Abstract: A device for treating the brain includes a light source configured to emit near infrared light. The device also includes a collimator configured to receive the near infrared light emitted by the light emitter. The collimator is further configured to collimate the near infrared light. The device also includes an optic configured to focus collimated light. A reflector of the device is configured to change a direction of the collimated light. The reflector is at a distal end of the device, and the distal end is configured to fit between an upper portion of an eyelid of a patient and an orbital socket of the patient.

Abstract: An irradiation device for insertion into an orifice of the body for providing photodynamic therapy or diagnosis comprises: a housing 1, 21, 31, 51, 61, 71 adapted to be fully inserted and secured in the orifice, the housing 1, 21, 31, 51, 61, 71 enclosing an LED lamp system 5, 25, 35, 45, 54, 62, 72 and a power source 41, 68, 78, for powering the LED lamp system 5, 25, 35, 45, 54, 62, 72, wherein the device is independently operational while located within the orifice.

Abstract: Probes include a probe body configured to penetrate biological tissue. High-efficiency light sources are positioned within the probe body. Each high-efficiency light source has a sufficiently intense light output to trigger a light-sensitive reaction in neighboring tissues and has a sufficiently low power output such that a combined heat output of multiple light sources does cause a disruptive temperature increase in the neighboring tissues.

Abstract: Aspects herein are directed to an anchorable brachytherapy device configured to be permanently implanted in a tumor bed at the time of operative removal of the tumor. In example aspects, the brachytherapy device may comprise a plurality of hollow tubes that form a spherical or ellipsoid shape. Protrusions or grooves may be formed on an outer surface of the tubes to help anchor the brachytherapy device in the tumor bed. Radioactive seeds or strands may be positioned within the tube channels to provide radiation to the tumor bed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a particle therapy apparatus for irradiating a target with a charged particle beam. In one implementation, the apparatus includes an isocentric gantry rotatable about an axis and configured to direct a particle beam towards an isocenter of gantry and according to a final beam direction, a magnetic resonance imaging system configured to generate a main magnetic field parallel to the final beam direction, and a passive magnetic shield surrounding the magnetic resonance imaging system, the passive magnetic shield and the magnetic resonance imaging system being synchronously rotatable with the gantry about the axis.

Abstract: A system for monitoring doses from an ionizing radiation source to a treatment region of a patient and immobilizing a body cavity relative to the treatment region, is provided. The system includes a probe body for insertion into the body cavity. The probe body separates the body cavity from the treatment region to reduce exposure to doses from the ionizing radiation source. Radiation detectors are disposed along the probe body to measure at least one dose. A slot disposed adjacent the radiation detectors receives a dosimetry film that, upon exposure to the one or more doses from the ionizing radiation source, indicates a quantification of the doses. A coupling is in fluid communication with a removable sheath having coupled thereto a vacuum or a pump to remove fluid or gas from the body cavity and ensure inner wall of the body cavity is in contact with the sheath.

Abstract: A method for automation and integration inside a same setting of the characterization of a beam accelerator and the verification of a radiotherapy treatment based on the use of a detection medium and its control in a remote way. The reading of the detector subsystem placed on the flat mannequin is calibrated and dosimetric response of the detector subsystem is obtained in automated matter. 3D reconstruction of the radiotherapy treatment is applied on the detector subsystem based on measurements taken with the detector subsystem in the axial plane. Verification and automated visualization of a dose map reconstructed from the measurements taken with the detector subsystem with the dose map is obtained with a planning system.

Abstract: A treatment system for evaluating boron sources for boron neutron cancer therapy (BNCT) has a substantially square secondary moderator having a central treatment chamber for a subject; and four substantially identical neutron generators positioned around the substantially square secondary moderator with the axis of each acceleration chamber passing through the center of the treatment chamber.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method and apparatus for reducing a kinetic energy of positively charged particles, comprising the steps of: (1) transporting the positively charged particles from an accelerator into an exit nozzle system along a beam line; (2) providing a first chamber of the exit nozzle system, the first chamber comprising: an incident side comprising an incident aperture, an exit side comprising an exit aperture, and a beam path of the positively charged particles from the incident aperture to the exit aperture; (3) filling the beam path in the chamber with a liquid; and (4) using the liquid to reduce the kinetic energy of the positively charged particles. The kinetic energy dissipater is optionally used in combination with a proton therapy cancer treatment system and/or a proton tomography imaging system.

