Abstract: A power transmission shaft such as a spline shaft and a serration shaft is provided which has improved static strength and fatigue strength. In a power transmission shaft, a diameter expansion surface is formed in a valley section of a tooth on the opposite side of a shaft end. First blunt sections in the shape of a curved surface are formed in corners between the diameter expansion surface and a tooth surface adjacent to the diameter expansion surface, in order to blunt edges.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a bolt that includes an axis, including the steps of providing a metal rod, providing a die, extruding the metal rod through use of the die, cold forming the metal rod, at least in part, to provide a shaft and a head so that, the head includes a torque transferring structure, the head includes a flange located adjacent to the torque transferring structure, a generally cylindrical surface is located adjacent to the flange, and a sloping surface that extends from the generally cylindrical surface towards the axis, rolling a threaded surface into the shaft, and providing a plurality of grooves so that the grooves extend from an end of the bolt.

Abstract: The locking nut and bolt system includes an elongated locking unit, mounted in a nut and operative with a specially configured groove bolt. The locking unit includes a plurality of at least three tines, asymmetrically located, which protrude tangentially and generally radially inward. The tines are radially asymmetrically disposed such that when a respective tine latches into a corresponding groove, asynchronous locking operation is achieved. When the tine is engaged in the groove, counter-rotational movement (loosening) is prohibited. In another embodiment, the locking unit has different sized edge cut-outs prohibiting the locking insert from rotating within the nut. The locking unit may also include a longitudinal split and a key and a keyway. A manufacturing process is also disclosed.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a fishing reel set fast upon a golf club with shrink wrap engaging feet of a base of the reel. An eyelet is also engaged fast upon the golf club with the shrink wrap. Fishing line extends from the reel to and through the eyelet. A golf ball is attached to the end of the fishing line via a rivet frictionally engaging an opening in the golf ball. The rivet includes a catch to keep the rivet in the golf ball and to keep the line in the rivet. The rivet further includes a head having an arced surface following the arced surface of the golf ball.

Abstract: A mallet-style golf ball putter with a hollow pipe component that has generally the same diameter as a golf ball, is positioned about the sweet spot in the vertical and lateral dimensions on the putter striking face, and extends longitudinally towards the rear of the putter to assist the golfer to align the striking face of the putter with the golf ball when in an address position and with the intended line of putt during takeback and follow-through. Peripheral weighting further enhances the moment of inertia of the golf putter head. The pipe component so designed permits a visual alignment of the striking face with the golf ball in the lateral and vertical dimensions and for a smooth perpendicular stroke along an axis of the pipe.

Abstract: A slip-resistant shock absorbing golf club grip that includes a felt layer, a fabric mesh formed of fibers and a polyurethane coating covering the mesh and felt, the fibers of the mesh defining grooves in the surface of the slip-resistant polyurethane which are engaged by a golfers' hands, with the polyurethane coating being buffed to partially expose the fibers.

Abstract: A golf club head includes a face insert that comprises an insert core made of a relatively hard (high durometer) durable polymer material that is surrounded on at least its rear and side surfaces by an insert shell made of a second softer (lower durometer) polymer material. The insert shell allows the harder insert core to “float” within a cavity in the club head while being surrounded on all sides by the softer insert shell. This arrangement of the insert core and the insert shell thus provides the advantages of a durable impact surface for desirable acoustic feedback while at the same time resulting in desirable feel due to the softer insert shell surrounding the harder insert core.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved putter that assists a player in perfecting a putt stroke during practice and repeating it with the same club during play. The shaft is attached to the clubhead such that it can swivel from a practice configuration to a play configuration. The putter also comprises a hosel with an attached alignment cap has lobes which matingly engage a series of recesses on the clubhead to secure the clubhead to the shaft. The putter conforms to the Rules of Golf so that the player does not have to change clubs between practice and play. The club may be used for either a right or left-handed stroke.

Abstract: There is provided a golf tee comprising a ground-engaging portion provided with a cavity therein, a golf ball supporting portion releasably engageable with the ground-engaging portion, means for connecting the ground-engaging portion and the golf ball supporting portion, and spring means for urging said golf ball supporting portion to the ground-engaging portion, wherein the spring means resides and is movable in the cavity.

