Abstract: A system includes a communication interlace for receiving information that includes data collected from an array of neural activity sensors that were placed on a patient during a session of applied stimuli. A processor is configured to analyze the received information to obtain a frequency spectrum for each sensor for a given stimulus of the applied stimuli. Neural network frequencies that correspond to an indicated impaired functionality of the nervous system of the patient are selected. For each selected frequencies, a spatial map of neural activity is generated. Each of the generated spatial maps is compared with retrieved corresponding spatial maps to identify treatment frequencies from among the selected neural network frequencies. A treatment protocol is generated for input into an electromagnetic field generator to cause the generator to apply to the patient an electromagnetic field at each identified treatment frequency.

Abstract: A transcutaneous magnetic stimulation (tMS) device is provided for modulating nerve function and chronic pain management, and includes a tMS stimulator, a control module in wired and powered communication with the tMS stimulator, and a portable electronic device in wireless communication with the control module to receive, generate and transmit feedback and control settings relating to a treatment session. The tMS stimulator may be a flexible figure-of-eight coil configured in different sizes and shapes to provide varying pulse and magnetic field strengths for mobile, home or clinical uses, and also include guidance tools and measurement sensors to aid in positioning and directing the tMS stimulator to a target area for treatment.

Abstract: The invention describes an immobilisation device (1) for radiotherapy comprising: an inclined plate (2) for supporting the back of a patient, wherein said plate (2) is inclined in a longitudinal direction and has a lower end (21) and an upper end (2u); and a lower platform (3) for supporting the buttocks of the patient, wherein said lower platform (3) can be coupled to the lower end (21) of the inclined plate (2), wherein the lower platform (3) is rotatable to make it easier to place the patient on the device (1). The lower platform can also comprise a protuberance (4) for supporting the perineum of the patient and plates (5) for immobilising their hips.

Abstract: An implantable device has a body that is substantially rigid and has an imageable shape. The body is further bioabsorbable and may contain permanent metallic elements to aid in its imaging. When the device is implanted in a resected cavity in soft tissue, it can cause the cavity to conform substantially to a known imageable shape. The implantable device is further imageable due to its attenuation properties being different from those of soft tissue such that the boundaries of the tissue corresponding to the predetermined shape can be determined.

Abstract: A system plans a radiation therapy treatment of a target volume based on inputs in the form of: a set of candidate beams (B), where each beam defines an arrangement of a therapeutic beam relative to the target volume; a treatment plan (x) for the radiation therapy treatment that uses a subset of the candidate beams (B); an objective function (F) describing a quality of the treatment plan (x); and a feasible region (X) describing requirements on the treatment plan (x) that must be fulfilled. The objective function (F) and/or the feasible region (X) also reflect a first complexity criterion (?(x)?{circumflex over (?)}) limiting a first complexity measure (?(x)) to be less than or equal to a maximum first complexity ({circumflex over (?)}). An optimization step is executed repeatedly; whereby, in each iteration, an updated treatment plan (x?) is calculated by optimizing the treatment plan (x) with respect to the objective function (F) and the feasible region (X).

Abstract: A neutron capture therapy system and a target for a particle beam generating device, which may improve the heat dissipation performance of the target, reduce blistering and extend the service life of the target. The neutron capture therapy system includes a neutron generating device and a beam shaping assembly. The neutron generating device includes an accelerator and a target, and a charged particle beam generated by acceleration of the accelerator interacts with the target to generate a neutron beam. The target includes an acting layer, a backing layer and a heat dissipating layer, the acting layer interacts with the charged particle beam to generate the neutron beam, the base layer supports the action layer, and the heat dissipating layer includes a tubular member composed of tubes arranged side by side.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method and apparatus for treating a tumor of a patient, in a beam treatment center comprising a floor, with positively charged particles, comprising: (1) a synchrotron mounted to an elevated floor section above the floor of the beam treatment center; (2) a beam transport system, comprising: at least three fixed-position beam transport lines, where none of the synchrotron and the beam transport system penetrate through the floor of the beam treatment center; (3) the positively charged particles transported from the synchrotron, through the beam transport system, to a position above a patient positioning system during use; and (4) an optional repositionable nozzle system connected to a first, second, and third fixed-position beam transport line at a first, second, and third time, respectively, where the nozzle track forms an arc of a circle and the repositionable nozzle system moves along the nozzle track.

