Abstract: A putter grip and blade assembly for a golf putter including a grip having a distal end and a proximal end with the grip having an opening at the proximal end for a shaft of a putter and additionally a recess in the length of the grip for a blade; the blade being rotatable for the blade to extend from the recess of the grip; and where the majority of the sides of the blade are within the recess when the blade is in a closed position.

Abstract: Golf club heads are releasably engaged with shafts so that the club heads and shafts can be readily interchanged and/or so that the shaft position with respect to the club head can be readily changed. Assemblies for connecting the club head and shaft may include: (a) a shaft engaging member including a rotation-inhibiting structure; (b) a club head engaging member including a shaft-receiving chamber and a retaining structure for engaging the rotation-inhibiting structure; and (c) a securing system for releasably securing the shaft engaging member with respect to the club head engaging member. The club head and shaft may be changed by releasing the securing system and exchanging the original parts with different parts. Furthermore, the shaft may be bent or otherwise extend at an angle from the shaft engaging member so as to allow adjustment of the shaft position with respect to the club head.

Abstract: A golf club head of this invention is a hollow golf club head which includes a face portion, a crown portion, a sole portion, and a side portion. The wall thickness of a face/crown bending portion, which is molded by casting and forms the boundary between the face portion and the crown portion, is smaller on the toe side than on the heel side.

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

Abstract: A multi purpose golf tool adapted for repair for pitch mark type depressions in turf of a golf course. The tool employs an angled engagement of a handle and forks to a body to obtain mechanical advantage for forcing turf upward to repair turf depressions. A bottle opener and pop top opener are also provided. The device is also adapted to hold a cigar and to maintain a club shaft in an elevated position above the turf using an arched engagement of a handle end.

Abstract: A variable inertia bat weight training aid having a sleeve with radially divided, elongate pockets in which are permanently captured a plurality of weights. One end of the sleeve has a diameter sufficient to receive the barrel of a baseball bat but the other end of the sleeve includes a restricting band having a diameter sufficient to receive the handle of the bat but insufficient to pass over the barrel of the bat. Each weight within an associate pocket may be adjustably positioned along the length of the sleeve and secured in place by a restraining strap in order to vary the inertial resistance of the baseball bat and the perceived weight a batter experiences for warm-up and strength training exercises.

Abstract: A method of changing vibration characteristics of a stringed racquet having strings includes providing an article of apparel with a mount thereon. The method also includes providing a slotted vibration dampener. Moreover, the method includes increasing dampening of the stringed raquet by moving the slotted vibration dampener from a first position to a second position. The slotted vibration dampener is removably attached to the mount in the first position. The slotted vibration dampener is removably attached to the strings of the stringed racquet in the second position. The method further includes decreasing dampening of the stringed raquet by moving the slotted vibration dampener from the second position to the first position.

Abstract: A hockey stick blade assembly has forehand and backhand blade members with respective toe ends and heel ends, plus a bridging member interconnecting the two toe ends. The forehand member has a forehand contact face and a back face, and the backhand member has a backhand contact face and an inner face. The forehand member's heel end is attached or attachable to an elongate shaft. The backhand member's heel end lies closely adjacent to, and is preferably slidable relative to, the back face of the forehand member, creating a hollow zone bounded by the bridging member, the back face of the forehand member, and the inner face of the backhand member, and open at both its upper and lower ends. The blade assembly can be configured to provide any desired combination of forehand and backhand contact surface profiles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bladder for an inflatable ball including structure for receiving an electronic device therein. The structure facilitates at least one of cushioning, positioning, locating, and supporting the electronic device. The structure cushions reaction forces arising from a foot strike to the bladder and/or provides a restoring force to the electronic device subsequent to a foot strike to maintain the device in its predetermined position.

Abstract: A pulley assembly comprising a hub with an axis and adapted to be rigidly connected to a rotating shaft of an engine assembly, a turning annular pulley of ferromagnetic material supported at least indirectly on the hub, a ring of electrically conducting material rotationally connected to the hub, and at least a pair of magnets rigidly connected to the pulley and facing the ring. The pulley defines a cavity accomodating accommodating said ring.

