Abstract: A takraw ball is woven from takraw ball strips of springy material having soft material pads mounted into recesses in a strip face, the pads are, at least in part, bounded by strip face parts which function to lend stiffness to the strip, and/or protect pad edges and/or assist in mounting pads onto the strips.

Abstract: A continuously-variable-transmission control device having high control response and stability, reduced processing load on a control device and V-belt wear recognition. The width of the V-belt is calculated on the basis of a position of the primary sheave, a length of the V-belt, a distance between the sheaves, an angle of the sheave, and a change gear ratio during idling, and the calculated belt width is stored. The control device performs a feed-forward control on the starter in which it corrects the target position of the primary sheave on the basis of the belt width, and then controls the sheave position so as to reach the corrected target position. When the calculated belt width becomes equal to or smaller than a predetermined threshold, the control device issues an alarm that alerts the driver to replace the V-belt.

Abstract: A dual backlash tensioner includes a support having a recess therein. A plunger is slidable in the recess and includes a shoe extending outward from the recess. A first resilient member acts between the support and the plunger and urges the shoe outwardly. An oscillatable stop cam having first and second teeth spacedly disposed thereon is engagable with the plunger. The stop cam is pivotally mounted on the support. A second resilient member urges the first tooth toward engagement with the plunger. The plunger has a control portion opposing the stop cam that includes a toothed rack and an adjoining depression positioned toward the shoe. The stop cam teeth are adapted to engage the toothed rack.

Abstract: A torque transfer device for efficiently increasing the torque transferred from a drive unit to another device (e.g. transmission, sprocket, etc.). The torque transfer device generally includes a drive unit, a first rotating member rotatably attached to the drive unit, wherein the drive unit rotates the first rotating member, a receiving unit, a first rotating member rotatably attached to the receiving unit and a connecting arm attached to a first attachment point of the first rotating member and a second attachment point of the second rotating member. The first attachment point is offset from a first rotational axis of the first rotating member and the second attachment point is offset from a second rotational axis of the second rotating member.

Abstract: A power train for hybrid vehicles increases the range of the transmission gear ratio within which the efficiency of the power train is superior. Furthermore, the method of operating the power train is varied depending on the transmission gear ratio, so that the power train can be operated with superior efficiency.

Abstract: A variable-speed transmission for a power-generating plant; with an input shaft which is connected at least indirectly with a power transducer of a wind-energy generator or hydroelectric generator; with an output shaft which is connected at least indirectly with an electric generator, with the speed of the output shaft being substantially constant; with a superposition gear which is connected at least indirectly with the input shaft and which divides power among a first power branch connected at least indirectly with the output shaft and a second power branch; with the second power branch comprising at least two hydrodynamic circulations, with at least one of the hydrodynamic circulations being at least indirectly in connection with the first power branch.

Abstract: An automatic transmission control device with a hydraulic control system controlled by an electric transmission control device. The system including several pressure control valves, actuated electrically by the transmission control device, and several switching valves and pressure regulation valves, actuated by hydraulic pilot pressure, which is adjustable with the pressure control valves. Each shift element is associated with one of the pressure control valve. An engagement prevention valve is actuated by one of a control pressure of the first shift element and a pressure signal equivalent to the control pressure of the first shift element to engage the reverse drive gear. A pressure supply line of the second shift element for obtaining the reversing gear is blocked when the engagement prevention valve is in its first switch position and open when the engagement prevention valve is in its second switch position.

Abstract: A compact turning device for a heavy object, comprising a turning arm joined to the heavy object and a drive device drivingly turning the turning arm. The drive device further comprises a motor incorporating a rotor shaft connected to the rotating input part of a planetary gear type speed reducer on a same axis (A). Also, the turning arm is installed by joining its first plane to the plane of the planetary gear type speed reducer forming the rotating output part and its second plane orthogonal to the first plane to the heavy object. The turning arm and the drive device are disposed within the width (D) of the heavy object in the axis (A) direction of the turning pivot of the turning arm. The planetary gear type speed reducer of the drive device may be disposed in two front and rear stages.

