Abstract: An electrical stimulation system to provide pulse stimulation to an area of a living body by way of one or more electrode leads applied to the area, the area including an associated resistance element and an associated capacitance element. The system may include a pulse generating circuit having a controllable output voltage to generate constant voltage pulses to the one or more electrode leads, wherein the corresponding current signal of each constant voltage pulse includes an exponential decay to a steady state current value. The system may include a controller configured to estimate the associated resistance element of the area, determine a specified target steady state current value to be applied to the area, and control the pulse generating circuit to generate a constant voltage pulse to the one or more electrode leads at a calculated voltage level which achieves the specified target steady state current value to the area.

Abstract: An exemplary system for facilitating sound localization by a bilateral cochlear implant patient includes 1) a processing facility configured to determine an interaural difference between a first audio signal detected by a first microphone associated with a first ear of a bilateral cochlear implant patient and a second audio signal detected by a second microphone associated with a second ear of the bilateral cochlear implant patient and generate, based on the determined interaural difference, an enhanced interaural level difference (ILD) associated with the low frequency acoustic content of the first and second audio signals and 2) a control facility configured to direct a first cochlear implant associated with the first ear and a second cochlear implant associated with the second ear to generate electrical stimulation representative of the low frequency acoustic content in accordance with the enhanced ILD. Corresponding systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An exemplary system includes 1) a fitting facility configured to maintain data representative of a library of one or more sounds and data representative of a library of one or more environments, and 2) a detection facility configured to detect a selection by a user of a sound included in the library of one or more sounds an environment included in the library of one or more environments. The fitting facility is further configured to generate, based on the selected sound and the selected environment, an audio signal representative of an acoustic scene and use the audio signal to fit a cochlear implant system to a patient. Corresponding systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method to control a thalamic projecting fiber in a subject. This method involves providing a subject having a first stimulator and a second stimulator implanted in the subject's central thalamus. A stimulus signal generator is provided which is coupled to the first and second stimulators. Separate stimulus signals are provided from the stimulus signal generator to the first and second stimulators under conditions effective to control the thalamic projecting fiber in the subject. Also disclosed is an apparatus for deep brain stimulation.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for desynchronizing neuronal brain activity of a patient in which the brain activity involves a neuron population firing in a synchronized manner. The method includes measuring a pathological frequency g of the neuronal brain activity of the patient, where the pathological frequency g relates to a pathological disorder of the patient. The method further includes calculating a stimuli frequency f based on the measured pathological frequency g, where the stimuli frequency f is calculated as being equal to the measured pathological frequency g×n/m, where n is 1, 2 or 3 and m is 1, 2 or 3, and controlling an electrode to generate stimuli in sequence with the stimuli succeeding each other at the stimuli frequency f, where the stimuli stimulate the neuron population of the patient.

Abstract: A patient feedback device for use in an electrical stimulation system is calibrated. The electrical stimulation system includes an implantable pulse generator (IPG) implanted in a patient and a patient feedback device having a force sensor. Input from the patient is sensed using the patient feedback device. At a first time, an electrical stimulus is applied with the IPG. The force sensor is monitored at a plurality of time points. A level of force sensed by the force sensor at each of the plurality of time points is recorded. A time point at which a maximum force is applied is identified, or a time point at which a minimum force is applied is identified. The first time is compared to the time point at which a minimum force is applied or the time point at which a maximum force is applied, in order to determine a patient response time.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using the same are disclosed. An example device may include an expandable balloon including an outer surface. At least one flexible circuit may be mounted on the outer surface of the expandable balloon. The at least one flexible circuit may include a first insulating layer, at least one heat sensing device positioned at least partially within the first insulating layer, a conductive layer above the first insulating layer, at least a portion of which is electrically coupled to the heat sensing device, a second insulating layer above the conductive layer, and at least one electrode associated with the conductive layer.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed towards posture-responsive therapy. To avoid interruptions in effective therapy, an implantable medical device may include a posture state module that detects the posture state of the patient and automatically adjusts therapy parameter values according to the detected posture state. A system may include a memory that stores a set of pre-established posture state definitions for delivery of posture state-responsive therapy to a patient, an external programmer comprising a user interface that receives a request from a user to update the set of pre-established posture state definitions, and a processor that updates the set of pre-established posture state definitions in response to the request.

