Abstract: Game processing apparatus comprising: an indication generator operable to generate an indication of a sequence of target actions to be executed by a user; a detector operable to detect user actions executed by said user; comparison logic operable to compare said target actions with said user actions to determine whether said target actions have been successfully completed by said user actions; and scoring logic operable, when in a non-scoring mode, to detect a first pattern of target actions that have been successfully completed with respect to target actions that have not been successfully completed, as determined by said comparison logic, said scoring logic entering a scoring mode upon detection of said first pattern, said scoring logic operable, when in said scoring mode, to detect a second pattern of target actions that have been successfully completed with respect to target actions that have not been successfully completed, as determined by said comparison logic, said scoring logic entering said non-s

Abstract: A progressive jackpot system for a gaming network is described wherein the accumulation of the jackpot is based upon any of a number of factors, and the winning of the jackpot is based on any of a number of factors. In one embodiment, the winning of the jackpot may be by any player using a player ID card or a cash-less card to play a gaming machine. The determination of a winner of the jackpot may be based on a random selection of a player's ID code (or cash-less card code) by a network computer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive joint for permitting a rotationally and axially fixed connection between a first and second shaft sub-section, the connection allowing a limited angular displacement.

Abstract: A system of interactive game play is provided wherein the gaming is carried out within a pool, water park or water attraction. The game utilizes electronically identifiable objects, such as waterproof wands, cards, bands, tags and/or the like, to provide an interactive game play experience generally simulative of a computer adventure game. Play participants are challenged to work and cooperate with other play participants to find and use identified objects, clues or other information to solve various puzzles or problems that present encumbrances inhibiting participants' advancement in the game. Each play participant may possess a unique RFID wand, band, card or the like, that electronically identifies the play participant and enables the play system to award and track points or other rewards to successful play participants individually or working with other play participants as a team.

Abstract: A training device 100 for swing development. A pair of telescoping rods 10 and 12 extend from a spring, one from either end. Each rod is connected to a coupling device 24, 26 having a rotating bearing to which are connected a pair of handles 4, 6. The handles 4, 6 extend perpendicularly to the telescoping rods 10, 12 and in opposite directions to one another. Various attachments can be connected to the handles 4, 6 to be rotated therewith; for example, representations of the sporting equipment to be swung such as a golf club 30 or racquet, or attachments to cause resistance to handle rotation or providing a periodic noise to work on swing rhythm.

Abstract: A golf putter has a putter head with an actively compliant beam which is parallel to the face of the putter. The beam connects to a shaft along its length and is separated from the head except for its ends. The force of impact between the face of the putter and the ball on the putter face sweet spot causes a stress to develop in the beam, resulting in a deflection in the beam proportional to the force of the impact, while maintaining the putter face orientation with respect to the putting line. Impacts which miss the sweet spot will cause the putter face to skew to an angle with respect to the putting line, also introducing a proportional flexure of the beam, depending on the distance between the sweet spot and the point of impact.

Abstract: A golf club (40) has a golf club head with a large mass, relatively short club length and a moment of inertia about the Izz axis through the center of gravity of the golf club head greater than 5000 grams-centimeters squared. The golf club head (42) preferably has a volume ranging from 400 cubic centimeters to 470 cubic centimeters. The golf club head (42) preferably has a moment of inertia about the Ixx axis through the center of gravity of the golf club head greater than 3000 grams-centimeters squared. The golf club (40) preferably has an inertia ratio greater than 0.0019.

Abstract: A golf club head of this invention includes a face, a plurality of score line grooves formed on the face, and traces formed in the face by milling. Edges of the score line grooves are rounded with a radius of not more than 0.2 mm. A width W (mm) of the score line groove measured with the rounded edge being included, a width Ws (mm) between the score line grooves adjacent to one another, a width Wr (mm) of the score line groove measured based on the 30 degrees measurement rule and a cross section area S (mm2) of the score line grooves satisfy the flowing expressions; W/Ws×100?35(%) and S/(Wr×0.5)×100?70(%). The face in which the traces are formed has the arithmetic mean deviation of the profile (Ra) of not less than 4.00 ?m.

