Abstract: A hybrid vehicle in which a clutch is disposed between an engine and a motor/generator is controlled to suppress frequent engagement/disengagement of the clutch in a case of a coasting drive while dragging the engine. A clutch control apparatus controls the clutch and selects any one of the following drive modes: 1) an EV drive mode where the vehicle travels by only driving force of the motor/generator with the clutch disengaged; 2) an HEV drive mode where the vehicle travels by driving force of the engine and/or the motor/generator with the clutch engaged; and 3) an engine brake drive mode in which the vehicle coasts or travels by the driving force of the motor/generator while dragging the engine where the clutch is engaged, and the fuel supply is stopped when a charge of the battery is greater than or equal to a threshold value.

Abstract: A driving device with an input member connected to an engine, an output member connected to wheels, first and second rotating electrical machines, a differential gear unit including at least three rotational elements, and a control device. The control device includes a differential rotation reducing control, an engagement control, and a start up control that changes the rotation speed of the first rotating electrical machine, which allows the internal combustion engine to have a rotation speed at which starting is possible, made as a target value, when in direct engagement. The differential rotation reducing control changes the rotation speed of the first rotating electrical machine with the upper limit and the lower limit of a starting torque output range, which is a rotation speed range in which the torque necessary for starting the internal combustion engine may be output by the first rotating electrical machine, made as limits.

Abstract: A power transmission device is installed in a vehicle and connected to a power generation source that is capable of outputting power for driving. The power transmission device includes a belt-type continuously variable transmission; a working fluid accumulation portion; a friction engagement element; a first pump; a pressure regulating valve; a friction engagement element pressure regulating valve; a second pump; and a switching valve.

Abstract: An inertia torque input into the continuously variable speed change mechanism from the subtransmission mechanism is estimated during the shift in the subtransmission mechanism. During the shift in the subtransmission mechanism, a required oil pressure, which is an oil pressure required to maintain a contact frictional force between the respective pulleys and the wrapped member, is calculated on the basis of an input torque into the continuously variable speed change mechanism and the inertia torque.

Abstract: A load control system for a work vehicle including set rotation speed detection means for detecting a set rotation speed of an engine of the work vehicle, actual rotation speed detection means that senses an actual rotation speed of the engine, a continuously variable speed change device that receives power from the engine of the work vehicle, speed change position detecting means for detecting a speed change operating position of the continuously variable speed change device, operating means for speed-shifting the continuously variable speed change device, and control means for controlling the operation of the operating means.

Abstract: A vehicle system includes a transmission shifting means, an authorization means, an engine, and a control system. The transmission shifting means is capable of being shifted between a first position and a second position, where the first position represents a start mode. The authorization means adapted to detect an identification signal and to supply an authorization signal indicating the identification signal has been verified. The engine is adapted to turn on and to turn off. The control system is in operable communication with the transmission shifting means, the authorization means, and the engine. When the transmission shifting means is shifted to the first position, the transmission shifting means sends a first signal to the control system, the control system detects whether the authorization signal has been received from the authorization means, and if received, the control system provides a first command to the engine to turn on.

Abstract: A method for improving starting of an engine that may be repeatedly stopped and started is presented. In one embodiment, the method adjusts a transmission actuator in response to engine combustion during an engine start. The method may improve vehicle launch for stop/start vehicles.

Abstract: When it is determined to perform nth to (n+1)th coast downshift during nth to (n+1)th power-off upshift, an ECU starts increasing control to increase the hydraulic pressure of an engage-side element A in a predetermined mode and maintains the hydraulic pressure of a release-side element B at a value at which the increasing control is started until a predetermined period of time elapses from when the start of the increasing control. When a turbine rotational speed does not increase even after the predetermined period of time has elapsed, as the turbine rotational speed decreases below a value lower by a predetermined value than a synchronous rotational speed in the (n+1)th gear, the ECU executes feedback control over the hydraulic pressure of the element B so that the turbine rotational speed becomes the value lower by the predetermined value than the synchronous rotational speed in the (n+1)th gear.