Abstract: Selective high-frequency spinal chord modulation for inhibiting pain with reduced side affects and associated systems and methods are disclosed. In particular embodiments, high-frequency modulation in the range of from about 1.5 KHz to about 50 KHz may be applied to the patient's spinal chord region to address low back pain without creating unwanted sensory and/or motor side affects. In other embodiments, modulation in accordance with similar parameters can be applied to other spinal or peripheral locations to address other indications. In particular embodiments, aspects of the foregoing modulation therapies may be implemented by systems and devices that have simplified functionalities.

Abstract: A system and method for graphically identifying candidate electrodes of a leadwire for stimulation of a patient anatomy includes a processor obtaining data corresponding to an anatomic region, identifying a spatial relationship between electrodes of the leadwire to the anatomic region, based on the identifying, selecting a subset of the electrodes of the leadwire, generating, based on the obtained data and the selected subset, a graphical output arrangement that includes a model of the leadwire including graphical representations of at least some of the electrodes and a graphical selection marking identifying the selected subset of the electrodes.

Abstract: Intermittent delivery of ventricular pacing pulses synchronized to occur during an atrial diastole time period can be used to provide atrial stretch therapy and augment the production and release of atrial natriuretic hormone.

Abstract: Systems and methods for coordinating detection and/or treatment of abnormal heart activity using multiple implanted devices within a patient. In one example, cardiac activity may be sensed by two or more medical device, including a leadless cardiac pacemaker. Cardiac activity sensed by one of the implanted devices may be communicated to another one of the implanted devices. Abnormal heart activity may then be determined based on the cardiac activity of both of the medical device.

Abstract: A pacemaker implantable in a chamber of a patient's heart is configured to produce a filtered cardiac electrical signal by filtering a raw cardiac signal by an adjustable filter of a sensing module of the pacemaker. The sensing module is configured to receive the raw cardiac electrical signal comprising R-waves, T-waves and P-waves via electrodes coupled to the sensing module. The pacemaker is further configured to determine if the T-waves are distinct from the P-waves in the filtered cardiac electrical signal and adjust the filter to increase a difference between a feature of the P-waves and a feature of the T-waves in the filtered cardiac signal when the T-waves are not distinct from the P-waves.

Abstract: A leadless cardiac pacing system includes first and second leadless pacing seeds configured to deliver pacing therapy to a first and second location in a patient, respectively. The second seed includes an electrode, a therapy circuit configured to provide electrostimulation energy to the electrode, a communications component, and a power source. The second seed also includes a power manager configured to detect an end-of-life condition associated with the seed and, in response to detecting the end-of-life condition, to communicate a signal that causes the first seed to change from a first operational state to a second operational state, in which the first seed implements one or more operational parameters configured to adapt to a change in an output from the second seed resulting from the second seed entering the end-of-life condition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device incorporating an endocardial acceleration (EA) sensor. A capture test circuit of the device collects a sampled EA signal and extracts a limited series of EA measurements during a duration of a predetermined temporal window opened after delivery of a pacing pulse. An indicator value based on an average of absolute values of successive EA measurements of the series of EA measurements is calculated at an end of the temporal window. The indicator value is compared to a predetermined discrimination threshold to determine the presence or absence of a capture according to whether the indicator value lies above or below the predetermined discrimination threshold. The indicator value is very robust to noise and particularly efficient in terms of computing, which reduces, in large proportions, consumption of the digital processor and thus of the capsule.

Abstract: A total implantable hearing aid system is described. The system includes a single transformer that acts as an insulator between simulation circuitry and associated electrodes, and other system elements residing in the tissue. These other system elements include an RF receiver coil, a microphone system, a battery, and a digital signal processor. The transformer also increases the battery output voltage to a level needed by the simulation circuitry with electrodes.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of bonding a hermetically sealed electronics package to an electrode or a flexible circuit and the resulting electronics package that is suitable for implantation in living tissue, for a retinal or cortical electrode array to enable restoration of sight to certain non-sighted individuals. The hermetically sealed electronics package is directly bonded to the flex circuit or electrode by electroplating a biocompatible material, such as platinum or gold, effectively forming a plated rivet-shaped connection, which bonds the flex circuit to the electronics package. The resulting electronic device is biocompatible and is suitable for long-term implantation in living tissue.

