Abstract: An image data processing device including: a storage means configured to store a three-dimensional MRI image of a subject's head; a three-dimensional appearance image generation means configured to generate a three-dimensional appearance image of the head; an image generation means configured to perform positional alignment between the three-dimensional MRI image and the three-dimensional appearance image, and to generate a three-dimensional image of the head after the positional alignment; an after-movement image generation means configured to generate, when the subject's head has been moved, a three-dimensional subject's head image after the movement and the positional alignment; an operational object image generation means configured to generate an operational object image indicating a position of an operational object; and a display means configured to display the three-dimensional image of the subject's head after the movement and the operational object image in one image.

Abstract: An electromagnetic neural stimulation device includes a biocompatible shaft and one or more microcoil systems inside the shaft. A microcoil system includes a microcoil (driven externally) that is complemented with a metallic element juxtaposed against the microcoil as a shield to non-uniformly affect spatial distribution of the strength of the magnetic field generated by the microcoil. The microcoil system is oriented at a position inside the shaft that is predetermined to place the microcoil system in the vicinity of target neurons once the shaft is inserted into the biological tissue. The angular orientation of the microcoil system is optionally varied to selectively stimulate different regions of the neural network.

Abstract: An electrical system controlled, driven by and/or based on naturally occurring electrophysiological signals in a patient's body is used to produce useful electromagnetic fields for health applications and/or medical applications provided to the patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to light applicators, systems comprising light applicators, and methods for their use. One aspect of the invention provides a light applicator configured for contacting a portion of a subject's body surface and controllably applying light irradiation thereto. The light applicator comprises a housing, the housing comprising a treatment plate for contacting the portion of the subject's body surface and having one or more windows. One or more light emitters are disposed inside the light applicator and projecting toward the corresponding one or more windows of the treatment plate. A heat spreader plate is disposed inside the light applicator. One or more heat conducting members thermally connect the treatment plate to the heat spreader plate.

Abstract: Methods of altering the rate of axonal transport are provided in several embodiments. Some embodiments alter axonal transport in a patient in need of an enhancement of axonal transport to alleviate symptoms of a disease or injury. The methods further include delivering electromagnetic radiation to at least one portion of the brain, spinal cord, or peripheral nervous system of a patient sufficient to effect an alteration in axonal transport in the patient.

Abstract: The present invention is related to novel functional antibody coated nanoparticles, and the preparation method thereof. The functional antibody coated nanoparticles according to the present invention can be used as photothermal agents to effectively inhibit the growth of microbes including drug-resistant strains and biofilm with laser irradiation.

Abstract: A system and method for light stimulation within a medium. Products, compositions, systems, and methods for modifying a target structure which mediates or is associated with a biological activity, including treatment of conditions, disorders, or diseases mediated by or associated with a target structure, such as a virus, cell, subcellular structure or extracellular structure. The methods may be performed in situ in a non-invasive manner by application of an initiation energy to a subject thus producing an effect on or change to the target structure directly or via a modulation agent. The methods may further be performed by application of an initiation energy to a subject in situ to activate a pharmaceutical agent directly or via an energy modulation agent, thus producing an effect on or change to the target structure. Kits containing products or compositions formulated or configured and systems for use in practicing these methods.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treatment planning are described.

Abstract: There is presented a method 100 and apparatus 200 to measure the surface of the patient (thorax and abdominal regions), e.g., during therapy delivery and (if necessary) while imaging. Together with biomechanical considerations the position of internal structures of the patient, such as an organ, and optionally a tumor in an organ, is inferred from the measured patient surface. In case the patient breaths and thus the organ and/or tumor moves, the position may be determined, which may be advantageous during, e.g., radiation therapy, since it enables that whenever the tumor is at the right position according to the radiation therapy plan, the radiation is switched on. In a specific embodiment, a finite element model is employed.