Abstract: A method for preparing a product for treating the skin and mucous membranes comprises the steps of making available a suitable quantity of trichloroacetic acid, making available a suitable quantity of hydrogen peroxide, making a first mixture of the trichloroacetic acid and the hydrogen peroxide, making available a determinate quantity of the basic compound able to achieve a buffer effect of the trichloroacetic acid comprised in the first mixture, and adding the basic compound.

Abstract: An emergency escape system is provided. The system comprises a quick release safety pin, a manual release box configured with a metal jacket that contains the pin, and a swing arm attached via a rod to a locking mechanism, the swing arm held immobile by the pin. Upon release of the pin, the arm is configured to move in a horizontal direction and cause the rod to pull and release the locking mechanism from an engaged position. The locking mechanism, when in engaged position, securely maintains at least one of a window, a door, and a panel. The safety pin, the metal jacket, and the swing arm are positioned on an outward facing surface of the manual release box. A load spring surrounding the rod is manipulated by action of the swing arm and causes release of the locking mechanism.

Abstract: A fall protection device includes a frame, a rotatable member being pivotally connected to the frame, a safety belt winding around the rotatable member, a braking plate, and a plurality of braking parts. A side surface of the frame has a connecting hole located on a center of the frame and a plurality of stoppers. The braking plate has a driven shaft passing through the connecting hole to be coaxially connected to the rotatable member. A number of the braking parts is the same as a number of the stoppers. The braking parts are pivotally connected to an inner surface of a plate body of the braking plate. When the braking parts are located at a locking position, an abutting portion of each of the braking parts is located at a position corresponding to one of the stoppers and abuts against one of the stoppers at the same time.

Abstract: An energy absorber for a safety harness has a first end, a second end, and an energy absorbing portion between the first end and the second end. The energy absorbing portion has a first load-bearing web integrally bound to a second load-bearing web. The energy absorbing portion is coiled in a spiral shape in an undeployed configuration. The energy absorbing portion is deployable from the undeployed configuration to a deployed configuration when the first end is pulled away from the second end due to a force exceeding a minimum predetermined force threshold such that at least a portion of the first load-bearing web tears away from at least a portion of the second load-bearing web. The first load-bearing web and the second load-bearing web are integrally bound in the energy absorbing portion by a plurality of binder threads.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a clock-type disaster preparedness kit. More particularly, the present invention relates to a clock-type disaster preparedness kit in which a clock is integrated with a configuration for storing disaster preparedness goods such that a location of the disaster preparedness goods is easily recognized whereby it is possible to request rescue promptly in an emergency. Accordingly, the present invention provides the clock-type disaster preparedness kit, the kit including: a housing provided with a storage space in which a first portion and a second portion thereof are engaged with each other; a clock provided on an outer surface of the housing and showing time; a storing portion provided in the second portion of the housing and storing disaster preparedness goods; and a coupling member coupling the first portion and the second portion of the housing to combine the housing.

Abstract: A method of providing a deluge system (10) on a boom (12) such as a boom that is used to conduct well flaring operations at an end thereof. The deluge system comprises a base unit (30), a stanchion (20), and a nozzle apparatus (22); the method comprising attaching the deluge system to a burner boom with a walkway, such that there remains a width of at least 30 cm clear passage on the boom's walkway after the deluge system has been attached. This provides an escape and/or rescue route for personnel should a dangerous situation occur, such as uncontrolled fire or personnel falling overboard. In preferred embodiments, the deluge system is attached to the boom outboard of handrail supports (which includes on a single handrail). The deluge system may have its own mechanism e.g. a winch, for moving the stanchion from a stowed position to an operative position which allows a safe and more optimum positioning of the stanchion away from the well flaring operation, as herein described.

Abstract: A battery module including a cell stack formed by stacking a plurality of battery cells; a module frame coupled to one side or both sides of the cell stack; and a fire extinguishing unit accommodated in the module frame to eject a fire extinguishing agent at a reference temperature or above.

