The inner plate is a component which is installed so as to face the outer plate.

Abstract: A differential includes a carrier and worm gear assembly that cooperate to provide speed differentiation between first and second output shafts as needed. The carrier is coupled to an axle input gear, such as a ring gear for example, or a transmission shaft. The worm gear assembly includes a first enveloping worm gear that drives the first output shaft and a second enveloping worm gear that drives the second output shaft. First and second gears are supported by the carrier and are each in meshing engagement with the first and second enveloping worm gears in a self-locking arrangement. When the first and second enveloping worm gears rotate they are able to turn the first and second gears during normal road conditions, however, the first and second gears cannot drive or turn the first and second enveloping worm gears during a low traction driving condition.

Abstract: A variator assembly comprising a variator of the toroidal-race rolling-traction type. The assembly has input and output discs and rollers which are acted on by hydraulic roller control actuators. They are positioned between the discs to transmit torque from one disc to the other. Hydraulic end loading means supplied with fluid at an end load pressure to apply an end load to bias the discs and the rollers toward each other, thereby enabling the transmission of torque. Reaction pressure supply means are connected to the roller control actuators to cause them to apply an adjustable reaction force to the rollers. The assembly also has hydraulically influenced valve means which serve to compare an input related to the end load pressure with an input related to the reaction pressure and to control the end load pressure in dependence upon the comparison, thereby maintaining a relationship between the end load and reaction pressures.

Abstract: A control device for a vehicular drive system including (a) a differential mechanism operable to distribute an output of an engine to a first electric motor and a power transmitting member, and (b) a second electric motor disposed between the power transmitting member and a drive wheel of a vehicle, and a differential-state switching device operable to place the differential mechanism selectively in one of a differential state and a locked or non-differential state. The control device may include a switching control portion operable to control the differential-state switching device to place the differential mechanism selectively in one of the differential and locked states, and a power-source torque-change restriction control portion operable to restrict a change of an output torque of the engine upon switching of the differential mechanism between the differential and locked states.

Abstract: Method and arrangement for providing an automatic gearshift procedure for a vehicle with engaged clutch-dependent power take-off (32) when the vehicle is in motion. The power take-off (32) is driven by an engine (1) via an automated disk clutch (3) and an automatic stage-geared gearbox (9) in which an intermediate shaft (11) for driving the power take-off (32) is arranged. The control unit (45) controls the gearbox (9), the disk clutch (3) and the engine (1) so that shifting when the vehicle is in motion can take place even with an engaged clutch-dependent power take-off (32).

Abstract: An automatic transmission has an electronic control unit and a hydraulic control unit. The electronic control unit outputs an engagement command pressure to a solenoid disposed in a hydraulic control unit to generate a shelf pressure to upshift the automatic transmission. The engagement command pressure is corrected downwardly when the maximum rate of the gear ratio change is larger than the rate of change of a thrust-up determination gear ratio, and upwardly when the maximum rate of the gear ratio change is smaller than the rate change of a prolongation determination gear ratio. By correcting the engagement command pressure using the maximum rate of the gear ratio change, a proper output shaft torque wave form can be obtained so that a fluctuation of an output shaft torque during a torque phase while upshifting has no strong influence on the acceleration of a vehicle to achieve a comfortable shift feeling.

Abstract: A revolution counter for wrist exerciser includes a generator module, at least a detection element pair, a wireless transmission module, and wireless receiver. The generator module, the detection elements, and the wireless transmission module are arranged between a rotor and a stationary casing of the wrist exerciser. The rotation of the rotor with respect to the casing induces a voltage in the generator module, which is supplied to the detection elements and the wireless transmission module. The detection elements detect the rotation of the rotor and generate a signal associated with data of the rotation to the wireless transmission module. The wireless transmission module converts the signal into corresponding data and transmits the data in a wireless manner. The wireless receiver receives the data and displays the data in a display device or transmits the data to an external electronic device.

