Abstract: A tensioner comprising a sleeve, an adjuster cooperatively engaged with an inner surface of the sleeve, a pivot arm pivotally engaged with the sleeve, a pulley journalled to the pivot arm, a torsion spring engaged with the sleeve for urging the pivot arm, an elastomeric damping ring connected to the arm and in compressive frictional contact between the sleeve and the arm whereby a tangential friction force damps a pivot arm movement, the elastomeric damping ring exerting a radial force on the sleeve, and a retaining member connected to the adjuster and cooperatively engaged with the sleeve whereby the adjuster and sleeve are kept in a predetermined relation.

Abstract: An inner link plate is provided for a chain. The inner link plate has a longitudinal centerline, an inside surface arranged to face another inner link plate when the chain is assembled, an outside surface opposite to the inside surface, and an outer peripheral edge disposed between the inside and outside surfaces. The bicycle inner link plate basically has a first end portion, a second end portion and a connecting portion. The first and second end portions are each provided with a connecting opening. The connecting portion includes a recess disposed on the inside surface of the connecting portion. The recess has a maximum longitudinal width on the outer peripheral edge, and a minimum longitudinal width in a region adjacent the longitudinal centerline. The recess at least extends from the outer peripheral edge to the longitudinal centerline.

Abstract: A dual-mode electro-mechanical variable speed transmission includes an input shaft, an output shaft system, a gear system having at least three branches, two electric machines, and at least a clutch. The first electric machine couples to a branch of the gear system, the output shaft system couples to another branch of the gear system, the input shaft couples to the remaining branch or one of the remaining branches of the gear system, and the second electric machine selectively couples either to the same branch that is coupled to the output shaft system with a speed ratio or to one of the remaining branches that that is not coupled to the first electric machine with a different speed ratio. The transmission provides at least two power splitting modes to cover different speed ratio regimes. The transmission can also provide at least a fixed output shaft to input shaft speed ratio.

Abstract: A method of operating at least one form-locking shifting element of an automatic transmission integrated in a drivetrain which comprises an oil pump that can be driven mechanically by an internal combustion engine and an auxiliary oil pump that can be electrically driven, before start-up of the internal combustion engine. The method including the steps of recognizing the start-up of the combustion engine and, when a start-up of the combustion engine is recognized, controlling the electrically driven auxiliary oil pump and the at least one form-locking shifting element such that, directly after the generation of a defined rotational speed difference of the at least one form-locking shifting element by the internal combustion engine, the at least one form-locking shifting element is engaged.

Abstract: When a bearing includes outer and inner rings and the outer ring is fitted to the inner periphery of an input member, which defines a center hole, with a clearance and the inner ring is fitted to an eccentric portion with a clearance, a size between a second axis and a third axis is set to a size that is smaller than or equal to half of a size obtained by adding a diameter difference between an outside diameter of the bearing and an inside diameter of the input member, which defines the center hole, a diameter difference between an inside diameter of the bearing and an outside diameter of the eccentric portion and an operating clearance of the bearing in a state where the input member has been moved to contact the housing on a line perpendicular to the second axis and a fourth axis.

Abstract: A differential with torque vectoring comprises a differential, two gear mechanisms, and two clutches. The engagement of one of the clutches and the corresponding gear mechanism provides a yaw movement in one direction or in the opposition direction. The engagement of both clutches and the corresponding gear mechanisms provides differential lock. The differential with torque vectoring can also functions as conventional open differential.

Abstract: A vehicle transmission includes an input member, an output member, a plurality of gear sets, first and second clutches, first and second actuators, and first and second bearings. The plurality of gear sets is disposed between the input member and the output member. The first and second clutches are selectively engaged to rotationally couple first and second pairs of the plurality of gear sets. The first and second actuators each have a stationary cylinder bore and a piston disposed in the stationary cylinder bore, where the pistons are substantially rotationally stationary. The first bearing is disposed between the first clutch and the nonrotating piston of the first actuator and the second bearing is disposed between the second clutch and the nonrotating piston of the second actuator.