Abstract: A fire mitigation composition that includes by weight one to five percent potassium hydroxide, two to seven percent citric acid, four to thirty-six percent diammonium phosphate, four to twenty percent carbamide, forty-five to sixty percent deionized water, zero to five percent capryloamphodipropionate, two to six percent tridol 6, and four to seven percent cocamidopropyl betaine.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for producing hydrophobized, doped or non-doped mixed metal oxide nanoparticles or doped metal oxide nanoparticles by flame spray pyrolysis, wherein a combustible precursor solution A, containing at least two metal alkyloates of general formula Me(OOC—R)x with differing metals Me, or a combustible precursor solution B containing at least one metal alkyloate of general formula Me(OOC—R)x and at least one metal salt containing a metal ion Me and at least one metal salt containing a metal ion Me, with Me selected from metal ions of the subgroups of the periodic system of the elements, with R=alkyl or aryl, wherein the alkyl chain is branched or straight, and wherein x corresponds to the oxidation step of the metal ion, is used in stoichiometric excess relative to a quantity of oxygen, and wherein a combustion ratio ? of 3.5 bis 0.4 is established, and hydrophobized nanoparticles and the use thereof.

Abstract: A jump rope device providing a retractable, length adjustable rope includes a first handle, which is tubular, a second handle, a housing that defines an interior space, and a rope. The housing is coupled a first end of the first handle so that the first handle is fluidically coupled to the interior space. A retractor is coupled to the housing and is positioned in the interior space. The rope is coupled to and extends between the second handle and the retractor. The retractor is operationally coupled to the rope so that the retractor is positioned to selectively retract the rope into the interior space. The second handle is configured to be grasped in a hand of a user to extend the rope from the housing through a second end of the first handle so that the rope is configured to be used in a rope jumping maneuver.

Abstract: A resistance system, which can be suitable for incorporation in exercise equipment, is a “hybrid” resistance assembly having at least a first and a second resistance unit. The first resistance unit can be of a first type and the second resistance unit can be of a second type. The first resistance unit can be an inertial resistance unit, which incorporates an inertial load that creates resistance influenced by the inertia of a movable mass, such as a rotatable flywheel. The second resistance unit can be a static or non-inertial resistance unit, such as a displacement resistance unit, which incorporates a load that creates resistance influenced by displacement (e.g., linear or rotational displacement) of an input to the displacement resistance unit.

Abstract: A fitness equipment includes two handles each including a gripping part gripped by hands and an elastic member-coupling part to which an end portion of an elastic member configured to extend between the two handles is coupled; and a supporting base provided with a supporting surface provided at a location opposite the gripping part of the handle, and supported on a bottom surface, wherein the handle and supporting base assemblies are used to perform push-up exercises, and the elastic member is coupled between the two handles to perform chest expander exercises.

Abstract: A workout bench having a bench and a support frame having at least one vertical support member and at least one horizontal member having a first foot member end and a second foot member end, one or more band mounts configured to affix thereto the support frame, the one or more frame band mounts having one or more band adjustment slots, the one or more frame band mounts includes at least one vertical frame band mount configured to affix thereto the at least one vertical support member, and at least two horizontal frame band mounts, a first horizontal frame band mount configured to affix thereto the first foot member end and a second horizontal frame band mount configured to affix thereto the second foot member end, one or more resistance bands with spaced raised stops configured to adjustably catch therein the one or more band adjustment slots, and a handle.

Abstract: Left and right handle segments each have an interior end and an exterior end and have a central handle segment with a left end and a right end. Left and right resistance bands each have an upper end with an upper enlargement and a lower end with a lower enlargement. Left and right coupling components are each coupled to an associated handle segment and to an associated resistance band respectively. Left and right foot straps each have a grommet above and a large loop with a slidable sleeve below. Each grommet supports an associated lower enlargement. Each slidable sleeve is adapted to receive a user's foot. A slider on each lower loop adjusts the size of the lower loop.

Abstract: A weight sled for fitness training that uses a plurality of separately-adjustable resistance mechanisms to allow for adjustment of overall resistance, bias correction and directional control, and wheel skid or slippage control, by means of differential adjustment of the resistance of the plurality of resistance mechanisms. Differential adjustment of the resistance mechanisms can be used to manually or automatically offset a directional bias in the sled, ground surface, or the athlete's abilities to keep the sled moving in a linear motion, and to prevent wheel skid on surfaces with differing friction coefficients.

