Abstract: A system determining a spin axis of a ball includes a radar transmitting a signal into a target area. The radar includes a minimum of three receivers arranged so that two pairs of receivers are not co-linear. The system also includes a Processing Unit (“PU”) receiving data from the radar and determining a radar range of frequencies received at a point in time corresponding to differing velocities relative to the radar of different portions of the ball as the ball is spinning. PU divides the radar frequency range into a plurality of frequency components and calculating, for each of the frequency components, an angular position associated therewith. PU identifies as a projection of the spin axis in a plane perpendicular to a line of sight from the radar to the ball, a line perpendicular to a line represented by the determined angular positions.

Abstract: A Powder Dispersal Target Impact Indication System (PDS) includes a body configured to contain a powdered substance for dispersing into air external to the body on impact of a target by a firearm projectile. A mounting structure is used to mount the body to the target. A securing cap is configured to retain the powdered substance within the body. A dispersal aperture is configured to disperse the powdered substance.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of a golf training system. In one non-limiting example, a system includes a feedback device, a sensor, and a computing device. The computing device is configured to at least receive sensor data from the sensor during the golf swing of the user and identify a plurality of body movements in which each respective body movement corresponds to a stage of a golf swing sequence based at least in part on the sensor data. The computing device can also be configured to activate a plurality of feedback indicators according to the golf swing sequence for feedback to the user during the golf swing.

Abstract: A method can include providing an object having a size smaller than a size of a known regulation object, projecting the object, via a delivery device, toward a trainee, and training the trainee to follow the object. A method can include determining a game parameter of a game trajectory of a sports object that was projected along the game trajectory in a real-time sports event, and based on the game parameters, adapting a delivery device to deliver a training object along a training trajectory that mimics at least a portion of the game trajectory, with the training object being smaller than the sports object.

Abstract: Systems and methods for sports analytics are disclosed. A system for evaluating athletic performance can include wearable sensor devices configured to be removably coupled to an athlete's body during athletic performance, and one or more equipment-mountable sensor devices configured to be coupled to reference objects adjacent to an athletic performance site such as a goal or equipment. A computing device can be communicatively coupled to the wearable sensor device(s) and the equipment-mountable sensor device(s). The computing device is configured to receive sensor data from each of the sensor device(s) and to determine at least one performance parameter.

Abstract: A method can include providing an object having a size smaller than a size of a known regulation object, projecting the object, via a delivery device, toward a trainee, and training the trainee to follow the object. A method can include determining a game parameter of a game trajectory of a sports object that was projected along the game trajectory in a real-time sports event, and based on the game parameters, adapting a delivery device to deliver a training object along a training trajectory that mimics at least a portion of the game trajectory, with the training object being smaller than the sports object.

Abstract: An apparatus includes support members, a cable, a rolling mechanism and a tackling bag. The cable is configured to extend between the support members. The rolling mechanism is configured to traverse the cable and includes first and second sets of wheels. The cable is configured to extend between two wheels of the first set of wheels and between two wheels of the second set of wheels. The tackling bag is configured for attachment to the rolling mechanism. When a downward force is applied to the tackling bag, the pulley device detaches from the wheel housing and a portion of the cable extends around one of the two wheels of the first set of wheels and around one of the two wheels of the second set of wheels to prevent the rolling mechanism from further traversing the cable once the downward force is applied to the tackling bag.

Abstract: An improved target label for shooting that includes at least one toner layer defining an image of a target, superimposed over a colored substrate having a color different from the toner layer, and an ink layer underlying the toner layer. When a projectile strikes and penetrates the target, the ink and toner layer displaces and scatters over an area surrounding the point of penetration, exposing the underlying colored substrate layer. The scattering of toner particles visually resembles gun powder and visually simulates damage over an area wider than the point of penetration by the projectile.

Abstract: Card-handling devices may include an input area sized and shaped to receive cards and an output area for outputting at least some of the cards. A defect detection system may be located along a card path downstream from the input area. The defect detection system may be configured to scan at least one card to determine whether at least one characteristic of the at least one card has been modified beyond a predetermined limit or whether the at least one characteristic of the at least one card is within the predetermined limit. A diverter may be configured to divert the at least one card from the card path when the at least one characteristic of the at least one card has been modified beyond the predetermined limit and enable the at least one card to continue on the card path when the at least one characteristic of the at least one card is within the predetermined limit.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to an improved ballistic concrete mixture which is operable to be cast in many forms such as blocks. The improved ballistic concrete mixture provides an effective barrier for stopping projectiles with a kinetic energy of between about 1.0 kJ (750 foot-pounds) and 20.3 kJ (15,000 foot-pounds) in between about 3 inches and 10 inches such as a fifty-caliber round. The improved ballistic concrete mixture is useful in the erecting of new structures which need ballistics protection or for retrofitting existing structures with ballistics protection.

