Abstract: A method to transmit commands across a gaming network is implemented with digitally signed messages. The command messages are generated upon a triggering event, such as the winning of a bonus. The messages are digitally signed by the transmitting node and transmitted to the subservient device. When the subservient device receives the message, it verifies the signature and executes the command. If the signature does not verify, the subservient device may raise an alarm.

Abstract: A centralized gaming system comprises a central server system and a plurality of display terminals remote from and linked to the central server system. The central server system includes a master game server, a game execution server, and a database server. The master game server stores a plurality of games of chance. Each game includes respective game play software and respective audiovisual software. In response to one of the games being selected for play at one of the display terminals, the game play software for the selected game is loaded from the master game server into the game execution server and is executed by the game execution server to randomly select an outcome. The audiovisual software for the selected game is selectively executed at the display terminal to visually represent the outcome on a display of the display terminal. The database server collects game activity data based on the outcome and maintains such data for report generation and player tracking purposes.

Abstract: A gaming system having a plurality of primary game devices sharing a secondary bonus station is disclosed. The secondary game station comprises a secondary game which is configured to provide play pursuant to a triggering event originating from any one of the primary game devices in the gaming environment. The secondary game station is equipped with controls suitable for playing the secondary game. During play of the secondary game station, the triggering primary game device may also be “locked” so that the player may resume playing the primary game subsequent to playing the secondary game.

Abstract: A coupling plate for an engine-driven generator on which a balance weight can be mounted and which is simple in structure and is constituted by a same hole making pattern. In a coupling plate for an engine-driven generator driving a generator by an engine, a plurality of elastic disks overlapped integrally are provided, and the elastic disks have one of the inner circumference side and the outer circumference side in the radial direction connected to the engine and the generator as the input side and the other as the output side, and in each of the elastic disks, a plurality of holes including small-diameter weight mounting holes and large-diameter weight escape holes distributed/arranged with a predetermined interval in the circumferential direction are drilled so that the holes of the respective disks are positionally overlapped with each other.

Abstract: The yoke member of Cardan joint is made in one unitary part of one piece and includes a pivot fork including two pivot arm portions each comprising a crossing hole, the axis of which is the pivot axis of a cross-piece, and a connecting element for the motion transmission shaft and having two tightening portions connected via a junction portion. Each of the two tightening portions comprises a tightening hole. Four reinforcing appendices are arranged on the tightening portions and opposite one another in pairs to form together with the portions a housing for the motion transmission shaft. The yoke member is stamped in order to give it the desired thickness in highly stressed and lowly stressed regions.

Abstract: A ball-and-socket joint comprising an inner hub (1) and an outer hub (6) inside which tracks are disposed that are associated with each other in pairs. At least one ball is arranged in each track in order to transmit torque between the inner hub and the outer hub. The ball-and-socket joint further includes at least one diaphragm which seals the outer hub with respect to a joining element that can be connected in a torsion-proof manner to the inner hub. The outer hub is provided with a metallic interior element encompassing the tracks, a dampening element which embraces the interior element in at least some areas, and a cap that embraces the damping element in at least some areas in order to connect the outer hub to a driving part or a part to be driven. The damping element is made of a material having a modulus of elasticity lower than the modulus of elasticity of the metallic material of the interior element and/or the cap of the outer hub while being greater than the modulus of elasticity of the diaphragm.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a support frame, a resilient member, a seat, and a retainer. The resilient member has a first end portion configured to be coupled to the support frame and a second end portion, opposite from the first end portion. The seat is configured to be coupled to the second end portion such that the seat is suspended from the support frame by the resilient member. At least one of the first end portion and the second end portion includes multiple sleeves, each defining an opening therein. A portion of the retainer is configured to be disposed within a first one of the sleeves and coupled to at least one of the seat and the support frame such that a position of the seat relative to the support frame is adjustable by disposing the portion of the retainer within a second one of the sleeves.

