Abstract: A metal wood golf club head adapted for attachment to a shaft, comprising of a body portion and a crown portion, each portion constructed of a different density material. Combining a high-density material in the body portion, with a low-density material in the crown portion, creates an ultra-low center of gravity relative to the geometric face center, resulting in higher launch angles and spin rate ratios. The material for the crown portion is preferably a composite. A vibration dampening gasket is disposed between the ledge and lip sections of the body and crown respectively.

Abstract: A golf club (40) has a golf club head with a large mass, relatively short club length and a moment of inertia about the Izz axis through the center of gravity of the golf club head greater than 5000 grams-centimeters squared. The golf club head (42) preferably has a volume ranging from 400 cubic centimeters to 470 cubic centimeters. The golf club head (42) preferably has a moment of inertia about the Ixx axis through the center of gravity of the golf club head greater than 3000 grams-centimeters squared. The golf club (40) preferably has an inertia ratio greater than 0.0019.

Abstract: A hitting face of a golf club head having improved flexural stiffness properties. In one embodiment, the hitting face is made from multiple materials. The main portion of the hitting face is a plate-like face made from a first material having a first density. A dense insert made from a second material having a second density that is greater than the first density is attached directly or indirectly to the plate-like face at or near the geometric center thereof. The dense insert increases the flexural stiffness of in a central zone of the hitting face so that a golf club head that has a larger zone of substantially uniform high initial ball speed. In another embodiment, the hitting face includes an insert that includes main plate and at least one wing extending therefrom. The insert is welded to the golf club head so that the main plate does not deflect separately from the remainder of the hitting face. The geometry of the insert controls the stiffness in the axial directions.

Abstract: A metal wood golf club head adapted for attachment to a shaft, comprising of a body portion and a crown portion, each portion constructed of a different density material. Combining a high-density material in the body portion, with a low-density material in the crown portion, creates an ultra-low center of gravity relative to the geometric face center, resulting in higher launch angles and spin rate ratios. The material for the crown portion is preferably a composite. A vibration dampening gasket is disposed between the ledge and lip sections of the body and crown respectively.

Abstract: There is provided a golf club head that produces a loud hitting sound satisfying the golfer even if the volume of the golf club head having a hollow structure is increased to at least about 400 cc. A golf club head 1 having a hollow structure comprises a face part 2, a side part 3 comprising a back side, a sole part 4, a crown part 5, and a hosel part 9 having a shaft insertion hole, and the crown part 5. The crown part comprises a thick region 6 and a thin region 8. The thick region 6 extends through a distance WA of at least about 20 mm from the center axis line C of the shaft insertion hole toward the highest point T of the crown part 5 and extends through a distance WB of at least about 30 mm from the center axis line C of the shaft insertion hole toward the back side so that the crown part 5 has the first-order natural frequency of at least about 3000 Hz.

Abstract: A golf club head having a composite face insert attached to a metallic body is provided. The club head preferably has a volume of at least 200 cc and provides superior durability and club performance. The face insert includes prepreg plies having a fiber areal weight (FAW) of less than 100 g/m2. The face insert preferably has a thickness less than 4 mm and a mass at least 10 grams less than an insert of equivalent volume formed of the metallic material of the body of the club head. A metallic cap with a peripheral rim is also provided to protect the ends of the composite material of the face insert. Related methods of manufacturing and alternative materials are disclosed. The resin content of the prepreg plies can be controlled through management of the timing and environment in which the resultant prepreg plies are cured and soaked.