Abstract: A rebreather apparatus includes at least one pressurized container of oxygen, at least one pressurized container of a diluting gas, and at least one valve to supply the oxygen and diluting gas to a rebreathing loop. The valve is controlled by a signal from at least one oxygen sensor, wherein the oxygen and diluting gas combine to form a breathing gas that is circulated by the rebreathing loop. At least one container of calibrating gas stores the calibrating gas at ambient pressure and temperature. At least one valve is connected to the at least one oxygen sensor presenting the calibrating gas to the oxygen sensor during calibration of the oxygen sensor and presenting the breathing gas to the oxygen sensor at all other times.

Abstract: A face mask for filtering air includes a face seal for providing an airtight flexible seal around the nose and mouth of a user, a support sealably attached to the face seal, wherein the support has an open area that allows for passage of incoming air and outlet valves for expelling exhaled air, a front shell for removably attaching to the support, wherein the front shell has inlet holes for allowing the incoming air to pass through the open area of the support, and a filter for filtering particulate elements from air. The filter is configured to be housed between the front shell and the support. The face seal provides a direct connection between the filter and the user.

Abstract: A device for containing a campfire structured and arranged for preventing large, rapidly spreading fires to provide campers and hikers with a more efficient and effective alternative for ensuring a campfire has been extinguished fully.

Abstract: A fire suppression apparatus for fighting fires from a vehicle configured for flight is disclosed, comprising a foam and water held in separate containers aboard the vehicle that when mixed forms a fire retardant, a pump driven by an electric motor to pressurize the fire retardant, the pump including an air induction valve where air is drawn into a suction end of the pump and pressurized together with the fire retardant, and an aimable boom connected to the pump by a conduit, the boom including a nozzle on a distal end of the boom from which the pressurized fire retardant and air is dispensed toward a target.

Abstract: Water mist fire protection systems and methods for the protection of data centers having a raised floor defining an interstitial space beneath the floor. The systems and methods include the location of a plurality of automatic water mist nozzles above and/or beneath the floor to generate a water mist for effectively addressing a fire in the presence of a flow of forced air ventilation through the interstitial space. The systems and methods of water mist fire protection include the interconnection of the automatic water mist nozzles to a water supply to provide for dry pipe or preaction systems and methods. Water mist fire protection of data centers using fire propagating cable is also provided.

Abstract: A fire extinguishing system including a fluid source, at least one sprinkler (2), and distribution pipes (3). The distribution pipes (3) are formed at least partially as soft-steel metal pipe having a friction loss defined according to the Hazen-Williams formula (1), with P=6.05·105·L·Q1.85·C(?1.85)·d(?4.87), in which P=pressure drop in the pipeline, in bar, Q=flow rate through the pipeline, in l/min, d=average inside diameter of the pipe, in mm, C=constant for the type and condition of the pipeline, and L=equivalent length of pipe sections and pipe fittings, in m. The distribution pipes (3) have an anti-corrosion coating on the inside in order to ensure a value for C in a range of 125 to 150 during commissioning of the fire extinguishing system.

Abstract: A fire detection device and method therefor are able to provide automatic activation so as to extinguish a fire. The fire detection can be rapid and temperature-based. In one embodiment, a heat collector can be provided to enhance thermal responsiveness. Activation of the fire detection device can be electrically induced to release an extinguishing agent at the fire. The activation can be protected such that it is durable and unaffected by vibrations.

Abstract: An actuator assembly for use in fire suppression systems for use in vehicle and industrial fire protection systems. The actuator assembly engages a cartridge of pressurized gas and releases the gas contained therein with a puncturing assembly. The actuator assembly includes a receptacle that controls the manner in which the actuator assembly and cartridge engage one another. The actuator assembly is configured for electrical and pneumatic actuation for rupturing the seal of the cartridge of pressurized gas. The actuator assembly has a housing that includes at least one inlet port that is coupled to a pressurized gas source, which is formed between a first chamber for electrical components sealed from the operative environment of the actuator assembly and a second chambers for the puncturing assembly. The actuator assembly allows for serial interconnection of multiple actuator assemblies for operation by a single source of pressurized gas.

Abstract: The method for detoxifying asbestos disclosed here includes: preparing an asbestos-containing substance that contains at least one type of asbestos; preparing an asbestos treatment agent that contains a mineral acid, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone and a fluoride; and bringing the asbestos-containing substance into contact with the asbestos treatment agent so as to detoxify asbestos in the asbestos-containing substance. Due to this configuration, asbestos in the asbestos-containing substance can be favorably detoxified.

Abstract: Embodiments of the subject invention are directed to a training box or device used by an athlete to practice pole vaulting. The interior region of the training box is open, i.e. the base of the training box does not cover the interior of the device and thus there is no front edge. This invention is used to teach and train athletes pole vaulters who prefer to slide their vaulting poles on the ground instead using the prevailing method which involves carrying a pole as they run towards the box and placing the tip of the pole inside the training box. The training box may include electronics capability for measuring performance characteristics of pole vaulters such as the average speed of a pole.