Abstract: A strength training control device comprises: a torque source (including a base frame, a motor and a gear reduction box); and a link mechanism (including a gearbox arm, a first link rod, a second link rod, and an operating rod arm), wherein a S-type load cell is coupled to the first link rod and the second link rod to sense a load value. The control device further comprises: an operating rod, an electronic meter for setting a torque value, and a servo controller for comparing a load value of S-type load cell with a set value of the electronic meter. After the difference value is adjusted, an electric current is outputted to drive the motor, and the motor torque is amplified by the gear reduction box and transmitted through the link mechanism to the operating rod, and users can obtain a torque value equal to the setting of the electronic meter.

Abstract: A strength training control device comprises: a torque source (including a base frame, a motor and a gear reduction box); a drive arm, an operating rod, and a link mechanism. A beam-type load cell is coupled to the operating rod, the link mechanism, and the drive arm for measuring the load value. An electronic meter is provided for setting a torque value, and a servo controller for comparing a load value of beam-type load cell with a set value of the electronic meter. After the difference value is adjusted, an electric current is outputted to drive the motor, and the motor torque is amplified by the gear reduction box and transmitted through the link mechanism to the operating rod, and users can obtain a torque value equal to the setting of the electronic meter.

Abstract: To provide a connector for a jungle gym facilitating installation/removal of a tube and a connector and attaining a strong connection, and a jungle gym configured by the tubes connected thereby, the jungle gym comprises a plurality of tubes 2 and a connector for a jungle gym 1, the jungle gym connector 1 includes at least three connector arms 12 which protrude from a base portion 11 for being inserted into the tube 2, the connector arms 12 are disposed to intersect each other at right angles, the connector arm 12 includes at least one pair of cutout portions portion 14 which is formed as a flexible portion 13 which is elastically deformable to deflect by pressing force, and a locking projection 15 is formed at a center of the flexible portion 13 for being fitted into a locking hole 20 of the tube 2.

Abstract: An exercising device includes a handle, at least one support member secured on the handle, at least one rotation wheel rotatably mounted on the handle, and at least one elastic cord mounted between the at least one support member and the at least one rotation wheel. Preferably, the exercising device comprises two support members, a rotation wheel and a plurality of elastic cords. Thus, the elastic cords are mounted between the rotation wheel and the support members to provide a buffering effect to decelerate the forward movement of the rotation wheel and to provide a pulling force to accelerate the backward movement of the rotation wheel so as to balance the forward and backward movement of the rotation wheel and to prevent the user from being strained or hurt during the reciprocal movement of the rotation wheel.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus is provided for forming a pressed paper end which minimizes or eliminates deformations in the chuck wall. The method involves using a novel die press apparatus in which, at the very end of the compression stroke, the paper is held tightly by the opposing dies on either side of the chuck wall forming area, and the chuck wall forming area is held in substantial confinement between the dies.

Abstract: An anvil device (1) for a fitment applicator is described, where the anvil device (1) includes one or more arms (2), where each arm is equipped with a carrier (5) for the positioning of a closure (22) against a contact surface (6) for co-operation with a welding head (21) during fixation of a closure to a cartoon, where the carrier (5) and the contact surface (6) are aligned on a contact device (4) which is adjustably fastened to the anvil device (1).

Abstract: An improved apparatus for making pressware features a vacuum belt feeder which accelerates and decelerates a feed blank for controlled insertion into a forming die as well as retainers to limit bounce back of the blank off of forward stops. A pneumatic ejector on the forming ram facilitates product removal.

Abstract: Provided is a bag-making machine for manufacturing a plastic bag with a body part and side gusset parts, in which when a bag having a long height is manufactured, it is not required to use a body member with a long width. Side gusset members (14) are folded in two and fed by a side gusset member supply mechanism (16). The side gusset members (14) are disposed in the longitudinal direction of a body member (11) so as to face each other at spaces therebetween in the lateral direction of the body member (11). Each of the side gusset members (14) is divided into predetermined lengths, and the divided side gusset members (14) are disposed at spaces therebetween in the longitudinal direction of the body member (11). The body member (11) and the side gusset members (14) are so heat-sealed by a vertical sealing device (26) in the longitudinal direction of the body member (11) as to form vertical seal parts (27).

