Abstract: A Ping Pong table return system for player to practice alone with personalized settings, the system comprising a Ping Pong table, a net, a returning board disposed along or near a first edge of the Ping Pong table, a L-shaped bracket with a firm arm slidably attached along the side edge of the Ping Pong table, a side support bracket pivotably to adjust the pivot angle between returning board and the top surface plane of Ping Pong table according to user's preference. The second arm of the L-shaped bracket is also functioned as a base support bracket for the returning board. The returning board is made from wood, metal, metal alloy or a combination thereof and optionally coated with a rubber material similar to Ping Pong racket. The system can be set up flexibly according to the user's skill and preference, thus greatly enhance the self-playing fun.

Abstract: A game goal according to the invention, such as a soccer goal, collapses both vertically and laterally. The goal includes joints and brackets which facilitate the collapse of the goal such that the during vertical collapse, the forward uprights of the goal fold below the goal's lower rear support members, enhancing the goals transportability. The goal includes stabilizing arms and corresponding receptacles to stabilize the goal in the collapsed position. The goal also has a resistive element which prevents the goal from collapsing too quickly. The goal further incorporates a rotating joint in a top corner bracket which provides an interference fit with a slot in the top corner bracket and a notch in the upright, thereby providing stability when the goal is in the upright or open position for use. Lateral stability of the goal under the weight of a net is enhanced by angle brackets at the ground level of the goal.

Abstract: The invention therefore provides a basketball hoop and net assembly having (i) a hoop or ring and a wave shaped rail attached thereto which depends downwardly from the hoop or ring so as to form a plurality of valleys thereby to provide apertures between the hoop or ring and each valley; and (ii) a net assembly having a top cord and a multiplicity of upper net loops attached thereto characterized in that the top cord has a multiplicity of inner parts and a plurality of outer parts and each inner part extends through a pair of adjacent primary apertures and each outer part is located outwardly of a secondary aperture wherein each secondary aperture is located proximal to a respective primary aperture and each upper net loop extends around each outer part.

Abstract: A sporting base includes a main base body, a securing seat, and a ground-insertable securing unit. The main base body includes a shock-absorbing core that has a bottom surface formed with an upwardly-extending inserting hole. The securing seat is disposed fittingly and separably into the inserting hole of the main base body, and is configured to be placed stably on the ground. The securing unit is for securing the securing seat to the ground.

Abstract: An improved LED illuminated game ball designed to be used in Bocce or Petanque. The game ball includes a solid, opaque spherical body with a threadingly connected illuminated cap assembly that is axially aligned and partially extends into the spherical body. The illuminated cap assembly includes an outer housing, and intermediate member, and a lower inner housing. Mounted on the intermediate member is a PCB with a multi-functional switch and a longitudinally aligned plunger switch. The intermediate member also includes a downward extend bridle with a downward extending LED bulb. Located inside the bridle is a plurality of stacked watch batteries. The outer housing includes top plate with a transversely aligned slot and a plunger bore through which the plunger switch and the closed neck on a sealing washer disposed under the top plate partially extends after assembly. The end of the plunger switch is recessed and enclosed in a watertight seal.

Abstract: A device for use in archery. The device includes a cap defined via a plate and a skirt depending from the plate. The plate has a hole therethrough. The hole is sized such that a coupling shank is able to pass therethrough. The device further includes a spine depending from the skirt. The device also includes a fin extending from the spine.

Abstract: An apparatus for driving and braking a cutting blade of a lawn mower is disclosed. The apparatus includes a shaft extending through a housing for rotating the blade, and an engine-driven pulley. The apparatus includes means for biasing the pulley toward the housing, and means for translating the pulley away from the housing. The apparatus has a stopped position in which the pulley and housing are in friction contact, and a cutting position in which the pulley and housing are not in friction contact. When the engine delivers power to the pulley, the apparatus moves from the stopped position to the cutting position such that the pulley and the housing are not in friction contact and the blade rotates. When power delivery to the pulley ceases, the apparatus moves from the cutting position to the stopped position, placing the pulley and housing in friction contact, and the blade stops.

Abstract: A device for guiding and supporting the cable for actuating a front derailleur for bicycles. The device provides the cable guide parts with alternative cable routing paths, wherein the cable guide parts are securely connected to the connecting arm. The cable clamping screw for clamping the control cable is housed in a space saving manner in an opening in the cable guide part, wherein a direct transfer of the actuating forces to the connecting arm is possible with small frictional losses.