Abstract: A high forgiveness wood-type golf club head comprises a body and a face. The body defines an interior cavity and comprises a sole that forms a bottom portion of the golf club head, a crown that forms a top portion of the golf club head and a skirt that forms a periphery of the golf club head between the sole and the crown. The face place is positioned at a front portion of the golf club head opposite a rear portion of the golf club head. The body defines an outer periphery having a generally triangular shape in plan.

Abstract: A golf club head (20) having optimized inertial properties and center of gravity is disclosed. The golf club head (20) preferably has a volume between 300 cubic centimeters and 500 cubic centimeters. The golf club head (20) has a center of gravity located less than 1.7 inches from an exterior surface of a front wall (30). The positioning of the center of gravity of the golf club head (20) and the optimized inertial properties provide the golf club with greater ball spin robustness and better performance.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a multi-layer golf ball having a soft outer cover. The golf ball has an inner cover layer with a Shore D hardness of 60 or more, and an outer cover with a Shore D hardness of 55 or less, and more preferably 50 or less. In a particularly preferred form of the invention, the outer cover comprises one or more polyurethane materials. The golf ball of the invention has exceptionally soft feel and high spin rates on short shots of 80 yards or less, and particularly, 40 yards or less, while maintaining good distance and average spin on full shots.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-piece solid golf ball having a core obtained by molding under heat a specific rubber composition and having a cover of at least three layers which is composed of a thermoplastic resin material and encases the core. By optimizing the deflection of the core under a specific load, optimizing the hardness at the center of the core and the hardnesses of the innermost cover layer, outermost cover layer and intermediate cover layer, setting the combined thickness of the cover layers to at least a specific value, and forming the innermost cover layer of a highly neutralized ionomer resin composition, the spin rate of the ball on shots taken with a driver can be significantly reduced, enabling the distance traveled by the ball to be increased. Moreover, the ball has a good feel on shots with a driver.

Abstract: The golf ball of the present invention comprises a cover wherein the cover is made from a cover material including a cured product of the thermosetting resin composition; and the stiffness modulus and shore D hardness of the cover material satisfy a following equation. 2.0?A/B?5.0, 40?B?60 A: Stiffness modulus (MPa) B: Shore D hardness.

Abstract: A baseball swing training aid includes a housing and a lid for retaining a batting tee in a first or storage configuration and in a second or use configuration. In the first configuration, the batting tee is stowable on an underside of the lid such that the tee does not interfere with the lid's attachment to the housing. In the second configuration, the batting tee base attaches to a slot formed in the lid to extend the tee upwardly for baseball swing training. Accordingly, the tee is easily changeable between the first and second configurations for fast setup, storage or transportation.

Abstract: A baseball glove with integrated illumination means and circuitry that can control the pattern and timing of the illumination means to produce a lightshow. The lightshow may be triggered by the glove catching a ball, or by a separate switch. Optionally, the lightshow may be accompanied by audio signals.

Abstract: A robot for collecting table tennis balls on the ground includes a body, a rotor mounted at a front of the body, a driving module mounted on the body, and a control device. The body is configured for receiving the picked table tennis balls therein. The driving module drives the body to travel and drives the rotor to rotate for picking up the table tennis balls. The control device is configured for controlling the driving module to drive the robot to travel on the ground along a predetermined route.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission driven-pulley cam having a third cam surface which decreases the travel distance of the roller preventing the drive belt from dropping to a lower radius, thus preventing the transmission from going into a higher gear ratio upon inversion of torque transmitted to the driven pulley. The cam further includes a locking surface which prevents the roller from travelling axially to the cam, thus prevents the inner sheave from moving away from the outer sheave when the driven pulley is operating in the reverse direction. A continuously variable transmission driven-pulley cam roller assembly includes an inner roller and an outer roller wherein the diameters of the inner and outer rollers are different.

