Abstract: A constant velocity joint (1) comprising: a male element (2) with multiple arms (4), a female element (8) having a central axis (X?-X?) and defining tracks (9A, 9B) which are symmetrical in relation to a radial longitudinal plane (P), and an outer roller (12) with a rolling surface (30). The tracks and the rolling surface define two contact points (Z1, Z2) therebetween. The tangent planes of the track and rolling surface coincide and are parallel to the plane (P) at not less than one contact point. The cross profiles of the tracks and rolling surface at not less than one contact point are rectilinear or convex.

Abstract: An expandable shaft includes an outer shaft and an inner shaft. Plural rolling elements are pinched elastically in a space between raceway grooves of the outer shaft and the inner shaft. An outer peripheral surface of the inner shaft includes flat portions parallel to each other. An inner peripheral surface of the outer shaft includes flat limiting portions parallel to each other. The respective limiting portions limit relative rotation of the outer shaft and the inner shaft by engaging with corresponding flat portions. A deformation promoting portion is placed in a specific region of the outer shaft between a plane including a center of curvature of the raceway groove of the outer shaft as well as a central axis line of the outer shaft and each limiting portion.

Abstract: A joint assembly has a pair of constant velocity universal joints and a connecting drive shaft. A cover unit protects the constant velocity universal joints and prevents hanging down of the joints under their own weight. The unit cover is arranged to cover the outer circumferential surfaces of the pair of constant velocity universal joints and boots. The unit cover is formed from elastomer material by injection molding. The cover unit inner circumferential surface has a configuration corresponding to the outline configurations of the pair of constant velocity universal joints and the boots.

Abstract: A billiard table with a movable apron that conceals/exposes a storage compartment is provided. In one embodiment, a billiard table is presented comprising a playing surface, a rail positioned along an edge of the playing surface, a storage compartment, and an apron movable between a first position in which the apron conceals the storage compartment and a second position in which the apron exposes the storage compartment. In another embodiment, a billiard table is presented comprising a playing surface, a rail, and a storage compartment that provides a mechanical connection between the playing surface and the rail.

Abstract: A shaft of a billiard cue includes a first section and a second section connected to the first section. The first section is made of natural wood and has a front end to be a top end of the shaft and a rear connecting end to connect to the second section. The second section is not made of natural wood but of a material with a hardness being greater than that of the first section. The second section has a front connecting end to connect with the rear connecting end of the first section and a rear end to be a bottom end of the shaft.

Abstract: A bowling ball having an asymmetrical weight block with respect to its central axis. The weight block has a pair of ends through which the central axis of the block extends, and a medial portion which is offset or skewed with respect to the weight block axis. The block has an outer surface which has a maximum cross section in at least one plane intersected by the central axis intermediate of the two ends. The plane is intersected by the central axis and is enclosed by a boundary defining the largest transverse cross section of the block not normal to the central axis. The medial plane is disposed at an angle of between about 22.5° and 90° with respect to the central axis of the block.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a sports training device and method thereof. More particularly, the invention encompasses a flexible panel having a pocket for accommodating a golf club that is secured to the head of a golf club and used as a golf training device (GTD). The present invention is also directed to a novel method of training a golfer using the inventive golf training tool. The inventive golf training device may also be referred to as a lag rag or as a wind speed resistance trainer.

Abstract: A golf club head includes a body defining an interior cavity. The body includes a sole positioned at a bottom portion of the golf club head, a crown positioned at a top portion, and a skirt positioned around a periphery between the sole and crown. The body has a forward portion and a rearward portion. The club head includes a face positioned at the forward portion of the body. The face defines a striking surface having an ideal impact location at a golf club head origin. Some embodiments of the club head form a club head for a fairway wood that has a high moment of inertia, a low center-of-gravity and a thin crown.

Abstract: A hollow golf club head having a face portion, a crown portion, a sole portion, a side portion and a hosel portion comprises: a face component made of a titanium alloy and forming a major part of the face portion; a hosel-and-heel component made of a titanium alloy and forming a heel-side part of the sole portion and side portion and the hosel portion; and a rear component made of a magnesium alloy and forming a rear part of the head. The above-mentioned heel-side part of the sole portion formed by the hosel-and-heel component extends towards the toe of the head and intersects a vertical straight line passing through the center of gravity of the club head so as to form a major part of the sole portion.

Abstract: A golf club head includes a portion with different thickness in a face portion. A region having a maximum thickness and a region having a minimum thickness are formed on a back of the face portion. An inclined portion with varying thickness is provided between those regions.

