Abstract: A golf ball including a core having a compression of about 50 or less and a COR of 0.800 or greater, a thermoset polyurea cover having a hardness of 64 Shore D or less and a thickness of 0.02 inches to 0.1 inches, and an intermediate layer disposed between the core and the cover, the intermediate layer having a thickness of 0.110 inches or greater and comprising a partially- or fully-neutralized ionomer. A combination of the core and the intermediate layer has a compression of 60 or greater and the golf ball has a COR of 0.805 or greater when measured at an incoming velocity of 125 ft/s and greater than 0.75 when measured at an incoming velocity of 160 ft/s.

Abstract: A golf tee setting device includes a generally cylindrical body having a top portion, a bottom portion, and a passage extending between the top portion and the bottom portion. The passage is sized to allow a golf tee to pass therethrough. The body has at least one opening therein between the top portion and the bottom portion. The opening defines a surface such that a line extending through the passage traverses the surface at two locations. A kit having a plurality of the devices of different lengths is also provided. Additionally, a method of manufacturing the device is also provided.

Abstract: A tee portion and a height regulating portion cooperate to form a height adjustable golf tee where the user may readily and easily adjust placement of the height regulating portion relative to a placement zone along the tee portion and lock the height regulating portion at a desired location defined by the user. The height regulating portion is locked onto the tee portion during assembly where it may not inadvertently become separated during use, transport or storage. The height regulating portion is easily transferred between an adjustment position and a locking position utilizing a simple toggle like action. The height adjustable golf tee provides for a golf ball to be retained consistently at a user defined elevation above the ground during play of the game of golf.

Abstract: A weighted stick practice aid is provided for use with a lacrosse stick assembly including a lacrosse stick, a lacrosse head having a head neck portion, a head ball stop portion, head sidewalls, and a head lip. The weighted stick practice aid comprises a flexible padded weight donut comprising a horizontal donut portion including a first engagement end, a second engagement end, and a weighted interior center portion. The weighted interior center portion includes a plurality of weighted particulates contained within. A head engagement portion extends from the second engagement end and includes a donut loop hole formed within. The horizontal donut portion is configured to wrap around the lacrosse stick and form a primary catch by engaging the first engagement end to the second engagement end. The head engagement portion is configured to extend to sit within the head ball stop portion.

Abstract: A muscle memory training apparatus for training a ball player in proper elbow elevation at the beginning of a throw includes a frame; an elbow support cup assembly mounted to and projecting forwardly from the frame; a spring-loaded reel mounted to the frame a distance above the support cup assembly and having a retracting line secured to a ball mounted to the frame; and a fastening mechanism connected to the frame for fastening the apparatus to an anchoring object at a suitable elevation. A method of using the muscle memory training apparatus includes the steps of: securing the apparatus to a selected anchoring structure such that the elbow support cup is substantially at the user shoulder level; placing the user elbow in the elbow support cup; grasping the ball; and throwing the ball forwardly from the apparatus, so that the ball is subsequently retracted by the spring-loaded reel.

Abstract: A layered composite bat is designed to include fiber angles of orientation that are layered and progressive. The bat includes a multi-layered composite material configuration wherein progressing from an innermost layer to an outermost layer, the unidirectional fiber angle of orientation within each layer increases from an angle substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bat to an angle substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bat. In progressing from an innermost layer to an outermost layer, there also exists at least one instance where subsequent positive angles of orientation are separated by or vary by about 15 degrees. The bat may include multiple walls. Each wall contains layers that progress from a low angle to a high angle in 15-degree increments.

Abstract: A game ball is disclosed that includes a polymer foam layer processed with an inert fluid blowing agent, such as nitrogen. The polymer foam may be a polyolefin material, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and ethylvinylacetate, and the inert fluid blowing agent may have a relatively high-purity. The polymer foam may be manufactured with a process that includes impregnating a polymer with the inert fluid blowing agent and expanding the polymer by heating the polymer above a softening temperature of the polymer, reducing a fluid pressure surrounding the polymer, and cooling the polymer. The game ball may be a soccerball, football, or volleyball, for example, that includes the polymer foam.

Abstract: A game ball is formed by molding a carcass in the final shape of the ball, spraying a mold surface with cover material, inserting the carcass into the mold, and molding the cover material onto the carcass.

