Abstract: A billiard ball rack includes a spring loaded pusher bar for accurately positioning billiards balls, and extensions on the rack provide a gripping surface for a user. The rack may include one or more adapters that permit the rack to position balls for games of three-ball, six-ball, seven-ball, eight-ball, nine-ball and ten-ball. The rack has a low profile, and therefore fits into existing storage spaces in pool tables and the like previously used for conventional racks.

Abstract: A wrist protection device for a bowling game is disclosed, which comprises a wrist mounted plate, an adjusting pin which connects an intermediate plate and includes an apex, a concave portion and a support, an ascending and descending plate which ascends and descends in an interior of the casing attached to an upper surface of the intermediate plate based on an operation of a button and spring, and a moving member which slides along the guide members of the ascending and descending plate.

Abstract: A golf swing trainer providing a resiliently flexible shaft having a first shaft end coupled to a swing element and a second shaft end coupled to a grip having a tapered external surface gripably received by the hands.

Abstract: Wood-type golf club heads include: (a) a club head body member defining an interior chamber; (b) a weight system engaged with a rear perimeter portion of the club head body member; and (c) a connection system connecting the weight system with the club head body (e.g., with the rear of the ball striking face portion). The club heads further may include one or more damping members in the interior chamber to alter the sound and/or otherwise attenuate a vibrational response of the club head. The damping members may extend between the ball striking face and the weight system, and optionally may engage the connection system. The damping member(s) may constitute a foam material compressed within the interior chamber of the club head. Methods of making such golf club head structures also are described.

Abstract: A golf club head includes a metallic head body 1 having a cavity 10 therein and an opening 8 being formed in a face part 2 therethrough to the cavity, and a metallic face plate 9 welded to the opening.

Abstract: A golf club head according to one or more aspects of the present invention may include a heel, a toe, a crown, a sole, a strike face, and a lower transition region between the strike face and the sole. The lower transition region may have a plurality of nadir angles progressively increasing in size from the central region of the strike face to the heel and/or toe. The club head may further include an upper transition region between the strike face and the crown. The upper transition region may have a plurality of apex angles progressively increasing in size from the central region of the strike face to the heel and/or toe.

Abstract: A photoluminescent, light-emitting golf ball comprises a substantially solid core with an outer shell, both formed of a light transmissive material. Photoluminescent particles are distributed within the light transmissive material. A light-emitting circuit assembly embedded within the core includes at least one battery, a control circuit coupled to the at least one battery, a plurality of light-emitting diodes coupled to the control circuit, and an impact switch electrically connected between the battery and the control circuit. The control circuit actuates the light-emitting diodes for a predetermined time period in response to an impact of the golf ball by a golf club. Actuation of the light-emitting diodes by an impact on the golf ball excites the photoluminescent particles, causing the particles to glow in excess of the predetermined time period of actuation of the light-emitting diodes.

Abstract: Golf balls having at least one layer that is formed from a mechanically hybridizing two or more materials. In particular, the mechanically hybridized layers of the invention improve performance and increase durability of the finished golf ball, as well increase adhesion between layers.

Abstract: A multilayer golf ball with at least one layer made from an expandable polymeric composition is disclosed. In accordance to one aspect of the invention, the expandable polymeric composition comprises a film-forming binder polymer latex, a dispersing agent, a plurality of polyspheres encapsulating expandable volatile substance, and at least one additive. The additive can be a defoaming agent, a solvent, a thickener, a plasticizer, or any combination thereof. The at least one layer may also comprise a thermally expandable microsphere encapsulating foaming agent. Another expandable polymeric composition comprises a curable silicone composition comprising a liquid diorganopolysiloxane, a liquid organosilicon compound, a condensation catalyst and a blowing agent. Another the expandable polymeric composition comprises an aqueous acrylic based latex emulsion and an unencapsulated blowing agent.

Abstract: A process for the custom design and automated, custom manufacture of golf clubs. According to a first embodiment, a computer user interface, preferably a graphical user interface (GUI), guides a user's selection of preferred golf club design parameters. According to a second embodiment, input data about a golfer's style of play and golf club performance needs are captured from data collection systems, and analyzed by black box algorithms, preferably fuzzy logic algorithms, to infer golf club design parameters. After preferences for, or inferences about, golf club design parameters are developed in accordance with the two embodiments, a computer aided (CA) system is used to design and manufacture the desired golf clubs.