Abstract: A golf club head with a deep aft cavity is disclosed herein. The body has a striking plate wall, a crown section, a sole section and a rear wall. An area of interest preferably has less than 12% of the mass of the golf club head. The golf club head preferably is a driver.

Abstract: Golf balls consisting of a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core consists of a small, hard center enclosed by a soft intermediate core layer and an outer core layer.

Abstract: A grip training device is used to teach a person the proper grip of a ball in usage. More specifically, the grip training device may take the form of a baseball having finger position indicia on it. The finger position indicia may be constituted in several different ways, including by depressions sized and arranged to receive the fingers. The arrangement of the indicia shows how to grip the baseball for throwing different pitches.

Abstract: A mechanism for securing a handle to a head, particularly of a lacrosse stick, comprises a shaft having a wedge portion positioned at a distal end thereof, a binding plate positioned adjacent to said shaft, and a means for moving said wedge portion in a longitudinal direction relative to said binding plate. Longitudinal movement of said wedge portion causes latitudinal movement of said binding plate, thereby binding said handle to said head. Such a mechanism can be used in a method for securing and maintaining secure the joint between a handle and a head, either in a new lacrosse stick or as a retrofit.

Abstract: The ball for a ball game of the invention includes a fabric layer 1 having a spherical 12-hedron where twelve right pentagonal fabric pieces 2 are sewn together. The marginal edges of the fabric piece being folded by 90 degrees, and the marginal edges are sewn together with a sewing machine. The fabric layer is then reversed through cross-like slits 5a, 5b formed in the fabric layer in a location opposite to a valve opening 5 (also formed in the fabric layer) in such a manner that the marginal edges are located on an inner side of the fabric layer. After the bladder is accommodated within the fabric layer through the closure hole 5, the hole 5 is closed by a patch. Onto a surface of the fabric layer, there is adhered the panels. Thereby, the ball for a ball game having no unevenness and soft feeling is attained.

Abstract: A belt type continuously variable transmission in which a pulley shaft is supported by bearings provided at two positions that are apart from each other in an axial direction of the pulley shaft and a supply oil passage for supplying hydraulic fluid to a pulley hydraulic chamber includes a radial direction oil passage that is formed in the pulley shaft, the radial direction oil passage is formed on an outside of an area between the two positions. Also, one of the bearings is provided near the radial direction oil passage and on an outer surface side of a cylinder member whose inner surface side forms the pulley hydraulic chamber for a movable sheave that is fixed to the pulley shaft. With this structure, concentration of stress on the radial direction oil passage can be avoided, and therefore strength of the pulley shaft can be secured.

Abstract: A bicycle chain wheel assembly is provided with a chain wheel and a chain wheel cover. The chain wheel has a central mounting portion and an outer gear with a plurality of outer gear teeth. The chain wheel cover is disposed on an exteriorly facing side of the chain wheel. The chain wheel cover has a mounting portion coupled to the chain wheel and an outer peripheral portion with a chain drop prevention protrusion projecting outwardly from the outer peripheral portion at a location that is radially inward of the outer gear teeth.

Abstract: A transmission system comprising two degrees-of-freedom compound planetary gear train with two conjoined planetary gear trains and four torque-transfer devices. The different combinations of states of various torque-transfer devices yield multiple modes of operation. The planetary gear train allows the addition of power of two prime-movers to drive the load. Additionally, the transmission system can split the power from one prime-mover into requirements of the energy storage system while catering to the output needs. This limits the re-circulating power to a fraction of the input power. Other advantage of the transmission is that it provides a high overdrive ratio, which permits regeneration even at moderate speeds. The transmission obviates the need for a torque converter. The transmission can operate as multi-speed, fully automatic.

Abstract: An arrangement in a planetary gearing includes a rotatable shaft connected to the planet wheel carrier of planet wheels, an internal gear and a sun wheel, wherein the planet wheels operatively engage by their coggings, i.e. mesh, with the outermost fixed-position cogging of the internal gear and with the centrally located cogging of the sun wheel. The power is transmitted from the sun wheel to the input shaft of the following stage by a coupling permitting radial and/or angular deflection. The lubrication system includes a connection permitting rotation and deflection between the frame and the planet wheel carrier.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a vehicular drive system including a differential mechanism operable to distribute an output of an engine to a first electric motor and a power transmitting member, and a second electric motor connected to the power transmitting member. The control apparatus, which permits size reduction of the vehicular drive system, or improvements of fuel economy and vehicle drivability, includes a switching clutch or switching brake for switching a the differential mechanism between a continuously-variable shifting state and a step-variable shifting state, to enable the drive system to have both of an advantage of a fuel economy improvement of a transmission the speed ratio of which is electrically variable, and an advantage of high power transmitting efficiency of a gear type power transmitting device.