Abstract: A device for exercising and strengthening the muscles of the spinal column and vertebrae joints and for the spine recreation, designed taking in account that our backbone bio kinematics operate better moving in the horizontal position based on “four legs”, comprises: a bearing framework with fore and rear pivot points, two hand striding units and two foot striding units pivotally mounted to corresponding fore and rear pivot points and depending downwardly therefrom; a kinematic transmission connecting the left and right pairs of the striding units with possibility to swing the hand and foot striding units in opposite direction, provides the user with a steady balance and allows to imitate a natural walking or running-type motions with the extremities based on the foot and hand supports while keeping his/her torso suspended freely above the foot and hand supports and with the spine in a substantially free horizontal position whereby the only support for the users body is the foot and hand supports; The

Abstract: An exercise machine that allows an exercise similar to push-ups to be performed safely and has a base, a lever, a pad, a leveling rod, and a resilient element. The base has at least one bracket. The lever is attached pivotally to the bracket and has a front end, a rear end and a handlebar attached to the front end. The pad is attached to the rear end of the lever. The leveling rod is connected pivotally to the bracket and the pad. The resilient element is connected to the pad and the base.

Abstract: Exercise devices that have a novel mechanical that allow the force required to do push-ups, pull-ups or dips to be varied to aid with athletic training.

Abstract: A yoga block system which includes a first block and a second block which can either be rectangularly shaped or triangularly shaped. These blocks are capable of joining with one another, releaseably, along either a common face when the blocks are rectangular or along the hypotenuses when the blocks are triangularly shaped. At least one of these blocks is preferably hollow enabling a user to gain access to its interior. Notwithstanding the elements used to join them, each block presents to a user faces which remain substantially planar.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus for use by a crippled person for exercising their hips and legs. The apparatus comprising a base and a seat mounted on the base, the seat having two sides along the longitudinal axis of the seat. Cushions are located on the least two sides of the seat to spread the knees of a user of the exercise apparatus. A handrail mounted on the base over the anterior side of the seat.

Abstract: A two-layer drum cover and a method of producing the same are provided. The two-layer drum cover includes a backing wire constructed of a relatively high grade metal alloy in the warp direction and alternating relatively low grade metal alloys in the shute direction. The two-layer drum cover also includes a face wire constructed of a relatively high grade metal alloy in the warp direction and alternating relatively low grade metal alloys in the shute direction. All the metal alloys used in the face wire have a higher grade than the metal alloys used in the backing wire.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a nonwoven fiber composite for the manufacture of filters in the tobacco industry, wherein the method feeds separated fiber materials to a fluidized bed and the separated filter material inside the fluidized bed are transported to a rod-forming device, essentially by a transport air flow flowing in the direction of the rod-forming device and the filter material is compiled on the rod-forming device prior to forming the compacted fiber filter elements.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a first rotary disc, a plurality of folding plates mounted on a peripheral zone of the first rotary disc, a plurality of positive motion cams mounted on the peripheral zone of the first rotary disc so as to be interposed between the first rotary disc and the folding plates, a second rotary disc located on a side opposite to the first rotary disc and a plurality of auxiliary plates mounted on a peripheral zone of the second rotary disc. The folding plates and the auxiliary plates synchronously move into a contiguous diaper structure and simultaneously the guide arms move into a clearance between the guide blades so that opposite lateral zones of a crotch region may be held between the guide arms and the guide blades and thereby the crotch region may be tucked into the contiguous diaper structure.

Abstract: A buckle folding machine (10) includes an operator facing side wall (14) and a side wall (16) remote from an operator, the side walls (14, 16) being arranged at a distance from each other and at least one lower folding pocket (22, 24) being arranged between the side walls (14, 16).

Abstract: A pleating apparatus comprises a support surface, first and second pleating surfaces, and a driver for compressing a portion of a filter material between the first and second pleating surfaces to form a pleat, where at least one of the pleating surfaces is curved or extends at an acute angle with respect to a support surface.

Abstract: A method for treating fecal incontinence in a body of a mammal having a rectum formed by a rectal wall extending to an anus wherein the rectal wall includes a sphincter muscle surrounding the anus. At least one nonaqueous solution is introduced into the rectal wall in the vicinity of the anus. A nonbiodegradable solid is formed in the rectal wall from the at least one nonaqueous solution.

