Abstract: Presented herein are distributed implantable hearing systems that have at least a main implant module that is physically separated from a distally positioned inner radio-frequency (RF) coil. Embodiments presented herein may include a main implant module positioned within a recipient's mastoid and an implantable coil positioned within a recipient's middle ear cavity.

Abstract: Systems, interfaces, and methods are described herein for evaluation and adjustment cardiac therapy. The systems, interfaces, and methods may utilize, or include, a graphical user interface to display various information with respect to a plurality of external electrodes and electrical activity monitored using such external electrodes and to allow a user to adjust what information to display.

Abstract: Implantable devices and/or sensors can be wirelessly powered by controlling and propagating electromagnetic waves in a patient's tissue. Such implantable devices/sensors can be implanted at target locations in a patient, to stimulate areas such as the heart, brain, spinal cord, or muscle tissue, and/or to sense biological, physiological, chemical attributes of the blood, tissue, and other patient parameters. The propagating electromagnetic waves can be generated with sub-wavelength structures configured to manipulate evanescent fields outside of tissue to generate the propagating waves inside the tissue. Methods of use are also described.

Abstract: A Wearable Cardioverter Defibrillator (WCD) system has a processor that performs two different analyses to an ECG of the patient. A first-level analysis can be computationally economical, while a fuller second-level analysis can give shock/no-shock advice with more certainty. In some of these embodiments the second-level analysis of the ECG is performed only if the first-level analysis of the ECG detects a possible shockable condition. As such, the first-level analysis may operate as a gatekeeping function, often preventing the more computationally intensive second-level analysis from being performed. An advantage can be that the WCD system needs to store less charge, for powering the processor. In turn, this permits portions of the WCD system to be less bulky and weigh less.

Abstract: In embodiments, a WCD system includes electrodes with which it senses an ECG signal of the patient. A processor may detect sequential peaks within the ECG signal, measure durations of time intervals between the peaks, including between non-sequential peaks, and identify a representative duration that best meets a plausibility criterion. The plausibility criterion may be that the representative duration is the one that occurs the most often, i.e. is the mode. Then a heart rate can be computed from a duration indicated by the representative duration and, if the heart rate meets a shock condition, the WCD system may deliver a shock to the patient. An advantage can be that the representative duration can be close to a good R-R interval measurement of a patient, notwithstanding noise in the ECG signal that is in the shape of peaks.

Abstract: An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) receives a cardiac electrical signal by a sensing circuit while operating in a sensing without pacing mode and detects asystole based on the cardiac electrical signal. The ICD determines, in response to detecting the asystole, if asystole backup pacing is enabled, and automatically switches to a temporary pacing mode in response to the asystole backup pacing being enabled. Other examples of detecting asystole and providing a response to detecting asystole by the ICD are described herein.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the technical field of equipment with a rotating magnetic field. Disclosed are a device with a high energy rotating magnet and a massage chair structure with a rotating magnet. The present disclosure includes a vertically driven revolving axle connected to a motor. A top end of the vertically driven revolving axle is connected to a gear set. The gear set meshes with a driving gear. A base revolving plate is fixed on an upper portion of the driving gear. A magnetic assembly is installed on the base revolving plate. The present disclosure offers improved physical performance, low cost, and an enhanced effect of magnetic therapy.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems for delivering electromagnetic energy to a patient's tissue with a reduction in the pain experienced by the patient. Electromagnetic energy is delivered from a treatment electrode through the skin surface to the tissue at a plurality of power levels over a treatment time. During the energy delivery, a portion of the treatment electrode is in a contacting relationship with the skin surface. A tip frame may be disposed between the treatment electrode and the skin surface when the electromagnetic energy is delivered.

Abstract: An irradiation device comprises a light source, an optical switch element and an image recognition module communicatively connected to the optical switch element. In some embodiments, a contour of a target area is recognized by an image recognition module and is provided by the image recognition module to the optical switch element, and a contour of an irradiation area of the light source is controlled by the optical switch element to match with the contour of the target area according to the contour of the target area provided by the image recognition module. Thus, when skin diseases are treated using the irradiation device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the contour of the irradiation area of the light source coincides with the contour of the target area, thereby ensuring a therapeutic effect with respect to the target area while avoiding damages to skin in a healthy area.

