Abstract: A single piece, tubular golf grip, which is open at both ends and comprised entirely of EVA material.

Abstract: A golf club shaft has the bending rigidity distribution and the torsional rigidity distribution satisfying the following three relational formulas: 1) S2/S1?2.5, wherein an average inclination of the bending rigidity in an interval from 400 mm to 700 mm from the front end of the shaft is defined as S1 and an average inclination of the bending rigidity in an interval from 800 mm to 950 mm from the front end of the shaft is defined as S2; 2) 1.0<EI/GI(mid)<1.5, wherein an average of the ratio of the bending rigidity with respect to the torsional rigidity in an interval from 300 mm to 700 mm from the front end of the shaft is defined as EI/GI(mid); and 3) EI/GI(900)?1.75, wherein the ratio of the bending rigidity with respect to the torsional rigidity at a position 900 mm from the front end of the shaft is defined as EI/GI(900).

Abstract: According to an aspect of this invention, there is provided a golf club shaft including a prepreg containing a carbon fiber, wherein the prepreg is winded and cured, and a winding thickness of the prepreg on a striking face is larger than a winding thickness of the prepreg on any other portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a golf club improved in ball hitting sound and ball hitting feeling and its manufacturing method. First, low-carbon steel is subjected to press processing of hot forging to form portions of irregularity on the face on a side of a hitting surface. Then, when there are projecting portions in the portions of irregularity, only the projecting portions are subjected to press processing of cold forging to crush the projecting portions to be flat. Then, the surface is slightly smoothed by machining to be flat and crystal grains at the portions of irregularity and the area therearound are pressed to be fined, thereby enhancing the hardness and forming fiber flows parallel to the hitting surface. A part of the hardened face becomes harder than the hardness of a base material before press processing by 10% or more within a range of 1 mm in a depth.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to golf balls consisting of a dual-layer core and a cover. The core consists of a center having a center hardness of 50 Shore C or greater and formed from a low modulus HNP composition, and an outer core layer having a surface hardness of 75 Shore C or greater and formed from a high modulus HNP composition. Low modulus HNP compositions of the present invention have a modulus of from 1,000 psi to 50,000 psi. High modulus HNP compositions of the present invention have a modulus of from 25,000 psi to 150,000 psi. The modulus of the highly neutralized copolymer of the low modulus HNP is at least 10% less than the modulus of the highly neutralized copolymer of the high modulus HNP composition. The cover consists of an inner cover layer formed from a thermoplastic composition and an outer cover layer formed from a polyurethane or polyurea composition.

Abstract: The invention is for a method of training and evaluating a hitter using a weighted ball where the hitter hits the weighted ball with a bat and where the weighted ball wraps around the bat and thereby the ball absorbs some of the energy from the batter and whereafter striking the weighted ball the ball leaves the bat in a substantially horizontal plane if it is hit correctly and where the weighted ball donuts substantially vertical to the ground if hit incorrectly or lifts up if hit too low or dives downward if hit to high or donuts horizontally if hit in an inside out manner with the bat.

Abstract: A pop-up tackling practice machine has a base with a peripheral tube curved at each end for safety, and a plate covering an opening formed by the tube. Outside the tube, two inverted ears are centrally located on the base and extend upwardly and outwardly at oblique angles with respect to the plate. A bracket allows pivotable mounting of a T-shaped handle that may be grasped by a coach standing on the plate. A further bracket is also mounted on the plate to which a multiple use pad may be mounted. The further bracket is vertically adjustable for height adjustment, pivotable with respect to the plate, and the bracket permits rotation with respect to the plate. The underside of the plate has an elongated roller.

Abstract: A basketball dribble device is provided that has an upright structure, which may be a rigid semicircular device, a rigid circular device or a rigid square device. Support members keep the device in an upright position.

Abstract: A training method for measuring detrimental movements to more accurately deliver a bat to a ball, including positioning a stiff and straight leading or front leg at the start of and during the process until after contact with the ball, pointing and planting the leading or front foot at least partially in the direction from which the ball is traveling, positioning the hands and the bat such that the distal end of the bat is below the shoulders and the bat is held substantially parallel to the ground at the start of the process, delivering the bat directly forward in the same plane as the ball is traveling, and utilizing pivoting of the torso and hips about an axis to deliver the bat to a ball with little or no forward or lateral movement of the body.

