Abstract: A method and system for use in the game of football to determine ball placement and position, as well as first down demarcations, is described, with various embodiments configured to track the location of a football to determine its position on the field and to determine and display the first down demarcation on the field. Certain embodiments employ software to assist in performing placement determinations, distance determinations, track movement of the ball, first down markers, as well as light emitting modules along a track that extends parallel to the field.

Abstract: An electronic down and distance marker system that may comprise a first marker, a second marker connected to a first marker by a physical member having a distance of about ten yards, and a down marker. The present system may include a measurement device for measuring a linear distance between the down marker and the second marker and one or more electronic displays disposed on one of the down marker and the second marker that may display a down and/or the measured linear distance between the down marker and the second marker. A light projector may project one or more of a line of light corresponding to the line to gain, and/or a shape to optically mark the line to gain on the sideline. A remote control, camera and/or an improved wireless measurement and communications capability may also be incorporated into the present system.

Abstract: A method and system for use in the game of football to determine ball placement and position, as well as first down demarcations, is described, with various embodiments configured to track the location of a football to determine its position on the field and to determine and display the first down demarcation on the field. Certain embodiments employ software to assist in performing placement determinations, distance determinations, track movement of the ball, first down markers, as well as light emitting modules along a track that extends parallel to the field.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for receiving a plurality of play events associated with a sporting event, wherein each play event of the plurality of play events comprises a timestamp; for each of the play events, associating the play event with a sports team of a plurality of sports teams; for each of the play events, associating with the play event a particular icon from among a plurality of different icons based, at least in part, on the sports team that is associated with the play event; causing to display a bar in a graphical user interface of a mobile computing device, wherein the bar represents at least a portion of a time duration of the sporting event; for each of the play events, causing to display the particular icon at a position in the bar, wherein the position is based, at least in part, on the timestamp of the event.

Abstract: A sports field marking system that is operable to measure and provide the location required on a field where a football must be advanced to in order to achieve a first down during play of a conventional football game. The sports field marking system includes a first down marker pole placed on a sideline of a football field with a second first down marker pole being placed in axial alignment with the first down marker pole on the opposing sideline. The first down marker pole and second down marker pole include laser emitters operable to project a visible light beam across the surface of the field of play. A down display marker pole is provided and is placed in axial alignment with the first down marker pole on the same sideline. A first laser rangefinder and a second laser rangefinder are mounted to the down display marker pole.

Abstract: A golf club head having a face with a face center and a center face measured performance variable, which may be a characteristic time, or CT, value, a coefficient of restitution, or COR, value, or a potential smash factor. The face includes a center face permanent indicia that is indicative of the center face measured performance variable. Relationships among the permanent indicia and the face are disclosed to reduce the likelihood of distraction caused by the permanent indicia as a golfer addresses a shot. Further, the surface roughness of the permanent indicia is controlled with respect to the surface roughness of the face to reduce the impact that the permanent indicia has on the performance of the golf club head.

Abstract: A ball distance measuring system incorporates a support received over a reference ball. A reference on the support has a diameter differing from a diameter of the reference ball by a predetermined amount visually distinguishable from a circumference of the reference ball presenting an even visual separation confirming concentric coincidence when centered with respect to the reference ball.

Abstract: An electronic down and distance marker system comprising a first marker; a second marker connected to a first marker by a physical member having a distance of about ten yards; and a down marker. The down and distance marker system may also include a measurement device for measuring a linear distance between the down marker and the second marker; and one or more displays that include a down indicator and a distance indicator. The distance indicator may be electronic communication with the measurement device to display the linear distance between the down marker and the second marker thereon. The electronic down and distance marker system may also be electronic communication with facilities of the stadium including the scoreboards and a display in the press-box.

Abstract: An electronic down and distance marker system comprising a first marker; a second marker connected to a first marker by a physical member having a distance of about ten yards; and a down marker. The down and distance marker system may also include a measurement device for measuring a linear distance between the down marker and the second marker; and one or more displays that include a down indicator and a distance indicator. The distance indicator may be electronic communication with the measurement device to display the linear distance between the down marker and the second marker thereon. The electronic down and distance marker system may also be electronic communication with facilities of the stadium including the scoreboards and a display in the press-box.