Abstract: A main derailleur body includes a first end and a second end. The first end of the main derailleur body is configured to be mounted to a bicycle. A chain cage is pivotally coupled to the second end of the main derailleur body between at least a first orientation and a second orientation. A first pulley is rotatably mounted relative to the main derailleur body. A second pulley is rotatably mounted to the chain cage to move therewith relative to the main derailleur body. A third pulley is rotatably mounted to the main derailleur body such that the third pulley engages a chain extending between the first and second pulleys when the chain cage is in the first orientation and disengages the chain upon movement of the chain cage from the first orientation to the second orientation.

Abstract: Projectile ramming apparatus includes a rammer pawl for engaging the base of a projectile with a rigidizable chain attached to the rammer pawl for providing reciprocating movement thereto. The rigidizable chaining includes a plurality of rows of links having adjacent links pivotally attached to one another. A perimeter of each link enables fixed engagement of adjacent links on each row upon coordinated pivoting of adjacent links in each row and, further, for enabling release of the fixed engagement upon reverse coordinated pivoting of adjacent links. A drive is provided for reciprocally moving the chain and for pivoting adjacent links in order to rigidize the chain as the chain is moved in a forward direction; and unlocking, or unrigidizing, adjacent links as the chain is moved in a reverse direction. The chain is moved at a generally constant velocity enabled by the link perimeter.

Abstract: A power train for eight forward and one reverse speeds may include input shaft, output gear, transmission case, speed shift unit, output unit, four clutches and two brakes. The speed shift unit includes a first operational member fixedly connected to the input shaft, a second operational member selectively coupled to the input shaft; a third operational member fixedly connected to the transmission case; a fourth operational member selectively coupled to the sixth operation member; and a fifth operational member selectively coupled to the fourth operational member. The output unit includes a sixth operational member fixedly connected to the fifth operational member, a seventh operational member selectively coupled to the input shaft and the transmission case, an eighth operational member selectively coupled to the input shaft, and a ninth operational member connecting the output gear. The four clutches and two brakes control pertinent operation members to change the rotational speed.

Abstract: The transmission has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least seven forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission includes three planetary gear sets having six or seven torque-transmitting mechanisms and three fixed interconnections. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to at least one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with another one of the planetary gear members. The six or seven torque-transmitting mechanisms provide interconnections between various gear members and with the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of two to establish at least seven forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.

Abstract: An eight speed automatic transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, three planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include three clutches and three brakes.

Abstract: Method of operating a drivetrain, comprising at least an automatic transmission and a drive motor, for improving a speed of successive upshifts or successive downshifts in an overlap manner so that, during a first upshift or downshift, at least one shift element, required for a subsequent second upshift or downshift, is prepared during the first upshift or downshift and, when a synchronization point is reached, the subsequent second upshift or downshift can be carried out immediately. Two successive respective upshifts or downshifts can be carried out as an overlapping single shift by actuating first, second and third shift elements. Implementing the first and the second upshifts or downshifts so that actuation of the second shift element, from the first upshift or downshift to the subsequent second upshift or downshift, occurs via a minimum selection of a first alternative or by a maximum selection of a second alternative.

Abstract: A control device for an automatic gearbox, coupled to the engine or a motor vehicle, by a torque converter, including a locking device for a fixed connection of the output shaft of the engine to the input shaft of the automatic gearbox, to produce a lock-up and conversely to release the lock-up. The device further includes an engine control unit, for providing an order for the engine, such as a demand for torque, and a control unit for the gearbox for transmitting to the engine control unit an order such as a torque request. The gearbox control unit may transmit to the engine control unit a torque request as a function of slip and the torque value as demanded by the driver of the vehicle such that the speed of the engine may approach the speed of a turbine of the torque converter so that a lock-up or lock-up release can be carried out.

Abstract: An elliptical exercise machine with adjustable foot motion is provided. The elliptical exercise machine, which is adjustable to yield different elliptical paths selectable by a user, comprises a frame, a drive assembly situated on the frame, first and second link arms, the first end of each link arm being rotatably connected to the drive assembly, first and second reciprocating foot supports, the first end of each foot support being pivotally interconnected to the frame, and first and second brackets, wherein the first bracket adjustably connects the first link arm to the first foot support, and wherein the second bracket adjustably connects the second link arm to the second foot support.