Abstract: The holding device of the endoscope allows suspension of the tissue while it is held and fixed securely. Use of holding device with large distal ends will not damage tissue and allows holding and suspension of a large area. A needle pierces at least the proper muscularis, thereby forming a large protrusion including the proper muscularis of the stomach and the esophagus as artificial valve to prevent reflux effectively. The holding device, formed extending out of the distal end of the endoscope, can touch the tissue easily under observation of the endoscope. Treatment is simple, and takes a shorter time.

Abstract: An endoscope is provided with a pliable tube composed of an integument layer formed from a resin and a metal tube integrally fitted into this integument layer in an insertion portion. The inner diameter dimension of the pliable tube at ambient temperature after application of the thermal load of the high-pressure steam sterilization step is larger than the inner diameter dimension at ambient temperature before application of the thermal load.

Abstract: Methods and systems for measuring mechanical property of a vascular wall and a method and system for determining health of a vascular structure are provided wherein local deformation of a vessel wall resulting from physiologic pressures with altered transmural forces is measured. A non-invasive free-hand ultrasound scanning-procedure was performed to apply external force, comparable to the force generated in measuring a subject's blood pressure, to achieve higher strains by equalizing the internal arterial baseline pressure. When the applied pressure matched the internal baseline diastolic pressure, strain and strain rate increased by a factor of 10 over a cardiac cycle. Radial arterial strain was assessed in the vessel wall over the entire deformation procedure using a phase-sensitive, two-dimensional speckle-tracking algorithm. An elastic modulus reconstruction procedure was developed to estimate the non-linear elastic properties of the vascular wall.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing treatment on an internal target region while compensating for breathing and other motion of the patient is provided in which the apparatus comprises a first imaging device for periodically generating positional data about the internal target region and a second imaging device for continuously generating positional data about one or more external markers attached to the patient's body or any external sensor such as a device for measuring air flow. The apparatus further comprises a processor that receives the positional data about the internal target region and the external markers in order to generate a correspondence between the position of the internal target region and the external markers and a treatment device that directs the treatment towards the position of the target region of the patient based on the positional data of the external markers.

Abstract: A rigid tip end section which is connected to an angle section at the fore distal end of an insertion instrument of an ultrasound endoscope is housed in a casing which can be split into a main casing and a separable head block to facilitate maintenance and service of internal component parts of the rigid tip end section. An ultrasound transducer is accommodated in a front side portion of the main casing, while endoscopic observation means including an illumination means and an optical image pickup means are fitted in an inclined wall rising obliquely upward on the rear side of the ultrasound transducer. An outlet opening of a biopsy channel outlet passage is located between the ultrasound transducer and the endoscopic observation means. The main casing is adapted to accommodate the ultrasound transducer and its wiring, while the separable head block is adapted to accommodate at least part of component parts of the endoscopic observation means.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a single microprocessor-based interface that connects between a noninvasive blood pressure (NIBP) sensor and an invasive blood pressure (IBP) monitor or module. The interface effectively emulates an IBP transducer in such a way that the IBP monitor sees the interface as if it were a regular IBP transducer from a fluid-filled blood pressure monitoring line. It receives the signal from an NIBP sensor and determines the blood pressure corresponding to the signal. It accepts the excitation voltage provided by the IBP monitor. From the excitation voltage and a known transducer sensitivity which the IBP monitor is configured to work with, the interface emulates the IBP transducer output signal corresponding to the blood pressure. The interface also emulates the input and output impedances of the IBP transducer which the IBP monitor is configured to work with.

Abstract: A method for combining breathing rate measurements from two or more independent measurement channels. Independent measurements of breathing rate, for instance by impedance pneumography and photoplethysmography, can be combined to derive an improved measurement eliminating artefacts on one channel. A model of the process generating the breathing rate, is constructed and is run independently for each channel to generate predictions of the breathing rate. The model may be a Kalman filter. The measured values are compared with the predicted values and the difference is used as an indication of the confidence in the measurement, the higher the difference the lower the confidence. The measurements from the two channels are combined using weights calculated from the respected differences.