Abstract: A system/apparatus and a positioning method for the determination of the delivery of protons within a mammalian body or inanimate medium, as well as a treatment method which comprises the delivery of protons to a mammalian body. The system/apparatus necessarily comprise the use of a detector which is placed in the proximity of the body or medium which is responsive to a signal emitted from a fiducuial marker which his positioned within or in the near proximity of target tissue within the body or target volume within the medium. A signal emitted from the fiducial marker is responsive to the impingement of protons thereon received from a controlled proton beam, the signal may be used to modify the subsequent operative characteristics of the source of protons.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating tissue includes a first energy application device to direct energy at tissue of a patient to cause at least one channel to be formed and a controller to control application of energy from the first energy application device to form the at least one channel. The at least one channel may be in the shape of a spiral-like shape or may be in a flower-like shape. Mechanisms are provided to help open channels formed in the human skin structure. A second energy application source may be used to maintain the channel open after formation. The controller may cause the first energy application device to form a plurality of channels of varying depth, width and distribution over the human skin surface. The apparatus to control the application of energy may be operated using a foot-activated pedal.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of reducing inflammation in a patient with a chronic condition, such as Parkinson's disease or Alzheimer's disease. The method includes applying surface acoustic waves to the patient, such that the surface acoustic waves promote receptor mediated uptake of a target protein. For Parkinson's disease, the application of SAW promoted Fc-receptor mediated uptake of ?-synuclein to reduce inflammation in the patient and alleviate symptoms related to Parkinson's disease.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating skin and subcutaneous tissue with energy such as ultrasound energy are disclosed. In various embodiments, ultrasound energy is applied at a region of interest to affect tissue by cutting, ablating, micro-ablating, coagulating, or otherwise affecting the subcutaneous tissue to conduct numerous procedures that are traditionally done invasively in a non-invasive manner. Lifting sagging tissue on a face, neck, and/or body are described. Treatment with heat is provided in several embodiments.

Abstract: Methods for ablating tissue in a patient having atrial fibrillation comprise advancing an elongate flexible shaft through a patient's vasculature into a chamber of a heart. The elongate flexible shaft has an energy source and a sensor. Tissue in the heart is scanned with the sensor and data about the tissue is captured. The captured data is grouped into one of a plurality of tissue classifications and an anatomical map of the tissue showing the grouped data is displayed. At least a portion of the tissue is ablated so as to form a conduction block that blocks aberrant electrical pathways in the heart. The ablated tissue is grouped into one or more predefined tissue classifications during or prior to the ablation.

Abstract: A method for monitoring breathing air of a person breathing via a face mask (8). In the method pressure of inhaled air and partial pressure of oxygen before oxygen enters in the face mask (8) are measured. A partial pressure of oxygen in lungs of the person is estimated on the basis of the measured pressure of inhaled air and the measured partial pressure of oxygen. Also at least one physical characteristics of lungs is taken into account. The estimated partial pressure of oxygen in lungs is compared with a threshold. An indication of impending hypoxia is provided to the person, if the comparison indicates that the estimated partial pressure of oxygen in lungs is at a level lower than the threshold. The present disclosure also relates to an apparatus (6) for implementing the method.

Abstract: A leg pad assembly for a safety harness, the leg pad assembly including a pair of leg pad portions structured to receive leg straps of the safety harness, a central pad portion connecting the pair of leg pad portions and structured to receive a seat strap of the safety harness, a pair of handles, wherein each handle is attached to one of the pair of leg pad portions, and elastic cording attached to each of the pair of handles and being structured to bias the pair of handles toward each other and against the pair of leg pad portions.

Abstract: A quick release restraint system comprising a restraint body that mates a harness fitting with a moveable lockpin. The lockpin is held in a closed position by a return member and can be moved to an open position when a sleeve and/or a ripcord is moved away from the lockpin. The sleeve surrounds the restraint body and mates with an internal lockpin body that may also be attached to the ripcord. The ripcord and/or sleeve engage the lockpin body in a single direction to generate a pulling force that counteracts a biasing force of the return member.

