Abstract: A playing card delivery shoe is used in the play of the casino table card game of blackjack is disclosed.

Abstract: A game controller system for electronic games includes a two-hand operated game pad that has a pair of pistol-like grips extending from opposed ends of a central housing bearing player input buttons, triggers analog sticks, and digital pad. A wrist support panel extends laterally from the bottom of each grip to provide a rest for the blade portion of the gripping hand. A plug connector disposed on the housing releasably connects to any one of several modules, such as mouse, joystick, and steering units to enable a user to reconfigure the assembly for different games and purposes.

Abstract: A flexible torque-transmitting coupling assembly and method is disclosed, as well as flexible surgical reamers having such assemblies. The reamers employ a fitting with radially flexible member, e.g., a split collet or a super-elastic collar that receives an elongated tubular shaft of super-elastic alloy. A compression sleeve is applied to the collet, in one embodiment, while the collar is located within a counter-bore of the fitting in another embodiment. Relative motion between the shaft, fitting and collet (or collar) induces a super-elastic activation in the shaft to form the desired coupling.

Abstract: A constant velocity joint includes an outer race having a plurality of ball grooves formed in an inner spherical surface thereof, which ball grooves extend in a direction of a rotation axis of the outer race, an inner once having a plurality of ball grooves formed in an outer spherical surface thereof, which ball grooves extend in a direction of a rotation axis of the inner race and are paired with the ball grooves of the outer race, and a plurality of balls disposed between the ball grooves of the outer race and the ball grooves of the inner race. In the constant velicity joint, the ball grooves of at least one of the outer race and the inner race are partially formed with relief profiles to provide a plurality of relief groove portions such that a load applied to each of the balls located in the relief groove portions during torque transmission between the inner race and the outer race is smaller than a load applied to each of the balls located in the other portions of the ball grooves.

Abstract: A steering shaft boot of a molded elastic material comprises an inner boot portion including a first cylindrical portion that is adapted to cover a steering shaft, a first flange portion that extend radially outward from one axial end of the first cylindrical portion and is adapted to be secured to a panel member and a first upper wall portion that extends radially inward from the other axial end of the first cylindrical portion and is adapted to be put on an outer surface of the steering shaft; and an outer boot portion including a second cylindrical portion that covers the first cylindrical portion while keeping a certain clearance therebetween, a second flange portion that extends radially outward from one axis end of the second cylindrical portion and is adapted to be secured to the panel member and a second upper wall that extends radially inward from the other axial end of the second cylindrical portion to the other axial end of the first cylindrical portion.

Abstract: Ball striking devices, such as golf club heads (including putter heads), have a high moment of inertia about their center, to help prevent twisting and mis-hits, particularly when the ball striking device hits the ball at a somewhat off-center position. The ball striking head of the ball striking device may be structured and/or weighted (optionally with separately attachable weight elements) to have a moment of inertia about a center of the ball striking surface of at least 10,000 g-cm2, and in some examples, the moment of inertia may be at least 11,000 g-cm2, or even at least 12,000 g-cm2. In some examples, the moment of inertia may be at least 20,000 g-cm2, or even at least 25,000 g-cm2 or at least 28,000 g-cm2.

Abstract: A method is provided for cushioning the grip of a striking instrument which generally includes the steps of providing a striking instrument having an elongated shaft, placing a pneumatically actuated cushioning apparatus over the distal end of the shaft, the pneumatically actuated cushioning apparatus having a bladder configured to surround the proximal end of the shaft along a desired length and a valve for receiving a volume of air; inserting the nozzle of a pump into the valve of the cushioning apparatus, and operating the pump in order to inject a volume of air into the bladder, thereby cushioning the grip of the striking instrument. Preferably, the striking instrument is a golf club. A cushioning apparatus is also provided, which includes an inner layer and an outer layer defining a bladder, and a valve for receiving air and delivering it into the bladder so that the grip may be pumped up.

Abstract: A golf club with a shaft and an asymmetrical head, wherein said head has a gravitational center which is further from a trailing edge than said striking face and is disposed on a vertical plane which includes said grip axis.

Abstract: A putter constructed for an improved golf swing with the desired straight back-and-forth stroke. The putter has a bi-weighted club head with a front face and a butt end. A first weight is positioned behind the front face and a second weight is positioned near the butt end of the club head spaced behind the first weight. The putter has a shaft attached to the club head well behind the front face at the location of the second weight. The shaft is angled toward the front face, so that the golfer's hands are positioned over the front face of the club when lining up a putt. The putter has a modified grip that is shaped to fit the golfer's palm, has a flat surface for placing the thumb, and a flat finger pad for receiving the fingertips.