Abstract: A guide useful to install or remove a belt from a belt module is shown. This guide is made up of an elongated structure with a center aperture over which an endless belt is initially draped during installation. Once rotably attached to a belt module, the guide is moved downwardly to form a belt form over a top of the top drive rollers. A tube is attached to a bottom drive roller to help transfer the belt to the bottom drive roller and form the belt around the entire module. Once the belt is slidably positioned adjacent each drive roller, the belt is transferred from the guide and tube to the drive rollers for final installation.

Abstract: A power train according to an embodiment of the invention includes two sets of planetary gear set, one clutch, and two brakes and provides one electric vehicle mode, two hybrid modes, and one engine mode The power train has a simple configuration, high power performance, and reduced weight and fuel consumption. In particular, the power train makes it possible to reduce a significant amount of fuel consumption especially when a vehicle is traveling at a constant high-velocity.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes an engine, motors configured to input and output power, a power distribution integration mechanism, and a transmission. The power distribution integration mechanism has a sun gear connected with one of the motors, a carrier connected with the other motor, and a ring gear connected with the engine. The transmission includes a first speed change mechanism and a second speed change mechanism. The first speed change mechanism has a first speed gear train and a third speed gear train arranged to connect the carrier of the power distribution integration mechanism with a driveshaft. The second speed change mechanism has a parallel shaft-type gear train that is not used alone to set the speed ratio.

Abstract: A torque transmitting device includes a plurality of clutch plates, a ramp member that is selectively rotatable about an axis and that defines a ramp surface, a worm gear that is operatively connected to the ramp member for rotation therewith about the axis, and a roller element contacting the ramp surface. The ramp surface is configured such that, when the ramp member is rotated about the axis, the roller element exerts a reaction force on the ramp surface that urges the ramp member to move in a first axial direction and thereby transmit the reaction force to the clutch plates.

Abstract: A locking differential for an automotive vehicle including a housing and a differential mechanism supported in the housing. The differential mechanism includes a pair of clutch members where each of the clutch members presents an inwardly directed face. Each face includes a groove disposed in spacing relationship with respect to the other. A cross pin is received in the grooves and is operatively connected for rotation with the housing. The clutch members are axially moveable within the housing so that they may engage respective clutch members coupled to a pair of axle half shafts. Each of the grooves in the clutch members defines a first predetermined radius of curvature. The cross pin defines a second radius of curvature wherein the first radius of curvature of the groove is greater than the second radius of curvature of the cross pin such that contact between the cross pin and the groove defines a line extending along the axis of the cross pin.

Abstract: A coupling device (16) for use in a motor vehicle has an input member (45), a first and a second output member (46, 47), and a planetary gear set (54, 56, 58, 62) having gears (56, 58, 62) and a planetary gear carrier (54). Each of the input member (45) and the first and second output members (46, 47) are coupled to one of the planetary gear carrier (54) and a gear (56, 58, 62) of the planetary gear set (54, 56, 58, 62). A modulating biasing clutch assembly (70) selectively applies a biasing force to two of the three members. The modulating biasing clutch assembly (70) has an electrical clutch operator (72, 78, 84), a first clutch plate (92) coupled to one of the three members and a second clutch plate (94) coupled to another of the three members.

Abstract: A multi-stage transmission comprising planetary gear sets (P1, P2, P3, P4), shafts, and shift elements. The sun gear of gearset (P1) couples housing (G), the carrier of gearset (P1) couples shaft (3) which couples housing (G), via brake (03), and shaft (1) via clutch (13) and shaft (5) via clutch (35). Shaft (5) couples the ring gear of gearset (P2) and the sun gears of gearsets (P3, P4). Shaft (1) couples the sun gear of gearset (P2) and the carrier of gearset (P3). Shaft (6) couples the carrier of gearset (P2) and the ring gear of gearset (P1), the ring gear of set (P4) couples shaft (4) which couples housing (G) via brake (04), and output shaft (2) couples the carrier of gearset (P4) and shaft (7), which couples, via clutch (27), the ring gear of gearset (P3).

