Abstract: A stabilized musical horn instrument is revealed, comprising a traditional wind instrument of the type employing a horn outlet, a stabilizer mechanism comprising an axially rotated friction mechanism for locking an assembly of a pair of telescoping tubes in a deployed position and a linearly operated magnetic mechanism to retain the tubes in a retracted position; and further comprising a surface engagement assembly coupled to the distal tube of the telescoping tube assembly.

Abstract: An instructional, training, and assessment apparatus is provided for use in the activity of swimming. The apparatus includes a cable having a proximal end and a distal end, and a harness for coupling the distal end of the cable to a swimmer. The distal end of the cable is formed to include a short length of increased diameter. A motorized drum mechanism is coupled to the proximal end of the cable for winding and unwinding the cable to apply forces to the swimmer as the swimmer swims laps in a body of water. A pressure roller applies pressure to the cable as it is wound and unwound in single layer upon the drum. A bailer sheave and idler roller engaged with the sheave and mounted on shafts transverse to the drum guide the cable loops in even rows onto the drum. A cable diameter limit sensor coupled to the bailer sheave and the motorized drum senses the increased diameter of the distal end of the cable and produces a corresponding output signal.

Abstract: An instructional, training, and assessment apparatus is provided for use in the activity of swimming. The apparatus includes a cable having a proximal end and a distal end, and a harness for coupling the distal end of the cable to a swimmer. A motorized drum mechanism is coupled to the proximal end of the cable for winding and unwinding the cable to apply forces to the swimmer as the swimmer swims laps in a pool. A pressure roller applies pressure to the cable as it is wound and unwound in multiple layers upon the drum. A bailer sheave and idler roller engaged with the sheave and mounted on shafts transverse to the drum guide the cable in even rows onto the drum. A cable diameter limit sensor coupled to the above described bailer sheave and the motorized drum senses the increased diameter of the distal end of the cable whereupon the motorized drum halts the winding action in response to the limit sensor signal.

Abstract: An instructional, training, and assessment apparatus is provided for use in the activity of swimming. The apparatus includes a cable having a proximal end and a distal end, and a harness for coupling the distal end of the cable to a swimmer. A mechanism is coupled to the proximal end of the cable for winding and unwinding the cable to apply positive and negative forces to the swimmer as the swimmer swims laps in a pool. The apparatus of the present invention can also be used with a mechanism that applies only positive forces to the swimmer. A sensor is provided for generating an output signal responsive to a parameter measured by the sensor. The apparatus also includes a programmable controller responsive to the output signal from the sensor and to preprogrammed control parameters for controlling the forces applied by the winding and unwinding mechanism.