Abstract: A positive pressure personal air filtration system particularly advantageous in the close quarters of a low ceiling mine. An air pump and air filter unit is mounted to a vest worn by a user and is connected to a nose and mouth mask by an air hose which, if the unit is mounted to the back of the vest, passes directly over the user's shoulder. The mask has upper and side edges contoured to seat against the user's face from immediately above the user's nose and extending down the user's cheeks. The mask extends further downward to a bottom termination edge which is contoured to extend in spaced relationship out in front of the user's face to define a non-valved opening to ambient air across the entire bottom of the mask. The termination edge extends downward to a lower level than the user's mouth and preferably to the level of the user's chin to form an air reservoir.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an intraoral flexible mouthpiece comprising: a hollow dome portion comprising a peripheral proximal edge wherein said hollow dome portion extends distally and wherein said hollow dome portion comprises a central orifice located at the distal portion of said hollow dome portion; a peripheral flexible sheet flange attached along said dome portion peripheral proximal edge; a tube attached to said central orifice and extending distally therefrom; wherein said peripheral flexible sheet flange is configured to be placed in the mouth between the teeth and gums on one side and the lips and cheeks on the other side, and wherein the hollow dome portion is configured to protrude distally out of the mouth.

Abstract: A hat includes a shell, and an air filtration system for providing a protective stream of air across the face of the wearer of the hat. The shell defines an exterior of the hat. At the back of the shell is a fan housing which contains a fan and defines an interior through which air is passed through the hat. The filtration system includes a filter cartridge and a retaining basket. The filter cartridge includes a filter medium. The filter system is removeably positioned adjacent to and across the fan housing so as to filter air passing into the interior of the hat. The filter cartridge is removeably engaged to the retaining basket. The retaining basket retains the cartridge to the hat and ensures proper positioning of the filter cartridge.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a filtering face-piece respirator and a method of forming such respirator are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, the filtering face-piece respirator can include a mask body. The mask body can include an inner cover web, an outer cover web, and filter media enclosed between the inner cover web and outer cover web such that the filter media does not extend to an edge of the mask body.

Abstract: A fire-fighting device can cool a vertical wall where a horizontally-extending profiled element is disposed on the vertical wall. The fire-fighting device may comprise a guide plate that includes a first region arranged above the horizontally-extending profiled element, a second region arranged below the horizontally-extending profiled element, a third region arranged in a plane of the horizontally-extending profiled element and on a side of the horizontally-extending profiled element facing away from the vertical wall, and a fourth region in the second region. The guide plate may have a distance to the wall of 1 mm to 20 mm in the fourth region.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cooling device for preventing fire due to spontaneous combustion of coal stockpiles in a coal-fired power plant, and more specifically, to a cooling device for preventing spontaneous combustion of coal stockpiles, for which a plurality of cooling devices are provided at a predetermined interval in coal stockpiles and, when a temperature (ignition temperature) specified by a user is detected from the outer surface, compressed liquefied nitrogen stored in the cooling device is ejected to lower a temperature around the loaded coal, thereby preventing spontaneous combustion by the oxidation of coal.

Abstract: A full jet nozzle for use with a water cannon, the nozzle having a body that encloses a flow channel running along an axial direction, having an outlet opening provided at an axial end of the flow channel, which has an external circumference which encloses an outlet surface to form a flow cross-section. The flow cross-section has a substantially circular or annular base area. There is at least one radial cross-sectional extension of the outlet area is provided exclusively in an angular range of the outer circumference of a maximum of 180°. The full jet nozzle also has at least one radial cross-sectional extension formed by a slot running with its longitudinal axis parallel to the axial direction, which opens perpendicular to the base area or has a recess running with its longitudinal axis parallel to the axial direction, which opens perpendicular to the base area.

Abstract: The present application provides a stabilized suspension for production of fire-suppressing hydrogels. Specifically, the present application provides a composition comprising: (i) at least one thickening agent; (ii) at least one liquid medium; and, (iii) at least one particulate suspending agent, wherein the composition consists of >75%, by weight, consumer-grade components and wherein the composition is a concentrate that forms a fire-suppressing hydrogel when mixed with water or an aqueous solution. Also provided is a hydrogel prepared from this composition methods of using the hydrogel to extinguish, suppress and/or prevent fires, including both class A and class B fires.

