Abstract: A system includes a gas exhaust line, a valve coupling the gas exhaust line and a pipe, and a control unit generating a command to open and close the valve, the control unit opening the valve to vent gas from the pipe and closing the valve within a period of time. A method includes receiving a command at a valve to open in order to exhaust gas from a pipe of a sprinkler system through a line coupled to the valve, the command corresponding to a command to turn on a pump unit of the sprinkler system, determining that liquid provided at an output of the pump unit is present in the pipe, and receiving a command at the valve to close in order to prohibit a flow of the liquid through the line.

Abstract: Fire suppression systems (10) for vehicles and industrial applications including arrangements of an input bus (24) and output bus (26) coupled to a centralized controller (20) to provide for automatic and manual detection of a fire (H) and manual and automatic system actuation in response to the fire. The arrangements further provide for system information regarding the status and operation of the system components. Additionally, the arrangement of system components provide for expandability and programmability to configure the system for the protection of multiple and variable hazards (H) using customized or programmed detection and/or actuation. The systems include configured connectors (25) and colour coded schemes to facilitate system installation.

Abstract: Jump rope handles are described. In an embodiment, a speed rope includes a handle having a head rotationally coupled to a grip to rotate about a first axis, and a rope hinge rotationally coupled to the head. The rope hinge has a single degree of freedom relative to the head, and the single degree of freedom can be rotation of the rope hinge about a second axis. The rope hinge may include a cylindrical outer surface mounted in a pivot hole of the head to constrain movement of the rope hinge to rotation about the second axis. Accordingly, a rope held by the rope hinge can pivot about the second axis while simultaneously swinging around the first axis. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly device (5) for assembling an accessory to an exercise structure (1), said structure comprising at least one hole (10). The device is characterized in that it comprises at least one hollow main body extending longitudinally between two ends, which body is provided with a first opening and is intended to be inserted into the hole (10) and to receive a removable male connector that is to be inserted into the hollow main body through the first opening in order to connect the accessory and the hollow main body. The main body (51) defines a continuous empty inner space that opens at each end in order to form the first opening (511) and a second opening (516). The device is further characterized in that it also comprises a first removable cap for closing the first opening when the male connector is not inserted into the hollow main body. The invention relates to assembly devices and systems for an exercise structure.

Abstract: A resistance component configured for imparting a resistive force to a connected exercise component is provided. The device includes a frame pivotally supporting a selection arm which has a weight operatively connected to the selection arm by a pin arm. The weight imparts a force resisting rotation of the selection arm by a flexible member engaged with the exercise component. Adjusting the engagement of one end of the pin arm to an arched engagement path along the selection arm adjusts mechanical advantage and the resistive force.

Abstract: An apparatus for the motor rehabilitation of the upper and lower limbs is disclosed, which is compact, portable, lightweight, and easy to transport. The apparatus has an adapter for the distal end of the patient's limb, a robotic arm, a gear system, two motors, and virtual and/or augmented reality software to interact with the patient. A management and control system makes possible the execution of movements and exercises in the three-dimensional space so that patients with neurological, musculoskeletal, muscular, rheumatic, motor and/or cognitive diseases or injuries and patients in post-surgical recovery may exercise and recover the movements of their upper and/or lower limbs. The equipment may also be used for the purpose of training and physical fitness.

Abstract: A system comprising an exercise system having a resistance structure of an exercise bar connected to cables, which cables are connected to at least one pneumatic cylinder that creates resistance, wherein the resistance is adjusted by the user via actuators in the exercise bar, so that the user does not need to release the exercise bar to adjust the resistance. The system may be supported by a frame, and the pneumatic cylinder may be connected to an equalizing tank that may be housed within or integrated into the frame. The system may include a monitor to visually display system parameters and other information to the user. The system may calculate resistance and work done by the user by measuring piston displacement and speed, as well as using accelerometers or other devices integrated into the exercise bar.