Abstract: Embodiments of movable weights, such as weight assemblies and weight screws, for a golf club head are disclosed herein. One embodiment for a weight assembly, for example, comprises a mass element having a first end, a second end and a sidewall extending between the first end and the send end. The sidewall of the mass element defines a first bore extending through the mass element and at least a portion of the sidewall of mass element tapers in a direction from the first end to the second end. This embodiment further includes a retaining element configured to engage the first bore adjacent the first end of the mass element and defining a second bore. The weight assembly further includes an elongate fastener having a first end configured to be received within the second bore of the retaining element and a second end extending through the first bore and beyond the second end of the mass element when the mass element, retaining element and fastener are assembled together.

Abstract: A golf club head (42) having more than 50% of a volume forward of a center of gravity and more than 50% of a mass rearward of the center of gravity is disclosed herein. The golf club head (42) preferably has a volume ranging from 420 cubic centimeters to 480 cubic centimeters. The golf club head (42) preferably has a moment of inertia about the Izz axis through the center of gravity of the golf club head greater than 4000 grams-centimeters squared, and a moment of inertia about the Ixx axis through the center of gravity of the golf club head greater than 2000 grams-centimeters squared.

Abstract: The present invention provides a golf ball having a core, an outermost cover layer and an intermediate layer therebetween. The core is made of a material obtained by molding under heat a rubber composition containing polybutadiene having a stress relaxation time (T80) of 3.5 or less. The intermediate layer, which is of a specific thickness, is made primarily of a resin material of a specific hardness obtained by blending together (I) a sodium ion neutralization product of an olefin-unsaturated carboxylic acid random copolymer with (II) a magnesium ion neutralization product of an olefin-unsaturated carboxylic acid random copolymer. The outermost cover layer, which is of a specific thickness, is made primarily of a non-ionomeric resin material of a specific hardness. The golf ball has an excellent rebound, a good feel on impact, and an excellent scuff resistance.

Abstract: A method for making a multilayer golf ball including a solid center having a center hardness, a plurality of laminates cut into a plurality of shapes formed around the center to create an inner ball, and a cover formed around the inner ball, wherein the plurality of layers can include at least a first layer having a hardness greater than the center hardness and a second layer having a hardness greater than the first layer hardness, and optionally a third layer disposed between the first and the second layers having a hardness greater than the first layer hardness.

Abstract: The invention relates to training devices for sports playing sticks with head frames. More particularly, the invention relates to weighted training devices that may be attached to a playing stick such as a lacrosse stick. The invention includes devices and methods for training and conditioning sports players, particularly lacrosse players.

Abstract: A targeting aid for use with goals characterized by opposing uprights and a crossbar has a first connector connected to the crossbar. A support extends rearwardly and downwardly relative to the first connector and connects to a second connector behind the goal plane defined by the uprights and the crossbar. From the support a target is provided which is preferably elevationally adjustable and spaced by a member from the support. By spacing the target within the confines of the goal (i.e., rearward of the goal plane) it is not in a position to be inadvertently contacted by a goal keeper.

Abstract: A self-storing basketball goal system includes a foundation box enclosing a portable basketball goal including a backboard and hoop rim. The backboard attaches to the distal end section of a post assembly, which is preferably foldable and telescopic. The foundation box may be dug in the ground so that the post and goal assembly is installed upon a top cover of the foundation box which is flush with the ground, or the foundation box may be a remote storage container away from the playing surface. In that case, the post assembly and supporting struts are attached to keyways installed within the playing surface, such as a driveway, patio or other playing surface. The post assembly may then fold into the foundation box with the backboard and removable hoop rim.

Abstract: A sports equipment carrier that is woven or threads through one or more pieces of sports equipment, then attaches to itself and finally attaches to the handle of a sports stick. It is a quick, open and secure way to carry equipment on its own separately or attached to the handle of a sports stick. This allows the user to carry the stick and equipment with the stick slung in an over the shoulder fashion. The stick can rest on the users shoulder while the equipment hangs from the handle of the stick behind the user. It can also be carried in the users hand by their side. The stick is easily inserted or removed for play while holding the gear/equipment together. The stick is also protected from damage that can occur from direct contact with the equipment.