Abstract: A physical rehabilitation device is disclosed including an endless belt for standing or walking thereon, which is pivotally attached to a maneuverable base. A motive force is supported by the maneuverable base and adapted to drive the endless belt at a slow constant speed, and being adjustable in small increments.

Abstract: A coupling assembly is adapted to removably couple an associated bucket to an associated foot of a user. The coupling assembly includes a lower component. The lower component is adapted to encompass an associated bucket. The coupling assembly also includes an upper component. The upper component is formed as a strap. The upper component is adapted to couple with respect to a foot of a user. The coupling assembly also includes an intermediate component. The intermediate component is formed as a plurality of vertical straps. The straps couple the upper and lower components.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for changing barbell weights. The apparatus includes at least one stand having a ramp sloping upwards to a first cradle and a second cradle. The first cradle is sized to hold a circular barbell weight. The height of the first cradle exceeds the height of the second cradle by at least the difference between a weight bore diameter and a bar diameter. When a barbell is supported in the stand, only an innermost weight at each barbell end rests against the cradle floor; the other weights all depend from the bar and are easily slid off of, and onto, the bar. Method steps include rolling the barbell onto one or more stands, changing weights as desired, and rolling the barbell off of the stand(s).

Abstract: An exercise apparatus and method of using exercise apparatuses. In some aspects and in some constructions, the invention may provide an exercise apparatus including a body housing a biasing member and having a first elongated member and a second elongated member movable relative to the first elongated member between a retracted position and an extended position, the biasing member biasing the second elongated member toward one of the retracted position and the extended position, a first pedal connected to the first elongated member, and a second pedal connected to the second elongated member, the first pedal being engageable by a first appendage of an operator and the second pedal being engageable by a second appendage of the operator for moving the second elongated member between the retracted position and the extended position.

Abstract: An exercise device, in particular an exercise device that can be attached to a conventional walker so that the user can operate it while supporting himself with the walker. The device features a base bar that can be attached to at least two legs of a walker and also attached to a second cross bar fit with support rollers, such as pulleys. A cable extends substantially the length of the cross bar, hangs down near the ends of the cross bar, and is disposed on the rollers. On one hanging end of the cable is attached a weight or similar resistance mechanism and on the other end is attached a stirrup or the like suitable for insertion of the user's limb. The height of the stirrup can be adjusted for various exercises and the user can exercise by moving his inserted limb against the resistance.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus including a frame, a carriage, a central pulley, first and second frame pulleys, a pull cord, and a locking mechanism. The frame defines a longitudinal axis. The carriage is mounted on the frame and movable along the longitudinal axis. The central pulley is attached to the carriage. The first and second frame pulleys are attached to the frame. The pull cord has first and second handle portions. The pull cord is looped about the pulleys. The central pulley is between the first and second frame pulleys along the pull cord. The first frame pulley is between the first handle portion and the central pulley along the pull cord. The second frame pulley is between the second handle portion and the central pulley along the pull cord. The locking mechanism is configured to engage the central pulley.

Abstract: The invention relates to assembly of an accessory and a shoe for providing support to a foot-drop affected foot relative to a lower leg belonging to the foot such that the foot is prevented from dropping downwards relative to the lower leg when the foot is raised by the lower from a supporting surface, the accessory being provided with a first attachment member for attachment of the accessory to the lower leg, a second attachment member for attachment of the accessory to an upper side of the shoe and a connecting body joining together the first attachment member and the second attachment member, wherein the second attachment member is provided with an attachment plate which, in use, is positioned under an upper part of the shoe. The invention also relates to the accessory of the assembly.