Abstract: Embodiments of a strength training apparatus and related methods are provided. In one embodiment, a strength training apparatus may include a tower, a first arm and a second arm each pivotally coupled with the tower and each being configured to be selectively positionable independent of each other at multiple angles relative to each other, a first pulley coupled to an end of the first arm, a first cable extending through the first arm and the first pulley, a second pulley coupled to an end of the second arm, a second cable extending through the second arm and the second pulley, a magnetic mechanism coupled to the first cable and the second cable and configured to provide multiple levels of resistance to a user pulling on the first cable and/or the second cable, and a control panel located on the tower.

Abstract: A manual powered treadmill includes a frame; a front shaft assembly coupled to the frame; a rear shaft assembly coupled to the frame; an intermediate shaft coupled to the frame, the intermediate shaft is disposed intermediate the front shaft assembly and the rear shaft assembly; a running belt disposed about the front and rear shaft assemblies, the running belt defining at least a portion of a non-planar running surface; and a safety device coupled to the intermediate shaft. The safety device is operable to substantially prevent movement of the running belt in a first direction and to permit movement of the running belt in a second direction opposite the first direction.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes two side frames each having a base member and a front member projecting upward from the base member. Each side frame is aligned and mutually fixed together at a rear cross member, a forward cross member, and a top cross member. A crank mechanism has two cranks and is fixed with the rear cross member. Two foot members each have a foot base member with a foot pad, and a foot front member projecting upward from the foot base member and pivotally fixed with the top cross member. Each foot member is also pivotally fixed at a rear side thereof with one of the cranks. In use, with the person resting a foot in each of the foot pads, the person performs elliptical-type exercise by raising and lowering his feet, holding onto the top cross member or handles for support as desired.

Abstract: A stand-up abdominal/back muscle exercise device. The stand-up abdominal/back muscle exercise device may include a base, a knee support, and an ankle support. Additionally, the stand-up abdominal/back muscle exercise device may include a steady post. The ankle support may include a t-bar, a telescoping inner horizontal support shaft, a telescoping inner vertical support shaft and an ankle padding. The knee support may include a telescoping upright post, a knee support inner shaft, a knee radial pivot lock bracket, a knee cushion and an upper leg support rest.

Abstract: Among other things, a seat includes a back-supporting surface; and a seating surface movable along a path toward and away from the back-supporting surface. At least part of the back-supporting surface is movable to enable a lower portion of the back-supporting surface to move substantially along the path.

Abstract: A hip thrust exercise device includes a main body; a foot mount connected to the first body portion; a grip connected to the second body portion; an extension hingedly connected to the main and an abutment element; and a resistance element connected between the extension and main body. The resistance element provides a resistance force when the abutment element is moved away from the first body portion.

Abstract: A safety device for motor vehicle includes a flexible hollow annular body including an arched upper base portion, an arched lower base portion and two opposing connection portions connected between the upper and lower base portions at two opposite sides, a flexible arched upper push piece having one end thereof connected to the upper base portion and an opposite end thereof extending toward the lower base portion so that a first elastic space is defined between the body and the upper push piece, and a flexible arched lower push piece having one end thereof connected to the lower base portion and an opposite end thereof extending toward the upper base portion so that a second elastic space is defined between the body and the lower push piece.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus and method for working the hip muscles, in particular the glute muscle groups. Said exercise apparatus includes a low-profile chassis having a front portion and a rear portion, an elongated cross member having a pair of hip/lap cushions, a foot platform slidably mounted on the chassis, a shoulder/back support mounted on a support frame, a resistance member for loading the muscles of a user and a variable transmission adapted to act as a variable diameter pulley configured to reduce the input force required for a user to overcome the resistance member force.

Abstract: A method and a system for determining an energy expenditure of a user while practicing yoga are described. A heart rate sensing module can measure the user's heart rate. A temperature sensing module can measure ambient temperature. A motion sensing module can collect user's motion data. In some embodiments, a hot yoga session can be detected based on measured ambient temperature. In some embodiments, a yoga type can be detected based on the motion data. In some embodiments, an energy expenditure model can be applied based on the determined yoga type.