Abstract: An extension net for providing a backstop for a standard or specially modified lacrosse goal. The extension net includes one or more frame portions that are secured to the lacrosse goal and are rotatable so as to vary an angle between an end portion of the extension net and the lacrosse goal. The extension net can be sized so as to mark an outer boundary of a regulation lacrosse crease. A convertible goal that has both lacrosse and hockey goal modes and that can support an extension net in one or both of the modes.

Abstract: The miniature basketball hoop of the present: invention includes a rectangular backboard having front and rear faces, The backboard is transparent substantially across its entire area. A pair of spaced apart hooks are provided on the top of the backboard to hook the backboard over the top of a door. The hoop includes a break-away rim mounted to the front of the backboard, and sound dampening material on the rear face of the backboard, so as to minimize sound when a bail hits the backboard or rim during use.

Abstract: A non-lethal arrow is disclosed that includes a shaft extending along a longitudinal axis. A nock is located on a first end of the shaft and a flight is positioned at approximately the first end of the shaft. A tip connector is included that has a foam tip connection end and a shaft connection end. The shaft connection end is connected with a second end of the shaft. The foam tip connection end includes a plurality of securing ribs extending circumferentially about the foam tip connection end. The securing ribs taper upwardly toward a back surface thereby allowing the securing ribs to grip a foam tip connected with the foam tip connection end. The shaft connection end includes an elongate cylindrical portion defining a hollow tube that is sized and configured to receive the second end of the shaft.

Abstract: A fletching system and method that allows for quick and easy attachment of a fletching member to an arrow or cross bolt shaft provides a slotted fletch holder adapted to receive a fletching member projecting therethrough and an external end cap member to provide frictional fit engagement with a flanged base portion of the fletching member wherein the flanged base portion is secured between the end cap member and an internal surface of a sidewall of the fletch holder.

Abstract: An antimicrobial sports equipment piece used in a sport or game, namely an antimicrobial tennis ball, is described. Also described are methods of using an antimicrobial tennis ball and methods of preventing, inhibiting, or killing microbes contacting the tennis ball during play to prevent or inhibit contamination by a microbe or cross-contamination between persons contacting the tennis ball.

Abstract: A swing ball game has a top support frame member. A swing hangs from the top support frame member. The swing has a swing seat configured to swing in a front and rear direction. At least one vertical support frame member is connected to the top support frame member and supports the top support frame member. A rocker support frame member has a rocker bottom profile. The vertical support frame member is connected to the rocker support frame member. The rocker support frame member is oriented sideways so that the top support frame member can rock in a left and right direction.

Abstract: A belt driving apparatus includes a driving pulley r a driven pulley and an endless toothed belt. Each of the driving pulley and the driven pulley includes an outer circumference surface provided with a plurality of teeth. The toothed belt, wound around the driving pulley and the first driven pulley, includes an inner surface provided with a plurality of teeth arranged to mesh with the teeth of the driving pulley and the first driven pulley. The belt driving apparatus also includes an idler pulley having a belt contact surface coming into contact with the outer surface of the toothed belt. As viewed along the width direction of the belt contact surface, the idler pulley includes a center portion and two end portions sandwiching the center portion. The center portion of the idler pulley is greater in diameter than each of the two end portions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a toothed belt wheel (1), in particular for bicycles or motorcycles, for torque transmission from the crankshaft or engine shaft to the rear wheel. The toothed belt wheel (1) consists of individual disc-shaped elements (2, 3, 4; 10, 11, 12), which are fixedly connected to one another to form a unit. The toothed belt disc (9) of the toothed belt wheel (1), which is intended for the engagement of a toothed belt, is assembled from at least two elements (2, 3; 10, 11), specifically a carrier disc (2) and one or more tooth discs (4). In addition, a flanged disc (3) can also be arranged on the toothed belt disc (9).

