Abstract: A new firefighting nozzle has a series of moveable vanes that extend inwardly from a peripheral wall of a base. The inner side of the vanes extends between ? and ? of the diameter of the central channel. The vanes rotate between a linear position, in which the vanes are generally parallel to the direction of the channel, and a vortex position, in which the vanes are significantly angled with respect to the direction of the channel. In the linear position, smooth bore linear flow is produced. In the vortex position, any of a range of fog patterns are produced. An externally mounted controller connects to the vanes and enables a firefighter to change the shape of the nozzle's spray without interrupting the flow. The controller and base have a series of pins that slide in a spiral groove and cause the shaper to move axially with respect to the base when the shaper is rotated about the base. Radial stems that ride in a circumferential slot translate that axial movement into rotation of the vanes.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a water-based fire sprinkler system having a piping network and one or more sprinkler components includes receiving one or more signals from the one or more sprinkler components, the one or more signals indicative of one or more parameters of the water-based fire sprinkler system, and displaying information representing the one or more parameters on a computer device having a display, sending one or more control signals to one or more of the sprinkler components, and/or sending one or more signals to another computer device. A monitoring device for a water-based fire sprinkler system includes at least one computer device configured to perform one or more of the methods disclosed herein.

Abstract: A treatment method for stabilizing at least a portion of at least one heavy metal contained in a sodic fly ash to reduce leachability, wherein the sodic fly ash is provided by a process whereby a sodium-based sorbent is injected in a combustion flue gas to remove pollutants therefrom. The treatment method comprises contacting the sodic fly ash with at least one water-soluble source of silicate and at least one additive comprising calcium and/or magnesium. The material obtained from the contacting step is preferably dried. The additive may be selected from the group consisting of lime kiln dust, fine limestone, quicklime, hydrated lime, dolomitic lime, dolomite, selectively calcined dolomite, hydrated dolomite, magnesium hydroxide, magnesium carbonate, magnesium oxide, and any mixture thereof. A particularly preferred additive comprises lime kiln dust and/or dolomitic lime. The heavy metal to be stabilized in the sodic fly ash may comprise selenium and/or arsenic.

Abstract: A trampoline has a trampoline bed, a set of trampoline springs, and a trampoline frame retaining the trampoline bed. The trampoline frame has a horizontal tube frame. The horizontal tube frame is made in sections. A corrugated upper surface is formed on the horizontal tube frame including an inside tube connected to an outside tube. An inside tube has an inside tube wave top and an outside view has an outside tube wave top. Preferably, the horizontal tube frame further includes a corrugated lower surface formed on the inside tube and on outside tube so that the inside tube has an inside tube wave bottom and the outside tube has an outside tube wave bottom.

Abstract: A waist training device includes unit members of arc shaped and adapted to be assembled as a ring. The inner diameter of the ring is determined by the number of the unit members. Each unit member defines a passage, and the passages of the unit members are connected with each other to form a rail extended annularly along the ring. For each member, a pair of pivot shafts is located at one end of the passage, and a pair of pivot holes is located at the other end of the passage. The pivot shafts of each unit member are pivotally assembled with the pivot holes of an adjacent unit member. A counter weight member is assembled in the rail. The counter weight member has a seat connected to a counter weight block. The counter weight member moves along the rail by the sliding of the seat in the rail.

Abstract: An apparatus and method operably coupled a movable member of an exercise apparatus to a carriage such a movement of the movable member moves the carriage along a rail. A magnetic portion carried by the carriage induces eddy currents in the rail to resist movement of the carriage along the rail to resist movement of the movable member.

Abstract: A three sectioned configurable exercise box. The sections may be configured to turn the exercise into standup or bench supported resistance band workout station. The system occupies a fraction of the size and price of any comparable home gym and free weight system.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a weighted strength training device. The device comprises a sleeve portion, a flexible weight, and a wrapping portion. The sleeve portion may flexibly form fit around an extremity of a user. The sleeve portion may include a weight pocket configured to carry a flexible weight against the extremity of the user. The weight may be configured to substantially conform to a shape of the extremity of the user while the weight is carried by the weight pocket against the extremity of the user. The wrapping portion and the sleeve portion may form a single piece. The wrapping portion may be configured to flexibly wrap around the sleeve portion, cover the pocket, and secure the flexible weight in the pocket such that the sleeve and weight are substantially prevented from sliding during activity.