Abstract: Safety harness for the human body, having two leg harnesses for two human legs, wherein at least one of the leg harnesses has an opening which is arranged in such a way as to the keep the vena femoralis at least partially free.

Abstract: An automated human personnel fall arresting system including a holonomic base platform, a boom arm movably mounted to and depending from the base platform, at least a portion of the arm being movable in three degrees-of-freedom relative to the base platform, a tether supported by the arm, an operator harness coupled to the tether so as to be dependent from the arm, at least one sensor disposed on the arm and configured to sense movement of the portion of the arm in two degrees-of-freedom of the three degrees-of-freedom, and a controller mounted to the base platform and communicably coupled to the at least one sensor, the controller being configured to automatically control position of the base platform in two orthogonal translational directions and one rotation direction controlled independently from translation, relative to the operator harness, based on signals from the at least one sensor.

Abstract: The present invention includes a safety apparatus and method for protecting users during maintenance operations for a rotorcraft comprising: at least one permanent, semi-permanent, or detachable safety bar, strap, fastener, hook, or loop that is attached or attachable to a rotorcraft, wherein the safety bar, strap, fastener, hook, or loop is positioned in an area or surface between a windshield of the rotorcraft and a tail boom of the rotorcraft and is connectable to a user safety device to provide fall protection from the area or surface.

Abstract: A centrifugal brake assembly comprises a pawl and a rotor. The rotor includes a receiving portion configured and arranged to receive a portion of the pawl. The pawl is movable relative to the rotor between an engaged position and a disengaged position. One of the pawl and the rotor has a curved slotted portion, and another of the pawl and the rotor has an elongated curved protrusion. The elongated curved protrusion at least partially extends within the curved slotted portion and moves generally along the curved slotted portion when the pawl moves between the engaged position and the disengaged position.

Abstract: A method for dispersing liquid over a desired location, the method comprising a pressurized tank having a main body, an inlet in fluid communication with the main body for introducing liquid to the main body, an outlet in fluid communication with the main body for dispersing the liquid, and an air inlet for charging air under pressure into the main body, where the improvement comprises providing a diffuser for slowing down pressurized air entering the main body from the inlet.

Abstract: An inerting system of a fuel tank of an aircraft includes an air separation module supplied at the inlet with air at a certain pressure to generate at the outlet an inert gas to be injected into the fuel tank comprising a certain flow rate and a certain oxygen concentration. A control method includes, at a given instant and at a constant air temperature and atmospheric pressure, (1) reducing the inert gas flow rate to a determined value, and (2) reducing the air pressure in order to cause an increase in the oxygen concentration from an initial value to a determined value. Decreasing the inert gas flow rate is performed by compensating for a loss of inert gas flow caused by the air pressure reduction, and decreasing the air pressure is performed by compensating for a reduction in the oxygen concentration caused by the inert gas flow rate reduction.

Abstract: A system for delivering an additive into a fluid stream is disclosed that addresses the issues of delivering a pressurized stream of a shear thickening or dilatant material which is commonly used for fire suppression. The system uses a positive displacement pump that is controlled to deliver the additive to a fluid stream in the correct ratio according to fluid flow rates. The system also incorporates an injection quill for delivering the additive to the fluid stream within a dispensing line. The injection quill includes an internal extension within its valve chamber, and the internal extension provides ports that allow for improved fluid flow of dilatant material.

Abstract: A fire protection sprinkler system includes a water source, a sprinkler, a piping network interconnecting the water source and the sprinkler, and an automatic gas vent coupled to the piping network and configured to discharge gas from the system. The automatic gas vent includes a sensor configured to sense a presence or absence of a liquid and an electrically operated valve. The automatic gas vent is configured to open the electrically operated valve in response to the sensor sensing the absence of a liquid and close the electrically operated valve in response to the sensor sensing the presence of a liquid. Automatic gas vent assemblies and methods of venting and discharging gas from fire protection sprinkler systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a jump rope assembly comprising one or more handles having a jump rope secured to a head that is rotatably disposed on a body of the handle. Additionally, head may include a fastener attached to an end of the rope and secured within the head of the jump rope yet still free to rotate about an axis formed by the centerline of the rope body. In some configurations a universal joint is attached to each end and secured to the jump rope handle, with one end of the input yoke acting as a column for rotation and one end of the output yoke used to secure the rope, and both free ends of each yoke attaching to the cross-trunnion to complete the assembly.