Abstract: Exercise apparel in the form of a top, a bottom or a combination thereof, incorporates at least one (1) resistance band. Each of the resistance bands is capable of removably securing within the apparel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a reversibly installable modular fitness area including a plurality of modules, variously assemblage due to common stable and reversible connection system, which when joined together give rise to stage-like structures, each of which including one or more equipment pieces for carrying out fitness exercises. Especially opposite support modules have slingshot arm shape, and each of the stages is equipped with a display illustrating how to perform the exercise.

Abstract: Devices and methods for training the tongue and other muscles of the throat and upper respiratory airway to alleviate symptoms of snoring and the Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) are provided. A threshold-load trainer, or similar device, having a biased tongue resistance pad is used for strengthening the muscles of the tongue to inhibit narrowing or obstruction of the upper respiratory airway, particularly during a state of relaxation or sleep. The threshold-load trainer embodiments of the subject invention can specifically target the genioglossus muscle under the tongue (the major tongue protruder) and other muscles of the throat and upper respiratory pathway, so as to improve muscle tonus.

Abstract: Selecting the information displayed on a sports watch, the watch comprising an interface for receiving movement information from at least one sensor; a display; and at least two display modes, wherein at least one mode is a sport mode configured to display sport-specific data. The method according to the invention comprises detecting a sport event based on the movement information received from the at least one sensor; and selecting the sport mode according to the detected sport event.

Abstract: An intelligent sports equipment system and method for processing data as a result of different types of events associated with a puck or ball and generally another piece of sports equipment. The information associated with each type of event can include associating player information with the processed data. In one example a smart hockey puck has embedded electronics for sensing motion across a plurality of axes, a hockey stick has an associated RFID tag that can be read by the smart hockey puck, which can transmit information to a computing device for displaying processed data.

Abstract: A method for locating a golf ball including changing a temperature of a golf ball from a first temperature to a second temperature before use or marking the ball by reflective (mirror) or fluorescent material (e.g., NIR-IR fluorescent dye). The temperature changed ball is struck. Using either a thermal imaging camera with an imaging processing unit or a near-infrared (NIR) imaging camera with an imaging processing unit to produce a digital image of a part of the golf course with a potential golf ball location. An image processing technique is applied to produce an enhanced image of the golf ball location. A thermal imaging camera and a NIR imaging camera for locating a golf ball are described. A non-transitory computer readable media is described.

Abstract: A device including a frame, that is designed to be attached to a stationary structure element, at least one member for applying the forces produced by the patient, mounted on the frame and free to rotate about an axis of rotation that is fixed relative to the frame, a force sensor that measures, in a direction radial to the axis of rotation, the traction component of the forces applied to the member, and an angle sensor that measures the angular positioning of the member about the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A resistance force is controlled such that a user's effort against the resistance force results in a first isokinetic seed movement, wherein the user is an exercise machine user using an exercise machine. The resistance force required to effect the first isokinetic seed movement is associated with a predetermined force-velocity profile. A strength determination of the user is made based at least in part on the required resistance force and the associated predetermined force-velocity profile.

Abstract: A golf ball has a plurality of dimples 12 and a land 14 on a surface thereof. The golf ball further has a large number of minute projections 18 formed on surfaces of the dimples 12 and the land 14. An average depth Fav of the dimples 12 and an average height Hav of the minute projections satisfy the following mathematical formula (1). Hav/Fav?0.050??(1) A ratio M (%) of a sum of areas of all the dimples 12 relative to a surface area of a phantom sphere of the golf ball and an average value Pav (?m) of pitches P each between a minute projection 18 and another minute projection 18 adjacent to this minute projection 18 satisfy the following mathematical formula (2). M/Pav>0.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball travelling a great flight distance on driver shots, exhibiting an excellent spin performance on approach shots under a dry condition and a wet condition, and showing an excellent shot feeling and durability. The present invention provides a golf ball comprising a golf ball body having a spherical core, an intermediate layer and a cover, and a paint film composed of two or more layers, wherein a 10% elastic modulus difference (Min?Mout) between an innermost layer and an outermost layer of the paint film is 25 kgf/cm2 or more.

