Abstract: A frame assembly forming a portion of a rowing accessory is to be mounted within a watercraft, to which frame assembly is attached a seat and oars. The frame assembly comprises first and second frame members each having the general shape of a winged U. First and second wing portions of each frame member extend outwardly from upper ends of the frame members. A track assembly has a beam attached to lower portions of the frame members at spaced apart connection points along the length of the beam. A seat assembly attaches to and slides along the beam. First and second hinge plates each have a first end attached at an outboard end of one wing portion of the first frame member, and a second end attached at an outboard end of one wing portion of the second frame member.

Abstract: An inflatable rope comprises three layers, a bladder, a sheath, and a fitted, perforated plastic bag to keep the inflatable rope in a compressed form. The compressed form can be hurled through the air at great distance to a person overboard. The inflatable rope can be inflated to a size that eases the ability of the person, who has lost dexterity in frigid water, to hold on to it for rescuing.

Abstract: A building element suitable for use in supporting model building sets. The building element is configured to be removably secured to a plurality of like or similar building elements to form a modular substructure for supporting model building sets. To that end, the building element may include a plurality of connector fitting arrangements disposed on the surfaces of the building element. In one embodiment, the building element is configured to be separable into half-sections and quarter-sections.

Abstract: A construction system is described and which includes a first construction element which has at least one passageway which extends therethrough; a fastener body having a first and a second portion, and wherein the first portion of the fastener body is received in the passageway defined by the first construction element; and a locking member having first and second portions which individually matingly cooperate with the respective first and second portions of the fastener body to secure the fastener body to the first construction element.

Abstract: There is provided a control mechanism for use with a puppet and puppets adapted for control thereby. One or more single-strand, sheathed cables are adapted for imparting motion to at least one movable part of a puppet. Both longitudinal (i.e., in-and-out) and rotary motions may be imparted to the cables, thereby allowing a wide range of resulting movements of the attached puppet part. In one embodiment, longitudinal movement of the cable strand imparts a flapping motion to the wings of a puppet while rotary motion of the same cable imparts a wagging motion to the puppet's tail. Regardless of whether one or two cables are used, the actuation of the cables may be performed discreetly and out of view of the audience of the puppeteer's show.

Abstract: In some examples, a toy vehicle play set may include an elongate track having a first vehicle-support surface defining a travel path, and a carriage mounted for travel along the travel path and having a second vehicle-support surface. The first and second vehicle-support surfaces may be configured to support, in combination, a toy vehicle.

Abstract: The present Invention provides a breast support apparatus. The apparatus further comprises at least one layered front portion constructed to form two breast cups. Each breast cup is configured and dimensioned to hold a female breast. Attached to each breast cup is a support member made of a strong flexible rigid material that is configured and dimensioned to accommodate at least the lower section of each breast cup. The back portion includes an inner layer made of a foam material that molds to the shape of the body during movement. At least one cooperating fastening members is attached to the internal peripheral edge proximately near the mid-section of each breast cup such that when the cooperating fastening members are secured the support member uplifts each breast.

Abstract: A right handed or left handed sanding block can be provided individually or as a mirror image pair. Each block includes a grasp handle and a fastening surface engaging a replaceable sanding pad. Each handle includes a pair of cove box channels to fit the fingers of the user. These channels have forward and rear finger stops located at opposite sides. The channel positions are mirror image reversed for the right hand and left hand blocks. The forward stop provides a rest for the thumb and the front vertical surface provides a rest for the index finger. A rear finger stop provides a rest for a tip of another finger. The block is a truncated rectangle with an offset edge. The short side of the block provides a safety harbor clearance when the other hand of the user grasps the work piece.

Abstract: A multi-stage sharpener includes at least one motor driven abrasive sharpening stage and one non-motor driven conditioning stage. The conditioning stage has a non-abrasive hardened surface and at least one precision knife guide which has a planar guide surface for creating a microscopic serration along the edge of a blade which had been sharpened in the first stage sharpening station. The sharpener may also include a third stage motor driven finishing stage. Alternatively, the conditioning stage can be incorporated as the knife edge modifying stage of a manual sharpener.