Abstract: A device for learning pitching technique for ball games and improving muscle strength through resistance training. The device, which consists of an elongated U shaped coiled tubular spring with a curved end and pair of straight parallel shaft portions with solid tips, is aligned with and strapped to the user's pitching forearm. The device adjusts to fit the forearm. A rod or elastic string is fitted through a sleeve in the ball's internal polar tunnel, and the opposing ends of the rod or string are attached to the tips so that the ball can be spun around the rod or bounced on the string, to simulate pitching. A shock absorbent casing on the curved end and strap increases comfort. Opposing ends of an elastic band can be attached to the device and a stable object, such as a pole, to perform resistance training.

Abstract: When a rod extending out of the bottom of a hollow rigid plastic trunk encasing a collapsible basketball backboard is pushed up, the backboard comes out of the top of the trunk and opens and a rim rotates 90 degrees to an “up” position perpendicular to the trunk. A pulley system inside the trunk, one end of which is connected to the push rod, controls rotation of a hinge attached to a rim, the hinge sitting in an opening in the top of the trunk. When the rod is pulled, the planar segments of the backboard fold to a point one behind the other and go downward to fit into the trunk and the hoop moves to a “down” position. In open position the backboard segments fan out. The rod has a V-shaped attachment piece connecting the top of the rod to the common bottom border of the backboard.

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

Abstract: A broadhead adapter may be used to convert a field tip arrow to an arrow having a broadhead arrowhead. A broadhead adapter is comprised of a collar and at least one broadhead arrow blade. The collar is adapted to receive the stud of a field tip through an opening. The collar is adapted to securely fit between an end of an arrow shaft and the shoulder of the field tip. Each broadhead arrow blade is attached to the collar to form an arrowhead configuration. The outer perimeter of the collar should have substantially the same dimensions as the outer perimeter of the end of the arrow shaft. An arrow having a broadhead arrowhead may be formed by securing a broadhead adapter between the shoulder of a threaded arrow field tip and the threaded opening of an arrow shaft.

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, up to five selectable torque-transfer devices and possibly a dog clutch. The selectable torque transmitting devices are engaged to yield an EVT with a continuously variable range of speeds (including reverse) and up to four mechanically fixed forward speed ratios. The torque transmitting 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 differential assembly includes a housing defining a space containing a volume of hydraulic fluid, the housing including interior surfaces. A gear that rotates in the housing includes surfaces that pass through the fluid as the gear rotates and on which the fluid is carried to the interior surfaces of the housing. A bearing located in the housing is supplied with fluid from a fluid path that hydraulically connects the interior surfaces and the bearing.

Abstract: A power transmitting device, such as a differential, having a housing, input and output shafts, which are rotatably disposed in the housing, a gear set, one or more actuators and/or one or more sensors disposed within the housing, and a connector having a fitting, a seal member and a locking member. The gear set is operable for transmitting rotary power between the input and output shafts. The fitting has a body that extends through a hole formed in the housing. The body includes a plurality of terminals that are electrically coupled to the at least one electrical components. The seal member is disposed between the fitting and the housing to form a seal therebetween. The locking member engages the body and the housing to retain the fitting to the housing. The fitting facilitates electrical connection of the electrical components within the housing with a wire harness that is external to the housing.

Abstract: A method for controlling a hybrid drive of a vehicle is described, the hybrid drive including as propulsion motors an internal combustion engine and at least one electric motor/generator, and the output shafts of the propulsion motors being operatively linkable to a power train of the vehicle. The propulsion motors and an electrically activatable braking system of the vehicle are activated in a coordinated manner as a function of a negative torque request, taking this negative torque request into account.

Abstract: A vehicle that effectively sets a gear ratio when a driver turns off a main switch during running of the vehicle includes an engine, a main switch arranged to control the engine and being operable by a driver, a continuously variable transmission arranged to transmit a drive force generated at the engine to a rear wheel, and a speed change control apparatus arranged to control a gear ratio of the continuously variable transmission and continuously control the gear ratio of the continuously variable transmission after the engine is instructed to stop due to the driver turning off the main switch.