Abstract: A temporary line projection system designed to be grasped by hand and moved, by a single human operator, into a desired location as, for example, along the sidelines of a football field adjacent to where a first down line is to be projected. The system comprises a movable structure that is dimensioned and arranged to be supported by and project upwardly from an athletic field surface. A laser source is supported by the movable structure and is maintained by the movable structure at an elevated location relative to the athletic field surface. This allows the laser source to direct optical energy downward upon the field while the movable structure is maintained substantially in a first orientation relative to the athletic field surface.

Abstract: A lighting system, for use in combination with a basketball backboard device mounted on a pole, comprises a plurality of lighting devices positioned adjacent the basketball backboard device. The lighting devices comprise a housing, a connector, a first light source, a lens and a light filter, and a secondary light source. The lens focuses lines defined by the light filter. The first light source is positioned to project the lines on to an activity surface to define a foul lane for a basketball court. The connector connects the housing to the pole supporting the basketball backboard device. The secondary light source is positioned to simultaneously illuminate a backboard of the basketball backboard device while the first light source projects the lines through the lens and the light filter. The lines from the first light source combine together on the activity surface to define an area for a basketball game.

Abstract: A system and method for calibration of golf shots is provided. Specifically, a tool for providing a reference target superimposed over a magnified image of the cup for calibration purposes is provided. An optical putter calibration tool may include an eye lens; an object lens; a target lens; a beam splitter; and a target reticle. The eye lens, the object lens, the target lens, the beam splitter and the target reticle may be integrated in a shaft of a golf club, such as a putter, for providing a simultaneous magnified view and projecting a reticle image. Comparison of the reticle image and the magnified view may provide a reading of a playing surface characteristic.

Abstract: A first down indicator system adapted for removable attachment to a first down marker post of markers of the type used in football games for marking a distance of ten yards to determine first down measurement.

Abstract: This invention relates to a self-activated automatic candle snuffer. The device generally comprises a back plate connected to a base and to a spoon having a hole so that the back plate supports the spoon for spring movement with respect to the base. A candle mounted to the base so that the candle passes through the hole in the spoon. A set pin movably affixed to the spoon proximate the hole, operatively arranged to pierce and enter the candle so as to maintain tension in the spoon. A ball balanced on the spoon and a means for release of tension in the spoon which causes release of potential energy that allows the spoon to elevate to an inclined plane to cause the ball to roll down the spoon to settle on the hole and the wick and extinguish a flame.

Abstract: A reference beam generator (1c) for guiding a marking machine, which can be moved in relation to the reference beam generator (1c), for producing ground markings has a support element with at least three adjustable legs (2a, 2b) as positioning elements relative to the surface of the ground (EOB) and a source of electromagnetic radiation for generating a first and a second guide beam which is emitted with a prespecified opening angle in a fan-shaped manner. In this case, two legs (2a?) of the at least three adjustable legs (2a?, 2b) can be adjusted by an adjusting component in an associated manner in opposite directions.

Abstract: An electronically actuated first down marking system and associated method includes first and second marking assemblies positioned on a first sideline of a playing field, and third and fourth marking assemblies positioned on a second sideline of the playing field and opposite of the first and second marking assemblies. A mechanism determines a distance between the first and second marking assemblies, and a mechanism aligns the first and second marking assemblies with the third and fourth marking assemblies. The aligning mechanism and the distance determining mechanism are independently and simultaneously operable during game conditions. A mechanism determines whether a mobile game ball has penetrated a first down plane defined by the second and fourth identification marking assemblies.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems for advertising on a first-down measurement device in an American-style football game are disclosed. An apparatus may include an information display and a sleeve for engaging the information display with a portion of the first-down measurement device. A method may include fixing an advertisement to a material and engaging the material with a portion of a first-down measuring device. A system may include a sideline marker for marking a position of a playing field, a measuring device connected to the sideline marker, an information display, and a sleeve for engaging the information display with the sideline marker or the measuring device. First-down measurement devices containing the information display of the present invention may also be used in simulated American-style football games in which first-down measurements are displayed, such as video game(s).