Abstract: The invention provides a multi-piece solid golf ball composed of a solid core encased by a cover of one or more layer, which solid core has an inner core layer and an outer core layer. The inner core layer is formed primarily of a specific, highly neutralized, ionomeric resin composition, has a diameter of from 10 to 38 mm, and has a cross-sectional hardness difference of within ±5 between any two points on a cross-section formed by cutting the inner core layer in half. The outer core layer is formed of a rubber composition made primarily of polybutadiene rubber. The solid core has a diameter of from 30 to 42 mm. The sum of the respective hardnesses at the center of the inner core layer, at the outer core layer 1 mm outside a boundary between the inner core layer and the outer core layer, at the inner core layer 1 mm inside the boundary, and at the surface of the outer core layer is set to a value in a range of from 260 to 360. Such a golf ball is able to achieve an increased distance.

Abstract: The invention provides a multi-piece solid golf ball comprising a core, an envelope layer encasing the core, an intermediate layer encasing the envelope layer, and a cover which encases the intermediate layer and has formed on a surface thereof a plurality of dimples. The core is formed primarily of a rubber material, has a diameter of at least 31 mm, and has a hardness which gradually increases from a center to a surface thereof, the hardness difference in JIS-C hardness units between the core center and the core surface being at least 15 and, letting (I) be the average value for cross-sectional hardnesses at a position 15 mm from the core center and at the core center and letting (II) be the cross-sectional hardness at a position 7.5 mm from the core center, the hardness difference (I)-(II) therebetween in JIS-C units being not more than ±2.

Abstract: Golf balls consisting of a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core consists of a rubber center and a rubber outer core layer that are both soft relative to a hard, thermoplastic intermediate core layer.

Abstract: There is provided an improved pocket golf tool comprising a golf tee angle adjuster, together with one or more of the following components: golf tee leveler, a golf tee height adjuster, a divot repairer, a club face cleaner, a ball marker, and an object rest. In a preferred embodiment, all of these components are incorporated in the golf tool.

Abstract: A mobile practice target is described, which includes a framework comprising a base support and at least one substantially vertical support extending above the base support and an angled support above the vertical support, together with a pocket comprising a resilient material having at least one front opening parallel to the vertical support capable of receiving a football propelled from the horizontal direction, and a top opening parallel to the angled support for receiving a propelled football from above. A baffle is secured to the top of the front opening which can absorb the momentum of the propelled football and/or deflect the propelled football downward into the pocket. A mobility means associated with the base support is provided to facilitate transport of the mobile practice target. The mobile practice target captures and contains propelled footballs and prevents them from bouncing out of the pocket when traversing the front opening.

Abstract: A disclosed device provides a trajectory detection and feedback system. The system is capable of detecting one or more moving volleyballs in free flight, analyzing a trajectory of each volleyball and providing feedback information to a human that has launched the volleyball into flight, and/or one or more observers in the area. The feedback information may include one or more trajectory parameters that the human may use to evaluate their skill at sending the volleyball along a desired trajectory. In a particular embodiment, a non-intrusive machine vision system that remotely detects trajectories of moving volleyballs may be used to evaluate trajectory parameters for a volleyball hit towards a virtual target area by a player.

Abstract: A hockey stick having a composite blade and a shaft is disclosed. The composite blade includes a heel section that is recessed relative to the front and back faces of the blade. The recessed heel section is configured to be received by a hockey stick shaft or an adapter member configured to connect the blade to the shaft. The composite blade preferably comprise a foam inner core overlaid preferably with substantially continuous fibers disposed in a matrix material and may include an internal bridge structure extending from one side of the blade to the other. The blade may also be preferably comprised of a core comprising non-continuous fibers disposed within a matrix material. In another aspect, processes for manufacturing the previously described hockey stick blade(s) are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for playing ball sports including softball. More particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus for deterring the modification of ball bats. The bat comprises a barrel, a sweet spot, a transition area, a handle, and an end knob. Within the barrel are found supports used to reinforce the structural integrity of the bat to deter users from crushing the bat, causing the bat to fall outside the legal classification of bats allowed by the Amateur Softball Association of America (ASA). The supports are made out of a lightweight durable composition. The supports are held in place by a retaining member. Multiple supports and retaining members may be used.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are disclosed for controlling a variable speed transmission including an actuator, a cam follower, and a speed adjustment cam. The actuator is rotatable through a first phase and a subsequent second phase, and includes an actuator cam surface and a variator. The cam follower is movable in response to contact with the actuator cam surface during rotation through the first phase, for actuating a coupler of the transmission between a disengaged position and an engaged position. The variator is movable along the speed adjustment cam during rotation through the second phase for enabling adjustment of a torque transfer mechanism associated with the transmission. By this configuration, control over the coupling of the transmission to a torque input such as a motor and control over the speed of the transmission are both enabled through rotation of a single actuator, and thus can be implemented in a self-propelled machine such as a lawnmower using a single operator-manipulated control.