Abstract: Methods and devices for actuating a parking brake in a gearbox which is actuated in an automated manner, whereby gear changes are carried out using at least one electrically driven actuator, gear positions can be selected by using a selector device, and the parking brake can be activated by using the selector device when the vehicle is stationary or moving slowly. A vehicle provided with an additional gearbox. An ignition key can only be removed, when the gearbox is in a P state and the additional gearbox is not in the N state. A further method and device, whereby the additional gearbox can only be shifted in the N state when the gearbox is not in the P state. Further methods and a device in which automated manual gearboxes, especially parallel gearboxes, are controlled in such a way that the vehicle can be safely parked.

Abstract: When it is decided that it is impossible to shift the automatic transmission directly to the target speed position according to the second shifting-action decision made during a shifting control to shift the automatic transmission to a target speed according to a first shifting-action decision, one of a plurality of candidate intermediate speed positions to which the automatic transmission can be shifted directly is determined as an intermediate speed position. The determined intermediate speed position is established with the largest amount of change of an engine speed NE, and accordingly with the longest time required for completion of the change of the engine speed NE during which a hydraulic pressure of a clutch to be engaged to establish the intermediate speed position can be raised, whereby the clutch engaging pressure can be changed at a rate low enough to reduce a shifting shock of the automatic transmission.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for adaptively controlling a closed throttle downshift in an automatic transmission wherein a transmission aberration during a shift is diagnosed and corrected during subsequent closed throttle downshifts. The invention is carried out by monitoring transmission characteristics including input speed, output speed and shift duration during a closed throttle downshift, and identifying departures from acceptable patterns. Each type of departure calls for a particular remedy, and a suitable adjustment is calculated based on the times and/or the commanded pressures at certain times, the adjustment being implemented by changing one or more initial conditions for the next shift of the same type. The adjustments may have to be large to make a full or significant partial correction at the next shift. Conversely small increments may be necessary to avoid over-correction.

Abstract: Two blocks of structural foam are fitted with shoe buckles. The blocks have ground contacting areas larger than the user's shoes for stability, and to reduce the toss-over effects of stepping on construction junk on the floor. Small objects embed in the resilient surface of the foot so their effect on walking and stability are nullified.

Abstract: A dumbbell clamp for a barbell and dumbbell safety spotting apparatus [30] utilizes two spaced-apart plates [162] each having a notch [166] for retaining the grip [28] of a dumbbell [26]. A spring-biased lock bar [170] locks the dumbbell grip in the notches during normal use. A clamp bore [178] is provided for secure the dumbbell clamp to a cable [72] by use of a hook [86]. A hand switch receptacle [82] provides an electrical connector from a hand switch [88] on the dumbbell clamp to the safety spotting apparatus.

Abstract: A weight lifting power cage for use by a weight lifter includes a frame assembly including a pair of side frames and a rear lateral frame interconnecting the pair of side frames. A carriage is carried by the side frames and is movable simultaneously vertically and front to back. The carriage retains a weight bar mount for retaining a weight bar spanning between each side frame. The weight bar is movable by the carriage vertically and front to back. The movable carriage also carries a pair of vertical weight rack bars. An engagement mechanism enables the weight lifter to rack the weight bar from a weight lifting position without stepping forward or backward.

Abstract: A portable therapeutic seat exercise apparatus and method that provide a lightweight personal exerciser designed for a person to use to improve physical status, and for the exercise, alignment, and stress reduction of a person's trunk, spine, abdomen, pelvis, and thighs. It encourages and enhances low back mobility in contrast to the static nature of regular sitting. It consists of a lightweight contoured seating surface supported by at least one arcuate hemispherical base that allows unrestricted motion in all directions, including twisting, tilting, and rocking. It can be placed on many seating surfaces including but not limited to sofas, dining chairs, school desk chairs, office chairs, factory benches, and motor vehicle seats. Its use facilitates low back muscular stabilization, conditioning, strengthening, coordination, and enhancement of proprioceptive senses.

Abstract: The construction of a collapsible rotary torso exercise machine is disclosed. The machine's extended parts fold down and/or detach so that it may be stored in a small space. The machine is also lightweight and therefore portable. Three different types of resistance mechanism are specifically disclosed: 1) piston in cylinder resistance 2) friction resistance and 3) elastic member resistance. The collapsible rotary torso exercise machine preferably has variable resistance and for each type of resistance mechanism disclosed, a mechanism or method for varying the resistance is also disclosed.

