Abstract: A multi-purpose sports facility is provided with a common base structure comprising a plurality of areas, each of which constitutes a track, pitch or court for practicing a respective sports activity. The invention enables people to learn and practice sport, choosing from the activities most widely practiced the one that they prefer and is tracks, pitches or courts most suitable for their own physical and mental aptitudes.

Abstract: A chipping net comprising a resilient but flexible rod formed into a figure eight and folded at a crossing of the figure eight, thereby forming a base loop for placement on a surface below the crossing and a main loop above the crossing. The main loop and the base loop are angled relative to each other, with the angle being less than 90 degrees. The chipping net also includes a net connected to the main loop for receiving golf balls. The force of the rod trying to expand into a circle out of the figure eight forces the main loop away from the base loop.

Abstract: A golf training device is provided that includes a cord (flexible member) and a connecting device attached to one end of the cord to connect to a golf club, to a golfer's hand and/or to a golfer's finger. A housing may house the cord when the cord is in a retracted state, and the housing may allow the cord to extend therefrom based on movement of the golf club. The housing may include a mechanism to store information related to a specific amount of the cord extended from the housing, and an identifying device (or signaling device) to identify when the golf club is in a desired position based on the stored information.

Abstract: A golf teaching device including a cloth towel having a major surface on which indicia is printed and also including a rear foot position indicator, a plurality of lead foot position indicators, and first and second ball placement indicators. The plurality of lead foot position indicators includes spaced, first and second shot specific identifiers. The first shot specific identifier and the first ball placement indicator have an identical, first primary color, whereas the second shot specific identifier and the second ball placement indicator have an identical, second primary color. The first and second primary colors are different from one another. With this configuration, a user of the device quickly and easily confirm proper foot and golf ball placement in performing a desired golf shot.

Abstract: A golf club, particularly a “putter” or “chipper”, is provided with a concave ball striking face that establishes line contact with a golf ball rather than the usual point contact and enhances the capability of a user to control the direction of ball movement resulting from a golf stroke. The concave ball striking surface may be curved and may have the same or greater curvature than the curvature of a golf ball and may have smoothly and gently merging surface regions of compound curvature. The concave ball striking face surface may have compound regions including a curved region and a planar region being smoothly and gently merged. The concave ball striking surface may be defined on an integral metal club head structure or may be defined by a polymer insert that is recessed into an insert receiving receptacle of the club head.

Abstract: A high inertia golf putter head is generally wedge-shaped, with the leading face being less wide than the trailing face. Cavities and weights are provided to optimize the moment of inertia.

Abstract: A wood-type golf club head (20) with a main body (22) and a metal injection molded sole portion (26) is disclosed herein. The main body (26) has a face portion (30), a crown portion (24) a ribbon portion (28) and a bottom opening (31). The metal injection molded sole portion (26) is preferably brazed to the main body (22). The metal injection molded sole portion (26) preferably has a mass ranging from 45 grams to 110 grams. The metal injection molded sole portion (26) is preferably from 50 weight percent to 35 weight percent of the total mass of the wood-type golf club head (20).

Abstract: Golf ball 2 has spherical core 4, and cover 6 provided so as to cover this core 4. The core 4 has spherical center 8, and mid layer 10 provided so as to cover this center 8. The center 8 is constituted with a styrene block-containing thermoplastic elastomer. The mid layer 10 is obtained by crosslinking a rubber composition. The cover 6 is constituted with a resin composition. The center 8 has a diameter of 18 mm or greater and 35 mm or less. The center 8 has a hardness H1 of equal to or less than 25. The center 8 has an amount of compressive deformation of 5.0 mm or greater and 10.0 mm or less, as measured with the initial load of 1 kgf and the final load of 10 kgf. The difference (H2?H1) between the surface hardness H2 of the core 4 and the hardness H1 of the center 8 is 25 or greater and 60 or less. The difference (H3?H1) between the hardness H3 of the cover 6 and the hardness H1 of the center 8 is 40 or greater and 65 or less.

Abstract: The invention provides a golf ball composed of a core and a cover of one or more layer that encloses the core, which cover has an outermost layer on which a plurality of dimples are formed. The outermost layer is made of one or more thermoplastic or thermoset resin as a base material, and includes therein one or more light-collecting fluorescent dye. Also, 80% of the dimples formed in the outermost layer have a dimple edge angle of 5 to 30°. The surface of the ball exhibits fluorescence even in bad weather or low light conditions, giving the ball excellent visibility and also making the ball highly fashionable.