Abstract: A centrifuge rotor cover has a lid, a circular plate attached to the lid with click holes formed in a circle, a knob and knob shaft, a plate spring attached to a surface of the knob facing the circular plate and an elastic body pushing the lid against the rotor depending on the distance between the knob and the lid. If this distance is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the plate spring is caught repeatably in the click holes as the knob is turned to cause sounds and vibrations that indicate the knob is not tightened securely.

Abstract: An eyelid plaque and a method of using the plaque to treat eye cancers. The eyelid plaque is placed on the eyelid such that it defines an enclosure within which the radiation source resides. The enclosure defines a radiation shield that reduces radiation entering other organs and structures proximate the cancer being treated.

Abstract: A method of implanting an anal sling in a patient having an anal sphincter with a defective portion, including: linking a first point on the anal sphincter and a second point on the anal sphincter, wherein the second point opposes the first point across the defective portion of the anal sphincter and tightening the anal sling across the defective portion of the anal sphincter. In a preferred embodiment, linking the first and second points on the anal sphincter includes passing a first end of the anal sling, coupled to a first-side needle tool, through the anal sphincter at the first point and passing a second end of the anal sling, coupled to a second-side needle, through the anal sphincter at the second point.

Abstract: A medical robotic system includes an entry guide with articulatable instruments extending out of its distal end, an entry guide manipulator providing controllable four degrees-of-freedom movement of the entry guide, and a controller configured to limit joint velocities in the entry guide manipulator so as to prevent movement of tips of the articulatable instruments from exceeding a maximum allowable linear velocity when the entry guide manipulator is being used to move the entry guide.

Abstract: An endoscope device comprises a replaceable endoscope probe, a carriage for holding the endoscope probe, a zoom unit, a tilting unit, and a rotation unit. Preferably, the tilting unit comprises a telescopic arm which is extendable and retractable along an arcuate path, the telescopic arm includes two rigid arcuate members which are telescopically slidable relative to each other, wherein the tilting device is rotatable about an axis of rotation which passes through the fixed point, so that the telescopic arm is movable in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation.

Abstract: An endoscope storage cabinet for use with at least one endoscope having at least one signal emitting member associated therewith and configured to emit a signal indicative of at least one attribute of the at least one endoscope to which it is associated, the cabinet including: an enclosed structure formed by a plurality of walls defining an inner area which is accessible by at least one door; at least one hanger arrangement configured to support at least a portion of at least one endoscope positioned thereon; at least one signal receiving device associated with the enclosed structure and configured to receive the signal emitted by the at least one signal emitting member; and a local control device in communication with the at least one signal receiving device and configured to receive and process the signal emitted by the at least one signal emitting member.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to apparatuses and methods for shock wave treatment of the human body. In particular, the invention relates to navigational aspects of the shock wave treatments, including apparatuses and methods which enable accurate focusing of shock waves.

Abstract: A device for dilating an ostium of a paranasal sinus of a human or animal subject may include: a handle; an elongate shaft having a proximal end coupled with the handle and extending to a distal end; a guidewire disposed through at least a portion of the shaft lumen; a dilator having a non-expanded configuration and an expanded configuration; and a slide member coupled with at least one of the guidewire or the dilator through the longitudinal opening of the shaft for advancing the guidewire and/or the dilator relative to the shaft.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus is disclosed, which includes a tube body, a cover, a first image capture module, a second image capture module and a connecting tube. The first image capture module captures an image with a first view, and the second image capture module captures an image with a second view. A first flexible printed circuit board (PCB) is disposed inside the tube body, and a second flexible PCB is disposed inside the connecting tube. The connecting tube is connected with the tube body via the connecting between the first flexible PCB and the second flexible PCB, so as to transmit the images captured by the first image capture module or the second image capture module.

Abstract: An improved interface between the surgeon and an endoscope system for laparoscopic surgery, holding a laparoscopic came and/or controlling an automated endoscope assistant includes at least one wireless transmitter with at least one operating key (12a). at least one wireless receiver (11), at least one conventional laparoscopy computerized system (15) loaded with conventional surgical instrument spatial location software, and conventional automated assistant maneuvering software, software loaded onto to the conventional laparoscopy system that enables a visual response to the depression of at least one key on the wireless transmitter as well as an interface with the conventional automated assistant maneuvering software so as to achieve movement of the endoscope, and at least one video screen (30).