Abstract: A route planning method includes obtaining exercise capability information of a wearer and one or more candidate routes, where the candidate routes include attribute features that comprise historical exercise capability information, where the historical exercise capability information is information calculated according to a first preset rule and based on obtained exercise capability information of a plurality of users having exercised along the candidate routes; determining a target route based on the attribute features of the candidate routes and the exercise capability information of the wearer; and outputting the target route information.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture for measuring and adjusting physical resistance for athletic activities and fitness equipment are disclosed. An example system includes a user-wearable sensor to measure a first level of physical effort during a first athletic activity using fitness equipment and to generate sensor data indicative of the measured first level of physical effort. The example system also includes a controller to receive the sensor data to perform a comparison of the sensor data and data from second athletic activity indicative of a second level of physical effort, and automatically generate a control signal to adjust a setting of the fitness equipment based on the comparison.

Abstract: Golf balls including at least one modified dimple group are disclosed. The modified dimple group comprises one or more modified dimples forming an axially symmetric pattern about a Correction Area Centroid located on an axis of symmetry at a latitude greater than 0°, where 0° represents the hemispherical pole and 90° represents the equator. The modified dimples can be altered, for example, by changing dimple coverage, dimple diameter, dimple depth, dimple edge angle, dimple volume, dimple cross-sectional shape, and/or dimple plan shape. Optionally, the dimples have a catenary cross-sectional shape and the modified dimples are altered by changing the shape factor and/or chord depth. Such modifications preferably produce a golf ball that flies more consistently regardless of orientation when struck than a corresponding golf ball without such modifications.

Abstract: A golf ball with a center core comprising 1,4 polybutadiene with a cis content more than 50% and containing a metal salt of acrylate, wherein the 1,4 polybutadiene has 5 to 60 weight percent of a metal salt of acrylate, is disclosed herein. The metal salt of acrylate is preferably selected from zinc, magnesium, sodium, and calcium.

Abstract: Multi-piece golf balls containing a dual-layered core and dual-layered cover are provided. The core structure includes a small, heavy inner core (center) having a relatively high specific gravity, and a surrounding outer core layer. The core layers may have different hardness gradients. The center of the core comprises a metal material such as copper, steel, brass, tungsten, titanium, aluminum, and combinations and alloys thereof preferably dispersed in a thermoplastic polymeric matrix. The outer core layer is preferably formed from a thermoset composition such as polybutadiene. The multi-layered cores and covers have selective specific gravity relationships between the different layers. This helps provide the ball with good flight distance and spin control. The resulting balls have good resiliency and other playing performance properties.

Abstract: A device for retrieving a golf ball that is not easily accessible in ponds, in high grass, in bushes, in rocky terrain or in other places that are hard to reach. The device comprises a retriever head that is attached to a telescoping handle. The retriever head comprises an elongated rigid head with no moving parts, with a large opening at the bottom of the front of the retriever. The retriever widens along the sides to form a pocket at the tapered end at the top of the retriever that is used to entrap a golf ball. The outside of the tapered end of the retriever can be used to retrieve a golf ball by scooping it onto the side of the retriever. The rounded point at the tapered end of the retriever can be used to dislodge or reposition a golf ball so that it can be easily retrieved.

Abstract: A golf club head includes a face including a ball striking surface, a sole defining the bottom of the golf club head, and an external rib in a recess that is formed in the external surface of the golf club head. The external rib includes a first rib, a second rib, and a third rib. The first rib is elongated in the toe-heel direction of the golf club head. The second rib is elongated in the face-back direction of the golf club head. The third rib extends continuously from the first rib to the second rib.

Abstract: A golf club head where at least a first portion of an exterior surface of the golf club head includes depressions is disclosed herein. More specifically, the golf club head has a body with a striking face, a crown portion, a sole portion, and a skirt portion joining the striking face, crown portion and the sole portion and in accordance with the present invention at least a portion of the exterior surface of the body of the golf club head is further comprised of depressions to reduce the aerodynamic drag force on the golf club head. The depressions may be provided on a first portion of the golf club head on one or more of a crown portion, sole portion, skirt portion or striking 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 body portion having a top portion, a bottom portion, a toe portion, a heel portion, a front portion, a rear portion, and an interior. The golf club head may include a first plurality of ports and a second plurality of ports in the bottom portion. A first set of inner support portions may be connected to the first plurality of ports, and a second set of inner support portions may be connected to the second plurality of ports. Other examples and embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: An iron golf club head includes: a face portion including a ball striking surface and a first reverse surface; and a sole back portion including a second reverse surface connected with the first reverse surface and located below the first reverse surface. The iron golf club head has a first hollow separated from outside by the face portion and the sole back portion. The ratio W/V1 of the weight W (unit: g) of the iron golf club head relative to the volume V1 (unit: mm3) of the iron golf club head is 6.5×10?3 or less. The sole maximum projected width Sw of the iron golf club head is 25 mm or more. The sweet spot height Sh of the iron golf club head is 20 mm or more.