Abstract: A power tool has a handle holder portion having a semispherically bulging outer circumference, and an arm portion enclosing the handle holder portion and having a semispherically recessed inner circumference. The bulging outer circumference of the handle holder portion is fitted in the recessed inner circumference of the arm portion. An elastic member is clamped between a power tool body and a handle around the handle holder portion in the radial direction perpendicular to the center axis of the protruding direction of the handle holder portion. A bulging portion for limiting the sliding range of the arm portion is disposed at the leading end of the handle holder portion.

Abstract: The polishing pad (104) is useful for polishing at least one of a magnetic, optical and semiconductor substrate (112) in the presence of a polishing medium (120). The polishing pad 104 includes multiple layers of polishing filaments (200, 300, 400, 500) stacked on a base layer (204, 404, 504) of polishing filaments, the multiple layers of polishing filaments (200, 300, 400, 500) having a sequential stacked formation with each layer of the polishing filaments being above and attached to a lower polishing filament, the multiple layers of polishing filaments (200, 300, 400, 500) being parallel to a polishing surface of the polishing pad (104) and wherein individual polishing filaments (202, 302, 402) of the multiple layers of polishing filaments (200, 300, 400, 500) are above an average of at least three polishing filaments (202, 302, 402), to form the polishing pad having an open lattice structure of interconnected polishing filaments (210, 310, 410, 510, 610).

Abstract: An HVAC controller housing including a plurality of valves extending therein for directing airflow to a plurality of ducts is provided. The housing is of the type including a side port extending outwardly from the housing and in fluid communication with one of the ducts. A drive gear is provided on the housing to drive a plurality of driven gears disposed on the housing for driving the plurality of valves. The driven gears are responsive to the drive gear through a transmission member comprising an annular idling gear in meshing engagement with the drive gears and at least one of the driven gears. The annular idling gear is rotatably supported on the housing and encircles the side port for efficient torque transfer between the drive gear and the driven gears.

Abstract: The invention concerns an air outlet for a vehicle with an actuator for an air outflow, with the actuator featuring a temperature-inducible deformation effect, and means to trigger the deformation effect.

Abstract: An air duct assembly for a vehicle heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system includes a first duct member having a pair of opposed side walls, an upper wall and a lower wall, a front wall, a rear wall and a central passageway. A second duct member is operatively attached to the first duct member, and includes a plurality of integrally formed chambers. Each chamber has a pair of opposed side walls, an upper wall and a lower wall interconnecting the sidewalls, a front wall and a rear wall and a central passageway extending between an opening in the front wall and an opening in the upper wall. A door member is disposed between the first duct member and the second duct member. The door member includes a plurality of flaps that control the flow of air through the second duct member and the first duct member.

Abstract: A gaming device and a method for operating the gaming device. The gaming device includes a processor, a display device adapted to communicate with the processor, several sets displayed by a display device and at least one component associated with each set. Several selections are displayed by the display device and a prize is awarded to a player when a set is completed. A player completes a set and receives a prize for that set when the player picks selections and generates each component associated with a set.

Abstract: A player-exploitable game condition is monitored within a game. In certain versions, the play of certain players can be monitored, logged, and then examined. In one version, the monitoring includes comparing some quantifiable player activity against some threshold value. In one version, the monitoring is based on the rate at whish the player is acquiring virtual property.

Abstract: A universal joint for coupling a drive shaft and a driven shaft comprises a first joint yoke having axially opposite yoke arms; a second joint yoke having axially opposite yoke arms and arranged radially at an angle of 90 in relation to the first joint yoke to form an internal space; first and second connection elements, each connection element having a base web and at least one connection area extending from the base web toward the internal space; and an elastic coupling element configured to fit within the internal space and connected to the at least one connection area of each of the first and second connection elements such that the elastic coupling element is spaced from each of the first and second connection elements over a portion of the respective base webs to create an axial interspace.

Abstract: In a joint section between a shaft and a universal-joint yoke a tip surface on the tip end of the shaft and an inside surface of a connecting section of the yoke fit together in concave-convex engagement. The tip surface contacts the inside surface at two contact locations, and a clearance between these surfaces is formed between the two contact locations, whereby movement of the tip end of the shaft is restricted and vibration of the shaft is prevented.