Abstract: A football down chain set for monitoring the position of a football. The chain set includes a standard having a pointer attached thereon. The pointer is spaced at a distance from the standard. The pointer gauges a position of the football. Another standard has another pointer attached thereon. The other pointer is spaced at a distance from the other standard, the other pointer gauges a position of the football. A strap interconnects the standard and the other standard. The strap is dimensioned for providing a spacing of ten yards between the pointer and the other pointer.

Abstract: A football down chain set for monitoring the position of a football. The chain set includes a standard having a pointer attached thereon. The pointer is spaced at a distance from the standard. The pointer gauges a position of the football. Another standard has another pointer attached thereon. The other pointer is spaced at a distance from the other standard, the other pointer gauges a position of the football. A strap interconnects the standard and the other standard. The strap is dimensioned for providing a spacing of ten yards between the pointer and the other pointer.

Abstract: A reference beam generator (1) for guiding a field marker for ground markings has a support element (11) which can be positioned in a defined manner relative to the Earth's surface, a laser diode and beam guidance means for the emission of the radiation (LS) to at least one reference target (4), the radiation (LS) being emitted with an asymmetrical beam cross-section (5), in particular in the form of a fan, and the beam guidance means being adjustable in a defined manner relative to the support element (11). The radiation (LS) can be aligned with the reference target (4) by an optical detection component for detecting and providing the radiation reflected by the reference target, in particular a telescope (12).

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems for advertising on a first-down measurement device in an American-style football game are disclosed. An apparatus may include an information display and a sleeve for engaging the information display with a portion of the first-down measurement device. A method may include fixing an advertisement to a material and engaging the material with a portion of a first-down measuring device. A system may include a sideline marker for marking a position of a playing field, a measuring device connected to the sideline marker, an information display, and a sleeve for engaging the information display with the sideline marker or the measuring device. First-down measurement devices containing the information display of the present invention may also be used in simulated American-style football games in which first-down measurements are displayed, such as video game(s).

Abstract: A positioning system for use on a football field includes a plurality of stationary devices for positioning about a football field, each stationary device having a transmitter and receiver. The system includes a spotting device having a transmitter, receiver, and display. The system includes a first marking device having a receiver, transmitter, and display. A processor is in data communication with at least one stationary device and the stationary device is in data communication with the first marking device and spotting device. These devices are able to determine, communicate, and display actual spotter device (ball) position, ideal spotter (ball) position, and marker position. Together, this enables a referee to spot a football and determine first down yardage without the traditional use of markers and chains. The spotter device may be placed adjacent the nose of a football and the display communicates if the ball should be moved forward or backward.

Abstract: A temporary visible image, such as a first down reference line, corporate logo, or text is projected onto a target surface by an orientation-stabilized, fiber-fed laser projector. The projector may include at least one cylindrical lens or at least one pair of X-Y scanners. One or more remotely located lasers, supplying optical energy at a single wavelength to the projector, accommodate projection of a monochromatic line pattern. Multi-colored images are accommodated by supplying, to the projector, the output of a plurality of lasers operating at different wavelengths within the visible band. The projector is suspended and conveyed as a unitary assembly by a suspension system adapted to maintain the projectors angular orientation and dynamically stabilize the image. If desired, two or more independently-suspended projection modules or groups of modules adapted to move in unison or independently over the length of the field may be employed.

Abstract: A sporting apparatus for use in football. The sporting apparatus is a system that measures the manner in which football downs and distance is calculated in football. The system includes two down markers, a ball marker, and a hand held device which are in visual contact with each other through a series of radio wave or light wave communications. The system eliminates the need for the traditional down markers used in today's football games in which distance must be frequently checked manually.

Abstract: An apparatus used to officiate sporting events in which the positioning of the ball on the field by the officials is critical to the play. The apparatus employs a laser beam which is directed by the official parallel to the field of play at a height below the width of the ball. In use, a first official directs the laser beam across the field to a second official who uses the laser beam illumination to properly “spot” the ball. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus is mounted onto the shoe of the official; in another, the apparatus is placed on an edge marker.

