Abstract: Athletic and sports wear, and medical or therapeutic garments (G1-G8), all made from a “smart” fabric. The fabric is woven from, or incorporates, one or more components that allows the fabric to change size or shape, project heat or cooling to a part of the wearer's body, to monitor body vital signs such as temperature and pulse rate, etc. The fabric can be used in a garment covering only part of a patient's body, or substantially all of the body. Besides targeting specific areas of a body for treatment, garments made from the fabric facilitate zonal treatments; that is, areas of the body that require therapy but in which certain portions of the area require different levels or intensity of treatment than others. A variety of materials and their various capabilities are disclosed.

Abstract: An automatic throwing machine (10) includes a throwing arm (18) rotated by a worm gear (78) driven by a worm (76) carried on a rod (42). The rod is driven by an electric motor (32). An extension spring (68) is extensible as the arm is moved to store energy in the spring and create a torque on the throwing arm. The arm is configured for objects such as clay pigeons (P), baseballs (B), and hockey pucks (H) and the like. When the spring reaches an over-center position, the throwing arm is rapidly rotated to launch the object along a desired trajectory. A control (112) controls operation of the motor. A passive infrared detector (110) identifies people (X) near the device and controls the direction of discharge of the object so the object is thrown toward, or away from, the person depending upon the object being thrown. The detector further provides an interlock to prevent object release if there is a person in the direction the object is thrown who should not be there.

Abstract: A voice activated programmer (10) controlling the operation of an appliance such as a television (T) or VCR (V). A receiver (12) operating in the audio frequency range receives an audio command spoken by a person. A converter (20) converts the audio input to the receiver into an electrical signal. A processor (22) processes the electrical signal to determine if the person who spoke is a person previously authorized to operate the appliance. A controller (32) performs the function requested by the person who spoke only if the person is a previously authorized person. If more than one person directs a command to the programmer, the sequence with which the commands are executed is determined based on a voice hierarchy.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) for launching spherical and disc-shaped objects (O) used in the practice or play of a sport. A launcher assembly (12) includes a constantly rotating arm (14) rotatable about a center pivot (P). An object to be launched is loaded into an inlet end (16) of the arm adjacent the pivot for the object to be drawn outwardly by centrifugal force toward an outer end (18) of the arm from which the object is released. The velocity of the object when it is launched is a function of the length of the arm and the speed at which the arm is rotating. A feed assembly (20) holds a number of homogeneous objects. A feed mechanism (100) of the feed assembly is selectively operable to feed the objects into the inlet end of the arm. A control panel (148) enables a user to remotely control operation of the apparatus, to control individual launches, or to preset an interval at which objects are automatically launched. A drive unit (24) includes a motor (26,26') for constantly rotating the arm.

Abstract: A mechanism is for use with a weapon for storing desired information about the weapon and the person licensed to use the weapon on the weapon. The weapon includes an audio controlled blocking mechanism for inhibiting or enabling the weapon's firing mechanism in response to an audio frequency signal spoken by the weapon's user and received by a receiver installed on the weapon. The weapon has installed an audio recognition unit having an input from the receiver, and a processor which determines if a received signal matches predetermined, stored audio signals in order to both enable and inhibit. A memory stores information about the weapon and the authorized user. Information identifying at least the serial number of the weapon and the identity of the user is stored in the memory. An information encoder is available at the point of purchase of the weapon or another chosen location to load the information in the memory. The weapon is inhibited from use until the information is stored.

Abstract: A firearm (W) is for discharging a projectile such as bullet (B) through a barrel (L). The firearm includes a firing mechanism (F) for firing the bullet through the barrel. The firing mechanism includes a trigger (T) which is operable by the person using the firearm to fire the weapon. A firing pin (P) is operatively connected to the trigger for contacting a cartridge (C) and effecting discharge of the bullet. A gun lock (200) is provided to inhibit operation of the firing mechanism by enclosing trigger (T). A cover piece (202) fits about the trigger. A blocking pin (228) fits behind the trigger and is movable by an electro-magnet (240) which is activated by a processor (218) which evaluates a word or phrase spoken into an audio recognition unit (214) mounted on the cover piece. Received audio signals are directed to the audio recognition unit. If a received audio input corresponds to a predetermined audio frequency signal, the blocking element is moved from its inhibiting position to its enabling position.

Abstract: A firearm (W) is for discharging a projectile such as bullet (B) through a barrel (L). The firearm includes a firing mechanism (F) for firing the bullet through the barrel. The firing mechanism includes a trigger (T) which is operable by the person using the firearm to fire the weapon. A firing pin (P) is operatively connected to the trigger for contacting a cartridge (C) and effecting discharge of the bullet. A safety mechanism (10) is provided to inhibit operation of the firing mechanism. The safety mechanism includes a blocking element (28) movable into and out of contact with the firing mechanism. The blocking element has a first position inhibiting the firing mechanism from discharging the projectile, and a second position at which the firing mechanism is enabled to discharge the projectile. An audio receiver (14) is mounted on the firearm for receiving audio frequency signals such as a word or words spoken by the person using the firearm.

Abstract: A recoil reducer (70) attachable to the muzzle end of a rifle (71), handgun (73, 75), or shotgun to reduce the recoil force produced when the weapon is discharged. An elongate, hollow recoil tube (74, 102) attaches either directly to the muzzle (recoil tube 102) or with an adapter tube (72). The recoil tube has a uniform inner diameter along its length which at least corresponds to the bore of the weapon. The recoil reducer tube has a plurality of slots (90) extending longitudinally of the recoil reducer tube and spaced circumferentially thereabout. Outwardly extending gas deflectors (94) are formed at one end of the recoil reducer tube for discharge gases expelled through the slots to impact curved rear walls (98) of the deflectors. The discharge gasses are directed rearwardly by the deflectors to reduce the weapon's recoil.