Abstract: An airflow control valve (20) for use in a breathing apparatus (10) to control a flow of air from a pressurized air supply to a respirator. The valve comprises an inlet port (31) for connection to a pressurized air supply, and first (32) and second (33) outlets. The valve is configurable between a first position in which the inlet port is in restricted fluid communication with the first outlet to allow a restricted flow of air from the inlet port to the first outlet and in which the second outlet is sealed from the inlet port and, a second position in which the inlet port is in substantially unrestricted fluid communication with the second outlet to allow an unrestricted flow of air from the inlet port to the second outlet.

Abstract: A safety breathing apparatus has a delivery element configured to deliver respirable gas to a respiratory system of a user. The apparatus includes a breathing hose in fluid communication with a first source of respirable gas. A valve housing includes a first port configured to be couple to the delivery element, a second port configured to be coupled to the breaking hose, and a third port configured to dock with a second source of respirable gas without exposing the user to a surrounding atmosphere.

Abstract: A powered air purifying respirator (PAPR) for delivering a forced flow of filtered air to a wearer is disclosed.

Abstract: A pulling element is provided for automatically pulling a closing element out of a filter of an escape filter device. An escape filter device is also provided that has a hood and a filter integrated into the hood, with at least one such pulling element. An escape filter device system is also provided having such an escape filter device and a device shell. A method is provided for mounting an escape filter device system.

Abstract: Fire protection systems and methods of fire protection systems for protection of a stored commodity. The systems and methods included a plurality of fluid distribution devices disposed above the stored commodity and configured for selective identification and controlled actuation in response to a fire. The systems have a hydraulic demand defined by at least one of: i) a hydraulic design area having a minimum operational area of less than 768 square feet; or ii) less than twelve hydraulic design devices.

Abstract: An ergonomic hose load platform for a fire fighting vehicle is provided. The ergonomic hose load platform includes a platform and at least one pivot mount defining a pivot axis. The platform is pivotable about the pivot axis to open and close the platform.

Abstract: A fire detection and suppression system includes a wireless mesh network and a controller. The wireless mesh network includes of a plurality of wireless mesh nodes distributed throughout the building. The wireless mesh nodes transmit and receive wireless signals during a baseline time period and record a baseline set of signal characteristics and transmit and receive the wireless signals during a second time period after the baseline time period and record a second set of signal characteristics. The controller is configured to determine that the second set of signal characteristics are abnormal relative to the baseline set of signal characteristics as a result of a fire within the building degrading the wireless signals during the second time period. A fire is detected by the controller based on these signals and corrective action is initiated in response to detecting the fire within the building.

Abstract: An alarm valve station (80) of a fire extinguishing system (100) includes a fire extinguishing system valve (1) having a housing (2, 3) which has a fluid inlet chamber (8), a fluid outlet chamber (9) and a closing body (4a) reciprocable between a blocking state and a release state, wherein the fluid inlet chamber (8) and the fluid outlet chamber (9) are separated from each other in the blocking state and communicate with each other in fluid-conducting relationship in the release state. In particular it is proposed that the evaluation unit is connected in signal-conducting relationship to one or more actuators, and is adapted to control the actuator or actuators by the control commands, wherein the alarm valve station preferably has one or more sensors and the evaluation unit is connected in signal-conducting relationship to the sensor or sensors and is adapted to control the actuator or actuators in dependence on the sensor data present thereat.

Abstract: This invention discloses an exercise machine with adjustable resistance. The exercise machine includes a fluid container, one or more paddles, a driving device, and an adjusting device. The one or more paddles are arranged in the fluid container into which a fluid is poured. The driving device comprises an adjusting rod to couple with the one or more paddles. The driving device transmits a user's force for driving the one or more paddles to rotate. The adjusting device can adjust a depth of the one or more paddles in the fluid, so as to provide differing degrees of resistance for the one or more paddles.