Abstract: A transmission has an input member, an output member, at least four 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 actuatable in combinations of two to establish a plurality of forward gear ratios and one reverse gear ratio.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a power train for a hybrid vehicle can achieve three or more fixed gear ratio modes where a vehicle is driven at a fixed gear ratio, such as shift stages of common transmission, only by the driving force of an engine without driving a motor generator, as well as an electric vehicle mode, which is the basic drive modes of a hybrid vehicle, and two or more power division modes including an input division mode and a composite mode, thereby driving the vehicle with high efficiency in accordance with traveling conditions of the vehicle and improving fuel efficiency.

Abstract: A gearbox assembly comprising of at least one planetary gear set comprising one or more ring gears, one or more sun gears and a planet carrier. The planet carrier supports two sets of circumferentially spaced planet gear bearings, pins and planet gears. The bearings, pins and gears are able to self adjust in an angular direction relative to the carrier supporting disc whereby the rotation axis of the planet gears may remain perpendicular to the plane of the planet carrier or skewed from said plane.

Abstract: A power split gearbox (1) has: a driveshaft (10), a plurality of identically shaped first planet shafts (20) rotatably arranged mounted around the driveshaft, wherein a first planet toothing and a second planet toothing are provided on the first planet shafts, wherein the first planet toothings are in mesh with the teeth of the drive toothing, a plurality of identically shaped second planet shafts (30) which are each arranged so as to be rotatably mounted on the radially outer side around the first planet shafts, wherein the second planet shafts have in each instance a third planet toothing and, a fourth planet toothing, and wherein two of the third planet toothings are in mesh with the teeth of one of the second planet toothings, and a central wheel (40) in mesh with the teeth of the fourth planet toothings.

Abstract: The invention concerns an arrangement for controlling a vehicle drivetrain having an engine provided with a speed governor and a continuously variable transmission (“CVT”) incorporating a variator which is constructed and arranged to regulate its reaction torque. The control system comprises a control part (504) movable by the driver to provide a driver input, an open loop subsystem (511) for operatively coupling the control part to the governor (520) to control no-load speed of the governor in dependence on the driver input, a closed loop subsystem comprising a comparator (502) which receives a first control signal deprived from the driver input and corresponding to a target engine speed, and a second control signal corresponding to engine speed, and which adjusts variator reaction torque in dependence upon a comparison of the first and second control signals causing the transmission to load the engine suitably to achieve the target engine speed.

Abstract: A tractor has an engine which drives the tractor via a transmission whose operative ratio is controlled electronically. The tractor also has an auxiliary hydraulic fluid supply system with an engine driven hydraulic pump which provides pressurized fluid to one or more auxiliary outlets on the tractor. A driver operated control means is provided for selecting the oil flow rate to be delivered to the outlets, and a control system adjusts the speed of the engine to the minimum required to provide the selected oil flow rate and changes the operative ratio of the tractor transmission so that the speed of the tractor remains substantially unchanged despite any change in engine speed required to deliver the selected oil flow rate. The transmission may be a CVT or powershift transmission.

Abstract: A ratio shift control system for an automatic transmission calculates the magnitude of a difference in temperature between a detected engine coolant temperature and a detected outside air temperature, which are detected by coolant and outside air temperature sensors, respectively, during one engine start of an internal combustion engine. Ratio shift in the automatic transmission is controlled based on the detected outside air temperature during the one engine start when the magnitude of the difference in temperature is equal to or less than a predetermined cold engine evaluation threshold.

Abstract: A system for pressurizing transmission control elements includes an accumulator for containing pressurized fluid, first and second check valves, a booster valve supplied with accumulator pressure, and an actuator that causes the booster valve to open a fluidic connection between the accumulator and the control elements through the check valves in response to an engine restart signal.

Abstract: It is provided a control device of a vehicle power transmission device including a transmission capable of fixing a rotating member with either of engagement of a one-way clutch or engagement of an engagement device, the transmission having a predetermined shift stage formed on condition that at least the rotating member is fixed, if an input torque to the transmission is changed after the engagement of the engagement device, a torque capacity of the engagement device being temporarily reduced without changing the predetermined shift stage, and if a request for applying a driven torque is made during reduction of the torque capacity of the engagement device, the temporarily reduced torque capacity of the engagement device being recovered, and the driven torque being increased depending on a recovery status of the torque capacity.

