Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include apparatuses for and methods of separating tissue with opposing jaw members having distal ends that translate toward a surface of the tissue as the jaw members are rotated outwardly to maintain engagement with the tissue. In an illustrative embodiment, an apparatus includes jaw members rotatably coupled adjacent to their proximal ends. The jaw members define opposing outwardly-facing curved channels disposed between their proximal and distal ends that slidably engage a distal pin. A bracket defines a distal socket that receives the distal pin. As the jaw members are motivated in a distal direction relative to the bracket toward the distal pin, engagement of the distal pin with the outwardly-facing curved channels causes the jaw members to rotate to cause the distal ends of the jaw members move outwardly transversely to the distal direction while the distal ends translate in the distal direction.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus provide for: facilitating communication between one or more controller devices operated by one or more users, respectively, and a data processing apparatus running an application program, wherein each controller device includes a plurality of actuation elements that are operable to be manipulated by a respective one of the one or more users to input desired operations to the data processing apparatus for use by the application program; obtaining a respective controller identifier from each of the one or more controller devices; and storing in a memory the controller identifiers in response to the control section in a sequential table, such that each entry in the sequential table includes at least a sequential table entry number and a respective one of the controller identifiers.

Abstract: A tool for a golfer for manipulating a golf ball and a golf tee while in a standing position includes an elongated body having a fixed handle and a pivotable trigger fixed proximate an upper end thereof. A setting block is fixed at a lower end of the elongated body and is adapted for receiving either the golf ball or the golf tee partially therein. A pivotable grasping finger is fixed proximate the lower end of the elongated body proximate the setting block. A linkage is secured at a lower end thereof with the grasping finger, and at an upper end thereof with the trigger. As such, the grasping finger moves from the open position to the closed position when the trigger is moved from the first position to the second position, respectively.

Abstract: Provided is a ball supply integrated type auto tee-up machine with a simple structure, and more particularly, to an advanced concept technology for easily improving a structure of an auto tee-up machine while performing complexly a function of supplying a golf ball to a golf tee and a function of teeing-up the golf ball on the golf tee by using a single motor. The present invention provides a technique to implement a function of allowing a second ball chute to supply a golf ball to a golf tee and a function of teeing-up the golf ball placed on the golf tee with one-stop automation after delivering the golf ball inserted to a first ball chute to the second ball chute while the golf tee and the first ball chute ascend/descend and the second ball chute descends/ascends in an opposite direction at the same time by using a single tee-up motor.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing storage at indoor golf driving ranges. In various embodiments, the disclosed systems and methods permit golfers to store their baggage in close proximity to the golfers while the golfers practice their swing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for correcting a head-up phenomenon during a golf swing, and more specifically to an apparatus for correcting a head-up phenomenon during a golf swing, which helps a golfer keep his or her eyes on the place where a golf ball to be struck is located, by making the ball ascend just before the impact only if the swing speed exceeds a pre-set value. According to the apparatus for correcting a head-up phenomenon especially during the golf tee-shot training, a golf ball either ascends above the ground or descends toward the ground from above just before the impact only if a down-swing is performed or only if the swing speed exceeds the pre-set value, such that the user may not suffer too much burden when swinging the golf ball placed on the tee.

Abstract: The invention relates to a portable and ergonomic instrument for storing golf balls and tees and for automatically positioning a tee in the ground at a predetermined height and a ball in balance thereon, by means of a movement of one hand on the part of the player in the standing position. Said instrument consists primarily of a main body (10) serving as a storage unit (12) for balls (Bn), a multi-purpose shuttle (20) and a retaining clamp (P). After setting the desired height of the ball on the thumbwheel (50), the alternating movement of the shuttle (20) from abutment to abutment, using the knob (21), first upward, then downward and finally upward, enables the result to be achieved. Any golfer who has difficulty bending down or squatting, and those who do not wish to bend down or squat, may be interested in owning such an instrument.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for correcting a head-up phenomenon during a golf swing, and more specifically to an apparatus for correcting a head-up phenomenon during a golf swing, which helps a golfer keep his or her eyes on the place where a golf ball to be struck is located, by making the ball ascend just before the impact only if the swing speed exceeds a pre-set value. According to the apparatus for correcting a head-up phenomenon especially during the golf tee-shot training, a golf ball either ascends above the ground or descends toward the ground from above just before the impact only if a down-swing is performed or only if the swing speed exceeds the pre-set value, such that the user may not suffer too much burden when swinging the golf ball placed on the tee.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a feed unit 10 mounted at one side of an interior of a body 1 so as to feed a golf ball 40 and an adjustment unit 20 mounted at an other side of the interior of the body 1 so as to adjust a height of a golf tee 30, wherein the feed unit 10 includes: a main body 11 having a passage 11a through which the golf ball 40 passes, an inlet port 12 and an outlet port 13 formed at both ends of the passage 11a, and shaft holes 11b formed at both side walls thereof; a pulley 14 fittingly disposed between the shaft holes 11b of the main body; movable plates 15 each having a bearing 15a mounted thereon and disposed on both outer sides of the shaft holes 11b of the main body 11 in such a manner as to be coupled at one side thereof to the main body 11 by means of shaft pins 16 and be connected at the other side thereof with a spring 17 mounted on the main body 11, thereby allowing the movable plates 15 and the pulley 14 to rotate about the shaft pins 16; and a feed motor 18 mounted at one sid

