Abstract: An instrumented golf club system having an instrumented golf club, an interface means and a computing means is disclosed herein. The instrumented golf club includes a plurality of sensors, an internal power supply, an angular rate sensor and an internal ring buffer memory for capturing data relating to a golf swing. The interface means is capable of transferring data from the instrumented golf club to the computing means for processing the data and presenting the data in a useful and informative format. The data may be used to assist a golfer's swing, or to design an appropriate golf club for a specific type of golfer.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for analyzing the motion of a sporting equipment, such as a golf club, a baseball bat, a hockey stick, a football or a tennis racquet, for example. The systems comprises a motion sensing system in communications with the sporting equipment to measure motion parameters, wherein the motion sensing system has at least one at least one accelerometer or at least one gyroscope, and a command station having a data acquisition system to process the measured motion parameters and produce data. The motion sensing system may be located on the sporting equipment or, optionally, within the sporting equipment. The systems and methods described herein can be used to determine the impact location of the sporting equipment with another object, the force of the sporting equipment, the velocity of the sporting equipment and/or the angular orientation of the sporting equipment during a motion.

Abstract: A diagnostic golf club system having a diagnostic golf club, an interface means and a computing means is disclosed herein. The diagnostic golf club includes a plurality of strain gauges, an internal power supply, and a non-volatile memory for capturing data relating to a golf swing. The interface means is capable of transferring data from the diagnostic golf club to the computing means for processing the data and presenting the data in a useful and informative format. The data may be used to determine a shaft flex profile for a particular golfer.

Abstract: A putt trainer system includes a plurality of ball sensors, each having a lever which pivots at impact with a putted golf ball between a rest position, wherein it blocks a light beam from a light source, and a deflected position. The light beam passes through a recess of predetermined length made in the lever to be detected by a light sensor generating a detection signal of predetermined duration that is compared with a preset value corresponding to a maximum acceptable speed. If the detection signal is at most equal to the preset value, it is further evaluated to determine whether this signal represents an off-centered, partially centered, or centered putt, each of which is allocated a respective score.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a club for impacting an object. The club may have a club head having a club face. At least one microprocessor in communication with a plurality of infrared sources is also provided. There are also a plurality of infrared sensors, and indicators configurable in a configuration indicating proper club face alignment and a configuration indicating club face misalignment. The infrared sources are periodically pulsed by a microprocessor between an activated and deactivated state. The sensors are configured on the club head to receive infrared from the infrared sources and to generate a signal in response to the infrared received. The microprocessor is programmed to receive signals from the sensors when the infrared sources are activated. The microprocessor is programmed to activate the indicators in an aligned or misaligned configuration.

Abstract: A method (100) and system (20) for predicting a coefficient of restitution (COR) of a golf club (30) or golf club head (36) is disclosed herein. The system (20) and method (100) are able to predict the COR in a non-destructive manner for a particular golf ball and impact speed. The system (20) and method (100) utilize a vibration sensor (24) attached to the face (34) of a golf club (30). The vibration sensor (24) is excited with an excitation device (26), and data is transmitted to an analyzer (22). A mathematical model of the golf club (30) is created allowing for the coefficient of restitution to be predicted without destroying the golf club (30).

Abstract: A method (100) and system (20) for predicting the coefficient of restitution of a golf club (30) or golf club head (36) is disclosed herein. The system (20) and method (100) are able to predict the COR in a non-destructive manner for a particular golf ball and impact speed. The system (20) and method (100) utilize a vibration sensor (2) attached to the face (34) of a golf club (30). The vibration sensor (24) is excited with an excitation device (26), and data is transmitted to an analyzer (22). A mathematical model of the golf club (30) is created allowing for the coefficient of restitution to be predicted without destroying the golf club (30).

Abstract: A golf swing trainer 10 comprises a golf club 12 and a mat 14. A head 13 of the golf club 12 has an electrically conducting leading edge 16 and an electrically non-conducting/insulating sole 18. When the golf club 12 is swung correctly, at the bottom of the player's swing the leading edge 16 makes an electrical contact between contacts 20a and 20b, which are embedded in the mat 14. The electrical contact between the leading edge 16 and the contacts 20a and 20b completes an electrical circuit and causes an alarm (not shown) to indicate by a sound or light for instance that correct contact has been made and a good swing has been performed.