Abstract: In a bicycle equipped with front derailleur and rear derailleur controlled each by a corresponding electrical actuator, there is provided an intermediate connecting unit, mounted underneath the crank case of the bicycle, having an input and two outputs connected to the two electrical actuators of the derailleurs. The connections can be permanent or detachable.

Abstract: A torque fluctuation damper pulley 10 is provided with a torque fluctuation damping elastic member 15 between a hub 11 attached to a rotational shaft and a pulley member 13. The torque fluctuation damping elastic member 15 includes a pair of rubber members 15A and 15B which sandwich a support portion 24 of the pulley member 13 under equal elastic forces from the front and rear in the axial direction of the pulley member 13 to joint the hub with the pulley member 13 elastically. Thus, the pulley member 13 always has equal forces being applied thereto from the front and rear in the axial direction, so that it becomes possible to make unnecessary any thrust bearing which would otherwise be required for positioning the pulley member 13 in the axial direction.

Abstract: A power transmission apparatus for a compressor used in an air conditioner for a vehicle including a damper mounted to one side of a pulley rotated by a driving power transmitted from an engine wherein the damper and an elastic portion is formed between an outer ring and an inner ring, and wherein a mounting flange of the outer ring is coupled to the pulley and a mounting flange of the inner ring is coupled to a limiter. The limiter has a plate shape and comprises: a middle portion in a ring shape, an outside portion in a ring shape around the edge of the middle portion, and a neck portion connecting the middle portion and the outside portion, whereby upon overload, the neck portion is broken. The middle portion of the limiter is coupled to a hub, and the hub penetrates the center of the inner ring and is coupled to the limiter between the damper and the pulley.

Abstract: A hydraulic tensioning system (10) for an endless drive (1) of an internal combustion engine (2). In an operating mode, the piston (9) of the tensioning system (10), which is supplied with a hydraulic fluid, is supported against a tensioning rail (6) with a non-positive fit, with the rail pre-tensioning the traction drive element (4). If the hydraulic fluid in the tensioning system (10) is not sufficient, the tensioning rail (6) is supported on an elastic end stop (13a) of the system (10).

Abstract: A tensioning device constructed, in particular, as a double eccentric tensioning device for a traction means drive is provided, which guarantees in the installed state a sufficient pretensioning of a traction means of the traction means drive. The invention provides advantages in the installation of the eccentric tensioning devices under assembly-specific aspects. This is provided by an eccentric tensioning device for a traction means drive, with a track roller device, which includes a running disk and a rolling bearing provided for supporting the disk. An operating eccentric for supporting the track roller device such that it can be displaced in a radial direction relative to the rotating axis of the rolling bearing according to a magnitude of the pivoting of the operating eccentric, and a torsion spring for pretensioning the operating eccentric in a pivoting direction are provided. The operating eccentric forces the track roller device carried by the eccentric against an allocated traction means.