Abstract: In a golf ball composed of a core, a cover of at least one layer that encloses the core, and a plurality of dimples on an outermost layer of the cover, at least one constituent element contains from 0.5 to 30 parts by weight of one or more rare-earth oxide composed of a single rare-earth element, or a rare-earth mixed oxide composed of a plurality of rare-earth elements mixed in a desired ratio, per 100 parts by weight of a base material. Unlike ordinary golf balls, the golf ball of the invention has a visibility which differs under display or indoor light as opposed to outdoors, and is also very fashionable.

Abstract: A sports vision training device is formed from a piece of material having a thickness sufficient to interfere with an individual's ability to look down at a sporting object. The piece of material has an adhesive coating or layer for positioning the material on an individual's cheek, preferably beneath an individual's eye, so that the piece of material interferes with the individual's ability to look down at the sporting object. The sports vision training device has a thickness sufficient to direct the individual's vision toward the field of play and up and toward at least one player on the field of play, and in some cases permitting intermittent and/or momentary glances at the sports object being controlled by the individual.

Abstract: A target receptacle, for use in practicing baseball, softball, and the like, having a main part and a base plate. The base plate is secured to a ground surface. The main part is rotatably mounted to the base, has an intake opening, and exit port, and a fully enclosed conduit connecting the intake opening and exit port. When a ball is thrown into the intake opening, it travels through the conduit and exits through the exit port.

Abstract: This patent application is for a baseball and softball home plate system generally, and more specifically a home plate system with changeable top plate sections and an up-tight bevel.

Abstract: A device for playing a ball game by hurling a ball against a wall and catching it on the rebound is described. The device comprises a hollow, cylindrical body member resembling an elongated capsule with the top half of the capsular diameter removed for approximately ? of its length, forming thus an open topped channel section, the remainder forming a closed end base section the rounded end of which serves as the hand hold for using the device, the inner surface of the channel and base sections integrally defining a passageway for the ball when it is either thrown or caught by the device; a safety strap including means for its connection to the device and attachment to the player's wrist is also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a ball for ball games which has equivalent or increased cushioning properties when compared conventional balls. The ball for ball games of the present invention includes a bladder made of rubber or elastomer, and a foamed layer covering the outside of the bladder, in which a skin layer is provided on each surface sectionalized by partition portions extending from the surface of the foamed layer, the partitions having a lesser degree of expansion than the main portion of the surface which is sectionalized by the portions.

Abstract: A belt-type continuously variable transmission (15) includes a primary sheave (29) having a pair of first clamp surfaces (37a, 37b), a secondary sheave (30) having a pair of second clamp surfaces (51a, 51b), and a belt (31) endlessly wound between both the sheaves (29, 30). The belt (31) has contact surfaces (58a, 58b) clamped between the first clamp surfaces (37a, 37b) and between the second clamp surfaces (51a, 51b). Powder (64) having infusibility as a friction enhancing material is held on at least one of the first clamp surfaces (37a, 37b) of the primary sheave (29), the second clamp surfaces (51a, 51b) of the secondary sheave (30), and the contact surfaces (58a, 58b) of the belt (31).

Abstract: A technique for providing a variable-ratio coupling between output shaft and input motor involves driving an output shaft with drivers that are out of phase with each other. Advantageously, the technique provides a gear reduction via a simple, high-efficiency mechanism; continuous output torque is provided by alternating the load between two belts deflected by, by way of example but not limitation, cam devices.

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 and four selectable torque-transfer devices. The selectable torque transmitting devices are engaged to yield an EVT with a continuously variable range of speeds (including reverse) and 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 retainer for a cross pin having a bore aligned with a bore formed in a differential housing. The cross pin retainer is positionable at partially-inserted and fully-inserted positions within the cross pin and differential bores. At a first rotational orientation, the cross pin retainer is positionable in its partially-inserted position to temporarily retain the cross pin within the differential housing. At a second rotational orientation, the cross pin retainer is positionable in its fully-inserted position to retain the cross pin within the differential housing. Features of the cross pin retainer cooperate with surfaces formed in the differential housing to allow the cross pin retainer to be fixedly positioned and secured within the differential housing.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling electromechanical valves operating in a transmission is presented. According to the method, transmission operation can be improved by heating the valves, at least during some conditions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided to control operation of an electro-mechanical torque transmission device selectively operative in one of a plurality of fixed gear modes and two continuously variable modes, and operative to transmit torque input from a plurality of torque-generative devices. The transmission device includes a hydraulic circuit and is operative in one of a plurality of operating modes by selective actuation of a plurality of hydraulically-actuated torque-transfer clutches. The method comprises monitoring pressures in the hydraulic circuit, and restricting operation of the transmission when any one of the monitored hydraulic pressures does not correspond to an expected pressure thereat. Presence of a fault is verified during the restricted operation.