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: An automotive vehicle has a power operated lift-gate that is opened and closed by two drive units. The typical drive unit has a guide channel, an attachment assembly that is disposed in the guide channel, a flexible drive member that is attached to the attachment assembly and formed in a loop for moving the attachment assembly in the guide channel. The flexible drive member is trained solely around two pulleys at the respective opposite ends of the guide channel to form the flexible drive member in a narrow loop. One of the pulleys is an idler pulley that is part of an adjustable pulley assembly and the other pulley is driven by a power unit that is attached to the guide channel. The adjustable pulley assembly adjusts the distance between the pulleys to take up slack in the flexible drive member.

Abstract: A transmission unit for a motor vehicle has a drive shaft for a connection to an internal combustion engine of the motor vehicle, an output shaft for the driving of the motor vehicle, a change speed gearbox, an additional drive motor and a planetary transmission, with the additional drive motor being coupled to a first part of the planetary transmission and the output shaft being coupled to a second part of the planetary transmission. The change speed gearbox has at least one selectable gear stage via which the drive shaft of the transmission unit can be operationally coupled directly to the output shaft while bypassing the planetary transmission. The change speed gearbox furthermore has at least one second selectable gear stage via which the drive shaft can be operationally coupled indirectly to the output shaft via a third part of the planetary transmission.

Abstract: A differential gear set includes a pinion gear that at least a groove having a inner planar surface, at least a gear is formed in an exterior circumference thereof and at least a pinion shaft in which an end portion is inserted into the groove such that an end surface faces the inner surface of the groove and a planar portion is formed by cutting off in one side of an exterior circumference thereof corresponding to the interior circumference of the groove.

Abstract: To provide an oscillating internally meshing planetary gear reducer capable of realizing a low cost and a high speed reduction ratio, the oscillating internally meshing type planetary gear reducer is constituted so as to include: an input shaft provided with an input gear which is circumscribed and meshed with a pinion provided on a motor; an input shaft gear formed on the input shaft; a plurality of eccentric body shafts each provided with an eccentric body for oscillating an oscillating external gear; an eccentric body shaft gear which is formed on each eccentric body shaft; and a distributing gear which is meshed with the input shaft gear and the eccentric body shaft gear.

Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator having an annular pole piece and an annular armature with surfaces formed thereon through which a magnetic flux passes. One of the annular pole piece and the annular armature is axially movable relative to the other between a first position, in which the surfaces are spaced axially apart by a minimum distance, and a second position in which the surfaces are spaced axially apart by a maximum distance. The surfaces axially overlap one another but do not touch when the one of the annular pole piece and the annular armature is positioned in the first position and in the second position.

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 a brake.

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: 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, six torque-transmitting devices, one fixed interconnection and a grounded member. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with another one of the planetary gear members. The six torque-transmitting devices provide interconnections between various gear members, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of three to establish eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) having a torsion disc for a CVT. The torsion disc includes a splined bore about its central axis, an annular recess formed in the disc for receiving the race of a bearing, and a raised surface for supporting a torsion spring. In one embodiment, the torsion disc includes a number of holes for receiving dowels that support a torsion spring. Load cam discs, a torsion disc, rolling elements, and a hub cap shell are configured to generate axial force, transmit torque, and manage reaction forces. In one embodiment, a splined input shaft and a torsion disc having a splined bore cooperate to input torque into the variator of the CVT. Among other things, various ball axles, axle-ball combinations, and reaction force grounding configurations are disclosed. In one embodiment, a CVT having axial force generation means at both the input and output elements is disclosed.

Abstract: A controllable hydrodynamic torque converter is provided for use within a vehicle having a detectable throttle level, the torque converter comprising a first stator having a first outlet angle and a second stator having a higher second outlet angle. The second stator is selectively engageable with the first stator using a hydraulic clutch to thereby vary the torque converter K-factor during idle and high-throttle conditions, and is permitted to freewheel during low or part throttle conditions. The first outlet angle is at least five degrees lower than the second outlet angle. A vehicle is also provided including an engine having an engine torque and a detectable throttle level, a transmission, a torque converter operable to transmit the engine torque to the transmission and having a stator assembly with two stators, a selectively controllable clutch, and a controller configured to selectively actuate the clutch to vary the K-factor depending on the throttle level.