Abstract: A sprocket assembly for a bicycle includes a sprocket body formed by a plurality of sprocket rings, and a collar mounted in the sprocket body. The sprocket body has a first side provided with a fitting portion and a second side provided with a mounting tube. The collar is received in the fitting portion of the sprocket body. The sprocket rings have different inner diameters so that the sprocket rings are arranged to have a stepped inner periphery, and have different outer diameters so that the sprocket rings are arranged to have a stepped outer periphery. Thus, the collar is separated from the sprocket body and is made independently so that the collar can be worked easily and quickly to fit shafts of different specifications and sizes and to fit the sprocket body of different specifications and sizes.

Abstract: There is provided a seal chain in which sealing performance of a seal mechanism is enhanced so as to be able to deal with a displacement radially of the connecting pins, and to be able to keep a sealing function for a long period of time even if highly fluid lubricant is used. Each seal mechanism comprises an inner circumferential ring fitted and fixed onto the end of the bush an annular seal receiving member disposed on the outer peripheral side of the inner circumferential ring so as to be movable in the radial direction and attached with an annular member enclosing a radial seal on the side of the outer link plate, a bellows seal extending between the inner circumferential ring and the annular seal receiving member and deformable in the radial direction and a seal ring provided on the side of the outer link plate facing to the inner link plate at the position corresponding to the annular radial sealing member concentrically with the pin to abut with the annular sealing member to seal the lubricant.

Abstract: A transmission includes a main gearbox and an electric machine. The main gearbox has a primary shaft, a secondary shaft and gear sets, each having a driving gearwheel carried by a respective primary shaft and a driven gearwheel carried by a respective secondary shaft. A first gearwheel and a second gearwheel meshing with each other are idly mounted on the primary shaft and on the secondary shaft, respectively, and are selectively connectable for rotation with the respective shaft by a first coupling device and of a second coupling device, respectively. The electric machine is releasably connected to the first gearwheel or to the second gearwheel, such that with the first coupling device in an engaged position the electric machine is able to transmit torque to the primary shaft on which the first gearwheel is mounted, while with the second coupling device in an engaged position, the electric machine is able to transmit torque to the secondary shaft on which the second gearwheel is mounted.

Abstract: A superimposed transmission for driving a rotational speed-variable work machine having the following design: an input shaft (2) is connected to an intermediate shaft (3); a pump wheel (5) of a hydrodynamic converter (6) rotates with the intermediate shaft (3); a turbine wheel (7) of the hydrodynamic converter (6) rotates with a superposition means; the intermediate shaft (3) and the transmission means are connected to an output shaft (14) by means of a differential gear (4); and the transmission means is designed as at least one coupling shaft (10), which connection the turbine wheel (7) of the hydrodynamic converter (6) to the differential gear (4). The at least one coupling shaft (10) runs parallel to the intermediate shaft (3). An additional hydrodynamic converter (15) can be present and/or the coupling shaft (10) can be connected in an engageable manner directly to the input shaft (2) by means of an additional transmission (18) for starting the transmission.

Abstract: A transmission utilizing a translating gear and links to provide a high speed ratio in a small, efficient package. A gear set has an input and an output, with a speed ratio between the input and the output. The gear set has one gear that rotates and that provides a circular path for another gear. The rotational gear is attached to the input or the output. The other gear is engaged with the rotational gear and translations on a circular path. The second gear is connected with linkages to the other of the input or the output which resembles a crankshaft.

Abstract: A speed reducer includes a rotation member including internal main rollers; a rear carrier including a central through hole and eccentric stepped-diameter holes; a front carrier including a central through hole and recesses; a front wheel including a first through hole, second through holes, and front rollers on an edge to be in contact with the main rollers; a rear wheel including a third through hole, fourth through holes, and rear rollers on an edge to be in contact with the main rollers; coupling members for holding the front carrier, the front wheel, the rear wheel, and the rear carrier together; outer gear assemblies each rotatably disposed in the eccentric stepped-diameter hole, the fourth through hole, the second through hole, and the recess; and a central gear unit being in gear mesh with the outer gear assemblies.