Abstract: There is provided a slider comprising a first layer forming a first surface of the slider and a second layer forming a second surface of the slider, wherein each of the first surface and the second surface are adapted to slide on at least one type of surface, and at least one of the first surface and second surface is provided with one or more gripping features.

Abstract: A pedal drive system, in particular for an electric vehicle or a training apparatus, and for generating electrical power from muscle power of a user with at least one pedal and an electric generator, connected mechanically with said at least one pedal, is provided. To improve the haptic feel and feedback at the pedal, a control unit is provided for controlling a feedback torque, applied at said pedal, wherein the control unit comprises a haptic renderer, configured for control of said feedback torque based on at least one user-defined pedal reference trajectory.

Abstract: The exercise machine with a variable resistance system includes a frame, an exercise implement movably connected to the frame, a main shaft rotatably connected to the frame, a main connector attached between the main shaft and the exercise implement, a plurality of resistance assemblies and a plurality of actuation assemblies adapted for selectively engaging or disengaging at least one of the plurality of resistance assemblies with respect to the main shaft. The plurality of resistance assemblies apply a total level of rotational resistance against the main shaft based on which of the plurality of resistance assemblies are engaged with the main shaft by the plurality of actuation assemblies.

Abstract: A resistance training system. The training system includes a tackle providing mechanical advantage, and a user performs strength training exercises by pulling or pushing on the running block while resisting motion of the running block by pulling or pushing on the free end of the runner.

Abstract: Portable exercise apparatus that employs a pair of foldable L-shaped frame members that are joined together along a central pivot. A concave arm engaging member is attached to each of the frame members, and a biasing mechanism holds the frame members in a rest position, providing resistance when the frame members are moved around the central pivot. Exercises are performed by moving the frame members apart using each forearm in one of the concave members, with a forward-extending leg of each L-shaped member being held as a handgrip.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an exercise mat topper comprising a fabric layer, a coating layer and a backing layer. An exercise mat complex is also described.

Abstract: An exercise board includes a main body and an elastic body configured on an upper surface of the main body. The upper surface of the main body is provided with at least one cavity, the cavity at least includes a first cavity part and a second cavity part, the first cavity part is located above the second cavity part, and a diameter of the first cavity part is less than that of the second cavity part. A lower surface of the elastic body is provided with at least one protrusion connected to the cavity, the protrusion at least includes a first protrusion part and a second protrusion part, the first protrusion part is located above the second protrusion part, and shapes of the first protrusion part and the second protrusion part match with shapes of the first cavity part and second cavity part.

Abstract: A device for training and rehabilitation of a limb is provided. The device provides a board with a plurality of movement tracks to allow for controlled movement of the limb in various directions. Blockers and other controlling structures may be arranged on the device to limit range of motion of the movement of the limb.

Abstract: A method for monitoring an individual engaged in an athletic activity includes detecting movement of the individual at a first time, using a sensor module coupled to the individual, determining that the movement of the individual corresponds to a predetermined activation movement, entering an active state of the sensor module in response to the determination that the movement of the individual corresponds to the predetermined activation movement, and detecting movement of the individual at a second time, using the sensor module in the active state.

Abstract: Disclosed are a sensing device for calculating information about a golf shot when the user hits a ball using a golf club in order to take a golf practice or play a virtual golf game using a screen golf system and a sensing method thereof, and in particular a sensing device for calculating information about a golf shot taken by a user, wherein, when acquiring and analyzing an image of a user hitting a ball using a golf club, the sensing device is configured to effectively detect the position of a feature point corresponding to the position of the golf club through analysis of the acquired image without attaching a certain characteristic marker to the golf club and to calculate various kinds of physical information about the motion of the golf club according to a golf shot using the feature point, and a sensing method using the same.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a ball used for an athletic activity includes detecting movement of the ball using a sensor module that is coupled to the ball, determining a characteristic of the movement of the ball, comparing the characteristic to a known profile, and determining a second characteristic using the comparison.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for the collection and display of athletic information. Athletic data relating to a single person or group of people is collected at a central location, and subsequently displayed at a desired remote location so that the person or people can review and critique their performance. In addition, athletic data for multiple persons can be collected at a central location, and subsequently displayed to a user at a desired remote location, so that the user can compare his or her athletic activities to others.

