Abstract: A shooting target lifter includes a projectile-resistant tubular housing configured for coupling to a base of a falling shooting target including a reusable shooting target rotatably connected to the base. A target lifter arm is rotatably connected to the tubular housing, and an actuator is within the tubular housing with a first end pivotably mounted to the tubular housing and a second end pivotably mounted to the target lifter arm. A free end of the target lifter arm is configured to lift the reusable shooting target from the down position to the upright position when the ram is extended from the retracted position to the extended position. The shooting target lifter further includes a controller within the tubular housing configured to, in response to a wireless signal, output a control signal to extend the ram to reset the reusable shooting target from a down position to an upright position.

Abstract: A cutting horse trainer uses a transport device which rides on a rail of the fence of a pen. The transport device can be positioned behind the fence of a pen. The transport device is moved along the rail responsive to commands from a handheld remote control device. A pulley engaged with the rail is linked to an artificial calf, which is extended into the pen via a hinged arm. As the transport unit moves along the rail, the pulley coupled to the rail causes the artificial calf to rotate accordingly. Thus, during changes in direction, the calf appears to be turning, from the viewpoint of the cutting horse. When not in use, the arm can be folded upwards to remove any apparatus associated with the cutting horse trainer from the pen.

Abstract: A swing practice apparatus has an upper horizontal bar, a lower horizontal bar that is positioned directly under the upper horizontal bar and runs parallel with the upper horizontal bar, an upper slide ring capable of sliding along the upper horizontal bar, a lower slide ring capable of sliding along the lower horizontal bar, and a spring that exserts force to the ball toward a catcher side. A ball is supported from the upper and the lower slide rings via support springs, and positioned between the upper horizontal bar and the lower horizontal bar. A stopper is mounted at a pitcher side of the upper horizontal bar to stop the upper slide ring, and a release mechanism releases the stopper to release the upper slide ring from the stopper and the upper slide ring and the ball move toward the catcher side due to the spring.

Abstract: A sport training apparatus can have a stand with a base and a post attached to the base. A target member can be removably and pivotally coupled to a bearing assembly at a proximal end of the post, so that the angular orientation of the target member relative to the post is selectively adjustable. The target member can optionally include a hoop with a circular opening sized to receive a ball therethrough. The target member can optionally include an arc with a semicircular opening configured to receive a ball therethrough. The target member can optionally include a plurality of elongate flaps, the plurality of flaps can indicate a jumping height of a user when struck and rotated by the user hand. The target member can include a plurality of pads can deflect a ball that strikes the one or more pads. A sport training kit can include the stand and multiple target members, such as those described above.

Abstract: A target is described that includes a plurality of clay targets and a clay target connector having a plurality of clamping ends. Each clamping end is releasably connected to a clay target. A target support structure is described that includes a tension line and a first and second support leg. The tension line is suspended between the first and second support leg with a horizontal tension. First and second guy lines are connected to first and second support legs. A target is suspended from the tension line. The target includes a plurality of clay targets and a clay target connector. The clay target connector includes a plurality of clamping ends. Each clamping end of the plurality of clamping ends is releasably connected to a clay target of the plurality of clay targets. A method to suspend a target is also described.

Abstract: An apparatus for randomly moving a target in space, comprising: a drive assembly disposed within a housing, an electric motor, a programmable controller, and a moving attachment arm, adapted to move vertically, horizontally, along a curved path, and along a linear path in response to instructions from the controller.

Abstract: A swing training apparatus for baseball or softball that suspends or propels a tethered ball to be hit by a batter. The apparatus includes two elongated vertically spaced apart cords disposed, one above the other, connected at opposed ends to vertical upright members to extend therebetween relative to a horizontal axis in a taut tightly stretched or drawn condition. One or both cords may be formed of elastic material and may extend between the uprights generally parallel to, or slightly angularly relative to, the horizontal axis. A ball trolley with a practice ball is movably supported vertically between the two elongate cords. The ball trolley includes two pulleys, each mounted on a respective elongate cord in vertically opposed relation, and a practice ball is captured between and attached to the pulleys.

Abstract: A target senses whether and where it has been struck by a laser light. The target includes a screen for allowing laser light to pass through, a plurality of light sensors behind the screen, and an optical display associated with one or more of the light sensors. When the target is struck by a laser light, a sensor records the strike, and the target may be struck with laser light multiple times, whereby different sensors may record the different strikes. To determine whether and where the target has been struck, the user activates a display mode that causes the optical displays in the target to illuminate. The user can then reset the target so the user can begin again.