Abstract: A method for a variable direction of view endoscope used in combination with an image guided surgical system to provide new diagnostic and surgical capabilities. The method provides the following capabilities: greatly improved endoscopic orientation capabilities, global monitoring of endoscopic viewing direction, and greatly improved surgical approach and procedure planning.

Abstract: A method for visualizing the interior of a bodily passageway comprising providing a system comprising a plurality of concentric telescoping shafts; visualization apparatus disposed within the telescoping shafts; and a helical thread disposed on the exterior of the telescoping shafts, the helical threads having a sufficient structural integrity and surface profile such that when the telescoping shafts are disposed in the passageway, rotation of the telescoping shafts induces a relative movement between the telescoping shafts and the passageway; wherein the telescoping shafts are configured to be selectively coupled together and de-coupled from one another; inserting the system into the passageway; rotating the telescoping shafts so as to draw the passageway onto the telescoping shafts in a pleating fashion; de-coupling the telescoping shafts; rotating the innermost telescoping shaft so as to draw the passageway onto the innermost telescoping shaft in a pleating fashion; and visualizing the interior of the pass

Abstract: An endoscopic aspiration device is mounted on a manipulating head of an endoscope, from which an elongated insertion rod member is extended forward, the endoscopic aspiration device being composed of a valve casing which is mounted on the manipulation head in communication with an aspiration passage running through the insertion rod member, and a valve assembly unit including a valve member, a valve guide member and a connector member attached to the valve guide member to communicate same with a proximal aspiration passage on the side of a suction source. The valve member is put in a sliding displacement along the valve guide member to bring the aspiration passage into and out of communication with the proximal aspiration passage on the side of a suction source. The valve guide member is coupled with the valve casing through a coupling mechanism which permits to turn the valve assembly unit on and relative to the manipulating head.

Abstract: A capsule endoscope includes an enclosure with a transparent section, a illumination unit arranged to illuminate an object to be observed via the transparent section, an image unit disposed in the enclosure, a reflecting unit disposed in the enclosure and arranged to direct light from the object to the image unit to form an image of the object, and a driving unit comprising a piezoelectric motor arranged to rotate the reflecting unit relative to the enclosure.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed towards methods and devices for reducing or eliminating reflection-illuminated artifacts. The methods and devices in several embodiments can include providing a transparent lens cover with a blocking member for reflecting or absorbing internally-reflected light. The lens cover can be attached at the distal end of an endoscope, cannula, and/or lumen in some embodiments. Alternatively, the lens cover can be a permanent part of the endoscope, lumen, and/or cannula.

Abstract: A laryngoscope includes an arm and a handle. The arm is configurable between at least a first and a second position. A first blade sheath secures over the arm in the first position and a second blade sheath secures over the arm in the second position. A method of configuring a laryngoscope includes configuring a laryngoscope arm into a first position or a second position and securing a selected blade sheath to the arm.

Abstract: An embolic protection device for use in a patient's blood vessel, such as the aorta, has an approximately cylindrical outer structure made of a filter mesh material and an approximately conical inner structure also made of a filter mesh material. On the downstream end of the embolic protection device, the wider end of the conical inner structure is joined to the cylindrical outer structure. The upstream end of the embolic protection device is open for blood to flow between the conical inner structure and the cylindrical outer structure. The space between the conical inner structure and the cylindrical outer structure defines a collection chamber for captured emboli. The narrow upstream end of the conical inner structure has a catheter port with a resilient seal that is sized for passage of a catheter shaft. The filter mesh material may be self-supporting or it may be supported on a resilient-framework or an inflatable framework.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for providing surgical access into a body cavity. In general, the methods and devices allow a surgical access device to be securely positioned within an opening in tissue to provide access to a body cavity underlying the tissue. An actuator can be rotatably disposed on or in a housing of a surgical access device such that rotation of the actuator relative to the housing is effective to move a cannula of the surgical access device between an insertion configuration in which the cannula has a reduced profile enabling it to easily be inserted into a tissue opening, and an expanded profile enabling it to form an anchor against and/or within the tissue opening.