Abstract: A climbing structure is provided. The climbing structure comprises a first support post and a second support post. The climbing structure also comprises a panel with a first and second connection point. The climbing structure also has a first clamp, configured to couple the panel to the first support post at the first connection point. The climbing structure also has a second clamp, configured to couple the panel to the second support post at the first connection point. The first connection point is on a first connection plane. The second connection point is on a second connection plane. The first and second connection planes are offset from each other.

Abstract: Systems and methods are presented for performing exercises to strengthen, e.g., the transversus abdominis and related muscles. The systems and methods may involve one or more independent belts, allowing a full range of continuous motion. The systems and methods may further use a resistance-control mechanism that allows a user to adjust the force required to move the one or more belts, thereby controlling the rate of motion in the forward and/or backward directions. The systems and methods may further use a unidirectional resistance mechanism that allows the user to increase the resistance of the one or more belts in one direction, while allowing the one or more belts to move freely in the other direction.

Abstract: An exercise device includes a first adjustable resistance leg, a second adjustable resistance leg, a first cuff connected to the first adjustable resistance leg, a second cuff connected to the second resistance leg, a first retention device connected to the first adjustable resistance leg, a second retention device connected to the second adjustable resistance leg, and a mediate resistive member connected to the first retention device and the second retention device.

Abstract: A knee rehabilitation exercise device with a right and left leg brace, a rear knee strap, an upper leg strap assembly, a lower leg strap assembly, a portable rear brace assembly and an elastic resistance band. The left and right leg brace members are each comprised of an upper member and a lower member rotatably pinned together at the area of the knee joint. The left and right leg braces are attached to the upper and lower leg strap assembly. The rear knee strap is attached to the left and right leg braces at the knee joint. When a user places the elastic band onto L hooks mounted on the upper and lower strap assembly and the rear brace assembly is placed between the rear of the user's knee and the elastic band, a resistive stretching is caused when the user straightens his leg which exercises and strengthens the users leg muscles in the area of the knee joint.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for exercising with a child attached to the legs is disclosed. An example embodiment includes: a child wrap portion having ends that can be wrapped around and secure a child; a leg wrap portion having ends that can be wrapped around attached to the legs of a user; and a connecting portion integrated between the child wrap portion and the leg wrap portion.

Abstract: A weight-training platform includes a rectangular base frame placed on a flooring surface, a cushion pad mounted within the base frame, a barbell placed on the cushion pad for allowing the user to lift the barbell off the cushion pad and to lower the barbell back to the cushion pad, an elastic device set including two elastic bands fastened to the base frame and spaced from each other at a distance and respectively bridging over the two opposite ends of the barbell, and two weight component sets mounted at the base frame to hold down the base frame on the flooring surface by the gravity weight thereof.

Abstract: An accessory includes a support hook, a hand grip, and an arm support. Also disclosed herein is an exercise system including a left exercise accessory, a right exercise accessory and an exercise support having a first vertical support, a second vertical support, a first horizontal bar and a second horizontal bar. The exercise system is useful for providing a means to perform abdominal exercise on a horizontal bar in a variety of settings.

Abstract: A modular fitness system and associated methods of use are disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the system provides a plurality of elongate weighted segments, and a plurality of handle links sized and configured for accommodating a hand of a user. The segments and handle links are removably engagable with one another in series so as to form an exercise structure. Thus, the user is capable of selectively engaging at least one of the segments having a desired weight with at least one of the handle links in order to form an appropriate configuration of the exercise structure for performing one or more desired exercises therewith.