Abstract: A system for measuring the volume of a tank, including an optical device that emits a laser beam adjacent to a surface of the tank, and a magnetic trolley selectively moveable along the surface of the tank and configured to be remotely controlled by an operator. The magnetic trolley has a linear position sensor in communication with the laser beam to determine the position of the magnetic trolley relative to the laser beam as the magnetic trolley moves on the surface of the tank. A data processor communicates with the linear position sensor to calculate the volume of the tank based at least partially on the position data collected by the linear position sensor.

Abstract: Describe herein is a target apparatus that includes a base with a flat surface and a rocker assembly. The rocker assembly includes a curved surface operatively disposed in rolling engagement with the flat surface. The rocker assembly also includes a target support that is configured for supporting a target thereon. The rocker assembly rolls on the flat surface in a first direction between an upright position and a lowered position. The rocker assembly has a weight sufficient to return the rocker assembly to the upright position from the lowered position. The target apparatus may be configured such that a target mounted on the target support moves in a direction toward or away from the front of the target apparatus or in a direction perpendicular to a direction that runs from the back of the target apparatus to the front of the target apparatus.

Abstract: A rotatable target for use in a projectile toss game using a projectile such as a bean bag. The rotatable target has a semi-circular main body portion having a base, a rim, and a substantially flat outer surface. A hub is located substantially at the axis of the main body portion. A plurality of shelves project outwardly from the outer surface of the main body portion, preferably at an angle of about 90 degrees. Preferably the shelves extend radially from the hub to the rim. A pendulum extends vertically downwardly below the hub. The pendulum has a vertically adjustable weight associated therewith. A target stand having a pivot pin that extends outwardly therefrom and through the hub of the main body portion in a manner adapted to allow the main body portion to rotate about the pivot pin.

Abstract: A portable moving target training system includes a target member, a prime mover, and one or more cables configured to operatively couple the prime mover with the target member. The target member is configured to receive a projectile from an associate user and the prime mover is responsive to an input signal to selectively initiate relative movement between the target member and the associated user. A series or set of pulleys engage and guide the one or more cables between the prime mover and the target member, wherein the pulleys include an augured soil stake and a pulley wheel rotatably carried on the soil stake.

Abstract: A mark unit includes a holding section that is disposed at the top of a display section so that a light-emitting section is positioned on a side of a display screen of the display section and a weight section is positioned on a side opposite to the display screen to hold the light-emitting section on the side of the display screen that intersects a horizontal plane.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a game in which players launch, shoot, or propel objects at a target, and more specifically, to a game in which players launch, shoot, or propel objects in an attempt to attach the objects to a target that may be in motion, or to dislodge objects that are hanging from the target.

Abstract: A target moving configuration includes a weighted base, a shooter's target, a target-moving assembly rotationally connected to the base and a hinge pivotally connecting the target thereto. A target-fall control device operatively connects the hinge to selectively pivot the target when activated. The control device has a balloon, a lock with a removable key, and a pull cord connecting the balloon to the key, which cord holds the key in the lock while the balloon is intact. A target motion device has a drive shaft, a drive cord connected to the target moving assembly and the drive shaft. An electric motor is connected to the drive shaft for rotating the drive shaft. A controller is operable to selectively and randomly power the motor to, thereby, move the target movement arm with respect to the base. Multiple targets and assemblies are provided and connected to the drive shaft for independent movement.

Abstract: A compact lightweight portable heeling/heading rope practicing system with a detachable head portion that provides automated movement simulating the movement of bovine legs using pendular motion driven by a hand cranked spring mechanism and/or electric powered motor, and a method of promoting the sale of such rope practicing systems in conjunction with events in which potential purchasers already participate.

Abstract: An invention relating to a device and method for training all types of pitchers. The coach observes a pitch, approximating its natural apogee. This point should be at about 12 to 15 feet from the mound/release point. The Pitcher's Box pitcher training system is placed at the approximate point of apogee and adjustments in height and width are made to accommodate the ability of the pitcher, placing the target object as near as possible to the apogee height with the target object being no closer than 12 inches to the top of the enclosed section itself. The coach instructs the pitcher to pitch at and through the target object to the target zone at home plate. The pitcher is able to remove the stigma of distance from the pitch, enabling the subject to work on mechanics, conditioning, strength and repetition. For advanced work by accomplished subjects more than one Pitcher's Box can be used in tandem to establish control and placement, desired movement, and to map movement and reactions.