Abstract: Thermal management solutions for wireless power transfer systems are provided, which may include any number of features. In one embodiment, an implantable wireless power receiver includes at least one thermal layer disposed on an interior surface of the receiver configured to conduct heat from a central portion of the receiver towards edges of the receiver. The thermal layer can comprise, for example, a copper layer or a ceramic layer embedded in an acrylic polymer matrix. In some embodiments, a plurality of thermal channels can be formed within the receiver to transport heat from central regions of the receiver towards edges of the receiver via free convection. In yet another embodiment, a fluid pipe can be connected to the receiver and be configured to carry heat from the receiver to a location remote from the receiver. Methods of use are also provided.

Abstract: Techniques for delivering genetic material to a target tissue site of a patient via a leadless implantable medical device that includes a pump and a stimulation energy delivery element are described. In some examples, delivery of genetic material to the target tissue site causes transgene expression of tissue at the target tissue site, which may result in generation of new cells or modified properties of existing cells of the target tissue site, facilitating more effective and efficient treatment of a disorder of the patient.

Abstract: An intravascularly-deliverable electrode assembly can be used to provide electrostimulation. The electrode assembly can include an electrostimulation circuit located in a housing, two or more elongate members coupled to the housing and configured to anchor the housing to a heart, the two or more elongate members including two or more electrodes electrically coupled to the electrostimulation circuit and controllably addressable by the electrostimulation circuit for delivery of an electrostimulation to the heart. The two or more elongate members can be sized and shaped for intravascular delivery to the heart in a first configuration, and in response to a user actuation, the two or more elongate members can move to a second configuration that is expanded relative to the first configuration to securely anchor the intravascularly-deliverable electrode assembly to the heart. Circuitry within the electrode assembly can coordinate electrostimulation, such as for delivery to sites near each electrode.

Abstract: A device for assisting a rescuer in delivering therapy to an adult or pediatric patient, the device including a user interface comprising a display and/or audio speakers, the user interface being configured to deliver prompts to a rescuer to assist the rescuer in delivering therapy to a patient; a processor configured to provide prompts to the user interface and to perform an ECG analysis algorithm on ECG information detected from the patient; at least one detection element configured to determine without rescuer input via the user interface that a pediatric patient is being treated; wherein, if a pediatric patient is detected, the processor modifies the ECG analysis algorithm or the prompts provided to the user interface to use an ECG analysis algorithm or prompts adapted for a pediatric patient rather than for an adult patient.

Abstract: A system for managing care of a person receiving emergency cardiac assistance is disclosed that includes one or more capacitors for delivering a defibrillating shock to a patient; one or more electronic ports for receiving signals from sensors for obtaining indications of an electrocardiogram (ECG) for the patient; a patient treatment module executable on one or more computer processors to provide a determination of a likelihood of success from delivering a future defibrillating shock to the person with the one or more capacitors, using (a) information about a prior defibrillating shock, and (b) a value that is a function of current ECG signals from the patient.

Abstract: In embodiments, a WCD system includes one or more transducers that may sense patient parameters from different parts of the patient's body, and thus render physiological inputs from those parameters. Individual analysis scores may be determined from the physiological inputs, and an aggregate analysis score may be determined from the individual analysis scores. A shock/no shock determination may be made depending on whether or not the aggregate analysis score meets an aggregate shock criterion. Accordingly, multiple inputs are considered in making the shock/no shock determination.

Abstract: An ophthalmic phototherapy device and associated phototherapy treatment method for promoting healing of damaged or diseased eye tissue. The ophthalmic phototherapy device includes a light emitting mechanism for transmitting light of at least one preselected wavelength to the eye tissue. The ophthalmic phototherapy method includes directing light of at least one wavelength for a selected period of time to a portion of damaged or diseased eye tissue, whereby the light transmitted to the damaged or diseased eye tissue stimulates cellular activity in the eye tissue to promote healing.

Abstract: An ophthalmic phototherapy device and associated phototherapy treatment method for promoting healing of damaged or diseased eye tissue. The ophthalmic phototherapy device includes a light emitting mechanism for transmitting light of at least one preselected wavelength to the eye tissue. The ophthalmic phototherapy method includes directing light of at least one wavelength for a selected period of time to a portion of damaged or diseased eye tissue, whereby the light transmitted to the damaged or diseased eye tissue stimulates cellular activity in the eye tissue to promote healing.