Abstract: A training putter comprises a game rod and a warning device. The game rod has a shaft of a hollow tubular body made of an elastic and electrically conductive material. The warning device comprises a conductive rod, a buzzer, and a battery. The conductive rod is a metal rod and is provided with one or more insulation members. The conductive rod is disposed in the shaft such that the conductive rod is not in contact with the shaft. The conductive rod has a contact portion capable of making contact with the inner wall of the shaft at the time when the shaft is curved. The buzzer and the battery are fastened with the game rod such that the buzzer, the battery, the conductive rod, and the shaft form a loop at such time when the shaft is curved.

Abstract: An electronic golf ball putter, adapted to indicate when the putter is aligned with a target, comprising, a golf putting iron for hitting a golf ball; a power source; a communicator; a transmitter of communications from the communicator; and an indicator capable of indicating alignment between the golf putter iron and the target in response to the transmitter.

Abstract: A device for putt-practice is disclosed. This device has a first casing opened at its opposite ends, with a speed sensor provided at each end of the first casing and a ball inlet formed at one end of the first casing. A second casing, opened at its opposite ends, is axially connected to an end of the first casing, with a transparent window provided at the upper portion of the second casing for guiding a backstroke movement of a putter during an act of putting. This second casing also has a displaying means for displaying a target putting distance preset by a user, a practical backstroke distance of the putter, and putting results after the act of putting.

Abstract: A diagnostic golf club system having a diagnostic golf club, an interface means and a computing means is disclosed herein. The diagnostic golf club includes a plurality of strain gauges, an internal power supply, and a non-volatile memory for capturing data relating to a golf swing. The interface means is capable of transferring data from the diagnostic golf club to the computing means for processing the data and presenting the data in a useful and informative format. The data may be used to determine a shaft flex profile for a particular golfer.

Abstract: A golf overswing alerting mechanism is provided which produces a visual and/or audible indicator for the purpose of alerting a golfer to an improper swinging movement of a golf club. The overswing alerting mechanism is housed entirely within the hollow opening of the golf club shaft or is accommodated in a housing that is detachably affixed to the golf club. In a preferred configuration, the alerting mechanism includes a sound generation assembly for generating an audible sound upon occurrence of the overswing condition; an energy generation member to provide electrical energy to the sound generation assembly, and a circuit closing member or accelerometer(s) detecting the occurrence of an overswing condition. The preferred mechanism further includes an LCD readout provided in the grip butt of the golf club grip which indicates to the golfer the speed of the golf club shaft.

Abstract: A golf swing indication device includes a base plate, a rotary tilt switch unit, an indication lamp, and a mounting device. The rotary tilt switch unit includes a rotary base, a tilt switch, and a dial knob. The rotary tilt switch unit is pivotally attached to a top of the base plate. The tilt switch is mounted to the rotary base such that the center line of the tilt switch passes through the center line of the pivot point of the rotary tilt switch unit. Preferably, an on-off switch and a battery are mounted to the top of the base plate. The indication lamp is preferably mounted on a front of the base plate adjacent the blind bore. Preferably, the base plate is attached to a shaft of a golf club with the mounting device. The golf swing indication device is set for distance by rotating the rotary tilt switch unit. As the golfer takes a swing, the indication lamp should not emit light at any point during the swing.

Abstract: An instrumented golf club system having an instrumented golf club, an interface means and a computing means is disclosed herein. The instrumented golf club includes a plurality of sensors, an internal power supply, an angular rate sensor and an internal ring buffer memory for capturing data relating to a golf swing. The interface means is capable of transferring data from the instrumented golf club to the computing means for processing the data and presenting the data in a useful and informative format. The data may be used to assist a golfer's swing, or to design an appropriate golf club for a specific type of golfer.

Abstract: A golf swing training apparatus is disclosed, the apparatus comprising a support structure for supporting the golf swing training apparatus in a support plane, and a telescopic swing training arm connected to the support structure and further connectable to a golf club shaft. The telescopic swing training arm is biased toward a predetermined length, whereby the swing training arm is urged toward the predetermined length in response to axial movement thereof in either first or second directions away from the predetermined length. The predetermined length is such as to accommodate a preferred path of travel for a golf club through a portion of a golf swing.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a golf club 12 having a canister-like housing 46 attached thereto. The housing 46 contains a group of mercury switches 58, 59 mounted internally on a pair of rotatable platforms 46 between two discs 60 which discs are connected to a rotational dial member 48 having a scale of degrees 52 displayed thereon. The rotational dial member 48 functions with a number of fixedly connected elements in concert with the mercury switches 58, 59 to selectively actuate a plurality of LED's 16 which LED's indicate the physical relationship of the golf club 12 with a fixed object, e.g., the ground, so that the golfer 18 can practice his/her golf swing.