Abstract: A portable fitness device and methods of preparing the portable fitness device for use are described. The portable fitness device provides a stable and safe yet portable platform for performing resistance exercises in a variety of remote outdoor and indoor locations. Some versions of the portable fitness device include a bar clamped to an adjustable vertical attachment, so that a user can perform pull-up exercises from the bar. Some versions of the device include a bar rack for supporting a barbell loaded with weight plates. The device may be coupled to a standard hitch receiver or other support and can be readily transported and used in a wide variety or outdoor and indoor settings.

Abstract: An exercise machine handle system which provides a unique handle and rotatable handle hub configuration to aid in performing a variety of exercises. The exercise machine handle system generally includes one or more handle assemblies each having a mounting bracket adapted to be removably secured to an exercise machine and including an upwardly-extending mounting hub shaft. A handle hub having a pair of curved handles extending in opposite directions therefrom is rotatably securable around an upper end of the handle hub shaft into a variety of locked positions. A third curved handle extends from an upper end of the handle hub in a similarly rotatably securable position. By removably securing one or more handle assemblies to an exercise machine, a user can benefit from a wide range of exercises supported by the adjustable handle assemblies.

Abstract: A wearable muscular strength assisting apparatus includes a base part for supporting a rear surface of a wearer, a leg part rotatably coupled to the base part and connected to a lower part of a body of the wearer, a wire part coupled to each of the base part and the leg part and a driving part provided in at least one of the base part and the leg part, coupled to the wire part, and driven to pull or release the wire part depending on a control to provide assist force to waist muscular strength of the wearer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to exercise equipment, particularly for improved strength training exercises. More particularly, the invention relates to equipment that allows the user to vary tension when performing different exercises. The present invention is specifically designed for improved exercise through the variability of a tension component for use in such exercises as the plank exercise, sit-ups, push-ups and supine pull-ups that includes a bench area, a guide arm, a head area, and a foot area that work in conjunction to most optimally support the user. The bench area, the head area and the foot area are all connected, supported, and elevated from the floor by a base.

Abstract: An exercise machine having band grips mounted on arms that reciprocate at a pre-set incrementally increasing rate of reciprocation and at an applied force capacity greater than a resistive force applied by the user. The band grips are universally mounted for manipulation by the user for repositioning the hands at the beginning of each stroke of reciprocation without removing the hands from the grips, thereby exercising alternate opposing it is. muscle groups during alternate strokes of reciprocation and allowing the user to apply a desired resistive force, which force is measured and displayed for viewing by the user during exercise.

Abstract: An exercise machine cable adjustment system for providing efficient adjustment of the effective length of one or more cables. The exercise machine cable adjustment system generally includes a frame, a carriage movably positioned upon the frame and a pair of cables adjustably connected to the carriage to allow for adjustment of the effective length for each of the cables.

Abstract: An exercise system and method for assisting people with health conditions, including chronic conditions, during exercise, in reducing their discomfort, and without exacerbating their ailment, be it injury or other health condition, and potentially improving their condition and/or health. The present invention relates to methods and systems that reduce moment, shear, compression, tension, pressure, stress, impact, and the like. The present invention relates to a method and system of movement that can be performed by any individual including healthy individuals, as well as those individuals with health challenges, and that can also be performed from a chair, for example, or in a pool. The present invention may include the use of devices to assist with this movement methodology and system.

Abstract: A method for determining an amount of consumed energy includes acquiring deformation information of a mat surface of an elastic mat used by a user during one deformation process, determining an amount of energy consumed by the user during the deformation process according to the deformation information, and recording the amount of energy.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus comprising a glove, at least one motion sensor configured on the glove to collect data associated with motion of the glove, at least one flex sensor configured on the glove to measure a weight being grasped with the glove, a counter configured to count repetitions of movement recorded by the motion sensor, a timer configured to time intervals associated with the repetitions of movement, and a display configured on the glove for displaying the count of repetitions and the time intervals.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide feedback to at least one participant in a field of play. A performance analysis device determines performance information of each participant in the field of play, where the performance information is based upon at least one of determined location, speed, path, acceleration and biometrics of said each participant. At least one output device provides real-time feedback to the at least one participant based upon the performance information. The real-time feedback comprises performance information of the at least one participant and/or performance information of one or more other participants in the field of play.