Abstract: Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable transmissions (CVT). In one embodiment, a control system is adapted to facilitate a change in the ratio of a CVT. In another embodiment, a control system includes a stator plate configured to have a plurality of radially offset slots. Various inventive traction planet assemblies and stator plates can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of a CVT. In some embodiments, the traction planet assemblies include planet axles configured to cooperate with the stator plate. In one embodiment, the stator plate is configured to rotate and apply a skew condition to each of the planet axles. In some embodiments, a stator driver is operably coupled to the stator plate. Embodiments of a traction sun are adapted to cooperate with other components of the CVT to support operation and/or functionality of the CVT. Among other things, shift control interfaces for a CVT are disclosed.

Abstract: An axle assembly with an input member, a first planetary gear set, a differential assembly, and a second planetary gear set. The first planetary gear set has a first transmission input that is driven by the input member. The differential assembly has a differential carrier and first and second differential output members received in the differential carrier. The second planetary gear set has a planet carrier coupled to the differential carrier for common rotation. A sun gear of the first planetary gear set is non-rotatably coupled to a sun gear of the second planetary gear set.

Abstract: An infinitely variable transmission device (4) for a vehicle drivetrain (1) which includes a variator (8) and a gearshift transmission device (9), which produce gear ratios in a plurality of ratio ranges with continuous variation. The device has a planetary transmission device (7) in active connection with a transmission input (12), in an area of a first shaft (11), with the gearshift transmission device (9), in an area of a second shaft (14), and with the variator (8), in an area of a third shaft (16). The torque to be transmitted by the transmission device (4) passes, via at least two power paths, between the transmission input (12) and a transmission output (10). The variator (8) is arranged in one of the two power paths and the gearshift transmission device (9) is arranged between the variator (8) and the transmission output (10).

Abstract: A multi-step transmission having a housing which accommodates eight shafts and four planetary gear sets, and at least six shift elements including brakes and clutches which are engaged to implement different ratios between a drive shaft and output shaft. The carrier of gearset (4) is connected to shaft (14) which is connectable, via brake (8), to the housing and, via clutch (11), to shaft (15) which is coupled to the ring gear of gearset (6). The shaft (16) connects the ring gear of gearset (5) to the sun gear of gearset (6) and is couplable, via a clutch (12), to the output shaft. The shaft (17) is connected to the ring gear of gearset (4) and the drive shaft is connectable, via clutch (13), to shaft (14) and is coupled to the carrier of gearset (5).

Abstract: A transmission is provided 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: The invention concerns an automatic transmission of planetary structure, comprising a drive input shaft (AN), a drive output shaft (AB), first, second, third and fourth planetary gear sets (RS1, RS2, RS3, RS4) and six shifting element (A, B, C, D, E, F). By the selective engagement of three of a total of six shifting elements (A to F), ten forward gears and up to two reverse gears can be engaged without range shifts.

Abstract: A transmission comprising four gear sets (P1, P2, P3, P4), eight shafts and six shift elements. The drive shaft is connected with sun gear of set (P1) and carrier of set (P4). Carrier of set (P1) is connected to shaft (3) which is connectable to a housing, via a first brake, and connectable to shaft (5), via clutch (35). Shaft (5) interconnects the ring gear of set (P2) with the sun gears of sets (P3, P4). Shaft (6) interconnects ring gear of set (P1) with carrier of set (P2). Shaft (4) couples sun gear of set (P2) to the housing, via a brake. Ring gear of set (P3) is connected to the housing. The output shaft is connectable, via clutch (27), with shaft (7) which is connected to ring gear of set (P4) and, via clutch (28), with shaft (8) which is connected to carrier of set (P3).

Abstract: An automated manual transmission which improves merchantability of a vehicle by preventing a shift feeling deterioration phenomenon and forming a smooth and stable shift feeling by removing a torque decrease phenomenon caused during a shift by dualizing a transmission path of power supplied to drive the vehicle during the shift through a relatively simple and compact configuration while using a synchro-mesh type shift mechanism.

Abstract: A brake assembly for a mobile machine is disclosed. The brake assembly may have a stationary spindle, and a main brake housing annularly connected at a first axial end to the stationary spindle and at least partially forming a first control chamber. The brake assembly may also have a park brake housing annularly connected to a second axial end of the main brake housing and at least partially forming a second control chamber, and at least one piloting feature disposed between an inner annular surface of the park brake housing and an outer annular surface of the stationary spindle.