Abstract: A multi step transmission, of a planetary design, which has an external housing and includes a transmission input shaft and a transmission output shaft. First, second, third and fourth planetary gear sets are each accommodated within the transmission housing along with third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth shafts, and at least six shift elements. The at least six shift elements comprises first and second brakes and first, second, third and fourth clutches, whose selected engagement produces different transmission ratios between the drive shaft and the output shaft such that nine separate forward gears and one reverse gear can be achieved. For each of the forward and reverse gears, only three of the six shift elements are engaged.

Abstract: An eight speed automatic transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets and five torque transmitting devices. Three of the planetary gear sets are simple and one planetary gear set is compound. Each of the plurality of planetary gear sets has first, second and third members: a sun gear, a ring gear and a planet carrier having a plurality of planet gears rotatably disposed thereon. Three of the torque transmitting devices are clutches and two of the devices are brakes. Eight embodiments of the transmission having different arrangements of the planetary gear sets, clutches and brakes are disclosed.

Abstract: An eight speed automatic transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets and five torque transmitting devices. Three of the planetary gear sets are simple and one planetary gear set is compound. Each of the plurality of planetary gear sets has first, second and third members: a sun gear, a ring gear and a planet carrier having a plurality of planet gears rotatably disposed thereon. Three of the torque transmitting devices are clutches and two of the devices are brakes. Eight embodiments of the transmission having different arrangements of the planetary gear sets, clutches and brakes are disclosed.

Abstract: An eight speed automatic transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets and five torque transmitting devices. Three of the planetary gear sets are simple and one planetary gear set is compound. Each of the plurality of planetary gear sets has first, second and third members: a sun gear, a ring gear and a planet carrier having a plurality of planet gears rotatably disposed thereon. Three of the torque transmitting devices are clutches and two of the devices are brakes. Eight embodiments of the transmission having different arrangements of the planetary gear sets, clutches and brakes are disclosed.

Abstract: An eight speed automatic transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets and five torque transmitting devices. Three of the planetary gear sets are simple and one planetary gear set is compound. Each of the plurality of planetary gear sets has first, second and third members: a sun gear, a ring gear and a planet carrier having a plurality of planet gears rotatably disposed thereon. Three of the torque transmitting devices are clutches and two of the devices are brakes. Eight embodiments of the transmission having different arrangements of the planetary gear sets, clutches and brakes are disclosed.

Abstract: A multi step transmission comprising gear sets, shafts and shift elements. The sun gear of set (P1) couples drive shaft (1). The carrier of set (P1) couples shaft (3) which couples, via brake (03), housing (G). Shaft (3) couples shaft (1), via clutch (13), and shaft (5) via clutch (35). Shaft (5) couples the ring and sun gears of sets (P2, P4) respectively, and shaft (8), which couples the sun gear of set (P3), via clutch (58). Shaft (1) couples shaft (7) which couples, via clutch (17), the carrier of set (P4). Shaft (6) couples the ring gear of set (P1) and the carrier of set (P2). The sun gear of set (P2) couples shaft (4) which couples, via brake (04), housing (G). The ring gear of set (P3) couples housing (G). Output shaft (2) couples the ring gear and carrier of sets (P4, P3) respectively.

Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, a planetary gear set and a planetary gear set assembly, 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 include clutches and brakes.

Abstract: A gearbox comprising a gearset is able to transmit high output torques at high numerical reduction ratios at a power-to-weight ratio higher than previously attainable with existing designs. A distributor gear is disposed relative to a spur gear in order to produce automatic torque balancing. The distributor gear can be advantageously configured as an input floatring gear, for which support in all directions is provided by gear tooth mesh forces rather than bearings. Automatic torque balancing is achieved by configuring the distributor gear with first and second rows of helical teeth on the external circumference, and with a set of double helical teeth disposed on the internal circumference of the distributor gear. This allows for the placement of up to 50 or more planet gears in a countershaft arrangement with one end having helical teeth and the other end having spur teeth.