Abstract: A method of utilizing a catalyst for the sterilization, disinfection and purification of indoor air. The catalyst carrier is made of inorganic porous material such as Silica, Zeolite, Diatomite, Sepiolite, Montmoroillonite, and Aluminum oxide. The catalyst carrier can also be made of Cordierite, or Mullite ceramic honeycomb. After dipping into stabilized sodium hypochlorite solution or stabilized chlorine dioxide solution, the catalyst is produced after dehydration. The catalyst is irradiated with ultraviolet lamp to generate gas-phase free radicals including reactive particles such as .OH, .ClO2, .HO2, .O, thereby sterilizing microbial air pollutants such as viruses, bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms, and remove chemical air pollutants such as formaldehyde.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus providing a User multiple different exercises, including both resistance movements and isometrics. The User interacts with the apparatus by grasping a bar. A resistance mechanism is symmetrically mounted on a second bar and provides infinitely variable resistance to the User, as well as soundproof operation. A vertical column allows infinite positioning of the bars for different exercises, and a bench provides support. The User can change the exercise resistance by verbal commands, or the apparatus can sense the torque applied by the user to the apparatus and vary the exercise resistance in response to the force applied by the User or the speed at which the user is moving the bar. The apparatus can be battery powered and operated at locations where electric service is unavailable, or in zero gravity. To verify accuracy, the resistance can be calibrated against a known quantity of weight.

Abstract: A multi-functional rhythmic platform is disclosed, wherein a first connecting portion at a top end of one of the two supporting legs and a second connecting portion of a top end of the other supporting leg are connected with the first positioning portion and the fourth positioning portion respectively, the two ends of the longer length of the elongated stepping board are supported uprightly to function as an aerobic stepper; and when the two supporting legs turns 180 degrees on the same plane to allow the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion to be respectively connected with a second positioning portion and a third positioning portion between the first positioning portion and the fourth positioning portion, a fulcrum is formed at a central position of the longer length of the elongated stepping board to function as a balance board.

Abstract: An information related to the position of an actuator coupled to a cable which is coupled to a motor is received. A filter is used to provide an input to a motor controller coupled to the motor, to adjust torque on the motor such that a strength curve is implemented relative to the position of the actuator.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a cable that is pulled from a sheave when the extraction force is sufficient to rotate a drum that is linked to the sheave. A brake material is sandwiched between the drum and at least one tension band to provide adjustable resistance to rotation of the drum. A knob is rotated to adjust tension in the at least one tension band without adversely affecting tension in the brake material. Indicia associated with rotation of the knob show changes in the resistance level as the knob rotates through more than one complete revolution.

Abstract: A wearable soft exoskeleton apparatus includes: a fluid supplying portion; and a soft exoskeleton portion which is connected to the fluid supplying portion and is configured to be able to be worn in legs of a user, a soft exoskeleton portion being made of elastic material to simulate motions of the legs and being provided with a fiber conduit through which fluid flows, the soft exoskeleton portion being inflated to support the legs of the user when the fluid is supplied to the fiber conduit from the fluid supplying portion. The soft exoskeleton portion includes: a fiber tube which is formed in a mesh type to be able to enclose a femoral region and a shinbone; and a fiber structure which is disposed within the fiber tube in a structure in which cells of a predetermined shape are connected to one another so as to form a plurality of the fiber conduits therein.

Abstract: An improved machine (MC) for physical exercise is described. To simplify the structure it comprises an object (14) displaceable by a user through muscular effort and connected to a device (M1, M8) for generating a resistance force, wherein the device comprises a magnet (36; 92) and a piece (38; 90) responsive to the magnetic field of the magnet which have facing surfaces (U1, U2, U3, U4), each of which extend respectively along two parallel axes, and are mounted to slide relatively along one of said parallel axes overlapping progressively and, through mutual magnetic interaction, to develop a mutual attractive repulsive force (Fm).