Abstract: A vehicle drive system for adjusting vehicle fuel economy is described. In one example, the vehicle drive system includes an operator interface for adjusting vehicle operation so as to increase or decrease fuel consumption according to a driver preference.

Abstract: A gear shift controlling apparatus of an automatic transmission for a vehicle has a synchronization-time engagement pressure correcting device that, before synchronization of gear-shifting, makes an increase correction of an engagement pressure of the disengaged-side engaging element by a first prescribed amount, to cause an input shaft rotational speed immediately before synchronizing of the automatic transmission to approach a rotational speed calculated by multiplying an output shaft rotational speed by a gear ratio of a gear after gear-shifting the automatic transmission.

Abstract: A training system and method include providing a frame, a user support portion coupled to the frame and arranged to support a user, and a user engagement portion coupled to the frame and arranged to be engaged by the body part. A force sensor is provided for sensing a user-applied force at the user engagement portion, and a position sensor is operably connected to at least one of the user support portion and the user engagement portion for sensing a relative position therebetween. A motor is coupled to at least one of the user support portion and the user engagement portion for driving a position thereof with respect to the frame over a range of motion at a preprogrammed velocity, and a controller is provided in communication with the motor, the force sensor, and the position sensor.

Abstract: A hurdle has a crossbar and a pair of vertical legs. The hurdle is designed to give way or collapse when the crossbar is struck by a user to minimize the risk of injury and thereby decrease the user's fear of injury. This is done either by splitting the crossbar into separate left and right sections, or by splitting each of the legs into separate top and bottom sections. This permits the separate sections to break apart from an aligned, end-to-end orientation which they possess in an operative position of the hurdle into a nonaligned orientation after the hurdle has given way or collapsed. An elastic member connects the separate sections and urges the sections back into their aligned, end-to-end orientation when a user picks the sections of the hurdle up and resets the hurdle.

Abstract: A rocking type exercising apparatus includes a movable unit on which a user rides and a driving unit for causing the movable unit to perform a rocking motion. The driving unit includes a pitch driving part for causing the movable unit to rock in a forward/backward direction, a roll driving part for causing the movable unit to rock in a leftward/rightward direction and a yaw driving part for causing the movable unit to rotate about a vertical axis. When the movable unit is moved forward by the pitch driving part and is tilted to either the left or the right by the roll driving part, the yaw driving part rotates the movable unit in the same direction as the tilted direction of the movable unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a variable stride exercise device having a variable size close curved striding path during use. The exercise device described and depicted herein utilizes various configurations of linkage assemblies, cam members, and other components, connected with a frame to allow a user to dynamically vary his stride path during exercise. An exercise device conforming to aspects of the present invention provides a foot path that adapts to the change in stride length rather than forcing the user into a fixed size path. A user's exertion level may have several components impacting the stride length provided by the machine, such as leg power, torso power, and (in embodiments with arm supports or exercise components) arm power. Other embodiments of the exercise device include a lockout device that selectively eliminates the variable stride features of the exercise device and allows the user to exercise in a stepping motion.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an exerciser having magnets adjusting device, which comprises a frame assembly, a flywheel, a driving assembly, a power transmission mechanism and a magnets adjusting device. The magnets adjusting device includes a guiding rail, a sliding unit with magnetic units, and a control mechanism. The guiding rail is fixed on the frame assembly. The sliding unit is mounted on the guiding rail so that the sliding unit and the magnetic units can be linearly moved along the guiding rail. The control mechanism controls the reciprocated movement of the sliding unit and the magnetic units linearly close to or away from the axis of the flywheel. Whereby, to improve the stability of the adjusted variable damping and accurately calculate the corresponding resistance after the adjustment, and to enhance the durability of the machine can be achieved.

Abstract: An exercise machine having a frame, at least one resistance element supported by a frame and at least one gripping element a user interface and connected to at least one resistance element by means of at least one operating cable; the gripping element having at least one coupling element for at least one end of said cable; the coupling element including a joint freely rotatable with respect to said user interface in such a way that the end of cable becomes stressed solely in traction.

