Abstract: The invention relates to differential drives for driving axles and wheels of transport means. The differential includes output shafts, which are kinematically interconnected by at least one differential pinion. The differential pinion is connected to the differential's housing by means of at least one intermediate member, which rotates freely in the housing coaxially to the geometrical axis of the differential pinion, and—conjugated surface zones of the differential pinion and the intermediate member, which zones are offset relative to the geometrical axis of the differential pinion. The conjugated surface zones may have different configurations. The invention makes it possible to simplify the design of a self-locking differential and to significantly increase the range of the blocking effect.

Abstract: A vehicle drive force distributing apparatus includes an irreversible transmission mechanism, an operating state determining component and a command value resolution switching component. The irreversible transmission mechanism prevents a radially oriented pressing force, generated between first and second rollers based on an inter-roller radial pressing force command value, from decreasing during a period while command value is constant to maintain the radially oriented pressing force at a prescribed value without operating an inter-roller radial pressing force generating source. The operating state determining component determines whether first or second vehicle operating states exists during which a first or a lower second precision level of drive force distribution control, respectively, is to occur between main and subordinate drive wheels.

Abstract: A multi-ratio rotorcraft drive system and a method of changing gear ratios thereof are disclosed. According to one embodiment, the multi-ratio rotorcraft drive system comprises a rotor system comprising one or more rotors and one or more engines. Each engine of the one or more engines is coupled to the rotor system through a multi-ratio transmission. The multi-ratio transmission comprises an output shaft coupled to the rotor system, an input shaft coupled to a respective engine of the one or more engines, a high speed clutch integrated into a high speed gear train, and a low speed clutch integrated into a low speed gear train. The high speed clutch and the low speed clutch are freewheeling clutches without a friction plate and are capable of disconnecting the output shaft and the input shaft in an overrunning condition when the output shaft spins faster than the input shaft.

Abstract: A powertrain includes an electro-mechanical transmission mechanically-operatively coupled to an internal combustion engine and first and second electric machines adapted to selectively transmit mechanical power to an output member. An apparatus for controlling the powertrain includes the first and second electric machines, a first electric machine cooling circuit directing a cooling hydraulic flow to the first electric machine, a second electric machine cooling circuit directing a cooling hydraulic flow to the second electric machine, a hydraulic control system receiving a hydraulic flow and selectively channeling the hydraulic flow to the first and second electric machine cooling circuits, and an active electric machine cooling control system monitoring temperatures of the first and second electric machines, monitoring operation of the hydraulic control system, and selectively controlling the hydraulic control system.

Abstract: A machine powertrain includes an engine operably connected to a torque converter and a transmission. A switch associated with the torque converter provides a locking signal indicative of a locked or unlocked condition of the torque converter. A throttle sensor associated with the throttle provides a throttle signal. An electronic controller receives the locking signal and the throttle signal, and controls operation of the engine at least partially based on the throttle signal and the locking signal. The electronic controller determines whether a locked or unlocked condition of the torque converter is present based on the locking signal, determines whether a part throttle operating condition or a full throttle operating condition is present based on the throttle signal, and selects a derated power curve when the part throttle operating condition is present and when the torque converter switches from the unlocked to the locked condition.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a transmission includes a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid, a manual valve, and a default valve. A first set of solenoids are configured to selectively engage at least one of a plurality of shift actuators. The first set of solenoids is open when de-energized. A second set of solenoids is configured to selectively engage at least one of the plurality of actuators. The second set of solenoids is closed when de-energized. A low speed default gear is engaged when the first and second sets of solenoids are de-energized and the transmission is operating in a low speed gear ratio. A high speed default gear ratio is engaged when the first and second sets of solenoids are de-energized and the transmission is operating in a high speed gear ratio.

Abstract: A method of operating a transmission of a vehicle drive train with at least one drive machine. The transmission is formed with at least one interlocking shift element and a plurality of frictional shift elements in order to obtain various gear ratios. During an engaging process of the interlocking shift element, starting from a disengaged operating condition, in which halves of the interlocking shift element are out of engagement, to an engaged operating condition, in which the shift element halves are interlocked in a rotationally fixed manner, when interlock between the shift element halves is obstructed, a rotational speed difference is produced at least temporarily between the shift element halves, at which the interlock in the area of the interlocking shift element can be engaged. To produce the speed difference between the shift element halves, the transmission capacity of at least one frictional shift element is increased.