Abstract: A transmission device for an automotive vehicle, which device includes a first spur gear transmission section, a second spur gear transmission section and a plurality of double planet pins. The double planet pins extend from a first side section to a second side section. Each of the double planet pins carries one first planet of the first set of planets and one second planet of the second set of planets. A plurality of supporting pins are also provided, each of the supporting pins carrying one third planet of the third set of planets. The supporting pins extend from the first side section to the second side section.

Abstract: The various embodiments disclosed and pictured herein are directed to an epicyclic joint with at least one axis of rotation. The epicyclic joint includes rotational members mounted to frame members in such a manner that rotational energy may be transposed along multiple axes of rotation without the need for the frame members to rotate. Epicyclic gear sets and compensation gears and shafts are employed to mitigate vibration, stress, and perturbation of the rotating members when the orientation of the epicyclic joint is varied along any of the axes of rotation. Planetary gear sets or differential gear sets may be used with the epicyclic joint, as may spur gears and miter gears.

Abstract: A gear shifting method of a hybrid vehicle may include releasing a clutch and brake of a transmission and determining a neutral condition status, controlling torque of an engine connected to one operational element of a first planetary gear set in a neutral condition, and controlling speed of a first motor/generator connected to the other operational element of the first planetary gear set. Accordingly, a speed of the first and second motor/generator are controlled and a torque of the engine is controlled in a neutral or parking state of a shift lever such that a mode change becomes easy and the torque of the engine is continuously controlled to improve a shift quality and a driving performance and to save fuel, while the neutral or parking state is changed to a drive or reverse state or the drive or reverse state is changed to the neutral or parking state.

Abstract: A control device for controlling a vehicle drive device includes a rotary electric machine in a transmission path connecting a combustion engine with wheels; a first friction engagement device between the combustion engine and the rotary machine; and a second friction engagement device between the rotary machine and wheels. The control device shifts the first and second engagement devices from a state in which the first engagement device is disengaged and the second engagement device is in direct engagement so that force is transmitted between the rotary machine and wheels, to a state in which force is transmitted at least between the combustion engine and wheels, by shifting the second engagement device from direct engagement to a slip state and thereafter shifting the first engagement device from disengaged to engaged. After the state is changed, the control device shifts the second engagement device from slip engagement to direct engagement.

Abstract: A first slip travel mode is traveling or starting in a state where a first clutch is fully connected and a third clutch is fully disconnected while a second clutch is slipped. A second slip travel mode is traveling or starting in a state where the first clutch is fully connected and the second clutch is fully disconnected while the third clutch is slipped. An overheat avoidance mode is traveling or starting in a state where the first clutch is fully disconnected and the second clutch is fully connected while the third clutch is slipped. When the second clutch is in a high-temperature state under the first slip travel mode or the third clutch is in a high-temperature state under the second slip travel mode, the slip travel mode is switched into the overheat avoidance mode. This reduces a heat value of the second clutch or third clutch.

Abstract: A method of operating a drive-train of a motor vehicle which comprises a hybrid drive with a combustion engine and an electric machine, a clutch connected between the combustion engine and the electric machine, a transmission connected between the electric machine and a drive output, and either a primary retarder connected between the electric machine and the transmission or a secondary retarder connected between the transmission and the drive output. In order to warm up hydraulic oil, when the clutch between the combustion engine and the electric machine is disengaged and a transmission gear is engaged, a braking torque is produced by either the primary or secondary retarder, in the drive-train, and the electric machine is operated in a torque-controlled manner such that it delivers a torque equal to the sum of a target torque determined in accordance with the driver's wish and the braking torque produced by either the primary or secondary retarder.

Abstract: A drivetrain of a motor vehicle, with a hybrid drive, comprising an internal combustion engine and an electric machine and a semi-automatic group transmission. The semi-automatic group transmission comprises at least a main transmission and a downstream group in drive connection downstream with the main transmission. An input shaft of the semi-automatic group transmission is connected, via a controllable starting clutch, to the internal combustion engine of the hybrid drive and an output shaft of the semi-automatic group transmission is connected to an axle drive. Depending on the shift position of at least one shifting element, the electric machine can be coupled to the force flow or the torque flow of the drivetrain between the main transmission and the downstream group of countershaft design and/or between the downstream group of a countershaft design and the axle drive.