Abstract: Devices systems and methods are disclosed. Among other things, the devices systems and methods can facilitate ergonomic gripping of a handle; conform to the shape of a wrist; enhance golf techniques or performance; enhance racket sport technique or performance; protect a head of a user engaged in contact sports or other hazardous activities; identify concussions, in some cases in substantially real time; provide sterilization of garments; control surgical robots; allow for medical treatment of multiple subjects without disrobing; provide biometric or other data; and/or be used to train muscles or body parts for, for example, performing specified tasks using a body part.

Abstract: A system for automatically gathering information on a performance of an action involving an object being hit or struck, the system comprising at least one object contact sensor for detecting a contact with the object. Preferably one or more of the at least one object contact sensors comprises a shock and/or vibration sensor such as an accelerometer, and/or one or more of the at least one object contact sensors comprises a sound sensor; and the system is configured to at least partially detect shock and/or vibrations caused by contact with the object using the one or more shock and/or vibration sensors and/or at least partially detect sound generated by contact with the object using the one or more sound sensors to thereby detect contact with the object.

Abstract: A ball bat includes outer shell segments longitudinally spaced apart from each other to form a gap between them. A joint connects the segments. A first outer shell segment may include a barrel portion of the ball bat and at least part of a tapered portion of the ball bat. A second outer shell segment may include at least part of the tapered portion. The joint may include a tubular element having a first portion positioned within the first outer shell segment and at least partially overlapping an interior surface of the first outer shell segment, and a second portion positioned within the second outer shell segment and at least partially overlapping an interior surface of the second outer shell segment. The tubular element may include an elastomeric material. In some embodiments, the joint may be formed by an elastomeric material connecting the outer shell segments in the gap.

Abstract: A device comprising a substantially flat device. The device has a front edge, a side edge, and a rear edge. The device is attached to a goal with an attachment means. The goal has a open portion defined by two goal posts, the goal posts having a bottom portion, the goal has a closed side and rear netting portion, the front edge of the device runs tightly between each side of the goal post, the front edge of the device is attached to the bottom portion of each goal post, or post side frame and the side edge and the rear edge of the device are attached along the closed side and rear netting portions of the goal structure respectively. The device forms a continuous angled surface between the front to closed portion of the goal. The device is an in-goal ball return device.

Abstract: A blow molded basketball goal having an inner post, an outer post, a rim, and a backboard. The inner post having a top end, a bottom end, a length measured from the top end to the bottom end, and a plurality of protrusions positioned near the bottom end. The outer post having a bottom end, a hollow interior defined by an interior wall, an open top end adapted to receive the inner post, and at least one protuberance on the interior wall. When the inner post is received in the outer post, the plurality of protrusions of the inner post bear against the interior wall of the outer post and the at least one protuberance of the outer post bears against the inner post. The rim is securable to the inner post, and the backboard is securable to the rim.

Abstract: A golf swing training device and method for preventing hyperextension of a joint during golf, or any other activity in which hyperextension occurs. The device includes a curved elongate member, which contains a bend that coincides with the joint, attached below the user's elbow using any one or more straps, cam buckles, and hooks and loops fasteners. The elongate member, when worn properly, does not allow the elbow to hyperextend as the top portion of the elongate member hits the back of the user's arm when the arm is straightened, preventing any further movement.