Abstract: Equipment including a lamp for producing UV light in the range 300-314 nm wavelength having spectral power in the range 302-307 nm wavelength across a 5 nm bandwidth of 40% of overall spectral power and spectral power in the range 307-312 nm of 40% of overall spectral power with a reflector of 90% reflectance in the range 300-314 nm wavelength. A key operated arming switch is series connected to a timer switch.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions containing a combination of NPM inhibitor and anti-cancer agent are disclosed. Methods of inhibiting or reducing the growth of cancer cells in a subject, by administering an effective amount of nucleophosmin (NPM) inhibitor and one or more anticancer agents, whereby the symptoms and signs of cancer in the subject are reduced are also provided.

Abstract: A radiation planning system includes a dose volume kernel determiner (122) and an expected absorbed dose determiner (124). The dose volume kernel determiner (122) generates a dose volume kernel for each of a plurality of voxels in a dose calculation grid. Each of the dose volume kernels is based on a radial dose distribution and a template function for a particular voxel size. The expected absorbed dose determiner (124) determines an expected absorbed dose distribution for each of the plurality of voxels based on the dose volume kernel.

Abstract: A method for modifying neuronal activity in a subject with focused ultrasound pulses (“FUP”) is provided. Such a methods is applicable for research, treatment, and diagnosis of psychiatric, neurological, and neuroendocrine disorders whose biological mechanisms include neuronal circuits in the brain. The application of focused ultrasound pulses is generally via multiple ultrasound transducers that are housed in a cap worn by the subject. The application of FUP at different tone burst duration, total sonication duration, and pulse repetition frequency settings results in either the inducement of either an increase or decrease in neuronal activity.

Abstract: Provided is a voice transmitter in a simple structure that can be manufactured at a low cost, and can make speech uttered by a wearer clearly hearable at the outside. In a voice transmitter unit that transmits the speech uttered by the wearer to the outside, a voice transmitter body of the voice transmitter unit includes: a diaphragm member able to transmit the speech from one side to the other side; and a holding member to hold at least a part of the diaphragm member, wherein the diaphragm member is formed of a heat-shrinkable material, and the diaphragm member is heated to be shrunk while the diaphragm member is held by the holding member, thereby holding the diaphragm member by the holding member while substantially an entire surface of the diaphragm member is tensed.

Abstract: A low profile explosion proof by containment enclosure includes a base wall having first and second edge sections that are joined with third and fourth edge sections to define a substantially planar surface. First and second side walls extend from the first and second edge sections, and third and fourth side walls extending from the third and fourth edge sections and are joined with the first and second side walls. The base wall, first and second, and third and fourth side walls define an interior zone. A cover is coupled to the first and second, and third and fourth side walls to enclose the interior zone and provide containment to any flammable events. At least one of the first and second side walls, third and fourth side walls, base wall, and cover includes one or more unobstructed openings that provide fluid drainage while also providing containment to any flammable events.

Abstract: Various compositions, including particularly aerosol compositions, containing fluorinated olefins, including particularly tetra- and penta-fluoropropenes, in a variety of applications are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to azeotrope-like compositions, methods and systems having utility in numerous applications, and in particular, uses for azeotrope-like compositions comprising effective amounts of the compound cis-1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene (Z-HFO-1336mzzm), which has the following structure: and another material selected from the group consisting of water, fluoroketones, alcohols, hydrochlorofluoroolefins, and combinations of two or more thereof. These compositions may be used in a wide variety of applications such as, blowing agents, refrigerants, heating agents, power cycle agents, cleaning agents, aerosol propellants, sterilization agents, lubricants, flavor and fragrance extractants, flammability reducing agents, and flame suppression agents.

Abstract: A transportable and modular field-deployable hydrolysis system for neutralizing toxic chemical agents is described. The system comprises a transportable chemical process plant that is capable of operating in a remote location without significant site infrastructure. The system is also capable of operating in a maritime, shipboard environment. A flexible design allows processing of chemical agents in both batch and continuous flow modes, as well as collection and accumulation of agents from a variety of containers whose form and size may not be known until the system is on-site.