Abstract: An adjustable reformer for exercising is provided. The reformer includes a frame, a carriage slidably mounted to the horizontal frame, and at least one resistance element connected to the carriage. A cord connects the carriage to at least one lower guide and at least one upper guide. Pulling the cord causes movement of the carriage along the frame against resistance provided by the resistance element. The guides can be height adjustable. The reformer can include a cord retraction system. Related methods of exercise are also provided.

Abstract: A reversible resistance exercise machine for reversing the direction of applied resistance against a movable platform of an exercising machine. The exercise machine has a frame, a carriage movably positioned upon the frame, and a plurality of biasing members. A plurality of first tension connectors are accessible near the first end of the carriage and are adapted for removably attaching selected biasing members near the first end of the carriage to resist motion of the carriage in the first direction. A plurality of second tension connectors are accessible near the second end of the carriage and are adapted for removably attaching selected biasing members near the second end of the carriage to resist motion of the carriage in the second direction. A user selectable amount of force may be applied to the carriage to resist movement in either of the first direction and the second direction.

Abstract: A portable and removable mounted exercise station includes an elongated anchoring member disposed on a surface of an external stationary object, such as a wall. The anchoring module has a doorknob shaped cleat, a plurality of knobs, and brackets formed in both ends of the elongated anchoring member. A corner mounting adapter to mount the station in a corner where two walls meet. A resistance band connects to one of the knobs to provide resistance during an exercise routine. A clip allows for quick connect and disconnect of the resistance band to the station.

Abstract: A vertical exercise device for triggering sympathetic and/or parasympathetic system responses comprising at least one foot support and a handlebar assembly. The foot support(s) may have a support surface configured to contact the entire ball of a user's foot during use, which may be inclined at an angle and substantially flat. The handlebar assembly may have at least an upper handle configuration and a lower handle configuration, and be adapted to keep a user's wrist within a safe range of motion during use. The positioning and orientation of foot support(s) and the handlebar assembly may each be independently adjustable in various aspects, such as horizontal and vertical displacement, rotation, tilt, angle, etc. The angle and depth of the support surface may each be independently adjustable. A horizontal vibration system may move one or more components of the device along the horizontal plane. Handlebars may have thumb plates to restrict grip.

Abstract: A wearable gym can include base component configured to be worn over a portion of a body of a user. The wearable gym can also include at least one exercise device coupled to the base component, wherein the at least one exercise device is configured to burn calories of the user when the user engages the at least one exercise device.

Abstract: My exercise apparatus enables a user to exercise upper body, lower body and core muscles simultaneously or individually at the option of the user. It comprises a lower body exercise machine, and an overhead upper body exercise device comprising a horizontally oriented, rigid handlebar connected to an elastic member suspended overhead. The upper body exercise device and the lower body exercise machine are positioned with respect to each other so the user, while standing on and operating the lower body exercise machine and without lifting the user's body up and off the lower body exercise machine, can operate the upper body exercise device. The user grips the handlebar and simultaneously pulls the handlebar towards the user's chest, stretching the elastic member to lengthen the elastic member, placing the elastic member in tension. Then the user slowly releases the tension and allows the elastic member to shorten in length, thus providing upper body and core muscle strengthening.

Abstract: Disclosed is an exercise device having an elongated body, a slot formed length-wise in the body, the slot having an undercut portion on each side, a plurality of holes in slot for receiving one of a plurality of fasteners, an exercise accessory having a connecting member, and a head of the connecting member, the head sized to be received in the slot of the body and configured to be slidably retained in the slot. The slot can have undercut portions. The undercut portions can have locking features. The head of the connecting member can have complimentary locking features. A tightening member can fix the connecting member in a position in the slot. The elongated body can have a cutout for receiving the head of the connecting member.

Abstract: A fitness system includes a training area with exercise equipment and a positional tracking system to record and evaluate a participant. It optionally includes a virtual, augmented, or mixed reality headset, standalone display, computer, additional feedback sensors, accessories, and communication components. The positional tracking system preferably includes one or more laser-based base stations and a plurality of positional tracking sensors placed on or near the participant and equipment. The participant can play games, interact with others, and track performance, and the system dynamically adapts in response to information provided by the tracking system, user inputs, and other sensors or inputs.