Abstract: An automatic transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four 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 may include clutches and brakes.

Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four 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 may include clutches and brakes.

Abstract: A composite gear member of the power transmission device is divided into an annular first member and a second member. The annular first member is formed with an output gear. The second member is formed with internal teeth and spline-coupled to an inner portion of the first member. Therefore, the influence of the engagement reaction force generated from the output gear of the first member is decreased by the spline-coupling, and the vibration is reduced.

Abstract: A pump drive for a vehicle transmission pump. A transmission input torque member is operable to carry prime mover torque. A source of pump torque includes a pump input torque member circumscribing the transmission input torque member to apply torque to the transmission pump. An overrunning clutch is interposed between the pump input torque member and the transmission input torque member to carry the prime mover torque from the transmission input torque member to the pump torque output member.

Abstract: A brake regulating system for motor vehicles is provided having an electronic control unit, by which an automatic parking brake function is activatable at a standstill of the motor vehicle, whose deactivation is performed as a function of the instantaneous drive torque, is implemented in such a way that in the event of activated parking brake function, a deactivation of the parking brake function may be suppressed if, on the basis of a function executed at a standstill of the motor vehicle, an automatic increase of the drive torque which does not result from a starting command of the driver is necessary.

Abstract: A finger-touch sensor for an exercise apparatus, comprising at least a detection recess formed at a handrail (or a swing arm) of the exercise apparatus for insertion of a human finger. At least one block-out short-wave sensor having an emitter and a corresponding receiver is fitted to the detection recess. The block-out short-wave sensor is coupled through a wire transmission line to an electronic console of the exercise apparatus such that an actual detection message obtained by the block-out short-wave sensor may conduct a pre-determined action by use of a built-in microprocessor. In this way, an easy control and adjustment of all factors (such as the exercise speed, slope or resistance, etc.) of the exercise apparatus is ensured by placing the human finger into the detection recess for blocking the emitting or reflecting signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for facilitating an isometric contraction exercise regimen for many subjects across a network are provided. One or more exercise constraints are developed for a subject as a function of the medical health information of the subject. The subject performs a plurality of isometric contraction exercises using exercise equipment always in the presence of a personal fitness trainer thereby producing an exercise result. The exercise equipment has a strain gauge in order to impose exercise constraints in the one or more exercise constraints. A mandatory recovery period for the subject is then imposed. During this mandatory recovery period, the subject does not perform isometric contraction exercises. These steps are repeated using a new set of one or more exercise constraints that were refined based upon the exercise result of a previous isometric contraction exercise work out session.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a pit landing system having integrated drainage positionable on a surface of a ground includes an upper padding section and a lower support section. The lower support section includes a lower water permeable support operable to allow water to permeate through its structure while supporting the padding layer above the surface of the ground. The upper section includes a cover and the lower support section comprises a porous cover. High jumps and pole vaults including the pit landing system are also disclosed. Methods for forming the pit landing system and methods for protecting an athlete are also disclosed.

Abstract: A wrist roller exercise device is provided which has a roller rod having opposite handle end portions and which has a central portion and has a spool carrier has a central balanced cable connection point. A cable is connected to the cable connection point and also connected to an elevated frame member to secure and hold the carrier at a desired elevation above ground surface. A spool is attached on the central portion of said rod member with the rod member and the spool each being rotatable relative to the spool carrier. The spool also has a rope connection thereon. A rope is provided which has a first rope end attached to the rope connection and a second rope end connected to a weight object of desired mass.

Abstract: A jump rope simulator for aerobic and anaerobic exercise having a hand-held unit comprising a handle, a base length connected to the handle, and one or more concatenated extension lengths attached to the base length. To exercise, the user grasps one or two units, imitates the motions of swinging a conventional jump rope, and jumps up and down, but there is no risk to the user of tripping over a rope as with a conventional jump rope. If the user desires, two units may also be linked together with an easily attachable connector to form a device similar to a conventional jump rope. A user can quickly convert between the two configurations of the jump rope simulator.

Abstract: A training device is shown and described. The device comprises a disk having a perimeter. A foot-interface is attached to the disk. A rolling member is positioned around the perimeter of the disk and is preferably substantially concentric with the disk.

Abstract: Exercise equipment includes a stationary dock and a user support frame engaging the dock in docking relation, including application as a weight training rack and bench including a weight rack frame and a bench frame releasably lockable to the weight rack frame at a plurality of selectable locking locations therealong. A pair of collapsible spotter platforms are mounted to respective upstanding support posts.