Abstract: A water amusement ride system is disclosed. The system may include a device or apparatus, including a water bypass channel in fluid communication with a channel of water. The water bypass channel may include a water entrance, a water exit, and an adjustable valve. The water entrance is in fluid communication with water upstream of the apparatus. The water exit is in fluid communication with water downstream of the apparatus. The adjustable valve may be located between the water entrance and the water exit. The adjustable valve may be adjusted to control an amount of water exiting the water bypass channel. The water bypass channel may increase the flow rate of water between the water entrance and the water exit of the water bypass channel. The water bypass channel may assist in controlling a water effect.

Abstract: A juvenile product includes a seat having a seating area supported by a part of the juvenile product, a canopy positionable over at least a portion of the seating area and having an underside that faces the seating area, and a projection system carried on the juvenile product. The projection system has a projector configured to project visible stimuli either above the seating area or onto at least part of the underside of the canopy. These and other aspects of the disclosure are directed to providing a soothing and entertaining environment that may also be adjustable or customizable to address the changing interests and developmental levels of a child occupant.

Abstract: A portable, expandable laser golf training device that can be placed on the ground to provide alignment. The present invention can supply a plurality of light beams produced by lasers or other light sources, switchable on and off, that can be projected along the ground both in the direction of play and perpendicular to it. In a folded configuration, the device can project in four directions creating a pair of axis lines running at right angles to each other. In an expanded configuration, one of the major axis lines can be separated into two parallel lines for putting alignment by sliding the halves of the device apart. The device can be used by placing it on the ground in front of the golfer (between the golfer's feet and the ball. Two lines project outward perpendicular to the direction of play, and two or four lines project into and away from the direction of play. These lines provide alignment for the golfer.

Abstract: A golf swing analyzer providing a learning tool for golfers to help improve golf backswing and club face angle consistency. To gage the club angle relative to swing path, a fence is placed and held on the shaft perpendicular to the club face. During a golf swing, an air flow along this fence is created by the swinging motion of the club. For a perfect square shot, the pressures are equal on both sides of the fence; otherwise, as the fence angle changes relative to air flow, one side compacts the air, creating a high-pressure area while at the same time the opposite side dams the air flow and creates a low-pressure area. A differential pressure transducer detects this pressure difference on each side of the fence. When the ball is struck, a microphone in the device detects the ball impact and a microprocessor interprets the fence position relative to air flow based on the pressure transducer output.

Abstract: An apparatus for indicating the proper pendulum putting stroke to a golfer with An elongated display device that is positioned on a floor parallel to the stroke path of the practicing golfer, A display device containing multiple microcontroller module sections, each containing visual indicators spaced uniformly along the length of the sections, Each section being responsive to commands from a peripheral computing device to turn on a specific visual indicator, a peripheral computing device such as a personal computer running a computer program which calculates the putting stroke based on desired distance, green speed, and the golfer's personal rhythm rate in beats per minute, A peripheral computing device that after calculating the putting stroke time-position data, commands the display device to turn on and off consecutive visual indicators at a predefined time in such a way as to display a putting stroke path, and show the golfer the proper time-space dynamics to strike a golf ball a desired distance.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of golf swing guide apparatus and related methods and systems. Various embodiments disclosed herein may be used as a training tool to teach a desired swing motion to a golfer. In one embodiment, the device may comprise a guide bar positioned at some height above the ground. The guide bar may be configured to guide a golfer's backswing such that the swing begins in a desired swing plane. In some embodiments, the device may be configured to automatically retract the guide bar during, or after, the golfer's backswing such that it does not interfere with the forward movement of the golf swing.

