Abstract: Tracking tags for animal tracking, methods for animal tracking with tracking tags, and systems for animal tracking. The tracking tag includes a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) module, a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) module, and a controller. The controller is configured to detect, using the BLE module, when an animal is located within a zone defined by one or more repeater devices. The controller is also configured to deactivate the GNSS module when the animal is detected as being within the zone. The controller is further configured to activate the GNSS module when the animal is not detected as being within the zone.

Abstract: A sports ball includes sensing electronics embedded therein. The electronics are supported on an inner surface of the wall of the ball within an elastomeric boot that extends inwardly toward the center of the ball. The elastomeric boot is configured to protect the electronics from damage due to shock as the ball is used, and to have little if any effect on the performance characteristics of the ball.

Abstract: A system automatically detecting that an authorized game device or object with a rechargeable battery is close to or in contact with a wireless charging pod for the gaming device or object, automatically initiating and managing charging operations for authorized game device, and automatically deactivating the charging operations when the rechargeable batteries are fully charged, or when the authorized game device is moved out of wireless charging range.

Abstract: A sports ball includes sensing electronics embedded therein. The electronics are supported on an inner surface of the wall of the ball within an elastomeric boot that extends inwardly toward the center of the ball. The elastomeric boot is configured to protect the electronics from damage due to shock as the ball is used, and to have little if any effect on the performance characteristics of the ball.

Abstract: A system automatically detecting that an authorized game device or object with a rechargeable battery is close to or in contact with a wireless charging pod for the gaming device or object, automatically initiating and managing charging operations for authorized game device, and automatically deactivating the charging operations when the rechargeable batteries are fully charged, or when the authorized game device is moved out of wireless charging range.

Abstract: A sports ball includes sensing electronics embedded therein. The electronics are supported on an inner surface of the wall of the ball within an elastomeric boot that extends inwardly toward the center of the ball. The elastomeric boot is configured to protect the electronics from damage due to shock as the ball is used, and to have little if any effect on the performance characteristics of the ball.

Abstract: A wireless charging pod and charging pod rack for sports equipment and game devices, which automatically detects nearby authorized game devices with rechargeable batteries, and automatically initiate and manage charging operations for authorized game devices, and automatically deactivates the charging operations when the rechargeable batteries are fully charged, or the authorized game devices are moved out of wireless charging range.

Abstract: A wireless charging pod and charging pod rack for sports equipment and game devices, which automatically detects nearby authorized game devices with rechargeable batteries, and automatically initiate and manage charging operations for authorized game devices, and automatically deactivates the charging operations when the rechargeable batteries are fully charged, or the authorized game devices are moved out of wireless charging range.

Abstract: A location-and-event-tracking system includes radio-enabled anchors and tags on a field of play, and magnets attached to a goal (e.g., a basketball net). Tags are attached to players and to balls (“game-play objects”), and a magnetometer is embedded within the ball. The system uses the radio-enabled tags to track the position of player and the ball in space, and the system determines whether a basket (i.e., a goal) has been made using both the location of the ball in space and magnetic flux-related data received from the magnetometer. The system also determines whether the ball has gone out of bounds, and it sends a STOP message to the game-clock control system if the ball goes out of bounds or if a shot is made successfully.

Abstract: An instrumented athletic sporting device that can be handled by a user, such as a basketball or soccer ball, includes electronics that can detect motion and magnetic fields. For example, an instrumented basketball can be used in conjunction with a magnetic basketball goal net such that made and missed shots can be detected.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials for securely retaining electronic components within an inflatable object. For example, basketballs having a boot structure for securely retaining one or more electronic components (e.g., a sensor and/or a battery) within the basketball are provided.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials for securely retaining electronic components within an inflatable object. For example, basketballs having a boot structure for securely retaining one or more electronic components (e.g., a sensor and/or a battery) within the basketball are provided.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials for securely retaining electronic components within an inflatable object. For example, basketballs having a boot structure for securely retaining one or more electronic components (e.g., a sensor and/or a battery) within the basketball are provided.

Abstract: An inflatable sport ball, such as a basketball, a football, a soccer ball, a volleyball or a playground ball, is provided with a self-contained inflation mechanism, or multiple self-contained inflation mechanisms, for inflating or adding pressure to the ball. The mechanism is a pump which is retained inside of the ball and which is operable from outside of the ball to pump ambient air into the ball. The pump additionally contains an integral pressure relief device to selectively relieve the pressure of the ball. Instead or in addition to the pressure relief device, the pump optionally contains a pressure indicating device to determine the relative pressure of the ball. The pressure indicator provides a numerical indication of the internal pressure of the ball as measured or determined by a pressure sensor.

Abstract: The present development is directed to footballs and to methods for producing the same. More particularly, the disclosure is directed to a technique for readily and inexpensively manufacturing a football. The technique utilizes one or more molding operations and the formation of simulated seams on the ball.

Abstract: The present development is directed to sports balls or game balls and to methods for producing the same. More particularly, the disclosure is directed to inflatable sports balls or game balls, such as basketballs, having a unique rib or seam configuration.

Abstract: The use of a particular class of laminates and specifically including rubberized fabrics, is disclosed for use in an outer cover for sports balls. The use of such laminates significantly increases gripping characteristics of the resulting sports balls.

Abstract: A game ball, such as a basketball, having 2 to 7 panels defined by one or more non-intersecting channels is described herein.

Abstract: A game ball, such as a basketball, having non-intersecting channels or ribs is disclosed in various embodiments. Each channel forms a closed loop extending across the surface of the ball between a right side and a left side. Exemplary embodiments of the game ball have four, two, and one channel(s) and five, three and two panels, respectively.

Abstract: An inflatable sport ball, such as a basketball, a football, a soccer ball, a volleyball or a playground ball, is provided with a self-contained inflation mechanism, or multiple self-contained inflation mechanisms, for inflating or adding pressure to the ball and a pressure sensor and pressure indicator to indicate the internal pressure of the ball. The inflation mechanism is a pump which is positioned and retained inside of the ball and which is operable from outside of the ball to pump ambient air into the ball. The pressure indicator provides a numerical indication of the internal pressure of the ball as measured or determined by the pressure sensor.