Abstract: Tensioning device (1) for a traction element drive, such as a belt or chain drive, with a tensioning arm (4), which can pivot relative to a body (2) about a pivot axle (3) and on whose distal end a roller (5) supported rotatably is arranged for tensioning the traction element, for the purpose of which there is a torsion spring (6) acting between the pivot axle (3) of the tensioning arm (4) and the body (2), and the pivot axle (3) is supported so that it can slide by at least one radial-bearing arrangement (7) and at least one axial-bearing arrangement (8), wherein the axial-bearing arrangement (8) comprises a friction disk (9) arranged concentric to the pivot axle (3), wherein the friction disk (9) has an axial stop surface (11), which comprises at least one radial circumferential key groove (12) and that at least one radial circumferential friction spring, which extends into the key groove (12), is constructed in the surface adjacent to the stop surface (11) of the friction disk (9).

Abstract: A thermoplastic endless belt (100) has a smooth outer surface substantially free of discontinuities and an inner surface with a plurality of teeth (106) at a given belt pitch. The teeth are adapted to engage a pulley (102) with circumferentially spaced sheaves (104) at a pulley pitch greater than the belt pitch. The belt is slightly stretchable so that the pulley can drive the endless belt when engaging the teeth within a range of load on the belt. Means (132, 136, 138) are provided to minimize friction between the belt and the drive pulley. Also, a position limiter (200) ensures that the driven tooth stays engaged optimally with the drive sheave.

Abstract: A power transmission mechanism comprising: a flexible power transmission element; a pair of a drive pulley and a driven pulley on which the flexible power transmission element is wound, each the pulley having a pin-embedding hole formed to extend from the outer circumferential thereof toward the center thereof, and a slit elongated in the circumferential direction of the pulley to extend to opposite sides of the embedding hole and communicating with the embedding hole; and a pair of columnar or tapered anchor pins each having a path hole penetrating the anchor pin across the lengthwise direction thereof to receive the flexible power transmission element inserted therein, wherein each the anchor pin receiving the flexible power transmission element in the path hole thereof is embedded in the embedding hole of the associated pulley under pressure, and the flexible power transmission element is thereby held on the pulley.

Abstract: A bicycle sprocket is provided that has a synthetic resin fastening part, to facilitate weight saving and prevent the reduction of fastening power (strength) due to deterioration or deformation of the synthetic resin. The sprocket includes a sprocket ring part and a synthetic resin fastening part. The sprocket ring part includes an inner periphery and an outer periphery with a plurality of sprocket teeth arranged on the outer periphery. The sprocket ring part extends around a central rotation axis. The fastening part is non-movably coupled to the sprocket ring part at a location radially inwardly of the sprocket teeth relative to the rotation axis. The fastening part includes at least one through hole with a metallic tubular member mounted therein and configured to be fixedly coupled to a rotational drive unit of a bicycle. The tubular member has a first fastener contact surface configured to receive a fastening force.

Abstract: A plate-link chain, in particular a toothed plate-link chain, made up of a plurality of plates that form sets of plates which are connected to neighboring sets of plates with a hinged connection. One rocker member of a hinged connection is connected to the plates of a set of plates through a connection opening, and two rocker members of neighboring sets of plates form the hinged connection. The rocker members can roll against each other at a roller profile, and the set of plates includes at least one guide plate. The rocker member includes a guide profile that is connected to a rocker profile through a first connecting profile and a second connecting profile. The guide plate has at least one connection opening which has an undercut or recess in the region of the first and/or second connecting profile.

Abstract: A system for transmitting hydraulic pressure in an automatic transmission housed in a transmission case. The system includes a valve body for generating the hydraulic pressure, a first hole unit in the transmission case, and a second hole unit. The first hole unit includes at least one hole perpendicular to an output shaft of the automatic transmission so as to transmit the hydraulic pressure to a first passage. The second hole unit includes at least one additional hole for receiving the hydraulic pressure through the first passage and transmitting the hydraulic pressure to a second passage.