Abstract: A powertrain is provided that includes an engine as well as a transmission having an input member and an output member. The powertrain also includes a motor/generator that has an energizable stator, a first rotor and a second rotor (i.e., a dual rotor motor). Both of the rotors are rotatable via energization of the stator. A first torque-transmitting mechanism, referred to as the engine clutch, is selectively engagable to connect the engine for common rotation with one of the first and the second rotors. A second torque-transmitting mechanism, referred to as the motor clutch, is selectively engagable to connect the first rotor for common rotation with the second rotor. The transmission input member is continuously connected for common rotation with the other of the first and second rotors.

Abstract: A torque transfer device for a motor vehicle includes a clutch for transferring torque between first and second shafts. An electromagnetic actuator includes an axially moveable armature for applying an application force to the clutch. An actuator control system includes a force sensor positioned within a clutch actuation force load path and is operable to output a signal indicative of a force applied to the clutch. The control system includes a controller operable to control the electromagnetic actuator to vary the force applied to the clutch based on the force sensor signal.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods estimate the distance between a player and a ball by transmitting a chirp (sweep signal) to a radio tag located on the ball. During the chirp, the frequency of the transmitted signal is changed in a predetermined fashion. The radio tag doubles the transmitted frequency and returns the processed signal to a transceiver typically located on the player. The currently transmitted frequency is then compared with the received frequency to obtain a difference frequency from which an apparatus may estimate the distance. The apparatus may simultaneously receive the processed signal from the radio tag while transmitting the sweep signal.

Abstract: To provide a tongue muscle-strengthening device which can prevent or recover a poor posture that is attributed to no development of lingual adhesion in the mandible to the skull due to the decreased function of tongue muscles, stress-induced disorder that is attributed to the hyperfunction of the masticatory muscle group and tongue muscles in the cerebral cortex motor area, as well as the dysfunction and an aesthetic impairment of the mouth and which can actualize lingual adhesion. The tongue muscle-strengthening device in the invention of this application is composed of the part of maxillary teeth contact that is in contact with the maxillary teeth, the parts of dorsum of tongue and palate contact that are respectively in contact with the dorsum of tongue and palate, as well as the part of connection that connects the part of maxillary teeth contact with the parts of dorsum of tongue and palate contact.

Abstract: A novel exercise device that permits opposing movement of two distinct substantially equal length end portions around a single axis is provided. Such a device permits a user to exercise the muscles in his or her wrists and forearms through rotational movement in opposing directions simultaneously. The novel device includes a tightening means to adjust the resistance of the two end portions in order to accord the user different levels of tension for selected levels of muscle workout. As such, the inventive device, being of a very small construction is easy to store and transport, further permitting the user the capability of undertaking such an exercise regimen in any selected location. A method of utilizing such a unique, small-construction exercise device is encompassed within this invention also.

Abstract: A weight lifting power cage for use by a weight lifter includes a floor frame assembly including a pair of side floor frames, a front lateral floor frame member, and a rear lateral floor member. A carriage is carried by the side floor frames and is movable simultaneously vertically and front to back. The carriage retains a weight bar mount for retaining a weight bar spanning between each side frame. The weight bar is movable by the carriage vertically and front to back. The movable carriage also carries a pair of vertical weight rack bars. An engagement mechanism enables the weight lifter to rack the weight bar from a weight lifting position without stepping forward or backward.

Abstract: An exercising device includes an elongated tube with a central axis that is filled with a particulate material of a selected weight. The particulate material shifts within the elongated tube to provide flexibility along the length of the tube and wherein the elongated tube compresses when pressure is applied thereto.

Abstract: An exerciser apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a member having a substantially tubular exterior surface, said surface having a central longitudinal axis. The member has two or more receivers, said two or more receivers including a pair of receivers, axially-spaced from one another. A handle is provided for each receiver. The apparatus can be constructed from a tube, with each receiver being formed by a pair of radially-directed apertures formed through the tube and the handle provided for said each receiver being defined by a strip of the tube separating the pair of apertures.

Abstract: Retractable chuck for drill bits, screw bits and other tools for any chuck size operated by hand or power source which operates without the user touching the bits to move into operating position.

