Abstract: Provide a particle beam transport system that contribute to reduction of construction period and cost for a particle beam treatment facility including plural treatment rooms accommodating a particle-beam irradiation equipment. A particle beam transport system 10 includes: a main line 31 configured to transport a particle beam generated by an accelerator outward; a branch line 22 branching from the main line 31; irradiation equipments 30 (30a-30d) provided at respective ends of the branch line 22 and configured to irradiate a patient with the particle beam, wherein at least a part of the main line 31 and the branch line 22 is configured as plural segments 20; and beam characteristics of the particle beam of each of the plural segments 20 are substantially equal at both ends.

Abstract: An image-guided therapy delivery system includes a therapy generator configured to generate a therapy beam directed to a time-varying therapy locus within a therapy recipient, an imaging input configured to receive imaging information about a time-varying target locus within the therapy recipient, and a therapy controller. The therapy generator includes a therapy output configured to direct the therapy beam according to a therapy protocol. The therapy controller is configured to automatically generate a predicted target locus using information indicative of an earlier target locus extracted from the imaging information, a cyclic motion model, and a specified latency, and automatically generate an updated therapy protocol to align the time-varying therapy locus with the predicted target locus.

Abstract: An assembly for preventing an overdose of a charged particle beam during therapy to a patient includes a pixelated detector apparatus and a controller. The controller includes, for each pixel: a current integrator circuit that converts the local measured current into a total local detected charge integrated from a start time, the integrator circuit outputting an integrator voltage that corresponds to the total local detected charge; and a discriminator circuit that compares the integrator voltage with a reference voltage, the reference voltage corresponding to a maximum acceptable dose for the patient. A logic circuit generates an overdose fault signal if, at any of the pixels, the integrator voltage is higher than the reference voltage.

Abstract: An adaptive therapy delivery system can receive imaging information including a volumetric image comprising a target such as a tumor or one or more other structures, and can receive imaging information corresponding to one or more imaging slices comprising different portions of the target, such as imaging slices acquired at different times after acquisition of the volumetric image. The system can spatially register information from an earlier-acquired image with a portion of the target included in a later-acquired one of the imaging slices. The system can then determine an updated location of the target indicated by the spatially-registered information. Using the updated location, the system can generate an updated therapy protocol to control delivery of a therapy beam.

Abstract: The present invention provides n ultrasonic treatment device (10) for heating a portion of a subject of interest, comprising a ultrasonic irradiation unit (12) for generating high-intensity focused ultrasonic irradiation, whereby a beam path of the ultrasonic irradiation is movable along a trajectory for depositing ultrasonic energy within a target zone (22) of the subject of interest, and a control unit (20) for controlling the ultrasonic irradiation unit (12) to move the beam path of the ultrasonic irradiation along the trajectory and to apply an ultrasonic dose to the target zone (22), wherein the control unit (20) is adapted to receive temperature information of the target zone (22) and to control the ultrasonic irradiation unit (12) based on the received temperature information, and the control unit (20) is adapted to control the ultrasonic irradiation unit (12) based on the temperature of a current (26) and at least one previous direction (28) of the beam path of the ultrasonic irradiation along the tra

Abstract: A focused ultrasound (“FUS”} system capable of use in a small bore imaging system, such as a small bore magnetic resonance imaging (“MRI”} system is provided. The FUS system generally includes an ultrasound transducer whose position is adjusted by a positioning system. The positioning system is sized to fit within the bore of the small bore imaging system. For instance, the positioning system can fit within a diameter of 150 millimeters or less.

Abstract: A method for delivering ultrasound can include positioning at least a focal zone of a transducer of an ultrasound probe proximate to targeted tissue of a patient. The method can include supplying power to the transducer to deliver ultrasound energy from the transducer to a first portion of the targeted tissue for a predetermined amount of time to create a first focal lesion in the targeted tissue. The method can include at least temporarily ceasing power to the transducer so as to at least temporarily cease delivery of ultrasound energy from the transducer to the targeted tissue. The method can include supplying power to the transducer to deliver ultrasound energy from the transducer to the targeted tissue at least substantially continuously and along a predefined treatment path.