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: A treatment instrument includes: a proximal side probe transmits ultrasonic vibration from its proximal end to its distal end; a distal side probe configured to transmit the ultrasonic vibration from its proximal end to a treatment portion at its distal end; and a holding portion which holds a state where the proximal end of the distal side probe is into collision with the distal end of the proximal side probe, and a state where vibration is transmittable from the proximal end of the proximal side probe to the distal end of the distal side probe.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising an ultrasound ablation system, which comprises a reflection-facilitation element, configured to be placed at an extramyocardial site of a subject, and to provide an extramyocardial reflective region; and an ultrasound tool, which comprises at least one ultrasound transducer configured to be positioned within a heart chamber of the subject. The ultrasound transducer is configured to ablate myocardial tissue by applying ultrasound energy to the myocardial tissue such that at least a portion of the transmitted energy is reflected by the reflective region onto the myocardial tissue. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A descent control device includes a gear train, a speed-control mechanism, a first fastening plate, a second fastening plate and a third fastening plate.

Abstract: A face mask is configured to be worn on a wearer's head and to cover the wearer's nose and mouth. The face mask includes a mask body having apertures, an inhalation port positioned within one of the apertures of the mask body, an exhalation valve positioned within a second one of the apertures of the mask body, a harness assembly configured to extend about a wearer's head wherein the harness assembly includes a first strap, a strap retainer positioned on the mask body and disposed over the exhalation valve, the strap retainer configured to receive the first strap; and a valve protector positioned between the first strap and the exhalation valve.

Abstract: A D-ring keeper assembly is provided. The D-ring keeper assembly includes a D-ring and a base member. The D-ring has a mid-portion, a first end portion and a second end portion. The mid-portion is curved in generally a C-shape. The D-ring further has at least one post that extends between the first and second end portions. The base member is configured and arranged to be coupled to a webbing. The at least one post of the D-ring is pivotally in communication with the base member. The base member further includes at least one locking tab that is configured and arranged to lock the position of the D-ring in relation to the base member.

Abstract: In a reel 24 of a lanyard, a cam 46 is rotatable to change an orientation among a free orientation, a locking orientation, and a waiting orientation. The free orientation represents an orientation in which the cam 46 can be rotated in any of directions. The locking orientation represents an orientation in which a locking engagement portion 82 engages with a latching portion 96 of a cam receiver 52. The waiting orientation represents an orientation in which a waiting engagement portion 84 engages with a plate spring 48. When the bobbin rotates in one direction, the cam 46 changes from the free orientation to the waiting orientation. When the bobbin rotates in the other direction, a tip 82a of the cam 46 in the waiting orientation is guided by a guiding surface 100, to change the cam 46 from the waiting orientation to the locking orientation.

Abstract: A fall protection device, characterized by a module (12) with an adapter (16) for detachably attaching the module (22) at the tip of an aerial apparatus, the module comprising a plurality of ropes (36), each rope extending from an individual fall arresting device received within the module.

Abstract: A method and device for suppressing an electrical fire within an electrical wire carrying conduit. The device is a flexible receptacle containing an admixture of super absorbent polymer and water having substantially superior fire suppression and extinguishing properties that does not provide an electrically conductive environment. The receptacle is drawn though a conduit either before or after wires have been placed in the conduit, and the filled with the admixture. A sleeve may be placed over the receptacle to prevent breaching of the receptacle during installation. Once the receptacle and admixture is positioned within the conduit, should arcing or a buildup of heat occur, the receptacle will rupture and the admixture will cover the specific area. These particular properties and ratios of the admixture will enable electrical fires to be extinguished more rapidly and not flare back up. The admixture further encapsulates noxious and toxic gases associated with electrical fires.

Abstract: Improvements to a portable fire extinguisher are disclosed. The improvements allow for frequent and simplified inspection and maintenance of a fire extinguisher with minimal training and without need for custom equipment. The improvements include an anti-bridging mechanism that can be articulated from the exterior of the chamber to fluff, mix or stir the powder within the chamber to keep it in a liquefied state. Additional improvements include a larger opening to more quickly fill and inspect the powder within the chamber. Another improvement includes the use of a CO2 cartridge located external to the chamber to allow easier servicing or replacement of just the CO2 cartridge as well as the ability to maintain the chamber in an un-pressurized condition, allows for non-HASMAT shipping. These features will extend the service intervals while maintaining the fire extinguisher in a ready condition.

