Abstract: A dispensing nozzle assembly is provided including a nozzle member provided with one or more dispensing apertures to allow fluid to be dispensed therefrom in use. Closure means are provided on or associated with the nozzle member and movable relative thereto between a closed position, wherein the closure means closes the dispensing apertures and fluid cannot be dispensed from the dispensing apertures, and an open position, wherein the closure means are moved at least partially clear of the dispensing apertures and fluid can be dispensed through the dispensing apertures in use. Switch means are moveable between an “on” position for allowing fluid to flow into the nozzle member for dispensing through the dispensing apertures in use, and an “off” position for preventing fluid flowing into the nozzle member in use. The switch means are arranged such that movement of the closure means relative to the nozzle member moves or actuates the switch means between the on and off positions in use.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for determining a position of a nozzle of a 3D printer are described. In certain implementations, a method for determining a position of a nozzle of a 3D printer is provided. The method includes moving a nozzle assembly relative to a test feature of a calibration object such that a nozzle tip contacts the test feature for a plurality of times. The nozzle assembly includes the nozzle that has the nozzle tip. The method also includes reading positions of the nozzle when the nozzle tip contacts the test feature. The method further includes determining a relative position of an end point of the nozzle relative to a reference point.

Abstract: A dispensing nozzle assembly is provided including a nozzle member provided with one or more dispensing apertures to allow fluid to be dispensed therefrom in use. Closure means are provided on or associated with the nozzle member and movable relative thereto between a closed position, wherein the closure means closes the dispensing apertures and fluid cannot be dispensed from the dispensing apertures, and an open position, wherein the closure means are moved at least partially clear of the dispensing apertures and fluid can be dispensed through the dispensing apertures in use. Switch means are moveable between an “on” position for allowing fluid to flow into the nozzle member for dispensing through the dispensing apertures in use, and an “off” position for preventing fluid flowing into the nozzle member in use. The switch means are arranged such that movement of the closure means relative to the nozzle member moves or actuates the switch means between the on and off positions in use.

Abstract: A dispensing nozzle assembly is provided including a nozzle member provided with one or more dispensing apertures to allow fluid to be dispensed therefrom in use. Closure means are provided on or associated with the nozzle member and movable relative thereto between a closed position, wherein the closure means closes the dispensing apertures and fluid cannot be dispensed from the dispensing apertures, and an open position, wherein the closure means are moved at least partially clear of the dispensing apertures and fluid can be dispensed through the dispensing apertures in use. Switch means are moveable between an “on” position for allowing fluid to flow into the nozzle member for dispensing through the dispensing apertures in use, and an “off” position for preventing fluid flowing into the nozzle member in use. The switch means are arranged such that movement of the closure means relative to the nozzle member moves or actuates the switch means between the on and off positions in use.

Abstract: Dispensing apparatus is provided for dispensing one or more items therefrom in use. The apparatus includes at least one reservoir for containment of the one or more items to be dispensed. Dispensing outlet means are provided for dispensing the one or more items from said apparatus. At least one flow conduit or flow line is located between the at least one reservoir and the dispensing outlet means. Valve means are provided with or associated with said dispensing outlet means to control dispensing of the one or more items from said dispensing outlet means in use. The valve means are movable between an open position, wherein the one or more items can be dispensed from the dispensing outlet means, and a closed position, wherein the one or more items are prevented from being dispensed from said dispensing outlet means.

Abstract: A planar flexure member for resisting rotation about a central axis thereof includes, in various embodiments, a central portion comprising a plurality of attachment points; and at least one serpentine flexure arm extending from the central portion in a plane. The arm(s) terminate in an arcuate mounting rail that includes a series of attachment points. The rails are positioned in opposition to each other to partially define and occupy a planar circular envelope radially displaced from but surrounding the central portion of the flexure member. A portion of the serpentine arms may extend to (or substantially to) the envelope between the mounting rails.