Abstract: The invention relates to a multipart sprocket (1), in which an inner ring (2) for fixing the multipart sprocket (1) to a wheel hub comprises through-holes (5) which are located on a common hole circle, wherein the inner ring (2) on the periphery thereof comprises radially outwardly directed inner ring lugs (2A) for receiving a gear rim (8), and the gear rim (8) comprises radially inwardly directed gear rim lugs (11) which are spatially associated with the radially outwardly directed inner ring lugs (2A), and means (12, 13, 14) are present, which connect the inner ring (2) and the gear rim (8) axially and radially.

Abstract: A belt clamping system including an open-ended, flat belt with an end portion having a number of teeth projecting therefrom and a clamping plate with matching tooth profile for use in connecting the belt end to another structure. The flat belt may be reinforced with longitudinally extending cords. The toothed profile may be a standard timing belt profile and may be unreinforced. A length of timing belt profile material may be welded to the flat surface of the open-ended flat belt at or near an end. The length of timing belt profile may include at least 7 tooth pitches. The end portion may be clamped between a flat surface of a flat plate and a grooved surface of a grooved plate having grooves complementary to the timing belt teeth.

Abstract: A hybrid powertrain is provided for a vehicle that has a first axle and a second axle. The hybrid powertrain includes an engine, a stationary member, and an electrically-variable transmission that has a first and a second interconnected planetary gear set and a first and a second motor/generator. The engine, the first motor/generator, the second motor/generator and the first axle are each operatively connectable for rotation with a different member of the first and the second planetary gear sets. The powertrain has an electric drive unit that has reduction gearing and a third motor/generator. The third motor/generator and the second axle are each operatively connected to a different member of the third planetary gear set. The powertrain is operable in a compound-split operating mode.

Abstract: In a reduction-transmission mechanism, a plurality of output members are arranged at such positions that a size that is the sum of a fitting clearance formed between an outer periphery of each output member and a corresponding one of needle roller bearings, a fitting clearance formed between the needle roller bearing and an inner periphery of an input member, which defines a corresponding one of a plurality of pin insertion holes, and a radial internal clearance in the needle roller bearing is smaller than a size that is the sum of a fitting clearance formed between a ball bearing and an outer periphery of an eccentric portion, a fitting clearance formed between the ball bearing and an inner periphery of the input member, which defines a center hole, and a radial internal clearance in the ball bearing.

Abstract: Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for infinitely variable transmissions (IVT) having a variator provided with a plurality of tilting spherical planets. In one embodiment, a variator is provided with multiple planet arrays. In another embodiment, a hydraulic system is configured to control the transmission ratio of the IVT. Various inventive idler assemblies and planet-pivot arm assemblies can be used to facilitate adjusting the transmission speed ratio of an IVT. Embodiments of a transmission housing and bell housing are adapted to house components of an IVT and, in some embodiments, to cooperate with other components of the IVT to support operation and/or functionality of the IVT. Various related devices include embodiments of, for example, a control feedback mechanism, axial force generation and management mechanisms, a control valve integral with an input shaft, and a rotatable carrier configured to support planet-pivot arm assemblies.

Abstract: A transmission of the present invention has an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes a sun gear, a carrier member supporting a plurality of planet pinion gears and a ring gear member. The torque transmitting devices may include clutches and brakes. The torque transmitting devices are selectively engageable in combinations of at least three to establish a plurality forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.

Abstract: A transmission having an input member, an output member, three planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes.

Abstract: A planetary roller gear drive with a spindle nut (1) that is arranged on a threaded spindle (2) and with planets (3) that are arranged distributed around the periphery and are in rolling engagement with the spindle nut (1) and the threaded spindle (2). The planets (3) revolve on a planetary orbit (P) that is arranged perpendicular to the spindle axis and the planets (3) are each divided into multiple planet parts (4) arranged one behind the other in the axial direction.

Abstract: Planetary roller gear drive with a spindle nut (2) that is arranged on a threaded spindle (1) and is divided into nut parts (6, 7) that can be adjusted relative to each other in the axial direction, and with a plurality of planets (3) that are arranged distributed around a periphery and are in roller engagement with the spindle nut (2) and the threaded spindle (1). An adjustment part (20) set in the axial direction against the one nut part (6) that can be adjusted in the axial direction is provided and the one nut part (6) that can be adjusted in the axial direction is arranged between this adjustment part and the other nut part (7).

