Abstract: A method for weaving beads together in order to form a textured chamber comprised of woven strings of beads and products generated thereby is shown. A plurality of bead strings, referred to herein as chains, are used which are comprised of beads connected by strings. Each bead has spacing corresponding to and functionally working with the spacing of the joining strands of string. There is near identity as far as bead spacing and bead size in the preferred embodiment between the multiple hanging chains and the single locking chain of beads. Two to three beads of each hanging chain are skipped, while preferably each bead after one or more initial strands of the locking chain are used in order to form a structure which has flexibility but strong contact. When multiple (three or more) separate chains are inter-woven with appropriate spacing, then the resulting structure is expanded outward to form a tube. This tube can be maintained by proper spacing and by locking the beads at either end.

Abstract: A swing training device is described, comprising a base assembly, a height adjustable stanchion on the base assembly and a spring for flexing built into the stanchion. An adjustable seat for steadying a hitter astride the stanchion, so as to help the hitter to perform a proper weight shift through the executing of a pre-swing stage and a swing stage for hitting a ball. Methods for training a tennis player using the swing training device are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of sports training equipment, particularly to a device and methods for training baseball players. A pitcher's training device in accord with the present invention provides a tarpaulin mounted to a frame. Various targets are positioned on the tarpaulin. Lead lines, which are attached to the frame beneath the targets, are extended out toward the pitcher. The pitcher then throws the baseball towards the target, using the lead lines as a guide to the throw.In accord with another aspect of the invention, a method of training a baseball pitcher is also provided. The frame is positioned around home plate. A lead line is attached to the tarpaulin directly below at least a first target and extended toward the pitcher. A triangle is defined by three targets. A baseball is thrown at the triangle by a pitcher. The lead lines define an alley for the pitcher to throw the ball.

Abstract: A sport swing training device has a base assembly, a height adjustable stanchion having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the stanchion is attachable to the base assembly. The stanchion further includes a spring to permit tipping of the stanchion when the stanchion is attached to the base assembly, and an adjustable seat secured to the second end of the stanchion. A restraining clutch is attachable to the base assembly such that when attached, the restraining clutch limits the range of tipping of the stanchion during a pre-swing stage and, a swing stage for hitting a ball. The device also includes an adjustable seat plate to which the seat is connected and at least one adjustable extension having opened and locked positions for controlling the range of rotational movement of the seat plate.

Abstract: A baseball training vest is disclosed for use in training baseball hitters to swing a baseball bat without dropping the trailing arm so far as to cause a poor swing. The vest includes a resilient pad formed to fit under the batter's trailing arm and includes a harness for adjustably securing the pad to the batter.A method of training a baseball batter in which the batter uses an arm guide to restrict the downward range of motion during batting practice is also disclosed.

Abstract: A baseball hitter's training device is provided, comprising a base assembly, a height adjustable stanchion on the base assembly and a spring for flexing built into the stanchion. An adjustable seat is for steadying a hitter astride the stanchion, so as to help the hitter to perform a proper weight shift through the executing of a pre-swing stage and a swing stage for hitting a baseball, with a baseball bat. A golf hitter's training device is also provided, comprising a base assembly, a height adjustable stanchion on the base assembly and a spring for flexing built into the stanchion. A structure is on the base assembly for holding a golf ball thereto. An adjustable seat is for steadying a hitter astride the stanchion, so as to help the hitter to perform a proper weight shift through the executing of a pre-swing stage and a swing stage for hitting the golf ball on the holding structure with a golf club.

Abstract: A molded rotor assembly (20) including at least one molded fan (28), a method for making the same, and a vehicle alternator (160) using the molded rotor assembly (20) are disclosed. The rotor assembly (20) includes first and second pole pieces (24,26) aligned along a longitudinal axis (40) defining a region (122) between the pole pieces (24,26). Each pole piece (24,26) has an outboard axial face (69,71). At least one molded fan (28) is integrally molded to one of the axial outboard faces (69) of a pole piece (24). Preferably, a molded insert (22) is molded in the region (122) between the pole pieces (24,26) and is integral with the molded fan (28) to secure the molded fan (28) to the pole piece (24). Alternatively, anchoring recesses (241,245) are formed in an outboard face of a pole piece (224) with a molded fan (228) having anchoring portions (249,251) secured within the recesses (241,245) to retain the fan (228) to the outboard axial face.

Abstract: A molded rotor assembly (20) for a vehicle alternator and method for making the same are disclosed. The rotor assembly includes first and second pole pieces (24,26) aligned along a longitudinal axis (40), the pair of pole pieces (24,26) defining a region therebetween. A coil wire (46) is located in the region. The pole pieces (24,26) and a slip ring assembly (36) are mounted on a rotor shaft (38). The slip ring assembly (36) has a pair of slip rings (102,104) connected to a pair of terminals (96,98) which are attached to respective free ends of the coil wire (46) to form a pair of connections (126,128). A molded insert (22) is injection molded filling the region between the pole pieces (24,26) thereby encapsulating the connections (126,128) and the coil wire (96) and forming a smooth cylindrical periphery on the rotor assembly (20).