Abstract: A system and method to treat neural communication impairment is provided. The neural communication impairment is present in a neural pathway, which can be a cortico-neuromuscular pathway, an intra-brain neural pathway, or in a sensory-cortico pathway. A synchronized external stimulation is applied to a first point in proximity to a first neural component at one end of the neural pathway and to a second point in proximity to a second neural component at the other end of the neural pathway. Two induced neural handshake signals contemporaneously arrive at a neural communication impairment point in the neural pathway, triggering and stimulating a rehabilitation process by which the neural connection is permanently improved. The synchronized applied electrical signals applied to the first and second points may have an opposite polarity in dipolar neural stimulation, or may have identical polarity and waveform in in-phase neural stimulation.

Abstract: A method of treating a metabolic condition in a patient, comprising: determining a target non-immediate effect of a therapy relating to treatment of a metabolic condition; and applying an electric field to an abdominal cavity of the patient in a manner designed to at least approach said target.

Abstract: Described here are stimulation systems and methods for stimulating one or more anatomical targets in a patient for treatment conditions such as dry eye. The stimulation system may include a controller and a microstimulator. The components of the controller and microstimulator may be implemented in a single unit or in separate devices. When implemented separately, the controller and microstimulator may communicate wirelessly or via a wired connection. The microstimulator may generate pulses from a signal received from the controller and apply the signal via one or more electrodes to an anatomical target. In some variations, the microstimulator may include a passive generation circuit configured to generate a pulse based on a signal received from the controller.

Abstract: The present invention is a new configuration for the external portion of a visual prosthesis in the form of a visor or glasses, including a frame supported by a user's nose and ears. The video processing unit is adapted to be connected by temple portions of the visor and rest on the user's upper back behind the user's neck, or behind the user's head. Controls for the video processor are on one or both temple portions of the visor.

Abstract: A positionally sensitive spinal cord stimulation apparatus and method using near-infrared (NIR) reflectometry are provided for automatic adjustments of spinal cord stimulation. The system comprises an electrode assembly with an integrated optical fiber sensor for sensing spinal cord position. The integrated optical fiber sensor, comprising a pair of optical elements for emitting light from an IR emitter and for collecting reflected light into a photodetector, determines a set of measured photocurrents. As the spinal cord changes position, the angles of incidence for light from the IR emitter and the measured optical intensities change. Electrode pulse characteristics are adjusted in real time, based on the set of measured optical intensities, to minimize changes in stimulation perceived by the patient during motion. The system includes automatic calibration of the optical fiber sensor when the patient is at rest, and a patient orientation detection.

Abstract: In some examples, a medical device delivers electrical stimulation to the external portion of the globus pallidus of a brain of a patient in order to treat a sleep impairment of the patient. In some examples, the electrical stimulation may be delivered via one or more electrodes implanted in the GPe of the brain. In some examples, an electrical stimulation device is configured to deliver electrical stimulation therapy to the GPe based on detection of a sleep state of a patient. The sleep state may include, for example, a state in which the patient is awake and intending on sleeping, is awake and attempting to sleep or has initiated sleep. In addition, in some examples, an electrical stimulation device is configured to deliver electrical stimulation therapy to the GPe based on detection of an awake state of a patient.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for treating a sexual disorder such as erectile dysfunction (ED) or female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD). An electrical stimulation system may include an implantable stimulation unit, an external patient controller, and an external physician controller. The implantable stimulation unit has an array of electrodes disposed on one or more flexible substrates configured to conform to a patient's anatomy at the pelvic plexus. Post-implantation, the physician controller may direct the stimulation unit to stimulate with select electrode(s) of the array to determine which electrode configuration provides optimal sexual arousal. The patient controller may be used to cause the stimulation unit to stimulate using the optimal electrode configuration at desired times.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for treating bronchial constriction related to asthma, anaphylaxis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease wherein the treatment includes stimulating selected nerve fibers responsible for smooth muscle dilation at a selected region within a patient's neck, thereby reducing the magnitude of constriction of bronchial smooth muscle.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising (1) a breathing sensor, configured to detect a breathing-related factor of a subject; (2) at least a first electrode configured to be placed in a vicinity of a respective first hypoglossal nerve, and to be driven, in response to the detected breathing-related factor, to apply a first electrical current to the first hypoglossal nerve; (3) at least a second electrode configured to be placed in a vicinity of a respective second hypoglossal nerve, and to be driven, in response to the detected breathing-related factor, to apply a second electrical current to the second hypoglossal nerve; and (4) circuitry configured to, in response to a detected symmetry-related factor indicative of a degree of symmetry of the subject, configure at least one current selected from the group consisting of: the first current and the second current. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Techniques for providing an indication of coupling between medical devices are disclosed. For example, when a programming device and a telemetry module are coupled, the telemetry module provides a first indication, and the programming device provides a second indication substantially similar to the first indication. The indications may be, for example, colors, and different indications may signify communication with different implantable medical devices, programming different therapies, or use of different applications of the programming device.