Abstract: A cover plate for a concealed sprinkler includes a member having at least one passageway section enabling heated air to pass between the cover plate and the sprinkler housing and towards the sprinkler head to permit the timely activation of the sprinkler head. The passageway section is defined by an outwardly extending peripheral rim of the cover plate or by a cutout section along one edge enabling air to pass therethrough. The cover plate includes a plurality of mounting tabs upon which a fusible material is applied to adhere the cover plate to the housing of the sprinkler head. The cover plate increases the response time of the concealed sprinkler head while maintaining a low profile, discrete appearance.

Abstract: A double interlock pre-action sprinkler head has a pipe having an inlet and outlet to permit flow of fire suppressant fluid through the pipe. A dedicated electrically actuatable valve is connected to the pipe to prevent fire suppressant fluid in sprinkler system piping from entering the pipe. The electrically actuatable valve opens in response to a signal from a fire detector to permit fire suppressant fluid to flow into the pipe. A heat-sensitive valve is connected to the pipe and opens to permit fire suppressant fluid to exit the pipe when ambient temperature at the heat-sensitive valve is at or above a predefined temperature. The sprinkler head provides a dry pipe solution for a single room while being fully integratable into any building-wide sprinkler system, including wet pipe systems.

Abstract: A rebounder assembly (10) includes a rebounder bed (12), a rebounder frame (14), and a plurality of spaced apart rebounder connectors (15) that connect the rebounder bed (12) to the rebounder frame (14) in tension. At least one of the rebounder connectors (15) includes a resilient member (16) and a rebounder fastener (18). The rebounder fastener (18) includes an outer frame (224) that defines a portion of a first retaining area (220) and a first cantilevering arm (226) that extends away from the outer frame (224), the first cantilevering arm (226) defining at least a portion of a second retaining area (222). The resilient member (16) is selectively movable relative to the rebounder fastener (18) between a first position where the resilient member (16) engages the first retaining area (220), and a second position where the resilient member (16) engages the second retaining area (222) to selectively adjust the tension of the rebounder bed (12).

Abstract: A jungle gym joint has a joint main body including joint shafts to which pipes are connected and rotary members. The pipe is connected to one end and a folding portion is formed at the other end of the rotary member, the folding member being formed by a flat plate portion being held in a bifurcate portion together with the joint main body. A cover member including engaging projections on an inner circumferential surface is provided on an outer circumference of the folding portion. The cover member is guided to move back and forth in an axial direction by the engaging projections being brought into engagement with guide grooves. The folding portion is restricted from being folded with the cover member staying in an advanced end position while the restriction of folding thereof can be released with the cover member staying in a withdrawal end position.

Abstract: A retractable wall mounted exercise rack system for providing an exercise rack that may be easily and compactly stored when not in use. The retractable wall mounted exercise rack system generally includes one or more brackets attached to a wall, a pair of support members, and a plurality of arms pivotally extending from the brackets and pivotally connecting to the support members. One or more actuators are connected between the brackets and the arms to assist in lifting the structure into a compact retracted position for storage.

Abstract: An exercise device has a base with a plurality of rollers secured to a bottom surface thereof. A handle with an extended stem is rotatably attached to two columns that extend from a top surface of the base. A brace is attached to the stem and designed to comfortably contain the forearm of a user. The handle is connected to a spring that applies a rotational bias when the stem is rotated away from a starting position. In operation, an individual assumes an initial push up stance and grasps the handles of two such devices, with the brace positioned underneath each forearm. As the user stretches outward, the base rolls along the brace and pushes up against the forearms. This assists a user when retracting to the initial stance.

Abstract: An exercise device with a pair of upper links coupled to a frame and a pair of lower links pivotally and respectively coupled to the upper links is provided. A pedal is received on a distal end of each of the lower links. A transfer system between the pair of upper links may include a first and a second pushrod, each with a first end pivotally coupled to each respective upper link and a second end opposite to the first end. A first and a second damper arm, each pivotally coupled to the frame, may be included, each damper arm receiving a respective pushrod. An actuator may be coupled to the first damper arm and the second damper arm, thus providing movement of the first and second pushrods to alter a resting position of the first and second upper leg links with respect to the frame.