Abstract: A device to aid a swimmer in training includes a piece of swimwear and a plurality of flow resistance increasing structures attached to the swimwear. The flow resistance increasing structures include a fill material constructed with a polymerized, monofilament material. The polymerized, monofilament material can include tulle.

Abstract: A combination towel-band exercise device is able to be used to exercise and as a towel. A shammy or towel is available to dry off perspiration, provide a soft surface for a user to sit and stand, and integrated exercise bands are utilized for exercising. When a user wants to exercise, particularly while away from home such as at a gym, the beach or pool, the user is able to exercise with the combination towel-band exercise device. By providing weight on the shammy, the bands which are coupled to opposing ends of the shammy stretch as a user pulls the bands upward or outward. The weight is provided by a user's feet, buttocks, back or other body part. In addition to the combination towel-band exercise device being an exercise tool, it is also able to function as a towel. Therefore, if a user is at a gym or other exercise facility and needs to wipe perspiration off the equipment or herself, the shammy is available.

Abstract: An exercise machine is provided which is configured to place a user in an exercise position, wherein movement during exercise against a load will target the gluteus maximus muscles. The exercise machine positions the body of a user in a lowered or exercise position which supports the user while raising their body to an elevated position, in a manner to stabilize the user and direct movement of the user along the sagittal plane during use, while concurrently isolating the gluteus maximus muscles as the muscles overcoming the load.

Abstract: The dumbbell support and exercise device is configured for use with a plurality of readily and commercially available dumbbells. The dumbbell support and exercise device is an exercise stand configured for use with resistance based strength exercises. The dumbbell support and exercise device receives and supports the plurality of dumbbells. The weight applied through the plurality of dumbbells is then used in resistance based exercises for strength training purposes. The dumbbell support and exercise device comprises a base, a plurality of weight stands, and a bar.

Abstract: In general, an exercise device includes a handle having a first end and a second end. A curved member is coupled to the first end of the handle. A movable member is coupled to the curved member, with the movable member configured to travel along a length of the curved member, where the movable member has a first portion and a second portion, and the second portion is configured to move relative to the first portion. An elongate member has a first end and a second end, and the first end of the elongate member is coupled to the second portion of the movable member. A weight is coupled to the second end of the elongate member.

Abstract: An exercise machine includes a standing platform, a pivot connection incorporated into the standing platform, an upright structure attached to the standing platform at the pivot connection, and a movable element connected to the upright structure where the movable element is movable during the performance of an exercise. The upright structure is rotated about the pivot connection in a transverse orientation to the standing platform when the exercise machine is in an operational mode and the upright structure is rotated about the pivot connection in an aligned orientation with the standing platform when the exercise machine is in a storage mode.

Abstract: An embodiment apparatus includes a crossbar including a surface with holes arranged along a portion of the crossbar and a handle including a surface with a hole. The crossbar may be configured to allow the handle to positionally adjust along the portion of the crossbar such that the hole in the surface of the handle aligns with one of the holes in the surface of the crossbar when the handle is located at a position along the portion. Alternatively or in addition, the handle may include a head which defines a plurality of holes in the handle. In this arrangement, a first connector is configured to slidably engage one of the plurality of holes in the handle and the hole in the crossbar, each of the plurality of holes in the first handle defining an orientation of the first handle.

Abstract: An electronically powered, light emitting, portable mat with built in storage container is provided. The light is configured to provide illumination from the ground as well as a visual timing signal for exercise routines and enhanced experiences. The built in storage area also allows for the mat to be used as a backpack which can be unrolled into a floor mat. The light up mat may be particularly useful for exercising or camping in dark areas, as well as for mood lightning outdoors to illuminate the surrounding area.

Abstract: A stepper exercise device includes a base support frame, a wheel assembly having a first wheel, a stepper assembly coupled to the base support base and first wheel of the wheel assembly, and a resistance adjustment mechanism coupled to the wheel assembly. The stepper assembly includes a first step pedal and a second step pedal coupled to a first side and a second side of the first wheel respectively. The first step pedal and the second step pedal are configured to move in an elliptical motion resembling a step motion of a user as if the user walked on the support surface. The resistance adjustment mechanism is configured to provide different amounts of resistance to rotational motions of the first wheel, which in turn provides various resistance to step motions of the first and second step pedals to adjust the intensity of the exercise.