Abstract: This invention relates to a bowling game system that prevents a ball from falling into one of gutters with no players noticing. A bowling game system 1 is provided with an approach 2 where a player rolls a bowling ball b down, a lane 3 on which the ball b players bowl rolls, a plurality of bowling pins 5 arranged and placed on the end of the lane 3 opposite to the approach 2, trough-like gutters 4 provided longitudinally on the both sides of the lane 3 to receive the ball b slipping from the lane 3, a plurality of nozzles 21 provided face to face longitudinally on the outer sides of the lane 3 and a compressed air supplying source 25 providing the nozzles 21 with compressed air via supplying pipes 22. The nozzles 21 discharge compressed air toward the inside of the lane 3 to prevent the ball b from falling into one of the gutters 4, which is not revealed to players, because the compressed air is transparent and clear.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward a trial golf club head and method for determining the optimal loft angle for any golf club, and in particular a hybrid-type golf club. The invention includes a trial golf club head having a face portion, a leading edge portion, a toe portion, a heel portion, a back portion having a trailing edge portion, and a sole portion. The sole portion contains a number of equally spaced graduated indicia, which are substantially parallel to one another and extend from the toe portion to the heel portion. The distance between the graduated indicia is approximately 3.75 centimeters (cm), which corresponds to an incremental loft angle of approximately 3 degrees. The sole portion has a radius of curvature of 71.67 mm, which extends from the leading edge of the face portion to the trailing edge of the back portion.

Abstract: A golf swing improvement device comprises a lower leg cradle and a support means. The lower leg cradle has a radiused, curved forward surface. An alternate embodiment comprises a below-foot spacer. The spacer has, in other embodiments, an attachment means.

Abstract: A golf club shaft composed of a laminate of prepregs each containing a matrix resin and reinforcing fibers impregnated with the matrix resin. The matrix resin of at least one of the prepregs contains a fullerene or/and a fullerene compound. The content of the fullerene or/and the fullerene compound contained in the prepreg is set to not less than 0.002 wt % nor more than 1 wt % of an entire weight of the prepreg. The length of the prepreg containing the fullerene or/and the fullerene compound is set to not less than 2% nor more than 90% of the full length of the golf club shaft.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to golf balls having a layer formed from a relatively soft HNP composition and a layer formed from a relatively hard HNP composition. Golf balls of the present invention have at least three layers, including an inner core layer, an outer core layer, a cover, and optionally an intermediate core layer. The present invention is not limited by which golf ball layers are formed from an HNP composition, so long as at least one layer is formed from a relatively soft HNP composition and at least one layer is formed from a relatively hard HNP composition. Relatively soft HNP compositions of the present invention comprise a highly neutralized acid copolymer preferably having a modulus of from 1,000 psi to 50,000 psi. Relatively hard HNP compositions of the present invention comprise a highly neutralized acid copolymer preferably having a modulus of from 25,000 psi to 150,000 psi.

Abstract: A practice device for softball pitchers. The device is designed to help a pitcher develop better throwing mechanics by teaching proper spin, release, and follow through for various breaking pitches. Using the device consistently helps a pitcher improve technique, which would ultimately enhance performance in game situations. The device consists of a tripod stand, having an adjustable boom arm at its top, a wedge shaped frame and bracket with a short post assembly to which a regulation sized softball is attached. The side of the bracket opposite the soft ball features a short, right angled mounting bracket. The vertical portion of the bracket features a hole in its center and thus could be secured to the post on the booms stand filter assembly via a wing nut.

Abstract: A device (10) for practicing playing a ball game, such as tennis, comprises an arm (29) one end portion of which carries a ball (31), such that the ball (31) is rotatable retained relative to the arm (29), and a remote end portion of which is secured to a face of a toothed pulley wheel (25) which is rotatable mounted on a swingable link means (16, 17, 18) pivotally mounted on a shaft (13). A second, larger, toothed pulley wheel (14) is rotatably mounted on the shaft (13), there being resilient means (23) for restraining such rotation. The toothed pulley wheels (14, 25) are engaged by a toothed endless belt (26).