Abstract: A vehicular shift control apparatus for a vehicle provided with a parking lock device selectively switched to a locking position in which rotation of wheels of the vehicle is prevented and a non-locking position in which the rotation of the wheels is not prevented, by an operation of an electrically operated actuator, the vehicular shift control apparatus being configured to perform a failure diagnosis to determine whether the actuator is operable or not, the vehicular shift control apparatus includes: the vehicular shift control apparatus permits the operation of the actuator if a supply voltage to the actuator is raised from a value lower than a predetermined threshold supply voltage value to a value not lower than the threshold supply voltage value after a determination that the actuator is inoperable is obtained in the failure diagnosis.

Abstract: A biometric monitoring device with a display is provided. The biometric monitoring device may track the completion progress towards one or more biometric performance goals and provide a goal celebration indicator upon completion of a biometric performance goal and subsequent receipt of an input signal. In some implementations, the completion of a biometric performance goal may be signaled prior to receipt of the input signal using a secondary indicator.

Abstract: A trampoline has a bed. The bed is made of a sheet of fabric having an exterior periphery. A frame includes legs supporting the frame from the ground. A plurality of springs attach the bed to the frame. A light sound module is suspended under the bed. The light sound module includes a light emitting element mounted on a rotation rod. The rotation rod is mounted on a rotation axis, and the rotation rod is driven to rotate by a motor. A plurality of elastic cords has a length, namely a first elastic cord, a second elastic cord, and a third elastic cord.

Abstract: Stationary exercise machines having adjustable incline systems are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, for example, an elliptical exercise machine includes a system for adjusting the inclination of foot support guide tracks. The incline adjustment system can include a lift member that operates between the guide tracks and the floor on which the exercise machine is placed.

Abstract: An exercise device includes a first treadle assembly supporting a first moving surface and a second treadle assembly supporting a second moving surface. The exercise device further includes an upper body exercise assembly operably associated with the exercise device. The first treadle assembly is pivotally coupled with the frame structure, and the second treadle assembly is pivotally coupled with the frame structure. In another form, an exercise device includes a frame structure, a first treadle assembly having a first endless belt in rotatable engagement with a first roller, a second treadle assembly having a second endless belt in rotatable engagement with a second roller, and a flywheel operably coupled with the first endless belt and the second endless belt.

Abstract: An exercise device employing side-by-side pivotally supported moving surfaces. In one particular example, an exercise device employs a first belt deployed about a front roller and a rear roller and an adjacent second belt deployed about a front roller and a rear roller. The rear of the belts in the area of the rear rollers are pivotally secured and the front of the belts in the area of the front roller are adapted to reciprocate in an up and down motion during use. In some implementations, the moving surfaces include an interconnection structure such that a generally downward movement of one surface is coordinated with a generally upward movement of the other surface. In other implementations, the moving surfaces are operably associated with one or more resistance elements that effect the amount of force required to pivot or actuate the moving surfaces.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a walking surface including a particulate material to a user is described. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a primary endless belt that transports a walking surface formed at least in part by a particulate material. The apparatus may further include a return transport system to facilitate recycling of the particulate material to the front of the apparatus. Methods of exercise and methods of treatment using such an apparatus are also described.

Abstract: A treadmill includes a tread assembly, a supporting frame, a control unit and a tread utility assembly. The supporting frame has a lower end portion connected to a front end portion of the tread assembly, and an upper end portion extended from the lower end portion at a predetermined evaluation. The control unit is mounted at the upper end portion of the supporting frame for controlling an operation of the tread assembly. The tread utility assembly includes a utility member frontwardly and movably extended from the control unit to form a utility platform which has a predetermined angle of inclination with respect to the control unit, wherein a user is allowed to simultaneously operate the control unit and run on the tread assembly, and accomplish a predetermined task on the utility platform in a convenient and safe manner.

