Abstract: A portable training device to be used during sports and non-sports related practice activities. The training device includes a stand to rest on a surface, an adjustable hoop through which an object is moved during practice, and a hoop support extending between the stand and the hoop. In one embodiment, the adjustable hoop is rotatable between a vertical position, standing upwardly from and in axial alignment with the hoop support, and a horizontal position, facing the flat surface in perpendicular alignment with the hoop support. The length of the hoop support is adjustable so that the distance between the hoop and the stand can be correspondingly adjusted to meet the needs of the user.

Abstract: A portable training device to be used by one practicing the game of tennis or golf. The training device includes a stand to rest on a flat surface, an adjustable hoop through which a tennis ball or a golf ball is hit, and a hoop support extending between the stand and the hoop. The adjustable hoop is rotatable between a vertical position, standing upwardly from and in axial alignment with the hoop support, and a horizontal position, facing the flat surface in perpendicular alignment with the hoop support. The length of the hoop support is adjustable so that the distance between the hoop and the stand can be correspondingly adjusted to meet the needs of the user.

Abstract: A system (10) for detecting and analyzing chemical and biological constituents in a sample (12). The system (10) includes a spectrometer (18) for passively receiving emissions (22) from the sample (12) to detect the constituents therein. A telescope (58) and/or other optical device (70) is used to confine the field-of-view of the spectrometer (18). A cold device (28) is positioned within the field-of-view of the spectrometer (18) at an opposite side of the sample (12) from the spectrometer (18). The cold device (28) provides a low temperature background relative to the sample (12) so as to increase the emissions (22) from the sample (12) and also to reduce the background emission.

Abstract: A missile defense system generates a change in density in the air path of a missile. The density change is created by a high-pressure water system which can be generated by a water jet or a body of water explosively created from a water surface. When operating against a waterborne missile, the density of the water medium is changed. The change in density creates an effective barrier against an incoming missile.