Abstract: A phosphor-containing drug activator activatable from a Monte Carlo derived x-ray exposure for treatment of a diseased site. The activator includes an admixture or suspension of one or more phosphors capable of emitting ultraviolet and visible light upon interaction with x-rays, wherein a distribution of the phosphors in the diseased target site is based on a Monte Carlo derived x-ray dose. A system for treating a disease in a subject in need thereof, includes the drug activator and a photoactivatable drug, one or more devices which infuse the photoactivatable drug and the activator including the pharmaceutically acceptable carrier into a diseased site in the subject; and an x-ray source which is controlled to deliver the Monte Carlo derived x-ray exposure to the subject for production of ultraviolet and visible light inside the subject to activate the photoactivatable drug.

Abstract: A method of calculating radiation dose includes dosimetric projection of a collimator geometry. The method includes defining a three-dimensional (3D) geometry of a collimating device which defines an aperture configured to allow a radiation beam passing through, projecting the collimating device along the radiation beam into a two-dimensional (2D) geometry in a plane, calculating dosimetric opacity values of the collimating device at locations adjacent to the aperture based on the 3D geometry of the collimating device, and calculating transport of the radiation beam through the collimating device based on the 2D geometry projected in the plane and using the dosimetric opacity values of the collimating device at the locations adjacent to the aperture.

Abstract: A medical apparatus according to an embodiment includes an acquirer, a corrector, an identifier, and an output controller. The acquirer is configured to acquire a fluoroscopic image of an object from an imager. The corrector is configured to correct an image of one or more predetermined regions used for identifying a target position of the object in the fluoroscopic image based on one or more correction values but does not correct an image of at least a part of a region out of the predetermined region in the fluoroscopic image. The identifier is configured to identify the target position based on an image corrected by the corrector. The output controller is configured to output an irradiation permission signal to a therapeutic device which irradiates the object with a therapeutic beam based on the target position identified by the identifier.

Abstract: A monitor for pulsed high energy radiation therapy using a radiation beam passing through a treatment zone, the radiation of 0.2 MEV or greater; has a camera for imaging Cherenkov light from the treatment zone; apparatus for preventing interference by room lighting, the camera synchronized to pulses of the radiation beam; and an image processor adapted to determine extent of the beam area on the patient skin from the images. Additionally an image processor determines cumulative skin dose in the treatment zone from the images. In embodiments, the processor uses a three-dimensional model of a subject to determine mapping of image intensity in images of Cherenkov light to radiation intensity in skin, applies the mapping to images of Cherenkov light to verify skin dose delivered, and accumulates skin dose by summing the maps of skin dose.

Abstract: Systems and methods for using electronic portal imaging devices (EPIDs) as absolute radiation beam measuring devices and as radiation beam alignment devices without implementation of elaborate and complex calibration procedures.

Abstract: Systems and methods for radiation therapy. The methods comprise: acquiring an image of a treatment area using a Robotic Sculpted Beam Radiation Treatment System (“RCBRTS”); presenting, by a Mobile Computing Platform (“MCP”), the image in a GUI; creating a Real-Time Beam Sculpting Treatment Plan (“RTBSTP”) for the patient based on user inputs to MCP via GUI; verifying an expected effectiveness of RTBSTP using a virtual measurement component of GUI (where the virtual measurement component simultaneously provides distance measurements and radiation dose deposition measurements associated with the patient's anatomy and RTBSTP); verifying the final treatment plan using cross sectional 3D view and/or AR view; programming RCBRTS such that radiation therapy delivery will be provided in accordance with RTBSTP; setting RCBRTS so part of it will be inserted into a cavity formed during a medical procedure; and/or performing operations by RCBRTS to apply radiation to the patient.

Abstract: An ultrasound stimulation helmet (100) configured to regulate an endogenous neurotrophic factor in a brain or expression of proteins related to a neurodegenerative disease comprises: a main body (1) having a forehead perimeter adjustment knob (12), a back head perimeter adjustment knob (13), a fastening support frame (14), and multiple position adjustment knobs (15); and multiple ultrasound probes (2) detachably mounted on the main body (1), wherein the ultrasound probe (2) has a frequency adjustment button and an intensity adjustment button to respectively control an output frequency and output intensity of the ultrasound probe (2), and other ultrasound parameters and an angle of the ultrasound probe (2) itself are adjustable as well.