Abstract: A golf overswing alerting mechanism is provided which produces a visual and/or audible indicator for the purpose of alerting a golfer to an improper swinging movement of a golf club. The overswing alerting mechanism is housed entirely within the hollow opening of the golf club shaft or is accommodated in a housing that is detachably affixed to the golf club. In a preferred configuration, the alerting mechanism includes a sound generation assembly for generating an audible sound upon occurrence of the overswing condition; an energy generation member to provide electrical energy to the sound generation assembly, and a circuit closing member or accelerometer(s) detecting the occurrence of an overswing condition. The preferred mechanism further includes an LCD readout provided in the grip butt of the golf club grip which indicates to the golfer the speed of the golf club shaft.

Abstract: A game apparatus and method can determine flight characteristics of an object propelled by a player from a launch site toward a backstop. The foregoing can operate with a launch detector located at the launch site for producing a launch signal in response to launching of the object. A backstop sensing arrangement may be employed at the backstop having at least one spaced pair of sensors for producing a pair of arrival signals in response to arrival of the object at the backstop. A processor may be employed, which is coupled to the launch detector and the backstop sensing arrangement. The processor can (a) determine the relative response times of the launch detector and the backstop sensing arrangement, and (b) produce a characteristic signal as a function of the relative arrival times of the pair of arrival signals.

Abstract: A golf training device includes a golf club, a ball receiving socket, a light emitter, and a light beam receiver. The golf club includes a golf head with a front striking face. The golf ball receiving socket has a slot adapted to receive a golf ball that was struck by the golf head. The light emitter is mounted on the golf head and is aligned vertically with the center of the front striking face for emitting a light beam substantially parallel to a line passing through the center of the front striking face and perpendicular to the front striking face. The light beam receiver is mounted on the ball receiving socket in the vicinity of the slot for receiving the light beam and for generating a signal when the slot is in alignment with the light beam.

Abstract: An instrumented golf club system having an instrumented golf club, an interface means and a computing means is disclosed herein. The instrumented golf club includes a plurality of sensors, an internal power supply, an angular rate sensor and an internal ring buffer memory for capturing data relating to a golf swing. The interface means is capable of transferring data from the instrumented golf club to the computing means for processing the data and presenting the data in a useful and informative format. The data may be used to assist a golfer's swing, or to design an appropriate golf club for a specific type of golfer.

Abstract: The present invention provides golf club swing analyzers and golf swing analysis methods. According to one aspect of the present invention, a golf club swing analyzer comprises: a housing; a light emission device configured to emit reference light toward a location in the path of a golf club swung adjacent the housing; a light reception device supported by the housing and configured to receive reference light emitted from the light emission device and reflected from the swung golf club; and discrimination circuitry coupled with the light reception device and configured to distinguish the reflected reference light received from the light emission device from incidental light, the discrimination circuitry being further configured to generate an indication signal responsive to the reception of reflected reference light.

Abstract: An athletic implement swing training and correction system includes a computer controlled mechanical manipulation mechanism for controlling the position and orientation of the athletic implement within a predetermined swing path geometry. The predetermined athletic implement swing path position and orientation is tailored to the physiology of the individual athlete from a collection of swing path geometries. A system of computer controlled position control actuators guide the swing of the student athlete through a tailored swing path geometry. Deviations from the tailored swing path geometry result in force feedback to the student athlete in direct relation to the amount of deviation from the tailored swing path position and implement orientation.

Abstract: Golf practice apparatus, comprising two sphere segments of a simulated golf ball mounted on opposing sides of a pivotal structure, strain gauges mounted on the structure to measure strains caused by a strike force to the simulated ball, means to digitally encode voltages resulting from the strains, and software for determining a three-dimension strike force, torque content thereof, and strike force duration. Strain gauges mounted on the structure between the ball segments determine one component of the strike force and torque about both horizontal and vertical axes. Strain gauges mounted on a support column of the pivotal structure determine the remaining strike force components. Additional software is disclosed for deriving an initial three-dimension velocity vector and spin rates about both horizontal and vertical axes of a free ball similarly struck whereby a three-dimension trajectory of a free golf ball may be computed.

