Abstract: The self contained flight duration measurement and recording apparatus is designed to be affixed to or contained within an object that will experience a duration of flight. The apparatus will measure and display the elapsed time of the object's flight. A timing device is positioned in a housing. The timing device is activated by acceleration forces on the object and deactivated by the deceleration forces acting upon the object. The force sensing unit that controls the time is an electrical switch that closes momentarily when subjected to inertial changes. The switch has a central core surrounded by a coil, both of which are integrated into a circuit. As the device experiences acceleration or deceleration, the core will contact the coil which will turn on or turn off the timer. Switch sensitivity can be adjusted as necessary for the specific purposes of the device.

Abstract: An athletic jump duration timing apparatus is designed to measure the time from when an individual initiates a jump until he or she lands from the jump or stride. The apparatus will measure and display the elapsed time of the individual's flight or "hang time". A timing device is positioned in a housing. The timing device is activated by a sensor positioned under a weight bearing surface. A signal is sent to a controller which simultaneously activates two previously zeroed timers. These timers or counters begin counting the impulses from a clock generator. When the sensor senses a weight, the signal is given to the controller to cease the flow of impulses, which freezes the two counters. The event counter is cleared back to zero and the hold counter displays the hang time for the count value. Subsequent jumps are measured and the hold counter displays the jump with the longest hang time by comparing each jump against the event counter.