Abstract: A liftable and foldable treadmill includes a base frame provided with two sliding tracks, a running platform provided at the top side of the base frame, two sliding devices arranged at the front side of the running platform, a lift frame having a front coupling portion pivotally connected to the running platform, a folding frame having a rear coupling portion pivotally connected to the base frame, and a linear brake arranged at the running platform. When folding the running platform, the two sliding tracks are respectively inserted into an upward opening in each of the sliding tracks and moved backwards along the sliding tracks. The linear brake includes an output bar extending downwards and pivotally connected to the lift frame for enabling the front side of the running platform to be lifted. Thus, the lifting and folding mechanisms of the treadmill commonly have a simple structure.

Abstract: A low back exercise machine has a pivotally mounted user support frame carrying a user seat and a foot rest assembly, an exercise arm carrying a back pad pivotally mounted relative to the user support frame, and a connecting linkage which translates movement of the exercise arm into rotation of the user support frame about its pivot axis, whereby the user support including the foot rests moves from an upright into a rearwardly reclined orientation as the user pushes the back pad rearward and downward to lean backwards so as to exercise the lower back muscles.

Abstract: An exercise arm apparatus and method of use. The exercise arm comprises at least one finger, a spindle attached to the finger, and weights sized to reside on the spindle. One end of the exercise arm is rotatably attached at a pivot point to a frame or to a vertical surface; a belt is attached to an opposite end of the exercise arm by means of a belt line. Where the exercise arm is rotatably attached to a frame, dip bars and chin bars are disclosed wherein an exerciser may perform dips and chins. Upward motion by an exerciser wearing the belt is impeded by spindle weights, a belt elastic attached at one end to the belt and at an opposite end to the exercise arm, and/or an elastic member attached at one end to the frame and at an opposite end to the exercise arm.

Abstract: A resistance apparatus includes a track adapted to be secured in a vertical position on a support. A vertical slide is mounted and slideable and has on the track a spring loaded plunger near a first end thereof. A hook is mounted on the slide and has a pair of spaced apart legs, with upper and lower end portions, with the lower end portions of the legs connected by an upwardly extending U-shape portion. The upper end portion of the second leg has a downwardly extending curved portion which is laterally spaced from the upper end portion of the first leg to form therewith an entrance opening into the interior of the hook. A resistance band has an intermediate portion which is received in the interior of the hook through the entrance opening to permit a person to grasp the ends of the resistance band and to perform various resistance exercises.

Abstract: The present invention is core exercise device that allows lateral movement during a core exercise such as a sit-up, leg lift, or crunch in order to activate, exercise, and strengthen core muscles.

Abstract: Board devices, apparatus, systems and methods for practicing exercises such as yoga and stand up paddling with an elongated planar type board having two half sections joined by a flush mounted hinge, with plural convex curved rocker members mounted underneath the board. A pair of the curved rocker members can abut each other under the hinge to lock the board in an extended position.

Abstract: A die assembly for producing paperboard pressware includes an obliquely angled, continuous ring, and/or annular stop member between an inner die member and an outer die ring. Increased surface area of contact between stop components provides greater wear resistance, and the angled contact face maintains alignment of the die components.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotor chamber for a centrifuge, in particular an air-cooled laboratory centrifuge, having a chamber wall, comprising an inner side facing toward the chamber interior, the chamber interior being implemented to receive a centrifuge rotor, and an outer side facing away from the chamber interior, and having a sound barrier which is implemented to reduce the sound emitted from the rotor chamber, which comprises a multilayer damping lining. The first layer comprises a material having essentially sound-absorbing properties relative to the second laver, and the second layer comprises a material having essentially sound-reflecting properties relative to the first layer. The present invention also relates to a centrifuge having such a rotor chamber, and methods for reducing the sound emanating from the rotor chamber of a centrifuge, in particular an air-cooled laboratory centrifuge.

Abstract: A centrifuge includes a drum having a vertical rotational axis, a single or double conical inner jacket, an inlet pipe, a distributor into which the inlet pipe opens, the distributor having at least two distributor channels distributed about a circumference of the distributor, and a disk package including separator disks. Further included are tubular elements distributed on an outside circumference of the disk package, the tubular elements being fastened externally to the separator disk package.