Abstract: A football first down indicator system for providing a method of quickly and accurately determining a first down in football. The football first down indicator system includes a pair of first down marker members each having an elongate housing member, and also having a stub shaft being attached to a bottom of the elongate housing member for resting upon a ground, and further having a down display housing being attached to a top of the elongate housing member; and also includes a plurality of number display members being rotatably disposed in each down display housing; and further includes an assembly for determining and signaling a first down in football.

Abstract: At least one temporary visible reference line is projected onto a target surface, as for example, an athletic field, by several laser sources. A first laser source emits optical energy—at a wavelength of between 380 nm and 750 nm—along at least a first selectable path upon the target surface so as to form a temporary line thereon. A second laser source disposed at a second elevated, stationary location relative to the target surface different from the first stationary location emits optical energy along at least a second selectable path upon the target surface so as to form a temporary line thereon. In some instances, each laser light source may be capable of traversing the entire width of the target surface, in which case each laser source covers a discrete region.

Abstract: Measuring the required distance necessary for a first down in the sport of football. The apparatus includes a ten yard marker pole with an attached laser apparatus. The laser apparatus emits light in the blue-green wavelength and is capable of emitting laser beam across the entire width of the field onto a target, to aid an official in determining if a first down has occurred or not.

Abstract: A football measuring device has a handle, a chain segment extending from the handle, and a bar mounted perpendicular to the handle. A removable clip is placed on the chain segment to mark the displacement of the football relative to the first down position.

Abstract: At least one temporary visible reference line is projected onto a target surface, as for example, an athletic field, by several laser sources. A first laser source emits optical energy—at a wavelength of between 380 nm and 750 nm—along at least a first selectable path upon the target surface so as to form a temporary line thereon. A second laser source disposed at a second elevated, stationary location relative to the target surface different from the first stationary location emits optical energy along at least a second selectable path upon the target surface so as to form a temporary line thereon. In some instances, each laser light source may be capable of traversing the entire width of the target surface, in which case each laser source covers a discrete region.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing at least one temporary visible line on a surface within the view of at least one video camera. The system comprises a first laser source disposed at a first elevated, stationary location relative to the surface, and a second laser source disposed at second elevated, stationary location relative to the surface. The output of each laser source is synchronously deflected so as to repetitively sweep each output beam across the same region of the surface and thereby project a visible composite line that is, for example, transverse to the lateral sidelines of an athletic field. A controller comprising a synchronization module synchronizes the sweep frequency rate, at which the beams sweep the surface, to a scan rate of at least one camera arranged to receive an image of the composite temporary line.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method of precisely locating a football on a football field in order to determine whether a first down has been achieved. The invention employs an optical distance measuring device that communicates via a wireless transceiver with a portable display device controlled by an on-field official. The portable display device is equipped with an operator interface used to request measurements of the ball location and is suitably programmed to calculate whether a first down has been achieved based on first and second ball location data points.

Abstract: The surface of an athletic field is divided into multiple regions or zones. A first of these zones is served by a first group of laser sources. A second of the zones is served by a second group of laser sources. Each group includes at least two lasers arranged to project visible light onto the field from opposite lateral sides of the field. The output from each group is focused onto the field so as to form a composite line across the field—anywhere within the associated zone. A controller is operative, in response to receipt of a command from either a keyboard terminal or a wireless, hand held user interface device, to select one of the first group of laser sources and the second group of laser sources to project a composite temporary visible line. The zones may be contiguous or may be separated by one or more intermediate zones, with each intermediate zone having its own associated group of laser sources.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing at least one temporary visible line on a surface within the view of at least one video camera. The system comprises a first laser source disposed at a first elevated, stationary location relative to the surface, and a second laser source disposed at second elevated, stationary location relative to the surface. The output of each laser source is synchronously deflected so as to repetitively sweep each output beam across the same region of the surface and thereby project a visible composite line that is, for example, transverse to the lateral sidelines of an athletic field. A controller comprising a synchronization module synchronizes the sweep frequency rate, at which the beams sweep the surface, to a scan rate of at least one camera arranged to receive an image of the composite temporary line.