Abstract: A method of operating a transmission positioned between a drive aggregate and an axle drive, a transmission input shaft is connected, via a clutch, with the drive aggregate, and a transmission output shaft is connected with the axle drive and power can be diverted from the transmission to drive a power take-off. The PTO is activated by an engine intervention, shifting the transmission to neutral and disengaging the clutch. Thereafter, the clutch is partially engaged at either a position dependent or distance dependent clutch speed while monitoring the input rotational speed and drive aggregate rotational speed. When the input rotational speed approximately equals the drive aggregate rotational speed and the idle rotation speed of the drive aggregate, the clutch is no longer being engaged at the position dependent or distance dependent clutch speed, but is fully engaged at a maximum clutch speed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a brake system for a vehicle with an idle stop and go comprising a valve assembly disposed in a brake line for supplying brake pressure to the wheels by operation of the brake pedal to open or close the brake line; and a controller controlling the valve assembly.

Abstract: An exercise monitoring method and system in one embodiment includes a communications network, a wearable transducer configured to generate physiologic data associated with movement of a wearer, and to form a communication link with the communications network, a system memory in which command instructions are stored, a user interface operably connected to the computer, and a system processor configured to execute the command instructions to receive the generated physiologic data, analyze the received physiologic data with a multilayer perceptron/support vector machine/hidden Markov (MSH) model, model the analyzed physiologic data, and generate feedback based on a comparison of the model and a stored exercise object.

Abstract: An assembly for mounting of a hangboard includes first and second brackets each having first and second opposing end regions and a first elongate member having first and second spaced apart connection points configured for attachment to the first end regions of the first and second brackets. A second elongate member has third and fourth spaced apart connection points configured for simultaneous attachment to the first and second brackets. The second elongate member has a third connection point configured for attachment at a point along a portion of the first bracket between the first and second end regions thereof; and the fourth connection point configured for attachment at a point along a portion of the second bracket between the first and second end regions thereof. When the first and second members are so attached the assembly can be suspended within a wall opening.

Abstract: A partially-inlaid elliptical gymnastics equipment system includes a plurality of pedals connected to moving arms that move in synchronism with said pedals, at least one fixed member configured within a reach of a user, a panel for controlling and monitoring the equipment system, a mechanical and electric assembly that connects at least one pair of pedals and moving arms to define an elliptical system and promotes an alternating displacement of the at least one pair of pedals and arms, a vertical partition that includes a first pair of vertical windows through which distal end parts of bars pass, each bar connecting one the pedals to the elliptical system and a pair of vertical windows through which the moving arms pass, the moving arms being synchronized with the movements of the pedals, and an aisle providing access to the mechanical and electric assembly.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus is disclosed including one or more interface members which allow a user to engage the exercise apparatus with one or more of the user's appendages and encounter resistance with high freedom of motion. The location of the interface member relative to the user is preferably repositionable in both a vertical orientation and a horizontal orientation. Resistance is preferably provided in part by a pulley system including a cord and a movable weight bearing member.

Abstract: An attachable weight assembly having separable sections for attachment to a pole used in exercising. The weight assembly includes a elongated main body having a first end and a second end and a bore running through the first end, second end and elongated main body. The bore is sized to fit over a shaft. The first and second ends each have a storage area for secure storage of a molded weight. The elongated main body is separable into at least two main body sections. The main body sections are attached together using an attachment mechanism. A user attaches the weight assembly to the shaft for use during exercise.

Abstract: An exercise device for allowing a user to obtain a full body workout includes an innermost tubular member and an outermost tubular member, the tubular members fitted together and longitudinally and slidably movable in a telescoping manner relative to each other during the workout, a chamber within the outermost tubular member, the chamber receiving a compressible gas that provides resistance to relative movement of the tubular members, a collar between the innermost tubular member and the outermost tubular member, a lower limb connector attachment mounted to an end of one of the innermost or outermost tubular members for attachment to a lower limb of a user, and a gripping area at or near an opposite end of the other of the innermost and outermost tubular members to the lower limb connector attachment to stretch and strengthen the user's body muscles during the workout.