Abstract: A powertrain/driveline warm-up system includes a vehicle controller, an electrical power source interfacing with the vehicle controller, at least one heater interfacing with the vehicle controller and at least a portion of a vehicle powertrain provided in thermal contact with the at least one heater.

Abstract: A method of operating an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle. The automatic transmission, when the motor vehicle is driven with an actuated accelerator and an engaged starting clutch, and then coasts with the accelerator not actuated and the starting clutch engaged, during coasting with the engaged starting clutch the transmission remaining in the gear in which it was previously driven with the gas pedal actuated. When the transmission input speed of the automatic transmission drops below a limit value, during coasting, the starting clutch is disengaged. During coasting with a disengaged starting clutch in the automatic transmission, a gear is shifted that matches the current speed of the motor vehicle so that, when the starting clutch is subsequently engaged, a gear is available that matches the speed of the motor vehicle prevailing at the time the starting clutch is subsequently engaged.

Abstract: An exercise guidance system displays either a workout option or different exercise options based on a person's exercise objectives. In one embodiment, the displayed option or options is additionally based at least partially upon a metabolic equivalent. In another embodiment, the displayed option or options is additionally based at least partially upon the time current available time for the workout.

Abstract: A respiratory muscle endurance training device (RMET) includes a chamber and a patient interface. In one implementation, one or both of a CO2 sensor or a temperature sensor can be coupled to the chamber or patient interface to provide the user or caregiver with indicia about the CO2 level in, or the temperature of, the chamber or patient interface, and/or the duration of use of the device. In another implementation, the RMET may have a fixed volume portion adjustable to contain a measured portion of a specific patient's inspiratory volume capacity. Methods of using the device are also provided.

Abstract: This invention discloses an elliptical exercise apparatus that is characterized in having left and right tracks disposed in a guider frame which is pivotally coupled to a rear portion of the elliptical exercise apparatus. When a user uses the elliptical exercise apparatus, the guider frame is at a use position. When the user folds the elliptical exercise apparatus, the guider frame is at a storage position. A user can complete folding procedure merely by operating the guider frame without lifting some heavy components of the elliptical exercise apparatus.

Abstract: A method and/or a device may limit a distance traveled by a treadle assembly in an exercise device. For example, the distance traveled by the treadle assembly may be limited by limiting a distance that a resistance element operably coupled to the treadle assembly may travel. An exercise apparatus may include a travel-limiting device or capability.

Abstract: An exercise device includes first and second coupling systems at each comprise a flexible element. In one implementation, the exercise device further comprises a step height adjustment mechanism. The flexible element of the first and second coupling systems couples at least one crank to a right foot support and a left foot support. The step height adjustment mechanism allows a person to adjust a step height of a path through which the left and right foot supports move.

Abstract: A portable punching bag apparatus including a support plate sized in width to fit, when horizontally oriented, within a doorway. A punching bag is supported from a central area of the lower surface of the support plate. A doorway contact bar is also connected to the support plate and extends beyond the side margins and the sides of the doorway. A door molding engaging bar is connected to the support plate parallel to the contact bar and positioned above the support plate such that the apparatus is supported on the top molding when the engaging bar is resting atop an upper edge of the top molding. A clamp support connected to the support plate supports an elongated clamp rod for tightening a distal end thereof against the wall above a top of the doorway whereby the apparatus is removably securable for use beneath the top of the doorway.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus including a frame, a carriage, a central pulley, first and second frame pulleys, a pull cord, and a locking mechanism. The frame defines a longitudinal axis. The carriage is mounted on the frame and movable along the longitudinal axis. The central pulley is attached to the carriage. The first and second frame pulleys are attached to the frame. The pull cord has first and second handle portions. The pull cord is looped about the pulleys. The central pulley is between the first and second frame pulleys along the pull cord. The first frame pulley is between the first handle portion and the central pulley along the pull cord. The second frame pulley is between the second handle portion and the central pulley along the pull cord. The locking mechanism is configured to engage the central pulley.

Abstract: A change of direction machine provides training for various muscles and body structures of a user. In one embodiment, the machine provides focused training for the muscles and body structures associated with making changes in the body's direction. The machine may comprise a pivoting arm assembly supported by a structure. The arm assembly may be configured to provide a resistance such that when a user engages the arm assembly a downward resistance may be applied to the user. The user may engage the arm assembly with his or her upper body and perform training or exercises involving lifting and lowering the user's body, moving laterally, or both. The machine may have various adjustable components to fit a user and to provide the desired resistance to the user.