Abstract: A technique for monitoring a golf swing, human movement in other sports, and other activities involving human movement and for teaching and reinforcing desired human movement. A golf swing is monitored for a golfer swinging a golf club through a tee area while standing on a platform housing a tee manipulation mechanism. Six or more infrared (IR) transmitters transmit respective IR beams along predetermined lines in close proximity to the tee area. Each predetermined line defines a portion of three-dimensional space critical to the optimization of the golf swing. Respective IR sensors receive the respective IR beams. Each pair of IR sensors provides a respective output signal indicative of improper club shaft or body positioning. This device is designed to monitor club shaft and body position and alert the golfer to undesirable positioning via audible buzzer, signal lights, and a golf ball removal system.

Abstract: An instrumented golf club system having an instrumented golf club, an interface means and a computing means is disclosed herein. The instrumented golf club includes a plurality of sensors, an internal power supply, an angular rate sensor and an internal ring buffer memory for capturing data relating to a golf swing. The interface means is capable of transferring data from the instrumented golf club to the computing means for processing the data and presenting the data in a useful and informative format. The data may be used to assist a golfer's swing, or to design an appropriate golf club for a specific type of golfer.

Abstract: A method of training a golfer to swing a certain golf club upon a desired swing plane angle comprises the step of indicating a swing path guide in front of the golfer. The shape of the swing path guide corresponds to the desired swing plane angle for the golf club and the golfer. In other words, if the golfer swings the club so that the club head creates an arc that corresponds to (or aligns with) the curvilinear swing path guide, the desired swing plane angle will be achieved. A device to train a golfer to swing upon a desired swing plane angle comprises a swing path guide. The shape of the swing path guide corresponds to the desired swing plane angle for a certain golf club and the golfer.

Abstract: A golf club includes an electroactive assembly attached to the club and electrically tuned to capture energy from one or more vibrational modes with high efficiency. More generally, a sports implement includes an electroactive element, such as a piezoceramic sheet attached to the implement, and a circuit attached to the electroactive element. The circuit may be a shunt, or may include processing such as amplification and phase control to apply a driving signal which may compensate for strain sensed in the implement, or may simply alter the stiffness to affect performance. The electroactive element is located in a region of high strain to apply damping, and may include plural subassemblies mounted to capture energy in different planes, or to capture an asymmetric strain distribution while maintaining structural symmetry. In a ski the element captures between about one and five percent of the strain energy of the ski.

Abstract: The present invention provides golf club swing analyzers and golf swing analysis methods. According to one aspect of the present invention, a golf club swing analyzer comprises: a housing; a light emission device configured to emit reference light toward a location in the path of a golf club swung adjacent the housing; a light reception device supported by the housing and configured to receive reference light emitted from the light emission device and reflected from the swung golf club; and discrimination circuitry coupled with the light reception device and configured to distinguish the reflected reference light received from the light emission device from incidental light, the discrimination circuitry being further configured to generate an indication signal responsive to the reception of reflected reference light.

Abstract: An instrumented golf club system having an instrumented golf club, an interface means and a computing means is disclosed herein. The instrumented golf club includes a plurality of sensors, an internal power supply, an angular rate sensor and an internal ring buffer memory for capturing data relating to a golf swing. The interface means is capable of transferring data from the instrumented golf club to the computing means for processing the data and presenting the data in a useful and informative format. The data may be used to assist a golfer's swing, or to design an appropriate golf club for a specific type of golfer.

Abstract: An instrumented sports apparatus includes a closely spaced array of discrete sensor elements coupled to a contact surface thereof for converting a contact force between the contact surface and an object into a plurality of discrete output signals. The signals are processed and information based thereon generated, which is representative of one or more parameters of interest. In an exemplary embodiment, as instrumented golf club displays information such as club head speed, club head angle, and club head elevation upon impact with a golf ball, permitting the golfer to adjust his swing on the next stroke. Since the instrumentation and display are entirely self-contained in the club, a golfer is not constrained in the use of the club and may enjoy the benefits thereof during play on a golf course.

Abstract: A golf ball impact detection system to assist a golfer in reducing premature head-up movement. The impact detection system includes a sound detection device for detecting an impact sound of a club head with a golf ball and a light source which turns on immediately upon detection of the impact sound. When the impact sound is detected, an electrical circuit processes the impact sound signal and turns on the light source for a predetermined time. A short light flash is intended when the golfer uses a driver or iron club, while a longer light flash is for putter or pitching wedge applications. A day or night selection switch is provided for the altering between daytime or nighttime applications. The flash of the light source encourages a golfer to keep his head down after the club head strikes the golf ball, thereby reducing premature head-up movement, since the golfer will wait to see the light flash before looking up to see his shot.