Abstract: A shooting target. The shooting target includes a base with a battery chamber, a speaker and casing mounted thereon. The casing houses a gear box therein. Above the casing, there are a counter, a moving target and a lighting section. The gear box has a gear set and a driving motor. At the front and rear outer side of the gear box, there are respectively first and second cam devices pivotally disposed thereon. The counter is located above the gear box for automatically counting the toppling number of the moving target. when the moving target is hit and toppled, an audio and visual effect will be generated.

Abstract: A game that includes a movable target is provided. To this end, the game includes an object that is thrown at the movable target. The movable target has a first movable element, a second movable element, a switch actuated by the thrown object, and a driving mechanism. The driving mechanism switches from moving the first movable element to moving the second movable element in response to actuation of the switch. Switch actuation occurs when the thrown object encircles the movable target and strikes an appendage of the movable target.

Abstract: An elongated arm is rotatably connected to a pivot shaft mounted between a base and a canopy. The elongated arm extends radially between the canopy and the base and extends beyond the perimeter of the base and the canopy. Attached to the free end of the arm and suspended just beyond the perimeter of the canopy and the base is a toy character. In use, as a pet swats the toy character, the arm is rotated about the pivot shaft which initiate a fixed orbital motion of the character about the perimeter of the cap and the base.

Abstract: A game of skill involves a housing made to resemble an old-style cash register. When the game is played, a motor causes oscillation of the cash drawer in and out while the player shoots coin-like disks toward the drawer attempting to land the coins within compartments within the drawer. Each compartment corresponds to a point score that is displayed on a display on the simulated cash register. Each time the game is played, the player is given a pre-set number of coin-like disks.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arcade type amusement game in which contestants compete to be the first to get a set number of balls in 15, the opening of a replica of a toilet bowl while a toilet-like seat is rising and falling. The invention provides a means of tracking the number of successful balls entering the bowl.

Abstract: A running target shooting range comprising an oscillating platform 21, wherein a marksman stands thereon so as to position himself or herself to fire bullets at a stationary target (not shown). The oscillating platform 21 is supported on and moves by rollers or wheels 31 which are positioned in a stationary base member 25 located below the surface of the oscillating platform 21. Pivot arm 32 engages both the stationary base member 25 and the oscillating platform 21 at a generally central location, wherein the platform is oscillatable about the pivot arm 32 when a drive mechanism, also housed in the stationary base member 25 is activated. The drive mechanism 80 comprises a gearmotor 81, which propels a rotary shaft 82 having one end engaging the motor and the other end including a small-toothed pinion wheel 84, and wherein the teeth on the pinion wheel 84 mate with matching teeth on the bottom side of a cam system when the shaft is rotated.

Abstract: An archery target method and apparatus including providing a stationary target for an archer shooting an arrow to initiate a moving target. The apparatus senses a hit on the stationary target and initiates a delay sequence. After counting down the delay sequence which allows the archer to reload a bow with a second arrow, the apparatus begins to move a moving target across a target range allowing the archer to fire at the moving target with the second arrow. The apparatus senses when the moving target reaches the end of the target range and stops the moving target at the end of the target range. The apparatus then resets the archery target to return across the target range when the second stationary target shot impacts the target. At this same time, the timing sequence is initiated again, thus repeating the alternating stationary and moving target shots. This sequence allows the archer both left to right and right to left moving targets as well as stationary target shots.

Abstract: A support structure and system which holds a cardboard or paper target above a small, lightweight carriage which moves back and forth under operator control. The system is highly portable (with the exception of the track) and can be set up very quickly and easily. The unique design allows use of commercially available, rolled steel beams (such as standard I-beam or flat bar steel) to implement the track structure. The universal mounting design allows the target system to attach to an I-beam track in any one of 8 different ways. Specifically, it can run "right side up" or "up side down"; it can mount on either of the two flanges of the I-beam (such that two target systems can operate simultaneously on a single track); and its motor drive unit can be positioned on either end of the track. The low-mass carriage and the increased-traction roller design allow the quick direction changes necessary in tactical target training.