Abstract: An apparatus for teaching an individual proper body rotation when striking a ball is disclosed which includes an elongated body member having a first end portion, a medial portion and a second end portion. A strap is connected to the elongated body member for securing the elongated body member in a is substantially horizontally disposed position on a portion of a lower lumbar region of the individual's back whereby at least a portion of the medial portion and the second end portion of the elongated body member extends outwardly from the individual. Upon the individual assuming a ball striking position and simulating a swing or a ball striking motion, at least the second end portion of the elongated body member is caused to cross over a ball striking zone when the individual's hips, lower body and upper body are properly rotated during the swing or ball striking motion. The apparatus may further include a back rest assembly, a rib assembly and a propiteal fossa engaging assembly.

Abstract: A multiple component tennis scoring and vibration dampening device including a pair of housing sections that are matable in communication with and attachable to the strings of a tennis racket. Each preferred housing section further includes a rubberized material which functions as a vibration dampening member, and a rotary dial on each of the housing section to designate the score of each player or team.

Abstract: A dual-bladder inflatable ball includes: a valve unit; an outer cover defining a confining chamber therein and connected sealingly to the valve unit; a bladder unit enclosed in the confining chamber in the outer cover, connected to the valve unit, and including an inner bladder and an outer bladder enclosing the inner bladder and disposed between the outer cover and the inner bladder. The bladder unit is operable between an inflated state, where the inner and outer bladders are spherical in shape and the inner bladder abuts against the outer bladder, and a deflated state, where the inner and outer bladders are non-spherical in shape and cooperatively define a gap therebetween. The outer bladder has a first elongation percentage, and the inner bladder has a second elongation percentage greater than the first elongation percentage of the outer bladder.

Abstract: A conical disk pair for a belt-driven conical-pulley transmission includes a fixed disk, and a movable disk that is axially movable and rotationally fixed to an input shaft. A torque sensor is associated with the movable disk on a side opposite from the axially fixed disk and includes a sensing piston having axially-directed arms that are circumferentially spaced on a side of the sensing piston that faces away from the movable disk. The arms have outer axially—extending teeth that mesh with inner axial teeth of an input wheel. An inner support ring contacts the arms on an inner side radially opposite the outer teeth of the arms and forces the outer teeth of the arms into meshing engagement with circumferentially-positioned axial teeth of the input wheel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a control system employing a single solenoid valve operable to provide a variable fluid flow to effect cooling if the motor/generator assemblies contained within an electrically variable hybrid transmission. The control system of the present invention selectively controls the cooling of at least one motor/generator assembly of an electronically variable hybrid transmission by selectively controlling valves of various types and configurations.

Abstract: With the automatic transmission 10-1 for vehicle according to the present embodiment, since multistage transmission of eight forward gear stages can be obtained by means of four sets of planetary gear sets 12, 16, 18 and 20, four clutches C1 through C4 and three brakes Bi through B3, the transmission can be fabricated to be light in weight and made compact, wherein the mountability thereof in a vehicle can be improved. Further, as has been made clear in FIG. 1 (b), since speed change in the respective gear stages can be carried out only by a shifting action of any two of the clutches C1 through C4 and brakes Bi through B3, the speed change control can be facilitated and it is possible to prevent a shock to the transmission from occurring.

Abstract: A method for controlling a hybrid electric vehicle powertrain having an engine, a multiple-ratio transmission, a first electric machine and a second electric machine. On a power-on transmission downshift, electric wheel torque is used to compensate for a slow response of an engine to a request for increased traction wheel torque.

Abstract: A transmission TM comprises a metal V-belt mechanism 20, which is provided between an engine ENG and driving wheels DRW and transmits a rotational driving force from the engine ENG toward the driving wheels DRW with a speed change, and a forward/reverse switching mechanism 30, which includes a planetary gear train and switches the rotational direction between for a forward drive and for a reverse drive and transmits the rotational driving force received from the engine ENG to the metal V-belt mechanism 20. An engine control unit 60 for the transmission TM, while the rotational direction is set for a reverse drive, changes the ratio of the metal V-belt mechanism 20 in the direction where the vehicle speed increases by a predetermined ratio and controls the torque input from the engine ENG such that the torque being transmitted to the driving wheels DRW achieves approximately the same magnitude as that achieved while the rotational direction is set for a forward drive.