Abstract: An auxiliary device for muscle strength training is provided, which includes: a base; a sliding member slidingly coupled to the base; and a connecting-rod mechanism connected to the base and the sliding member in such a way that a positional shift of the sliding member allows the connecting-rod mechanism to rotate relative to the base and change its state. As such, the auxiliary device has first and second configurations to assist patients who are incapable of controlling their muscles by themselves to effectively train specific muscle groups. Further, elastic members are connected to the base and the connecting-rod mechanism and provide elastic potential energies so as to keep the auxiliary device in static equilibrium. The auxiliary device has a simple structure and is easily manufactured at a low cost and applicable for patients with muscle strength lower than grade 3.

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

Abstract: The multi-purpose fitness device is provided in a comfortable posture such as being seated, face up or face down, to generate twisting of various body sites, loosen muscle stiffness in hypokinetic people, and promote blood circulation intermixed with muscle training, for recovery, maintenance and promotion of health. Dieting, rehabilitation, massage, stretching, cellulite prevention, and metabolic syndrome prevention exercise are addressed. For generating twisting in various body sites, the multi-purpose fitness device comprises: main body having a rotatably supported strut, a repetitive drive unit connectably disposed below the strut, upper and lower wings fixed to both side surfaces of struts, and a pad driver slidably connected on the top part of strut; and pad parts as accessories. By flexibly transmitting rotation of the main body units movable front-to-back, left-to-right and up-and-down to a human body, twisting exercises become possible in exercise bodily free positions.

Abstract: A dynamic stretching, strengthening and stabilization device is provided for postural correction and retraining. The device has a pair of closed loop resistance tubes and a central harness member which positions the closed loop resistance tubes roughly in the form of a FIG. 8. Each loop of the resistance tube is sized to accommodate the arm and shoulder of the user. The device may be used in a stabilization mode or stretching/strengthening mode, and transitions easily between these modes to correct and retrain the user's posture.

Abstract: A planking device for assisting in the performance of a plank exercise. The device comprises a pair of padded arm rests coupled to a front crossbar. The front crossbar has an electronic timer operative for measuring the plank exercise duration, the timer coupled to the front crossbar. A pair of grips extend upwardly near the front of each arm rest, the grips have a starter button for selectively activating and deactivating the timer, the timer selectively activated when a plank exercise is initiated, the timer selectively deactivated when the plank exercise is completed, the timer measuring the duration of the plank exercise.

Abstract: An exercise bench is provided that facilitates exercises performed with a resistance band. The exercise bench includes a supporting frame and a back support member and a seat support member attached to the frame. The back support member is selectively movable to different angles relative to the seat support member. At least one resistance band securing device attaches to one or both of the supporting frame and the back support member. The resistance band securing device selectively securing the resistance band to the exercise bench. At least one resistance band orienting member adjusts an angle of the resistance band relative to the resistance band securing device.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus having a cabinet housing to which a telescopically and angularly moveable arm is mounted. A hand pedal assembly is mounted to the arm and drivingly linked to a resistance mechanism. A platform is telescopically mounted to the bottom of the cabinet, and a foot pedal assembly is adjustably mounted to the platform. A seat is mounted to the far end of the platform from the cabinet, and the platform can be moved so the seat, the foot pedal assembly, or at least portions of both, can be inserted into a chamber of the cabinet.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a foot positioning device are provided. In one embodiment, a foot positioning device is provided, the device comprising: a proximal strap operatively connected to at least one of an individual's ankle or lower leg; a distal strap operatively connected to the individual's foot; and a heel strap connected to the proximal strap and the distal strap; wherein the foot positioning device causes a moment that biases the individual's foot toward a plantar flexion position.

Abstract: A measuring system for analyzing a knee joint motion trajectory when a rider is riding a bike (cycling) and a measuring method thereof are disclosed. The measuring system includes a pedal-able device, a light emitting component fixed at a tibial plateau of the rider, an image capturing device, and a knee joint motion trajectory analysis device. When the rider continuously pedals the pedal-able device, the image capturing device captures an image of a central position of the rider's lower limb and a light spot trajectory image of the light emitting component. The motion trajectory analysis device generates an ellipse motion trajectory diagram. After comparing and analyzing a body central line with a trajectory long axis line, a foot force distribution and a shifting data of the knee joint motion trajectory is acquired, and a proper insole is determined.

