Abstract: In one illustrative embodiment, the ball inserter device comprises, among other things, a body having a ball insertion opening and a ball drop opening, wherein the ball drop opening intersects the ball insertion opening, a ball inserter piston that is attached to the body and an inserter cavity isolation valve coupled to the body wherein the valve element, when closed, blocks the ball insertion opening and partially defines an insertion cavity between the inserter cavity isolation valve and the ball inserter piston and a pressure relief valve coupled to the body that is in fluid communication with the insertion cavity. In this example, the device also comprises a ball input device coupled to the body that includes a plug, a removable cap and an opening that is axially aligned with the ball drop opening.

Abstract: A web-based system configured to interact with users of mechanical exercise equipment is provided. The system includes a sensor configured to transform repetitive actions from a mechanical apparatus, such as an exercise machine, into electrical signals or switch closures. A count recorder communicates with the sensor to obtain the data. A computing device receives the data from the count recorder and converts and processes the data into measurable data content. A remote application server is accessible by a plurality of computing devices and is operable to communicate with the computing devices through a web-based application. The web-based application can receive and display the data set through the local computing device. The data set is viewable by one or more users through the web-based application. The web-based application allows for users of the application to view other user's activity in near real-time.