Abstract: A method of encapsulation of an active comprising (a) dispersing an active in an aqueous medium having a pH of less than 6; (b) causing the formation on this dispersed active of a polymer shell, the formation comprising the sequential deposition of a series of polymeric layers, each layer being capable of hydrogen bonding with the preceding layer; to form an aqueous slurry of active-containing capsules; characterised in that one of the first two layers is a polycarboxylic acid and that the first two to four layers taken together exhibit an interfacial compression dilation modulus of greater than 10 mN/m. The method allows the precise tailoring of polymeric shells, allowing capsules walls to be much thinner without a loss of strength. The technique is especially useful for the encapsulation of fragrances and flavours.

Abstract: A temperature control device for heating and/or cooling gases or gas mixtures, in particular for use in the respiratory protection sector. The temperature control device has a housing, a compressed air input, a supply output and a vortex tube with an air inlet, a hot air outlet and a cold air outlet. The vortex tube is installable in at least two final assembly arrangements. In a first arrangement, there is a fluid-conducting connection between the cold air outlet of the vortex tube and the supply output of the temperature control device and, in a second arrangement, there is a fluid-conducting connection between the hot air outlet of the vortex tube and the supply output of the temperature control device. By this configuration, the temperature control device is both a device for heating and cooling respiratory air from mainly the same components with little additional outlay on production and little additional effort during assembly.

Abstract: A top bracket for supporting a safety cable of a vertical climbing fall protection system, the bracket including a base plate and a pivotally deflectable plate that is integrally and pivotally connected to the base plate by a neck. The top bracket may also include an abutment plate with a forward abutment surface that is separated from a rearward abutment surface of the pivotally deflectable plate by an elongate gap.

Abstract: Described herein are energy absorbing apparatuses and methods of their use that utilize varying energy absorbing relationships between the apparatus members to absorb an energy input. The energy absorbing process occurs via a material forming process.

Abstract: A safety climb attenuation apparatus provides a more robust and visually inspectable apparatus for climbing safety. In an upper bracket, a pivot arm is attached to a base that is disposed upon a structure. The upper bracket includes an attenuation member such as an elastic bushing, mounted on the pivot arm or the base, that resists pivoting of the pivot arm relative to the base when a safety cable attached to the pivot arm causes the pivot arm to pivot. In a lower bracket, a similar attenuation member is attached to a base disposed on the structure, with an anchor bolt connecting the cable to the attenuation member so that the attenuation member resists upward movement of the cable.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods related to fire suppression in cargo compartments of aircraft are disclosed. An exemplary apparatus provides an interface (38) between a fire suppressant conduit (18) and a cargo panel (28) of a cargo compartment (12) of an aircraft (10). The apparatus comprises an adaptor (40) configured to provide the fire suppressant conduit (18) access to the cargo compartment (12) through the cargo panel (28) and a sealing member (42) configured to provide a seal between the adaptor (40) and the fire suppressant conduit (18). The adaptor (40) comprises an aperture (56) for receiving the fire suppressant conduit (18) where the aperture (56) is sized to permit passage of a nozzle (36) of the fire suppressant conduit (18) therethrough. Associated methods (600, 700) for removing the cargo panel (28) of the cargo compartment (12) of the aircraft (10) without disassembly of the nozzle (36) of the fire suppressant conduit (18) are also disclosed.

Abstract: A tank on a firefighting aircraft initially is loaded with water. A polymer gel emulsion vessel is provided on the aircraft, but is not activated and mixed with tank water until such polymer gel preparation is initiated by an operator. When initiated, a pump pulls water from the tank and doses it with gel emulsion. Double elbows and/or the pump impeller fully activates the polymer gel. The activated polymer gel is mixed within the tank by one of a variety of systems including mixing paddles or sparging with gas. In one embodiment, a hollow tower of telescoping form has a float to keep an upper end near a surface in the tank and a sparging gas entry is a controlled distance below the surface, such that gas of limited pressure, such as from a ram air inlet can sparge and mix the water and activated polymer gel emulsion effectively.