Abstract: The present invention relates to equipment used in the exercise of human beings. The equipment may be of a commercial type as used in gymnasiums, or of a consumer type for use in a domestic environment. Exercise apparatus configured such that a mechanical motion of a user executing an exercise activity positively affects a child on or about the apparatus are provided. The exercise apparatus may be configured to translate a mechanical motion of a user executing an exercise activity on the apparatus into a mechanical motion capable of positively affecting a child on or about the apparatus. The positive effect on the may be any one or more of moving, entertaining, occupying, distracting, stimulating, calming, settling, and educating. The mechanical motion capable of affecting a child has the effect of moving a child on or about the apparatus.

Abstract: An exercise machine with a two directional pivoting user support assembly has a user support or platform which supports the user and pivots about a first pivot axis during an exercise movement, and is also pivotable about at least one second pivot axis to involve the user's core muscles in balancing and maintaining the user support in a stable position. A manually operable locking device with a simple flip switch lever is provided for selectively locking the user support against rotation about the second pivot axis, so that the user can easily chose whether to perform the exercise with a stable support or to add a level of difficulty by using the unstable seat mode and exercising core muscles during the exercise.

Abstract: A goggle mask and a method of manufacturing the goggle mask are provided. The goggle mask includes a mask structure, a lens structure and a sealing glue material. The mask structure includes a skirt portion and a glass portion which is connected to the skirt portion. The glass portion includes a groove with a first inside surface, second inside surface and third inside surface. The lens structure includes a peripheral portion which is disposed in the groove and includes an annular surface facing the second inside surface. The front side surface faces the first inside surface, while the rear side surface faces the third inside surface. The sealing glue material is formed between the peripheral portion and the groove to provide a waterproof connection between the peripheral portion and the groove. Therefore, the manufacturing and/or the assembly of the goggle mask is advantageous.

Abstract: A golf ball with a core comprising polybutadiene and graphene, and a soft cover is disclosed herein. The golf ball has a dual core with an outer core comprising polybutadiene and graphene. The soft cover is preferably composed of a highly neutralized polymer, a first ionomer, a second ionomer, and a paraloid impact modifier.

Abstract: Multi-layered golf balls having a core, intermediate layer, and cover are provided. The ball includes a non-foamed inner core (center) made of a thermoplastic or thermoset composition such as polybutadiene rubber. An intermediate layer comprising a foamed composition, such as polyurethane foam, is disposed about the inner core. The foamed intermediate layer may have a specific gravity gradient within the layer, wherein the outer surface specific gravity is greater than the midpoint specific gravity. Ball constructions having two intermediate layers, wherein at least one layer is a foamed layer can be made. A cover having at least one layer is disposed about the intermediate layer.

Abstract: The ball of the present invention is characterized by including at least one skin layer having water absorbability. The at least one skin layer may be formed of a water absorbent material, or may be formed so as to include a surface portion and a water absorbent outer skin adhered to at least a part of the surface portion. According to the ball of the present invention, a ball for competitions that can easily maintain water absorbency is provided while remaining durable even when used for a long time and not requiring man-hours during the manufacturing process.

Abstract: The inventive fiber manufacturing process is particularly adapted for demanding applications such as sports racquets, including tennis racquets, badminton racquets and other sports applications. Because of the improved strength to weight ratio of components formed using the inventive method, a wide range of flexibility is achieved, allowing use of the inventive process to manufacture, for example, a fiber reinforced (for example, graphite) modular sports racquet, optionally provided with user-selectable weights and/or handle replacements. From the standpoint of the player, this allows a racquet frame featuring self customization. From the standpoint of a retailer, the benefit provided is reduction of inventory. The inventive fiber, for example graphite fiber) racquet frame is filled with a plastic foam and is formed using, for example, microencapsulation technology to time, generate and apply the pressure used to form the graphite composite material of which the racquet is comprised.

Abstract: A first improvement to racket stringing machines, for the sport racquets in badminton, tennis, racquetball, and squash/etc. sports, includes a tensioning of two opposite strings with one string tensioning mechanism. A movable base for the racket mounting mechanism is used to link the two ends of tensioning mechanism together and achieve the object to string two strings with one action of string tensioning mechanism. A second improvement is specific for the drop weight tensioning method and includes a moving of the support frame of the drop weight, instead of the rotating the drop weight. A third improvement includes a cross-stringing aid for weaving the cross string during the stringing process. Each of these improvements, either alone or together, are believed to speed up the stringing process so that it is much faster than convention stringing equipment.

Abstract: Embodiments of golf clubs, golf club heads, and methods of manufacture are described herein. In one embodiment, a golf club head includes a strike face having one or more grooves with edges, where one or more of the edges is unsmooth. Other embodiments are also described herein.