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 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 are clutches and a brake.

Abstract: A variable speed transmission is disclosed. In one embodiment, a two shaft and two opposing planetary gearset arrangement is utilized. Drive and driven shafts are connected as respective inputs and outputs to opposing planetary gears of the planetary gearsets. Respective sun gears are rotatably coupled to each end of an intermediary shaft which traverses the span between the planetary gearsets. Respective ring gears are meshed to a pair of spur gears coupled to a secondary shaft which also traverses the span. In operation, the coordinated actuation of a pair of clutch-brake assemblies associated with the intermediary and secondary shafts substantially continuously varies the transmission of torque from the drive shaft to the driven shaft.

Abstract: A planetary gear set centering ring for use is a planetary gear train. The planetary gear centering ring is adapted to be positioned within a gear train to center a planetary gear carrier and a set of planetary gears within a ring gear of the gear train.

Abstract: When a vehicle speed V is out of a non-rotational synchronizing range, V?Vref1 or Vref2?V, in a neutral state of a transmission set in response to an operation of a gearshift lever to an N (neutral) position during operation of an engine, the engine and a motor MG1 are controlled to make a ring gear shaft rotate at a target rotation speed Nr*, which is expected in response to an operation of the gearshift lever to a D (drive) position or an R (reverse) position, and to enable self-sustained operation of the engine at the greater rotation speed between an idle speed Nidl and a minimum engine speed Nmin calculated from a minimum rotation speed Nm1min of the motor MG1. Such control effectively reduces a potential shock occurring in the case of the operation of the gearshift lever from the N position to the D position or the R position without causing negative overspeed of the motor MG1.

Abstract: A control device is provided for a power train including: a differential mechanism having a first rotating element linked to a first rotary electric machine, a second rotating element linked to a second rotary electric machine and a third rotating element linked to an internal combustion engine; a switching mechanism that switches between a first state that permits relative rotation of the first, second and third rotating elements, and a second state that prohibits relative rotation thereof; and a transmission mechanism connected to the differential mechanism which transmits torque from the differential mechanism to a wheel. The control device includes: a first control portion that controls the switching mechanism so as to switch between the first and second states; and a second control portion that compensates for an amount of change in the torque transmitted to the wheel when the switching between the two states is performed.

Abstract: A method of transitioning a torque converter from torque conversion mode to lock-up mode, and a torque converter. The method includes rotationally fixing stator blades to a non-rotatable stator shaft; partially engaging a torque converter clutch to transmit torque from a housing to a turbine at a first speed ratio between the turbine and the housing; disengaging a pump clutch at a second speed ratio between the turbine and the housing, the pump clutch arranged to transmit torque from the housing to the pump; and fully engaging the torque converter clutch at a third speed ratio between the housing and the turbine. The second ratio can be less than a ratio for a coupling point. The torque converter has torque converter and pump clutches, a non-rotatable stator, and a connection point between a turbine and hub, at least partially radially aligned with an inner ring for the stator.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for enabling an operator to exercise on an exercise device. The process includes measuring a range of movement of the operator during exercising on the exercise device for generating an electronic range of movement data. A strength is measured of the operator during exercising on the exercise device for generating an electronic strength data. An electronic program is designed based on the electronic range of movement data and the electronic strength data. The electronic program is stored in an electronic media. The electronic program is displayed as a moving scale on a screen for instructing the operator to exercise at the same rate as the moving scale to complete the exercise in a timely and controlled matter.

Abstract: A fence surrounds a trampoline and extends above the rebounding surface, reducing the risk of injury. Shock absorption is aided by a support system of independent poles, linked at their tops by a flexible strap or line which is attached directly to a protective cap at the top of each pole. Also disclosed are a method and apparatus for attaching a pad to a trampoline frame either with or without an enclosure.