Abstract: A golf club shaft having at least six full-length layers composed of prepregs. The full-length layers are divided into an inner-layer part including a half of the full-length layers and an outer-layer part including a remaining half of the full-length layers. At least one pair of the full-length layers is formed as a bias set layer in each of the inner-layer part and the outer-layer part by layering two bias layers with each other, with reinforcing fibers of the bias layers intersecting with each other at an orientation angle of ±?° which fall in a range from ±25° to ±65° with respect to an axis of the golf club shaft. A straight layer is formed as an outermost full-length layer of the outer-layer part with reinforcing fiber thereof orienting at the range from 0° to ±10° with respect to the axis of the shaft.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-piece solid golf ball having a core, an envelope layer encasing the core, an intermediate layer encasing the envelope layer, and a cover which encases the intermediate layer and has formed on a surface thereof a plurality of dimples. The core is formed primarily of a rubber material, the envelope layer and the intermediate layer are each formed primarily of the same or different resin materials, and the cover is formed primarily of a thermoplastic resin or a thermoplastic elastomer. The envelope layer, intermediate layer and cover have thicknesses which satisfy the condition: cover thickness<intermediate layer thickness<envelope layer thickness, and the condition: (cover thickness+intermediate layer thickness)<envelope layer thickness.

Abstract: The invention provides a solid golf ball having a solid core and a cover layer that encases the core and has an outermost layer on an outside surface of which are formed a plurality of dimples. The solid core is formed of a rubber composition composed of 100 parts by weight of a base rubber that includes from 60 to 100 parts by weight of a polybutadiene rubber having a cis-1,4 bond content of at least 60% and synthesized using a rare-earth catalyst, from 0.1 to 5 parts by weight of an organosulfur compound, an unsaturated carboxylic acid or a metal salt thereof, an inorganic filler, and an antioxidant. The solid core has a deformation, when compressed under a final load of 130 kgf from an initial load of 10 kgf, of from 2.0 to 4.0 mm, and has a specific hardness distribution.

Abstract: The present invention provides a golf ball having excellent rebound characteristics and flight performance, while maintaining good durability and appearance. The present invention relates to a golf ball comprising a center, an intermediate layer and a cover, the intermediate layer comprises an outermost layer and a second layer adjacent to the underside of the outermost layer, and the cover has many dimples on the surface thereof, wherein the second layer is formed from thermoplastic resin and has a thickness of 0.5 to 2.0 mm, the outermost layer is formed from thermosetting or thermoplastic resin and has a thickness of 1 to 100 ?m, the intermediate layer has depressions on the surface thereof at the position and shape corresponding to the dimples through the cover, and the cover is formed from thermoplastic resin and has a thickness of 0.1 to 0.8 mm in land portion having no dimple.

Abstract: A method of promoting business on a golf course using golf ball position markers including the steps of: providing replacement golf ball markers mountable on golf gloves, the markers having a corporate theme or logo to be promoted conveyed on the top side of each marker; distributing the markers to golfers and substituting the markers for non-promotion markers which do not convey the corporate theme or logo, so as to promote the corporate theme or logo to the golfers during play, whereby as consecutive golfers from a group of the golfers putt on each green in the series of greens comprising the golf course being played, the corporate theme or logo is recurringly conveyed to the group each time various markers in random order are used during putting on the greens.

Abstract: A structure motivated by an impulse to slide over a surface, including: an impulse-receiving portion for receiving the impulse, the impulse-receiving portion defining a section of a generally semi-hemispherical structure and produced from a foam material patterned to represent at least a portion of a sports ball; and a sliding portion, coupled to the impulse-receiving portion, for sliding contact with the surface on a contact surface of the sliding portion responsive to the impulse the contact surface having a generally planar smooth surface having a periphery surrounded by an extension of the impulse receiving portion, wherein a tumbling of a coupled combination of the impulse-receiving portion and the sliding portion is inhibited by shifting a center of gravity downward by a greater weighting of the sliding portion relative to the impulse-receiving portion.

Abstract: A weight sled apparatus useful for strength training and simulating the resistance of an opponent during a blocking event has a tubular construction forming a U-shaped member having a pair of parallel legs which serve as runners. A weight bearing member affixed to and extending between the pair of runners allows mounting of removable mount weights on a horn projecting therefrom. A crossbar extending between the runner ends presents a rearward facing surface at least 8 inches above the plane of the runners against which force may applied. An optional handlebar attachment presents a rearward facing surface against which force may applied in a range from 8 inches to 40 inches above the plane of the runners and normal thereto. The weight sled affords a trainee multiple force application surfaces near the center of gravity of the sled and at differing vertical heights, enabling a more realistic simulation of the resistance presented during a blocking event.