Abstract: Batteries for an athletic activity monitoring device may be managed in both charged and discharged state to provide more accurate state information and/or expected charge times. Additionally or alternatively, various power management processes may be executed to maximize an amount of battery charge remaining.

Abstract: An exercise suggestion device, an exercise suggestion method and an exercise suggestion program that can suggest an effective exercise are to be provided. An exercise suggestion device includes: an exercise correction unit which corrects exercise information set on the basis of user information about a user and including exercise duration and exercise intensity of an exercise to be carried out by the user, on the basis of dietary information indicating composition of a meal of the user; and a suggestion unit which suggests at least one of the exercise intensity included in the exercise information that is corrected and an exercise type corresponding to the exercise intensity, and the exercise duration included in the exercise information that is corrected.

Abstract: An exercise content setting system includes a terminal apparatus that acquires and transmits the daily activity information of a user; and an exercise content setting apparatus that sets exercise content information indicating content of an exercise according to a preset purpose based on the activity information acquired from the terminal apparatus.

Abstract: A real-time personal fitness training guidance system is described. A camera unit including one or more cameras is provided to take images of a user ready to use or using an exercise equipment. One or more current vital signs and physical activity information are derived from the captured images. Further, a personal fitness training guidance is generated for the user in accordance with the current vital signs, the physical activity information and a workout program the user is doing. To allow the user to see how he or she is doing in his/her workout, an output unit is provided to show the personal fitness training guidance to the user in real-time. An external device is also provided to generate a coaching guidance for the user.

Abstract: A device for facilitating or enhancing torso and pelvis stability exercises includes two elongate semi-cylindrical resiliently compressible members so coupled to one another as to maintain a mutually parallel configuration, the resiliently compressible members each having a planar side and a cylindrically arcuate side, the planar sides being co-planar with one another. A user attachment component holds the resiliently compressible members to the user with the planar sides in contact with the user in one use configuration and so that the arcuate sides are in contact with the user in an alternate use configuration.

Abstract: A swim fin includes a foot pocket with a front and rear sections, an upper portion formed of an elastomeric material, a sole, and a foot pocket cavity. The rear section has a rear edge defining the foot pocket cavity. The foot pocket further has an array of through holes disposed through the upper portion adjacent the rear section. The array of through holes is sized and configured to generally increase a surface area of the rear section from the rear edge towards the front section. The swim fin includes a fin blade extending from the front section of the foot pocket. The swim fin may further include an adjustable heel strap. The fin blade may further include side rails attached to the foot pocket with hinges. The fin blade may further include a flex member disposed between first and second body members.

Abstract: A golf ball includes a thermoplastic HNP inner core layer having a center hardness less than the surface hardness to define a positive hardness gradient. An outer core layer is formed from a thermoset rubber composition. The core layer has an inner surface hardness less than the outer surface hardness to define a positive hardness gradient of 3 to 30 Shore D. Inner and outer cover layers are disposed about the outer core layer. The HNP composition includes an acid copolymer of ethylene and an ?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acid; a non-acid polymer comprising polyolefins, polyamides, polyesters, polyethers, polyurethanes, metallocene-catalyzed polymers, single-site catalyst polymerized polymers, ethylene propylene rubber, ethylene propylene diene rubber, styrenic block copolymer rubbers, alkyl acrylate rubbers, or functionalized derivatives thereof; an organic acid or salt thereof; and a cation source in an amount sufficient to neutralize at least about 80% of the acid groups.

Abstract: A golf ball includes a core having an outer surface, a geometric center, and a soft transition region adjacent to the outer surface. The soft transition region has a thickness of about 4 mm or less and includes about 2 to 10 percent of a trans-polybutadiene isomer. An outer cover layer has a hardness of about 50 Shore M or greater. The core outer surface hardness is greater than the hardness at the geometric center to define a positive hardness gradient of about 10 to 48 Shore C. The core has a secondary gradient quotient, GQ?, of 1.5 to 7.25, GQ? being defined by the equation: G ? + T 10 × COR where G? is the positive hardness gradient in Shore C, T is the percent trans-polybutadiene isomer at the core outer surface, and COR is the coefficient of restitution of the core measured at an incoming velocity of 125 ft/s.