Abstract: An automatic tee-up device including a golf ball reservoir, a platform with a groove for a golf ball to travel from the reservoir to a tee, and a ball ejector disposed to eject golf balls one at a time from the reservoir onto the groove. The tee is movable from below a level of the golf ball in the groove to above the level of the golf ball in the groove. After the golf ball is ejected by the ejector, the golf ball travels on the groove to the tee and is raised by the tee into a position suitable for striking with a golf club.

Abstract: An apparatus at a driving tee for golf balls or the like, comprising a raisable and lowerable ball support a so-called peg, on which a ball may be placed for driving thereof after lifting of the ball support with the ball to the desired level above the tee, the ball support being disposed on means for switching of the ball support from a low position for loading of the ball support with a ball to a higher position of said desired ball driving level, the ball support being disposed on the switching means via positioning means which are disposed to permit pivoting of the ball support in at least the driving direction, wherein the positioning means include a substantially U-shaped bracket between whose shanks the ball support is pivotal.

Abstract: A gaming system and method of game play is provided wherein the gaming is earned out within a themed physical play space comprising an existing or specially configured entertainment facility or play structure. The game utilizes electronically identifiable objects, such as colored balls, shaped objects, cards, bands, tags and/or the like, to provide an interactive game play experience generally simulative of a computer adventure game experience. Play participants are challenged to work and cooperate with other play participants to find identified objects, clues or other information for use in solving various puzzles or problems that present encumbrances inhibiting players' advancement in the game. Optionally, each play participant possesses a unique RFID band, card or the like, that electronically identifies the play participant and enables the play system to award and track points or other rewards to successful play participants individually or working with other play participants as a team.

Abstract: A golf ball dispensing and teeing device is provided which allows a single golf ball to be metered from a supply tube and travel therefrom to rest atop an elevated ball tee.

Abstract: A golf ball teeing device comprising, a platform having an upper surface, an opening in the platform, a tee for a golf ball the tee being arranged for reciprocal movement with respect to the opening between a lower position where the top of the tee is at a level below the upper surface of the platform to an upper position where the top of the tee is above upper surface of the platform, and golf ball deliver means arranged to load a golf ball on top of the tee when it is in the lower position, wherein the golf ball is at a level below the upper surface of the platform when it is loaded onto the tee by the golf ball delivery means.

Abstract: A golf simulator has a flooring system comprising a tee area, a green area, a green-side area and a ball feed system adjacent the flooring system. From measurements taken when the ball is hit, the computer control system computes the next shot position of the ball after it is hit and the corresponding location on the flooring system. A ball feed system collects the ball into a ball feed chute and moves the ball toward a return gutter. When the ball contacts a gutter sensor, the sensor signals a gutter door to open, corresponding to a feed tube. The ball is sent down the return gutter and drops, at the position where the gutter door opened, into a feeding tube and a ball lifting mechanism positions a ball at the appropriate location on the flooring system. This process continues until a player finishes the hole. Accordingly, a player need not touch the golf ball, except when under penalty, more similar to an actual round of golf.

Abstract: An automatic teeing apparatus for a ball. A ball, preferably a baseball or softball, is affixed to one end of an elastic cord such as, for example, a “bungee” cord. The opposing end of the elastic cord is affixed to a stable platform or base plate adapted to support the teeing apparatus on the ground. The length of the elastic cord between the ball and the base portion is coaxially housed within a hollow, substantially cylindrical flexible pedestal mounted in a vertically upright position on the base portion. In a preferred embodiment of the device, the pedestal, the height of which is telescopically adjustable, includes a coil spring having a lower end rigidly affixed to the base portion and an upper end in opposition thereto. A rigid cylindrical tubular member has a lower end, which is concentrically disposed within the upper end of the coil spring and is adjustably attached thereto to permit telescopic adjustment of the tubular member within the coil spring.

Abstract: A golf ball set-up apparatus 100 provides a tee assembly 600 which slides within a set-up tube 350 between a lower position wherein a ball advancing from a ball supply trough 410 is mounted on the tee 610 and an upper position wherein the ball is elevated to a position suitable for driving by the golfer. The tee assembly is moved between upper and lower positions by a lift arm assembly 300, which is in turn driven by a driving lever extension 250 extending from the driving lever assembly 200. Pressure of a golf club moves the driving lever assembly between an at-rest position, to a position wherein the tee assembly is fully lowered. When the tee assembly is lowered, a ball stop assembly 500 engages the column of in-coming golf balls, preventing their advancement. When the golf club is removed, a return weight assembly 450 returns the set-up apparatus to the at-rest configuration, with a movement that is damped by the air break assembly 550.