Abstract: A differential drive with a rotatably arranged differential carrier (11) in which a multi-plate coupling (23) is arranged so as to be effective between the differential carrier (11) and a sideshaft gear (29), wherein the differential carrier (11) includes a dish-shaped carrier part (12) in which there are received sideshaft gears (28, 29) and differential gears (26, 27). The differential carrier includes a dish-shaped cover (14) which receives the plates of the multi-plate coupling (23).

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

Abstract: A gear train of an automatic transmission for a vehicle includes: a first planetary gear set that receives an input speed from an input shaft and outputs a reduced speed; a second planetary gear set that receives the reduced speed of the first planetary gear set and selectively outputs a same speed or a reversed speed; and a third planetary gear set that receives the reduced speed of the first planetary gear set, the input speed from the input shaft, and the output speed of the second planetary gear set, and then outputs a shifted output speed.

Abstract: A method of determining an application point of an automatically actuated clutch of an automatic mechanical transmission. After pre-selecting a new gear, the clutch automatically separates, the activated gear disengages, the engine rotational speed is brought to a target value for the new gear and the clutch, with higher advancing speed, is advanced to an application point at which the transmission input shaft is precisely entrained. To determine the application point, the gradient of the time curve of the rotational speed of the transmission input shaft is monitored, an important change of the gradient, that adjusts itself when reaching the application point, is determined and the current position of the clutch is defined as the application point. The application point is determined during downshifts, the time rotational speed curve of the transmission input shaft is between slowdown and re-acceleration, which is easily and accurately determined.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling line pressure of an automatic transmission. A driving information detection unit obtains information. A shift control unit determines if a power-on downshift is requested based on the information of the driving information detection unit, and controls the line pressure based on if the power-on downshift is requested. An actuator forms the line pressure according to a control signal of the shift control unit. A pressure supply control unit controls supply of the line pressure to on-coming and off-going frictional elements of the transmission. The method outputs a first value of a line pressure control duty if the power-on downshift is requested; subsequently outputs a second, lower value of the line pressure control duty if a first shifting is started during outputting of the first value; and subsequently outputs the first value if a turbine speed is greater than or equal to a predetermined speed.

Abstract: A vehicle automatic speed change power transmission control includes a control arrangement with overshoot/undershoot protection logic. The control is used with an electro-hydraulic pressure control module featuring a linear solenoid, and which supplies a hydraulically-actuated clutch configured to effect gear changes. The overshoot/undershoot protection logic is configured to detect when a commanded increase/decrease clutch pressure satisfies a clutch pressure threshold and to then activate the protection logic. Once the protection logic is activated, large command pressures increases/decreases are implemented in a series of stages having variable gains. The first stage has an aggressive gain and achieves 50-80% of the commanded clutch pressure. The second stage has a reduced gain and achieves 90% of the commanded clutch pressure. The third stage has a still further reduced gain and achieves about 100% of the commanded clutch pressure.

Abstract: A shift control method of an automatic transmission according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may control a shift from an N speed achieved by engagement of first and second frictional elements to an N-3 speed achieved by engagement of third and fourth frictional elements, wherein release of the second frictional element is completed after release of the first frictional element begins, and engagement of the fourth frictional element begins after engagement of the third frictional element begins, wherein the engagement of the third frictional element is completed after the release of the second frictional element is completed.

Abstract: A device, wearable by a user, includes: a plurality of sensors, each for providing an indication of position of at least a part of the user's body; a receiver for receiving each indication of position provided by each of the plurality of sensor elements to provide a composite position signal. The individual sensor readings may all be transmitted to the external entity for further analysis. The sensors may be placed in different locations or positions for measuring the curvature of at least a part of the user's body.

Abstract: A trampoline surrounding net bracing structure to provide improved connection between a trampoline and a surrounding net includes a framed bed, a plurality of supporting posts and a surrounding net. The framed bed has a jumping area to allow users to do jumping and bouncing exercise thereon. The supporting posts are located upright on the periphery of the framed bed. Each of the supporting posts has a top end equipped with a buffer means connecting to a bracing rack. The surrounding net has a bottom rim girded on the circumference of the jumping area and a top rim fastened to the bracing rack. Thus the surrounding net is stretched and surrounds the jumping area to form a confined movable space to allow the users to do jumping and bouncing exercise safer.