Abstract: A golf ball includes a core having an outer surface, a geometric center, and a soft transition region adjacent to the outer surface. The soft transition region has a thickness of about 4 mm or less and includes about 10 to 45 percent of a trans-polybutadiene isomer. An outer cover layer has a hardness of about 50 Shore M or greater. The core outer surface hardness is greater than the hardness at the geometric center to define a positive hardness gradient of about 12 to 68 Shore C. The core has a secondary gradient quotient, GQ?, of 4 to 13, GQ? being defined by the equation: G ? + T 10 × COR where G? is the positive hardness gradient in Shore C, T is the percent trans-polybutadiene isomer at the core outer surface, and COR is the coefficient of restitution of the core measured at an incoming velocity of 125 ft/.

Abstract: A golf ball includes a core having an outer surface and a geometric center; an inner cover layer, and an outer cover layer. The inner cover layer includes an ionomeric material and has a material hardness of about 60 Shore D or greater. The outer cover layer is formed from a polyurea or polyurethane and has a material hardness of about 60 Shore M or greater. The outer surface of the core has a hardness of about 68 to 92 Shore C. The geometric center of the core has a hardness of about 45 to 85 Shore C. The core outer surface hardness is greater than the geometric center hardness by about 5 to 21 Shore C to define a positive hardness gradient.

Abstract: The present invention is a system for measuring and displaying the pressure of conventional American-style footballs in real time to game officials and spectators continuously. In one preferred embodiment, at least one pressure transducer device is disposed inside the football. The pressure transducer is an electrical oscillator. The frequency of oscillation is a known mathematical function of the bladder pressure. At least one pressure readout device is positioned externally to the football at the outside of the cover-liner. The pressure readout device wirelessly stimulates the pressure transducer device to oscillate. The pressure readout device reads the frequency of oscillation and calculates the value of the pressure. In another preferred embodiment, the value of the football's pressure is measured by physical contact with a Durometer. Both embodiments display the pressure to game officials locally; and transmit the value of the football's pressure to spectators remotely.

Abstract: A filling device may be used to fill a ball or other inflatable item from a water source such as a hose. A filling device may include an adapter having a cylindrical body with a hollow threaded interior, one closed end and one open end. A filling coupler is coupled to the one closed end of the cylindrical body. The one closed end of the cylindrical body has an opening formed therethrough and the filling coupler is coupled to the one closed end covering the opening. The filling coupler has a hollow threaded interior in fluid communication with the opening. A tip may be removably coupled to the filling coupler. The tip may be a ball inflation needle, a water balloon filling tip or the like.

Abstract: A multiple-material golf club and a method for forming said golf club is disclosed herein. The multiple-material golf club preferably is a driver that has a metal face cup and a thin-walled, compression molded, composite aft body with precise IML, and OML geometry. The molding composite used to form the compression molded aft body preferably comprises a plurality of randomly oriented, pre-spread carbon fiber bundles and a thermoset or thermoplastic matrix material.

Abstract: An exemplary golf club head having an increased amount of discretionary mass may be realized by utilizing improved drop angles, an improved average crown height, and/or articulation points. The discretionary mass may be placed low and deep in the club head to improve the location of the center of gravity as well as the inertial properties. A preferred break length may also be utilized to further improve the depth of the center of gravity. In one example, the center of gravity may be positioned to substantially align the sweet spot with the face center of the club head.

Abstract: A wood-type golf club head includes a main body and a striking wall associated with the main body. The striking wall has a striking face including a face center, a first imaginary plane tangent to the face center, and a rear surface opposite the striking face. In a second imaginary plane perpendicular to the first imaginary plane and passing through the face center, the striking face includes a first point associated with a maximum thickness, tmax, of the striking wall, and a second point associated with a minimum thickness, tmin, of the striking wall, such that a ratio, tmax/tmin, is no less than 1.70. Also, in the second imaginary plane, the striking wall gradually tapers in thickness entirely from the first point to the second point.