Abstract: A remotely controlled surgical device control portion comprises a user moveable bi-directional trigger, a finger loop disposed within the trigger, and a flange coupled to the finger loop. The trigger is configured for receiving a motion input in opposing first and second directions. The motion input is for controlling an articulation motion of an articulating surgical instrument. The finger loop is configured for receiving the motion input in the form of a user squeezing the trigger in the first direction with at least one finger or pushing the trigger in the second direction with said at least one finger. The flange is configured for receiving the motion input in the form of pushing the trigger in the second direction with a thumb.

Abstract: The system and methods of the invention partially shields the radiation dose to the skin and/or other anatomical organs by using magnetically responsive material that blocks radiation, which may be fine grains of iron or other ferrous powder for example. The powder is typically injected into an IB applicator, along with inflating saline solution in case of MSB, when a skin spacing problem is encountered, or there is a risk of high doses being delivered to the critical organs surrounding a lumpectomy cavity, for example. A slight magnetic field of predetermined configuration will be applied externally to arrange the shielding material internally under the segment of surface of the IB applicator where the skin spacing is typically less then 7 mm, thereby protecting the skin from radiation damage. Monte Carlo studies to develop parameterizations for treatment planning with the IB applicator utilizing the suggested shielding material is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a kit for delivering catheter brachytherapy to a subject comprising a medical balloon catheter (1) having a proximal (2) and distal (3) end, comprising a elongated catheter tube (5) with an inflation lumen (21) extending therewithin and at least one inflatable balloon (4, 4?) towards the distal end (3) in fluid communication with the catheter tube (5) inflation lumen (21), the catheter tube (5) configured to unfold from a kinked condition permitting the inflation lumen (21) to slidably receive a removable inner tube (6), the inflation lumen (21) configured to carry inflation fluid to the least one inflatable balloon (4, 4?) in the presence of the removable inner tube (6); and a removable inner tube (6) having an elongated body, an open (9) proximal end (7), a closed (10) distal end (8), and a source wire lumen (22) extending therewithin, wherein the removable inner tube (6) is configured for insertion into and removal from at least part of the length of the inflation lumen (21),

Abstract: An apparatus for filling a medical instrument with a radioactive substance, said apparatus including a housing designed to receive a syringe and at least part of a medical instrument and to shield against radioactive radiation, further including a means to take up a receptacle for a radioactive substance.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus that regulates thermodynamic energy-flow within a human body for producing beneficial effects such as, for example, improvement in strength, improvement in stamina, pain relief, etc. According to one embodiment, the invention provides a wearable apparatus that may include biomolecular components for building-up of a thermomagnetic energy within the human body. According to another embodiment, the invention provides a wearable apparatus that may include biomolecular components for dilution of a thermomagnetic energy within the human body. According to yet another embodiment, the invention provides a wearable apparatus that may include biomolecular components having orthomolecular and/or non-orthomolecular organic materials which are capable of thermomagnetic levororotary action and/or thermomagnetic dextrorotatory action.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of treatment to improve at least one of concentration, memory, cognitive performance, and stress-relief in a subject in need thereof by controlled administration of synchronized flashes of light and pulsed tones.

Abstract: An anal incontinence treatment apparatus comprises an adjustable restriction device implanted in a patient, who suffers from anal incontinence. The device engages a portion of the colon or rectum of the patient to restrict the fecal passageway. An adjustment device mechanically adjusts the restriction on device to restrict or release the fecal passageway, i.e. to normally close the fecal passageway and open the fecal passageway when the patient wants to relieve himself or herself.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a number of embodiments of methods for suspending an organ in a body, and many embodiments of apparatus for suspending an organ in a body. One embodiment provides an apparatus comprising a sleeve having a lumen. A dissecting instrument is slidably located within the lumen. The dissecting instrument includes a channel useful for hydrodissection. An operating instrument is slidably located within the lumen. The operating instrument includes a graft chamber for conveying a graft for fixation between the organ and the body. The operating instrument includes at least one operating channel that accepts a fixation device that fixes the graft between the organ and the body. In one method, an incision is made in the body. An operating instrument bearing a graft is inserted into a sleeve. The sleeve and the operating instrument are inserted through the incision. A fixation device is inserted into the operating instrument. The graft is fixed to the body with the fixation device.