Abstract: A swing handle arrangement for an exercise equipment having a pair of drive rods driven by the pedal rods such that longitudinal drive gears fixed at the drive rods are cooperated with swing handles having the lateral drive gears for conducting a swing action. In this way, a waist-twisting movement of the upper body can be synchronically achieved when the operator holds the swing handles to take exercise at his feet of the lower body.

Abstract: An exercise device providing a running and stepping foot action is configured to have an adjustable stride length which may be varied and reconfigured by a user while the device is in operation. The device effectively decouples the horizontal and vertical paths of travel of a user's foot. In this regard, the device includes a foot link which moves in a substantially horizontal path of travel under the control of a reciprocating link which engages a portion of the foot link. A control link engages another portion of the foot link and moves it in a substantially vertical direction under control of a crank assembly.

Abstract: A rear drive type electric treadmill wherein a driving motor is disposed at the rear end of a platform for directly driving a rear drum that is matched with a front drum so as to bring a continuous moving belt in a continuous movement. In this way, the force to rotate the continuous moving belt comes from a position behind an operator, thereby eliminating the frustration of the continuous moving belt each time when a force acts thereon. Moreover, a horizontal portion of the base frame has a slide recess facing to the platform. The platform is provided with a projecting wheel set at both sides thereof in match of the slide recesses. In this way, the platform is easily lifted upward in a vertical position. Consequently, it is beneficial for the operator to fold-up and move the treadmill.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in exercising in water, preferably deep water running, includes a shoe that is configured to be worn by the user. The shoe includes a plurality of drag-generating elements attached to and extending from each side of said shoe for generating drag forces on the shoe during movement in water. The drag-generating elements generate more drag for movement of said shoe in a rearward direction than in a forward direction and are sized and positioned to simulate the forces on the user's foot arising from land-based running.

Abstract: A collapsible training device and method are disclosed. The training device is of the cycling type and may be fully folded into a relatively small and aesthetic stowing cabinet when not in use leaving the room free and nice or may be opened to a workout position when training is carried out.

Abstract: A height adjustable stilt comprises a base and an extensible leg having a lower end secured to the base and an upper end. A foot support extends laterally from the extensible leg and is supported by the extensible leg. The foot support is height adjustable relative to the base as the extensible leg is extended or retracted. A height adjuster is configured to selectively extend the foot support relative to the base and configured to selectively fix the position of the foot support relative to the base.

Abstract: A foot, toe, and ankle exercise device provides variable resistance to movements in multiple directions. The device comprises a flexible forefoot support to allow for full toe and foot range of motion. The forefoot support includes a raised surface under the toes used to help align anatomical landmarks to delineate the resistance for the toes from that of the foot/ankle. Resistance may be provided by elastic banding or tubing that is mounted on an octagonal frame. Tensioners are provided to adjust the magnitude of the resistance. A height adjustable heel cup is mounted on a horizontal track to adjust the apparatus for use by different users with different size feet. A vertical track is provided to raise or lower the forefoot support and system of elastic banding or tubing so that full range movements are possible. In another version of the invention, inelastic banding along with weights is used to provide resistance.

Abstract: Insole constructions for shoes including articulated components that allow for the connection of attachments having various devices are described. The insole constructions provide a supported attachment point for various components while not compromising the flexibility of the shoe. The insole constructions allow for attachment of devices at the heel, toe or sides of the shoe. Devices for attaching to shoes having the insole construction are also described, along with apparatuses for use with shoes having the insole construction.

Abstract: An exercise device which combines the functionality of a jump rope with that of a pair of spring-operated hand-grips is herein disclosed. The device comprises two (2) conventional spring-loaded hand grips at distal ends of the rope. The rope is attached to the top of the hand grips using a ball bearing-type swivel joint that allows the rope to turn freely, even while the hand grips are held stationary. It is envisioned that the grips could be flexed while using said exercise device, held in a closed position for resistance training while jumping rope or used alone without utilizing the jump rope.