Abstract: In order for it to be also possible to transmit relatively high torques in an operationally reliable manner with low power loss and with a low or inexpensive design outlay in a bevel friction ring gear mechanism, consisting of at least two component transmissions which are configured as bevel friction ring gear mechanisms and have a first adjusting device for a friction ring of the first component transmission and a second adjusting device for a friction ring of the second component transmission, wherein the bevel friction ring gear mechanism has a regulating device for regulating an axial position of the friction rings, it is proposed that the regulating device has at least one first part regulating device with a first reference variable and a second part regulating device with a second reference variable which is separate from the first reference variable, wherein the first component transmission has the first part regulating device for regulating the position of the friction ring of the first component tra

Abstract: A drive apparatus in a self-propelled construction machine comprises a milling rotor and a main drive which can be coupled to the milling rotor via an engaging and disengaging clutch, and an auxiliary drive which can be coupled to the milling rotor alternatively to the main drive. The clutch is provided with a fixed side and an axially displaceable output side, which is displaceable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The axially displaceable side is simultaneously also the engaging and disengaging part of a shiftable transmission, the fixed part of which is driven by the auxiliary drive, with the transmission and the clutch being engaged and disengaged in a selective fashion via the axially displaceable side of the clutch.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for starting an engine in a hybrid vehicle being driven by an electric motor is disclosed. The motor is operably configured to deliver mechanical power through an automatic transmission to at least one vehicle drive wheel to cause an acceleration of the vehicle. The method involves coupling the engine to the motor to cause an inertial load on the motor thus causing the motor to decelerate to a reduced rotational speed to provide a starting torque to the engine for starting the engine, and causing the automatic transmission to change gear ratio to a target gear ratio associated with the reduced rotational speed while causing the motor to decelerate, the motor being operable to deliver increased torque at the reduced rotational speed, thereby generally maintaining the acceleration of the vehicle.

Abstract: A drive control apparatus for a vehicle includes: a control unit that controls drive force output from an engine in accordance with operation of an accelerator pedal; and a shift mechanism capable of selectively switching a shift position to a driving position or a non-driving position. The shift mechanism transmits the drive force to wheels when the shift position is in the driving position, and interrupts transmission of the drive force when the shift position is in the non-driving position. The control unit executes a drive force restriction process of reducing the drive force when the shift position is switched from the non-driving position to the driving position while the accelerator pedal is in an on state, and, when the switching is from a neutral position, the control unit changes a mode of reducing the drive force in accordance with a continuation time of the neutral position.

Abstract: Electronic meter for an exercise apparatus wherein the body mass index (BMI) and the standard heart rate parameter list are stored in a microprocessor of the electronic meter. After the user inputs his personal basic data (such as height, weight, gender, age, etc.), the microprocessor will determine the weight difference for the user. According to this result, an optimal exercise session suitable for the user will be automatically determined and executed. When the microprocessor executes the exercise session program, the “constant wattage” serves as an exercise response parameter for the sports apparatus. According to the speed of the sports apparatus operated by the user, the resistance level and the total operation time of the sports apparatus can be adjusted at any time.

Abstract: An apparatus for the local and/or remote rehabilitation and functional evaluation of the right and/or left hand of a user includes: a number of gym tools for the execution of hand exercises, each gym tool including a mechanical part, a sensor for the transformation of measured physical parameters into electrical signals; a user interface, configured to guide the user in the use of the gym tools, and providing feedbacks to the sequence of user actions; a first processing unit, configured to manage the apparatus functions, signal processing, storing and forwarding information on the measured physical parameters to at least one external device; a short-range communication module, configured to allow a real-time close-distance control of the apparatus; a wide-range communication module, configured to allow the connection to at least one long-distance tele-monitoring system.

Abstract: An exercise device (20) having a hand graspable movable part (24) mounted to a mounting part (25) for movement with respect to the mounting part. The mounting part (25) is affixable to a hand movable object (12) so that the hand movable object may be moved by a user by hand grasping the movable part (24) while also executing reciprocatory movement of the movable part.