Abstract: A golf club head comprising a body and a plurality of stiffening members and satisfying the equation Vballnorm?0.0356x+140.82 is disclosed herein. The body comprises a face section, a sole section, and a crown or return section, and defines a hollow interior. Each of the plurality of stiffening members extends from the crown or return section to the sole section within the hollow interior to reduce stresses placed on the face section during impact with a golf ball. The stiffening members are all located within 1 inch of a rear surface of the face section measured along a plane normal to the center of the face, and are spaced a distance of 0.500 to 2.00 inch from one another within the hollow interior.

Abstract: An end-cap assembly for a ball bat or other sporting-good implement includes one or more removable weights, so that the weight of the end cap—and of the ball bat—may be adjusted. The one or more weights may reside in a receiving space or recess in an end-cap cup of the end-cap assembly. A fastener removably attaches the one or more weights to the end-cap cup. In some embodiments, the fastener may include threads that engage threads in a bore in the end-cap cup.

Abstract: This invention concerns an improved hockey stick and hockey stick components for protecting participants and spectators of the sport from separated portions of the hockey stick that may be launched outward as a result of the momentum from a shooting or passing action. The improvement comprises an integral cord or cable that tethers the individual components of a hockey stick to each other preventing separation of the hockey stick or its components.

Abstract: Described herein are game devices for use in individual and/or group play. These game devices can compose a base and an intermediate structure comprising an opening which a user can attempt to throw a ball or other object into. The base can be configured such that it can connect to a substantially planar surface such as a wall or ceiling. The intermediate structure can be flexible like a basketball net or can be rigid. In some embodiments, the opening in the intermediate structure can be connected to a rim that hold the opening in an “open” position. In some embodiments, the rim can further comprise bristle-like protrusion structures.

Abstract: A set of diving devices and methods of using the same in, for example, a water-based game, are provided. The devices comprise two or more diving devices, each being configured to be tossed into a body of water and upon entry to cause a water entry noise that is distinct from water entry noises corresponding to each of the other diving devices in the set of diving devices. The distinctness of the water entry noise for each device in the set is due at least in part to at least one of a size of each of the diving devices, a shape of each of the diving devices, a density of each of the diving device, and/or a weight of each of the diving devices. The methods involve users attempting to retrieve devices based upon distinct water entry noises and/or emitted audio signals, with points being awarded thereupon.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bodyweight-bearing process and device for stair-stepping and climbing exercise, resolving an unmet need in the industry of climbing and stair-based exercise machines. It surpasses all previously patented and commercially available exercise and physical therapy equipment which aim to replicate the act of climbing, by achieving a more complete, correct and natural movement for the user. As indicated by the expanding body of knowledge and evolving recommendations of the exercise science community and health and fitness industries, full-body conditioning and bodyweight-bearing movements, as accomplished by the present invention, are the most effective exercises for weight-loss, strength-training and overall maintenance of health.

Abstract: A paddling action simulating exerciser in the form of a kayaking trainer 10 comprises a paddle action simulating formation. In the form of a paddle simulating pole 12, a cord 14 that extends along the pole 12 in linearly displaceably passing therethrough, a hollow spacer 18 extending between a seating facility 20 and an anchoring layout including a cord guiding layout 22 via which the free ends 14.3, 14.4 of the cord 14 are secured to a spring 24. A multi-directionally adjustable footplate facility 40 including an upright foot abutment plate 42 fitted with a heel rest 44 and a toe strap 46 is fitted along the spacer 18. The spacer 18, seating facility 20, leg 30, footplate facility 40 and guiding layout 22 in constituting a trainer core assembly 28 is laterally rockable by way of rocking formations 78 fitting along slots 80.

Abstract: A method and a system are described for operating a bathing unit system to provide swim-in-place functionality to a swimmer. A communication link is established between the bathing unit system and an auxiliary device worn by or implanted in the body of the swimmer. A signal conveying information associated with the swimmer and originating from the auxiliary device is received. Control signals for controlling operational settings associated with a propulsion assembly of the bathing unit system are derived at least in part by processing the information conveyed by the signal originating from the auxiliary device. The control signals are then released to control the operational settings associated with the propulsion assembly. In another aspect, a graphic display is provided presenting the user with a customized set of selectable swim-in-place configurations derived at least in part by processing a signal originating from an auxiliary device worn by or implanted in the body of the swimmer.