Abstract: A golf practice device uses magnetic attraction to implement a ball return function. A ball is fastened to a tether coupled to a post enabling the ball and tether to rotate in a plane around the post when the ball is struck by a golf club. The plane of rotation is at a non-zero angle relative to the ground plane to simulate a launch angle. The magnetic coupling causes the ball to come to rest in the same general position on the playing surface following the rotation. The device is adapted for temporary attachment to a playing surface such as a typical artificial grass mat, and the ball may be a hollow, plastic ball such as a perforated wiffle ball. The ball is also rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the tether to further mimic actual ball flight dynamics. The device can be used for hitting, pitching and chipping practice.

Abstract: A portable shield made for individuals who practice boxing, martial arts, or any combat sport. The portable shield comprises a central striking area, a resilient neck-like striking area, a head-like striking area that are suitable for kicking and/or punching. The portable shield also comprises holding arms for steering the shield and a spring within the resilient neck-like striking area for allowing movement of the head-like striking area when it is stricken by a user/athlete. The head-like striking area, the resilient neck-like striking area and the central striking area are covered with padding material to prevent injuring the user/athlete when kicking and/or punching.

Abstract: A tennis stoke practice device comprises a tube comprising a first end, a second end and a hollow interior. The first end and the second end are operable for joining of accessories. A grip-bud is removably joinable to the first end. The grip-bud is configured to close the hollow interior at the first end. A grip is joined to the tube to abut the grip-bud. The grip-bud and grip comprise an octagonal shape. A movable insert is configured for projectile movement through the hollow interior in which, during a desired swing of the device, a longitudinal axis of the movable insert is substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the hollow interior. During an undesired swing of the device, the longitudinal axis of the movable insert rotates out of alignment with the longitudinal axis of the hollow interior.

Abstract: A sports projectile delivery system may control the operation of a launcher to cause an American football or other sports projectile to be delivered to a target location on a field. In some aspects, the system can track player movements on the field, e.g., through the use of a tracking device mounted on the player, enabling the ball etc. to be launched to a player in anticipation of where the player will go. The system may include additional customization and/or logging options, e.g., permitting a player to designate a body position (e.g., above the head or near the knees) for delivery of the ball, designate a speed or hang time for delivery, or provide player data and analytics to an online or otherwise connected database.

Abstract: An exercise machine includes a resistance mechanism supported on a frame; a pulley system having a first end connected to the resistance mechanism and a second end configured for movement by a user performing an exercise motion. The resistance mechanism is configured to resist operation of the pulley system during the exercise motion. A selector mechanism is operable to adjust an amount of resistance provided by the resistance mechanism to operation of the pulley system. A safety locking device automatically prevents the selector mechanism from adjusting the amount of resistance once the resistance mechanism has been engaged by the user via the pulley system.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for monitoring athletic performance data for a plurality of users and motivating increased athletic activity among users by providing challenges and suggestion for improving athletic performance. User athletic performance data and other information may be associated with user communications using one or more identifiers and displayed to the user via an interface, including user leaderboards and other interface displays.

Abstract: A multiplayer sports formation arrangement prompting method adapted to monitor, by a computing device, a formation of a plurality of athletes participating in a multiplayer sport to prompt each of the athletes to adjust a position is provided, in which at least two wind sensors and a positioning device are disposed on or around each of the athletes.

Abstract: An example loosening-resistant blade mounting bracket for an ice skate includes a platform having one or more slot configured to receive a first fastener therethrough for attaching the platform to the bottom of a skate boot. One or more riser is provided substantially perpendicular on the platform. The riser has at least one opening configured to receive a second fastener therethrough for attaching the riser to a skate blade. A set screw may be provided on the at least one riser to tighten the riser against a mounting hump on the skate blade to reduce movement between the at least one riser and the mounting hump.

Abstract: A sport board or freestyle skateboard which may include at least a central aluminum honeycomb portion between layers of carbon nanotube fiber, fiberglass cloth, and covered with a soft outer layer.

Abstract: A riding device with a front truck and a rear truck connected by a frame, with a longitudinal roll axis coincident with a virtual line between a front virtual pivot point and a rear virtual pivot point. Each virtual pivot point is located at the intersection of a line projecting upward from the central point of a hanger axle axis and a hanger pivot axis. Virtual pivot points are the points about which the front and rear hanger pivot axis rotate as a result of rider input leaning to the right or left.