Abstract: An embodiment apparatus includes a crossbar including a surface with holes arranged along a portion of the crossbar and a handle including a surface with a hole. The crossbar may be configured to allow the handle to positionally adjust along the portion of the crossbar such that the hole in the surface of the handle aligns with one of the holes in the surface of the crossbar when the handle is located at a position along the portion. Alternatively or in addition, the handle may include a head which defines a plurality of holes in the handle. In this arrangement, a first connector is configured to slidably engage one of the plurality of holes in the handle and the hole in the crossbar, each of the plurality of holes in the first handle defining an orientation of the first handle.

Abstract: A foldable portable exercise machine allowing a user to perform exercise while sitting on a chair/sofa, or lying on their back on the floor. The exercise machine is portable and may be folded up for storage when not used. The exercise machine includes a base structure having a pair of rigid arms and a base bar, such that a first end of each of the rigid arms is securely fastened to opposite ends of the base bar to form a U-shape. A pair of rotatable arms is rotatably connected, through a first and second hinges, to a second end of the rigid arms. A spring mechanism is disposed surrounding the first and second hinges to provide a first and second resistance forces. Each of the rotatable arms are attached an handle bar.

Abstract: A stowable rowing machine is provided. The rowing machine may include a frame, a seat rail selectively movable relative the frame between storage and use configurations, and an adjustment assembly movably coupling the seat rail to the frame and operable to releasably secure the seat rail to the frame. The adjustment assembly may include a plurality of securing elements configured to selectively engage the seat rail to secure the seat rail in position. The adjustment assembly may include a plurality of guide elements configured to selectively engage the seat rail, the plurality of guide elements including at least one disengagement guide element. When the seat rail is engaged with the disengagement guide element(s), the seat rail may be disengaged from the securing elements.

Abstract: Resistance training apparatuses and methods for progressively exercising and strengthening the capital muscles and cervical muscles of the human head and neck. In particular, a head and neck strengthening apparatus of the present disclosure may have a frame supporting a resistance assembly, a seat assembly, and other components. The strengthening apparatus may be configured to receive a seated user, such as an athlete, trainee, or other individual. The resistance assembly may generally provide resistance, such as weight resistance, for a user to provide one or more head and/or neck strengthening exercises. For example, the user may perform one or more flexion and/or extension exercises with the apparatus.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for finger and/or grip training including hold features for engaging a user's finger to work against a load.

Abstract: The described embodiments relate to computing devices capable of assessing handgrip strength, and using data collected during a handgrip strength assessment to assist a user or medical provider. The computing device can include an array of pressure sensitive elements to determine a force of pressure applied at different locations on the computing device. The pressure of the handgrip can be monitored for a time period in order to determine metrics such as average strength of the grip over time and decay in strength of the grip over time. Such metrics can be tracked over a multiple handgrip strength assessments in order to track how the metrics change over time. The computing device can communicate with electronic healthcare systems, such as electronic medical records, in order that hospitals and other medical providers can access and analyze the data in order to find clinical pathways to treat related medical conditions.

Abstract: A pedal system for tracking use of a cycle style exercise device. The pedal system includes a pedal with a shaft for coupling to the pedal crank of the exercise device and a housing that is rotatable about the shaft. An accelerometer positioned in the housing is configured to provide data about the movement of the pedal to a microcontroller. A wireless communication chip positioned in the housing is used to transmit the data about the movement of the pedal to a remote device via the wireless communication chip. The remote device is programmed to receive, display and track the data about the movement of the pedal.

Abstract: In a portable exercise tracking system, a method and apparatus for measuring power output of exercise motion by a user. The system includes a wireless motion sensor and a wireless central mass unit. The wireless motion sensor detects, measures and transmits motion data associated with a first motion by the user. The central mass unit detects and measures motion data associated with a second motion by the user. The central mass unit also computes the power output of the first motion and the second motion as a function of the first motion data and the second motion data. The disclosed method and apparatus provides a more effective means of computing total power output of a user performing free body exercises.

Abstract: A method for scheduling and reserving in real-time the use of exercise equipment at a fitness center. One or more processors receive a user profile including data, wherein the data includes medical data, schedule preferences, and fitness goal data of a user. One or more processors compare the user profile to a plurality of profiles included in a repository, wherein individual profiles of the plurality of profiles include medical data, schedule preferences, fitness goal data, and a corresponding workout plan. One or more processors determine whether the user profile matches, to a predetermined degree of similarity, to at least one individual profile. Having determined that the first user profile matches, one or more processors generates a workout plan for the user based on at least one individual profile and the corresponding workout of the profile. One or more processors create a schedule for the workout plan.