Abstract: A game apparatus (10) including a projectile propeller (12) mounted on a forward end portion (14) of a housing (16). The game apparatus further includes a target (18) mounted to translate forwardly and rearwardly with respect to the projectile propeller adjacent a rearward end portion (20) of the housing. The projectile propeller is operable to propel a game projectile (22) towards the target (18) with a varying trajectory relative to the translational position of the target.

Abstract: A portable validation unit for an electronic gaming system, particularly a BINGO system. The validation unit communicates through a serial data interface with a base station of the gaming system to receive a serial number defining a particular validation unit and corresponding employee, and further receives a validation code defining a particular gaming schedule. As the gaming schedule is played on electronic BINGO cards, wins of each game are validated by connecting a validation unit to an electronic card to ensure that the card has a matching validation code stored therein for the current gaming schedule and is indicating a winning sequence of called numbers. If there is no winning indication, then the validation unit sounds one of two audible tunes depending upon whether the validation codes match. In response to a matching validation code and win indication, the validation unit will sound another short recognizable audible tune indicating a win.

Abstract: A ball target assembly (10) for providing target practice and practice of timing in relation to the movement of a ball through the air. The device (10) comprises a frame section (12) positioned in a substantially upright position providing support for the device on the ground, a movable boom section (16) pivotally attached at the top and in front of the frame section (12) providing horizontal and vertical reciprocal movement of a ball receiver target section (66) to restore the target to a flush-upright position after being struck by a moving ball, a cable support system (85) providing support between the frame (12) and the target (66) so that the target (66) remains in the flush-upright position in a selected stationary position, and a backnet section (20) comprising a sack-oriented netting material received by the rearward portion of the frame (12) for timely collection and retrieval of the moving balls.

Abstract: A movable target for a throwing game is provided including a target body and a target member movably connected to the target body. The target body includes: a gear shaft cooperating with a drive mechanism; a rotary shaft mounted on the gear shaft; a rotary plate having an engagement projection and being loosely mounted on the rotary shaft; a rotary member having a projection formed on its upper surface mounted on the rotary shaft to be slidable longitudinally; a compression spring provided between the rotary plate and the rotary member; an oscillating member oscillatably supported on a supporting shaft passing through a base portion of the target member and a pair of bearing plates erected on the rotary plate, the oscillating member engaging at its upper end the target member; and a projection formed on an upper surface of said rotary member and fitted into a groove formed longitudinally on a lower end surface of the oscillating member.

Abstract: The apparatus provides a moving target for practicing perceptual and perceptual motor skills particularly for education, therapy, athletics and amusement. The moving target may be large or small at ground level and may be propelled at various different speeds in opposite directions. The interval of movement in a given direction is variable selectively or randomly as is the pause time between intervals of movement and speed. The movement of the target permits the practice for training and increasing motor skills, adaptability and attentiveness to time, distance, direction and force at all levels of skill.

Abstract: The apparatus provides a moving target for practicing perceptual and perceptual motor skills particularly for education, therapy, athletics and amusement. The moving target may be large or small at ground level or above ground level and may be propelled at various different speeds in opposite directions. The interval of movement in a given direction is variable selectively or randomly as is the pause time between intervals of movement and speed. The movement of the target permits the practice for training and increasing motor skills, adaptability and attentiveness to time, distance, direction and force at all levels of skill.

Abstract: A combat simulator comprising a track, movable between a first inclined position and a second inclined position and a target slidably mounted on the track. The track is moved by a motor having a crank which engages a slot in the track. The motor is activated and deactivated by an ultrasonic motion detector, set to detect motion of a trainee. Two or more combat simulators can be used in tandem to create various situations, including a hostage-suspect situation.

Abstract: A combination toy vehicle (10), a jump (14) for the vehicle, a tower (12) holding a swinging hoop (24) having a flame design adjacent the end of the jump, and a landing ramp (16) for the vehicle. The toy vehicle includes a shift lever (110, 110A) to hold the vehicle stationary when a motor in the vehicle is wound, and which upon release, allows the vehicle to move forward over the jump, through the swinging hoop, if in motion, and land on the landing ramp thereby simulating the vehicle leaping through a flaming stunt hoop.