Abstract: An exercise machine utilizing a dynamically controlled resistance technique. The machine employs two pivoting torque arms. Movement of a first torque arm is initiated by a user while performing an exercise routine. A strap and pulley system is utilized to guide a mobile member along the second torque arm to change the resistance perceived by the user. Weights can be added to the mobile member to further increase the perceived resistance. Hand levers are positioned to be operated by the user, which levers function to effect the movement of the mobile unit at any instant during the exercise routine.

Abstract: An exercise method and apparatus means for increasing swing speed and swing strength of sporting and self defense implements, by supporting an athlete, while swinging the implements, in a range of angles that take advantage of the direct downward acceleration due to gravity. Comprised of a rigid human support, and a stationary base of sufficient height, with the means of securing the angle with respect to the gravitational acceleration, the athlete swings an implement just as he would standing vertical, in an attitude off vertical to make the most of increasing forces on the implement being swung.

Abstract: A tilting inversion exerciser includes a table rotatably supported on a supporting stand with a pivot axle and a power actuating foot retaining device attached to the table for being powered and actuated to clamp and to retain ankle portions of the user to the table without being operated manually by the user. The table includes two fixed foot supports for supporting the feet of the user, a tube is attached to the table, a stem is slidably attached to the tube and has two foot anchor members movable to clamp the feet of the user to the table. A motorized and threaded coupling device may move and adjust the stem relative to the tube. The table includes a hand grip for supporting an operating device.

Abstract: In accordance with the principles of the present invention an exercise device is provided that comprises an oscillating platform and a support platform. The oscillating platform is connected to the support platform by a support having a main axis and an oscillating platform axis extending at an angle from the main axis, such that the oscillating platform defines a plane that is non-parallel to a plane defined by the support platform. An oscillating platform stabilizer enables the free angular undulating movement of the oscillating platform. Inertia or momentum of the angular movement of the platform is provided, thereby providing a fluid and continuous change in the angular orientation of the platform.

Abstract: A training harness (11) for exercising the inspiratory muscles of an athlete (10) is adapted to embrace the thorax (12) of the athlete (10) during the performance of aerobic exercise. The harness (11) has a back plate (13), a chest plate (14) and linkages (15-24) interconnecting said plates (13,14) by extending around the thorax (12) of the athlete (10). The linkages (15-24) define a pre-determined circumference of the harness (11), which may be increased when the athlete's thorax (12) expands upon inspiration—however such an increase in the circumference of the harness (11) requires the athlete (10) to work against an applied resistive load.

Abstract: A tool changer includes a tool attachment mechanism and a changer electronics module. The changer electronics module implements a tool changer node on a device network for the tool changer and a tool plate node on the device network for a tool plate of an automated tool that may be latched to the tool changer.

Abstract: A robotic system including a rotatable turntable that has an arm pivotally mounted on the turntable for rotation about an axis displaced from the turntable's rotational axis. The arm's axis of rotation may be positioned nearer the turntable's axis of rotation than a bearing that supports the turntable on a base. The arm may have a portion that extends in a direction transverse to the arm's axis of rotation located below the turntable. The turntable may be supported on the base by a single bearing having portions located in a common plane.

Abstract: A tool changing apparatus automatically changes tools mounted on the spindle of a transfer machine module. The apparatus includes a tool gripper magazine that releasably holds at least two tools. A guillotine supports the tool gripper magazine for motion between a raised stand-by position clear of the spindle and a lowered tool change position closer to the spindle so that the tools in the magazine can be exchanged with a tool supported on the spindle. A carriage movably supports the guillotine on a support frame for motion between a forward position adjacent the transfer line and the spindle and a rearward position displaced from the transfer line. When the carriage is in the rearward position, the guillotine can be lowered to a position where it is easily accessible to an operator so that the tools in the magazine can be replenished.

Abstract: A rubber roller, for use in an image-forming apparatus, which is formed by molding a rubber composition into the shape of a roller. In the rubber roller, a complex elastic modulus E* of rubber and a surface roughness Rz of the rubber roller satisfy a relationship indicated by an equation (1) shown below; and a hardness change of the rubber is set to not more than five points when the rubber ages at 70° C. for eight days: 7×Ln E*?0.12×Rz+3.0?10.