Abstract: An exercising assist method and apparatus for includes a pair of foot engaging members each having a structure to be removably coupled to a foot of a person. A pair of wheel assemblies is provided and each of the foot engaging members has one of the wheel assemblies attached thereto. The wheel assemblies engage a wall surface when the foot of the person is pointed toward the wall surface. The wheel assemblies assist the person in performing exercises.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and an apparatus used to lift a barbell. In some embodiments, the invention relates to an apparatus having a centralized handle and opposing hooks extending away from and attached to opposing ends of said handle. In other embodiments, the invention relates to methods for attaching said hooks to a barbell to assist in the performance of weight-bearing exercise and lifting.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus seat includes a seatbottom and a seatback each pivoted to a support frame at respective first and second stationary pivots, and coupled to each other at a third translational pivot.

Abstract: A fitness apparatus which allows for simultaneous strength training and core muscle building/strengthening, the apparatus incorporating an inflatable exercise ball. The apparatus includes a base which allows for selectively controlling the lateral movement and compressibility of the ball while performing various exercise routines. Also incorporated in the base are adjustable resistance training devices which allow for a variety of strength training, the resistance training devices allowing routines ranging from very light to sufficiently strenuous to challenge advanced users. The apparatus is collapsible and stowable, and may be used without the exercise ball to facilitate both strength/flexibility training, as well as aerobics.

Abstract: The present invention provides a machine tool with a spindle chuck replacing mechanism which is simply configured to enable a reduction in time for work replacement without the need to sense the rotation speed of a spindle chuck or the like. The machine tool includes a pre-rotation-transmission mechanism 7 transmits rotation of a spindle motor 4, via a path different from a chuck coupling portion 3a of a spindle 3, to a spindle chuck 5 placed in a processing position P1 and not coupled the chuck coupling portion 3a. The pre-rotation-transmission mechanism 7 makes a difference in rotation speed between the spindle chuck 5 and the spindle 3. The pre-rotation-transmission mechanism 7 has a speed difference absorbing mechanism 23 that absorbs the difference in rotation speed with the spindle chuck 5 coupled to the chuck coupling portion 3a.

Abstract: A filter component cutting system comprises a supply hopper of elongate filter rods and a cutting drum with spaced apart flutes on an exterior surface of the drum for receiving the elongate filler rods. A transfer mechanism receives the elongate filter rods from the supply hopper and delivers the rods to the flutes on the cutting drum. At least one cutter adjacent the cutting drum functions to cut the filter rods in to individual filter components as the cutting drum rotates.

Abstract: A device for producing container blanks from a material web having a plurality of tools supported by a rotary tool holder. The tool holder is on rotation arranged to move each tool along a working path along which each tool is engageable with the material web for joining of opposite wall portions of the material web along connecting portions, and a return path along which each tool is disengageable from the material web. Each tool is arranged to be moved together with the material web when the tool is moved along the working path and the tool holder acts as a deflector for the material web when this moves together with the respective tools along the working path. The present invention also relates to a corresponding method for producing container blanks.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for the attachment of a zipper to a reclosable package or bag, particular packages or bags of relatively larger sizes. Pinch rollers separate the flanges of the zipper so that the interior walls of the flanges are pointing upward, then hot-melt adhesive is sprayed downwardly onto the flanges. The zipper is then guided over the edge of the horizontally-oriented package or bag by a tube with a longitudinal slot. The package or bag, with the zipper attached, is engaged between a driven-belt apparatus with a nip formed between opposed belts, thereby applying consistent and even pressure to the zipper flanges and assuring that the hot-melt adhesive forms a bond which is consistent, reliable and strong.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating at least two discrete volumes of a composite liquid into at least a first component and a second component comprises a centrifuge, with a rotor having a rotation axis comprising at least two separation cells, each for containing a separation bag containing a volume of composite liquid; and first balancing elements for balancing the rotor when the respective weights of the at least two separation bags in the at least two separation cells are different.

Abstract: Devices and methods are described herein which are directed to the treatment of a patient's heart having, or one which is susceptible to heart failure, to improve diastolic function.