Abstract: An adjustable support for a speed bag includes a base and a telescoping support column. The column is pivotably connected to the base and movable between a folded position and a deployed upright position. The support further includes a cantilever arm having a first end pivotably connected to the upper column portion, and a speed bag platform is secured adjacent a second end of the cantilever arm. The cantilever arm is movable between a first folded position and a second cantilever position. A platform locking mechanism releasably secures the cantilever arm in the second cantilever position, whereby the pivoting and telescoping column and the pivoting cantilever arm and speed bag platform allow a speed bag to be deployed and used at a plurality of heights and orientations.

Abstract: A baseball strike notification system. The strike notification system includes a radar configured to measure the velocity of a baseball, a plurality of cameras having wireless transmitters configured to measure the position of the baseball via velocity information from the radar, and an earpiece having a processor, speaker, and wireless receiver configured to receive the position information from the plurality of cameras. A logic stored in a non-transitory computer readable medium, when executed by the processor, causes the strike notification to perform a method including the steps of calculating a strike zone, triangulating the position of the baseball within the strike zone, and notifying the umpire whether the pitch is a ball or a strike via an audible notification emitted through a speaker.

Abstract: A protective system comprising: a protective suit capable of withstanding the force of an impact without tearing, the protective suit comprising: a head portion; a neck portion connected to the head portion; a torso portion connected to the neck portion; a fluid bladder formed in at least two of the head portion, neck portion and torso portion, the fluid bladder containing a fluid; and an alert indicator for indicating when the force of an impact on the fluid bladder exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A sports accessory is provided to be worn by a user during a sport activity. The accessory includes a flexure system. The flexure system includes a support structure including a plurality of intersecting grooves disposed along a surface of the support structure, where a plurality of segments are defined along the surface of the support structure between the intersecting grooves such that the support structure is configured to flex along the grooves with segments moving in relation to other segments during use of the sports accessory.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of monitoring a board game, comprising: a) tracking movement and position of game pieces on the game board during a game session by at least one camera adapted to monitor the board game; and b) verifying the correctness of said movement according to rules of the played game and/or tournaments by using a processing device adapted to detect moves and other relevant game data from received board game images and to verify them according to game rules as defined by a game engine.

Abstract: An interactive computer game is described which works in conjunction with a number of physical modules that a user can connect together in different ways to form a coherent physical whole object. The game receives data from the object via a wireless link, the data identifying at least which modules form part of the object and updates game play based on the data received. At some point within the game play, the game presents an objective or goal to the user which the user can only achieve by interacting with the physical object formed from the modules. In an embodiment, this interaction comprises re-arranging the modules or swapping modules to form an object with a different visual appearance, moving all or part of the object and/or interacting with a sensor on a module in the object. The game may receive further data from the object during the user interaction.

Abstract: A game system including a plurality of mobile game apparatuses, and a mobile game apparatus that can communicate with another game apparatus that exists within a communicable range by use of a radio communications unit. When a communicated state is established, exchanging conditions for exchanging game data are received and transmitted, and in a case the exchange conditions are coincident with each other, the game data are exchanged.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to a multi-sided hand-held controller for a head-worn computing system. The hand-held computer controller includes a first user control interface on a first side of the hand-held controller, a second user control interface on a second side of the hand-held controller, and a control system adapted to detect which of the first side and second side is an active control side of the controller, positioned properly for user interaction. Following the detection, the control system can activate the active control side to accept user interactions for control of a computer.

Abstract: A method and system for cooling an electric motor of a simulation or video game controller that comprises a rotor arranged in a casing, wherein the method comprises a forced air ventilation from the outside of the casing to the inside of the casing by a fan arranged on the rotor and kinetically decoupled from the rotor. As such, cold outside air is recovered and circulates through the coils which constitute the heat source and expulsed to the other end of the motor. There is therefore a homogeneous extraction of the heat from the coils. As the fan is kinetically decoupled from the rotor, the cooling system therefore operates independently of the speed of rotation of the main shaft of the motor.