Abstract: A lacrosse head having a wide catching area and channeled thongs. One embodiment includes a stop member, a left sidewall connected to the stop member, a right sidewall connected to the stop member, and a scoop connecting the left sidewall to the right sidewall opposite the stop member. The scoop is disposed about 25.5 cm from the stop member. The widest point of lacrosse head is in a catching section disposed from about 6 cm to about 17 cm from the stop member. The left sidewall is convex with respect to the interior area of the head at a portion of the left sidewall between the widest point and the scoop. The right sidewall is convex at a portion of the right sidewall between the widest point and the scoop. In another embodiment, the sidewalls rise from the plane of the scoop and include thong holes to provide channeled thongs.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides an offset lacrosse head comprising a shaft, a collar, and a head. The collar defines an opening that receives the shaft. The head has a juncture. The juncture defines a socket that receives the collar, and the socket and the shaft are non-concentric. In a further aspect of this embodiment, the shaft has a shaft axis, the opening of the collar has an opening axis, the socket of the juncture has a socket axis, and at least one of the socket axis, the opening axis, and the shaft axis is offset, when viewed from a side elevation of the lacrosse stick facing an exterior of a sidewall of the head.

Abstract: A racket frame guard assembly is provided. The assembly includes a flexible abrasion-resistant section (ARS) for covering an outside portion of a racket frame, and a collar with a fastener cavity, formed with the ARS. The assembly also includes either a separate or attached fastener strip, insertible through the collar fastener cavity, having a length sufficient to wrap around a radial circumference of the racket frame. The fastener strip is used to secure the ARS to a racket frame. For example, the fastener strip can be a tie wrap, Velcro tie, or even a twist tie. Typically, the ARS has a tubular-shape with an inside surface formed along an interior axis, and the collar fastener cavity is formed by the ARS inside surface. The ARS inside surface can be an inside cylinder surface or a rectangular slit for example.

Abstract: A four wheel drive articulated mine loader is powered by a fuel cell and propelled by a single electric motor. The drivetrain has the first axle, second axle, and motor arranged in series on the work machine chassis. Torque is carried from the electric motor to the back differential via a pinion meshed with the ring gear of the back differential. A second pinion oriented in an opposite direction away from the ring gear is coupled to a drive shaft to transfer torque from the ring gear to the differential of the front axle. Thus, the ring gear of the back differential acts both to receive torque from the motor and to transfer torque to the forward axle. The in-line drive configuration includes a single electric motor and a single reduction gear to power the four wheel drive mine loader.

Abstract: A multi-regime continuously variable ratio transmission system has coaxial system input and output shafts (16, 24), a continously variable ratio transmission unit (V) connected coaxially to the system input shaft (16) and having a coaxial variator output shaft (18) and a mixing epicyclic gear train (E1) having an input sun gear (S1) drivably connected to the variator ouput shaft (18), a planet carrier (C1) drivably connected to the system input shaft (16) and a planet gear (P1) mounted on the planet carrier ((C1). The planet gear (P1) drives a first intermediate output shaft (22) arranged coaxially with the system input shaft (16) and selectively connectable to the system output shaft via a first clutch (H) in high-regime operation of the transmission. The planet gear (P1) also provides the input for a second epicyclic gear train (E2) having an output (C2) which is selectively connectable to the system output shaft via a braking element (L) for low-regime operation of the transmission.

Abstract: A planetary gearbox for a power tool has a planetary carrier and a rotatable sleeve with sun wheel toothing arranged centrally on the planetary carrier. The sleeve has a radial section with outer toothing. Planet wheels are positioned between planetary carrier and radial section and mesh with the sun wheel toothing. A switching ring gear surrounds the planet wheels and has an inner toothing meshing with the planet wheels. The switching ring gear is axiallay moveable on the planet wheels between first and second end positions for switching a transmission ratio. In the second end position the switching ring gear engages the outer toothing of the radial section. A synchronization disk, rotating with the rotary sleeve, is positioned between planet wheels and radial section and acts directly or indirectly by friction on the switching ring gear when the latter is moved from the first into the second end position.

Abstract: A gatherer stitcher is provided having a common drive unit driving at least two operating shafts, at least one and/or at least two different operating units, such as more particularly a gatherer chain and/or stitching station and/or a feeder and/or stitching carriage and/or ejector and/or 3-cutter, comprising two operating shafts, which permits an automated change in the phase angle between the two shafts. According to the invention, this is achieved in that an adjusting apparatus having at least one adjustment drive (4) that can be monitored is provided in order to set a phase angle at least between the two shafts.