Abstract: A variable speed transmission of the continuously variable type. The transmission includes an input pulley having primary and secondary sheaves and an output pulley having primary and secondary sheaves. The primary and secondary sheaves of the input pulley are mounted on a first axle shaft carried by an actuator plate and the primary and secondary sheaves of the output pulley are carried on a second axle shaft carried by the actuator plate. The input shaft of the transmission carries pin mounted roller bearings which are received in skewed slots in an actuator sleeve so that the actuator sleeve is moved axially along the input shaft in response to variations in torque loading. The actuator plate is annular and includes a central circumferential groove receiving pin mounted roller bearings carried by the actuator sleeve so that the actuator plate, and the axle shafts carried thereby, undergoes the same axial movement as the actuator sleeve in response to variations in torque loading.

Abstract: This invention is a speed ratio change control device for a belt type continuously variable transmission that a minimum generated pressure of the primary pressure is estimated on the basis of a displacement speed of the movable sheave of the primary pulley and an opening area of a drain side passage of the speed ratio change control valve (S4), an upper limit value of a shift speed is calculated on the basis of the minimum generated pressure (S6), and the target speed ratio is set on the basis of the upper limit value of the shift speed (S10).

Abstract: To provide an adequate biasing load to an endless transmission belt by biasing forces of a plurality of springs with different biasing forces and oil pressure biasing force to permit an easy adjustment. In a structure which includes an almost cylindrical plunger, a tensioner body into which the plunger is fitted, high pressure oil chambers are formed by the tensioner body and the plunger and supplied with oil pressure. Two tensioner springs, a rigid spring and a soft spring are supported by the tensioner body and are arranged in series for biasing the plunger. The plunger in its fully stretched state is supported by the serially arranged rigid and soft tensioner springs. In a condition when the plunger is pushed back from this fully stretched state by a prescribed amount or further, the plunger is supported by the rigid tensioner spring.

Abstract: A transmission mechanism between two or more shafts of devices that interact or could possibly interact with people. The transmission mechanism has a particular application to the sector of machines for muscular training and/or rehabilitation, devices for entertainment such as carousels and amusement-park rides, service machines and robots that physically interact with human beings, and industrial robots that operate in close proximity to the operator.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for tensioning belts or chains that may include a fixed support; a moving element that may move relative to the fixed support and designed to be in contact with the belt or the chain; and an actuator designed to exert a permanent tensioning force between the mobile equipment and the fixed support. The device may also include a sensor unit to monitor parameters of angular displacement of the moving element relative to the fixed support.

Abstract: In a chain transmission, vibration reduction is improved by an elastic member, sandwiched between an inner hub of a sprocket and a toothed outer circumferential member, in combination with a sprocket tooth configuration in which two or three different tooth form pitch angles are arranged irregularly along the sprocket's pitch circle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for efficiently removing a belt from a drive assembly of an agricultural implement in which a flywheel and a header framework cooperatively define a gap therebetween which is smaller than a cross-sectional dimension of the belt and thereby prevent the belt from being simply passed through the gap and removed from the remaining components of the drive assembly. A radially inwardly extending notch in the periphery of the flywheel is configured and dimensioned to allow a portion of the belt to be received within the notch. The notched flywheel, with the portion of the belt received in the notch, is rotatable such that the portion of the belt is moveable past the gap to thereby permit the belt to be removed from the remaining components of the drive assembly in the distal direction without requiring the removal of either the flywheel or the framework.

Abstract: An electrically-variable transmission is provided with input member and output member, first and second motor/generators, a first planetary gear set and multiple additional planetary gear sets as well as at least four torque-transmitting mechanisms that are selectively engagable alone or in different combinations to establish a reverse electrically-variable operating mode, at least three forward electrically-variable operating modes, including two low range forward electrically-variable modes and a high range forward electrically-variable mode.

Abstract: A multi-speed automatic planetary transmission for a motor vehicle having an input shaft (AN), an output shaft (AB), four planetary gearsets (RS1, RS2, RS3, RS4), at least eight rotatable shafts (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8), and five shifting elements (A, B, C, D, E), the selective engagement of which produces different transmission ratios between the input shaft (AN) and the output shaft (AB), such that eight forward gears and at least one reverse gear are possible. Further, it is possible to connect an electric machine (12) as generator and/or drive, to the fifth shaft (5) by means a drive connection.