Abstract: An exercise machine may include a deck, a motor housing incorporated into the deck, a lift motor located in the motor housing, and a cooling mechanism that cools the lift motor when the cooling mechanism is activated. An airflow pathway may be defined to direct air from the cooling mechanism to a location above the motor housing and on to a user of the exercise machine. The exercise machine may be configured such that upon beginning operation of the machine, substantially all of the airflow exhausts to the location above the motor housing. A mechanism may be provided to selectively alter a characteristic of the airflow after the exercise machine has begun operation.

Abstract: The exercise assembly for squats includes a support frame, a foot plate, a seat member, a wall frame, an upright beam, and a trolley member. The support frame includes a base member, a base post, and a support arm. The seat member is placed relative to the support frame by the foot plate. The seat member is adjustable. The wall frame includes curved knee frame, a knee wall, and a horizontal support beam. The upright beam extends upward from the base member at an angle toward the seat member. The support arm connects the base member, the horizontal support beam, and the upright beam at an angle to allow performance of a squat in a proper and safe posture throughout the complete squatting movement. The trolley member slides along the upright beam so that the complete squatting movement tracks along the angle of the upright beam.

Abstract: A portable single biceps exercising machine comprises an articulable framework running about a length of a user's arm. The articulable framework may be divided into an upper framework and a lower framework, with an articulable fulcrum connecting the upper framework to the lower framework. In use, the upper framework, at an under arm pad, may be retained in a shoulder/armpit region of the user's arm, while the lower framework may comprise a handle to be engaged by a hand of the user's arm. One or more tension members are coupled between the upper framework and the lower framework such that articulation of the handle about the articulable fulcrum towards the under arm pad is through a resistance. The resistance exercises a biceps muscle of the user's arm.

Abstract: The application relates to technological frameworks whereby user skill performances are monitored using Performance Sensor Units (PSUs), and data derived from those PSUs is processed thereby to determine attributes of the user skill performances. For example, the identification of attributes of performances is used to drive computer processes, such as computer processes described herein. Particular focus is given to technologies which enable the gamification of skills via delivery of competitive challenges, such challenges being driven by data derived from PSUs that monitor physical performances. For example, in one embodiment users compete in the context of performing a particular skill or skills “better” than others (for example in the context of amplitude, power, accuracy, successive completions, and so on).

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for automatically evaluating a martial arts move are described. The method may include identifying a distance between a target and a sensor coupled with a user and receiving motion data from the sensor. The motion data may include linear acceleration data and rotation data. The method may further include calculating, based on the distance and the linear acceleration data, an end point in three-dimensional space of the martial arts move and determining whether the user made contact with the target based on a comparison between the end point and a three-dimensional representant of the target. The method may further include determining a rotational characteristic of the move and comparing the rotational characteristic with a stored model of the move. The method may further include evaluating the move based on whether the user made contact with the target and the comparison of the rotational characteristic.

Abstract: Golf ball comprising layer(s) comprised of neutralized acid polymer composition consisting of mixture of: (a) low molecular weight acid-containing wax(es); (b) non-acid polymer(s) including at least one low molecular weight non-acid wax such as high density oxidized polyethylene homopolymers; ethylene maleic anhydride copolymers; polypropylene maleic anhydride copolymers; polypropylene homopolymers; ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers; high density oxidized homopolymers; oxidized copolymers; polyethylene micronized waxes; polytetrafluoroethylene micronized waxes; emulsifiable low molecular weight non-acid waxes; non-emulsifiable low molecular weight non-acid waxes; and/or chemically modified low molecular weight non-acid waxes; and (c) organic acid(s) or salt thereof. Molecular weight of each low molecular weight acid-containing wax is about 500 to 7000, or up to 30,000.