Abstract: Suction-assisted tissue-engaging devices, systems, and methods are disclosed that can be employed through minimal surgical incisions to engage tissue during a medical procedure through application of suction to the tissue through a suction member applied to the tissue. A shaft is introduced into a body cavity through a first incision, and a suction head is attached to the shaft via a second incision. The suction head is applied against the tissue by manipulation of the shaft and suction is applied to engage the tissue while the medical procedure is performed through the second incision. A system coupled to the shaft and a fixed reference point stabilizes the shaft and suction head. When the medical procedure is completed, suction is discontinued, the suction head is detached from the shaft and withdrawn from the body cavity through the second incision, and the shaft is retracted through the first incision.

Abstract: A handheld device for providing sexual stimulation includes a plurality of paddles contained by an attachment which can be mounted on a shaft driven by a motor of the device. Control logic of the device ensures that a rotational speed for the device selected via the device's user interface is maintained even when the device is held against a part of a human body. That is, resistance from holding the device against a body part is accounted for, inasmuch as the device senses the resistance and adjusts the motor to maintain the desired rotational speed through the resistance. Different attachments may have different numbers of paddles, and the paddles may be placed differently on different attachments or may have different shapes, among other variations in the paddles. The device is battery-operated, and a charging connection through the device housing is offered through a septum, providing a water-resistant enclosure.

Abstract: A vibrator device to stimulate the clitoris of a user includes a vibrator mechanism, a sleeve to contain and align the vibrator mechanism, a stabilizer to support and locate the device, an elongated flexible strip to affix the device to the user, and a glove to couple vibration from the vibrator mechanism to the clitoris. The sleeve may form a pocket surrounding the vibrator mechanism. The strip may include two arms that provide extended area for attachment on either side of the vaginal orifice. The glove may be connected to one end of the sleeve so that, when the device is affixed to a user, the glove may be disposed in contact with the clitoris.

Abstract: Device for fulfilling sex ?cf comprising ? prosthesis placed, at least partially, around the male-member, at the base thereof, characterized by comprising means for retaining in place said prosthesis around the member, and in that said prosthesis is inflatable.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for applying traction to a penis, comprising a base member (10), a glans' retaining member (20) and a telescoping connection member (30 is disclosed.

Abstract: A treatment is described for delivering oxygen to tissue, especially hypoxic tissue. A medium saturated with gas is delivered to the tissue. Dissolved gas is transferred from the medium to the tissue. Ultrasound is transmitted to the tissue to enhance the transfer of gas to the tissue.

Abstract: An arrangement for manipulating a medical device is inserted into the body of a patient. There is a drive element to be driven by a motor. There is also a control element for controlling at least one motion of the medical device. A transmission arrangement transmits motion from the drive element to the control element, the transmission arrangement having first and second members which are frictionally engaged with one another so that motion may be transmitted from one to the other. There is a manual manipulation control, which may be grasped by a user to move the medical device manually while the first and second members remain in frictional engagement with one another.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide apparatus and methods suitable for facilitating positioning one or more medical components. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a rail member having proximal and distal ends and a generally longitudinal axis. A first connector is adapted to be selectively coupled to the rail member, and a first medical component is adapted to be coupled to the first connector. The first connector is disposed for selective longitudinal movement along the rail member, thereby permitting movement of the first medical component with respect to the rail member. In this manner, one or more components, such as a catheter and a needle, may be inserted into a human or animal body in a controlled fashion with respect to one another.

Abstract: In a minimally invasive surgical system, an image capture unit includes a prism assembly and sensor assembly. The prism assembly includes a beam splitter, while the sensor assembly includes coplanar image capture sensors. Each of the coplanar image capture sensors has a common front end optical structure, e.g., the optical structure distal to the image capture unit is the same for each of the sensors. A controller enhances images acquired by the coplanar image capture sensors. The enhanced images may include (a) visible images with enhanced feature definition, in which a particular feature in the scene is emphasized to the operator of minimally invasive surgical system; (b) images having increased image apparent resolution; (c) images having increased dynamic range; (d) images displayed in a way based on a pixel color component vector having three or more color components; and (e) images having extended depth of field.