Abstract: A percutaneous tube assembly is provided for performing minimally invasive surgery, the system comprising a percutaneous tube comprising a translucent main body; an external attachment fixture attached to the main body; an access channel longitudinally bored through the main body; an internal attachment channel longitudinally bored through the main body, wherein the internal attachment channel comprises a partially smooth inner surface adjacent to a partially rough inner surface; and an internal attachment, mating with the internal attachment channel.

Abstract: A surgical access apparatus includes an access member defining a longitudinal axis and having a longitudinal passageway for reception and passage of a surgical object and an access housing mountable to the access member. The access housing includes a diaphragm mounted thereto. The diaphragm is adapted for rotational movement about the longitudinal axis relative to the access housing. The diaphragm defines at least one internal pocket and has a seal assembly disposed within the internal pocket. The seal assembly has an interface seal member adapted for establishing a fluid tight seal about the surgical object. The seal assembly is adapted for selective movement within the pocket about multiple axes in response to manipulation of the surgical object.

Abstract: A surgical portal assembly includes a portal member defining a longitudinal axis and having a longitudinal passageway for passage of a surgical object, and being dimensioned to pass through tissue to provide access via the longitudinal passageway to an underlying operative site and a plurality of object seals in mechanical cooperation with the portal member and positioned to intersect the longitudinal passageway. Each object seal has inner surfaces defining a seal passage to permit passage of the surgical object. The inner seal surfaces of each object seal include a primary finger segment and secondary finger segments on opposed sides of, and in spaced relation to, the primary finger segments.

Abstract: A wound retractor for retracting a surgical incision includes an inner ring, an outer ring and a distensible sleeve coupled to the inner and outer rings. The outer ring includes at least a pair of circular tubes coupled to each other. At least one of the circular tubes includes a lumen and a split that forms open ends. A noncompliant tubular hoop having a split therein is positioned in the lumen. The tubular hoop is oriented with its open ends positioned away from the split of the circular tubes. A core is positioned in the lumen of the tubular hoop. The core has a first end and a second end and is oriented with the ends positioned away from the split in the tubular hoop. The circular tubes may be parallel or may form a helical pattern similar to a Mobius strip.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, there is provided a medical monitoring device that includes one or more sensors, wherein a sensor is adapted to sense a parameter of a patient and computator adapted to receive an output of at least one sensor and to compute a condition-index-value directly related to a condition of the patient.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods for fabricating a long-term analyte sensor for measuring at least one analyte in the body of a user. The analyte sensors made by these methods include a plurality of analyte contacting sensor elements and at least one structure for relaying information to and from the sensor. The analyte sensor so fabricated further includes at least one sensor protection membrane that is controllable in a manner such that sensor elements may be activated (e.g. exposed to the external environment) at different times so as to extend the useful life of the sensor. In illustrative analyte sensors, the analyte is glucose.

Abstract: The embodiments herein provide a method and a system for modeling left ventricle of heart for echocardiography machines. The method comprising the steps of taking a test case for performing echocardiography by a cardiac machine, obtaining echocardiography data from a plurality of myocardial segments, applying mathematical formulas for assumptions based on blood properties at a myocardial muscle sample and deriving coefficients of algebraic equations of quadratic forms from the mathematical formulas, calculating mathematical behavior of the myocardial muscle sample using the algebraic equations, estimating the left ventricle as a fabricated object using the quadratic forms and deriving a physical and mathematical model for the left ventricle. The echocardiography data of the myocardial muscle sample includes the velocity, displacement, strain rate and strain corresponding to the motion and deformation of the muscle volume sample having attached strain components to each myocardial muscle sample.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes: a positional displacement calculating section for calculating the magnitudes of positional displacements at multiple measuring points within a body tissue; a thickness variation calculating section for calculating thicknesses or thickness variations, each measured between two arbitrary points within the tissue set with respect to the measuring points, based on the magnitudes of positional displacements; and a maximum/minimum value calculating section for finding the maximum and minimum thicknesses or thickness variations during a maximum value finding period and a minimum value finding period. At least one of the greatest thickness difference, strain and elastic property is calculated based on a difference between the maximum and minimum thicknesses or thickness variations.