Abstract: A portable device for performing exercises, including: two independent tracks with a physical connection between them, and a movable platform on each track. The device is adapted to enable a user to move the movable platform on both tracks simultaneously by exerting a physical force on each platform simultaneously, and the physical force required to move each platform by the same distance is independently controllable for each platform.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus comprising a base that can be oriented at any angle and that defines a plurality of connection interfaces, each of which can be designed to support one end of a resilient member in a cantilevered disposition. The connection interfaces can be positioned at or adjusted to a widely varying range of locations and angular orientations with respect to the base. Each resilient members can be configured to support one or more removable stiffening members that provide a resistance force when a force is exerted thereon so as to bend the resilient member.

Abstract: A system (100) and method (400, 500) to exercise the leg and enhance mobility after a variety of injuries or surgery is disclosed. The system could include a chair leg anchor (104), a leg wrap (102), a stationary pulley (110) secured to the chair leg anchor, a movable pulley (108) secured to the leg wrap, a rope (106), and a handle (112). The rope could be threaded from a first end secured to the chair leg anchor, through the movable pulley, through the stationary pulley, and to a second end secured to the handle.

Abstract: A reformer includes a combined mount that serves to attach and support a foot bar assembly, a jump board, and a spring bar. The combined mount is easily and quickly attached to a side rail of a frame of the reformer. A carriage of the reformer includes a combined wheel axle and strap attachment point, which eliminates the need for a separate strap attachment bracket. The carriage also include side wheels which are mounted on the sides of the carriage, and which are biased outward so that they contact the side rails of the frame of the reformer.

Abstract: A magnetic roller includes a solid-core roller having magnetic anisotropy in a direction orthogonal to a central axis thereof. The solid-core roller includes a body part, and shaft parts disposed on both ends of the body part, a concave groove provided in an outer circumference face of the body part to extend in an axial direction, and a magnetic block disposed in the concave groove, the magnetic block having a direction of magnetic anisotropy substantially orthogonal to a direction of the magnetic anisotropy of the magnetic roller.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to controlling a performance characteristic of an image forming device component having a surface which may include removal of a portion of the surface to expose a plurality of voids and a surface between the voids. The surface between the voids may have a surface roughness Ra in the range of 0.1 to 5.0 microns and the relationship SAV/(SAV+SAC) is equal to 1-50%, where SAV is the surface area of the voids and SAC is the remaining surface area of the component. The performance characteristic may include the control of toner mass conveyed and/or toner filming and/or the amount of residual toner removed from a photoconductive surface.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an extraction bag sheet including: (1) a step of placing and holding tags on a rotary supporting body at predetermined intervals; (2) threading a string into a continuous pattern on the circumferential surface of the rotary supporting body; (3) bonding the string to the tags; (4) supplying a water-permeable filter sheet onto the tags and the string; (5) bonding the water-permeable filter sheet to the string; and (6) bonding the water-permeable filter sheet to the tags. In the bonding steps of (3), (5), and (6), bonding heads are used which are moved reciprocally and oscillatingly about the center axis of the rotary supporting body and moved vertically relative to the circumferential surface of the rotary supporting body by an oscillation servo motor and a vertical movement servo motor.

Abstract: A gynecological balloon apparatus has a first balloon and a second balloon disposed with a gynecological brachytherapy applicator. The first and second balloons are each movable between an inflated condition and a deflated condition. The first and second balloons may conform to a shape of a vaginal cavity when in their inflated conditions. A radiation detecting sensor and a motion detecting sensor may be positioned with the apparatus.

Abstract: A medical device incorporating magnetic material is introduced into the body of a patient. A time varying magnetic field is generated externally of the patient's body and which is of sufficient strength to magnetically induce motion in the device, thereby causing the medical device to vibrate within the patient's body. The frequency and the amplitude of the magnetic field oscillations can be continuously varied to control the vibrations induced in the medical device.