Abstract: Described herein is an implantable device having a sensor configured to detect an amount of an analyte, a pH, a temperature, strain, or a pressure; and an ultrasonic transducer with a length of about 5 mm or less in the longest dimension, configured to receive current modulated based on the analyte amount, the pH, the temperature, or the pressure detected by the sensor, and emit an ultrasonic backscatter based on the received current. The implantable device can be implanted in a subject, such as an animal or a plant. Also described herein are systems including one or more implantable devices and an interrogator comprising one or more ultrasonic transducers configured to transmit ultrasonic waves to the one or more implantable devices or receive ultrasonic backscatter from the one or more implantable devices. Also described are methods of detecting an amount of an analyte, a pH, a temperature, a strain, or a pressure.

Abstract: Described herein is an implantable device having a sensor configured to detect an amount of an analyte, a pH, a temperature, strain, or a pressure; and an ultrasonic transducer with a length of about 5 mm or less in the longest dimension, configured to receive current modulated based on the analyte amount, the pH, the temperature, or the pressure detected by the sensor, and emit an ultrasonic backscatter based on the received current. The implantable device can be implanted in a subject, such as an animal or a plant. Also described herein are systems including one or more implantable devices and an interrogator comprising one or more ultrasonic transducers configured to transmit ultrasonic waves to the one or more implantable devices or receive ultrasonic backscatter from the one or more implantable devices. Also described are methods of detecting an amount of an analyte, a pH, a temperature, a strain, or a pressure.

Abstract: The iron entry tool is a multifunctional device for building and vehicle forced entry, flow path blocking, rescue tarp, patient carrier. The entry tool comprises a modular structure that can fit into a wide variety of building openings and vehicle doors that are cut out under traffic collision incidents. The power alarm system of the tool provides critical safety features for rapid egress of firefighters. The canvas of the entry tool can be conveniently rewound to provide an user an efficient way to store and carry the Roses iron entry toll.

Abstract: Regulator assemblies for breathing masks of aircraft crewmembers are described, with such an assembly including a mode selection knob mounted on a support. The knob is movable between at least two positions, allowing an associated regulator to operate in at least two modes of supplying breathing gas to a crewmember. One or more protrusions of the knob, when contacted by fingers of the crewmember, may bias the knob toward a particular one of the at least two positions.

Abstract: A method and devices are described, in which a transformable fiber at a first crystal structure is shaped from its pre-determined configuration into a new shaped configuration. The new shaped configuration of the transformable fiber is inserted into a cavity of a heat and fire protective item. The new shaped configuration of the transformable fiber is heated to above its transformation temperature to a second crystal structure. The heating transforms the new shaped configuration to its pre-determined configuration, wherein the pre-determined configuration forms an air pocket within the heat and fire protective item. The transformable fiber is cooled below its transformation temperature to revert the transformable fiber back to the new shaped configuration at the first crystal structure.

Abstract: A safety-anchor assembly of a fall-protection lifeline system for workers configured to be implemented in a work area defining a lower surface and an upper surface spaced from the lower surface, the lower and upper surfaces of the work area each substantially planar and oriented substantially parallel with each other. The safety-anchor assembly includes a base tube and a staff tube adjustably attached to the base tube to form a post shore extending under compression pressure between and frictionally supported upon the lower and upper surfaces of the work area to prevent movement of the post shore with respect to the lower and upper surfaces, an acute angle of about eighty-one degrees being defined between the post shore and the lower surface of the work area and a corresponding obtuse angle of about ninety-nine degrees being defined between the post shore and the upper surface of the work area.

Abstract: A partitioned anti-falling connecting device includes a frame, a movable latch and a hoist ring. The frame has a hanging space with a gap defined between two ends thereof and at least a division island protrudingly arranged between the two ends thereof so as to divide the frame into at least a first section and a second section. The movable latch is arranged on the frame for opening and closing the gap.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method to mitigate the consequences of an unconfined or partially confined vapor cloud explosion due to the accidental release of a flammable gas in an open area, wherein: means capable to release a flame acceleration suppression product are dispersed in said area, a signal is generated by a detector of said flammable gas release, or by an operator, or by an approaching flame or by the explosion itself, or by any combination thereof, said signal activates the release of the flame acceleration suppression product in said area and in a sufficient amount to transform the flammable cloud into a mixture of flammable product, air and said flame acceleration suppression product to prevent flame accelerations in an unconfined vapor cloud explosion but to let the flammable product burn in case of ignition.