Abstract: A pneumatic ball launching apparatus propels a ball vertically upward into mid-air without imparting spin on the ball. A pneumatic cylinder is disposed vertically below the top surface of a ground supported platform in axial alignment with the center of an aperture in the top surface of the platform. The pneumatic cylinder has a spring return piston rod with a cup-shaped ball holder secured to its outer end. The cylinder is connected through a valve to a source of pressurized air and the valve is controlled by a timing device. The platform has a downwardly inclined forward portion which slopes inwardly and downwardly from each lateral side to form a central low portion at its forward end. A net extends vertically upward from the forward portion of the platform to catch balls which have hit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a golf ball teeing apparatus. The apparatus is adapted to rotate about a frame and deliver golf balls to be automatically teed. The golf ball elevating apparatus is a levered system which positively loads and elevates golf balls above the platform. The golf ball delivery apparatus includes a golf ball magazine including a gate trap assembly adapted to deliver golf balls to a delivery chute while preventing jamming of the golf balls.

Abstract: An automatic golf ball teeing machine is constructed around a housing that includes a substantially horizontal plate. A fluid pressure cylinder with an inlet and a piston above the inlet is attached to the housing under a hole in the plate. The piston is moveable between an advanced position and a retracted position, but is biased toward its retracted position. A tee is connected to the piston and is moveable with the piston between a loading position and a maximum height position in which a portion of the tee extends above the plate. A supply conduit sized to carry golf balls is attached to the housing with one end adjacent the tee when in its loading position. A source of high pressure fluid is connected to the inlet of the fluid pressure cylinder. A pressure regulating valve is positioned between the inlet and the source of high pressure fluid and is capable of adjusting pressure acting on the piston to balance the tee between its loading position and its maximum height position.

Abstract: An automatic apparatus that positions a golf ball on a tee retrieves and positions a new ball on the tee each time a golfer makes a tee shot. A bucket of balls is charged into the apparatus, and a ramp directs the balls, one at a time, to a tee loading station. A plunger drives a ball in the tee loading station into contact with a horizontally positioned tee. The tee has a bore formed in it that communicates with a source of negative pressure so that a ball driven into contact with the tee by the plunger is held to the tee by a vacuum. The resulting increase in a vacuum line reconfigures a four way valve and activates a mechanism that rotates the tee and ball into a vertical position so that the golfer may make a tee shot. The shot disconnects the ball from the tee, resulting in bleeding of the vacuum line, and the drop in pressure reconfigures the four way valve. The valve activates a mechanism that returns the tee to its horizontal position so that it may retrieve another ball from the tee loading station.

Abstract: A golf ball teeing apparatus provides a container for holding a plurality of golf balls and a dispensing mechanism for delivering the balls from the container to the driving tee. The dispensing mechanism and container are mounted on a frame which is secured to a base or mat. The golf ball teeing apparatus includes a pivoting mechanical channel arm with an integral blocking mechanism to dispense one golf ball at a time. The apparatus also includes an anti-jamming rods interlocked with the mechanical arm which agitates the golf ball in the container to prevent jamming of the balls about the discharge channel of the storage container. A stationary, fixed channel is integrally formed in the bottom of the container and includes an external extension and discharge end for directing the balls from a discharge opening in the container. A second channel is a pivoting, movable channel arm. One end of the channel arm is positioned at the discharge end of the fixed channel and is pivotably connected to the frame.

Abstract: An automatic human-powered golf training device for use outdoors which can be installed underground and automatically dispenses and tees golf balls. Depressing a foot pedal triggers the gravity-motivated release of an individual ball from a hopper onto a depressed teeing mechanism. Release of the foot pedal causes the depressed teeing mechanism to rise to a desired presentation height. Presentation height is selected by rotating the foot pedal while it is depressed.

Abstract: An automatic apparatus that positions a golf ball on a tee retrieves and positions a new ball on the tee each time a golfer makes a tee shot. A bucket of balls is charged into the apparatus, and a ramp directs the balls, one at a time, to a tee loading station. A plunger drives a ball in the tee loading station into contact with a horizontally positioned tee. The tee has a bore formed in it that communicates with a source of negative pressure so that a ball driven into contact with the tee by the plunger is held to the tee by a vacuum. The resulting increase in a vacuum line reconfigures a four way valve and activates a mechanism that rotates the tee and ball into a vertical position so that the golfer may make a tee shot. The shot disconnects the ball from the tee, resulting in bleeding of the vacuum line, and the drop in pressure reconfigures the four way valve. The valve activates a mechanism that returns the tee to its horizontal position so that it may retrieve another ball from the tee loading station.