Abstract: In particular embodiments, a treadmill may comprise one or more lifting mechanisms configured to lift and lower a treadmill belt (e.g., adjust an angle of the treadmill belt relative to a support surface) by adjusting a height of the front and rear of the treadmill about a pivot point. In particular embodiments, the pivot point may be positioned somewhat centered along a length of the belt. In particular embodiments, a seesaw arrangement may provide a central pivot point, providing a moment arm to the motor while decreasing a moment arm caused by the load (e.g., a runner). In this way, an apparent load on a motor providing incline and decline to the running surface may be reduced.

Abstract: In particular embodiments, a treadmill may comprise one or more lifting mechanisms configured to lift and lower a treadmill belt (e.g., adjust an angle of the treadmill belt relative to a support surface) by adjusting a height of the front and rear of the treadmill about a pivot point. In particular embodiments, the pivot point may be positioned somewhat centered along a length of the belt. In particular embodiments, a seesaw arrangement may provide a central pivot point, providing a moment arm to the motor while decreasing a moment arm caused by the load (e.g., a runner). In this way, an apparent load on a motor providing incline and decline to the running surface may be reduced.

Abstract: In particular embodiments, a treadmill may comprise one or more lifting mechanisms configured to lift and lower a treadmill belt (e.g., adjust an angle of the treadmill belt relative to a support surface) by adjusting a height of the front and rear of the treadmill about a pivot point. In particular embodiments, the pivot point may be positioned somewhat centered along a length of the belt. In particular embodiments, a seesaw arrangement may provide a central pivot point, providing a moment arm to the motor while decreasing a moment arm caused by the load (e.g., a runner). In this way, an apparent load on a motor providing incline and decline to the running surface may be reduced.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a treadmill system may include one or more custom treadmill hardware devices and one or more accompanying pieces of software which may be configured to work in tandem to simulate one or more virtual terrains within a game on a physical treadmill. In particular embodiments, the system is configured to enable a user to control a direction of a virtual avatar as the avatar traverses the virtual terrain (e.g., while the user is using the treadmill). The system may then be configured to manipulate the treadmill (i.e., incline of the treadmill, speed of the treadmill, etc.) based on the terrain that the avatar is currently traversing. The system may utilize one or more imaging devices to identify particular gestures performed by the user. In this way, the system may be configured provide hands free control to the user while the user is using the treadmill.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a treadmill system may include one or more custom treadmill hardware devices and one or more accompanying pieces of software which may be configured to work in tandem to simulate one or more virtual terrains within a game on a physical treadmill. In particular embodiments, the system is configured to enable a user to control a direction of a virtual avatar as the avatar traverses the virtual terrain (e.g., while the user is using the treadmill). The system may then be configured to manipulate the treadmill (i.e., incline of the treadmill, speed of the treadmill, etc.) based on the terrain that the avatar is currently traversing. The system may utilize one or more imaging devices to identify particular gestures performed by the user. In this way, the system may be configured provide hands free control to the user while the user is using the treadmill.

Abstract: A self trimming pop-up sprinkler head that is able to cut/trim vegetation or herbaceous material that is negatively impacting the functionality of said sprinkler head. The self trimming pop-up sprinkler head comprises a main body, a trimming mechanism, and a piston assembly. The main body functions as the enclosure that receives pressurized fluid. The piston assembly functions as the telescoping/extendable component that is activated by the pressurized fluid. The trimming mechanism is the integrated component that is operatively coupled to the piston assembly and the main body. Through the operative coupling of said components, the trimming mechanism is able to cut/sever vegetation as well as herbaceous material through the ascending and descending actions of the pop-sprinkler. The trimming mechanism accomplishes this through the use of a pair of cleaver assemblies containing a scissionable alignment that cuts/severs vegetation or herbaceous material that intersects said alignment.

Abstract: A self trimming pop-up sprinkler head that is able to cut/trim vegetation or herbaceous material that is negatively impacting the functionality of said sprinkler head. The self trimming pop-up sprinkler head comprises a main body, a trimming mechanism, and a piston assembly. The main body functions as the enclosure that receives pressurized fluid. The piston assembly functions as the telescoping/extendable component that is activated by the pressurized fluid. The trimming mechanism is the integrated component that is operatively coupled to the piston assembly and the main body. Through the operative coupling of said components, the trimming mechanism is able to cut/sever vegetation as well as herbaceous material through the ascending and descending actions of the pop-sprinkler. The trimming mechanism accomplishes this through the use of a pair of cleaver assemblies containing a scissionable alignment that cuts/severs vegetation or herbaceous material that intersects said alignment.

Abstract: A trocar actuation mechanism comprising a mounting for a trocar spike, cylindrical sleeve having a proximal end, a distal end and a bush at the distal end, the sleeve being disposed within a housing and adapted to move relative to the housing between a distal position wherein the sleeve covers the trocar spike in use and a proximal position wherein the trocar spike is exposed, releasable locking means being adapted to lock the sleeve when the sleeve is moved into the distal position, an actuator moveable from an armed position wherein the sleeve may move within a housing to a disarmed position wherein the sleeve is prevented from movement, herein the locking means comprises an axially movable barrel engaging a proximal end of the sleeve and urged distally by a main spring, the barrel having a transverse aperture and further including a socket adjacent, a proximal end of the aperture, an actuator rod having an axis and being mounted in the housing and extending transversely through the aperture, the rod being