Abstract: A latchbolt assembly includes a solid latchbolt having at least a first surface, a second surface and a third surface and an anti-friction bolt pivotally coupled to the solid latchbolt. The anti-friction bolt includes a cross member disposed adjacent the first surface of the solid latchbolt and a pair of plates depending from the cross member to form a U-shaped cross section. The plates are disposed adjacent the second and third surfaces of the solid latchbolt.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a system and method for reviewing and evaluating performance. In particular, the present invention relates to a system and method for reviewing and evaluating performances of an official or group of officials at an event or events. Even more specifically, according to embodiments of the present invention, the system and method can involve reviewing and evaluating a referee's performance during a football game or games.

Abstract: A method for performing pitch classification includes receiving, at a computing device, one or more pitch properties corresponding to a ball thrown by a pitcher. Pitcher information corresponding to the pitcher is also received. The pitcher information includes at least an identification of one or more pitches that are in a repertoire of the pitcher. A classification of the pitch is determined using at least a pitch classification algorithm, where the classification of the pitch is based at least in part on the one or more pitch properties and at least in part on the pitcher information.

Abstract: A batting practice assembly includes a controller-power system, and preferably two ball chutes on a slide bar assembly of a ball release apparatus, which is mounted on a height adjustable frame assembly. Four modes of operation are initiated by a foot-activated mechanism of the practice assembly: I-Ball drops from one ball chute; II-Ball drops randomly from either chute; III-Ball drops randomly from either or neither chute; and IV-Random ball drop from either or neither chute, or ball drops with a slight delay from either chute. Difficulty can be increased by adjusting the height of the ball chutes, increasing the distance between the chutes, or changing the angle of the chutes in relation to the hitter. Along with hitting mechanics, the decision-making aspects of hitting and in swing adjustments are developed using the practice assembly. This simplified abstract is not intended to limit, and should not be interpreted as limiting, the scope of the claims.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are described for determining parameters of a contact between bodies occurring within an activity. A digital camera directed towards a target area during the activity captures image frames including infra red image data. Structure for comparing image data for multiple temporally spaced frames with image data of a reference datum records any localized infra red emission appearing in at least one incident frame. The image data for at least one of the incident frames is analyzed to determine at least one parameter of the contact, and the image data for the incident frame is recorded. Visual display means displays the incident frames including the image data in the IR spectrum to enable visual inspection of the activity in the target area at the time of the incident frame and that gave rise to the contact producing the infra red emission.

Abstract: Some embodiments may relate to a magnetic glide game. Such a game may include one or more magnetically polarized game pieces. A game board may include a substantially planar playing surface adapted to receive the game piece in a slideable relation. Embodiments may also include at least one deflection means disposed in, or positionable within, a glide path of the game piece.

Abstract: A user interface device for controlling an audio visual system. In one embodiment, a device for interfacing with an audio/visual system includes a sensor mat including a surface and operable to be disposed on a substantially flat floor. The sensor mat is further operable for generating electrical signals responsive to physical interactions of a user with the surface. The interface device also includes an electronic control unit including circuitry for coupling to the mat, the electronic control unit for detecting the physical interactions of the mat and the electronic control unit operable to be placed on the substantially flat floor. The interface device further includes an elongated shaft having a first end and a second end and physically coupled to the electronic control unit via the first end and extending laterally therefrom. The second end of the elongated shaft is operable to be displaced in various directions by interactions with both hands of the user.

Abstract: There is described an apparatus for a sports game involving movement of a projectile, the apparatus comprising impact sensors for detecting impacts by a player of the sport game or the projectile, the impact sensors being coupled to a processor operable to derive characteristic data for a projectile movement from impacts detected by two or more of the player impact sensors. By monitoring impacts, rather than the movement of the projectile through the air, the apparatus may be both inexpensive and easy to install.

Abstract: A baseball simulation game includes a standard or universal base unit or structure (20) on which is placed a removable playing field surface (22), as well as a removable outfield fence configuration (24). The playing surface (22) and fence configuration (24) can be changed so that the game unit (20) models or resembles different baseball parks or stadiums that currently exist, that previously existed, or that are fictitious. A pitching pipe (26) is positioned in center field, in alignment with second base (27B), pitching mound (27A), and home plate (27). The ball is pitched by being propelled down the pipe (26) toward home plate (27). The batter operates a bat (80) by pushing or pulling on batting rod (50), having a knob or handle (81) positioned adjacent home plate (27) and a second knob adjacent the entrance end of the pitching pipe (26). Openings are placed in the lower portion of the outfield fence (24) through which the ball is batted, thereby to achieve hits and score runs.

Abstract: An Electronically Interactive Target Game to be played indoors by children, wherein the target is a flexible sheet hung on a wall or attached to a portable stand; and has mural-like artwork on the sheet portraying characters playing an action sport. A projectile corresponding to the portrayed sport is thrown at the target. Selected area rigid surfaces, each with a sensor, are attached behind selected areas of the sheet and, when struck, activate audible and visual signals that relate to the success of the child hitting the selected areas to facilitate the fantasy of actually playing a game with the characters in the artwork. A vibration sensor may be attached to the target sheet to detect contact of the projectile with the rest of the target outside of the selected areas. Hook and loop material may be used on the ball and on a selected area (e.g., mitt).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for testing a striking-type sports implement such as a bat is disclosed. In terms of apparatus, a system according to the invention includes a bat-swinging module, a ball-delivery module, and one or more programmed computers. The bat-swinging module includes means to grip a bat at its handle end, and an independent, computer servo-controlled motor to swing the bat. The ball-delivery module includes a ball support and a second, independent, computer servo-controlled motor to place the ball into the swing of the bat along a delivery path such that the bat is able to strike the ball and cause the ball to travel along a precise trajectory path. Various sensors are disposed to measure swing speed, “pitch” speed and exit velocity, with the computer(s) being operative to construct a database of bat performance characteristics based upon swing speed, pitch speed and exit velocity, and display selected portions of the database in accordance with a user input.

Abstract: Current technology exists to record baseballs or softballs thrown in miles per hour. What is new about The Pitching Coach is the ability to record balls and strikes for each pitch thrown. This gives the opportunity to monitor every pitch thrown for speed and accuracy thereby enabling users to improve their pitching skills as if they were working with a pitching coach.