Abstract: A planar flexure member for resisting rotation about a central axis thereof includes, in various embodiments, a central portion comprising a plurality of attachment points; and at least one serpentine flexure arm extending from the central portion in a plane. The arm(s) terminate in an arcuate mounting rail that includes a series of attachment points. The rails are positioned in opposition to each other to partially define and occupy a planar circular envelope radially displaced from but surrounding the central portion of the flexure member. A portion of the serpentine arms may extend to (or substantially to) the envelope between the mounting rails.

Abstract: A planar flexure member for resisting rotation about a central axis thereof includes, in various embodiments, a central portion comprising a plurality of attachment points; and at least one serpentine flexure arm extending from the central portion in a plane. The arm(s) terminate in an arcuate mounting rail that includes a series of attachment points. The rails are positioned in opposition to to each other to partially define and occupy a planar circular envelope radially displaced from but surrounding the central portion of the flexure member. A portion of the serpentine arms may extend to (or substantially to) the envelope between the mounting rails.

Abstract: A 3D printed lacrosse head is provided and may include a top lacrosse head region having a plurality of head region layers, a left lacrosse head sidewall having a plurality of left lacrosse head sidewall region layers, a right lacrosse head sidewall having a plurality of right lacrosse head sidewall region layers, and a bottom lacrosse head region having a plurality of bottom lacrosse head region layers such that at least one of the top lacrosse head region, the left lacrosse head sidewall region, the right lacrosse head sidewall region, and the bottom lacrosse head region includes at least one layer having carbon fiber embedded therein.

Abstract: A planar flexure member for resisting rotation about a central axis thereof includes, in various embodiments, a central portion comprising a plurality of attachment points; and at least one serpentine flexure arm extending from the central portion in a plane. The arm(s) terminate in an arcuate mounting rail that includes a series of attachment points. The rails are positioned in opposition to to each other to partially define and occupy a planar circular envelope radially displaced from but surrounding the central portion of the flexure member. A portion of the serpentine arms may extend to (or substantially to) the envelope between the mounting rails.

Abstract: A method of making a lacrosse head is provided. The method includes providing a lacrosse head design to a 3D printer, providing a first printing material to the 3D printer, the first printing material including carbon fiber or fiberglass, and printing the lacrosse head with the 3-D printer using the lacrosse head design and the printing material.

Abstract: A sports equipment stick handle comprising a hollow tubular member with a cross section comprising at least a first wall and a second wall that intersect at a corner having a reinforcement portion (fillet, bead or diagonal; easement, wherein the thickness of the corner is greater than the thickness of the first and second walls. The reinforcement portion increases dent resistance, strength, and stiffness.

Abstract: Improved synthetic lacrosse stick heads that have more consistent performance characteristics under variable temperature and playing conditions.

Abstract: A method of making a lacrosse head is provided. The method includes providing a lacrosse head design to a 3D printer, providing a first printing material to the 3D printer, the first printing material including carbon fiber or fiberglass, and printing the lacrosse head with the 3-D printer using the lacrosse head design and the printing material.

Abstract: A lacrosse stick with an elongate tubular handle, a plastic head and an improved connection assembly between the handle and head, the connection assembly including an insert inside the handle and straddling at least two opposing walls, at least one screw threaded through the insert and through the opposing walls of the handle to compress the insert between the walls of said handle. The threaded engagement of the screw through the walls and insert sandwich the latter, maintaining a constant compressive force against the laterally enlarged heads and against the interior walls of the handle. This avoids loosening and/or dislodgement as a result of impact or vibration, and resists the threads of the screw stripping either the walls or the insert as a result of torque or other stress. A unitary sleeve insert, a one-piece straddle post embodiment, and a two-piece post embodiment are herein shown and described.

Abstract: Improved synthetic lacrosse stick heads that have more consistent performance characteristics under variable temperature and playing conditions.

Abstract: A sports equipment stick handle comprising a hollow tubular member with a cross section comprising at least a first wall and a second wall that intersect at a corner having a reinforcement portion (fillet, bead or diagonal; easement, wherein the thickness of the corner is greater than the thickness of the first and second walls. The reinforcement portion increases dent resistance, strength, and stiffness.