Abstract: A drive unit for transmitting power to wheels of a motor vehicle includes an input driveably connectable to a first power source, a final drive gear set driveably connectable to the wheels, a motor/generator including a stator and a rotor arranged about an axis, the rotor being able to rotate about the axis and to move along the axis relative to the stator, a gear unit arranged about the axis and driveably connected to the gear set for driving the gear set at a speed that is less than a speed of the rotor, and a coupler secured to the rotor for alternately coupling the rotor and the gear unit mutually and transmitting power therebetween and decoupling the rotor and the gear unit mutually.

Abstract: In an oil pump structure of an automatic transmission using a torque converter, a hydraulic pressure chamber is defined by a pump housing and a pump cover, to rotatably accommodate therein inner and outer rotors. First and second inflow ports respectively communicating with an oil strainer and a control valve are formed in the outside surface of the pump cover separately from each other. First and second oil inflow passages communicating with the respective inflow ports, a merged-flow portion that downstream portions of the first and second oil inflow passages are merged with each other, a downstream-side oil distribution channel intercommunicating a downstream side of the merged-flow portion and the hydraulic pressure chamber, are formed in at least one of the pump housing and the pump cover.

Abstract: A sliding block type stepless autoshift speed changer includes a holder sleeve affixed to a main transmission shaft and holding two weights by means of two torsional members, an eccentric block radially movably coupled to the holder sleeve; a driving wheel supported on a ring round the eccentric block and having radial sliding grooves on two sides, two clutch wheels respectively fastened to a wheel hub and a secondary power output shaft, each clutch wheel having an annular sliding groove respectively facing the driving wheel, sliding blocks respectively sliding in the annular sliding grooves of the clutch wheels, each sliding block having a roller respectively coupled to and movable along the radial sliding grooves of the driving wheel, a plurality of beveled guide surface portions, and a plurality of rolling cylinders rotatably supported on and movable along the beveled guide surface portions.

Abstract: A friction coupling assembly includes: a ball ramp assembly (2) with two coaxial discs (6, 7), wherein the faces (8, 9) of the two discs (6, 7) each have ball grooves (12, 13) of increasing depth, wherein pairs of opposed ball grooves hold balls to axially support the two discs (6, 7); a plate package (3) arranged coaxially relative to the discs (6, 7) and having outer plates (24) for fixing to a coupling carrier (40) and inner plates (25) for fixing to a coupling hub (56); and a plate spring (5) for introducing force into the plate package (3), the plate spring (5) is arranged coaxially relative to the discs (6, 7), is axially pretensioned and, functionally, is arranged in series with the plate package (3).

Abstract: A transmission is disclosed having an input member, an output member, a plurality of planetary gear sets, a plurality of interconnecting members and a plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms. The plurality of planetary gear sets has first, second and third members. The input member is continuously interconnected with a member of the planetary gear sets. The output member is continuously interconnected with another member of the planetary gear sets. At least eight forward speeds and one reverse speed are produced by the selective engagement of the five torque-transmitting mechanisms.

Abstract: The transmission has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission includes three planetary gear sets having five torque-transmitting mechanisms, two fixed interconnections and a grounded member. 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 five torque-transmitting mechanisms provide interconnections between various gear members, and with the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations to establish eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio.

Abstract: The 8-gear multi-step transmission comprises a drive input shaft (AN), a drive output shaft (AB), four planetary gearsets (RS1, RS2, RS3, RS4), eight rotary shafts (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) and five shift elements (A, B, C, D, E). An internal gear (HO1) of the first planetary gearset (RS1) and the drive input shaft (AN) are connected to one another as the first shaft (1). A carrier (ST4) of the fourth gearset (RS4) and the drive output shaft (AB) are connected to one another as the second shaft (2). A sun gear (SO2) of the second gearset (RS2), and a sun gear (SO3) of the third gearset (RS3) are connected to one another as the third shaft (3). An internal gear (HO2) of the second gearset (RS2) forms the fourth shaft (4). An internal gear (HO3) of the third gearset (RS3) forms the fifth shaft (5). A carrier (ST2) of the second gearset (RS2) and an internal gear (HO4) of the fourth gearset (RS4) are connected to one another as the sixth shaft (6).