Abstract: A self-contained, real-time self-use gait therapy device with a gait sensor, actuator, output speaker, and battery receptacle enclosed in a component case with a belt clip. Based upon step duration, step impact force, or step form data generated by the gait sensor, the actuator drives the speaker, producing beeps on a real-time basis with the pitch of each beep being a function of the step duration, step impact force, or step form for each step of the user. The speaker output is monitored and used by the user on a real-time basis to modify and improve his or her gait.

Abstract: A method of creating rigid cards (32) having an exercise routine (58) thereon for use by a user (26). The rigid cards (32) are prepared utilizing a computer (34) in communication with a database (40). A plurality of exercises (54) are determined and the exercises (54) are input into the computer (34) to define the exercise routine (58) specific to the user (26). A unique identifier (60) specific to the user (26) is input into the computer (34) and linked to the exercise routine (58). The unique identifier (60) and the exercise routine (58) are stored in the database (40) and printed on the rigid card (32). The method further includes modifying the exercise routine (58) and inputting the modified exercise routine into the computer (34) to define an alternative exercise routine (144). The alternative exercise routine (144) is linked to the unique identifier (60) and stored in the database (40). The unique identifier (60) and the alternative exercise routine (144) are printed on a second rigid card (116).

Abstract: An exercise console is disclosed as including a housing and a display incorporated into the housing. The display is adapted to align substantially parallel to the top surface of the housing. A tilt mechanism connects the display to the housing and is operable by a user to tilt the display to a nonparallel angle with respect to the housing. In another aspect in accordance with the invention, the exercise console includes a substantially fixed array of buttons incorporated into the housing. The buttons provide to a user various input options which are selectable in a pre-determined sequence by operation of the buttons to program the exercise console. Various indicators are associated with the buttons and inform the user which input options are next available for selection after the user has selected one or more input options.

Abstract: The leg exercise device of the present invention is provided a base assembly for supporting an adjustable handle assembly and a footplate support assembly. The handle assembly has a pair of tubular support members secured at a lower end adjacent the center of the base assembly at an angle between 45 degrees and 90 degrees. The handle assembly also includes a U-shaped handle bar having a pair of arms that are telescopically received within the tubular support members, and locking for adjustably securing the handle bar to the tubular support members. A footplate support assembly is secured to the tubular support members for rotatably supporting two footplates for independent pivotal movement on an axis above the center of the base assembly.

Abstract: An elliptical exercise apparatus includes a body having a base frame and two supporting frames uprighted at two opposite sides of the base frame; a pair of lead swing arms each having an upper end pivotally coupled with the corresponding supporting frame wherein a sliding treadle assembly having a lower end provided with a treadle portion is axially slidably attached to the lead swing arm; a pair of subsidiary swing arms each having one end pivotally coupled with the base frame wherein a subsidiary sliding sleeve pivotally coupled with the sliding treadle assembly via a pivot is axially slidably attached to the subsidiary swing arm; and a rotational shaft transversely and pivotally coupled with the base frame, wherein at each of two ends of the rotational shaft, a vertical rotational link has one end coupled with the rotational shaft and an opposite end pivotally coupled with the sliding sleeve.

Abstract: A stationary exercise machine includes a system for electronically controlling a pedal resistance so as to simulate the riding of a road-going bicycle. The exercise machine includes a control system that monitors pedal velocity and that controls the resistive load generated by an electronically-controlled resistance mechanism. In one example, an electromagnetic device may vary a resistive load placed on a flywheel, which, in turn, varies the pedal resistance experienced by a user. When the user increases the pedal velocity, the resistance mechanism increases the resistive load. When the user decreases the pedal velocity, the resistance mechanism decreases the resistive load. In another example, the resistance mechanism varies the resistive load based on a gear selection by the user. The control system may also take into account other factors, such as the grade of the simulated ride, simulated wind resistance, or other frictional forces when calculating the resistive load.

Abstract: A leg exercise device for use with an office chair including a back, a seat, and a seat support. The leg exercise device includes a leg exercise mechanism for use by a user while seated on the office chair to exercise the user's legs, and a rigid connection mechanism extending from the leg exercise mechanism for detachably and rigidly connecting the leg exercise mechanism to the seat support of the office chair.