Abstract: The invention includes components and methodology for fixed and semi-fixed systems for extinguishing fire in large industrial flammable liquid storage tanks, including aerated foam projecting nozzles discharging substantially focused streams together with aeration chambers and risers and the formation of wand heads and wands. Specifically, the invention includes a nozzle having a tip portion, the tip portion having a stream shaper, and the stream shaper having at least four fins with a longitudinal dimension in the tip portion greater than a radial dimension in the tip portion.

Abstract: A fire suppression system for a gas turbine engine includes a fire suppressant delivery circuit, a first nozzle and a multi-directional nozzle. The fire suppressant delivery circuit includes and extends between an upstream inlet and a downstream distal end. The first nozzle is fluidly coupled with the fire suppressant delivery circuit and is disposed at the downstream distal end. The multi-directional nozzle is fluidly coupled with the fire suppressant delivery circuit and is configured serially inline between the upstream inlet and the first nozzle.

Abstract: A portable exercise system has a foldable perimeter frame comprising at least two elongated frame members that are joined by hinges. The hinges are joined to ends of the frame members, which ends are generally tubular. Each hinge has a cap-like body having an interior surface that defines a cavity configured to nestingly receive one of the ends of the frame members. A deformable plug is located within the central cavity of the one of the ends. A tightening mechanism is operated to expand the plug radially and thereby cause the end to expand radially such the generally tubular outer surface of the end frictionally engages the interior surface of the a cap-like body.

Abstract: An aqua resistance dumbbell comprises a tubular wall that provides a bore for receiving a user's hand from each end of the bell. A rod is located within the bore and extending laterally across the bore to be gripped by a user with one or both hands from one or both ends of the bore. The dumbbell has a plurality of longitudinal fins extend along the tubular wall on an outer side of the tubular wall, and at least one lateral fin that extends laterally at least part way around the tubular wall. An aqua resistance fin assembly comprises two fin components and at least one fastening member for fitting the fin components to a user's limb in a side-by-side configuration around the limb. Each fin component comprises a base adapted to fit against a user's limb and adapted to be secured to the user's limb by the fastening member, and at least two longitudinal fins and at least one lateral fin on an outer side of the base.

Abstract: An exercise bicycle configured to provide fan-based resistance and a fan wheel thereof are disclosed. The fan wheel includes a hub and a plurality of vanes. The hub includes a pivot portion and a plurality of mounting portions. The mounting portions are arranged in an annular manner around a center defined by the pivot portion and each have a groove. Each vane includes a connecting end inserted into a corresponding one of the mounting portions and fixedly connected to the corresponding mounting portion by a plurality of fasteners. The fan wheel is thus easy to manufacture and assemble.

Abstract: A shuttle training and therapy device including in one example: a floor standing fame having a headward end and a footward end; a carriage slidably attached to the frame; a resistance system of elastic cords attached to the footward end of the frame; the elastic cords selectively attached to the carriage; and a range of motion limiting system comprising a control cord having a first end attached to the carriage, a second end selectively attached to the frame, and an intermediate portion attached to an elastic member attached to the carriage.

Abstract: A tire exercise system has a tire having an interior portion covered with an inner tire cover. At least four shoulder strap attachment points are attached to the tire and configured to secure a right and left shoulder strap. At least two handles are attached to the tire and configured to accommodate human hands. At least two anchors are attached to the tire and configured to accommodate a rope system. A waist harness includes a waist belt. An anchor is attached to the waist belt. A rope system is attached to the tire and the waist harness. The rope system includes a first carabineer attached to a bungee cord, which can then be attached to the tire. A ring is attached to the bungee cord. A rope is attached to the ring. A second carabineer is attached to the rope, which can then be attached to the waist harness.