Abstract: A portable support or goal assembly includes, among other things, a top frame portion, a base frame portion, two or more post frame members, and a plurality of releasably lockable hinge connectors. The portable support assembly provides support for a user and includes a U-shaped top frame portion configured to be gripped by the user and a U-shaped base frame portion having wheels or low-friction feet to facilitate mobility on a support surface. The goal assembly provides a U-shaped goal opening defined by an aligned top frame portion supported at each end by vertically extending side post members, the latter of which are attached to a U-shaped base frame portion. In one example, the top and base frame portions, the post frame members, and the hinge connectors are reconfigurable between the support assembly, the goal assembly, and a collapsed orientation. Also discussed is a method for assembly reconfiguration.

Abstract: A clutch mechanism may be positioned in engagement with a slave sprocket of a drive train and a hub of a flywheel to create a frictional engagement between the sprocket and the hub, and to establish a break-free force threshold. When the drive train is actuated in the forward direction, the slave sprocket and the hub may move together, and when the drive train is actuated in the rearward direction under the influence of a force greater than the break-free force threshold, the clutch mechanism may slip between the slave sprocket and the hub, allowing the slave sprocket and the flywheel to move independently of one another. The clutch mechanism may also include a spring tensioner whereby the break-free force may be adjusted.

Abstract: An exercise device and corresponding methods involving a frame; a track being mechanically coupled to the frame; and a plurality of platforms for accommodating an exerciser's feet, each platform of the plurality of platforms including at least one moving member for facilitating both a divergent movement and a convergent movement, the at least one moving member moving on the track. The device includes a tensioning structure for providing adjustable resistance.

Abstract: A device and method for bilateral upper extremity training for patients with a paretic upper extremity, the device facilitating cortical remodeling, sustained relearning, and improvement in functional outcomes in paretic and possibly non-paretic upper extremities. In one variation, the device includes a base, an adjustable chest plate for placing the user at a set distance from the device and isolating arm movement, an incline plate attached and inclinable relative to the base, two width plates adjustably attached to the incline plate, and two swivel plates adjustably attached to the width plates. In one variation, the swivel plates are swivalable relative to a fixed point in a plane parallel to the plane of the width plates. In another variation, the swivel plates are pivotably attached to the width plates. Other features of the device include a counter for counting user activity, and audible and visual cueing devices for facilitating sustained learning.

Abstract: A resistance exercise apparatus comprises a frame, a guide mounted on the frame, a resistance support movable relative to the guide along a path; and a resistance assembly for applying a resistance during an exercise. The resistance assembly includes a first resister having a first resistance, and a second resister having a second resistance. The first resistance and the second resistance are selectively and independently applied by the first resister and the second resister during an exercise. The first resister and the second resister are each arranged substantially symmetrically relative to the path.

Abstract: A selectorized dumbbell has a handle that can be inserted into a gap between stacks of nested left and right weight plates. A selector determines how many left weight plates are coupled to the left end of the handle and how many right weight plates are coupled to the right end of the handle. Each weight plate is held between a pair of flexible arms on a forked carrier. The arms allow the weight plates to deflect out of a normal, substantially upright, orientation if an impact shock is delivered to the dumbbell. The arms are restored to their normal orientation once the impact shock dissipates. Alternatively, the weight plates may comprise a metallic inner weight plate covered with an elastomer encasement and with an integral elastomer lug attaching the weight plates to at least one interconnecting member. The selector may comprise a connecting pin with at least one flexible shock absorbing prong.