Abstract: A system and method for selecting leadwire stimulation parameters includes a processor iteratively performing, for each of a plurality of values for a particular stimulation parameter, each value corresponding to a respective current field: (a) shifting the current field longitudinally and/or rotationally to a respective plurality of locations about the leadwire; and (b) for each of the respective plurality of locations, obtaining clinical effect information regarding a respective stimulation of the patient tissue produced by the respective current field at the respective location; and displaying a graph plotting the clinical effect information against values for the particular stimulation parameter and locations about the leadwire, and/or based on the obtained clinical effect information, identifying an optimal combination of a selected value for the particular stimulation parameter and selected location about the leadwire at which to perform a stimulation using the selected value.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device having an oscillator and high voltage transformer connected to a glass-like tube filled with an inert gas or a mixture of inert gasses. The tube is located at the end of a wand having a handle. The output of the transformer is an RF high voltage signal. The output of the transformer is fed to the tube through a high voltage wire, where the signal excites the gas to produce a plasma-like beam. The tube is then applied to a patient's skin to aid in healing and the relief of additional ailments. The field generated by the tube interacts with the cells in the patient to increase transmembrane potential, stimulate ATP production, and inject negative ions and ozone into the surface of the user's skin to combat infection and disease.

Abstract: Disclosed here in are a system and method for providing a magnetic resonance treatment to a subject. In one described embodiment, a system for providing a magnetic resonance treatment to a subject is provided, the system including components that provide the system with an ability to treat pain and relieve symptoms of the subject. In another embodiment, a method of providing a magnetic resonance treatment to a subject is provided, wherein the system includes components that provide the system with an ability to treat pain, relieve symptoms, provide relaxation, and improve the overall comfort and well-being of the subject.

Abstract: Configurations are described for utilizing light-activated proteins within cell membranes and subcellular regions to assist with medical treatment paradigms, such as hypertension treatment via anatomically specific and temporally precise modulation of renal plexus activity. The invention provides for proteins, nucleic acids, vectors and methods for genetically targeted expression of light-sensitive proteins to specific cells or defined cell populations. In particular the invention provides systems, devices, and methods for millisecond-timescale temporal control of certain cell activities using moderate light intensities, such as the generation or inhibition of electrical spikes in nerve cells and other excitable cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical apparatus for skin treatment and to a method for controlling the optical apparatus. The optical apparatus includes a radiating part for radiating light generated in a light-generation part onto a target position of the skin, a cooling part for spraying cooling gas onto the target position to cool the surface of the skin, and a control part for controlling operations of the radiating part and cooling part. The control part controls the radiating part and the cooling part such that the radiating part radiates a first light onto the target position, the cooling part sprays the cooling gas onto the target position, and then the radiating part radiates a second light onto the target position.

Abstract: A thermotherapy device for treatment of neonates has a bordered lying surface (5) for receiving a neonate, a vertical support column (8) arranged adjacent to the head end of the lying surface (5) and radiant heaters (3, 4), supported by the column, directed at the lying surface (5). A control unit controls the heating output of each of the radiant heaters (3, 4). At least one first radiant heater (4) is directed at a head end half of the lying surface (5). At least one second radiant heater (3) is directed at the other half of the lying surface. The control unit (9) adjusts the heating output of the first radiant heater and the second radiant heater in such that, with the lying surface (5) arranged horizontally, the heating output of the second radiant heater (3) is greater by a predefined factor than that of the first radiant heater (4).

Abstract: An anti-cancer agent includes Au(I) purinyl, indolyl, or azaindolyl analogues encapsulated in sterically hindered phosphine ligands.