Abstract: An exercise unit (20) and system (104) comprising a target (22) having at least one area (24) to be struck by a user and at least one sensor (26) located at the area (24) is disclosed. The sensor (26) generates an electrical signal in response to being struck by the user. A processor (48) is in operative communication with the sensor (26) and a musical instrument digital interface (MIDI) converter (50) is disposed between the sensor (26) and the processor (48). The MIDI converter (50) converts the electrical signal from the sensor (26) to a MIDI signal and transmits the MIDI signal to the processor (48) for generating a MIDI strike track (52). The MIDI strike track (52) is used to determine an accuracy and a force of the strike by the user to provide interaction and feedback to the user to continue to help motivate the user.

Abstract: A lat exercise machine has a self-aligning pivoting seat or user support on a main frame and an exercise arm for performing lat pulldown or lat row exercises which is linked to the pivoting user support to translate movement of the exercise arm into movement of the user support. A four-bar linkage pivoting mechanism which pivotally connects the user support to the main frame is designed to automatically align in order to maintain proper positioning of the user throughout the exercise motion.

Abstract: A leg press machine has a floor engaging main frame, a user support pivot, a user support assembly pivotally mounted on the main frame via the user support pivot, and a pivotally mounted exercise arm assembly having a main exercise arm and a user engaging footplate. A connecting link, which may be a direct connection between the user support and exercise arm, translates movement of the exercise arm assembly to movement of the user support assembly so that pivotal movement in the exercise arm assembly results in a self-aligning, pivoting movement of the user support assembly.

Abstract: A dumbbell is described including a handle having a grip and at least one end, an inner plate mounted on the handle adjacent the grip, in a fixed rotational orientation, a support plate rotationally mounted on the handle adjacent the inner plate, at least one collar rotationally mounted on the handle adjacent the support plate, and rotationally fixed with the support plate, a selector knob rotationally mounted on the handle adjacent the at least one collar, and rotationally fixed with the collar, a weight plate removably mounted on the handle adjacent the at least one collar, and a means for selectively securing the support plate to the inner plate to resist the rotation of the support plate, collar and selector knob with respect to the inner plate and handle.

Abstract: An elastic device made of a flexible and stretchable resistance tube on the inside covered by a flexible and stretchable sleeve or sheath. The sleeve or sheath may be formed in an accordion-type pleat. An end connector is formed by providing a reversed loop in the center resistance tube that is engageable with a strap means that is threadable through the loop to form a knot for securing the strap means to the end of the flexible and stretchable resistance tube. The strap means may be provided in several different forms including a handle, link or clip. In another embodiment of the invention an elastic device is comprised of a flexible and stretchable resistance tube, and a connector means that is disposed at least one end of the tube, a solid ball member that is for insertion into a hollow end of the tube, and at least one strap disposed about a loop of the flexible and stretchable resistance tube adjacent to the rigid ball member.

Abstract: A hamstring exercise apparatus preferably includes a frame provided with a seat section, handle bars, rear axle, rear wheels and swiveling front wheels. The seat section is mounted at a front end of the frame such that the frame is provided with a first opening intermediately disposed between the rear axle and the seat section for receiving user feet therethrough while the user is seated on the seat section and facing the rear end of the frame. Such a frame is further provided with a second opening intermediately disposed between the handle bars. The second opening receives the user feet therethrough while the user is seated on the seat section and facing the front end of the frame. Such first and second openings are advantageously provided for providing room for feet or foot placement and leg movements as the hamstring exercise apparatus is propelled forward during use.

Abstract: An abdominal muscle exercise machine that generally contains a diagonal member with an adjustable seat and a backrest and a pivot member that pivots with respect to the diagonal member. A chest push can be mechanically coupled to the pivot member through an adjustable force multiplier. An optional counterweight can be placed near one end of the pivot member to lighten the force, or an optional load weight can be placed near the other end of the pivot member to increase the force. The pivot member can be constructed to telescope or otherwise adjust for different body sizes. The machine provides a smooth exercise where the top and bottom portions of the body move together in a linked fashion. The machine of the present invention works without heavy external weights.