Abstract: A golf ball with a core comprising polybutadiene and graphene, and a soft cover is disclosed herein. The golf ball has a dual core with an outer core comprising polybutadiene and graphene. The soft cover is preferably composed of a highly neutralized polymer, a first ionomer, a second ionomer, and a paraloid impact modifier.

Abstract: A golf ball with a core comprising polybutadiene and graphene is disclosed herein. The golf ball has a single core comprising polybutadiene and graphene. Alternatively, the golf ball has a dual core with an inner core comprising polybutadiene and graphene. Alternatively, the golf ball has a dual core with an outer core comprising polybutadiene and graphene.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising: (a) a core; (b) an inner mantle layer; (c) an intermediate mantle layer; (d) an outer mantle layer; and (e) at least one cover layer; wherein the core has a PGA compression of less than 70, and the core/inner mantle layer/intermediate mantle layer combined construct has a PGA compression of at least 30.

Abstract: In a multi-piece solid golf ball having a core and four successive layers encasing the core—an inner envelope layer, an outer envelope layer, an intermediate layer and a cover, the inner envelope, outer envelope and intermediate layer are each formed of different highly neutralized resin materials, and the cover thickness is larger than the respective thicknesses of the inner envelope layer, outer envelope layer and intermediate layer. Also, the value (A)?(B) obtained by subtracting the material hardness (B) of the softest layer among the inner envelope layer, outer envelope layer and intermediate layer from the material hardness (A) of the cover is a Shore D hardness of 13 or more. This golf ball holds down the spin rate on full shots with a driver by amateur golfers having modest head speeds, and also has a soft and good feel at impact.

Abstract: Golf balls having a multi-layered core made of a foamed composition are provided. The core preferably has a foam inner core (center) and surrounding thermoset or thermoplastic outer core layer. Preferably, a polyurethane foam composition is used to form the foam center. The foam inner core preferably includes a fully-foamed center region and a partially or completely-collapsed foam outer region. The hardness of the fully-foamed region is different than the hardness of the collapsed foam region. Non-foamed thermoset or thermoplastic materials such as polybutadiene rubbers or ethylene acid copolymer ionomer may be used to form the outer core layer. The ball further includes a cover that may be multi-layered. The foam cores have good resiliency.

Abstract: Embodiments of golf clubs and methods to manufacture golf clubs are generally described herein. In one example, a golf club may include a club head coupled to a shaft. The club head may include a body portion having an interior cavity, a front portion, a rear portion, a toe portion, a heel portion, a bottom portion, a crown portion with an opening, a polymer insert in the interior cavity, and a non-metal cover portion coupled to the crown portion to cover the opening. Other examples and embodiments may be described and claimed.

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: An iron golf club head comprises a clubface with score lines, a top, a sole, a hosel with a shaft inserting hole. In a standard state of the head set on a horizontal plane such that the score lines become horizontal and the axis of the club shaft inserting hole lies within a vertical plane, the head satisfies the following condition (1) in the cross section of the head taken orthogonally to the vertical plane at any position in the toe-heel direction between the heel-side most end of the score lines and the position at which the clubface height becomes maximum: (1) the horizontal distance A from the lower edge of the clubface to a backmost end of the head on the sole-side is not more than the horizontal distance B from the lower edge of the club face to a backmost end of the head on the top-side. The depth of the center of gravity is 5.5 mm or more.

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 body portion with a toe portion, a heel portion, a rear portion, a front portion with a strike face, a sole portion, and a top portion with a plurality of ports. The body portion may define a periphery of the golf club head. The golf club head may also include a plurality of weight portions with each weight portion disposed in one port of the plurality of ports. Other examples and embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: Golf club heads include at least one weight port situated to retain weights and positioned above an approximate club face geometric center with the club in a standard address position. One, two, or more weight ports can be located above the club face center in a club crown or other portion of a club body. Club head vertical center of gravity can be selected to compensate dynamic loft associated with locating the club head center of gravity well behind the club face. Three-dimensional adjustment of club head center of gravity is possible.