Abstract: A weighted suit includes a sleeveless suit being composed of a neoprene material and to fit around a torso area of a user, the sleeveless suit having two leg compartments to extend to above a knee of the user; a first pair of weights integrated into a chest portion of the sleeveless suit, each of the first pair of weights having a rubber pouch forming an interior cavity; and a pre-determined amount of iron sand permanently secured within the interior cavity of the rubber pouch, the pre-determined amount of iron sand providing weight; the rubber pouch flexes with movement of the user; a second pair of weights integrated into an upper back portion of the sleeveless suit; a third pair of weights integrated into thigh regions of the two leg compartments; each of the third pair of weights is positioned to wrap from a front of the user's leg to a back of the user's leg; and each weight of the first, second, and third pair of weights is permanently sewn into the sleeveless suit to be completely enclosed by the neopr

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

Abstract: The present invention uses a belt around the waist, elastic bands attached to the waist belt and an anchoring system to create simultaneous constant tension on the core and body movement systems during physical exercise in the three planes of motion (sagittal, transverse and frontal). The tension created causes perturbation (balance) challenges forcing the lower and upper body to work synergistically to overcome the load put on the entire muscular system. Since the tension is simultaneous, constant and multi-planar, it overloads the core and lower body movement systems (“Lumbo-Pelvic-Hip Complex”), separately challenging the transverse abdominus, internal obliques, pelvic floor, multifidus, and deep erector spinae group while the physical exercise is being performed. By achieving this, the present invention produces superior physiological results during physical exercise for athletic training, fitness maintenance, and physical therapy and rehabilitation, in a less costly and more time-efficient manner.

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: The present invention relates to the field of fitness training devices and exercise machines. More specifically, a substantially horizontal exercise machine comprising an exercise platform slidable along one or more rails aligned with the longitudinal axis of the machine structure, the slidable platform spring-biased towards one end of the machine, is tiltable to allow for one end of the machine to be raised or lowered relative to the opposed end of the machine.

Abstract: A resilient exercise article includes an outer surface defining an interior chamber. The article comprises outward being one of a spherical shape, an ovoid shape or a double ovoid shape, at least one circumferential groove defined in the outer surface, and a bore extending axially through the article.

Abstract: A stair stepping apparatus comprising: a plurality of stairs forming a treadmill or endless belt on which a user steps, wherein each stair comprises: a first link comprised of a major step portion joined to a minor riser portion by a rigid elbow, and a second link comprised of major riser portion joined to a minor step portion by a rigid elbow.

Abstract: An enhanced stability forearm builder is disclosed herein. The enhanced stability forearm builder includes a first handle bar and a second handle bar both having a first end and a second end, the first handle bar and second handle bar both being configured to be gripped by a hand of a user. A first end cap is removably attached to the first end of the first handle bar. The first handle bar and the second handle bar are attached by a connector. A ratchet system is located on the first handle bar and the second handle bar and is configured to allow rotation of the first handle bar and the second handle bar. A strap is coupled to the connector and configured to provide tension and lifting power. The enhanced stability forearm builder may be useful for building muscle on the forearm.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes a processor that calculates identification data indicating a region in which a ball hitting portion of an exercise appliance is included at each of a plurality of timings during a swing of the exercise appliance, of a plurality of regions to which the identification data is allocated in advance, and displays the identification data to a user.

Abstract: A shoe pod includes a positioning component and an altimeter. The positioning component determines geodetic locations of the shoe, whereas the altimeter determines elevations of the shoe. A golf club pod is disposed at the golf club and includes a golf club parameter detector operable to be detachably fastened to the golf club, to detect a golf club head striking surface position and to transmit the detected club parameter signal based on the detected golf club parameter.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for athletic training optimization are disclosed. In one example, a fitness level change is identified. In one example, a current training intensity is updated to reflect an updated user fitness level.

Abstract: Articles of clothing or pieces of athletic equipment include modules, e.g., for sensing physical and/or physiological characteristics associated with use of the clothing or athletic equipment or for performing other functions. Such systems and methods may use physical or other interaction(s) between the module and the article of clothing or piece of athletic equipment for activating and/or deactivating the module and/or sensing devices included with the module, for confirming whether the module and clothing or piece of athletic equipment are authorized for use with one another, and/or for automatic data algorithm selection methods. Additionally, such systems and methods also may use the activation and/or authentication systems for data input to the module. Some examples of such systems and methods may utilize magnets and magnetic sensing systems and/or light (or other radiation) sources and sensing systems for activation, authentication, data input, and/or algorithm selection.