Abstract: Provided is a method for manufacturing an iron golf club head by forging a single round rod member with a pair of dies to form, as a single piece, a body and a neck into which a shaft is to be inserted. The method includes: a first step of heating the single round rod member into a heated material; a second step of placing the heated material in the pair of dies; and a third step of forging the heated material placed in the pair of dies. In the third step, the heated material is prevented from flowing out from parting surfaces of the respective dies at a sole side of the body in the pair of dies, and the heated material blocked at the sole side in the pair of dies flows toward each of a toe of the body and the neck in the pair of dies.

Abstract: Described herein are embodiments of golf club heads having a balance of the following parameters: a low and back club head center of gravity position, a high moment of inertia, and low aerodynamic drag. Methods of manufacturing the embodiments of golf club heads having a balance of club head center of gravity position, moment of inertia, and aerodynamic drag are also described herein.

Abstract: Embodiments of golf club heads and methods to manufacture golf club heads are generally described herein. In one example, a golf club head may include a body portion having a front portion, a rear portion, a toe portion, a heel portion, a top portion, and a bottom portion. The golf club head may include a first weight port region on the bottom portion and a second weight port region on the bottom portion. The first weight port region may include a first set of weight portions. The second weight port region may include a second set of weight portions. Other examples and embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: A system of golf club heads having reduced variability in characteristic time is disclosed herein. Further, a method of manufacturing a system of golf club heads having reduced variability in characteristic time is disclosed herein.

Abstract: An golf club head with a structure that improves the sound and reduces stress placed on the face upon impact with a golf ball is disclosed herein. In particular, the golf club head is an iron with a face having a rear protrusion, also referred to as a piston, with both forward and rearward facing surfaces. The piston is at least partially received within a receptacle provided in the body of the golf club head. The receptacle also includes a pair of bumpers, one of which interacts with the piston to improve the sound of the face upon impact with a golf ball at speeds at which an average golfer would swing the club head, and the other of which reduces the stress placed on the face when the club makes impact with a golf ball at high speeds.

Abstract: A variable moment of inertia (MOI) bat fitting device that is used to measure a hitter's output at various weight distributions.

Abstract: Implementations of golf club head covers may include a body portion defining an internal cavity for receiving a golf club head, the internal cavity exposed at an opening in the body portion, a flap coupled to the body portion and configured to cover the opening of the body portion, a D-ring coupled to the body portion, and a strap coupled at an end of the D-ring. The strap may include an opening therein which receives a first end of the strap therethrough to couple the strap around the D-ring. The strap may be configured to secure the flap over the opening through coupling to a front face of the body portion.

Abstract: A training apparatus, system and method for teaching proper athletic technique in contact sports. A first strap portion may be attached to a football helmet, and a second strap portion attached to shoulder pads. The apparatus provides feedback on the user's technique as tension is applied to the first and second strap portions, for example when the user attempts to lower their head during tackling or blocking, and causing detachment upon exceeding a threshold detachment force.

Abstract: A hitting system for sports training includes a ball attached to a flexible pole. In some embodiments, the flexible pole may be mounted to a base with more than five sidewalls, which inhibits movement of the system in any one direction after the ball is struck by the user. The pole may project upward from the base. Some embodiments include a weighted basket, which may be filled for example with a plurality of the same type of ball mounted to the flexible pole. Some embodiments may include a clamping system to mount the pole and ball to a fence so that the ball is parallel to the floor.

Abstract: A hitting system for sports training includes a ball attached to a flexible mast. The flexible mast may be mounted to a base with more than five sidewalls, which inhibits movement of the system in any one direction after the ball is struck by the user. The mast may project upward from the base. Some embodiments include a weighted basket, which may be filled for example with a plurality of the same type of ball mounted to the flexible mast. Some embodiments may be configured for training with lightweight balls, for example pickle balls. The mast may include a securing mechanism which attaches around one of the pre-existing holes of the ball's shell. In some embodiments, the mast may be modular including a mechanism to detach from and reattach to the basket at the user's will. When detached, the mast becomes a hand-held hitting system.

Abstract: A putt ruler is a device that separates the skills of straight-line putting from reading the green. The putt ruler may be affixed to the golf green and may be rotated to align with the identified target line. Through placement of two golf balls atop the putt ruler, a golfer may produce a putt that follows a straight line, when the stroke used may not have produced a straight-line putt on a single golf ball. The golfer may then evaluate the chosen target line in relation to the resultant putt and evaluate the speed of the putt as the ball travels along the playing surface.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to throwable toys such as shuttles and balls. In some of the illustrative embodiments a shuttle includes means to determine information relating to the throw or state of motion of the shuttle, and means to convey an audio information signal to a user during the throw.