Abstract: A training machine for strength training and rehabilitation comprising has pull or press devices, which are arranged to be moved backwards and forwards while a pre-determined number of weights in a weight package is arranged to be lifted and lowered, alternatively, by a connection, and a device to lift said pre-determined number of weights in a continuous movement by a first user intended powered force against said pull or press device and to lower said pre-determined number of weights by a second user intended powered force against said pull or press devices. The first power being less than the second power. The training machine comprises a frame carrying the weights and along which the weights are slidable and which is turnably journalled about a substantially horizontal turning axis.

Abstract: A magnetically dumbbell device and method are disclosed. The dumbbell device has a central base unit with at least one magnetic piece at each end of the base unit and one or more weights attachable to the ends of the base unit by means of magnetic force.

Abstract: A circularly shaped weight includes an opening in the center having a handle extending there through. The handle bi-sects the opening and creates equal openings for receiving a hand or foot of the user. The weight is particularly useful for individuals who may be incapacitated by arthritis or other physical ailments that may prevent them from properly grasping a weight. The novel shape is useful in stacking the weights when they are not in use. A plurality of circularly shaped weight may be fastened together via a coupler.

Abstract: A device for obtaining a predetermined linear force, includes a first elastic force elements and a force output elements in the form of a non-elastic, flexible elongated member, a force transformation elements arranged between the first elastic force element and the force output element, such that a pulling of the force output element creates a tension in the first elastic force element. The force transformation element is arranged and designed such that the pulling force required on the force output element decreases with the distance the force output element is pulled. The device includes a second elastic force element and a second force output element attached thereto wherein the pulling force required on the second force output element increases with the distance the force output element is pulled. The two force output elements are connected to each other such as to summarize the forces.

Abstract: A device for variably unweighting or unloading and performing resistance exercises and stretches while performing cardiovascular exercises on a cardiovascular exercise machine or other exercise device, including a plurality of exercise elements at different locations above the machine or device, the exercise elements being graspable individually or in a selected number and resiliently extended in a variety of directions for reducing forces applied against movable elements of the exercise machine or device and for performing a variety of resistance exercises and stretches.

Abstract: A resistance training exercise device, system and method having at least one elastic, elongated and hollow cord with a tether secured to each end of the cord, a strain relief sleeve and a clip secured to the free end of each tether, each tether being secured to their respective end of the cord by a grommet, plug and sleeve and each clip preferably comprising an o-ring that receives the free end of the tether and a spring-loaded biasing flange for clipping onto a handle, strap or the cord itself.

Abstract: An exercise device having many advantageous features is described, including the ability to provide a combination of grips to the user, and the ability to easily mount the device to a wall. One exercise device described is an inelastic resistance device having a combination grip that includes hand grips and a loop. The hand grip and loop may be used as a foot grip, or alternatively, just the hand grip can be used by the hand. The selection of a specific accessory grip allows the user to exercise by specific body parts and provides for a greater number of possible exercises.

Abstract: A portable applicator (20) for pulsed signal therapy comprises: an elastic supporting body (25), which can expand in a planar manner; at least two signal generating units (11, 12), which are arranged in or on the elastic supporting body (25) whereby being symmetric with regard to an axis of symmetry of the supporting body (25), and; a device for supplying a control signal (17, 18) to the signal generating units (11, 12).

Abstract: A cannulation system for cardiac support uses an inner cannula disposed within an outer cannula. The outer cannula includes a fluid inlet for placement within the right atrium of a heart. The inner cannula includes a fluid inlet extending through the fluid inlet of the outer cannula and the atrial septum for placement within at least one of the left atrium and left ventricle of the heart. The cannulation system also employs a pumping assembly coupled to the inner and outer cannulas to withdraw blood from the right atrium for delivery to the pulmonary artery to provide right heart support, or to withdraw blood from at least one of the left atrium and left ventricle for delivery into the aorta to provide left heart support, or both.