Abstract: A multi-speed automatic transmission for private cars or commercial vehicles includes input and output shafts, two power paths, a double planetary gear train, first and second brakes. The first power path has a first speed ratio and includes first and second clutches. The second power path has a second speed ratio, which is greater than the first speed ratio and in the same direction, with third and fourth clutches. The transmission has eight forward and two reverse speeds and is highly flexible. In one embodiment, the transmission is reduced to six forward and one reverse speed without the second clutch. In another embodiment, the input and output shafts are aligned and the ratios are supplied respectively by a planetary gear train and a direct drive. In another embodiment, the input and output shafts are parallel and the ratios are supplied respectively by two parallel gear trains including constant mesh gears.

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

Abstract: A one way clutch and synchronizer assembly includes a stationary member having a plurality of clutch struts and camming surfaces, a second circular selector member, an third rotating controlled member and a fourth stationary member. The selector member includes apertures or windows through which the clutch struts may pass to engage the rotating member and camming surfaces which provide a selective frictional coupling between the stationary members and the rotating member. A bi-directional hydraulic or electric actuator selectively, bi-directionally rotates the selector member.

Abstract: A toroidal-type continuously variable transmission, has a first continuously variable transmission mechanism and a second continuously variable transmission mechanism: wherein the first and second continuously variable transmission mechanisms are disposed coaxially with each other; the first and second input disks are connected together so as to be rotated in synchronization with each other; the first and second output disks are formed as a unified type output disk including traction surfaces on the two side surfaces thereof; on the side portion at the outer-most outside diameter of the unified type output disk, there is formed a datum plane serving as a machining datum when the traction surfaces are processed; and, an operation for finishing the datum plane is carried out after the unified type output disk is heat treated.

Abstract: An ECU executes a program that includes the steps of setting a line pressure to a line pressure (1) that is appropriate for improving fuel efficiency, if an automatic transmission is not shifting, and a deceleration slip control for a lock-up clutch is not being executed; setting the line pressure to a line pressure (2) that is equal to or lower than a line pressure (3) that is appropriate when the automatic transmission is shifting, if it is determined that the automatic transmission is not shifting, and the deceleration slip control is being executed; and setting the line pressure to the line pressure (3), if it is determined that the automatic transmission is shifting. The line pressure (1) is lower than the line pressure (2). The line pressure (2) is equal to or lower than the line pressure (3).

Abstract: A powertrain control apparatus that controls a powertrain including a lock-up clutch, which connects an engine, in which fuel supply may be cut off, directly to an automatic transmission. The control apparatus includes an output unit, a control unit, and a setting unit. The output unit outputs an instruction to lower engagement pressure for the lock-up clutch from a value at which the lock-up clutch is engaged to a value at which the lock-up clutch is disengaged. The control unit resumes the fuel supply to the engine when a predetermined lag time has elapsed since the instruction is output. The setting unit sets the lag time so that the lag time is shorter when a temperature of a combustion chamber of the engine is a first temperature than when the temperature of the combustion chamber of the engine is a second temperature which is higher than the first temperature.

Abstract: A method for controlling a partially unsynchronized manual transmission, which realizes the increase of a rotational speed of a transmission part to be synchronized during a gear change procedure by connecting one element of the transmission, via a shiftable clutch, to a drive motor and by making available to this drive motor the required rotational speed as well as the necessary torque at its output shaft. It is also provided that when the rotational speed and/or the torque made available by the drive motor is not sufficient to ensure the synchronization of the manual transmission within a fixed time period, a shifting strategy is pursued, which prevents an unintentional holding of the manual transmission in its neutral position or idle position.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting automatic actuation of an electric parking brake (EPB) system of a motor vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle has an ignition switch for receiving an ignition key so as to mobilize or immobilize the vehicle. The EPB system includes an EPB mechanism for applying an actuating force to a park brake of the vehicle, an EPB control module for automatically applying the force when at least the ignition key is detected as removed from the ignition switch and an EPB control switch. The EPB control switch can be moved towards two instable positions from a neutral position respectively a brake release position and a brake apply position so as to apply or release the park brake.