Abstract: An implant planning system aids delivery of radiation to tumor sites of a patient. The system allows a user to test various combinations of virtual implants, each associated with a corresponding physical implant (e.g., a carrier with an embedded radioactive seed), and to view the dosage area of the virtual implants so that adjustments to the virtual implants may be made until a prescribed dose of radiation to a treatment area is achieved. A treatment plan developed based on the virtual implants may then be used in surgical implantation of the corresponding physical implants. For example, the implant configuration of the treatment plan may be projected onto a treatment surface of a patient, such as in a surgical room, so that physical implants may be placed according to the projected image of the virtual implants.

Abstract: A multifunctional tactical device for fire, police, military and other tactical invasive and protective actions includes: a) a claw head having a ram region and a claw region, the ram region having a top of a predetermined width and a bottom that has a predetermined width that is at least 30% wider than the top predetermined width, the claw head having a front with a flat ram area at the ram region, and having a back with a handle attachment, the claw region having a plurality of claws extending downwardly from the bottom of the ram region; b) an elongated handle member having a proximal end and a distal end and being connected to the claw head handle attachment at the distal end.

Abstract: A rigging link belt buckle device comfortably attaches a rescue tether to a rigging link in alignment with a buckle of a belt. The device includes a buckle having a first section and a second section. The first section is selectively engageable to the second section securing the buckle in a closed position such that the buckle secures a belt to a person. A rigging link is extendable away from the buckle to define a loop with the buckle. The rigging link is configured for coupling to a tether such that force exerted on the rigging link by the tether is aligned with the buckle.

Abstract: A runner 7 has a housing 21 with two runner wheels 23 attached to the housing. The housing includes a sleeve 25 that can freely turn around the longitudinal axis 27 in a channel 29 present in the housing. The sleeve constitutes an elongated guide opening by which the runner can be moved over the guide cable. Longitudinal slots extending in axial direction are present in the walls 21A, 25A of the channel 29 and of the sleeve 25. Each slot has a middle section 31A, 33A. The width 34 of the middle section 33A of the longitudinal slot in the sleeve is smaller than the width 32 of the middle section 31A of the longitudinal slot in the housing, and, furthermore, the width 34 of the middle section 33A of the slot 33 in the sleeve is smaller than the diameter of the guide cable 3 the runner 7 is suitable for.

Abstract: A bracket assembly includes a first flange portion with a first flange aperture. A swivel portion has first and second leg portions, each with an aperture, extending outward from a second flange portion with an aperture. The first and second leg portions define a first opening that receives the first flange portion. The first flange aperture, the first leg aperture, and the second leg aperture align and the first fastener extends therethrough. The swivel portion pivots about the first fastener in a first direction. A connector has first and second prongs, each with an aperture, defining a second opening that receives the second flange portion. The first prong aperture, the second prong aperture, and the second flange aperture align and the second fastener extends therethrough. The connector pivots about the second fastener in a second direction opposite the first direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a spray head for effective fire fighting. The spray head according to the present invention provides a uniform distribution of a fluid, such as pressurized water, over a relatively large area. To achieve this the spray head comprises a body defining a center axis and further comprising a fixation structure for fixing the spray head to a fluid supply system, a fluid inlet, a plurality of outlet nozzles arranged around the center axis, and a flow path between the inlet and the nozzles, wherein a first set of nozzles are located at a larger radial distance from the center axis than a second set of nozzles, and wherein the second set of nozzles are located at a larger radial distance from the center axis than a third set of nozzles, and wherein the nozzles comprise an essentially identical expansion passage section. The present invention further relates to method for providing a uniform fluid distribution.

Abstract: A fire suppressant system is a device that uses steam/super-heated water to suppress and put out fires rather than the traditional water method. The invention uses steam/super-heated water under high pressure to blow out and suppress the fire. The wet pressurized steam/super-heated water “blows out” the fire and the pressure removes (displaces) the oxygen and spark needed for the fire to continue burning. The wet steam/super-heated water works much like water to suppress and put out the fire but the additional benefits of the pressure help to reduce the fuel (air and spark) for the fire as well.

Abstract: A fire protection device for small electrical devices provided with a housing. The fire protection device includes a bursting capsule featuring a hollow space that is completely enclosed and delimited by a vessel wall, wherein a liquid is disposed in the hollow space. The liquid breaks the vessel wall at a predetermined trigger temperature due to thermal expansion thereby causing the bursting capsule to rupture. When the vessel wall ruptures and releases the liquid it has a fire preventing effect and/or a fire extinguishing effect.