Abstract: Disclosed is a core stability exercise management system. The core stability exercise management system may comprise: at least one detection unit for detecting the force at which the abdominal muscles contract and push a pressure sensor; a reference value control unit for, if the abdominal muscles are maximally contracted, receiving the maximum value measured by the detection unit, calculating a reference value which is 1/n (n is a real number) of the maximum value, and displaying the reference value in every corresponding section on a display device; and a measurement value control unit for receiving a measurement value detected by the detection unit according to the contraction and relaxation of the abdominal muscles, and displaying the measurement value on the display device on which the reference value is displayed.

Abstract: A fitness system includes a training area with exercise equipment and a positional tracking system to record and evaluate a participant. The system optionally includes a virtual or augmented reality headset, standalone display, computer, additional feedback sensors, accessories, and communication components. The positional tracking system preferably includes one or more laser-based base stations and a plurality of positional tracking sensors placed on or near the participant and equipment. The participant can play games, interact with others, and track performance, and the system dynamically adapts in response to information provided by the tracking system, user inputs, and other sensors or inputs.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a smart playable flying disc and methods for determining associated motion parameters. The playable device may capture and transmit sensor data including motion data to a computing device. Motion parameters can be determined based on the sensor data. For example, an initial velocity of the playable device can be determined based on a throw duration and a maximum acceleration. Machine learning algorithms can determine updated parameters based on learned parameters. The playable device can include rapid charging circuits to receive power from a remote charger. Sensor data may also be interpreted by the computing device as gestures for interacting with the computing device or for presentation during gameplay. The computing device can capture image data of the playable device and identify the playable device and annotate image data based on the sensor data from the playable device.

Abstract: An inflatable swimwear product is disclosed including a main body, a left armlet coupled to the main body, and a right armlet coupled to the main body. The inflatable swimwear product may buoyantly support a user's upper body in water and permit the user's lower body to sink in water, thereby allowing the user to safely practice swimming.

Abstract: Low compression multi-piece golf balls having a solid core comprising at least one layer made of a plasticized thermoplastic composition are provided. Preferably, the ball has a compression of less than 60 and more preferably less than 50. The ball includes a cover in addition to the core sub-assembly. For example, two-piece and three-piece golf balls may be made. The plasticized thermoplastic composition preferably comprises: a) ethylene acid copolymer, b) plasticizer, and c) cation source. Preferably, a fatty acid ester such as butyl oleate is used as the plasticizer. In two-layered core constructions, the outer core layer is preferably formed from a thermoset composition such as polybutadiene rubber. The core layers may have different hardness levels. The core structure and resulting ball have relatively good resiliency at given compressions.

Abstract: Golf balls comprising a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core comprises at least one intermediate core layer formed from a metallic, composite, or inorganic/organic hybrid composition.

Abstract: An ultra-low compression golf ball is disclosed herein. The core preferably has a PGA compression less than 30. The mantle layer and cover have approximately the same thickness. The cover comprises a thermoplastic polyurethane material and has a specific gravity greater than the core and mantle layer. The golf ball has a PGA compression less than 75 and a COR of at least 0.780.

Abstract: A golf putter and more specifically a putter head is configured to retrieve a golf ball from a cup on a putting green or to pick up a golf ball from any surface upon which the golf ball is resting. The putter head has a generally C-shaped configuration and defines a centrally located cylindrical channel sized to engage a golf ball and retain the golf ball at a lower end of the channel until removed by hand.

Abstract: A sporting apparatus includes a monitoring device. The monitoring device may add no weight to the sporting apparatus relative to a comparable sporting apparatus without the monitoring device. The monitoring device may have a center of gravity substantially aligning with the center of gravity of the sporting apparatus, resulting in a sporting apparatus with a monitor having substantially the same center of gravity as a comparable sporting apparatus without a monitor. The sporting apparatus monitor may be configured to trim unreliable post impact swing data and replace it with extrapolated pre-impact swing data and/or more reliable post impact swing data.