Abstract: A golf ball includes a main body and a paint layer positioned outside the main body. The paint layer includes an inner layer and an outer layer positioned outside the inner layer. When an indentation depth (nm) is measured on a cross-section along a plane passing through a central point of the golf ball when a force of 30 mgf is applied to the cross-section in a direction perpendicular to the cross-section, an indentation depth Di on a cross-section of the inner layer is smaller than an indentation depth Do on a cross-section of the outer layer. A thickness To of the outer layer is larger than a thickness Ti of the inner layer.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball comprising a paint film having improved abrasion resistance without substantially lowering the spin performance. The present invention provides a golf ball comprising a golf ball body and a paint film formed on a surface of the golf ball body, wherein the paint film contains a resin fine particle in an amount of less than 10 parts by mass with respect to 100 parts by mass of a base resin thereof, the base resin of the paint film is a polyurethane, and the resin fine particle contains a polyrotaxane component having a cyclodextrin, a linear molecule penetrating the cyclic structure of the cyclodextrin in a skewering manner, and a blocking group located at both terminals of the linear molecule to prevent disassociation of the cyclodextrin, wherein at least a part of hydroxyl groups of the cyclodextrin is modified with a caprolactone chain via a —O—C3H6—O— group.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball having excellent shot feeling and resilience as well as improved durability and abrasion resistance. The present invention provides a golf ball comprising a spherical core and one or more cover layers disposed outside the spherical core, wherein at least one layer of the cover layers contains: (A) a base resin containing (a-1) an ionomer resin and having a material hardness of 58 or less in Shore D hardness; and (B) a polyrotaxane having a cyclodextrin with at least a part of hydroxyl groups thereof being modified with a caprolactone chain having a carboxyl group at a terminal of the caprolactone chain, a linear molecule piercing through a cyclic structure of the cyclodextrin, and blocking groups located at both terminals of the linear molecule to prevent disassociation of the cyclodextrin.

Abstract: A golf ball 2 includes a main body 4 and a paint layer 6 positioned outside the main body 4. The main body 4 includes a spherical core 8, a mid layer 10 positioned outside the core 8, and a cover 12 positioned outside the mid layer 10. An outer surface of the paint layer 6 forms a surface of the golf ball 2. A contact angle CAw with respect to water measured on the surface of the golf ball 2 is not less than 70 degrees. The paint layer 6 is preferably formed from a resin composition. A preferable resin composition includes a polyurethane as a base resin and includes a silicone compound and/or a fluorine compound. Another preferable resin composition includes a silicone compound and/or a fluorine compound as a base resin and includes no polyurethane.

Abstract: A multi-piece solid golf ball for professional golfers and skilled amateurs in particular is endowed with an excellent distance, a soft yet good feel at impact and a good durability. In the ball, which includes a core, an envelope layer, an intermediate layer and a cover, the core has a hardness profile which satisfies specific conditions, the envelope layer has a thickness of from 0.3 to 1.2 mm, the intermediate layer has a thickness of from 0.3 to 1.2 mm, and the envelope and intermediate layers have a combined thickness from of 0.8 to 1.7 mm.

Abstract: A liquid discharge head includes: an individual channel having an inlet and an outlet, the individual channel including: a nozzle, an upstream-side pressure chamber arranged between the inlet and the nozzle, a downstream-side pressure chamber arranged between the outlet and the nozzle, an upstream-side throttle channel connecting the inlet and the upstream-side pressure chamber, and a downstream-side throttle channel connecting the outlet and the downstream-side pressure chamber; a supply channel connected to the inlet and configured to supply liquid to the individual channel; a recovery channel connected to the outlet and configured to recover the liquid from the individual channel; an upstream-side actuator configured to apply pressure to the liquid inside the upstream-side pressure chamber; and a downstream-side actuator configured to apply the pressure to the liquid inside the downstream-side pressure chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a golf club head comprising at least one crown opening and at least one crown insert attached to the body and covering the at least one crown opening. The golf club head further comprises at least one sole opening and at least one sole insert attached to the body and covering the at least one sole opening. The golf club head additionally includes at least one weight member configured to clamp first and second ledges at selected locations along a sliding weight track. The golf club head also comprise a coefficient of restitution (COR) feature located on the sole of the golf club head. The at least one crown insert is formed from a composite material having a density between 1 g/cc and 2 g/cc. The at least one sole insert is formed from a composite material having a density between 1 g/cc and 2 g/cc.