Abstract: A stationary exercise device includes a support device for cyclically and elliptically supporting two foot supports above a base, and a resist device coupled between the foot support and the support device for applying a resistive force to the foot support and for braking an elliptical movement of the foot support relative to the support device, the resist device includes two members slidably coupled together and moveable linearly relative to each other for applying a frictional and resistive force between the members and for resisting a linear movement between the members, and for resisting the elliptical movement of the foot support relative to the support device.

Abstract: An exercise device includes a first frame, a second frame that is pivotally connected to the first frame and movable relative to the first frame between a storage position and an operating position, and a latching mechanism that selectively holds the second frame in the storage position. The latching mechanism includes a seat having a seat engagement surface, a seat engagement member selectively positioned on the seat engagement surface to hold the second frame in the storage position, and a lever that selectively rotates the seat engagement member off of the seat to allow the second frame to move from the storage position to the operating position.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to exercise equipment and more specifically, to an isometric exercise apparatus and a storage rack therefor. The isometric exercise apparatus includes a frame which has a base and a sidewall joined to the base. The base has an exercise platform for supporting a user's body. Also provided is a restraint arm assembly connected to the frame. The arm restraint assembly includes a swing arm pivotally connected to the base, a restraint arm carried by the swing arm and positionable above the exercise platform to inhibit movement of a portion of the user's body so as to allow the user to perform isometric exercises. An indexing assembly is provided to fix the swing arm in a predetermined angular position selected from a set of discrete angular positions relative to the base. At least one limb restraint accessory is positionable at predetermined locations along the base for inhibiting movement of the user's limb so as to allow the user to perform isometric exercises.

Abstract: A method and apparatus permitting a user to perform rehabilitation exercises despite having limited range of motion. Provided is a rehabilitation exercise device having a belt portion, which is to be fixed as a conventional belt to the waist of the user. The belt portion has laterally adjustable connectors for the attachment of elastic members/straps which are connected to the legs of the user, for various rehabilitary exercises based on the application of force required for the stretching of the elastic straps.

Abstract: An double loop exercise strap that includes both an outer strap anchored to a fixed object (e.g., a wall, rail or other fixed platform) and an inner strap that wraps firmly around a limb, extremity (e.g., hand or foot) or torso of the human body.

Abstract: A roller includes a cylindrical main body, a resin coating formed on a peripheral side surface of the main body, and a plurality of micro recesses defined in the resin coating. The resin coating is a polymer resin coating having the molecular chain with fluorine element. A method for making the roller and a system for making the roller are also provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods for forming creased or uncreased ruffles along one or more outside edges of a sheet entail integral formation or attachment of a ruffle strip. Integral formation entails selectively embossing ruffled areas of a web. Perforations may be formed to impart a lace appearance. The result is an integrally formed ruffled in a paper napkin, towel or the like.

Abstract: Methods of producing collection tubes are presented. The methods include providing a separator substance that can rapidly polymerize in a short time to a desired hardness and disposing the separator substance within the lumen of the tube. The separator substance is formulated to have a density between an average density of a serum fraction of whole blood and a cell-containing fraction of whole blood, and to be flowable with whole blood. Upon centrifugation of a tube having blood, the separator substance forms a barrier between the whole blood fractions. The barrier rapidly hardens forming a solid barrier when triggered by a suitable energy source.

Abstract: A crosslinked superabsorbent polymer can be formed on a nonwoven or woven substrate by a method comprising: a) providing an aqueous composition having a pH >7, e.g. ?pH 8, comprising a dispersion of a sodium or potassium salt of a hydrophilic organic polymer comprising carboxyl functionality and having a weight average molecular weight of at least 200,000 (according to ASTM D4001-93(2006)), a base having a boiling point no greater than the boiling point of water, and a water soluble crosslinking agent capable of crosslinking the polymer in the absence of the base; b) providing a nonwoven or woven substrate; c) coating said nonwoven or woven substrate with said aqueous composition; d) heating the coated substrate to a temperature above the boiling point of water to volatilize the base, initiate crosslinking of the polymer, and remove the water, so as to form the crosslinked superabsorbent polymer on the nonwoven or woven substrate.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for producing an aqueous dispersion of particles of rutile titanium oxide, which comprises: a first step in which after a chloride ion concentration of an aqueous solution of titanium tetrachloride is adjusted to 0.5 mole/L or more and less than 4.4 mole/L, the aqueous solution of titanium tetrachloride is heated at a temperature in a range of from 25° C. to 75° C.