Abstract: A golf putter has a hollow shaft that has a longitudinal channel, a grip that surrounds a portion of the shaft, a putter head, and an adjustable counter-balance weight system. The weight system has a rod that has a four-sided configuration and at least one weight. Each weight has an annular weight housing that has a four-sided channel extending longitudinally therethrough, and with each weight housing having a threaded opening. The rod extends through the channel of the weight housing of the at least one weight, and a threaded setting screw is threaded through the threaded opening and impinges on one of the four sides of the rod to secure the weight inside the four-sided channel.

Abstract: Protective covers for preventing damage to ball bats during batting practice are comprised of an impact force absorbing elastic sleeve which has through its length bore and a V-shaped notch extending forward from a rear transverse edge of the sleeve, dividing a rear length of the sleeve into opposed flaps, thus providing an enlarged entrance opening which facilitates insertion of a bat into the sleeve bore. A strap extending radially from one flap is releasably attachable by a closure fastener to the other flap, enabling the flaps to be cinched around and secured to a bat inserted into the sleeve bore. The protective covers may optionally have weights and/or friction strips positioned within the sleeve, and may optionally include an inertial sensor or impact force sensor and radio transmitter for transmitting signals representative of bat motions or impact forces exerted on the bat.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an automatic scoring system for a beer pong game to implement an automatic scoring function of the beer pong game using a radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, comprising: a game table equipped with a RFID reader and a plurality of RFID antennas; a plurality of game cups with electronic tags being attached at bottoms thereof; at least one game ball with an electronic tag embedded therein, and a computer that processes data read by the reader from the electronic tags and controls a scoring procedure of the beer pong game, wherein the RFID antennas are placed at a plurality of predetermined positions in a game zone of the game table, the plurality of predetermined positions corresponding to possible positions of the game cups placed according to game rules.

Abstract: A system for illustrating the flight of a sports ball includes a radar, an imager, and a controller. The imager is configured to image a moving sports ball. The controller is configured to (i) receive, from the imager, an image including the moving sports ball, (ii) receive, from the radar, radar data associated with the moving sports ball, (iii) determine, from the radar data, a portion of a trajectory of the moving sports ball, (iv) alter the image to illustrate the portion of the trajectory relative to the moving sports ball, and (v) output the altered image.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for golf putting aid apparatus. An example golf putting aid includes a base configured to rest on a ground surface. The base has a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The example golf putting aid also includes a curved body supported by the base and defining a convex surface that extends in a direction between the first end and the second end of the base. When the base is rested on the ground surface, the convex surface is positioned relative to the ground surface to engage a toe of a putter head of a golf club as a user performs a putting motion to guide the putting motion.

Abstract: A reflexive training device having a rotating member that rotates around an axis while also traveling perpendicular to the plain of rotation to present the rotating member at variable vertical locations during use.

Abstract: A method and system for determining whether a spherical element impacts with a component of a playing field, or arranged on or proximate thereto. The method includes acquiring images of a surveillance area of a field that covers at least part of said component, such as a delimiting perimeter line of a game area or a target, performing an approximate detection of an impact of a spherical element relative to that component or proximate thereto, with an object detection and recognition system that can discern when the detected object is indeed a spherical element, automatically selecting one of the images acquired for the same point in time and that includes the area where said impact has occurred, and analyzing the selected image to check if the spherical element has impacted or not with the component.

Abstract: Systems, methods and software products optimize installation and operation of an object tracking system. Performance of the athlete tracking system is continually monitored and optimized based upon one or more of: statically positioned tags, grouping tags within two or more tag sets to assign ping rates, selecting receiver configuration and aim dynamically based upon environmental and situational conditions. Tracking tags are improved to facilitate coupling of the tag to an athlete and may be self-configurable. A trackable protection pad allows a tracking tag to be positioned substantially horizontal when the athlete is competing. A data replay tool replays location tracking information in chronological order and visually plots location of tracking tags and errors in the determined location. A tag manager automatically configures the tracking tags. A robotic vehicle automated installation of the object tracking system.