Abstract: A device that provides feedback to a golfer on the characteristics of their swing of a golf club. The device can be mounted to or incorporated into the head of the golf club and includes a first light source and at least a second light source. The first and second light sources are aligned such that an imaginary line bisecting the first and second light sources passes through the sweet spot of the ball-striking face. When the club head is at the address position, the imaginary line lies in a horizontal plane and is further preferably at right angles to the ball-striking face in that plane. The first and second light sources are visible to the golfer when using the golf club at least at the time when the club head is striking the ball. The first light source has a first turn on/turn off cycle pattern and the second light source has a second turn on/turn off cycle pattern that is different to that of the first light source.

Abstract: A laser putter system for a conventional putter golf club of the type having a club head with a golf ball striking face and an upper surface, a shaft connected to the upper surface of the club head and a grip on the shaft. The laser putter system comprises a laser pointer/range finder. A mounting means is for mounting the laser pointer/range finder onto the shaft of the conventional putter golf club over the upper surface of the club head. The laser pointer can project a laser beam away from the golf ball striking face of the club head to provide the golfer with a visible target being a hole to putt a golf ball into. The range finder will interpret the distance between the laser pointer and the hole to visually give the golfer a calculated distance to the hole, so as to gauge the proper force required for a successful putt.

Abstract: A football training and evaluation apparatus has a frame, a contacting element, and a force transferring member connected to the frame and the contacting element. A measuring-signaling element is connected to the force transferring member and is adapted to measure the force subjected on the force transferring member in response to an impact force subjected onto the contacting element and deliver a signal "S" responsive to said measurement. A visual signaling apparatus is connected to the frame and adapted to be actuateable and moveable in response to actuation.

Abstract: A golf swing training apparatus is used to produce a data signal representative of the golfer's swing tempo. The apparatus includes a golf swing guide having a number of individual induction type sensors located at spaced locations therein. Each sensor sequentially provides a computer microprocessor with sensor readings as the golf club or club shaft passes thereby. The processor thereafter converts the sensor readings into an output representative of the golf swing tempo. To analyze a particular golfer's swing, the golfer stands in the training apparatus and swings his golf club. On each of the swing backstroke, downstroke and follow-through the club slides along the swing guide sequentially activating each of the sensors. The microprocessor instantaneously converts the timing between sequential sensor readings received into a graphically displayed output providing the golfer with substantially immediate feedback of the tempo of his golf swing.

Abstract: A programmable electronic golf swing timer worn on the wrist like a watch with an actuator button worn underneath a golf glove which will audibly alert the player at the optimal time the club should contact the ball. This electronic golf swing timer will assist the golfer in maintaining a uniform and consistent golf swing. The process of timing a golf swing with the watch-like assembly includes the steps of:a. setting a swing time for a particular golf club from back swing to contact with a golf ball by pressing a club button followed by a time button followed by a set button located on the watch-like assembly;b. pushing a club button located on the watch-like assembly representative of the golf club to be swung;c. observing an LED display on the watch-like assembly indicating the golf club chosen and the swing time for the golf club;d.

Abstract: A device and method for improving the putting of a golf ball is described herein. The instructional device employs a sighting member and a shaft guide to assist in aligning and stroking a golf putt. The device is configured such that a golfer or instructor may develop each putting skill independently or in combination with the other skills. The device comprises two stands, set apart, with the sighting member attached to the top of each stand. A square face indicator may be positioned perpendicular to the sighting member, and the shaft guide may couple to a side of the stands. A method for improving the putting of a golf ball is also described herein, where the method addresses finding and verifying a sight line that extends from a golf ball to a desired target, aligning a golf putter face squarely to said sight line, and moving a putter shaft parallel to said sight line.

Abstract: A golf swing timing trainer formed, in its preferred embodiments, from (a) a forearm brace that serves as a base for the other operative elements of the device; (b) a generally linear member, which member is pivotally connected to the forearm brace at one of its ends and has a vee shaped notch at its other end which fits against the shaft of a golf club held by the user when said club is cocked in the proper plane for a golf stroke; (c) an adjustable biasing means disposed between said forearm brace and said generally linear member, which biasing means generates an adjustable force proportionate to the angle between the forearm brace and the generally linear member/shaft such that the greatest force is experienced by the user when the shaft is cocked and the least is experienced by the user when it is fully extended; and (d) an audible signal generator that indicates when the shaft is not fully cocked.