Abstract: A variable-color region (106) of an information-presentation structure extends to an exposed surface (102) at a surface zone (112) and contains multiple variable-color cells (404), each extending to a part (406) of the zone. The cells normally appear along their parts of the zone as a principal color. Each cell that meets cellular threshold impact criteria in response to an object (104) impacting the zone at an object-contact area (116) temporarily becomes a criteria-meeting cell that temporarily appears along its part of the zone as changed color materially different from the principal color. A group of less than all the cells usually constitute criteria-meeting cells. The surface parts of the criteria-meeting cells form a print area (118) that closely matches the object-contact area in size, shape, and location. The color-change capability helps in making in/out calls in sports such as tennis.

Abstract: A walking training apparatus 1 includes a leg robot 2 attached to a leg of a walking trainee, a motor 261 configured to rotationally drive a knee joint 22 of the leg robot 2, a control unit 332 configured to control the motor 261 so that the motor 261 rotationally drives the knee joint 22 in a leg-idling period in a gait motion of the walking trainee, a motor torque detection unit 262 configured to detect a motor torque, the motor torque being a torque generated by the motor 261, and a determination unit 333 configured to determine whether or not the walking trainee is in a spasticity state or a rigidity state by using a value of the motor torque detected in the leg-idling period by the motor torque detection unit 262.

Abstract: A quick folding agility ladder and methods of folding and opening the agility ladder are disclosed. In one embodiment, the quick folding agility ladder can comprise a plurality of rectangular ladder frames and a plurality of ladder rung sleeves connecting the rectangular ladder frames. The plurality of ladder rung sleeves can comprise a first rung sleeve and a second rung sleeve. The agility ladder can be folded into a quadrifolium configuration comprising four petal-shaped portions including a first petal-shaped portion, a second petal-shaped portion, a third petal-shaped portion, and a fourth petal-shaped portion. The first rung sleeve can form at least part of the first petal-shaped portion and the fourth petal-shaped portion and the second rung sleeve can form at least part of the second petal-shaped portion and the third petal-shaped portion.

Abstract: A compressible core with an RFID tag is described. The compressible core comprises an RFID integrated circuit, and an inlay material sandwiched between a top hemisphere and a bottom hemisphere. The RFID integrated circuit includes a memory that stores a unique identifier. The inlay material includes an RFID antenna electrically coupled to the RFID integrated circuit. The top hemisphere of the compressible core is separated from the bottom hemisphere of the compressible core. The inlay with the RFID antenna and the RFID integrated circuit placed between the top and bottom hemispheres. The top hemisphere, the inlay and the bottom hemisphere are joined together forming a compressible core. Additionally, the molded shell encapsulates the compressible core.

Abstract: Golf balls according to the present invention achieve flight symmetry and overall satisfactory flight performance due to a dimple surface volume ratio that is equivalent between opposing hemispheres despite the use of different dimple geometries, different dimple arrangements, and/or different dimple counts on the opposing hemispheres.

Abstract: Multi-layered golf balls containing a two or three-layered cover assembly are provided. In one embodiment, the cover assembly includes a relatively hard inner cover and relatively soft outer cover. Alternatively, the cover assembly may include a relatively soft inner cover with a relatively hard outer cover. Three-layered covers comprising an inner cover, intermediate cover, and outer cover layer also may be prepared. Preferably, at least one of the layers is formed from a thermoplastic composition that preferably comprises: a) ethylene acid copolymer, b) plasticizer, and c) cation source. A fatty acid ester such as ethyl oleate is preferably used as the plasticizer. The cover assembly has good impact durability and helps provide the ball with relatively high resiliency at given compressions.

Abstract: A rubber composition for golf balls includes (A) a base rubber, (B) two different metal salts of ?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acids having 3 to 8 carbon atoms, (C) a metal salt in which at least one bonding site is a fatty acid of 9 or more carbon atoms, and (D) a crosslinking initiator. Letting component (B) include (B-1) an unsaturated metal carboxylate in a high compounding weight and (B-2) an unsaturated metal carboxylate in a low compounding weight, the ratio (B-2)/(B-1) is from 4 to 20 wt % and the ratio (B-2)/(C) is from 20 to 115 wt %. By using this rubber composition in a golf ball core, the golf ball can be endowed with both good spin properties and good durability on impact.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to golf balls consisting of a multi-layer core and a cover. The multi-layer core includes at least one layer formed from a relatively soft or low modulus HNP composition and at least one layer formed from a relatively hard or high modulus HNP composition.