Abstract: A push-up device has at least one tubular element, a spring means located inside the tubular element and providing a spring resistance, and a handle associated with the tubular element and a movable by a user against the spring resistance applied by the spring to provide exercising for a user.

Abstract: An exercise chair primarily directed to employing an exercise method, with foot bars, high bars, and a foldable configuration. The seat is supported by a plurality of support elements, at least some of which are hingeably connected with the seat, so that the chair can be folded into a compact shape for storage or transport. The independent foot bars may each be attached to a lever that is hingeably coupled with one or more of the support elements. The position of the foot bars may also be adjustable by extending out of the levers and locking into the desired position. One or more resistance elements may be removably attached to a location below the chair seat, and individually connected with the levers via an adjusting assembly that can either slide or be placed in pre-set mounting locations along the lever to provide variable resistance, or can be equipped with a turnbuckle to provide varying resistance.

Abstract: A folded box gluing machine for making folded boxes from blanks includes several processing stations and a conveying mechanism for delivering the blanks through the individual processing stations. The machine also includes an embossing mechanism that includes embossing dies for embossing a script for the blind in the blanks and that is preferably arranged between two processing stations.

Abstract: A series of pre-opened resealable bags formed as a continuous web and received on a roll suitable for implementation in an automatic bagging machine are presented. The web of bags consist of top and bottom films thermally bonded together along the edges thereof. Transverse resealable zipper strips are interposed between the top and bottom films, with mating portions thereof respectively bonded to an associated films. A top film is provided with a filling slit, adapted for receiving product or materials therethrough. Appropriate seals and perforations are provided transverse to the web to allow the bags to be separated from each other and to allow for operator access to the resealable zipper strip. In another embodiment, the zipper strips are substituted or supplemented with plastic reinforcing strips to accommodate a punched hold for hanging display of the bag. A process for manufacturing such bags from a pair of webs received inserted zipper strips is also presented.

Abstract: A Z-folding apparatus of an embodiment of the invention includes a pair of feed rollers to transport a sheet along a specified transport passage, a contact portion with which a head of the transported sheet comes in contact, a press member to press a specified position of the sheet apart from the head, and a pair of folding rollers to form a fold line on the sheet and to transport the sheet on which the fold line has been formed. When the head of the sheet comes in contact with the contact portion, the press member presses the specified position of the sheet apart from the head in a transport direction toward the pair of folding rollers, and guides it to a nip between the rollers of the pair of folding rollers.

Abstract: A motor-free dunnage conversion system for converting a sheet stock material into a relatively less dense dunnage includes a container having a wall with an opening therethrough, a supply of sheet stock material within the container, and a forming member. The forming member has converging sidewalls that define a passage alignable with the opening in the wall. The forming member is a converging chute having a relatively larger inlet spaced from the outlet, which is relatively smaller than the inlet. The forming member functions to crumple the sheet stock material as a packer draws the sheet stock material through the forming member to form a crumpled strip of dunnage. The forming member has a dimension that is larger than a corresponding dimension of the opening to keep the forming member from escaping the container as the packer pulls the stock material through the forming member.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator includes a rotator part that separates a liquid sample and has a rotor and a drive part. The rotor receives a liquid sample therein and rotates to separate the liquid sample. The drive part drives the rotor to rotate. A controller part controls operations of the rotator part which is mounted in a rotator casing. A controller casing which is separate from the rotator casing mounts the controller part, and the controller part is connected via a drive wire to the drive part in the rotator part. The rotor casing is disposed at a clean room, the controller casing is disposed outside the clean room, and the drive wire passes through a wall of the clean room via an air-tight sealing mechanism.