Abstract: A manifold for accessing blood from a human blood vessel is disclosed which comprises a first and a second pathway intersecting with each other at an angle, the first pathway being configured to be completed embedded in the human blood vessel with the second pathway leading toward outside of the human blood vessel wherein the manifold is substantially retained by the human blood vessel alone.

Abstract: A method of making a blood pump comprises selecting a desired flow pattern in a pumping chamber defined by an extensible bladder wherein the flow pattern is based generally on blood flow in a natural heart, using an initial computer model of the desired flow pattern to determine the material composition and dynamic operation conditions of each portion of the bladder, designing a bladder and pump operating system, computer modeling the actual design, testing and refining the design, and constructing a prototype based thereon. The desired flow pattern includes guiding and directing the flow of blood through the pumping chamber by reason of the action of an expansile bladder on the blood flow. A continuous circular or spiral fluid path is obtained that more effectively washes all areas of the bladder including the inlet and discharge ports with blood to reduce thrombosis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a ventricular function assisting device configured to be implanted in a heart ventricle designed in a form of flower-like configuration comprising two or more petals attached at a base section, said petals comprise elastic elements and/or portions capable of being elastically bent in radial directions and optionally also in sideway and/or longitudinal directions, which allow changing the state of the device between: i) a folded conformation, in which its petals are radially pressed inwardly towards each other to assume a reduced diameter of its flower-like configuration; and ii) a deployed conformation, in which the petals are opened in a radial outward direction as the device is discharged from the delivery tube or sheath into a heart ventricle and implanted thereinside in a preloaded state.

Abstract: In a method for the intermittent occlusion of a vein draining the organ system, in which the vein is occluded by an occlusion device, the fluid pressure in the occluded vein is continuously measured and stored, the behavior of the fluid pressure is determined as a function of time, and the occlusion of the vein is triggered and/or released as a function of at least one characteristic value derived from the pressure measurements, pressure is applied during the occlusion in a pulsating manner. The device for the intermittent occlusion of a vein, including an occlusion device, a pressure measuring device for continuously measuring the fluid pressure in the occluded vein, and a memory for storing the fluid pressure behavior as a function of time, means are provided for applying a pulsating pressure in the occluded vein.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for delivering an implantable sling to an anatomical location in a patient.

Abstract: The surgical kit comprises at least one elongate strip for supporting the urethra of a patient, the strip comprising a knit of yarns forming empty spaces between one another, at least in the longitudinal middle portion of the strip that is to extend transversely under the urethra when the strip is implanted, said knit comprising both reinforcement constituted by longitudinal chains and an intermediate trellis transversely interconnecting the chains. In order to guarantee light obstructive support of the urethra, the treatment kit further comprises suture means adapted to be connected to the chains of the knit by being passed through the empty spaces so as to join the middle portion of the strip with the anatomical tissue under the urethra at at least two connection spots in alignment in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the strip.

Abstract: A system for causing penile erection and/or subjecting the penis to stretching. The system utilizes a vacuum source and/or supply device, a housing configured to at least partially receive therein a penis, and a garment or support configured to retain and/or support the housing. Also disclosed is a method of using the system on a user's penis as discussed in the instant application.

Abstract: A mechanized dildo, including a motor driven coaxial plurality of longitudinally spaced drive cams, and corresponding sets of passive cams that operate within an elastic phallic sleeve to locally cyclically expand a girth of the sleeve. Optional vibratory elements are positioned proximate a distal extremity of the sleeve, and in a laterally extending arm that is formed for clitoral stimulation. A battery powered control handle provides multiple operating modes and speeds.

Abstract: An apparatus for accessing a bodily passageway includes: an endoscope including an insertion portion configured to inserted into the bodily passageway; a drive tube including a lumen configured to receive the endoscope; a helically-wound thread disposed on an outer wall of the drive tube and configured such that rotation of the drive tube causes the drive tube with the endoscope to move along the passageway; a flexible drive shaft configured to transfer rotary motion generated by a power supply; and a rotatable drive collar disposed on the endoscope and configured to rotate the drive tube relative to the endoscope, the rotatable drive collar including a stator, a rotor rotatable over the stator and detachably coupled to the drive tube, a rotary gear configured to transfer the rotary motion from the flexible drive shaft to the rotor to rotate the drive tube, and a watertight seal disposed between the stator and the rotor.