Abstract: A pulsatile blood circulating pump system that is adapted for use in cardiopulmonary bypass, ventricular assist (LVAD, RVAD, BiVAD), ECMO, organ preservation, fetal cardiac bypass, cancer treatment, and various areas of circulation research, which can be controlled in such a way as to produce a desired blood flow that closely approximates the physiological blood flow of the patient. The pump system includes a pulsating mechanism having a housing defining a chamber within which a compressible-expandable bladder is sealably mounted. The system further includes a hydraulic actuator having a pressure imparting member that acts upon a pressure transmissive fluid contained within the actuator chamber in a manner to generate a pulsatile pressure on the transmissive fluid, which, in turn, results in a pulsatile pressure being exerted on bladder in a manner to controllably vary the volume thereof.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for treating a heart of a patient may make use of one or more implant structures which limit a size of a chamber of the heart, such as by deploying a tensile member to bring a wall of the heart toward (optionally into contact with) a septum of the heart.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and apparatus for relieving stress using biofeedback techniques. In embodiments, the method and system are used according to a specified regimen to enable a user to achieve a relaxed state. The apparatus comprises a sensor 10 wirelessly connected to a CPU 20, which processes signals from the sensor 10 to produce a visual display 36 and/or auditory display 44 that is representative of the relaxation state of the user.

Abstract: In an insertion configuration, an endoscope assembly includes an insertion member with a distal end face and a working channel and further includes an instrument shaft extending through the working channel and an operative tip connected to the instrument shaft and extending in a plane oriented perpendicularly to the instrument shaft. The operative tip is positioned along the distal end face of the endoscope insertion member. The operative tip is separable from the distal end face of the endoscope insertion member by a distally directed motion of the instrument shaft along the working channel.

Abstract: A surgical method for removing a port element disposed in an incision or perforation in a wall of a hollow internal organ in a trans-organ surgical procedure. A distal end portion of a tubular member is inserted into the internal organ through a natural body opening. A capture member is ejected from the distal end portion of the tubular member and receives the port element.

Abstract: A sheath useful for remote steering, guidance and/or manipulation of a flexible instrument, including e.g. an endoscope, received through the sheath.

Abstract: A retractor-based access system for performing minimally invasive spine surgery via an anterior approach. The anterior access system and related methods of the present invention involve a plurality of retractor blades under the control of a single retractor handle apparatus.

Abstract: A surgical tool holder that includes a base portion, an incremental retraction portion, and an attachment portion. The base portion is configured for releasably mounting to a first surgical tool support in a fixed association. The incremental retraction portion includes a drawing mechanism configured for operably engaging and incrementally drawing a surgical retractor under tension to a selected position and holding the surgical retractor in the selected position, and a crank member configured to operate the drawing mechanism. The attachment portion includes a post configured for rotatably mounting a yoke of a second surgical tool support, and a securing member operably associated with the post for releasably fixing the second surgical tool support thereto.

Abstract: A ligament protector for use in protecting a ligament during an orthopedic procedure is disclosed. The ligament protector includes at least two wings and bone mounting elements. A handle may be removably coupled to the ligament protector.

Abstract: Methods and systems are presented for displaying patient activity data from implantable cardiac device (ICD). The method includes: sensing an activity level, storing the sensed activity level as a first coordinate of an activity data point, generating an average activity level from a predetermined number of sensed activity levels, storing the average activity level as a second coordinate of the activity data point, accumulating a number of times the activity data point having the first and second coordinates occurs, and storing the accumulated number of times. These steps are repeated for a predetermined period of time, and a plurality of activity data points each having an associated accumulated number of times is stored. The method further includes graphically displaying each of the plurality of activity data points with the associated accumulated number of times.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting, monitoring and analyzing physiological characteristics. Signals from a subject are acquired from a suite of sensors, such as temperature, carbon dioxide, humidity, light, movement, electromagnetic and vibration sensors, in a passive, non-invasive manner. The signals are processed and physiological characteristics are isolated for analysis. The system and method are to analyze sleep patterns, as well as to prevent bed sores or detect conditions such as illness, restless leg syndrome, periodic leg movement, sleep walking, or sleep apnea. However, numerous other applications of the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a method of maintaining health of a patient uses an analyte detection system. The analyte detection system is coupled to the patient such that a bodily fluid of the patient is accessible to the analyte detection system. The method includes automatically initiating and conducting a measurement of an analyte in the bodily fluid using the analyte detection system. The method further includes determining a treatment dose for the patient based on the measurement using the analyte detection system.