Abstract: A cast cup can include a forward portion of a golf club head, including a hosel, a face portion, and forward portions of a crown, sole, heel and toe. A rear ring can be formed separately from the cast cup and coupled to heel and toe portions of the cast cup to form a metallic club head body, such that the club head body defines a hollow interior region, a crown opening, and a sole opening. The cast cup and rear ring can be cast of titanium alloys. Composite crown and sole inserts can then be coupled to the crown opening and sole opening. The face portion of the cast cup can have a desirably complex geometry. The rear surface of the face portion of the cast cup can be modified before the rear ring is attached.

Abstract: A golf club head includes a golf club body including a crown, a sole, and a skirt connected between the crown and the sole, the golf club body including a front including a leading edge and a back including a trailing edge, and a hosel connected to the golf club body; a face connected to the front of the golf club body, the face including a geometric center, the golf club head including modifiable boundary conditions.

Abstract: Golf club heads with ribs are described herein. A golf club head comprises a first rib protruding from an internal surface of the club head, and a second rib protruding from the internal surface of the club head. The first rib and the second rib comprise a varying height. The club head further comprises a first side rib located on the internal surface at a heel end of the club head, and a second side rib located on the internal surface at a toe end of the club head. The first side rib and the second side rib generally extend in a front end to rear end direction, and can be linear or curvilinear. The ribs provide structural support and sound control for the club head.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various embodiments of a golf club head having improved mass distribution characteristics. The golf club head includes a body and a face positioned at a forward portion of the body. The golf club head also includes one or more mass elements positioned at predetermined locations about the head. The mass elements assist in achieving a desired relationship between the moment of inertia about a center of gravity x-axis and the moment of inertia about a center of gravity z-axis.

Abstract: Embodiments of golf club heads, golf clubs, and methods to manufacture golf club heads and golf clubs are generally described herein. In one example, a golf club head may include a body portion having an interior cavity and a front portion. A face portion is attached to the front portion of the body portion to enclose the interior cavity. The golf club head may further include a first filler material coupled to a portion of an inner wall of the body portion, and a second filler material between the first filler material and the face portion and coupled to the face portion. The first filler material has a greater coefficient of restitution (COR) than the second filler material, and the second filler material has a greater stiffness than the first filler material. Other examples and embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of iron-type golf club heads that comprise weight reducing features in the topline region of the club head that facilitate changing the Z-up location of the club head. In some exemplary embodiments, the body comprises a weight reducing feature in a topline weight reduction zone of the club head that extends over the entire face length from the par line to the toe portion ending at approximately the Z-up location of the iron type golf club head. The weight reducing feature results in a mass savings of about 2 g to about 20 g, and a Zup shift of about 0.5 mm to about 2.0 mm.

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 top portion, a sole portion, a rear portion, and a front portion having a face portion with a face portion thickness extending between a front surface and a back surface. The body portion may be associated with a body portion volume. The golf club head may also include an interior cavity. The interior cavity may include an elastic polymer material including a radiocontrast material. Other examples and embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: Some disclosed golf club heads include body having at least one raised sole portion and a cantilevered ledge extending down around a perimeter of the club head below the level of the raised sole portion. Some disclosed golf club heads include one or more sole openings in the body and a sole insert that is mounted inside the body over the sole openings. The sole can include weight tracks as well, and a rear weight track can extend between a toe side sole opening and a heel side sole opening. A crown insert can also be included that is mounted over an upper opening in the body.

Abstract: A training device is provided for teaching a desired overhand ball throwing technique. The device includes a guide track, a ball, and a ball mount that attaches the ball to the guide track. The guide track has opposite ends and is configured to be mounted in an elevated or overhead location, with the ball and ball mount traversing between the opposite ends during use. The ball mount may provide multiple degrees of freedom when throwing the ball, while guiding the ball along a desired path as the ball is held in a user's hand and propelled in a throwing manner.