Abstract: A shift control apparatus for a continuously variable transmission includes a continuously variable transmission for transmitting power of an engine to a driving wheel; a shift actuator for changing a gear ratio of the continuously variable transmission; and a gear ratio controller for controlling the shift actuator such that the gear ratio of the continuously variable transmission exhibits a predetermined shift pattern. The shift controller further includes a battery monitor for detecting remaining charge of a battery charged by a generator connected to the engine, and the shift pattern is changed according to the remaining charge of the battery. The shift control apparatus ensures an operating feel similar to that during ordinary running regardless of remaining charge of a battery. A method of controlling a continuously variable transmission in a vehicle is also disclosed.

Abstract: In a method and system for controlling a braking system, equipped with an electric parking brake, for a motor vehicle, the electric parking brake is released in response to an identification of a moving-off operation. A release instant of the electric parking brake is defined in dependence on at least one measured parameter of a clutch engagement operation. In comparison with a method and system in which, for example, the electric parking brake is released in dependence on the actuation of the accelerator by a driver, the method and system permit a more precise coordination of the deactivation of the electric parking brake with the clutch engagement operation, and thus with the moving-off operation of the vehicle, particularly in the case of a vehicle equipped with a manual transmission.

Abstract: An engine start control unit enables engine start when a user performs a predetermined normal time push operation on a push switch in a normal mode. The engine start control unit enables the engine start when the user performs a predetermined fail-safe push operation on the push switch in a fail-safe mode. The fail-safe push operation of the push switch requires an increased work load of the user in comparison to that of the normal time push operation of the push switch.

Abstract: A portable exercising apparatus for isolating a user's torso muscles during operating conditions includes at least one wheel section that has at least one rim including a plurality of spokes, an elongated axle, and at least one hub including a bearing disposed therein. The apparatus further includes a mechanism for supporting a user's feet at an elevated position and along a substantially horizontal plane. Such a supporting mechanism is secured to the axle and is disposed adjacent the at least one wheel section to thereby allow a user to perform exercise movements while extended along a generally horizontal plane. The present invention may reside in alternate embodiments wherein various wheel sections cooperate with the supporting mechanism for providing an effective exercising apparatus.

Abstract: A rear wheel axle support assembly for a fitness bicycle includes: a front rack, a rear rack, and two retaining portions, on an upper portion of a left and a right rods of the front rack provided two coupling seats for connecting the left and the right rods of the rear rack, so that the front rack and the rear rack are connected in a herringbone pattern, the two retaining portions disposed at an upper end of the left and the right rods of the front rack for clamping both ends of a rear wheel axle of a fitness bicycle. The rear wheel axle support assembly is capable of clamping and unclamping the rear wheel axle of a fitness bicycle by using retaining portions.

Abstract: A strength conditioning device for strengthening and conditioning abdominal and hamstring muscles is provided. The device includes at least one flex member, a seat, an ankle support attachment member and an ankle support frame. Each flex member has a first end portion, a second end portion and a middle portion between the first and second end portions, each middle portion having a curved region. The seat has an upper surface for receiving the buttocks and/or upper posterior thigh portions of a user and is attached to the second end portions of the flex members. The ankle support attachment member is attached to the first end portions of the flex members. The ankle support frame, which is attached to the ankle support attachment member, has left and right ankle support members oppositely positioned on either side of the flex members for supporting the ankles of the user. The device may further include a forefoot bar, attached to the ankle support frame, and configured to support the user's forefeet.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for pre-fastening disposable absorbent articles having a slot-and-tab fastening system during manufacturing of the pre-fastened disposable articles, such as diapers, pull-on diapers, training pants, adults incontinence pads and the like.

Abstract: An expandable folder (10) is disclosed for holding reports. The folder (10) is formed of a single sheet of material (12). The folder (10) includes a back (14), a front (20), two sides (16, 18) and a flap (22). The sides (16, 18) are folded inwardly and the front (20) is folded upwardly to form a pocket. Tabs (68, 70) on the front fit into slots (58, 60) in the sides (16, 18) to hold the folder together. Two label sections (label section (82) and back (14)) are provided to allow the folder to be marked with identifying information.

Abstract: Apparatus for feeding paper webs and the like, for producing cardboard tubes, characterized in that it comprises a plan modular structure (1) with a development mostly longitudinal and exhibiting two opposite surfaces (1a, 1b), one (1a) of the surfaces supporting pairs of shafts or axes (2, 2?) horizontally oriented parallel to the one surface and located at a preset distance from the ground, each of the shafts or axes (2, 2?) intended to support at least a reel (3, 3?) from which a paper web unwinds, so that the output webs run parallel and superimposed to each other along the other surface (1b) of the structure, and in that it comprises automatic means, associated with the structure (1), for the cutting and mutual gluing of the webs which unwind from two different reels (3, 3?) of a same pair of shafts (2, 2?).