Abstract: A concealed sprinkler head cover adjusting device includes a valve body formed with a flow channel therein. Both sides of the valve body are formed with an opposing bar along the axial direction of the flow channel. A shell is clamped on the opposing bars and is formed with a first accommodating space. A bottom cover is fixed to the bottom of the shell and is inwardly concaved formed a second accommodating space. A restriction site is formed on the outer wall of the opposing bars along the axial direction of the flow channel, both sides of the shell are symmetrically formed with a guiding part and a plurality of clamping parts, and the guiding parts guide the opposing bars to allow the clamping parts adjust the clamping position on the restriction site, thereby adjusting the position of the valve body in the first and second accommodating spaces.

Abstract: According to one aspect, a fire extinguisher includes a fire extinguisher reservoir and a fire extinguisher outlet burst disc that forms a discharge barrier between the fire extinguisher reservoir and a discharge head to retain a pressurized fire extinguishing agent within the fire extinguisher reservoir. The fire extinguisher actuator assembly includes a cutter positioned within the fire extinguisher proximate the fire extinguisher outlet burst disc. The fire extinguisher actuator assembly also includes a motorized activation device having a drive shaft. The motorized activation device is operable to rotate the drive shaft and push the cutter to pierce the fire extinguisher outlet burst disc, thereby releasing the pressurized fire extinguishing agent through the discharge head.

Abstract: A low friction rehabilitation board having an integral band retaining feature is described. The rehabilitation board may have a coefficient of static friction of no more than about 0.5 and in some embodiments no more than about 0.06. The rehabilitation board has a plurality of band retaining feature configured along one or both ends and may be an integral band retaining features being formed in the board. Additionally, the rehabilitation may include one or more band retaining features on one or both sides of the board. The unique configuration of the band retaining features enables rehabilitation method heretofore not possible with a single board. Resistance bands may be retained in the band retaining features and coupled to a user's limb, such as a foot or ankle, to resist motion, such as sliding or extending the foot along the low friction surface of the rehabilitation board.

Abstract: A core muscle exercising and resistance training device includes a weighted bar having opposed bar ends adapted to removably mount at least one weight or other force generating element. A pad element is removably and frictionally mounted on the bar, the pad element being constructed from a lightweight foam material having a density within a specific range. The pad has an outer surface with a radius of curvature substantially the same as a normal cervical curvature. In use, the outer pad surface is placed adjacent a user's cervical curve and the weighted bar, the additional isometric resistance generating elements and the pad element act in combination to apply a force upon the user's core cervical curve muscles for improving the user's cervical curve posture by gradually modifying the cervical curvature to conform with clinically desirable curvature.

Abstract: A multifunctional kinetic mechanism includes a base including a slant tube, a counterweight unit including a joint shaft rotatably connected to the slant tube of the base, a barbell shaft having a first end piece connected to the joint shaft and a second end piece opposite to the first end piece and a counterweight attached to the second end piece of the barbell shaft, and an operating bar connected to the second end piece of the barbell shaft. Thus, by multi-directional operation of the joint shaft, a user can operate the operating bar to move the barbell shaft and the counterweight in exercising operational modes of squatting, lunging and arm lifting to train different muscle groups.

Abstract: An exercise equipment configured to exercise muscles by require the muscles to generate torque intermittently is provided. The exercise equipment includes a sleeve. A pipe is slidably disposed within the sleeve. The sleeve is concentric to the pipe wherein the outer surface of the pipe is spaced apart the inner surface of the sleeve. A counterweight is mounted to at least one end of the pipe wherein the rotation of the pipe along an orbital path causes the pipe to turn within the bore of the sleeve. The turning of the pipe is a result of the counterweights completing a revolution as the counterweights rotate about the longitudinal axis of the pipe. The turning of the pipe generates a pulse so as to actuate muscular structure within the body of the user.

Abstract: A pulley system of an exercise device for suspended weight training includes a first block with a first pulley, a second pulley, and a first attachment point. A second block is removably coupled to a weight and includes a third pulley and a second attachment point. A grip is configured to be held by a user while exercising and has a third attachment point. A line having a first line end is fixedly coupled to the grip and a second line end fixedly is coupled to a connection element. The connection element is configured to be selectively coupled to each of the first attachment point, the second attachment point, and the third attachment point, permits a user to reduce an effective amount of the weight lifted by the user with movement of the grip to a pre-selected fraction of the weight.