Abstract: A fully enclosed paperboard carton having a top, a base, a pair of oppositely disposed sides and a pair of oppositely disposed end panels. Each end panel being substantially planar and perpendicular to the base and top. Each side having a lower portion that is substantially planar and perpendicular to the base and an upper portion that is substantially planar and tapers inwardly towards its edge connection with the top.

Abstract: A folding assembly for producing a gable portion of a sealed package of pourable product, wherein the gable portion has first and second walls sloping with respect to each other and joined at a seal, and a flap connecting lateral edges of the first and second walls. The folding assembly is supplied with packs, each having an axis and, at one end and on opposite sides of the axis, two end portions which are folded to form the gable portion, with the end portions having, respectively, a first and a second portion to be folded, which are joined by a lateral face of the pack. The folding assembly includes a folding mechanism which interacts, on opposite sides of the axis, with the first and second portion of the pack to fold the second portion onto the lateral face, and the first portion onto the second portion to form the flap.

Abstract: This invention involves a liquid-liquid separation device, which includes a centrifugal cylinder. The centrifugal cylinder maintains a liquid inlet/outlet, and centripetal float valve inside, which is mounted on the wall of a cylinder that produces the centrifugal force. Liquids of various densities enter the centrifugal cylinder; under the action of centrifugal force, the liquid medium of the highest density moves to the cylinder wall first, while the liquids of lower densities follow in sequence; when the inward buoyant force that the float bears in the liquids of various densities is greater than the outward centrifugal force generated due to its own mass, the float will move inwards to open the passageway and discharge the heavy medium deposited on the cylinder wall, thus achieving the automatic separation.

Abstract: Device for implementing endovascular brachytherapy, whereby in the region of the catheter tip, a beta or gamma radiator used to prevent restenosis after the removal of plaque from vessel walls emits radioactive radiation in order to suppress the structural vessel alteration, with simultaneous OCT-monitoring, whereby a brachytherapy is combined with an OCT catheter in an integrated unit.

Abstract: An electromagnetic cardiac assembly adapted to assist ventricular output in a human heart includes a magnetic mat adapted for mounting inside a human body adjacent the heart. The mat is made from a material responsive to application of an electromagnetic field so as to be movable into compressive relation with the heart in response to application of the electromagnetic field thereto and movable out of said compressive relation to permit the heart to relax when application of said electromagnetic field is discontinued. The mat has a posterior surface that substantially conforms to an anterior surface of the heart without flexing the mat. The assembly also includes an electromagnetic subassembly adapted for mounting on the human body in functionally cooperative relation with respect to the mat, and for alternately generating and discontinuing the electromagnetic field so that the mat alternately moves into and out of the compressive relation with the heart.

Abstract: An electromagnetic biventricular assist device adapted to assist ventricular output in a human heart includes a magnetic mat adapted for mounting inside a human body adjacent the heart, and an electromagnetic assembly adapted for mounting on the human body in functionally cooperative relation with respect to the mat. The mat is responsive to application of a first electromagnetic field generated by the electromagnetic assembly so as to be movable from a neutral position towards the heart and into compressive relation with the heart, and responsive to application of a second electromagnetic field that is opposite the first electromagnetic field so as to be movable from the neutral position in a direction away from the heart to expand ventricles in the heart and augment filling of the ventricles. A control circuit is constructed and arranged to control when the first and second electromagnetic fields are generated by the electromagnetic assembly.

Abstract: This document relates to methods and materials for providing blood flow for a blood pump recipient. For example, cannulae that can be connected to the circulatory system of a mammal and can be used in conjunction with a blood pump (e.g., an assist device) are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a round window driving transducer for easy implantation and an implantable hearing device having the same. The round window driving transducer is implantable in the round window of the cochlea in the middle ear cavity, and has excellent high frequency characteristics, which can assist patients with sensorineural hearing loss to hear sound better. The round window driving transducer can be placed inside the middle ear cavity, radiate sound with high efficiency, and be implanted by surgery using a fixing part formed with shape memory alloy, shape memory resin, or a bendable spring structure. Further, the round window driving transducer can overcome problems of the prior art, such as a difficult surgery and low vibration efficiency, which would inevitably occur when floating mass transducers are implanted in a drilled groove in the bone or when various types of piezoelectric transducers are implanted in the round window.