Abstract: A tank on a firefighting aircraft initially is loaded with water. A polymer gel emulsion vessel is provided on the aircraft, but is not activated and mixed with tank water until such polymer gel preparation is initiated by an operator. When initiated, a pump pulls water from the tank and doses it with gel emulsion. Double elbows and/or the pump impeller fully activates the polymer gel. The activated polymer gel is mixed within the tank by one of a variety of systems including mixing paddles or sparging with gas. In one embodiment, a hollow tower of telescoping form has a float to keep an upper end near a surface in the tank and a sparging gas entry is a controlled distance below the surface, such that gas of limited pressure, such as from a ram air inlet can sparge and mix the water and activated polymer gel emulsion effectively.

Abstract: A tank on a firefighting aircraft initially is loaded with water. A polymer gel emulsion vessel is provided on the aircraft, but is not activated and mixed with tank water until such polymer gel preparation is initiated by an operator. When initiated, a pump pulls water from the tank and doses it with gel emulsion. Double elbows and/or the pump impeller fully activates the polymer gel. The activated polymer gel is mixed within the tank by one of a variety of systems including mixing paddles or sparging with gas. In one embodiment, a hollow tower of telescoping form has a float to keep an upper end near a surface in the tank and a sparging gas entry is a controlled distance below the surface, such that gas of limited pressure, such as from a ram air inlet can sparge and mix the water and activated polymer gel emulsion effectively.

Abstract: A tank on a firefighting aircraft initially is loaded with water. A polymer gel emulsion vessel is provided on the aircraft, but is not activated and mixed with tank water until such polymer gel preparation is initiated by an operator. When initiated, a pump pulls water from the tank and doses it with gel emulsion. Double elbows and/or the pump impeller fully activates the polymer gel. The activated polymer gel is mixed within the tank by one of a variety of systems including mixing paddles or sparging with gas. In one embodiment, a hollow tower of telescoping form has a float to keep an upper end near a surface in the tank and a sparging gas entry is a controlled distance below the surface, such that gas of limited pressure, such as from a ram air inlet can sparge and mix the water and activated polymer gel emulsion effectively.

Abstract: A fire extinguishing system including a fluid storage container configured to store a fire extinguishing agent, and a fluid stream separating device coupled to the fluid storage container, where the fire extinguishing agent passes from the fluid storage container through the fluid stream separating device so that the fluid stream separating device raises a temperature of at least a portion of the fire extinguishing agent flowing through the fluid stream separating device above a boiling point of the fire extinguishing agent at ambient environmental conditions of a discharge location of the fluid stream separating device.

Abstract: A concealed sprinkler includes a sprinkler body having a flow passage therethrough with an inlet end and an outlet end. A closure device is secured at the outlet end of the flow passage by a heat responsive trigger. A deflector assembly includes a deflector plate and a button secured to an upstream side of the deflector plate. The deflector assembly is movably supported to the sprinkler body by at least one arm. The button defines an aperture that extends unobstructed all the way through the button from an upstream side to a downstream side.

Abstract: A protective cover for a fire protection sprinkler includes a pair of sidewalls and an orthogonal wall structure connected to an upper edge of each of the pair of sidewalls. The orthogonal wall structure including a slot therein that opens along an edge of the orthogonal wall structure in alignment with an opening between the pair of sidewalls. The slot including a pair of side edges including a pair of opposing arcuate regions adapted to engage a deflector mounting boss of a fire protection sprinkler. An arcuate sidewall extends from the orthogonal wall structure and an upper wall extending inward from an upper edge of the arcuate sidewall and opposing the orthogonal wall structure to define a cavity that is adapted for receiving a deflector of a fire protection sprinkler.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a protective cap for an extinguishing nozzle, in particular a sprinkler nozzle, which has at least a nozzle main body with a nozzle outlet, with a cap main body, and a cap neck which is arranged on the cap main body, the cap main body having a force transmission section for bearing in sections against a nozzle main body of the extinguishing nozzle in a force-transmitting, preferably positively locking manner, and the protective cap, in particular the cap neck, being set up to mechanically shield the nozzle outlet of the extinguishing nozzle, the cap main body having an outer contour with one or more action surfaces for attaching a tool.