Abstract: An improved exercise bench for effectively and efficiently training the core portion of the user's body. The core training bench comprises a bench having an upper section and a separate lower section, a frame for supporting the bench above a surface, leg members interconnecting the frame and the bench and pivoting mechanisms interconnecting the leg members and the bench or the frame to allow the sections of the bench to pivot or tilt relative to the leg members. In the preferred embodiment, the upper section is able to pivot independent of the pivoting lower section so the user can place the bench in any one of a plurality of different tilt positions so he or she may selectively exercise different muscle groups at his or her core. The core training bench can include an oblique stand, grip bar, tension cable hooks and/or a removable section for an AB ball.

Abstract: A stair exerciser apparatus includes a frame having a pair of inclined supports, a drive mechanism, a plurality of stairs and an electromagnetic resistance device. The stairs are coupled to the drive mechanism for traveling around the pair of inclined supports. The electromagnetic resistance device is coupled to the drive mechanism to control the running speed of the stairs. The electromagnetic resistance device has a flywheel, an electromagnet and a brake unit. The electromagnet is coupled to the brake unit for controlling rotation resistance of the flywheel. The brake unit has a brake block for stopping the flywheel to stop the stairs. The brake unit is pivotally rotatable between a non-braking position where the brake block is pulled away from the flywheel when the electromagnet is energized and a braking position where the brake block is pulled to stop the flywheel when the electromagnet is loss of power.

Abstract: A physical exercise apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes a frame, a seat, a pair of movable arms, and a pair of cycling foot pedals. The seat may be supported by the frame and configured to support a user in an at least partially supine position. The pair of movable arms may be movably coupled to a first portion of the frame and coupled with a common, linearly movable resistance load. The first portion of the frame may be stationary with respect to the seat. The pair of cycling foot pedals may be movably coupled to a second portion of the frame and independently movable from the pair of movable arms so that the user can cycle the pair of cycling foot pedals while separately engaging the pair of movable arms.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a base frame, a swing unit including a pair of swing arms pivotally mounted at the base frame, a pedal unit pivotally mounted at the swing unit, a travel path constraining unit including a pivot axle pivotally connected to the base frame, a pair of upper crank arms respectively affixed to two opposite ends of the pivot axle in reverse directions and a pair of links respectively pivotally connected between the upper crank arms and the swing arms for limiting the swinging range of the swing unit, a first damping unit for providing a damping resistance to the pedal unit, and a second damping unit for providing a damping resistance to the swing arms.

Abstract: A push-up device and method of use has been disclosed that employs the use of a spherical member that makes contact with the ground surface and supports the weight of a user when the user grasps the handle members of the push-up device and/or rests thereon. The user may balance his or her body on the push-up device while exercising. The push-up device is operable to permit the push-up device to move or translate in various directions or angles when the user is resting thereon by rotating the spherical member omni-directionally. As such, not only may a user stimulate chest and/or other upper-body muscles, but the user may also stimulate abdominals or other lower-body muscles, permitting the user to stimulate a more variety of his or her muscles through balancing himself or herself on the push-up device through the curved surface of the spherical member.

Abstract: An exercise device is described. An exercise device including a body, the body having a top, a bottom, a first end located at one edge of the body, a second end located at an opposite end of the body, and first and second sides extending between the first and second ends; a first axle connected to a first wheel, the first axle also connected to the body proximate the first end at a first hub; a first spring having a first spring end, the first spring positioned at least partially within the first axle, with the first spring end slidably connected to one of the first wheel and the first hub at a first junction, wherein the first junction is configured to convey torque between the one of the first hub and the first wheel and the first spring end.

Abstract: A wheelchair exercise device comprising two assemblies, each assembly comprises: a seat plate; a longish pipe element; and a wide belt. The seat plate is L-shaped and made of hard material, the longish pipe element is flexible and has padding on its top side, the longish pipe element mounted onto ferrule or hole integrated approximately in the middle of the vertical edge of the L-shaped seat plate, the first end of the wide belt is attached to the longish pipe element and adjustable upwards, downwards and around the pipe of the longish pipe element, and the second end of the wide belt has hook and loop fastener. The two assemblies are adapted to be fastened onto each other by the hook and loop fasteners, and the assemblies are designed so that the combined measurement of both the width and length of the seat plates is smaller than the measurement of a wheelchair seat, thereby allowing the width and vertical adjustment of the location of the seat plates on the wheelchair seat.