Abstract: A retarding system for a work machine is disclosed. The retarding system has a power source, a transmission, and a torque converter operatively coupling the power source and the transmission. The torque converter has a lockup clutch. The retarding system also has a controller in communication with the lockup clutch. The torque converter is configured to receive an input indicative of a desired work machine acceleration, to determine a status of the lockup clutch, and to determine if engaging the lockup clutch will cause a speed of the power source to drop below a low idle speed. The controller is also configured to engage the lockup clutch if the input indicates that the desired work machine acceleration is below a predetermined amount, the lockup clutch is disengaged, and the speed of the power source will remain above the low idle speed after engagement of the lockup clutch.

Abstract: A method and associated computer-executable code for controlling an automotive powertrain featuring a manual transmission determines a current transmission output speed based at least in part on the vehicle speed achieved in response to a torque request signal; determines an effective transmission gear ratio based on the engine speed and the transmission output speed; and compares the effective transmission gear ratio to each of the predetermined transmission gear ratios. A transmission shift is deemed to be in progress when the effective transmission gear ratio is not within a predetermined tolerance of any of the predetermined transmission gear ratios. Relatively-aggressive smoothing of the torque request signal upon pedal tip-out is advantageously canceled when a shift is deemed to be in progress, thereby reducing the likelihood of unintended engine speed and/or transient flares when a declutching event follows shortly after the pedal tip-out.

Abstract: There is provided a fail control apparatus for an automatic transmission, which, in the event of a friction element failure, is capable of coping with the failure by identifying a failed part without erroneous determination and within a short time. The set gear ratio of a designated gear position at the time of failure and the actual gear ratio are compared with each other to determine whether a friction element has failed, and an alternative gear position which enables a vehicle to start moving again is designated based on the determination result. In determining a failed friction element, one friction element disengaged or engaged due to failure is identified only when the designated gear position is the first speed gear position which is achieved by engaging one low clutch and a one-way clutch. It is therefore possible to determine the details of failure with accuracy and properly set an alternative gear position.

Abstract: An exercise device includes a first treadle assembly supporting a first moving surface and a second treadle assembly supporting a second moving surface. The exercise device further includes an upper body exercise assembly operably associated with the exercise device. The first treadle assembly is pivotally coupled with the frame structure, and the second treadle assembly is pivotally coupled with the frame structure. In another form, an exercise device includes a frame structure, a first treadle assembly having a first endless belt in rotatable engagement with a first roller, a second treadle assembly having a second endless belt in rotatable engagement with a second roller, and a flywheel operably coupled with the first endless belt and the second endless belt.

Abstract: Exercise apparatus and an assembly method therefor have a resistance-bearing cable running along an extension arm and trained around a pulley for bearing resistance for an exercise routine. The pulley is swivelable about a swivel axis along a shank mounted to the arm by a bearing housing cartridge supporting and locating the shank and insertable into a hollow end of the extension arm along an insertion direction coincident with the extension axis and the swivel axis and supporting the pulley for swiveling about the swivel axis along the shank.

Abstract: A weight plate have integrally formed handles is provided. The weight plate has a weight plate body having an outer periphery, a first side, and a second side that is substantially flat. The weight plate also has a central bore extending through the body, a raised flange member forming a portion of the outer periphery on the first side, and at least one handle opening extending through the body and through ht least a portion of the outer periphery. The handle formed by each handle opening, the corresponding recess, and the raised flange member is sufficient for a human hand to grip. In one embodiment, the weight plate further includes an interlock for interlocking the weight plate with another weight plate when positioned together. In another embodiment, the weight plate further includes a pock defined in the weight plate. The pock allows the weight of the weight plate to be adjusted to a desired weight by allowing additional material to be added to the pock.

Abstract: Provided herein is an innovative human powered pumping device comprising a piston and cylinder pumping mechanism that is hinged off a base. In use, the piston is driven in and out of the cylinder by a handle which is pushed and pulled by the operator. The base is resting on the ground and the cylinder is hinged off the base such that the pumping mechanism can rotate with respect to the base during the pumping motion.