Abstract: As described herein, nickel treated with sulfur provides a surprisingly effective source of nickel atoms for generating nickel-phosphorus-containing ligand complexes useful as hydrocyanation catalysts.

Abstract: A supported noble metal catalyst and a process for preparing the same in situ are provided. Hexamethylenetetramine, a soluble divalent metal salt solution, a Al2O3 carrier and a soluble noble metal salt solution, are mixed and crystallized, in which the hexamethylenetetramine acts as both a precipitating agent for producing hydrotalcite and a reducing agent for the noble metal precursor, and a supported catalyst Me-LDHs-Al2O3 containing an elementary substance of a noble metal is prepared by a one-step reaction. During the growth of the hydrotalcite, Al3+ on the surface layer of the Al2O3 carrier is directly used as the trivalent metal ion to form the slab structure of the hydrotalcite, and the hydrotalcite is grown in situ on the surface of the alumina carrier. The noble metal element particle in the catalyst has a particle size of 10 to 60 nm, and has an even and stable dispersion on or between slabs of the hydrotalcite.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide an exhaust gas purifying catalyst having a high oxygen storage capacity without changing the usage amount of the oxygen storage component. According to the present invention, the exhaust gas purifying catalyst containing (a) a ceria-zirconia composite oxide containing ceria in a higher amount than zirconia, (b) a ceria-zirconia composite oxide containing zirconia in a higher amount than ceria, and (c) a ceria-zirconia composite oxide having a pyrochlore-type regular array structure is provided. The exhaust gas purifying catalyst of the present invention has a higher oxygen storage capacity than conventional catalysts and is effective in reducing the amount of NOx emission.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a catalyst for aqueous-phase reforming of biomass-derived polyols, which comprises platinum and copper as active metals and a mixture of magnesia and alumina as a support. The catalyst contains a small amount of platinum and, at the same time, has high hydrogen selectivity and low methane selectivity.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a two-component curable oxygen-absorbing resin composition that has both oxygen-absorbing and adhesive properties and cohesive power. The resin for an oxygen-absorbing adhesive is a polyester comprising structural units derived from an acid component (A) and an acid component (B), wherein the ratio of the acid component (A) to total acid components is 70 to 95 mol %, the ratio of the acid component (B) to total acid components is 0 to 15 mol %, the polyester has a glass transition temperature of ?20° C. to 2° C., the resin is cured using a hardening agent, the acid component (A) is tetrahydrophthalic acid or a derivative thereof, or tetrahydrophthalic acid anhydride or a derivative thereof, and the acid component (B) is phthalic acid.

Abstract: An additive for hydroconversion processes includes a solid organic material having a particle size of between about 0.1 and about 2,000 ?m, a bulk density of between about 500 and about 2,000 kg/m3, a skeletal density of between about 1,000 and about 2,000 kg/m3 and a humidity of between 0 and about 5 wt %. Methods for preparation and use of the additive are also provided. By the use of the additive of the present invention, the hydroconversion process can be performed at high conversion level.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel method of preparing attrition resistance spinel supports for Fischer Tropsch catalysts. The process comprises: (a) combining aluminum oxide, metal compound capable of forming spinel phase, and soluble compound of a trivalent aluminum; (b) mixing the combination resulting in (a) in a manner sufficient to form a slurry comprising the aforementioned combination; and (c) processing the mixture of (b) under conditions sufficient to form metal aluminate spinel composition. Metal aluminate spinel, for example, is formed in the last step by calcining the mixture from (b) at a temperature in the range of 700 to 1300° C., but the process is also capable, of producing attrition resistant supports (e.g., having a DI of 5 or less) at a relatively lower temperature in the range of 700 to 1050° C. The invention also produces the attrition resistance with lower metal loadings than that reported for prior attrition resistant spinel supports.