Abstract: A training baseball bat has an internal movable magnet that accelerates to the end of the bat when swung at a fast enough speed. As the magnet moves it passes through a coil that is connected to one or more LEDs so that the LEDs momentarily flash as the magnet moves through the coil. A stationary magnet can be used to hold the movable magnet until sufficient centrifugal force is imparted by the swing to overcome the magnetic holding force. Spacers can be provided to establish a distance between the magnets as needed to establish a desired swing speed at which centrifugal force overcomes the magnetic attraction.

Abstract: A novel and versatile table tennis game and method of play thereof is disclosed. The table tennis table game is played on a playing surface in the shape of a hexagon having three pairs of equal length opposing edges. A net is placed in the center of the table to divide the playing surface into two or three separate playing areas. Two playing areas accommodates a maximum of three individuals on both sides of the net. Three playing areas accommodates either three individuals playing against each other or three teams of two individuals playing against each other. A folding support mechanism provides both support and storage for either a 2-piece or a 6-piece table top.

Abstract: A pocket for a head of a lacrosse stick is provided that includes a plurality of runners extending generally in a longitudinal direction and a plurality of cross laces extending generally in a transverse direction. The pocket further includes one or more joint members that are formed at an intersection of a runner and a cross lace. The runner and the cross lace lie over one another and are held in place by the joint member. A method for forming the pocket is also disclosed.

Abstract: A lacrosse stick including a lacrosse head attached to a handle, wherein the lacrosse head has a taller, or thicker, ball stop, wherein a portion of the ball stop portion is lowered with respect to the immediately adjacent portions of the sidewall portions relative to a centerline of the handle. The net securing structures in the ball stop are preferably located in the lowered portion and therein provides increased ball retention characteristics. The lower portion of the ball stop portion includes a concave inner surface that is preferably flared, or sloped, slightly outwardly along its interior surface from its front side to its back side. The openings for attaching the netting in the ball stop are preferably slightly recessed with respect to the upper surface.

Abstract: An institutional badminton racket including a head and a flexible plastic handle. The head has a metal rim around a shuttlecock striking face, and a neck rigidly secured to the rim, where the neck includes a hollow throat extending from the rim away from the striking face with lateral openings through the throat. The handle connecting end includes a first portion extending into the hollow throat, a second portion surrounding the throat, pin portions extending through the throat lateral openings and integral with the first and second portions, and a pair of wings extending generally in the plane in a lateral direction toward the head and including openings therethrough. A Y-clamp is secured around the handle connecting end and the head rim adjacent the head neck and including pins extending through the wing openings.

Abstract: A handle is adapted to be held by a player and a striking end is adapted to contact and propel an object. A structure for a hockey stick is described by using a single, hollow tube of composite material, wherein tubular “ports” extend through the hollow tube. The ends of the ports are bonded to the walls of the hollow tube. The ports improve the stiffness, strength, aerodynamics and comfort of the hockey stick.

Abstract: A handle end is adapted to be held by a player and a striking end is adapted to contact and propel an object. The stick includes a shaft coupling the handle end and the striking end. The shaft is fabricated of a relatively rigid material with limited flexibility. The shaft has a hole extending there through with a cylindrical wall defining the hole for varying the playing characteristics of the system.

Abstract: A sport novelty ball has an outer shell and a stabilizing shock absorbing core in which various interior components are embedded. A non-toxic smoke solution is introduced into the ball and stored. Centrally located within the ball is a smoke chamber containing a heating element, A switch/pump assembly is provided for completing an electrical circuit and moving the smoke solution through the ball. Upon actuation of the switch/pump assembly, simultaneously the heating element is actuated and the solution is pressured through fluid lines in the ball to an atomizer for spraying the solution onto the heating element, whereupon smoke is generated in the smoke chamber. Exhaust/intake channels extend from the smoke chamber to the ball periphery. When the ball is thrown, ambient air passing through the exhaust/intake channels causes a stream of air to be emitted from the channels, giving the appearance that the ball is smoking.