Abstract: A method of implanting a penile prosthesis into a patient includes inserting a distal end of an insertion tool into an opening formed in a tip of the penile prosthesis, expanding a mechanism from the distal end of the insertion tool into a pocket formed in the tip of the penile prosthesis, and inserting the penile prosthesis into a corpora cavernosum of the patient with the insertion tool.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope system includes an electronic endoscope having a CMOS image sensor on the tip of an insertion section, a light source device for illuminating the interior of a patient's body, and a processing device for reading out image signals from the CMOS image sensor. The electronic endoscope system can operate with a standard imaging mode and a special imaging mode. When the time taken to read out the image signals from all the pixels in the standard mode is defined as T, the light source device in the special imaging mode emits illumination light in every first half period T/2 while switching a wavelength of the illumination light between two different wavebands. In every second half period T/2, the processing device reads out the image signals from the half of the pixels.

Abstract: An endoscopic system includes an endoscope having a delivery member available to supply a body cavity of a specimen and, in addition thereto, a gas supply apparatus from which predetermined gas is supplied to a body cavity via a delivery member. The endoscopic system further includes a determination unit that determines whether or not there is a status in which, the gas supply device needs to supply gas to the body cavity, and a control unit that selectively and automatically control a permit and stop for the gas supply to be implemented by the gas supply apparatus depending on a determined result of the determination unit, which are formed in a unitary structure with, for instance, the gas supply unit.

Abstract: An endoscope device having a curvable portion and a pivotable lever enclosed within a housing connected to a spring means for returning the trigger and the control wire to a resting position once a user is finished squeezing the trigger. The pivotable lever defines first and second ends connected to an adjustment wire and a control wire respectively. When the trigger is squeezed, the curvable portion curves in a controlled manner from a fully straight configuration.

Abstract: The invention relates to an endoscope channel cap that may be used separately with two or more endoscopes each having a cap interface portion with a different configuration. The channel cap also may include one or more seals to maintain insufflation pressure both when an endoscopic instrument is inserted in a working channel of the endoscope and when the instrument is not inserted in the channel.

Abstract: A medical apparatus includes: a first illumination window through which a first illumination light from a first light source is irradiated to a subject; a second illumination window at different position than the first illumination window, through which a second illumination light from a second light source is irradiated to the subject; an electronic image pickup section which picks up subject images; an image creation section which generates observation images based on image pickup signals obtained by the electronic image pickup section; a light adjustment section which synchronously adjusts respective amounts of illumination lights irradiated from the first and second illumination windows; and a control unit which controls the light adjustment section or image creation section to maintain color tone of the observation image to a predetermined one according to increase/decrease of the illumination light amount from the first illumination window.

Abstract: A roll-up wound protector has a distal ring, a proximal ring, and a flexible sleeve extending between the proximal and distal rings. The proximal ring is rollable to gather the flexible sleeve around the proximal ring and shorten the length of the flexible sleeve. The cross-sectional geometry of the proximal ring may be generally s-shaped. The cross-sectional geometry may be asymmetric about the longitudinal axis and asymmetric about the lateral axis. The height along the longitudinal axis may be greater than the width along the lateral axis. The proximal ring may comprise a medial surface having a circumferential recess and a lateral surface having a circumferential recess, the two recesses being longitudinally staggered relative one another.

Abstract: A retractor system includes a rail having two opposed widened rail portions separated by a narrowed portion, each widened portion engageable by a separate clamp. The clamps are configured to support the rail to a fixed surface, or to support a surgical device. Each clamp may independently be positioned or slid along the rail to a desired location without interference with a clamp on an opposing widened rail portion. A device clamp is formed of spherical mating portions which enable alignment of a surgical device along six degrees of freedom, and tightenable by securing a single fastener. A retractor blade mount enables an angular and tilting disposition of a retractor blade, as well as remote manipulation of the retractor blade.