Abstract: A carton having a pair of end flaps for closing an end of the carton is disclosed. The end flaps each have at least one pre-applied adhesive deposit. When the end flaps of the carton are in their closed postions, the pre-applied adhesive deposit on one of the end flaps is generally in alignment and at least partially in contact with the pre-applied adhesive deposit on the other of the end flaps to permit the pre-applied adhesive deposits to adhesively bond.

Abstract: A device for laying continuously supplied web material in zigzag lengths has a pendulous arm positioned within a supply path of the web material and a holding-down device pushing down the web material at least in the area of the reversal points of the zigzag length. By arranging the holding-down device on the pendulous arm, a particularly a simple construction of such a laying device is provided.

Abstract: An interfolding machine having a framework (1) comprising a first plate (20a) and a second plate (20b), parallel to each other, interconnected by means of beams (15, 25, 26). Each plate (20a or 20b), has a modular structure and comprises at least one lower portion (22a or 22b) and an upper portion (23a or 23b). The upper portions (23a, 23b) of the plates (20a, 20b) are connected by beams (25), whereas the lower portions (22a, 22b) are connected by relative beams (26, 15). The upper portion has a portion (5) removable independently from the framework (1). The removable portion (5) comprises cutting rollers (8), the rollers bringing a cutting tool (10) and folding rollers (9). The web conveying rollers (6, 7), conveying the paper along the direction of process are mounted on the fixed portion (24) of the upper portion (23) of the framework (1).

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 method for treating living tissues with electromagnetic fields by subjecting the tissues to be treated with an electromagnetic field that varies as a function of time, and without the need for a corresponding static magnetic field, is provided.

Abstract: A method for treating patients suffering from left ventricular dysfunction, exhibited by a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) less than normal, is disclosed. The method involves applying, during diastole, for a time period of about one hour, about five days each week for at least about seven weeks, an incrementally increasing therapeutic pressure to the patients' lower extremities, from the calves through the thighs and the buttocks. The hourly treatments are carried out at incrementally increasing peak diastolic/systolic pressure ratios (D/S Ratios) in the range of about 0.4:1 up to about 0.6:1 and thereafter at a D/S Ratio in the range of 0.5:1 to 1:1 for each consecutive hourly treatment, with the proviso that the average D/S Ratio over the entire treatment regimen does not exceed about 0.9:1.

Abstract: An implantable article and method are disclosed for treating pelvic floor disorders such as vaginal vault prolase. A surgical kit useful for performing a surgical procedure such as a sacral colpopexy is also described.

Abstract: A method for presenting an indicator of the upright orientation of an endoscopic image. An electronic rotation pick-up means is fixed to the housing of an endoscope. The electronic rotation pick-up means produces signals indicating rotations of the endoscope. A microprocessor uses these signals to calculate the difference between the upright image orientation and the actual image orientation. The calculation includes factors to account for endoscope roll, endoscope pitch, and endoscope viewing direction. The upright indicator is displayed on a video display device along with the endoscopic image.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining a proximity between a medical probe (such as, e.g., the tip of the medical probe) having an ultrasound transducer and a tissue surface, is provided. The ultrasound transducer is operated in a first resonant mode to transmit a first ultrasound signal that intersects the tissue surface to create a first reflected ultrasound signal, and operating in a second different resonant mode to transmit a second ultrasound signal that intersects the tissue surface to create a second reflected ultrasound signal. The first and second reflected ultrasound signals are received, e.g., by the ultrasound transducer, and a proximity between a portion of the medical probe and the tissue surface is determined based on the received first and second reflected ultrasound signals.

Abstract: Different subarray combinations are provided for ultrasound imaging. A basic building block component supports different subarray sizes. Rather than providing a switching network for all possible combinations, a transducer array is divided into super arrays. Each super array is associated with a plurality of possible subarrays. For example, a 3×12 block of elements is divisible into four 3×3 or three 3×4 subarrays. As another example, a 4×12 block of elements is divisible into four 4×3 and three 4×4 subarrays. For each super array, the block of elements is divided into slices, such as three slices along one dimension for 3×12 block or four slices along that dimension for the 4×12 block. The number of elements along one division in each slice represents a least common multiple of the varying extent of the subarray sizes. Twelve is the least common multiple of three and four. By using small building blocks, the slice inputs are combined into partial subarrays.