Abstract: An endoscopic instrument for performing surgical procedures. The instrument includes an elongate member having a distal end for insertion into a patient's body and a proximal end opposite the distal end. The member has a distal portion adjacent the distal end and a central portion adjacent the distal portion. The distal portion has a first mechanical stiffness of a stiffness type selected from a tensile stiffness, a compressive stiffness and/or a bending stiffness. The central portion has a second mechanical stiffness of the stiffness type of the first mechanical stiffness. The first mechanical stiffness is different from the second mechanical stiffness.

Abstract: An in vivo imaging device having a flexible circuit board, for example, a one-sheet flexible circuit board. The flexible circuit board may enable folding components attached to the flexible circuit board according to a predefined angle.

Abstract: Methods and devices for illuminating a body cavity or an internal region of a body are disclosed. In one aspect, a percutaneous illumination device for illuminating a body cavity includes an elongate member with an illumination source, and two support members disposed on the elongate member that are adapted to be positioned on opposite sides of a tissue surface for stabilizing the device. Variations on such an illumination device, kits that include such devices, and methods of utilizing such devices are all described within the present application.

Abstract: An endoscope includes an elongated insertion portion having a distal end portion provided with an illumination window and an observation window. A single solid-state image sensing device whose image pickup face is provided at an image forming position of an objective optical system mounted on the observation window. In the vicinity of the image pickup face of the solid-state image sensing device, a filter portion that has a first filter having a wideband wavelength transmission characteristic in a visible band and a second filter having a narrowband wavelength transmission characteristic in the visible band two-dimensionally arranged is disposed.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for providing surgical access into a body cavity. A surgical access port is provided that has an adjustable longitudinal length, such as by being formed from multiple segments configured to move relative to one another. An anchor can be coupled to a distal end of the surgical access port to help secure the surgical access port within a tissue opening by engaging a distal side of the tissue. Optionally, the anchor can be removably coupled to the distal end of the surgical access port, thereby allowing any one of a plurality of anchors to be selectively coupled thereto.

Abstract: A system and method for addressing mental health conditions includes a mobile processing device capable of executing a software application stored in memory. The software application is configured to employ peripheral devices associated with the mobile processing device to provide a user with a self-treating option for addressing mental conditions. When activated, the application provides one more of an interactive diagnosis routine configured to assist in discovering a mental state or condition of the user, and an interactive instructional routine configured to remedy a current mental state.

Abstract: A monitoring system for a person includes one or more wireless nodes; and a wearable patch or bandage appliance secured to the person' skin and in communication with the one or more wireless nodes, wherein the patch or bandage appliance monitors and transmits patient vital signs to the wireless nodes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a viscosimetric sensor for monitoring an analyte level in a patient or in body fluids ex vivo. In particular, the invention relates to a sensor for monitoring analytes, such as glucose levels in a patient. The sensor comprises at least two hermetically closed chambers (2a, 2b), including an activation chamber and a measuring chamber, containing a sensitive fluid (3), the chambers communicating with each other through at least one microchannel (5), and a semi-permeable barrier (4) allowing the analyte to enter or leave the chambers. Each said chamber comprises at least one flexible membrane (6, 7) configured for antagonistic variations of the volume of the chambers.

Abstract: A non-contact ultrasonic tonometer for measuring an intraocular pressure of an examinee's eye in non-contact manner by use of an ultrasonic wave, comprises: an ultrasonic transducer including a transmitter which emits an ultrasonic transmission pulse wave to the eye and a receiver which detects an ultrasonic reflection pulse wave from the eye, the transducer being arranged to be placed in a position apart from the eye and to transmit and receive the pulse wave with respect to the eye through the medium of air; and a calculation part being arranged to obtain a peak amplitude level of the reflection pulse wave based on an output signal from the ultrasonic transducer and measure the intraocular pressure based on the obtained peak amplitude level.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system provides dynamic control of a shear wave front used to image viscoelasticity in a biological tissue. The system receives an indication of a region of interest and selects a shear wave front shape. The system also selects, based on the selected shear wave front shape, focus locations for a plurality of push pulses and a sequence for moving a shear wave source among the focus locations. The system transmits a series of push pulses according to the selected sequence, and determines a speed of the shear wave front as it passes through the region of interest. Changes in the speed of the shear wave front are related to changes in stiffness within the tissue.