Abstract: A method for displaying live and archived cycling classes comprising displaying information about cycling classes that can be accessed by a first user using a first stationary bike via a digital communication network on a display screen at a first location, whereby the first user can select either a live cycling class or select among a plurality of archived cycling classes, outputting digital video and audio content comprising the selected cycling class, detecting performance parameters from the first stationary bike at a particular point in the selected class, displaying at least one of the performance parameters on the display screen, and displaying performance parameters from a second stationary bike at a second location on the display screen such that at least one of the performance parameters from the first stationary bike and at least one of the performance parameters from the second stationary bike at the same point in the class are presented for comparison.

Abstract: The invention provides a golf ball having a core and a cover of one or more layer encasing the core, wherein the core is formed of a rubber composition that includes a base rubber, a co-crosslinking agent and an organic peroxide. The core has a center portion and a surface portion that are unfoamed regions, and has an intermediate portion that contains a foamed region. A method of manufacturing such a golf ball is also provided.

Abstract: Multi-layered golf balls containing a dual-core structure are provided. The core structure includes an inner core (center) comprising a foam composition, preferably foamed polyurethane. The outer core layer is preferably formed from a non-foamed composition selected from thermoset compositions and thermoplastic compositions. The core layers have different hardness and specific gravity levels. The specific gravity (density) of the foam inner core is preferably less than the density of the outer core layer.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball having an excellent flight performance on driver shots. The present invention provides a golf ball comprising a spherical core and at least one cover covering the spherical core, wherein a hardness difference D1 (H75?H0) between a hardness H75 at a point located at a distance of 75% of a core radius from a center of the spherical core and a center hardness H0 of the spherical core is 15 or more and 35 or less in Shore C hardness, a hardness difference D2 (Hs?H75) between a surface hardness Hs of the spherical core and the hardness H75 at the point located at the distance of 75% of the core radius from the center of the spherical core is ?1 or more and 3.5 or less in Shore C hardness, and a hardness difference D3 ((H0+H75)/2?H37.5) between a hardness of (the center hardness H0 of the spherical core+the hardness H75 at the point located at the distance of 75% of the core radius from the center of the spherical core)/2 and a hardness H37.

Abstract: A golf ball retrieval apparatus for retrieving a golf ball from a cupped hole is provided. The golf ball retrieval apparatus comprises an outer tube and an inner shaft slidably receivable within the outer tube. A retrieval mechanism is mounted to the inner shaft and capable of releasably grasping the golf ball. A cam system is mounted to the inner shaft for substantially centering the inner shaft within the outer tube and impeding the movement of the inner shaft within the outer tube. Interaction of the cam system and the outer tube impedes movement of the inner shaft within the outer tube and releasably, frictionally secures a desired position of the inner shaft relative to the outer tube. Golfers are enabled to facilitate expedient retrieval of a golf ball from a cupped hole or other location while remaining in a substantially upright position.

Abstract: Disclosed golf club heads include a body defining an interior cavity, a face, a sole, a crown, a skirt, and a hosel. Certain embodiments include a channel positioned in a forward portion of the sole. Some embodiments include one or more of a split mass pad and/or one or more weight ports positioned behind the channel. Additionally or alternatively, one or more mass pads or weight ports may be positioned adjacent to the periphery of the sole portion. Some embodiments further include an adjustable head-shaft connection assembly configured to adjustably couple the hosel to a golf club shaft.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an iron-type golf club head having a lightweight hosel and a high, toe-ward located center of gravity. The golf club head preferably includes a hollow body with a hosel and an interior mold line that extends into the hosel and is separated from a shaft bore by a solid barrier that does not include any through-holes. An upper portion of the body may include a pocket to hold a high-density weight, and the hosel wall may include multiple through-bores to further lighten the hosel. The golf club head may also include one or more internal ribs extending from the hollow interior of the body into the interior of the hosel.