Abstract: Devices such as medical devices, including those for use in conducting pelvic muscle exercise, are generally provided. Embodiments herein relate generally to the medical device and consumer medical product fields, and in some embodiments, to a device for sensing, guiding, and/or tracking pelvic muscle exercise in men and women for the purpose of treating urinary incontinence, sexual dysfunction, and other pelvic conditions.

Abstract: An aquatic body cover for use with a monofin. The body cover having a sleeve portion dimensioned to cover a region of a human body extending from a waist to an ankle of the human body and hold the legs substantially together. The body cover further including a foot portion integrally formed with an end of the sleeve portion, wherein the foot portion comprises a first bootie and a second bootie, the first bootie and the second bootie being dimensioned to separately cover each foot of the human body and allow for movement of one foot with respect to the other.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to golf balls having improved aerodynamic performance due, at least in part, to the selection of the plan shapes of the dimples thereon. In particular, the present invention is directed to a golf ball that includes at least a portion of its dimples having a plan shape defined by low frequency periodic functions along a closed simple path. In addition, the present invention provides methods for designing dimples having a plan shape defined by a low frequency periodic function along a closed simple path.

Abstract: In a multi-piece solid golf ball having a core, an envelope layer, an intermediate layer, and a cover with a plurality of dimples thereon, the core is a two-layer core consisting of an inner core layer and an outer core layer each formed primarily of a base rubber, the envelope layer, the intermediate layer and the cover layer are each composed of at least one layer and formed primarily of a synthetic resin material, and the initial velocities and surface hardnesses of the core, the envelope layer-encased sphere and the intermediate layer-encased sphere are designed within specific ranges. This golf ball satisfies at a very high level the flight and control performances expected for use by professional golfers and skilled amateurs, has the ability to move forward on a straight path particularly on full shots, and also has an excellent scuff resistance.

Abstract: A golf ball includes a spherical core, a mid layer, an inner cover, and an outer cover. A hardness Hm of the mid layer is greater than a hardness Hinc of the inner cover which is greater than a hardness Houc of the outer cover. A difference (Hm?Houc) is greater than 25. A volume Vm of the mid layer is greater than a volume Vinc of the inner cover which is greater than a volume Vouc of the outer cover. A ratio [(Vm+Vinc+Vouc)/V] of a sum (Vm+Vinc+Vouc) relative to a volume V of an entirety of the golf ball is less than 0.30. A ratio (Vm/Vouc) is greater than 1.50. A product (Vm*Hm) and a product (Vouc*Houc) meet the following relationship: [(Vm*Hm)/(Vouc*Houc)]>3.0.

Abstract: Multi-layered golf balls containing a dual-core structure are provided. The core structure includes an inner core (center) comprising a thermoplastic composition, preferably including: a) ethylene acid copolymer, b) plasticizer, and c) cation source. Preferably, a fatty acid ester such as ethyl oleate is used as the plasticizer. The outer core layer is preferably formed from a thermoset composition such as polybutadiene rubber. The core layers have different hardness levels. For example, the inner core can have a positive, zero, or negative hardness gradient. The core assembly preferably has a positive hardness gradient extending across the entire assembly. The core structure and resulting ball have relatively good resiliency at given compressions.

Abstract: Recreational footballs with rotor assemblies are provided herein. An example recreational device includes a shell forming a prolate spheroid frame, a shaft disposed within the prolate spheroid frame and located along a central axis defined by the prolate spheroid frame, and one or more fan assemblies each having a plurality of blades, the one or more fan assemblies rotating around or in conjunction with the shaft, the one or more fan assemblies changing at least one aerodynamic aspect of flight of the recreational device when air passes through the prolate spheroid frame and across the plurality of blades of the one or more fan assemblies as the recreational device spirals during flight.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing golf balls having a core and a cover of at least one layer encasing the core includes, when molding the cover, blending a thermal antioxidant into the cover stock in a plurality of divided portions. This method is able to minimize deterioration and discoloration of the cover stock, enabling golf balls of stable quality to be obtained. In addition, it is able to facilitate the use of reclaimed material, enabling environmentally and economically efficient production to be carried out.