Abstract: Disclosed is a target apparatus for realistically simulating battlefield conditions comprising an inflatable target capable of receiving repeated fire without deflating. The target is mounted on a trolley and moves along a predetermined path and can be rapidly inflated by a source of pressurized air and maintained in an inflated condition. At least one transducer is positioned within the target to detect the passage of a projectile through the target and to differentiate between different caliber projectiles based on their different pressure wave energy levels. An externally positioned projectile position detection apparatus may also be provided.

Abstract: A game apparatus has a cabinet defining a playing area, a plurality of coin slots, and a rotable, ribbed, drum beneath the slots for projecting an accepted can within the playing area. In a lower portion of the playing area are two shelves onto which projected coins may fall, the shelves being traversed by pusher bars which push collected coins towards the edge of the respective shelf. In an upper portion of the playing area are a plurality of baskets containing sensors actuated by a coin passing through a basket to secure a predetermined award. Suitably one of the baskets is movable.

Abstract: A method for eliciting responses from animals to moving, visually discernible stimuli; and an apparatus for providing a moving visually discernible stimulus for eliciting responses from animals.

Abstract: A game machine has a plurality of targets which unpredictably come out and disappear from their corresponding holes at the surface of a table on a game stand. A player can only strike targets which are positioned above the surface thereof. A main shaft is provided with the target on its upper end and is supported by bearings in such a manner that it can rotate and move up and down. A plunger disposed at the periphery of the main shaft is magnetically attracted by an electromagnetic solenoid. When raised, the main shaft always faces a predetermined direction due to an action of permanent magnets. Hitting of the target can be detected by monitoring abrupt large fluctuations in current flowing through the solenoid during a period of time that the target is caused to appear above the table.

Abstract: A color moving target simulation apparatus combines an enlarged color aerial photograph with a miniature moving target to achieve an accurate simulation of a real world observation from an altitude above the moving target. The color photograph is mounted on a stationary substrate and the target is attached to an endless wire which is moved across the photograph. The wire extends between parts of a motorized pulley assembly mounted on opposite ends of a arm which may be rotatably adjusted to various positions in a plane parallel to the substrate and photograph.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mechanism for providing air-supported floating lightballs as moving targets in shooting galleries in which the height of the lightballs is constantly changed by varying the current passing through associated air pumps that produce air jets for lifting the lightballs in the air by changing the resistance of the current path by means of a rotating rheostat disc, thereby providing the lightballs with an unpredictable and capricious nature.

Abstract: A linear motion and pop-up target training system is disclosed for training a marksman to fire a simulated weapon. Located upon the terrain surface of a modelboard are six pop-up targets and three bi-directional linear motion targets, each of which emits, when activated by a first microprocessor computer, a pulsed beam of infrared light. Mounted upon the weapon is a sensor which will sense the pulsed beam of infrared light emitted by the activated target. The sensor then supplied to a rifle electronics circuit an analog signal proportional to the amount of light received by the sensor, and the rifle electronics circuit converts the analog signal to a digital logic signal to be supplied to a second microprocessor computer. The second microprocessor computer then processes the digital logic signal in accordance with a predetermined computer program so as to determine whether the marksman has scored a hit, a miss, or a near miss upon the activated target.

Abstract: A game of the type having a playing surface enclosed in a housing and including a launching mechanism for propelling an object across the playing surface is improved by locating a target on the playing surface distal from the object launcher and interspacing between the target and the object launcher an interference member. The game includes an actuation device which continually moves the interference member reciprocally back and forth in the path of the object. The interference member is capable of assuming at least one position wherein it can interfere with the movement of the object and at least one position wherein it does not interfere with movement of the object rendering it possible for the object to travel from the object launcher to the target.The interference member includes a first sliding member having a plurality of projections which move through channels in the playing surface as the first sliding member slides in the housing.

Abstract: A computer controlled automatic target system is disclosed which may be implemented on a fixed range or selectively deployed in the field. The fixed range system utilizes land line connections to the target and hit sensor assemblies. The portable field control embodiment incorporates a radio adapter unit which provides a two-way telemetry link between the control console and the target and hit sensor assemblies. The targets are provided with a fixed base or a disk-shaped sled. The targets utilizing the sled are adapted to be pulled across the terrain by a winch system. Both target mounting systems incorporate a base shield adapted to protect the target control and hit sensor assemblies. The hit sensor subsystem registers hits by ammunition or laser beam. Data from the hit sensor and control of the target silhouette between an up or down position is accomplished via communication links between the targets and the control console.