Abstract: A golf club head having elevated internal weighting that improves ball speed, reduces backspin, and increases launch angle is disclosed herein. In particular, the golf club head comprises a hollow body with a face, sole, and elevated weight bar, which is disposed inside the body and is fixed to heel and toe sides of the body, preferably with mechanical fasteners such as screws or bolts. The weight bar bridges a central portion of the sole, and a central section of the weight bar, which preferably comprises at least 50% of the overall mass of the weight bar, extends towards the face without actually making contact with the face. The sole also includes at least one slot extending perpendicular to the face and underneath the central section of the weight bar, the slot having a front-to-back length that is greater than a maximum front-to-back length of the weight bar.

Abstract: A golf club head has a stranded structure such as a cantilevered strand or a beam strand. The stranded structure causes changes in acoustic properties from that of a standard golf club. A gap or through-hole around the stranded structure may be filled with a vibration dampening material, such as flexible polymer, to further adjust the acoustic properties of the golf club. Vibration frequency regions in a golf club may be modified by incorporating stranded structures in the vibration frequency regions.

Abstract: A golf club providing improved golf ball launch conditions is disclosed herein. The golf club includes a face component and a sole comprising an elongated recess disposed proximate the face component. The elongated recess preferably is tube shaped, and preferably has an opening with a smaller width than an innermost surface of the elongated recess. The elongated recess may be a separate piece that is permanently affixed within an opening in the sole. Some embodiments of the golf club also comprise a cover affixed to the sole and at least partially covering the opening of the elongated recess, while other embodiments comprise a filler material disposed within the elongated recess or between the elongated recess and an internal surface of the face.

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 golf club head comprising a channel or a pair of parallel rails and a slidable weight assembly that can be removably fixed at any point within the channel or to the rails is disclosed herein. The slidable weight assembly preferably comprises a weight portion and base that can be turned 45 to 90 degrees to reversibly fix the slidable weight assembly within the channel or to the rails.

Abstract: A golf club head has a body having a ball striking face, a rear opposite the ball striking face, a crown, a sole, a heel, and a toe, the body having a void defined by a peripheral edge on the sole. The body further defines a cover that extends over the void and forms at least a portion of the crown. At least a portion of the peripheral edge of the void includes a lip extending from the peripheral edge inwardly into the void. The golf club head may additionally or alternately include one or more weight receptacles connected to the sole and having an opening in the sole, such that each weight receptacle is configured to receive insertion of a weight through the opening.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a golf club head comprising a body having a crown, a sole, a front wall and a hosel, wherein the body defines a hollow interior. The golf club head further comprises a center of gravity adjustment assembly wherein the center of gravity adjustment assembly is positioned within the hollow interior of the body, and allows the center of gravity of the golf club head to be adjusted by at least 0.050 inch, preferably along a vertical axis.

Abstract: The portable golf club cleaning brush utilizes at least three releasable components; first, a compression clip carrying case that attaches to a belt or garment, with two sides, a front, a back, and bottom panels leaving the top of the case open. Second, the compact cleaning brush with a round easy grip handle all made of durable plastic. The brush pad has equally spaced rows of plastic bristles and equally spaced rows of soft metal bristles placed side by side on the same brush pad surface. The golf club cleaning brush is stored in the compression clip carrying case by sliding in from the top with the handle extending outside the case through a slot in the front panel of the case. Third, a disk magnet is centered and recessed from the outer surface of the round handle for the placement and securing a metal ball marker.

Abstract: A lacrosse head pocket includes a plug unit having first and second plugs disposed on a cross lace. The plugs are overmolded by first and/or second runners constructed from a polymeric material so that the plugs are joined with the first and/or second runners. The cross lace extends outwardly from the plug and the overmolded first and/or second runners. Some plug units can have cross laces that cross one another, while other plug units might not include cross laces that cross one another. A method is also provided including: forming a first plug on a first cross lace, placing the first plug in a mold, overmolding a first runner over at least a portion of the plug so the plug and first runner are joined, and optionally overmolding a second plug joined with the cross lace with a second runner or the same first runner.

Abstract: A barrel for a ball bat having a first inside surface and an outside surface, and a first thickness represented by the distance between the first inside surface and the outside surfaces. The first thickness of the barrel is generally uniform except at one or more locations within the ball impact area of the bat. However, the barrel may include one or more than one thick section relative to the uniform thickness of the rest of the barrel of the bat. In addition, the barrel may include one or more than one thin section relative to the uniform thickness of the rest of the barrel of the bat. The shoulders between the thick and/or thin section(s) and the uniform thickness of the remainder of the bat may be relatively abrupt.