Abstract: A system for providing player training including a grid of individually powered, processor controlled and communicable lighting elements and sensors which are embedded within a playing surface associated with the event, the lighting elements interfacing with at least one of a player worn sensor and/or a remote processor device for providing a visual illustration of any number of parameters associated with an actual player performance, including real time motion progressions of the player which are represented on the field surface and/or recreated on a processor driven screen which films or otherwise tracks the event. The simulated progressions can further replicate the desired motions of the positional player's intended motions or those of an opposing positional player and in lieu of the actual player being on the playing surface.

Abstract: A hydrating mouthguard. The mouthguard includes a base having U-shape with a front periphery and a rear periphery. A labial wall upstand from the front periphery of the base and a lingual wall upstands from the rear periphery of the base. A channel sized to receive a user's upper teeth is defined in between the labial wall and the lingual wall. The mouthguard further includes at least one receptacle having an entrance opening and an exit opening. At least one tube runs from the entrance opening and includes an opposing open end 20. A valve selectively allows a fluid to travel from the receptacle to the tube and out the open end.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are wearable articles and methods for the manufacture and use thereof. The wearable articles can comprise compression elements, gripping elements, and support elements containing a rate-sensitive materials which can operate to prevent injury.

Abstract: A snow sliding device includes a first end body on which one end of a boot is caught, a second end body provided on the opposite side of the first end body and on which the other end of the boot is caught, and a main body which is provided between the first end body and the second end body to connect the first end body to the second end body, and in which an edge surface facing the ground can be changed and selectively used. In the snow sliding device according to the present invention, an edge may be replaced from a deck or another surface of the main body may be used as the edge. Thus, when the edge is worn down, the edge may be replaced or another surface may be used.

Abstract: A roller ski adapter system is disclosed. Said roller ski adapter system comprises a ski adapters, a skis, a poles and a brake lines. Said ski adapters comprises a front adapters and a rear adapters. Said poles comprises a shaft, a brake lever assembly, a first end, a second end and a grip. Said brake lever assembly comprises said brake lines, a lever and a cable guide. Said front adapters comprises a squeeze plate assembly, a trucks and a wheels. Said rear adapters comprises a braking system, a rear wheel assembly, a squeeze plate assembly, a trucks and a wheels. Said braking system comprises a braking bar, a brake line, a one or more spring assemblies, a splitter and a brake lines. Said one or more spring assemblies comprises a first end, a second end, a first bracket, a second bracket and a one or more braking bar fasteners.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling cards has a dispensing end. The dispensing end has a base plate for supporting cards being manually removed. An upper plate with a U-shaped opening is spaced above the base plate and defines a slot for cards to pass. First and second spaced apart card guides define side edges of the slot. The first card guide is shorter than the second card guide, creating an offset in a first direction of travel of cards being removed. A method of removing cards is also disclosed, enabling movement of cards in at least two directions due to the presence of a card guide offset.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic game board system communicating at least one game-play-data to an external device. The system includes a contactless communication unit (CCU), an electronic game board and one or more play items. The contactless communication unit communicates with the external device, and further provides alternating electric field. The electronic game board includes plurality of the play fields to receive the alternating electric field, wherein the playfields serially interconnected with each other. The play item capacitively transmits the game play data to the contactless communication unit. The contactless communication unit generates a processed-game-play-data defining a status of the play item placed on the play field, and the contactless communication unit further transmits the processed-game-play-data to the external device.

Abstract: A kit of parts for playing a capture the flag game in low-light conditions is disclosed herein. The kit can include a number of flags, each of the flags carrying one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) operable to provide a visual signal; a number of territory markers, each of the territory markers carrying one or more LEDs operable to provide a visual signal; and a number of jail markers, each of the jail markers carrying one or more LEDs operable to provide a visual signal. The flags, the territory markers, and the jail markers are configured to be selectively disposable upon or attachable to the terrain.