Abstract: A foot harness is disclosed for use with cable machines to provide improved range of motion for lower body exercises. The foot harness includes a sole strap and a heel strap. The heel strap includes forward ends that attach to a cable. The forward ends rise at an angle from the plane of the sole so that the point of resistance for the exercise is emphasized on the foot rather than on the attachment point.

Abstract: An exercise mat includes a fabric layer defining opposing first surface and second surface, an anti-slip strip of a predetermined width and in a predetermined pattern covered over a part of the first surface of the fabric layer so that the first surface of the fabric layer defines one or multiple exposed portions beyond the anti-slip strip, and an elastic cushion layer covered over the second surface of the fabric layer. The anti-slip strip is a continuous one-piece member defining two opposite lateral portions and a middle portion at different elevations. The fabric layer defines a plurality of local areas in the first surface. At least one exposed portion and a part of the anti-slip strip exist in each local area within a surface area approximately equal to the surface area of the palm of an adult.

Abstract: An all-in-one smart console, which is a self-contained unit, includes a control module for controlling an operation of the exercise machine, a command system operatively linked to the control module for receiving exercise related information from the exercise machine and data from the portable wireless communication device, and a fitness analysis module operatively linked to the control module for collecting exercise related information of the exercise machine and generating an exercise result based on the exercise related information.

Abstract: A climber for use by a user when climbing a tree or pole. The climber includes a stirrup in which the user's foot is to be positioned, a leg iron that extends along the interior side of the user's leg, and a gaff attached to the exterior of the leg iron and that includes a downwardly directed pointed end for biting into the tree or pole and assist the user in climbing or descending the tree or pole. The gaff extends in a plane that is angularly offset relative to the plane in which the stirrup and leg iron extend, thereby keeping the gaff pointed toward the heart of the pole or tree which aids in preventing cutout and promotes ease of climbing.

Abstract: Multi-piece golf balls containing a multi-layered core structure are provided. The core structure includes a small, heavy inner core (center) having a relatively high specific gravity, an intermediate core layer, and a surrounding outer core layer. The layers of the core structure may have different hardness gradients. The center of the core comprises a metal material such as copper, steel, brass, tungsten, titanium, aluminum, and alloys thereof dispersed in a thermoset polymeric matrix. The intermediate core layer is preferably formed from a first thermoplastic composition such as an ethylene acid copolymer ionomer resin; and the outer core layer is preferably formed from a second thermoplastic composition. The resulting ball has high resiliency and good spin control.

Abstract: Multi-layered golf balls containing a two layered cover assembly are provided. In one embodiment, the cover assembly includes a relatively soft inner cover and relatively hard outer cover. Preferably, at least one of the cover layers is formed from a thermoplastic composition that preferably comprises: a) thermoplastic non-acid polymer, and b) plasticizer. A fatty acid ester such as ethyl oleate is preferably used as the plasticizer. Suitable non-acid polymers include, for example, polyesters, polyamides, polyolefins, and polyurethanes. The cover assembly has good impact durability and helps provide the ball with relatively high resiliency at given compressions.

Abstract: A sport ball may include a casing and a bladder located within the casing. The casing may include a plurality of panel elements joined to each other with welds, and portions of the panel elements that include the welds may project toward an interior of the ball. A method of manufacturing a sport ball may include providing a plurality of casing elements that include a thermoplastic polymer material. Edges of the casing elements are welded to each other to join the casing elements. The casing elements may then be turned inside-out through an aperture formed by at least one of the casing elements, and the aperture may be sealed.

Abstract: A luminous ball is provided, including an internal sphere in which at least one receiving space is disposed; a light-emitting device disposed in the receiving space; at least one covering wrapping an external circumferential surface of the internal sphere; at least one seam formed on an edge of the covering; a plurality of thread apertures disposed in pairs at two sides of the at least one seam; at least one thread penetrating the plurality of thread apertures to stitch the edge of the covering between the two sides of the at least one seam; wherein the internal sphere is a transparent ball, a light generated by the light-emitting device penetrates the internal sphere through the receiving space, and is visible through the at least one seam and the plurality of the thread apertures distributed on the covering.