Abstract: The surface of an athletic field is divided into multiple regions or zones. A first of these zones is served by a first group of laser sources. A second of the zones is served by a second group of laser sources. Each group includes at least two lasers arranged to project visible light onto the field from opposite lateral sides of the field. The output from each group is focused onto the field so as to form a composite line across the field—anywhere within the associated zone. A controller is operative, in response to receipt of a command from either a keyboard terminal or a wireless, hand held user interface device, to select one of the first group of laser sources and the second group of laser sources to project a composite temporary visible line. The zones may be contiguous or may be separated by one or more intermediate zones, with each intermediate zone having its own associated group of laser sources.

Abstract: A system for dynamically marking, with a temporary visible line, an athletic field surface, wherein the field has a first end, a second end, a first lateral boundary and a second lateral boundary. The system includes a laser source capable of producing a beam of radiation, and a displaceable actuator operatively associated with the laser source and adapted to direct the laser beam onto the athletic field surface. A controller including an electronic processor is programmed to cause displacement of the actuator sufficient to cause a visible line, extending from the first lateral boundary to the second lateral boundary, to appear and move between opposite ends of the athletic field surface. A portable, handheld user interface, which includes a wireless communication link, allows a single supervisory official to establish at least unidirectional communication with the controller.

Abstract: The present invention is a pool training device, including a base configured to be placed on a pool tabletop surface, a mounting mechanism secured to the base, and a truncated circular element perpendicular to and attached to the base via the mounting mechanism. When attached, the height of the assembled device is equal to the height of a pool ball. The truncated circular element has an orifice extending perpendicularly through the center of the truncated circular element.

Abstract: A simulated image of a batter facing a pitcher is provided for use in pitching practice. The lower portion of the batter includes one or more stakes which are inserted into the ground and provide a stable support. By positioning the simulated batter in an appropriate place near “home plate”, a pitcher can use the batter as a reference to determine the location of the strike zone. The size of the batter can be adjusted to vary the size of the strike zone. A ball detection apparatus and audio output can be provided to indicate when a pitch is detected and whether the pitch is a ball or a strike.

Abstract: This invention relates to a targeting disk that lays flat on a billiards table and enables a player to more reliably aim and shoot a cue ball at a target ball. The disk has a hemispherical or half-moon shape that is twice as wide as it is long. The radius of the disk is about equal to the combined radii of the cue and target ball. An upper surface of the disk includes a targeting indicium for aiming the cue ball, an alignment pattern and notch for aligning the disk under the target ball, and a pointer for aiming the disk at an intended target such as a pocket or another ball on the table. The targeting indicium is located on an edge of the disk so that the cue ball can strike the target ball without rolling across the surface of the disk. The alignment notch is circular in shape and sized to provide a visual aid that compliments the alignment ring for aligning the targeting disk under the target ball.

Abstract: This present invention relates to the game of pool. It is a device to rack pool balls with consistent accuracy. Throughout the history of pool-billiards, balls were racked by using a triangular or quadrilateral (9 ball) shaped rack in which the racker would place the balls within the rack and roll the rack of balls to a designated spot then lift and remove the rack to accomplish the task. In doing so, rackers would have to rely on their eyesight or judgement for a perfect alignment. This was indeed difficult to achieve because when the rack of balls were rolled over to the designated spot, the racker could not see the designated spot because the lead ball was covering the designated spot so the racker had to approximate the stop of the balls. It could be a little too forward or a little too backward. In the same motion of doing the racking, the racker might turn the rack a few degrees to the left or to the right thus giving an inaccurate alignment in a different plane.

Abstract: A new color coded football yardage measuring sleeve for showing an exact distance a football team must move to achieve a first down when measuring chains are brought onto a football field. The inventive device includes a cylindrical sleeve portion having opposed open ends for receiving an existing yardage chain therein. The sleeve portion has a length of ten yards. The cylindrical sleeve portion is divided into one yard increments of alternating colors.