Abstract: A basketball training system includes a server computer and a basketball training machine. The server computer executes a workout module that manages operation of a graphical user interface that presents a graphical representation of a portion of a basketball court and receives user inputs that define a workout program that includes selected ball delivery locations relative to the visual representation. The basketball training machine receives the workout program and delivers basketballs to the selected ball delivery locations.

Abstract: A modular target having a support pole and a head. The head is preferably removable. The head is configured for removable attachment of a target. The head has a rail onto which a sleeve of a target is attached. The rail is preferably cylindrical. The target is configured with a sleeve that slides over the rail. Preferably a shooting face extends from the sleeve. Further, the shooting face is configured such that a moment arm allows the shooting face to hang at a 5-20 degree angle from vertical, with the preferred angle being 10 degrees. In a preferred embodiment the modular target utilizes a removably head configured with a neck that attaches to a vertical support pole. The vertical support pole preferably has a slide hammer attached that allows for easier placement of the target in the ground. Preferably the support pole has a fin that serves to resist rotation of the support pole when the target is hit by a projectile fired by a firearm.

Abstract: A gaming system combines roulette and mahjong gaming into a single new game for ball-effecting a mahjong event. The game may comprise a grouped series of roulette wheel assemblies bearing mahjong symbols and a plurality of balls respectively receivable in ball-receiving sectors for identifying a number of mahjong symbols. The group of mahjong symbols identified by the randomly received balls defines a wagerable mahjong event. Players may participate in the gaming in a player participation area, which area is opposed a theatrical or auditorium type visual display of the grouped roulette wheel assembly action. Players may input their wagers in the player participation area and watch the roulette action unfold on the visual displays. Certain methodology for effecting the mahjong event is further supported by the roulette medium.

Abstract: A basketball net includes a multi-layer cord including each of an outer layer formed of a first antimicrobial, moisture wicking fiber and an inner layer including a second antimicrobial, moisture wicking fiber. The outer layer is woven from a first antimicrobial, moisture wicking yarn to form a wall that defines a central opening, and at least one cord is located within the central opening, the at least one cord formed by a second antimicrobial, moisture wicking yarn. The at least one cord includes a plurality of cords including a first cord formed by the second antimicrobial, moisture wicking yarn and a second cord including a third antimicrobial, moisture wicking yarn. The plurality of cords includes: the first cord; the second cord including the third antimicrobial, moisture wicking yarn and at least one monofiber yarn; and a third cord formed by a plurality of monofiber yarns.

Abstract: Lacrosse heads are provided that include a polymer and graphene. The graphene increases the durability of the lacrosse heads. Also provided is equipment for other contact sports that include graphene to increase durability.

Abstract: A device for an analogue modeling experiment of a geological structure under a hypergravity field of a large-scale centrifuge is provided. A bottom plate is placed on a basket of the centrifuge and mounted with screw rod components; screw rods are arranged in parallel with the bottom plate; diverters, screw rod supporting columns, sliding guide rails and a motor are arranged on the bottom plate; output shafts at two ends of the motor are respectively connected to the two diverters; the diverters are connected with one end of the corresponding screw rod; a fixed baffle plate is connected with the screw rods and is embedded with the sliding guide rails; a detachable baffle plate is arranged at a lower part of the fixed baffle plate and has a lower part connected with a swing baffle plate through a hinge; and a curved table is arranged on the bottom plate.

Abstract: An endcap for a sporting implement includes a base portion and a transverse extension projecting from the base portion. The base portion has a bottom surface with a central axis normal thereto. A receptacle opposite the bottom surface is configured to receive a portion of the sporting implement. The extension is configured such that, during swinging of the sporting implement with a hand of a user gripping around the sporting implement portion, the extension contacts an exterior lateral portion and upper portion of fifth proximal phalanx of a user's hand and the hand is constrained in both the transverse and longitudinal aspects while being allowed rotation of a first metacarpal of the hand away from the central axis.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter includes a computerized method and system for providing a total score on a motion of a user. More specifically, the proposed technique obtain motion data, process the motion data and provide a total quality score for the motion of the user with respect to a designated target motion.

Abstract: A method of assembling a portable fenced-in ball playing area that includes a plurality of panels that have an upward slot on one end of the panel and a downward slot at the other end of the panel. The panels are assembled into a polygon shaped pit, such as for a Ga-ga pit, by fitment of upward and downward slots on adjacent panels. No tools are necessary for assembly. The panels can include hand holes for easy carrying. Some panels may have a top indentation or recess to assist children in entering or leaving the fenced-in ball playing area, such as a Ga-ga pit. These panels can be reversed so that the recess is facing downward to form a goal opening for a game using a ball, puck or the like.

Abstract: A ruggedized holder has a base unit that accepts a roll of target media. The base unit includes a first side plate and a second side plate that opposes the first side plate. Moreover, a lower deflector plate having a front facing surface extends between the first side plate and the second side plate. Also, the base unit includes an upper deflector plate that extends between the first side plate and the second side plate above the lower deflector plate. The first side plate, the second side plate, the lower deflector plate and the upper deflector plate define an enclosure that protects the roll of target media. In addition, a stand can couple to the base unit.