Abstract: A blood vessel function inspecting apparatus including blood flow velocity distribution measuring portion for measuring a blood flow velocity distribution within a blood vessel in a non-invasion manner with ultrasonic waves before releasing of the blood vessel from a blood flow obstruction or after a blood vessel diameter measuring time period; viscosity-shear rate relationship calculating portion; and blood shear stress calculating portion for measuring a blood flow velocity within the blood vessel, concurrently with the measurement of a change ratio of the diameter of the blood vessel within the predetermined blood vessel diameter measuring time period after releasing of the blood vessel from the blood flow obstruction, and calculating a blood shear stress on the basis of a measured blood flow velocity, and according to a viscosity-shear rate relationship.

Abstract: An apparatus for application of three-dimensional ultrasound imaging and therapy comprising a two-dimensional ultrasound imaging array of transducer elements having an image signal transmitter and receiver that forms, steers and selectively focuses ultrasound beams to a three-dimensional moving or stationary spatial volume; one or more two-dimensional ultrasound therapy arrays of transducer elements, each array having a therapy signal transmitter that forms, steers and selectively focuses and delivers ultrasound therapy to the volume; wherein the location of the array of imaging and therapy transducer elements are known relative to one another; and a controller that controls the image transmitter and receiver to provide three-dimensional images of the volume and simultaneously independently controls each of the one or more therapy transmitters to deliver therapy to the volume.

Abstract: An ultrasonic treatment apparatus comprised of: a patient support for supporting a patient, an ultrasound transducer system for ultrasonic treatment of the patient, a region formed in the patient support operable for transmitting ultrasound from the ultrasound transducer system to a treatment zone in the patient, a protective cover for covering the region, and wherein the protective cover is adapted to be removed from the region while the patient is positioned relative to the treatment zone such that the treatment zone is able to receive treatment from the ultrasound transducer system.

Abstract: Multilayer ultrasound transducer devices for high power transmission and wide-band reception and associated methods and systems are disclosed herein. An ultrasound transducer device in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology, for example, can include a first array of first transducers and a second array of second transducers that are oriented substantially parallel to one another. The first transducers can include a first piezoelectric material that is configured to transmit acoustic waves, and the second transducers can include a second piezoelectric material that is configured to receive echoes from the acoustic waves. The ultrasound transducer device can further include an electrical connection layer between the first and second arrays that is electrically coupled to the first and second transducers.

Abstract: A method for imaging a region of interest (ROI) within a body. The method includes applying ultrasound energy to the ROI, receiving ultrasound data for the ROI in response to the applied ultrasound energy, executing a moving window analysis on the received ultrasound data to generate a plurality of windows of information, applying a Renyi entropy signal receiver to each of the generated windows to generate Renyi entropy data, and presenting an image of the ROI based on the Renyi entropy data.

Abstract: A low power ultrasound system for use in sonography applications, including vascular imaging, is disclosed. In one embodiment, the low power ultrasound system comprises a base unit that includes an image processor and a display. An ultrasound probe is operably connected to the base unit. The probe includes a head portion including an array of crystal transducers. A plurality of pulser/receiver modules that cause the transducers to emit ultrasonic transmit pulses are also included in the probe. The pulser/receiver modules are further configured to receive analog signals relating to ultrasonic echo receive pulses detected by the transducers. The probe includes a singular low noise amplifier that amplifies the analog signals, and an analog-to-digital converter that converts the analog signals to a digital signal. A wireless interface is included for enabling the digital signal to be wirelessly transmitted from the probe to the image processor of the base unit.

Abstract: Embodiments for processing a color Doppler mode image in an ultrasound system are disclosed. In one embodiment, the ultrasound system includes: a Doppler signal acquisition unit configured to transmit and receive ultrasound signals to and from a target object to acquire first Doppler signals; and a processing unit configured to form color Doppler mode images including power images and velocity images and a mask for detecting a region of interest by using the color Doppler mode images, the processing unit being further configured to mask the power images and the velocity image by using the mask.