Abstract: A stretching machine includes a machine rack, a foot stool, a hand stool, and a lying board installed in a middle part of the machine rack. The foot stool and the hand stool are respectively installed at two ends of the machine rack. The main body of the machine rack is formed by a multisection longitudinal stretch sleeve, and a longitudinal stretch regulation mechanism is provided to retractably regulate the multisection longitudinal stretch sleeve in the longitudinal direction. By the rotation of a pull hand and the engagement of a strip gear and a round gear wheel in the longitudinal stretch regulation mechanism to extend the second sleeve relative to the first sleeve, the user on the lying board can be extended to attain the stretching of the cervical vertebra thereof.

Abstract: A method of placing a bottom block includes: placing bottom blocks on a block storage area in which a spindle can hold the bottom blocks; attaching a block-transferring tool to the spindle, the block-transferring tool having a main shaft attachment attached to the spindle and a block holder for holding the bottom block; and holding the bottom blocks by the block holder of the block-transferring tool and placing the held bottom blocks on a predetermined workpiece placing position on an upper surface of a table by relative movement.

Abstract: Roller for treating a paper web, particularly apt to be used within an embossing or a calendering unit, including a central fixed shaft (10) linked to a fixed frame (11) on both its ends, on the shaft (10) more low-friction elements (12) being mounted, on the low-friction elements a tubular skirt (2) being mounted coaxially with the shaft (10), the skirt (2) being free to rotate about the longitudinal axis (x-x) of the shaft (10) and being subject to vibrations during the rotation. The roller including structure for dampening vibrations, the dampening structure being provided and acting between the skirt (2) and the shaft (10).

Abstract: A deflection roller for guiding a nonwoven web is described, which deflection roller comprises a guide jacket, which is mounted so as to be rotatable and on the circumferential surface of which the nonwoven web can be guided so as to be in contact therewith. In order to achieve a smooth-running and low-inertia guide jacket, the jacket material is formed by a carbon fiber-reinforced plastic. For preventing any interaction between the nonwoven web to be guided and the guide jacket, the circumferential surface is formed, as suggested by the invention, by a wear-resistant layer that is applied to the jacket material and that has an electrical conductivity.

Abstract: An apparatus for obtaining containers from a sheet material includes an operating unit for processing the sheet material. The operating unit includes an upper operating part for interacting with an upper surface of the sheet material and a lower operating part for interacting with a lower surface of the sheet material. The apparatus further includes a sterilizing arrangement for sterilizing a space adjacent to the upper operating part and to the lower operating part, so as to create a substantially aseptic environment above and below the sheet material.

Abstract: A folding score having a pair of laterally spaced, parallel scoring grooves which are individually asymmetrical. This invention also relates to a method and apparatus for forming the folding score.

Abstract: The water aeration capsules provide a quick and highly portable system for aerating polluted water. The capsules contain bubbles of air, oxygen, and/or other gas(es) surrounded by a water soluble membrane. The capsules are ballasted to sink. Magnetically attractive ballast elements may be provided, and a magnetic sheet may be placed on the bottom of a smaller body of water to enhance the settling of the capsules. The gas burial disposal capsules may be formed of non-degradable material for substantially permanent gas storage, or of degradable material to allow the gases to slowly permeate the surrounding earth for slow and relatively harmless release. The gas may be pressurized within the capsules to approximately the pressure of the surrounding earth.

Abstract: A system and method for planning a necrosis-inducing therapy and subsequent administration of a necrosis-targeting agent are described. The system takes into account the effect of necrosis-induction therapy as a basis for the biodistribution estimate of the necrosis-targeting agent. This interaction between the different calculation steps is essential for an accurate planning result. A computer-readable medium and use are also provided.

Abstract: A treatment planner (102) generates fluence maps (140) indicative of a desired fluence distribution at various locations (304, 312) along a treatment arc (302). A converter (142) converts the fluence distributions (140) to treatment device settings (144). The settings (144) may include multiple segments. A segment distributor (146) distributes the settings to locations in the vicinity of their original positions.

Abstract: Counterpulsation methods and systems for assisting the heart of a patient involve, for example, coordinating the operation of a pulsatile pump to suction blood from an artery through a blood flow conduit while the heart is in systole and expel the blood into the blood flow conduit and the artery while the heart is in diastole.