Abstract: A multiple exercise activity recording system in which each piece of equipment, exercise movement exercise area, fitness activity or biometric in a facility where exercises are preformed is assigned to an exercise identification module. Each exercise identification module is linked or coupled to a terminal with a display and a manual input device. Each user is assigned a personal identification device that is presented or inputted into the terminal before or after the exercise equipment or exercise area is used. After exercising, the user activates the exercise identification module assigned to the exercise equipment or to the exercise area. Upon activation, one or more sub-routines automatically run in the terminal. Prompts presented on the display then request user input of information pertinent to the exercise activity. The inputted information may be stored in the terminal or immediately transmitted to a permanent member data file on a local or remote server.

Abstract: A method for creating a virtual online gym for providing members with a shared workout experience and decreasing the feeling of isolation when members are not all working out at the same physical location. The method including the steps of receiving a request for access to the virtual online gym and receiving a selection for a first exercise program from a plurality of available exercise programs from the first member. The method also includes the steps of determining a program length based on the selection of the first exercise program; presenting updated status information during a length of the program length; and, providing a notification when the program length has been reached. An apparatus and system for implementing the method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A “Complete Body Fitness Machine” that provides for a muscle building workout as well as a cardiovascular workout for the total body consists generally of an adjustable seat and two arms on either side, which are adjustable in height and have an infinitely and independently variable resistance possible in either clockwise or counterclockwise rotation. The arms are designed to have several types of mechanisms attached, so as to be able to work with a variety of body parts including, but not limited to, hands, arms, legs, feet, torso, neck and shoulders. When the proper attachment is used, the resistance for each direction of rotation of the arm is set, and the exercise is conducted. Depending on the workout desired, the seat and arms could be adjusted to different positions as well as the seat can be free-moving.

Abstract: An isometric exercise system according to the present invention facilitates user interaction with a host computer system and includes at least one effector, at least one sensor coupled to the effector, a platform to accommodate the user and control circuitry including a processor. The platform accommodates a user and includes the effector attached thereto. The sensor measures at least one force applied by a user to the effector, where the applied force effects a strain on or deflects the effector. The processor receives and processes data corresponding to applied force information measured by the sensor for transference to the host computer system in a compatible format and facilitates user interaction with the host computer system via effector manipulation by the user. The host computer system processes the information to update or respond to events within an executing software application (e.g., a game).

Abstract: An apparatus for removably mounting an exercise apparatus to a supporting structure such as a ladder-like structure. Various types of mounting apparatus with specially designed brackets having multiple interchangeable parts, attachments and accessories, are used to facilitate easy and quick mounting of several types of exercise apparatus to the supporting structure.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for isometric exercise that safely reduces resting blood pressure and increases overall cardiovascular health. The apparatus includes a handle or grip configured to provide natural resistance to force and maximize user comfort. The system includes squeezing the handle or grip of the apparatus with a force that is less than the maximum squeeze force of the user, thereby reducing blood flow through contracting arm muscles and safely increasing blood pressure during exercise. Resting blood pressure is reduced through regular use of the system. The method includes measuring and recording the maximum squeeze force of a user, calculating a fractional force using the duration of exercise or a desired fractional force percentage, and alternately inducing the user to apply the fractional force for a calculated time and inducing the user to apply a lesser fractional force or no force for a calculated time.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a frame and handles mounted on the frame and moveable by a user in opposite directions. The handles are coupled to a transmission so that movement of the handles by a user create rotational movement of a transmission input, movement of the handles in one direction creating rotational movement of the transmission input in one direction and movement of the handles in the opposite direction creating rotational movement of the transmission input in the opposite direction. The transmission couples the transmission input to a resistance means, such as an eddy current resistance device, in a manner to provide a different resistance to rotation of the transmission input depending upon the direction of rotation of the transmission input. Thus, the resistance to rotational movement of the transmission input in one rotational direction is greater than it is in the opposite rotational direction.

Abstract: An aquatic weight assembly includes a handle and at least one resistance panel assembly having at least one aquatic resistance panel carried by the handle.

Abstract: To reposition parts of the body, pool therapy fixtures are used in a pool to develop neuromuscular recognition of the normal human musculoskeletal, respiratory and neurological patterns with feed forward activation. Individual muscles are isolated using the buoyancy of the pool, and in some cases applying streams of water within the pool against specific muscles. Selected forces may be applied using water jets in multiple directions in a programmed sequence with at least one pool therapy fixture to provide neuromuscular training.