Abstract: A system and method for dispensing golf balls is disclosed. Balls are received into a cylindrical tube, and are supported on a shelf that extends inwardly at a dimension that retains the balls when they are stacked vertically. Balls are removed through a forward opening.

Abstract: This system (1) for blocking one or more strings (C) of a racket on the stringing machine comprises a guide support on which two clip holders (3) each provided with a clip (37) for gripping a string (C) are mounted. Each of the clip holders (3) is movable relative to the support along a trajectory forming a closed contour around a central axis (X5) of the support.

Abstract: A golf club incorporating an interchangeable shaft system includes a shaft, a shaft sleeve, a club head. The shaft sleeve is coupled to an end of the shaft and is received in a hosel included in the club head. The shaft sleeve is removably coupled to the club head. Hosel and shaft sleeve alignment features provide discrete orientations between the shaft and club head.

Abstract: A ball striking device, such as a golf club head, includes a face having a ball striking surface, an inner surface opposite the ball striking surface, and a body connected to the face and extending rearward from the face. The head has a deformation limiting member located behind the face and having an end spaced a distance from the inner surface of the face. The face and the deformation limiting member are adapted such that an impact of the ball on the ball striking surface causes deformation of the face toward the deformation limiting member. When the deformation of the face is sufficient to cause the inner surface of the face to engage the deformation limiting member, the deformation limiting member exerts a force on the face to resist further deformation of the face.

Abstract: Golf club heads are described herein, and in one embodiment including a body with an exterior surface defining a first body volume of at least about 400 cm3. The body has a bottom portion, a top portion, a front portion, and a back portion. A face positioned at the front portion of the body and is configured to receive an impact. A top portion silhouette profile located along a perimeter of the top portion is further described. The top portion silhouette profile defines the outer bounds of the top portion in an X-direction and Y-direction. At least one indentation can be located on the bottom portion below the crown silhouette profile. The removal of the at least one indentation from the bottom portion can create a second body volume that is at least 12 cm3 larger than the first body volume.

Abstract: A golf club head having a hollow structure includes a face, an internal surface, and an external surface. The face defines a front portion of the golf club head and includes a face surface defining a ball-striking surface. The internal surface includes an internal depression that at least partly extends along the outline of the face surface. The external surface includes an external depression that at least partly extends along the outline of the face surface.

Abstract: A ball striking device, such as a golf club, includes a head that includes a face having a ball striking surface configured for striking a ball and a body connected to the face and extending rearward from the face. A face member formed primarily of a metallic material forms the face, and a body member is connected to the face member and extends rearward from the face member to form at least a portion of the body. The body member is formed at least partially of a polymer material, and has a doped portion containing a doping material dispersed within the polymer material. The doping material may have a different density than the polymer material, such that the doped portion has a different density than the portions of the body member not containing the doping material. A co-molding method may be used to form the ball striking device.

Abstract: A wood-type golf club head includes a striking wall, a top portion, and a bottom portion comprising a club head wall portion and first and second ribs projecting from the wall portion. The club head also includes a weight element translatable along a weight path and that comprises a first weight portion, a second weight portion, and a fastener, the first and second ribs each being interposed between the first weight portion and the second weight portion such that the first weight portion is located proximate the club head wall portion and the second weight portion is located distal the club head wall portion. The second weight portion further comprises a contact surface having an angular contour including surface portions angled to form at least one non-zero degree vertex, the surface portions being complementary to, and shaped to mate with, the bottom portion of the club head.

Abstract: An iron-type golf club head has a club head body that includes a back portion, a topline, a sole portion, and a striking face. The golf club head also may include a rib that extends from the back portion of the club head body to a rear surface of the striking face. A symmetric portion of the striking face is defined by contact with the topline, the sole portion, and the rib. A second rib may also be included in the golf club head and the symmetric portion of the striking face is defined by contact with the topline, the sole portion, the first rib, and the second rib. A flex support structure may also be incorporated into the golf club head. The flex support structures may have multiple profiles that contact the rear surface of the striking face at differing deflection depths.