Abstract: A tabletop converter has a conversion assembly that inwardly gathers and crumples a stock material to form a strip of dunnage. The conversion assembly includes a feeding assembly that moves the stock material and a controller that controls the feeding assembly to operate in both a forward direction and a reverse direction. To automatically separate a discrete dunnage product from the strip, a holder grabs and holds the strip of dunnage at a holding location downstream of the feeding assembly. The feeding assembly then operates in a reverse direction and urges the strip away from the holding location. This causes the strip to separate at or between the holding location and the feeding assembly, leaving a discrete dunnage product ready for use. The converter is mounted to a stand that allows the converter to rotate relative to part of the stand about both a horizontal axis and a vertical axis.

Abstract: A centrifuge apparatus for processing blood comprising a bottom spring-loaded support plate; a top support plate; an axial inlet/outlet for blood to be processed and processed components of the blood, the axial inlet/outlet being attached to the top support plate by a rotating seal assembly; a variable volume separation chamber mounted between the bottom support plate and the top support plate, the variable volume separation chamber being fluidly connected to the axial inlet/outlet; a pump fluidly connected to the axial inlet/outlet; and a rotary drive unit attached to the bottom support plate. The top support plate is fixed vertically and the bottom spring-loaded support plate is mounted on springs that maintain pressure on the variable volume separation chamber and allow the bottom support plate to move vertically.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for setting energy saver sleep modes for use in a centrifuge systems. The centrifuge system contains an energy saver touch screen control which can be either manually set or automatically set to turn the centrifuge on or off at predetermined times. This allows the centrifuge system to be readily available to a user, resulting in lower wear and tear being placed on the major systems of the centrifuge and waste less energy.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) for cleaning fluids such as oils comprising an inlet (12) for fluid to be cleaned, a heating unit (21) for heating the fluid, a centrifugal cleaner (24), a vacuum dehydration unit (26), a holding tank (11) and a fluid outlet (40). A first valve (13) controls communication between a first pump (20) and the inlet (12) or holding tank (11) to pump fluid from the inlet (12) or holding tank (11) to the heating unit (21) for conveyance to the centrifugal cleaner (24), the outlet of which is connected to the vacuum dehydration unit (26) and a second valve (37) controls communication between a second pump (35) and tank (11) and outlet (40) to either enable fluid to be recirculated back to the tank (11) or supplied to the outlet (40).

Abstract: A modified annexin protein, preferably annexin V, is used to prevent thrombosis without increasing hemorrhage. Annexin binds to phosphatidylserine on the outer surface of cell membranes, thereby preventing binding of the prothrombinase complex necessary for thrombus formation. It does not, however, affect platelet aggregation necessary for hemostasis. The modified annexin molecule can be a homodimer of annexin, an annexin molecule coupled to one or more polyethylene glycol chains, or an annexin molecule coupled to another protein. By increasing the molecular weight of annexin, the modified annexin is made to remain in circulation for sufficient time to provide a sustained therapeutic effect.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for treatment to tissue surrounding a body cavity or other intracorporeal site, such as after removal of tissue, e.g. cancer. Such a device includes a treatment location on a distal portion of the device with one or more radiation shielding components that partially encircle a radiation source at the treatment location to control emitted radiation from the radiation source. The device minimizes radiation damage to healthy tissue surrounding the body cavity or other site while irradiating tissue not shielded by the radiation shielding components. A device embodying features of the invention can include a sealing member at a location on a shaft of the device proximal to a treatment location to seal the passageway leading to the body cavity.

Abstract: A treatment strand for insertion into a patient using a needle. The treatment strand includes an elongated member having first and second longitudinal ends, and a plurality of treatments seeds spaced apart from one another between the longitudinal ends. One of the longitudinal ends of the elongated member is a needle plug.