Abstract: A single-handed overspeed trainer system that detachably tethers an athlete to a trainer through a substantially quiet, non-hook and loop material, release structure is disclosed. In one embodiment, the athlete wears a belt with a substantially rigid loop extending therefrom. The trainer holds one end of a tether that contains a retractable pin toward its opposite end. The pin holds the rigid loop of the belt until the pin is retracted by the trainer, preferably when the tether's handle is released by the trainer.

Abstract: An exercise system for use in a vehicle includes a frame that has a pair of spaced apart base members. Support legs extend from each base member and a crossbeam is connected to and extends between each support leg. Mounting fixtures are positioned on each support leg and on each base member. Additionally, one or more exercise devices may be removably secured to each mounting fixture. In operation a user may attach an exercise device to the frame and undertake resistance exercises for the arms, legs and torso. Various sized individuals at various strength levels can be accommodated via altering the resistance of the exercise device.

Abstract: Exercise apparatus, comprises a first support means for the user's legs, a platform mounted on the support means to support a user's legs, there being a hinge connecting the platform to the support means and defining a generally horizontal hinge axis to allow pivoting of the user's trunk about a generally horizontal axis as the user relatively bends his body and his legs means, and extending in spaced, a second support means for the back of the user's body, and means for indexing said second support means at selected angularity relative to the hinge axis.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fixing roller which comprises a core 16, a porous material layer 22 disposed in surrounding relation to an outer peripheral surface of the core 16, and a thin-walled metal sleeve 26 covering an outer peripheral surface of the porous material layer 22. The porous material layer 22 comprises a closed cell-type silicone elastomer. The present invention provides a fixing roller capable of ensuring enhanced durability and maintaining a usable state over long periods under the condition of being actually driven and rotated.

Abstract: A system and method for making bags in a continuous in-line process includes a central processing unit and a camera oriented to take an image of a bag based on a triggering signal. The camera provides an image to the central processing unit. The central processing unit is programmed to process the image and calculate a timing signal based on the image. A cylindrical rotatable drum having at least one seal bar provides a triggering signal to the central processing unit, to trigger when the camera should take the image. A perforation knife is controlled by a servo drive. The perforation knife is downstream of the drum. The servo drive receives the timing signal for activating the perforation knife from the central processing unit. The CPU uses the image and based on the distance between the seal region and the perforated line, counts pixels to result in an actual pixel count. The CPU then calculates a pixel count error by subtracting the actual pixel count from a predetermined pixel count setpoint.

Abstract: A centrifuge has a rotor for receiving a disposable processing unit. The centrifuge is configured such that the motor is attached to an enclosure and the enclosure is supported on a base. The connection between the base and the enclosure is a vibration isolator, and the isolator is positioned such that its effective line of action aligns with the effective plane of rotation of the rotor. In accordance with another feature of the invention, the processing units are held in a decanting position by a decant ring that moves vertically but does not rotate. The ring engages the top of the processing unit during decant and the abrasion is minimal.

Abstract: The invention provides a method, apparatus and system for separating blood and other types of cellular components, and can be combined with holographic optical trapping manipulation or other forms of optical tweezing. One of the exemplary methods includes providing a first flow having a plurality of blood components; providing a second flow; contacting the first flow with the second flow to provide a first separation region; and differentially sedimenting a first blood cellular component of the plurality of blood components into the second flow while concurrently maintaining a second blood cellular component of the plurality of blood components in the first flow. The second flow having the first blood cellular component is then differentially removed from the first flow having the second blood cellular component. Holographic optical traps may also be utilized in conjunction with the various flows to move selected components from one flow to another, as part of or in addition to a separation stage.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a method of stimulating a nerve in tissue of a patient. The method includes the following steps: applying a focused ultrasound beam to the tissue; applying a first magnetic field to the tissue; and applying a second magnetic field to the tissue, the ultrasound beam and the first and second magnetic fields combining to stimulate the nerve. Another aspect of the invention provides a nerve stimulation device having two magnetic coils of opposite polarity each adapted to generate a magnetic field in a patient's tissue, the coils being positioned to generate a substantially toroidal magnetic field within the patient's tissue; and an ultrasound source adapted to transmit a focused ultrasound beam into the patient's tissue.

Abstract: The invention, in one embodiment, is directed to systems and methods for adjusting support to an anatomical location using an expandable chamber.