Abstract: An air evacuation system is used for lining a container with a flexible liner. The container has a plurality of walls defining a cavity with an open top, and each wall has an interior surface and an exterior surface. The air evacuation system includes a platform for supporting the container in a formed state, wherein the container has the liner in an unseated position within the cavity. A vacuum assembly is coupled to the platform. The vacuum assembly includes a pump in airflow communication with at least one inlet positioned adjacent to the exterior surface of a first container wall. The vacuum assembly is configured to draw air using the at least one inlet from the cavity through the first container wall such that the liner is positioned substantially adjacent to the interior surface of the container in a seated position.

Abstract: A conical housing of a horizontal decanter centrifuge includes a discharge port liner that attaches to the conical housing from the outside of the housing. The discharge port is substantially rectangular in configuration, and the liner slides down into the port opening. The liner is coupled to the housing with bolts or similar releasable coupling apparatus.

Abstract: Devices and methods utilizing a catheter to remodel soft tissue of a patient and, in a preferred embodiment, to reduce the volume of the left ventricle of a heart. In one embodiment, one or more sutures are passed through a wall of the ventricle. The ends of the one suture and, more preferably, the multiples sutures are drawn together to draw tissue portions towards one another. In another embodiment, tissue remodeling clip is implanted into a wall of the ventricle. Ends of the clip are resiliently biased to move relative to one another to draw tissue portions towards one another. In yet another embodiment, a tissue remodeling anchor includes a base and a plurality of legs attached to the base. The legs of the tissue anchor are implanted into a wall of the ventricle and moved toward one another to draw tissue portions toward one another. A retaining member is positioned on the tissue anchor to prevent the legs from moving apart.

Abstract: An inflatable balloon pump can be anchored with respect to a wall of the aorta for endoscopic surgical positioning with respect to the aorta of the patient. After engagement of the anchor member in an endoscopically selected location of the aorta, the inflatable balloon pump can be cyclically inflated and deflated to assist the cardiac function based on measured clinical parameters of the patient. The balloon pump can include tapered longitudinal ends and/or be segmented into a plurality of pumping chamber subsegments, each pumping chamber subsegment separated by a flexible power conduit link, where the diameter of the pumping chamber subsegments are independent of one another. Anchor members can be provided located adjacent at least one longitudinal end of the pump, or each longitudinal end of each inflatable chamber defining the pump, or sheathing at least one of the inflatable chambers defining the pump.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an attenuation device, comprising a flexible housing and a high vapor pressure media having a vapor pressure approximately equal to the intravesical pressure of the bladder and a permeability of less than 1 ml/day at body temperature through the outer wall of the flexible housing. In one embodiment, the high vapor pressure media comprises perfluorooctylbromide. In another embodiment, the high vapor pressure media comprises perfluorohexane. In yet another embodiment, the high vapor pressure media comprises perfluorodecalin. Also disclosed herein is a method of treating a patient, comprising providing a compressible attenuation device and introducing within the attenuation device at least one high vapor pressure media.

Abstract: A variable direction of view endoscope generally comprising an endoscope shaft, an objective optical system disposed in the distal end of the shaft that defines a view vector movable relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, and a viewing window located in the distal end of the shaft through which the view vector scans over a range of different view vector directions when moved relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. A portion of the distal section of the endoscope shaft adjacent and proximal to the viewing window has a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, and at least two regions within the cross section are connectable by a straight line that does not lie within or on the boundary of the cross section. In certain embodiments, cross section comprises at least two disjoint closed sets of points.

Abstract: A retractor for percutaneous surgery in a patient which includes an elongate retractor tube composed of circumferentially arranged elongate independent tube segments with proximal ends of the tube segments respectively hinged to a unitary collar whereby the distal ends of the tube segments may be outwardly expanded in umbrella fashion by outwardly pivoting the segments about their respective hinges for thereby retracting surrounding tissue. The distal end of the retractor tube is provided with a tapered distal end suitably dimensioned for insertion into a stab incision. An internally open expansion collet is coaxially received in the collar for adjustable coaxial advancement downwardly into the collar toward the retractor tube segments and fulcrum tabs protrude inwardly and upwardly towards the expansion collet from each tube segment adjacent a respective hinge.