Abstract: The present invention relates to delivery of content that is driven by input from one or more performance sensor units, such as performance sensor units configured to monitor motion-based performances and/or audio-based performances. Embodiments of the invention include software and hardware, and associated methodologies, associated with the generation, distribution, and execution of such content. Attention is paid to implementations whereby performance sensor units provide input to an adaptive training program.

Abstract: A method for analyzing sensor data from baseball swings (or swings in similar sports) that transforms data into a reference frame defined by the bat orientation and velocity at impact. The swing plane defined by these two axes provides a natural and robust reference frame for physically relevant measurements of swing characteristics. Illustrative swing metrics derived from swing plane reference frame data include: swing speed, defined as a rotational rate within the swing plane; total swing angle, defined as the angular change within the swing plane; and swing tempo, defined as the percentage of peak swing speed achieved halfway through the swing. Analyzing these metrics from multiple swings across multiple users identifies factors that contribute to peak performance. Metrics may be combined into multidimensional feature vectors that characterize a swing; these feature vectors may be used to group swings into swing styles or to match swings against similar players.

Abstract: A device to function as a training aid designed to improve the tennis serves, ground strokes and volleys, badminton serves and strokes, volley ball serves and returns, baseball batting, racquet ball serves and returns, and squash serves and returns. It is also useful in any activity where the user seeks to improve striking performance when a sports object is suspended in a particular three-dimensional space location.

Abstract: An athletic training support structure includes a post configured to extend substantially vertically. At least one horizontal arm is rotatably mounted on the post, so that the at least one horizontal arm extends substantially perpendicularly from the post and rotates in a substantially horizontal plane. A vertical arm may be rotatably mounted to an end of a horizontal arm for rotation in a substantially vertical plane.

Abstract: A swivel joint system for hanging a heavy punching bag from an overhead support has a swivel joint defining at least first and second perpendicular pivot axes and a hanging shaft having a lower end pivotally connected to the universal joint for rotation about the first pivot axis and an upper end configured for rotatable attachment to an overhead support for free rotation about a third pivot axis. A hanging tube is pivotally connected to the universal joint for rotation about the second pivot axis, and releasably secured to a mounting plate. A plurality of attachment members are rigidly attachable at spaced locations around the mounting plate to surround the hanging tube and configured for attachment to straps at the upper end of a heavy punching bag.

Abstract: A single golf stroke achievement is forensically validated with minimal observer influence by digitally or electronically identifying a golfer and a golf ball, producing video recordings of the golf stroke, a subsequent flight of the ball, and arrival of the ball (if this occurs) at a target area which contains a golf cup, and detecting and recording entry of the golf ball into the cup (if this occurs).

Abstract: A method for analyzing sensor data from baseball swings (or swings in similar sports) that transforms data into a reference frame defined by the bat orientation and velocity at impact. The trajectory of the sweet spot of the bat is tracked through the swing, and is analyzed to generate metrics describing the swing. A two-lever model of the swing may be used to model the effects of body rotation and wrist rotation. Data may be analyzed to identify relevant events during the swing such as start of downswing, commit (wrist release), on-plane, peak bat speed, and impact. Illustrative swing metrics derived from the sweet spot trajectory, the swing plane reference frame, and the two-lever model include: forward bat speed, on-plane rotation, hinge angle at commit, hinge angle at impact, body rotation ratio, body tilt angle, and swing plane tilt angle.

Abstract: A stabilized course sand bunker and method of making the same is disclosed. The soil making up the bunker is contoured and stabilized so that it is in the form of a pit having a downward angularly extending keyway surrounding the opening at the top edge of the pit. A semi-solid precursor material is applied over the pit and keyway and allowed to cure to form a barrier liner having a flanged anchoring portion for location under some additional soil and turf grass. Bunker sand is disposed over the barrier liner. The barrier liner when cured enables water in the bunker to pass through it, is sufficient flexible to dampen and absorb the impact of a golf ball strike, all the while stabilizing and protecting the edge of the bunker where the turf grass meets the sand in the bunker.