Abstract: A device for training a golfer to make a proper and accurate golf stroke comprises a housing having a channel for variably mounting said housing on a golf club in at least a first position and a second position. A transducer is included in the housing for monitoring deviations of golf club travel from a linear direction during a golf stroke when the housing is mounted on the golf club in the first position, and for monitoring acceleration of the golf club through a golf ball during a golf stroke when the housing is mounted on the golf club in the second position. A buzzer and a light source energizable for providing the golfer with feedback indicative of the deviations or acceleration is operatively associated with the transducer. The transducer comprises optical reflective detectors for monitoring the offset positions of a mass on the upper end of a cantilevered spring having its lower end fixed to a circuit board including an aperture therein in which the mass is disposed.

Abstract: A golf stance trainer for monitoring a golfer's stance during a golf swing comprises a superstructure having at least one of a sensor for monitoring buttock positioning, a sensor for monitoring hip positioning, and a sensor for monitoring leg positioning during a golf swing. The sensor is actuated in response to a pivotal movement of a member that engages the golfer's buttocks, hips or leg, and signals the golfer that the swing is improper. The buttocks engaging member pivots about a horizontal axis, and the hip and leg engaging members pivot about vertical axes.

Abstract: The wrist release is a device for monitoring wrist movement during a golf swing, and for learning the proper wrist movement needed to lower golf scores. The wrist release comprises an electronic circuit having signaling means and a unique transducer. The transducer comprises a housing having a bore, with a movable element disposed therein. The movable element is connected to means for monitoring a golfer's wrist movement. When the golfer has cocked his wrists properly, the movable element activates the electronic circuit, causing the signaling means to issue a feedback signal to the golfer. If the golfer does not cock his wrists properly, the feedback signal will be early, or nonexistent. In other embodiments, the device can be used to monitor arm extension, wrist cupping, or knee bending during a golf swing.

Abstract: A pivot trainer useful in learning a proper golf swing pivot comprises an electronic circuit having a unique transducer. The pivot trainer is designed to be worn by the golfer in proximity to his hips, because the pivot trainer monitors effective hip movement. The transducer comprises an electrically conducting movable element. The transducer translates about the electrically conducting movable element, which is held stationary within the transducer under the influence of inertial forces generated by golfer hip rotation. If the hips are properly rotated, and the golfer pivots properly, a variable element contacts a movable element, completing the circuit, causing a feedback signal to issue therefrom. The variable element can be positioned in a plurality of positions within the transducer, thus changing the amount of inertia needed to complete the circuit. This allows the golfer to progress from his currently employed swing to a more effective golf swing.

Abstract: A device comprising a housing containing a pellet, a diaphragm, and means for applying a force for translating the pellet towards the diaphragm to produce a signal disposed within the housing is mounted by C clamps onto a golf club shaft. The signal issues at critical times during a proper golf swing. These signals assist a golfer in improving his swing, resulting in a swing that has a greater balance, synchronicity, symmetry and tempo than before.

Abstract: A method for detecting tampering with a dial of a utility meter is used with a meter of the type including at least one rotary dial having angularly spaced circumferentially arrayed indicia and an indicator, the indicator and said indicia being relatively rotatable by a gear train having at least one gear which rotates in unison with the dial in operation. The method includes emcoding the gear with a code which corresponds in a predetermined fashion with the indicia of the dial and anotating on the meter a predetermined key to the initial correspondence of the code with the relative position of the dial indicator. The invention extends to an apparatus for carrying out the foregoing method.

Abstract: An apparatus for indicating the peak tangential velocity of a swung sporting goods implement such as a tennis racquet, golf club, or baseball bat, comprises a tube having a longitudinal bore. A seismic mass is slideably disposed within the bore of the tube, and a spring operates to pull the seismic mass toward the proximal end of the tube. A reset mass is normally captured at the distal end of the tube but is selectively released to slide within the bore of the tube. A peak velocity indicator is slideably disposed within the bore of the tube between the seismic mass and the reset mass, the peak velocity indicator frictionally engaging the inner walls of the tube such that it is displaceable longitudinally within the bore of the tube by an applied force but maintains its position within the bore of the tube once the applied force is removed.

Abstract: An indicator for detecting whether the indicator has been inverted or tilted beyond a critical angle. The indicator includes a pair of reactants contained within two discrete reservoirs which are separated by a fluid passageway. When the indicator is tilted beyond the critical angle the reactants are contacted producing a reaction product having a color change. The indicator also provides a splash protector to prevent false positive reactions when the unit is agitated but has not been tilted. A first reactant is contained within a frangible ampule that can be broken when the indicator is activated for use. The color change is visible from the outside of the container.

Abstract: A method of initializing the position of an optical shaft encoder without having to precisely index the encoder with respect to its shaft. The optical encoder includes an optical shutter mounted for rotation with the shaft and light emitters and light detectors associated with the optical shutter for respectively illuminating and detecting a predetermined pattern of code markings formed on the optical shutter. An electrical circuit, such as a suitably programmed microprocessor, is responsive to the status of the light emitters and light detectors for determining the angular position of the optical shutter and shaft relative to the light emitters and detectors from the detected predetermined pattern. The optical shutter is mounted to the shaft in some arbitrary position and the code pattern associated with this position is detected by the electrical circuit.