Abstract: An artificial heart pump system has a heart pump implanted in a patient. A pump control unit worn by a patient includes a programmable device for adapting a secure aspect of heart pump operation in response to pump operating commands. The pump control unit has a wired interface and a wireless interface. A clinical external unit is adapted to be connected to the wired interface for delivering a pump operating command to the pump control unit. An auxiliary external unit is adapted to be connected to the wireless interface for collecting patient and/or pump system performance-related data from the pump control unit. The wireless interface is unable to consummate a pump operating command.

Abstract: Using a sling that includes a central portion and at least two arms extending from the central portion, a method of treating anal incontinence may include positioning the central portion posteriorly to the rectum and/or anus of a subject, and extending each arm of the sling to a respective obturator region. Using a sling having the same or similar structure, a method of treating pelvic organ prolapse may include positioning the central portion beneath the ano-rectum of a subject, and extending each arm of the sling to a respective thigh incision near the obturator region.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for facilitating weight loss in a patient. In some embodiments, the methods comprise the steps of locally administering a botulinum toxin to a stomach tissue of an obese patient, and deploying a gastric band around the stomach of the patient.

Abstract: Tissue stabilizers including a clamp assembly, a turret assembly, an articulating arm having a tension element extending therethrough, a collet assembly and a head-link assembly are disclosed. Methods of stabilizing tissue are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for generating at least one section of a virtual 3D model of a body interior, in particular a hollow organ, uses data that are provided by at least one endoscope introduced into the body interior. The data comprise at least one position and orientation of the endoscope, the at least one position and orientation being assigned at least one distance between the endoscope and the at least one point on a surface of the body interior, and at least one endoscopic image of the surface of the body interior in the region of the at least one point on the surface of the body interior. From the said data relating to a number of different positions and orientations of the endoscope is/are generated the section or sections of the 3D model in superposition with the associated endoscopic image. An appropriate apparatus is also described.

Abstract: An endoscopic elevator apparatus cooperable with an insertion tube extending to a distal tip and having enhanced grasping and reduced scraping of an elongate medical device is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an elevator movably attached to the distal tip. The elevator has an inner side formed thereon defining a grasping slot for engagement with the endoscope. The elevator has a surface projection disposed thereon for inhibiting damage to the elongate medical device.

Abstract: The invention relates to an endoscope comprising an endoscope head which is connected to an endoscope shaft by means of a bendable end piece to form a tubular component. According to the invention, an additional rotary member is inserted between the endoscope shaft and the bendable end piece for rotation of the bendable end piece about the longitudinal axis of the endoscope shaft.

Abstract: An endoscope capable of preventing the cover member from being damaged and also preventing the airtight failure from being caused is disclosed. A projection 172 can reparably join with an opening 137. It becomes possible for the cover fitting member 170 and the cover member 130 to rotate together as one body when they join with each other. When they enter in this state, the cover fitting member 170 is screw-joined with a sleeve 120, thereby fitting the cover member 130 thereto. After this, the cover member 130 is moved in the axial direction to separate the projection from the opening, thereby it becoming for the cover member 130 to turn round the axis. On one hand, the movement of the cover member 130 in the axial direction is restrained by the cover fitting member 170 and the slide restraint member 180 as well.

Abstract: A bent state holding mechanism of an endoscope including a bending mechanism having a rotatable bending member, includes a bent state holding member for switching between a bent-state holding state and a bendable-portion free state; and a click mechanism for providing a tactile feel to the bent state holding member when rotated to the bent-state holding state and/or when rotated to the bendable-portion free state. The click mechanism includes a click leaf spring having a protrusion formed therein, and a click projection projecting toward a surface of the click leaf spring, one of the click leaf spring and the click projection being configured to rotate together with the bent state holding member upon rotation thereof. Rotating the bent state holding member causes the click projection to abut against the protrusion and ride over the protrusion with a click action while resiliently deforming the click leaf spring.