Abstract: A fire suppression system in which the water supply line is fitted with repeating arrays or groups of sprinkler heads. Each array is composed of at least two side-discharge sprinklers. The side-discharge sprinklers in each array are aimed so that their coverage areas point in opposite directions. Each side-discharge sprinkler includes a lateral heat shield. The lateral heat shield has a concave heat-concentering side that focuses radiant heat toward the sprinkler's trigger, and a convex heat-scattering side that disperses radiant heat away from the trigger. In some embodiments, the array can include one or more vertical-discharge sprinklers. The vertical-discharge sprinkler may include a heat collector to facilitate early activation of its trigger. The fire suppression system is advantageous in high-challenge applications like facilities where large quantities of combustible items are stored in close proximity, such as in warehouses and attics.

Abstract: A fire sprinkler system is provided. The fire system comprising: a sprinkler head configured to provide fire suppressant to an activation zone when the sprinkler head is activated; a pipe run fluidly connected to the sprinkler head and configured to provide fire suppressant to the sprinkler head; a first ultrasonic flow meter operably attached to the pipe run, the first ultrasonic flow meter being configured to detect a first flow rate of fire suppressant through the pipe run; and a monitoring system in electronic communication with the first ultrasonic flow meter and configured to receive the first flow from the first ultrasonic flow meter.

Abstract: Systems and compositions for suppressing and extinguishing several classes of fire, e.g. Class D, fires are disclosed. The composition includes some form of powdered Aloe vera, a bio-surfactant, a thickening agent, and a diol. The composition may be mixed with paint to coat a structure thus protecting the structure from fire. The composition may also be mixed with epoxy resin for coating a structure also for fire protection. The composition may also be in the form of a gel in canisters for extinguishing fire.

Abstract: A trampoline includes a stand which has a peripheral frame, a plurality of legs and a bounce mat which is elastically suspended on the frame. At least one guide is secured to the stand. A bar is received in a height adjustable manner in the guide. An inner piece is movably received in the guide. The bar is fixed by a relative movement between the inner piece and the guide.

Abstract: The invention comprises a portable strength-training apparatus and system for conducting strength-training exercises using resistance bands. The apparatus of the present disclosure can serve as an anchor while conducting the strength training exercises using the resistance bands. The apparatus and system of the present disclosure can allow for safely performing the strength-training exercises at varying resistance levels while allowing exercises at any angle. The apparatus and system of the present disclosure may allow a user to strength train with the resistance bands throughout the user's entire body. The apparatus and system of the present disclosure may include a base platform with base attachment mechanisms that can be coupled with the resistance bands which are in turn coupled with human interface mechanisms such as grips, wraps, or bars.

Abstract: The invention relates to the technical field of exercise resistance bands, and particularly to an exercise resistance band with silicone massage dots, which enables massage at the time of fitness and is convenient to wear, and has the advantages of improving the storage effect and reducing the occupied area after storage. The exercise resistance band comprises an elastic hand, a hook-and-loop fastener and two elastic pull-up bands, wherein multiple sets of protruding silicone massage dots are adhered and fixed to an inner side of the elastic band, the hook-and-loop fastener comprises a hook and a loop, and the two elastic pull-up bands are respectively fixed on left and right sides of the elastic band.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus may include a first receiver and a second receiver, wherein the first receiver's first end is substantially cylindrical and wherein the first receiver's second end includes a first clamp, wherein the second receiver's first end is substantially cylindrical and wherein the second receiver's second end includes a second clamp, wherein the first receiver and the second receiver are detachably attached to one another via one or more first securing objects positioned on the first clamp and on the second clamp, and wherein at least one tightening clamp resides on the first receiver's first end and on the second receiver's first end.

Abstract: An exercise machine including a vertical post and an adjustable pulley. The vertical post includes a plurality of engagement holes. The adjustable pulley is slideably connected to the vertical post. The adjustable pulley includes a pull pin and a lock. The pull pin is selectively engageable with one of the plurality of engagement holes. In response to the pull pin being engaged with an engagement hole, movement of the adjustable pulley relative to the vertical post is restricted. The lock is selectively engageable with the pull pin. In response to the lock being engaged with the pull pin, movement of the pull pin is restricted.