Abstract: An intracardiac catheter for ultrasound guided ablation and EP mapping. Ablation and mapping electrodes 34, 36, 38, 39 are carried on the surface of an outer catheter 30 and an ultrasound array is mounted inside an inner catheter 20. Backloading the inner catheter into the outer catheter provides the ultrasound array in position to image tissue near the surface electrodes. An acoustic coupling fluid is provided between the catheters and a number of the electrodes 34, 38 are positioned directly within the image field of the array.

Abstract: Gain is adjusted automatically in ultrasound imaging. The average of signals regardless of type of reflector (e.g., tissue or fluid) is determined, such as from all data in a frame of data representing a scanned region. The gain is set based on the difference between the average and the target. The gain offset is used with or without other gain limitations for analog, digital, or both analog and digital amplifiers. Given less computational expense, a same processor performing image processing functions may be used to also determine gain. A handheld ultrasound scanner with less computation bandwidth may implement the automatic gain adjustment. Given limited space for input devices, a depth gain may be provided without sliders or other depth based gain input.

Abstract: An ultrasound therapy probe including a thin-profile therapy head for implementing therapeutic procedures in confined spaces. The thin-profile is achieved by incorporating a cooling fluid channel about a periphery of at least a portion of the housing. A therapy transducer is disposed in an inner volume of the housing, and fluid circulated through the peripheral cooling channel can be used to remove heat generated by the therapy transducer, without requiring bulky external cooling devices, such as balloons. The housing can include an acoustic lens portion, to enable the housing to be used with flat transducers and can also be configured to be used with concave transducers, and so that an acoustic lens is not required. Electrical connections can be made with conductors that extend through an elongate hollow handle.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe for guidance procedures is provided. The ultrasound probe includes a linear transducer array and a micro-motor configured to mechanically move the linear transducer array to provide ultrasound guidance of procedures.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for significantly reducing or substantially eliminating angular geometric distortions in devices designed for imaging and/or inspection of an interior portion or surface of a cavity. A series of processing steps or methods may be employed to eliminate Non-Uniform Rotational Distortion (NURD) in such devices, for example, unidirectional and bi-directional intravascular ultrasonic (IVUS) imaging systems. The system may include a processor and an electronic module which control operation of a transducer assembly provided at a distal end of a catheter assembly. The system invokes a first processing step or method to collect and store raw angle and line data, as well as one or more of second and third processing steps or methods which adjust for NURD experienced during backlash of a bi-directional imaging system and a fourth processing step or method which performs a line-to-line correlation function.

Abstract: An implantable medical device receives a physiological signal indicative of circulatory blood volume and detects hypovolemia from that physiological signal. In one embodiment, an implantable pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) senses a PAP signal, and the implantable medical device detects hypovolemia from the PAP signal.

Abstract: A system for measuring blood flow in an organ of a subject, particularly useful for non-invasive cardiac output monitoring (N.I.C.O.M.™), the system comprises: a radiofrequency generator for generating output radiofrequency signals; a plurality of electrodes, designed to be connectable to the skin of the subject, the electrodes being for transmitting the output radiofrequency signals to the organ and for sensing input radiofrequency signals of the organ. The system further comprises a mixer, electrically communicating with the radiofrequency generator and at least a portion of the plurality of electrodes, for mixing the output radiofrequency signals and the input radiofrequency signals, so as to provide a mixed radiofrequency signal being indicative of the blood flow.

Abstract: A plethysmograph variability processor inputs a plethysmograph waveform having pulses corresponding to pulsatile blood flow within a tissue site. The processor derives plethysmograph values based upon selected plethysmograph features, determines variability values, and calculates a plethysmograph variability parameter. The variability values indicate the variability of the plethysmograph features. The plethysmograph variability parameter is representative of the variability values and provides a useful indication of various physiological conditions and the efficacy of treatment for those conditions.