Abstract: A chain tensioner includes a housing defining a cylinder chamber having a closed end. A cylindrical plunger having a closed front end is slidably received in the cylinder chamber. A nut member and a return spring are mounted in the cylinder chamber. The return spring biases the plunger outwardly of the housing to press its closed end against a pivotally supported chain guide. The nut member has a serration-shaped internal thread formed on the inner periphery thereof which is in threaded engagement with a serration-shaped external thread formed on the outer periphery of the screw rod. The screw rod is biased toward the closed end of the plunger by a rod spring.

Abstract: A vehicle driving device includes a case with a case body; a transmission mechanism having hydraulically controlled frictional engaging devices; an electric motor housed in the case body; and a hydraulic controller that controls oil pressure supplied to the frictional engaging devices, with the hydraulic controller disposed on an outer wall of the case body. The case body has an opening at one end of the case body that is structured to allow the transmission mechanism and the electric motor to be inserted through the opening, and an end wall portion, having a bearing part that supports an output shaft of the transmission mechanism, that is provided at another end of the case body integrally with the case body.

Abstract: A hybrid powertrain includes a hybrid electro-mechanical transmission and a power source. A planetary gear set having a first, a second, and a third member connects the power source with a first and a second motor/generator. A battery is operatively connected to the motor/generators for receiving power therefrom and delivering power thereto. An input member rotates with the first member, the first motor/generator rotates with the second member, and the second motor/generator rotates with the output member. A first torque-transmitting mechanism is engagable to connect the second motor/generator for rotation with the third member. The battery and the second motor/generator provide an electric-only operating mode to power the output member when the first torque-transmitting mechanism is not engaged; the power source, planetary gear set and first motor/generator thereby being disconnected from the output member during the electric-only operating mode to prevent parasitic drag.

Abstract: A transmission having a plurality of tilting balls and opposing input and output discs provides an infinite number of speed combinations over its transmission ratio range. The transmission provides multiple powerpaths and can be combined with electrical components to provide motor/generator functionality, which reduces the overall size and complexity of the motor and transmission compared to when they are constructed separately. In one embodiment, rotatable components of a continuously variable transmission are coupled separately to an electrical rotor and to an electrical stator so that the rotor and stator rotate simultaneously in opposite directions relative to one another. In other embodiments, an electrical rotor is configured to transfer torque to or from a disc that is in contact with a plurality of speed adjusters, while an electrical stator is configured to transfer torque to a shaft that is operationally coupled to the speed adjusters via an idler.

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 four planetary gear sets having five torque-transmitting devices, two fixed interconnections and two grounded members. 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 devices provide interconnections between various gear members, and are operated in combinations of three to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.

Abstract: An eight-speed automatic transmission for a vehicle may include a single pinion planetary gear set, a double pinion planetary gear set, a compound planetary gear set, a first clutch, a second clutch, a third clutch, a fourth clutch, a first brake, a second brake, and a one-way clutch. The first and third clutches are disposed in series or in parallel between the compound planetary gear set and the output shaft. A first clutch piston chamber for operating the first clutch is disposed between the third clutch internal diameter and the input shaft. A third clutch piston chamber for operating the third clutch is disposed between the first clutch piston chamber and the output shaft. The second and fourth clutches are disposed between the compound planetary gear set and the double pinion planetary gear set. Thus, the overall volume of the automatic transmission may be reduced.