Abstract: Various powered wheeled board vehicles are disclosed. In some embodiments, the vehicle includes a deck having a forward portion and a rearward portion. At least one front wheel can be connected with the deck under the forward portion. The front wheel can be configured to swivel about a first axis and rotate about a second axis. A powered wheel can be connected with the rearward portion. In some configurations, the rear wheel comprises a hub motor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a power-driven shoe device, comprising a shoe sole (1), wherein a plurality of rotating wheels (2) are arranged below the shoe sole (1); an electric motor (3) is further provided at a lower part of the shoe sole (1); an output end of the electric motor (3) is connected to a transmission device; the transmission device is in driving connection with the rotating wheels (2); rotating wheel brackets (6) for having the rotating wheels (2) mounted thereon are arranged on two sides of a lower side surface of the shoe sole (1); and the transmission device comprises a driving wheel (4), a multistage deceleration structure and a planetary speed reducer, the multistage deceleration structure being disposed, in a lengthwise direction of the shoe sole (1), on the rotating wheel brackets (6).

Abstract: A card shuffler and dealing module shuffles eight decks of cards (or less) and delivers Baccarat hands (or other games) to a dealer. Cards are randomly selected from two pre-shuffle bins and delivered to a connected or integral dealing module. The card shuffler initially selects and delivers four cards (the minimum number needed for a hand of Baccarat) to a dealing area of the dealing module. Two additional cards (the maximum number of additional cards needed for a hand of Baccarat) are then selected and delivered to the dealing module rear of the four initial cards. Accordingly, up to six cards are available to be dealt during the Baccarat hand. The smart card shuffler tracks the rank of the cards and discerns the future outcome of the Baccarat game and adjusts the cards made available to the dealer via an automatic dealing module cover and card transport mechanism.

Abstract: A game system comprises a game progress control unit which allows a plurality of games to progress, a win and loss history managing unit which manages a win and loss history of each of the plurality of games, and an image generating unit which generates a game image comprising a win and loss history image representing the win and loss history. The win and loss history managing unit determines whether the win and loss history meets a predetermined highlight condition, and allows highlighting to be performed on the win and loss history image corresponding to the win and loss history determined to meet the highlight condition. This allows intuitive recognition of any of a plurality of games that has enhanced expectation.

Abstract: Apparatus and method of playing a building game against an opponent. The apparatus may include a podium for building a structure with stackable materials such as building blocks. The apparatus may also include an actuator that allows a first player to “blow up” a second players structure if the first player builds his or hers first. The Build or Boom™ game may simply utilize air chambers and a tube but is also capable of utilizing electrical and mechanical means to perform the same functions.

Abstract: A game device for playing a game includes a first display having a first display area, and being configured to display images for the game in the first display area, the first display area including an operation area on which a user item of a user is movably placeable, a computing device, and a storage medium containing program instructions stored therein, execution of which by the computing device causes the game device to provide the functions of: obtaining item information from the user item, the item information including a game character that is used by the user in the game, executing the game using the item information, and controlling displaying of the first display, by causing an associated image that is associated with the user item that has been movably placed on the operation area to display in the first display area.

Abstract: A wearable device with movement indicator, a system and a method for movement indication are provided. The movement indication is implemented on the wearable device. The wearable device receives a movement instruction from a computing host. The movement instruction includes a direction signal that may be accompanied with further instructions such as strength and direction. The instructions are displayed through the movement indicator of the wearable device. A user who wears the wearable device moves in response to a moving instruction. A motion sensor of the wearable device senses a movement signal and obtains a moving direction. Other signals of strength and distance may also be obtained by the motion sensor. After that, the system can score the movement of the wearable device based on the original movement instruction.

Abstract: A method for identifying one or more light sources may include capturing, via an imaging device, an image, the imaging device having a rolling shutter. The method may also include receiving, via at least one processor, the captured image, and detecting, via the at least one processor, whether the image includes a set of alternating stripes. The method may further include measuring, via the at least one processor, if the image includes a set of alternating stripes, a width of at least one stripe of the set of alternating stripes included in the captured image, and identifying, via the at least one processor, a light source causing the set of alternating stripes based on the measured width.