Abstract: An exercise dumbbell includes a handle member and weight plates maintained in spaced relationship at opposite ends thereof. Knobs on the handle member have contoured bearing surfaces that bear against respective selector members to alternatively hold the selector members in weight engaging positions and disengaged positions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a floating exercise mat. The mat has a substantially planar surface with distal and proximal ends. The mat has a headrest secured to the proximal end. The headrest is thicker than the body of the mat to support the head of a user. The body of the mat has two apertures therein, where each aperture has a handle disposed therein. The handles provide the user a gripping surface so that the user can perform exercises when gripping the floating mat. The distal end of the body of the mat has resistance wings secured thereon. The resistance wings can be made of a rigid material such as polycarbonate. The wings can be in the shape of a oval, triangle, semicircle, triangle, or a rectangle.

Abstract: An apparatus for physical fitness physical strength, agility and endurance training. A controllable pressurized flow of fluid is first received via a hose to a source of the pressurized fluid. In response to this flow of fluid, a force is generated along at least one of a plurality of selected directions using one or more apertures or nozzles. The force is then transferred to a user of the apparatus so as to supply physical resistance training to the user. The apparatus further includes a user engaging mechanism that is connected to the propulsion system, and is configured to transmit exercise forces to an associated user. The apparatus further includes controls for controlling the magnitude and direction of the reaction force vector applied to the user engaging mechanism. Various embodiments of user engaging members, including blocking dummies, handles, gloves, helmets, shoes, straps or balls, may be attached to the propulsion system.

Abstract: A machine for covering packaging boxes (S) with a sheet (F) comprises at least one presser (10) and one folding blade (11) that move horizontally to apply the edges (L) of a glued sheet (F) to corresponding outside walls (P) of a box (S). The presser (10) and/or the blade (11) are adjustable in angular position with respect to one or more axes of rotation.

Abstract: A device for loading a set of bags into the rotor of a centrifuge including a loading container having an annular rim extending outwardly such that the annular rim rests on the turn table of the rotor.

Abstract: A catheter needle, for irradiating tumors, formed by an elongated plastic tube with parts partly unfoldable outwards which can lock themselves in the tissue, and a closed end. The closed end has a reinforced sharp pointed shape with which tissue can be punctured. In the improved version, therefore, a point from a harder material is provided which is provided in or around the plastic so that the catheter needle has sufficient sharpness like a conventional metal needle. Thus, the catheter needle can puncture the skin and harder, deeper-lying tissues directly without pre-puncturing or other aids.

Abstract: A magnetic therapy device has been disclosed. In one embodiment of the magnetic therapy device, the device is disk-shaped, four inches in diameter, and ¾inches thick. A disk with ten neodymium magnets mounted on the disk is mounted on a motor. The motor spins the disk, creating a dynamic magnetic field that may be useful for healing human tissue. The motor is powered by a rechargeable battery, which in turn is recharged via an inductive coil. The inductive recharging system allows the device to be completely sealed with no electrical contacts, making it safe to use near water. This embodiment also has a sequential controller which causes the device to become active for thirty minutes and then become inactive, and uses a tri-state LED to indicate the status of the device.

Abstract: A urinary incontinence treatment apparatus comprises a restriction device (56) implantable in a patient, for engaging the urethra or urine bladder to form a restricted urine passageway in the urethra or urine bladder. The restriction device is operable by an implantable operation device (60) to change the restriction of the urine passageway. A control device (62 and 64) is provided for controlling a source of energy, which may or may not be implanted, from outside the patient's body, to release energy for use in connection with the operation of the restriction device, i.e. to power the operation device.

Abstract: An adapter for holding a rear tip extender onto the cylinder of a penile prosthesis or onto another rear tip extender is described herein.

Abstract: A method for positioning a device, such as an endcap, on an endoscope is disclosed. The method can be used, for example, for facilitating pressing an endcap onto an endoscope, including in those applications where the endscope is disposed in a sheath and the endcap is positioned at the distal end of the sheath.

Abstract: An insertion shape detecting probe includes shape detecting elements for generating or detecting magnetic field or magnetic; signal lines connected to the shape detecting elements; supporting members that support the shape detecting elements; inner sheaths into which the signal lines and the supporting members are inserted; and an outer sheath into which the inner sheaths, the shape detecting elements, and at least one portion of the supporting members are inserted. The inner sheaths are each formed from a multiple-lumen tube that has a first lumen formed at a substantially central portion of each inner sheath and second lumens formed around an exterior periphery portion of the first lumen, and the supporting members are elongated wire rods one portion of which is arranged along exterior peripheries of the shape detecting elements in an axial direction and other portion runs through the second lumens.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe according to the present invention includes: an ultrasonic element for transmitting and receiving an ultrasonic signal; a signal line for transmitting an electric signal to or from the ultrasonic element; and a ground line for supplying a ground potential to the ultrasonic element. The ultrasonic element is connected electrically with a sensor signal substrate and a sensor ground substrate. These substrates are connected electrically with the signal line and the ground line, respectively, via a cable substrate. The sensor ground substrate and the cable substrate are connected directly or via a relay ground substrate.