Abstract: A power train of an automatic transmission with eight forward speeds and two reverse speeds includes: a speed reduction unit including a first variable input member connected to an input shaft via a first clutch, first and second variably stopped members connected to a transmission case, and a reduced speed output member; an output unit including a reduced speed input member connected to the reduced speed output member, second and third variable input members connected to the input shaft via second and third clutches, respectively, a third variably stopped member connected to the transmission case, and a shifted speed output member connected to an output gear. A first brake variably stops the third variable stopped member; a second brake variably stops the first variable stopped member; and a third brake variably stops the second variable stopped member.

Abstract: A transmission including a ring gear engageable with clutch teeth. A shift fork connected to a cam roller is engageable with the ring gear. The cam roller includes at least one V-shaped groove, and an element is disposed between the V-shaped groove of the cam roller and a base of the shift fork such that rotation of the cam roller translates into displacement of the shift fork and the ring gear.

Abstract: A variable ratio transmission for mechanically coupling an input member to an output member, the variable ratio transmission allowing the conversion of an input rotational motion of the input member into an output rotational motion of the output member, the input rotational motion having an input speed and an input torque and the output rotational motion having an output speed and an output torque. The variable ratio transmission includes a variable ratio transmission assembly mechanically coupled to the input member and to the output member for rotating the output member at the output speed in response to the input member being rotated at the input speed, the variable ratio transmission assembly defining a transmission ratio between the output speed and the input speed, the transmission ratio being variable; and a ratio controller mechanically coupled to the variable ratio transmission assembly and to the input member for automatically adjusting the transmission ratio as a function of the input torque.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission is disclosed for use in rotationally or linearly powered machines and vehicles. The single axle transmission provides a simple manual shifting method for the user. An additional embodiment is disclosed which shifts automatically dependent upon the rotational speed of the wheel. Further, the practical commercialization of traction roller transmissions requires improvements in the reliability, ease of shifting, function and simplicity of the transmission. The disclosed transmission may be used in vehicles such as automobiles, motorcycles, and bicycles. The transmission may, for example, be driven by a power transfer mechanism such as a sprocket, gear, pulley or lever, optionally driving a one way clutch attached at one end of the main shaft.

Abstract: A variable speed transmission having a plurality of tilting balls and opposing input and output discs is illustrated and described that provides an infinite number of speed combinations over its transmission ratio range. The use of a planetary gear set allows minimum speeds to be in reverse and the unique geometry of the transmission allows all of the power paths to be coaxial, thereby reducing overall size and complexity of the transmission in comparison to transmissions achieving similar transmission ratio ranges.

Abstract: A rotation speed of a transmitting member is controlled such that a predetermined rotation speed difference or predetermined rotation speed ratio is obtained between the rotation speed of the transmitting member and an eighth rotating element or a fourth rotating element. By detecting a change in the rotation speed of a second motor that is connected to the transmitting member when an apply device is applied, it is possible to determine the time at which a first clutch or a second clutch starts to be applied and the time at which the first clutch or the second clutch is completely applied. As a result, it is possible to control the apply pressure of the first clutch or the second clutch and thus rapidly execute a shift.

Abstract: A continuously variable planetary gear set is described having a generally tubular idler, a plurality of balls distributed radially about the idler, each ball having a tiltable axis about which it rotates, a rotatable input disc positioned adjacent to the balls and in contact with each of the balls, a rotatable output disc positioned adjacent to the balls opposite the input disc and in contact with each of the balls such that each of the balls makes three-point contact with the input disc, the output disc and the idler, and a rotatable cage adapted to maintain the axial and radial position of each of the balls, wherein the axes of the balls are oriented by the axial position of the idler.

Abstract: A vehicle driveline control system includes monitoring when the transmission is in gear and the clutch is left open. If that condition exists for a selected amount of time, the controller provides an indication to the driver regarding the open clutch status. In one example, the controller alters the RPM rate of the engine to provide audible feedback to the driver. For example, the controller raises the engine RPM rate from an idle rate to a higher rate to simulate what the driver hears upon vehicle launch. A variety of indicators and control strategies may be used with a system designed according to this invention.