Abstract: A medical information system receives patient data and information from various sources and displays such information in a variety of formats for use by member of a medical team in a hospital, clinic, or office. The system receives patient information from doctors, pharmacists, patient monitoring equipment, testing laboratories, and/or computer databases. Access to selected subsets of patient information is provided by user selection of specific data sets identified by job function selection icons. A member of the medical team can record observations about a patient using key words and phrases which can be supplemented with additional text for customized notation. Multiple types of patient data are selectively displayed si- multaneously, and to multiple remote users.

Abstract: A method uses body images and computer hardware and software to collect and analyze clinical data in patients experiencing pain. Pain location information is obtained by the drawing of an outline of the pain on a paper copy or electronic display of the body image. Composite images are generated representing aggregate data for specified patient groups. The coordinates of common anatomic landmarks on differently designed body images are mapped to each other, permitting integrated analysis of pain data, e.g., pain shape, centroid, meta centroid, from multiple body image designs and display of all pain data on a single body image design. Differences and similarities between groups of patients are displayed visually and numerically, and are used to assign the probability of a given patient belonging to a particular diagnostic group or category of disease severity.

Abstract: A distance measuring system comprises first and second transducers, and an ultrasound ranging subsystem coupled to the first and second transducers for performing a plurality of distance measurements between the first and second transducers. The distance measurement system can have various applications, including medical applications, in which case, the first and second transducers can be mounted on a catheter. The distance measuring system further comprises a filter coupled to the ultrasound ranging subsystem for filtering ultrasound interference from the plurality of distance measurements (such as, e.g., eight), and outputting a distance based on the filtered distance measurements. The filter filters the ultrasound interference by selecting one of the plurality distance measurements, in which case, the outputted distance is the selected distance measurement.

Abstract: A pushing pulse is delivered from an ultrasound transducer array having a plurality of elements to a target region within a medium to displace the target region to a displaced position. A tracking pulse is delivered from the ultrasound transducer array to the target region, and a plurality of tracking signals are received from locations in the target region, each tracking signal being responsive to the tracking pulse.

Abstract: An embodiment of a method of predicting maternal hypertension during pregnancy is disclosed. The method may include measuring a maternal blood velocity waveform and measuring a fetal blood velocity waveform. The method may further include the calculation of a coherence value using a magnitude-squared coherence function between the maternal and fetal blood velocity waveforms and comparing the coherence value to a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: A non-invasive probe for application to a body part, such as a finger, toe or limb, for the detection of a medical condition of the subject includes a housing defining a compartment closed at one end and open at the opposite end for receiving the distal end of the subject's body part including its terminal-most extremity, a sensor for sensing a predetermined condition of the body part after being received within the compartment, and a removable liner lining the inner surface of the housing, to facilitate the insertion of the body part into the compartment. The described probe is one which senses changes in the peripheral arterial tone as manifested by changes in the pulsatile arterial blood volume and/or changes in the oxygen saturation level in a terminal extremity of a body part, and includes a number of other features particularly useful in such probes.

Abstract: A method of determining endothelial dependent vasoactivity of a subject, the method is effected by recording pressure-related signals of a plurality of locations adjacent to at least one blood vessel; extracting at least one parameter from the pressure-related signals; and using the at least one parameter to determine a change of at least one characteristic of the at least one blood vessel, the change being representative of endothelial functioning; thereby determining the endothelial dependent vasoactivity of the subject.

Abstract: The method and the apparatus serve for non-invasively determining the blood pressure of a patient. An electrical cardiac potential measurement signal and a pulse-pressure-wave measurement signal are detected which, starting from the heart, propagate within the blood vessels as far as to a pulse-feeling location. A pulse-pressure-wave propagating time between the heart and the pulse-feeling location is determined, based on the electrical measurement signal and the pulse measurement signal. The blood pressure is determined by the aid of a function interrelationship on the basis of the propagating time, with the function interrelationship comprising a first portion that specifies the active elasticity behaviour of the blood vessels, and a second portion that specifies the passive electricity behaviour of the blood vessels. In this way, especially accurate blood pressure determination is rendered possible.