Abstract: An exercise device comprises an elongate rod having opposite ends each being configured to be grasped by a user. The rod includes a flexible inner core having a pair of opposite ends and an outer sheath substantially circumscribing at least a central portion of the inner core. A pair of grip sections are each positioned on an opposite end of the rod, the grip sections being configured to allow a user to grasp each end of the rod when performing exercises. At least one end cap is fixed to one of the opposite ends of the rod, the end cap including engaging structure associated therewith to facilitate engagement with a safety strap. A safety strap is engaged with the end cap and is configured to be releasably secured to the user to prevent accidental release of a grip section of the rod.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus including an elbow attachment device configured for attachment to an elbow of a user is provided. A tensioning device is configured for connection to the elbow attachment device and configured for connection to a torso of the user. The present invention also provides a method for exercising.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a frame, first and second free pulleys, first and second handle portions, first and second frame pulleys attached to the frame, a central pulley, a pull cord, and a resistance member. The first free pulley includes a first pulley wheel and a first hub with the first pulley wheel configured to rotate in relation to the first hub. The second free pulley includes a second pulley wheel and a second hub with the second pulley wheel configured to rotate in relation to the second hub. The first and second handle portions are in mechanical communication with the first and second hubs with the pulley wheels configured to rotate relative to the handle portions. The pull cord is looped about the pulleys with the resistance member configured to resist movement of the pull cord.

Abstract: The exercise apparatus has a plurality of flat belt-shaped elastomeric resistance bands provided in like or differing elastomeric resistance and like or differing lengths. A specifically designed rectangular mounting bracket is provided for each band end. Each rectangular bracket is designed to be mounted to an existing truck seat base mount, with existing fasteners or otherwise available fasteners, so that a trucker can exercise privately and effectively when experiencing any downtime in travels. The brackets are not limited to seat base attachment only. The apparatus is especially effective for abdominal and lumbar muscle activity.

Abstract: A resistance chair with wheels assists users with performing correct abdominal crunches by guiding the user's effort. The resistance chair includes a seat connected to a hinged back with back support that extends to support the user's back and assist in the crunch recovery following the crunch extension.

Abstract: A roller has an outer tubular member, a central shaft, a connecting member that connect the outer tubular member and the central shaft at a central area of an axis of the roller, connecting the outer tubular member and the central shaft, a bend adjustable mechanism disposed between the outer tubular member and the central shaft at both ends of the roller, a first bearing structure that engages the outer tubular member and the bend adjustable mechanism; a second bearing structure that engages the bend adjustable mechanism and the central shaft; and a rotation preventing mechanism that prevents rotation of the bend adjustable mechanism. The bend adjustable mechanism has a plurality of spacer structures that individually adjust a distance between the first bearing structure and the second bearing structure in a radial direction of the roller.

Abstract: A folder includes a first signature conveyor conveying first signatures along a first signature path; a second signature conveyor conveying second signatures along a second signature path; and a chopper located between the first and second signature paths imparting a fold on both the first and second signatures. A chopper and method are also provided.

Abstract: A dunnage conversion machine for converting stock material into a dunnage product includes a forming assembly and a pulling assembly. The pulling assembly includes at least two grippers movable together through a transfer region in opposition to one another and cooperative to grip therebetween the dunnage strip for advancing the dunnage strip through the transfer region, and at least one of the grippers including an aperture operative to gather and laterally capture therein the dunnage strip as the grippers move through the transfer region. Also disclosed is a severing assembly including a movable blade and a reciprocating actuator connected to the blade by a motion transmitting assembly that moves the blade through a full severing cycle upon a stroke of the actuator in either direction.

Abstract: A separator includes a centrifuge drum having a vertical rotational axis and a feed line to feed a product to be centrifugally processed. Further included is a drive spindle having an impeller to drive the centrifugal drum, which drive spindle is rotatably mounted in a housing by a bearing device and which is supported on a machine frame by an elastic support. Also included is a lubrication arrangement and a drive device including an electric drive motor having a stator and a motor rotor which is aligned with the drive spindle.