Abstract: A control system for a power transmission unit of a vehicle transmitting power outputted from a prime mover is disclosed. The control system includes a resonance detecting/predicting device which detects or predicts a generation of a resonance of the power transmission unit resulting from a power transmission; a driving condition detecting device which detects a driving condition of a vehicle in case the generation of a resonance is detected or predicted by the resonance detecting/predicting device; and a resonance dampening control selecting device which selects a control for dampening the detected or predicted resonance on the basis of the driving condition of the vehicle detected by the driving condition detecting device.

Abstract: An ECU executes a program sets a driver requested torque based on the accelerator operation amount, and sets a torque-boost amount so that the torque-boost amount increases as the driver requested torque increases, until the driver requested torque exceeds a predetermined torque T(0). When the driver requested torque exceeds the predetermined torque T(0), the torque-boost amount decreases as the driver requested torque increases. However, the torque obtained by adding the torque-boost amount to the driver requested torque increases as the accelerator operation amount increases.

Abstract: A drive assembly for an agricultural machine. A power take off (PTO) output shaft is connected to a driving motor for driving an attachment. A drive transmission is positioned between and interconnects the driving motor and the support wheels of the agricultural machine. An input device is connected to an electronic control unit. A sensor senses the torque transferred between an attachment and the PTO output shaft, and an actuator is configured to change the transmission ratio of the drive transmission, thereby setting the propulsion speed of the agricultural machine such that the torque transferred between the PTO output shaft and an attachment does not exceed a pre-determined value. The electronic control unit further receives data from the input device and calculates a pre-determined value based on the data received, and thereafter controls the actuator accordingly.

Abstract: A two speed transmission and belt drive system utilizing the transmission. The two speed transmission comprises a planetary gear train comprising an input pulley connected to an input carrier, and a sun gear and a ring gear. The input carrier also comprises a plurality of planetary gears disposed between the sun gear and the ring gear. The sun gear is engaged with an electromagnetic brake member. The ring gear is engaged with an output pulley. A one-way clutch is disposed between the input carrier and the output shaft. The brake member is engaged at engine idle and is disengaged at engine speeds above idle. When the brake member is engaged the sun gear does not rotate, thereby driving the ring gear and output pulley at a greater speed than the input pulley. An accessory pulley operates with the transmission output pulley resulting in an accessory speed that is proportional to an engine speed at idle.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the treatment of computer vision syndrome using a computer including a screen, a processor, memory and an I/O device. A set of instructions for the computer that includes programs for conducting hand-eye exercises in preselected sequences are loaded into the computer and run. Alternately, a pair of hand wands having a handle at one end and an LED light positioned on the other end are held by a user in front of the computer and a plurality of slap switches having means for detachably attaching the slap switches to a surface are positioned relative to the user and the computer. The user through the use of the slap switches and the hand wands carry out sequences of exercises that will rehabilitate the user regarding computer vision syndrome. The results of the exercises are communicated wirelessly from the hand wands and the slap switches to the computer.

Abstract: A safe, physically demanding interface device for children or other users to play video games according to the present invention includes a base and a joystick or control rod. The base supports a significant portion or the entirety of the child weight (e.g., supports a child in a seated or standing position), while the joystick is manipulable by the child to play the games. The device is configured to force the child to utilize many of the large muscle groups to interact with the game. Since the child weight is supported by the base, the interface device is stable (e.g., unlikely to tip or move) and, therefore, provides for safe, compelling video game play for users either alone or with other users.

Abstract: An improved rock climbing simulator that uses an adjustable fluid resistance apparatus coupled to an axle of a rotating climbing surface to control the rate of rotation of the climbing surface and thus the perceived climbing speed experienced by the climber. The fluid resistance apparatus is structured to control the rate of rotation of the climbing surface, and hence the perceived climbing speed, regardless of the weight or position of a climber on the climbing surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for exercising a joint, the apparatus includes a movable platform for supporting a portion of a patient's body including the joint, and a manually-powered system for moving at least a portion of the platform to flex the joint, wherein the patient selectively operates the manually-powered system to control the flexing of the joint.