Abstract: The present invention provides a game racquet including an integrated circuit capable of supporting a low-voltage energy current. An embodiment of the invention provides a game racquet including one or more enhancements attached or integrated on the racquet frame. These enhancements may include but are not limited to: one or more LEDs, a sound amplification device, and an electromagnetic vibration emitter. In a further embodiment, the game racquet responds electronically to ball impact on at least one of the strings, and subsequently performs and action or actions including but not limited to making a sound or sounds, triggering lights, triggering LEDs, triggering another type of automation on the racquet such as a vibration emitter within the handle. The game racquet frame comprising at least one string channel in the frame head, bridge, or other area, which houses an actuator responds mechanically to a string movement triggering electronic connection.

Abstract: Some embodiments include a club head with sole mass element. Other embodiments of related club heads and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A golf club head comprising a body and a plurality of metal tubes is disclosed herein. The body comprises a face section, a sole section, and a return section, and also defines a hollow interior. Each of the plurality of metal tubes extends from the return section to the sole section to reduce stresses placed on the face during impact with a golf ball. The body and the metal tubes preferably are composed of a titanium alloy or stainless steel. After the metal tubes are inserted into apertures in the return section and the sole section of the body, each metal tube is mechanically attached to the body using a tool that causes the ends of each metal tube to flare outwards.

Abstract: Embodiments of golf club heads and methods to manufacture golf club heads are generally described herein. In one example, a golf club head may include a hollow body portion having a front portion, a rear portion, a toe portion, a heel portion, a bottom portion, a top portion, a plurality of ports on the bottom portion and a plurality of inner support portions in the hollow body portion. Other examples and embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: Embodiments of golf club heads and methods to manufacture golf club heads are generally described herein. In one example, a golf club head may include a hollow body portion having a front portion, a rear portion, a toe portion, a heel portion, a bottom portion, a top portion, a plurality of ports on the bottom portion and a plurality of inner support portions in the hollow body portion. Other examples and embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: A wedge type golf club head is disclosed herein where the wedge type golf club head has enhanced performance characteristics such as improved backspin, ball speed, and launch angle. More specifically, the present invention relates to a wedge type golf club head having an adjustable center of gravity, where the center of gravity may be adjusted based on different backing profiles that comprises at least one hollow chamber. The wedge type golf club head disclosed above may also have a thickened topline, wherein the thickness of the topline progressively changes as a function of the loft angle of the wedge type golf club head.

Abstract: A golf club head has a main body and a front recess that includes a flange. A rear portion of the main body includes a perimeter-weighting element. A striking face insert is secured within the front recess. A face center is located on the front surface of the striking face insert. A rear cavity is at least partially delimited by the perimeter-weighting element and a rear surface of the striking face insert. A rear insert is secured to the rear surface of the striking face insert. In an imaginary horizontal plane passing through a portion of the rear insert, proximate a heel portion of the club head, a heelwardmost point of the rear insert is spaced further from a vertical center plane than a minimum distance between the flange and the center plane. The club head comprises an auxiliary recess that extends outward from the rear cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of providing heat to hand-holding locations on a lacrosse stick shaft including a heating emitting element and a user-operable control. The apparatus and method may include one or more resistive heating elements connectable to a power source such as a battery. Charging of the power source may be by plug in charging, kinetic energy charging, contact charging, inductive charging, or by replacement of a battery. The apparatus and method may be configured for mounting within the stick shaft, for being mounted in an end piece at the butt end of the shaft, or being positioned on the outside of the shaft as a sleeve or wrap. The apparatus and method may include a chemical heating apparatus or phase change heating apparatus positioned within or on the stick shaft. The user control may be mounted in or on the end piece at the butt end of the shaft. An indicator may provide information to a user regarding status states of the operation of the lacrosse stick shaft heating or recharging.

Abstract: A key includes an out of round cross section which rotates to expand a compression unit in a golf club shaft. The top of the key has an extension which moves in a slot within the compression unit to define the maximum active and inactive positions.

Abstract: A pitcher safety system may be disclosed. The pitcher safety system may be a highly portable weather resistant collapsible pitching net. The pitcher safety system may have a curved body with an opening side, a permanently closed side, a handle side, and a carriage side. A collapsible frame comprising two pivoting base members may be permanently coupled to the interior of the curved body. The collapsible frame, a first pair of connecting members, a second pair of connecting members, and a top connecting member may be quickly coupled to one another to form a fully erected frame and safety net. The pitcher safety system may have a wheeled carriage system coupled to the carriage side, a grab handle coupled to the handle side, and hinged stabilizers coupled to the underside of the permanently closed side of the curved body.