Abstract: An infant care apparatus having a door latching mechanism that provides a positive latching of a door to the hood of the apparatus. The mechanism has a door latching assembly that is affixed to the door and which is latched to a floating catch housing that is affixed to the hood in a manner that the floating catch housing is vertically movable with respect to the hood. When the door is moved into its closed, latched position, the door latching assembly vertically aligns the floating catch housing so that a movable latch member is correctly oriented with respect to latch openings in the floating catch housing so that the movable catch member can enter the latch openings sufficiently to assure a positive, secure latch therebetween.

Abstract: A method for incorporating brain wave entrainment into an audio composition by selectively modulating musical elements within the composition. The invention provides a way to specify and modulate individual frequency components in an audio composition, according to the desired brain wave state, allowing brain wave entrainment to be easily and subtly incorporated into an audio composition by disguising the modulations as natural instrumental qualities such as vibrato or reverberation.

Abstract: An anatomical device comprising an unclosed curvilinear frame with distal ends, forming an aperture for receiving a penis. The unclosed curvilinear frame is made of a material with shape memory effect, thus forming a compressing element set to memorize the shape of the curvilinear figure repeating the external contour of a penis base in erected state. The area of the setting shape is by 30-50% less than that of the cross-section of penis base at maximum erection. An anatomical device built as a closed curvilinear frame, containing an unclosed curvilinear frame with connected distal ends, forming an aperture for receiving a penis. The unclosed curvilinear frame is made of a material with shape memory effect, thus forming a compressing element that is set to memorize the shape of the curvilinear figure repeating the external contour of a penis base in erected state. The area of the setting shape is by 30-50% less than that of the cross-section of penis base at maximum erection.

Abstract: A method for enhanced exercise training or performance utilizing intentional controlled tachypnea and somatic sensory alkalosis biofeedback training to maintain an essentially non-acidic state during exercise. A trainee is instructed to decrease measured transcutaneous CO2 levels by increased ventilation and to correlate measured transcutaneous CO2 levels with subjective somatic symptoms. Studies under exercise conditions measure the intensity of exercise correlating to an onset in blood acid accumulation in the trainee and such level of intensity is in turn correlated with a predetermined heart rate. The trainee is then instructed to use heart rate and somatic sensory changes as a guide to the need for increased ventilation to lower blood CO2. In another embodiment, the method of the instant invention utilizes intentional controlled tachypnea to increase maximum breath holding time.

Abstract: An illuminated display system and method for prioritizing medical care administered to an injured user, such a soldier in battlefield settings. The illuminated display system may be applied to triage scenarios whereby illuminated signals visually provide the triage status of an injured user at a distance and in low-visibility settings. In particular, the illuminated display system includes a plurality of light emitters. Each light emitter from the plurality of light emitters provides a different predetermined wavelength of light than the other light emitters from the plurality of light emitters. In operation, each respective predetermined wavelength of light provides information relating to the degree of injury or other information associated with the user such that a desired light emitter is selected to display the desired wavelength and, ultimately, the desired information.

Abstract: A method for producing an ECG-triggered retrospective color-flow ultrasound image comprises generating ultrasound, transmitting the ultrasound into a subject at a first location, wherein a first reference point of an ECG signal taken from the subject triggers the ultrasound transmission, receiving ultrasound reflected from the subject at the first location, transmitting the ultrasound into the subject at a second location, wherein a second reference point of an ECG signal taken from the subject triggers the ultrasound transmission receiving ultrasound reflected from the subject at the second location, processing the received ultrasound to form ultrasound color traces, and reconstructing the ultrasound color traces to form the ultrasound image.

Abstract: A method and system for opening a blood-brain barrier are described. Ultrasonic radiation having a frequency below 500 kHz is directed through a skull to a target region and the frequency is adjusted such that wavefronts of the ultrasonic radiation remain essentially unchanged while passing through the skull.

Abstract: A method for diagnosis includes receiving from a sensor coupled to a body of a sleeping patient a photoplethysmograph signal. The photoplethysmograph signal is processed independently of any other physiological measurements in order to identify sleep stages of the patient.