Abstract: In order to satisfy at a high level the golf ball flight and control performances relied on by professional golfers and skilled amateurs, this invention provides a multi-piece solid golf ball G having a core 1, a cover 3 and an intermediate layer 2 therebetween wherein, letting Hc be the JIS-C hardness at a center of the core, H12 be the JIS-C hardness at a position 12 mm from the core center and Ho be the JIS-C hardness at a surface of the core, the core has a hardness profile which satisfies the condition (Ho?H12)?(H12?Hc)?10; letting (Ho?H12)?(H12?Hc) above be A, the spin index of the ball, defined as the dynamic coefficient of friction of the ball multiplied by A, is at least 3.0; and the hardness profile index, defined as the deflection (mm) of the core when compressed under a final load of 1,275 N (130 kgf) from an initial load of 98 N (10 kgf) multiplied by A, is at least 40.

Abstract: Multi-layered golf balls having a core made of a foamed composition, preferably polyurethane foam, are provided. The ball includes a dual-layered core having a foam inner core (center) and surrounding outer core layer. The outer core layer may be made from a non-foamed thermoset material such as polybutadiene rubber. The ball further includes an inner cover, preferably made from an ionomer composition comprising an O/X-type acid copolymer, wherein O is ?-olefin, and X is a C3-C8 ?,?-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid. The outer cover may be made from a non-foamed thermoset or thermoplastic material such as polyurethane. Preferably, the specific gravity of the inner cover is greater than the specific gravity of the outer core, which is greater than the specific gravity of the inner core. The finished ball has good distance and low-spin properties.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a toy deformable to several structural configurations. The toy includes two endcaps connected by a plurality of pliable ribs. The toy may be deformed into a low-profile configuration by pressing the endcaps together, the ribs bending outward to accommodate the deformation. The toy may be deformed into a high-profile configuration by squeezing the ribs together, the endcaps being pushed apart to accommodate the deformation. While pressure is not applied to the toy, the toy may enter a non-deformed configuration wherein the ribs and the toy as a whole take on a substantially spherical form. A retention device may also be utilized to confine the toy to a specific configuration.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a sealed pressure container, which solves the problem in the prior art that a pump is required for providing air pressure in the container. The conventional product is inconvenient for carrying and is expensive. The sealed pressure container includes a body and a winding member. The body has an open end and a flexible portion, the flexible portion is at least one part of the body at one side where the open end is formed. The flexible portion can be wound around the winding member from the open end to provide air pressure in the body by compressing the air inside the body. Thus, without using a pump, tennis balls can be prevented from releasing pressure by keeping in the low-cost sealed pressure container. The sealed pressure container is convenient for carrying and operating and has reduced manufacture cost.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a golf putter having a putter head attached to an elongated shaft with the putter head defining a retention cavity configured to engage and retain a golf ball therein are disclosed. The retention cavity is formed along the back region of the putter head and is configured to have a diameter that is slightly less than the diameter of a regulation sized golf ball such that the golf ball is retained therein when urged into the confines of the retention cavity by the putter head. The putter head further includes an alignment aid that cooperates with the retention cavity to assist in aligning the golf putter during a putting stroke.

Abstract: A golf club head includes a crown surface having an apex at a highest point and extending between the face, the rear, the heel and the toe of the golf club head. The golf club head also includes a plurality of crown turbulators projecting from the surface of the crown and located between the face and the apex, wherein each adjacent pair of crown turbulators is separate and spaced apart to define a space between the adjacent pair of crown turbulators.

Abstract: A golf club incorporating a club head having a stress reducing feature located at least partially on the sole.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention are directed to golf club having a crown a sole and a face and a primary alignment feature including a paint or masking line which delineates the transition between at least a first portion of the crown having an area of contrasting shade or color with the shade or color of the face. In some embodiments the golf club has a primary alignment feature comprising a paint or masking line which delineates the transition between at least a first portion of the crown having an area of contrasting shade or color and the area of shade or color of the face and the club head also includes a secondary alignment feature including a paint or masking line which delineates the transition between the first portion of the crown having an area of contrasting shade or color with the shade or color of the face; and a second portion of the crown having an area of contrasting shade or color with the shade or color of the first portion.