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: An exercise machine inclination device for providing variable exercise intensity on an exercise machine by inclining the exercise machine. The exercise machine inclination device generally includes a base adapted for being positioned upon a floor, a support structure adapted for supporting the exercise machine, a hinge pivotally connecting the base and the support structure and an actuator connected between the base and the support structure, wherein the actuator adjusts an angle of the support structure.

Abstract: A treadmill includes a frame, an exercise deck attached to the frame, and a first handle movably attached to the frame. The first handle has a first orientation where the first handle is positioned within a region above the exercise deck and stabilized to support a user's weight during a body weight exercise, and a second orientation where the first handle is positioned away from the region above the exercise deck.

Abstract: An aquatic exercise system may include a water tank including a watertight entrance that may allow a user enter and exit the water tank. The aquatic exercise system may further include a vertical watertight gate that may be disposed within the water tank and divide an interior of the water tank into a first tank portion and a second tank portion, a treadmill assembly that may be disposed within the second tank portion, and a water circulation mechanism that may be connected in fluid communication with the first tank portion and the second tank portion and transfer the water between the first tank portion and the second tank portion.

Abstract: A ground-effect footplate against which a user applies plantar force and moves their foot in 3D across all seven lower-extremity biomechanical axes to accomplish specific as well as global ambulatory objectives related to lower extremity performance improvement, injury prevention and rehabilitation. A device comprising at least one articulating leg connected to a ground-effect footplate and a surface for a user to position against. The device can be used in conjunction with software to create virtual ambulatory environments that mimic GRFVs and cause moments of force that initiate muscular activations that substantially mimic human ambulation, and can couple those movements with non-functional movements in order to improve ROM, speed, strength, and proprioception.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein are directed to a device and method of using the device for shoulder rehabilitation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for fitness tracking are provided. An exercise apparatus is in networked communication with a fitness tracking computing system. The configuration and location of movable components of the exercise apparatus is determined based on sensors. This information is provided to the fitness tracking computing system via networked communication.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for arranging dimples on a golf ball surface in which the dimples are arranged in a pattern derived from at least one irregular domain generated from a regular or non-regular polyhedron. The method includes choosing control points of a polyhedron, generating an irregular domain based on those control points, packing the irregular domain with dimples, and tessellating the irregular domain to cover the surface of the golf ball. The control points include the center of a polyhedral face, a vertex of the polyhedron, a midpoint or other point on an edge of the polyhedron and others. The method ensures that the symmetry of the underlying polyhedron is preserved while minimizing or eliminating great circles due to parting lines.

Abstract: A sowable golf ball, including a biodegradable shell to protect an interior thereof, a rubber winding disposed within at least a portion of the biodegradable shell to facilitate bouncing on an object or a surface by the biodegradable shell, and a seed compartment disposed within at least a portion of the rubber winding to store a plurality of seeds therein.

Abstract: A golf ball including at least a layer of ball shell, at least a layer of ball core, and an antenna layer is provided. The ball core is provided in the ball shell. The antenna layer is inserted between the ball shell and the ball core or provided on an outer side of the ball shell. A material of the antenna layer includes a conductive material having fluidity or ductility that auto-recovers the shape and does not break after a hit.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball having excellent shot feeling on driver shots. The present invention provides a golf ball comprising a core and at least one cover covering the core, wherein a material for forming the core has a loss tangent difference ? tan ? (tan ??80?tan ??40) of 0.12 or more between a loss tangent tan ??80 at ?80° C. and a loss tangent tan ??40 at ?40° C.

Abstract: A rubber composition for a hollow ball includes a base rubber, an inorganic filler composed of a large number of flat particles, and a carbon-based filler. As to the carbon-based filler, a degree of flatness DLc obtained by dividing an average particle diameter D50c (?m) by an average thickness Tc (?m) is not less than 50. A weight ratio Mc/Mi is not less than 0.01 and not greater than 1.00. The rubber composition is obtained by a production method including: a first step of mixing the base rubber and the carbon-based filler to obtain a master batch; and a second step of adding the large number of flat particles that form the inorganic filler, to the master batch to orient the large number of flat particles. The hollow ball 2 includes a core 4 formed from the rubber composition.