Abstract: An alignment system and method of use provide significant improvement in the accuracy of a golf stroke or putt. The alignment system may be incorporated into or attached to the head or shaft of a golf club such as a putter or a chipper. One component of the alignment system is a sighting alignment system which includes a turning mirror that is attached to the club head or shaft or may be integral to the top or rear portion of the golf club head. While viewing the reflection of the ball and target through the mirror, the golfer obtains visual feed-back that is very sensitive to club positioning and aiming. The other component is another optical alignment system in which parallax is removed to put the golfer's eye in the proper plane to assure alignment over the golf club head. When both alignments are maintained in the reflected image during the golfer's stroke, the accuracy of the stroke is dramatically improved.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the position of a ball on a playing field during a game, for example a football in the game of American rules football, is disclosed. The apparatus includes a guide ramp having a length corresponding to the first down distance, having sighting lasers at each end and a spotting laser that moves along the guide ramp. At the beginning of a first down series, the guide ramp is moved to and anchored at a position at which one of the sighting lasers projects a mark corresponding to the position of the ball. If a play then occurs in which the ball is advanced to a location within the first down distance, the spotting laser is moved along the guide ramp until its projected mark corresponds to the position of the ball; if a loss-of-yardage play occurs in which the ball is located outside of the first down distance, the initial sighting laser can be removed from the guide ramp and moved to the ball location, connected to the guide ramp by way of a chain.

Abstract: A device for measuring the position of a football on a football playing field has a base member adapted to be placed in juxtaposition on a yard line on the football playing field. A first elongated member to determine the distance the football is positioned relative to the base. A second elongated member visually indicates the location of the base. First pivotal mounting is used to pivotally connect the first elongated member to the base to permit the first elongated member to be selectively rotated into engagement with the second elongated member and into a measuring position. Second pivotal mounting apparatus may be used to pivotally connect the second elongated member to the base so that the base remains substantially in juxtaposition with the line on the field when the first and second members are moved relative to the base when marking the position of the football on the field.

Abstract: A device for making the location of a football on a football field comprising a large view container having two opposite sides containing see through material and having a vertical line on both sides of the see through material, a spirit level under the container to indicate the levelness of the container, a vertical stand which holds up and is attached to the container, the stand having a vertical white line down the center such that it can be seen from the opposite side of the field, a pointed end for the stand, and a smaller container on the other side of the field so that by looking through the vertical lines they can eye up a line across the field, and a process for using the new device to insure the proper location of the football when it is moved by the referee.

Abstract: A combination down marker and football position determining device for use by football game officials to indicate the down of play and the location of the football relative to the sideline of the football field. A compound prism member mounted within the marker rod allows quick and accurate position determination.

Abstract: An object such as a football lying on a playing field is optically sighted through a measuring plane from a remote location. An adjustable framing assembly outlines the field as viewed in the measuring plane and mounts scale means to enable rapid measurement of the object location on the field.

Abstract: A point-of-aim indicator for pool balls or the like which includes a relatively flat base member which has thereon a center line which is adapted for alignment with the vertical axis of an object ball together with means indicating the desired contact point of a cue ball with an object ball and the desired point of aim for the cue ball to establish contact with object ball at such contact point.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing illuminated columns or signals for use as first down lines of demarcation on football fields. The signs may comprise: (1) a single laser light beam having a luminous horizontal segment directed across the field and serving as an overhead line of demarcation, in combination with a relatively lower parallel luminous segment of the same beam, reflected reversely across the field and serving as a ground line of demarcation, or (2) two oppositely travelling light beams having a pair horizontal luminous segments serving as a composite overhead line of demarcation, in combination with a second pair of horizontal relatively lower luminous segments of the same beams serving as the ground line of demarcation, or (3) either the overhead or the ground line of demarcation of the last-named combination.

Abstract: An alignment system and method of use provide significant improvement in the accuracy of a golf stroke or putt. The alignment system may be incorporated into or attached to the head or shaft of a golf club such as a putter or a chipper. One component of the alignment system is a sighting alignment system which includes a turning mirror that is attached to the club head or shaft or may be integral to the top or rear portion of the golf club head. While viewing the reflection of the ball and target through the mirror, the golfer obtains visual feed-back that is very sensitive to club positioning and aiming. The other component is another optical alignment system in which parallax is removed to put the golfer's eye in the proper plane to assure alignment over the golf club head. When both alignments are maintained in the reflected image during the golfer's stroke, the accuracy of the stroke is dramatically improved.