Abstract: A magnetic stimulator, which may be used as a transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) device, and a method for its use are disclosed. The stimulator comprises a frame and an electrically conductive coil having a partially toroidal or ovate base and an outwardly projecting extension portion. The frame may be a flexible or malleable material and may be non-conductive. The electrically conductive coil may comprise one or more windings of electrically conductive material (such as a wire) coupled to the frame. The coil is electrically connected to a power supply. The device may be placed adjacent to or in contact with the body of a subject, such as on the head of a subject. The device may be used on humans for treating certain physiological conditions, such as cardiovascular or neurophysiological conditions, or for studying the physiology of the body. This device is useful in studying or treating neurophysiological conditions associated with the deep regions of the brain, such as drug addiction and depression.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating an anal or urinary incontinent patient includes an elongate adjustable constriction member adapted to extend in a loop around and constrict the patient's large intestine or urethra to close the intestinal or urethral lumen and release the large intestine or urethra to open the intestinal or urethral lumen. A connection device releasably connects the end portions of the constriction member to each other and an adjustment device adjusts the longitudinal extension of the constriction member in the loop to change the constriction of the large intestine or urethra. The connection device includes a female part and a male part fitting into the female part to lock them together. The design of the connection device facilitates laparoscopic surgery for implanting the constriction member.

Abstract: Surgical articles, implants and components suitable for female pelvic health procedures are described.

Abstract: A male sexual impotence treatment apparatus comprises a constriction device implanted in an impotent male patient and engaging the patient's penile tissue. The constriction device includes an elongate adjustable constriction member extending in a loop around the penile tissue or the prolongation thereof. A connection device releasably connects the end portions of the constriction member to each other and an adjustment device adjusts the longitudinal extension of the constriction member in the loop to temporarily constrict the penile tissue or the prolongation thereof to restrict the penile exit blood flow to achieve erection. The connection device includes a female part and a male part fitting into the female part to lock them together. The design of the connection device facilitates laparoscopic surgery for implanting the constriction member.

Abstract: Penile implant devices and methods are disclosed. A penile implant device in accordance with the present invention includes an implantable penile prosthesis pre-connected to a needle by a suture. The needle and suture may also be at least partially enclosed in a sheath or the like. In accordance with the present invention, a penile prosthesis is connected to a needle by a suture during a pre-operative storage period of the penile implant device. For example, the penile prosthesis may be connected to the needle during manufacture of the penile implant device.

Abstract: A minimally invasive surgical access device that allows access to a pathology being treated while significantly reducing the risk of damaging anatomical structures proximate the pathology. The access device includes a base portion having a central bore extending therethrough, and retractor blades pivotably mounted to the base portion. An insertion handle is coupled to the base portion to thread the retractor blades into the patient. The insertion handle is removed from the base portion, and a core hollow screw is threaded into the base portion to separate the retractor blades to gain access to the pathology through the hollow screw.

Abstract: A system for monitoring at least one physiological parameter of a human subject. The system of the present invention features a device with which the human subject regularly interacts, and which is connected to the computational device of the human subject for automatic collection of at least one physiological parameter which is also of medical interest. The device features at least one physiological sensor for collecting the measurement of the physiological parameter. The computational device of the human subject then preferably operates a software program to analyze the data which is collected, in order for the human subject to receive an alert when necessary. Alternatively or additionally, the collected data is sent to a remote computational device which is in communication with the computational device of the human subject for analysis.

Abstract: The invention relates to monitoring of pain-related responses in a patient in order to detect the level of pain experienced by the patient. At least one first measurement signal is acquired from the patient and at least one of the signals is transformed into a normalized signal having a predetermined value range. Based on the at least one normalized signal obtained in this way, a threshold condition is set and a rate at which at least one second measurement signal fulfills the threshold condition is monitored, wherein each of the at least one second measurement signal is derivable from a corresponding normalized signal and indicative of pain-related activity in the patient. The level of pain experienced by the patient depends on the rate monitored.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and an apparatus for monitoring a condition of a patient under anesthesia or sedation. For this purpose there is a sensor for acquiring a signal that represents peripheral cardiovascular flow in the patient. Successive heart beat pulses are detected and predetermined pulse wave parameters are measured repeatedly in said signal, and predefined pulse wave parameters within said heart beat pulses are measured, too. At first, said predetermined pulse wave parameters in a number of successive heart beat pulses are compared in respect to possible occurrence of a substantial alteration. At second, if the alteration is noticed, a statistical reference value is calculated by deriving values from at least said predefined pulse wave parameters, and the change(s) between at least one predefined pulse wave parameter and said reference value is quantified. The results and/or intermediate results are finally displayed and/or recorded.

Abstract: A temperature sensing system and method for determining a patient's core body temperature by measuring the temperature of the patient's blood at a location in a vessel lumen retrograde of an insertion point of a temperature sensor or sensors into the vessel lumen.