Abstract: A laser putt training aid including a shaft having a hollow configuration with a top end and a bottom end. Also included is a plurality of batteries situated within the shaft. A head is coupled to the bottom end of the shaft and has a flat hitting front surface, a rear surface, a top surface, and a bottom surface. The head has a bore formed therein between the front surface and the rear surface of the head. The head further has a lens coupled in the bore adjacent the front surface thereof with the lens being flush with the front surface. The head further includes a laser adapted to emit a laser through the bore upon the application of electric power thereto. Next provided is a cap switch having a first orientation for providing electrical communication between the batteries and the laser and a second orientation for precluding electrical communication therebetween.

Abstract: A video golf swing sensing system responsive to a user swinging a golf club provides inputs to a video golf game operating on a personal computer having a monitor, a microprocessor, and a serial port. The sensing system is mounted on a pad and includes linear arrays of photodetectors and LED for detecting a club head parameter by sensing light reflected off the club head. A microcontroller processes the parameter data into a form required by the personal computer. An input cable coupled between an output of the microcontroller and the serial port transmits the information to the personal computer to provide the golf game information to determine a corresponding ball path in the video game. The arrays are recessed beneath a shield to facilitate reflection of light from the sources to the detectors within openings in the shield while excluding external light.

Abstract: A method of evaluating the vibration characteristics of a golf club comprises identifying the natural frequencies of vibration of the golf club through a pseudorandom vibrational excitation of the club. The club is then excited at least at some of the identified natural frequencies and the club head is observed under a strobe light to identify and locate on the face of the club head the node lines corresponding to the vibrational mode shape for these natural frequencies. The intersection pattern of the node lines as observed and mapped on the club face and the offset of this pattern from the presumed sweet spot provides important information as to the likely feel this particular golf club will have. In addition, a method of impacting a golf club at the sweet spot with a predetermined force is disclosed to simulate the impact of the club with a golf ball.

Abstract: A golf putting training device has been provided which has a housing with a generally vertical planer front for sitting on a putting surface. A non-coherent light source is mounted in the housing for projecting a light from the front across the putting surface to the face of a golf putter head from a first location on the front of the housing. A receptor for receiving reflecting light from a specular reflecting surface mounted on a golf putter head is spaced laterally a predetermined distance from the desired golf ball impact point on the putter head. The receptor is vertically spaced from the first location. A target light is provided in the front of the housing which is laterally spaced from the first location a distance equal to the predetermined distance for aligning the putter head in proper orientation for putting a golf ball toward the target light.

Abstract: A golf club head velocity monitor is disposed at or near the golfer's hands. The monitor is preferably detachably securable to the golfer's hands or a golf glove, so that a single monitor can easily be used with any club selected by the golfer. An inferential determination of club head velocity may be made from the output of a single accelerometer disposed to measure centripetal acceleration in the direction of the golf club shaft. The monitor may provide other functions such as timekeeping or scorekeeping functions.

Abstract: A meter which detects, determines and displays the highest speed obtained in a golf club swing, being coin-operated, highly portable and battery powered. The meter includes a stabilizing base platform supporting a vertical post holding an electronic control box having a LCD, indicator lights and coin receiver. The base sits on a ground surface unattached, and supports a rubber golf tee secured relative to a pair of light sensors and light emitters. The sensors are mounted on the pedestal, and register an interruption in light directed into the sensors from the lights. The lights are mounted on the base and secured in the proper alignment with the sensors so that the entire unit can be easily moved such as for mowing around without misalignment occurring. The light sensors and the lights are on oppositely disposed sides of the tee so that a swinging golf club will interrupt the lights and cause the sensors to signal counters to begin or stop counting.

Abstract: A system and method for evaluation of dynamics of golf clubs comprising a microphone (23) inserted inside the golf club shaft (18) which detects vibrations as sound waves and transmits signals indicative of the vibration's frequencies and amplitudes to a data acquisition system (28) for processing, display (30), and analysis. The apparatus may also be used for measuring natural frequency of flex through use of a rattler (61) or a micro-switch actuator (63).

Abstract: A striking instrument and struck object monitoring system including at least two shutterable camera units which view a field of view each of which cameras receives light patterns from each and every one of a plurality of contrasting areas on the instrument and the object in rapid successive sequence. A computer receives the signals generated by the light patterns as received by each camera unit which computer discriminates between such signals to determine the instrument's movement and orientation, and the conditions at impact with the object.The striking instrument may be any selected golf club which club is initially scanned by the system to determine it's proper striking location prior to the club being swung through the field of view.