Abstract: An adaptable body conditioning apparatus is disclosed having a relatively rigid platform and gripping attachment with a handle and a stem rotatably receivable through an opening at the platform. A flexible material bushing abuts a threaded shaft of the stem and is received in a retention cavity formed in the handle. A flex limiter is threadably engaged on the threaded shaft of the stem and is manually adjustable along the length of the shaft. The limiter is utilized to limit the amount of tilting movement allowed to the handle under the influence of user weight applied at the handle when in use.

Abstract: A method and equipment for molding an article produced from paperboard or cardboard. Moulding is carried out by a molding tool that mechanically works the board; and to improve its moldability, momentary irradiation on the microwave frequency is exerted on the board. The method applies to the manufacture of packages and disposable containers made of paperboard or cardboard; for example, to the forming of a rolled-up or folded rim around a drinking cup, mug or a container, the forming of a stiffening crease or projection on a paperboard container, or to press molding of paperboard containers or plates.

Abstract: Groove-type paper scoring apparatus according to the invention comprises a platform providing a planar rectangular work surface. On the platform are a series of transversely spaced shallow score channels extending longitudinally from one end of the platform to the other. Shallow boundary walls extend along the side edges and the distal end of the platform. The distal end wall of the platform is provided with spaced vertical notches each mating with an associated one of the series of score channels. A scale or ruler extends along each of the walls.

Abstract: A solid-bowl centrifuge comprising, a centrifugal drum rotatable about a horizontal axis of rotation, the centrifugal drum including a weir to drain a liquid out of the centrifugal drum, the weir including a passage having at least one passage opening in an axial end region of the centrifugal drum that includes a drum lid: a deflector plate arranged outside the centrifugal drum and in front of the drum lid, the deflector plate being stationary during an operation of the centrifugal drum and widening at least in sections as the deflector plate extends away from the centrifugal drum: and the deflector plate including an interior jacket, and a distance of the interior jacket from the horizontal axis of rotation not being constant but widening.

Abstract: The present invention, in some embodiments, relates to radiation-shielding containers for housing radioactive materials. For example, some container assemblies of the invention include a body and a lid both including radiopaque material, and together defining a receiving space for radioactive material. Each of the body and lid has a closure surface that is in close proximity with the closure surface of the other when the container assembly is in a closed condition. The closure surfaces of these container assemblies may be configured such that they run substantially entirely at an angle to a local direction of radiation emanating from the radioactive material. In other words, these closure surfaces may be oriented such that they are misaligned with radiation emanating from within the container assembly. The present invention, in some embodiments, relates to devices for administration of radioactive material (e.g., radiopharmaceutical capsule) to patients.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing controllable pulse parameter magnetic stimulation are described. One aspect is directed to a magnetic stimulation system for inducing approximately rectangular electric field pulses in a body organ, comprising an electrical energy storage device, a stimulating coil, and a switching means for electrically coupling said electrical energy storage device to said stimulating coil to produce current pulses in said stimulating coil which generates, in response to the current pulses, magnetic field pulses that can induce approximately rectangular electric field pulses in the body organ.

Abstract: Actuator mechanisms on the heart are of several types. In preferred embodiments, they are generally simple, durable, mechanical assemblies and are driven by power delivered from a remote location, generally outside the chest, by a variety of mechanisms. The invention teaches physical mechanisms (1) for transfer of cyclic power from outside the chest to the region of the heart for that purpose, either as translational or rotary motion. Also taught are electromechanical converting mechanisms suitable for delivering power to those transfer devices. The embodiments described herein for either transmission of energy from a site of generation to a conduit (2, 10, 22), and of conduits that then deliver energy to heart actuators, have contours and interfaces designed to promote a favorable biologic response similar to the pseudosynovial capsules that surround artificial joints. Further, design features are chosen to avoid both non-vented gas-filled chambers and static collections of tissue fluid.

Abstract: An implantable hearing aid transducer is provided that allows providing movement for stimulation purposes in at least first and second directions. This allows for moving an auditory component in a direction that may be substantially aligned with a natural direction of movement for the auditory component. In one arrangement, a middle ear transducer having an elongated vibratory member that extends into a patient's tympanic cavity is operative to move a tip of the vibratory member in at least first and second directions. A first direction may be along a long axis of the vibratory member while a second direction may be in a direction that is at least partially transverse to the long axis of the vibratory member. Further, the transducer may be positionable to provide alignment of the vibratory member such that the transverse direction of movement is substantially aligned with a direction of natural movement of a middle ear component (e.g. ossicles bone) to be stimulated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a urethral prosthesis including a first and a second arm that join to form a junction, and a stem that is also joined to the junction. The junction is adapted to exert sufficient pressure on a portion of a patient's urethra to prevent unintentional voiding of the patient's bladder. However, upon exerting a tension force on the stem, the pressure exerted by the junction is reduced such that the patient's bladder may be intentionally voided.