Abstract: Anatomical information is identified from a medical image and/or used for controlling a medical diagnostic imaging system, such as an ultrasound system. To identify anatomical information from a medical image, a processor applies a multi-class classifier. The anatomical information is used to set an imaging parameter of the medical imaging system. The setting or identification may be used in combination or separately.

Abstract: A three-dimensional ultrasound imaging system color user interface generates a volumetrically-rendered ultrasound image. The ultrasound image is manipulable using three-dimensional image compositing functions. The interface presents to the user three-dimensional image controls for controlling the ultrasound image. The three-dimensional image controls have an operational similarity to two-dimensional image controls for controlling a two-dimensional ultrasound image. The interface further relates the three-dimensional ultrasound image controls to the plurality of three-dimensional image compositing functions for manipulating the ultrasound images.

Abstract: A system and method for limiting a temperature induced in a body by an ultrasound imaging catheter are provided. The method includes receiving, at an isolation box, an imaging signal from an imaging catheter, receiving, at an isolation box, a signal indicative of a temperature of tissue adjacent to the imaging catheter, removing power to the imaging catheter at the isolation box if the signal indicates the temperature of tissue adjacent to the imaging catheter exceeds a known value, and sending the imaging signal from the catheter to a processor if the signal indicates the temperature of tissue adjacent to the imaging catheter is less than the limit.

Abstract: A monitoring device (20) and method (200) for monitoring the health of a user is disclosed herein. The monitoring device (20) preferably includes eyewear (25) with an optical sensor (30), a digital storage and processing device (35) with a display member (40) and a control component (43), and a connection cable (45). The monitoring device (20) preferably displays the following information about the user: pulse rate; calories expended by the user of a pre-set time period; target zones of activity; time; and distance traveled.

Abstract: Methods and systems are presented for using an ICD to detect myocardial ischemia. In one embodiment, a method includes sensing a signal indicative of cardiac pressure, measuring a height of the sensed signal at a peak amplitude of the sensed signal, and measuring a duration of the sensed signal. The method further includes indicating an ischemia based on a comparison of a ratio of the height to the duration with a predetermined value. In another embodiment, a method includes sensing a signal indicative of cardiac pressure, determining a derivative signal that is a first derivative of the sensed signal, measuring a maximum positive value of the derivative signal, and measuring a maximum negative value of the derivative signal. The method further includes indicating an ischemia based on a comparison of a ratio of the maximum positive value to the maximum negative value with a predetermined value.

Abstract: A method for direct indication of the IOP level without requiring an additional pressure transducer being introduced into the irrigation path. The method of the present invention estimates resistance ratio for a particular setup, and thus does not assume a typical value; the estimation is performed in a pre-operational configuration that is the closest possible to the surgical configuration.

Abstract: The present application is directed to an image-guided, vacuum assisted, percutaneous, coring, cable driven breast biopsy instrument which may be conveniently mounted to an x-ray machine wherein the biopsy instrument incorporates a rotation knob at the proximal end of the instrument to manually rotate the distal end of the probe, thus allowing the clinician to conveniently position the tissue port next to the tissue to be sampled.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus (10) for treating inverted nipples and/or the collection of NAF.

Abstract: A body fluid sampling system for use on a tissue site includes an electrically powered drive force generator. A penetrating member is operatively coupled to the force generator. The force generator moves the member along a path out of a housing having a penetrating member exit, into the tissue site, stops in the tissue site, and withdraws out of the tissue site. A cartridge houses the penetrating member. The cartridge has first and second seals coupled to the penetrating member to maintain a sterile environment around a portion of the penetration member prior to penetrating member actuation.

Abstract: These and other objects of the present invention are achieved in a body fluid sampling system for use on a tissue site that includes an electrically powered drive force generator. A penetrating member is operatively coupled to the force generator. The force generator moves the member along a path out of a housing having a penetrating member exit, into the tissue site, stops in the tissue site, and withdraws out of the tissue site. An analyte detecting member is positioned to receive fluid from a wound created by the penetrating member. The detection member is configured to determine a concentration of an analyte in the fluid using a sample of less than 1 ?L of the fluid.