Abstract: A golf club head, including a striking face having a plurality of grooves formed therein, a center region, a toe region, and a heel region, and a plurality of miniature grooves formed therein. The plurality of miniature grooves are limited to the central region of the striking face, with each of the plurality of miniature grooves extending across the striking face parallel to the grooves, and each of the plurality of miniature grooves having a miniature groove width of less than 0.500 mm.

Abstract: A ball striking device includes a ball striking plate having a front surface configured to strike a ball and a rear surface opposite the front surface. The ball striking plate has a desired-contact region and a perimeter. One or more spoke-like reinforcement ribs may be located on the rear surface and may radiate away from the desired-contact region toward the perimeter. At least one of the spoke-like reinforcement ribs may be located in an upper-toe quadrant or in an upper-heel quadrant of the rear surface. One or more encircling reinforcement ribs may be located on the rear surface. The one or more encircling reinforcement ribs may be at least partially encircling the desired-contact region. A thickened portion of the ball striking plate may be positioned behind the desired-contact region of the ball striking plate. The ball striking device may be a golf club head.

Abstract: Golf clubs and golf club heads, such as iron heads, may include an iron body and a ball striking plate engaged with the iron body. The ball striking plate may include a face layer and a backing layer. The face layer of the ball striking plate may be formed of a metal material, while the backing layer may be formed of a polymeric material. The backing layer isolates the face layer from the iron body. In some arrangements, the backing layer of the insert may be visible at the top, the bottom, the side and/or the front surfaces of the iron head. Methods for making such iron devices are also described.

Abstract: A golf club shaft having a weight distribution such that the balance point percentage is less than or equal to 44.50%. The weight distribution of the shaft allows for an increase in length and/or club head weight of a golf club while having a reduced impact on the swing weight.

Abstract: A golf club head comprising a body, a variable face thickness pattern, and a plurality of solid metal stiffening rods, and which satisfies the equation Vballnorm?0.0356x+140.82, is disclosed herein. The body comprises a face, a sole, and a return section, and defines a hollow interior. Each of the rods extends from the return section to the sole within the hollow interior proximate the face to reduce stresses placed on the face during impact with a golf ball. The rods are all located within 1 inch of a rear surface of the face measured along a plane normal to the center of the face, and are spaced a distance of 0.500 to 2.00 inch from one another within the hollow interior. The variable face thickness pattern preferably comprises a plurality of concentric rings, with a center ring having a thickness that is less than a thickness of an intermediary ring.

Abstract: Embodiments of golf club weight attachment mechanisms are described herein. In some embodiments, a golf club head comprises a head body with an interior cavity, a shell portion, and a bracket with a weight member coupled to the bracket. In one embodiment, the bracket and the weight member can be configured to be fully contained within the interior cavity. Other examples and related methods are also described herein.

Abstract: The present invention to a grip for golf club, and provides a grip for golf club which improves the tightly coupling force between the lower part of the grip for golf club and the thumb and the index finger of the hand which is positioned at the relatively lower position especially at the time of swing.

Abstract: A golf accessory case is configured to hold a plurality of golf tees in a plurality of receptacles defined in a top sidewall of the case. The case is also configured to releasably retain a plurality of business cards within a recessed area of a front surface of the case. The case may also be configured with a magnetic media to hold a ferrous ball marker. A clip may also be provided on a back surface of the case for providing a convenient retaining of the case to a belt or a golf bag.

Abstract: In a novel approach to golf club counter-weighting, directed to incorporation in a golf club at original manufacture as well as in the after-market, required secure longitudinal retention of the weighting device is accomplished by structure differing from known practice in that the required longitudinal retention is referenced to the top end surface of the golf club shaft by an annular flange configured at the top end of the weighting device and held securely between the cap portion of an original unmodified golf club grip and the top end of the shaft, thus accomplishing the required longitudinal retention of the weighting device with no need for grip modification or friction-gripping the interior surface of the shaft. The flange diameter is sized to fit closely inside the grip so as to also provide lateral retention at the top end of the thusly cantilevered weighting device.