Abstract: A biomaterial useful for bioprostheses such as bioprosthetic heart valves is provided in which the fixed tissue has improved elastic properties. The high elastin-containing biomaterial is further characterized by having anisotropic properties wherein the biological material has a greater stiffness in one direction and a greater elasticity in a cross direction. For instance, the biological material has an elastin content of about 30% by weight. In one embodiment, the biological material is vena cava tissue.

Abstract: A gastric ring includes a band that surrounds the wall of the stomach of a patient, and structure that makes it possible, after implantation, to modify the cross section of the opening delimited by the ring.

Abstract: An in vivo imaging device may include a capsule shaped housing and an image sensor. The capsule shaped housing may have a longitudinal axis and a window. The image sensor (e.g., a CMOS sensor) may include a pixel array portion and a circuitry portion. The circuitry portion may be segregated, for example longitudinally, from the pixel array portion. The pixel array portion may be disposed within said housing substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis. A light deflecting element disposed at an angle smaller than 45 degrees with respect to the pixel array portion introduces image distortion which is compensated by a distortion compensation mechanism.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a medical device for accessing a patient's body portion and used for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. Embodiments of the invention may include a particular endoscopic positioning mechanism for placing an endoscope and an additional treatment device within desired body portions in order to assist in diagnosis and treatment of anatomical diseases and disorders. In particular, a medical device according to an embodiment of the invention may include an outer flexible tube and a positioning mechanism configured for rotating one portion of the flexible tube relative to another portion of the flexible tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a surgical retractor comprises a support handle and a surgical retractor holding element pivotally attached to the support handle. A rod engages the retractor holder element at a position spaced from the pivotal attachment to the support handle with the rod being movable thereby pivoting the holding element to move the position of the retractor blade of the surgical retractor.

Abstract: A system (10) for collecting a plurality of diagnostic information and transmitting the diagnostic information to a remote location. The system (10) comprises a glove member (12) adaptable to be worn on a person's hand and an interface unit (20) in electrical communication with the glove member (12). The interface unit (20) is capable of transmitting information to, and receiving information from, a remote location. The glove member (12) comprises a palm portion (1), a wrist portion (3) and five phalange portions (5-13). The glove member (12) further comprises an EKG diagnostic device, a blood pressure and pulse rate diagnostic device (54) and a temperature device (64). The glove member (12) may also further comprise a % O2 diagnostic device (70) and an auscultation device (80).

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring skin moisture content, the apparatus including: an electrode unit comprising a reference (R) electrode, a current (C) electrode, and a measuring (M) electrode; an operational amplifier including an inverting input terminal that is supplied to a first voltage and connects with the R electrode, and an output terminal that connects with the C electrode; a switch controlling a connection between the output terminal and the C electrode; and a comparison control unit comparing the first voltage with a voltage at the output terminal, and controlling the switch to connect the output terminal and the C electrode when the voltage at the output terminal is less than or equal to a value that is acquired by multiplying the first voltage and a predetermined constant.

Abstract: A method for measuring a mechanical property of a subject includes using an ultrasonic transducer to apply ultrasonic vibration pulses to a vibration origin in the subject in an on-off time sequence in order to impart a harmonic motion at a prescribed frequency to the subject, and when the vibration pulses are off, using the same transducer to apply ultrasonic detection pulses to a motion detection point and to receive echo signals therefrom in order to sense the harmonic motion on the subject at the motion detection point. From the harmonic signal information, a harmonic signal is detected and a characteristic such as amplitude or phase of the detected harmonic signal is measured. The mechanical property is calculated using the measured characteristic using for example a wave speed dispersion method.

Abstract: A method for determining speed-of-sound factors in ultrasound images of a body, includes: capturing at least two ultrasound images of an internal body region from different directions; registering the at least two ultrasound images with respect to a corresponding region in a body reference model; comparing two-dimensional registrations of each of the at least two ultrasound images with a registration of at least one other ultrasound image captured from a different direction, or with another reference registration; and determining the speed-of-sound factor for each individual ultrasound direction from the comparison of reference model point distances for a particular registered structure.