Abstract: Golf balls for use with a system for finding golf balls and methods for making such golf balls. In the case of one exemplary golf ball, the ball includes a shell, a core material and a tag having a diode which is coupled to an antenna which has at least a portion formed from an elastic conductive material, such as an elastic conductive ink. The core material may include a void for receiving at least part of the diode. Other golf balls are described and methods for making balls are also described.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core and a cover, the core consisting of: a solid inner core layer formed from a first unfoamed thermoplastic composition TP1 and having a diameter of 1.10 inch or less and a center Shore C hardness (Hcenter) of 50 or less, one or more optional intermediate core layers, and an outer core layer formed from a second thermoplastic composition TP2 comprising at least one transparent or plasticized polyamide and having a thickness of 0.200 inches or greater and an outer surface Shore D hardness (Houter surface) of 55 or greater, wherein Houter surface+30 >Hcenter, and Houter surface+30 ?Hcenter?40.

Abstract: A game ball of composite construction, having a spherical hollow shell, with a pattern of perforation or holes arranged on and through the surface thereof, to substantially increase the aerodynamic drag upon the composite, and thereby effective reduce the distance the composite can travel upon being struck by a bat or club. In order to modulate and better emulate or mimic the feel and track of the composite in play, the composite is further modified by the inclusion of a plurality of randomly ordered discrete spherical elements, within said hollow shell, to effectively displacing about 50% of the interior volume of the hollow shell, and thereby contributing from about 20% up to about 75% to the mass of said composite In the composite embodiment of this invention game ball is a golf ball.

Abstract: A golf ball includes a spherical body and intersection surfaces. The intersection surfaces intersect with a spherical surface centered on the center of the spherical body, and are formed as conductive intersection surfaces having conductivity. The spherical surface is formed to have a smaller diameter than a diameter of the spherical body, and the conductive intersection surface is formed on an outer side in the radial direction of the spherical surface. The intersection surfaces intersect with a spherical surface centered on the center of the spherical body, and are formed as conductive intersection surfaces having conductivity. The conductive intersection surface is formed by both side surfaces of the annular body, and so the conductive intersection surface is formed to be continuous around the entire circumferential length of the spherical surface in the circumferential direction.

Abstract: A device includes a signaling means and a motion sensor, and logic for activating or controlling the signaling means in response to a sensed motion according to an embedded logic. The device may be used as a toy, and may be shaped like a play ball or as a handheld unit. It may be powered from a battery, either chargeable from an AC power source directly or contactless by using induction or by converting electrical energy from harvested kinetic energy. The embedded logic may activate or control the signaling means, predictably or randomly, in response to sensed acceleration magnitude or direction, such as sensing the crossing of a preset threshold or sensing the peak value. The visual means may be a numeric display for displaying a value associated with the count of the number of times the threshold has been exceeded or the peak magnitude of the acceleration sensed.

Abstract: A tennis court ball retainer having a horizontally extending ball gutter along the tennis court back wall which has an upwardly facing channel dimensioned to receive and retain tennis balls. An upright flexible upper backdrop curtain coextends directly above and along the ball gutter for engaging tennis balls striking the upper curtain, thereby dampening the tennis ball impact and directing the engaged tennis balls to fall into the ball gutter for retention. A tennis court floor surface ball retainer is also provided and coextends with and under the ball gutter. The ball gutter extends a uniform distance above the tennis court floor surface and includes an upright flexible lower backdrop curtain coextending below and along the ball gutter for engaging and trapping tennis balls striking this lower curtain by rolling or skidding on the tennis court floor surface.

Abstract: A putting cup. A base portion has a ramp that is adjacent to the cup. A backboard is attached to the base portion and includes a hoop that is positioned over the cup. A user can hit a golf ball up the ramp so that the golf ball will fall through the hoop into the cup. In a preferred embodiment the user hits the golf ball so that it contacts the backboard and falls through the hoop. In another preferred embodiment the user hits the golf ball so that it falls through the hoop directly without hitting the backboard. In another preferred embodiment the user hits the golf ball so that it rolls up the ramp and into the cup without falling through the hoop. In another preferred embodiment the user hits the golf ball so that it travels into the cup through a passageway in the ramp. In a preferred embodiment, the ramp is a concave ramp that is circular in shape and surrounds the cup.