Abstract: A cue for use in billiard games includes a removable weight system located in a bore in a butt section of the cue. The weight system includes a carrier having a length extending from a first end to a second end with one or more weights and two or more support washers supported on the carrier. A butt plate is secured to the first end of the carrier, the butt plate having a first end and a second end and including an opening extending from the first end to the second end, the opening having a circular cross section at a second end for receiving the carrier of the weight system. The one or more weights and the two or more washers may be set at different locations along the length of the carrier.

Abstract: An electrical connector includes a circular housing having a cavity configured to receive a mating connector. The housing holds power terminals in the cavity. The housing has a mating end having a generally circular cross-section. The housing has a flexible latch at the mating end configured to engage a latch of the mating connector. The flexible latch has a pull hook extending therefrom. A release collar is slidably coupled to the housing at the mating end in an axial direction between a forward position and a rearward position. The release collar has an actuator ramp facing the pull hook. The actuator ramp engages the pull hook to actuate the flexible latch to release the flexible latch from a latch of the mating connector as the release collar is moved in the axial direction to the rearward position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for accurately positioning a robotic pool-playing device. The system comprises a computer controlled robotic positioning device, such as a gantry robot, that can position a cue over the pool table and place a shot. A global camera is mounted on the ceiling looking down at the table, and the acquired images are transmitted to the computer for analysis to determine the identity and locations of the balls within the table coordinate reference frame. The computer also automatically determines which ball to strike. An aspect of the invention is the use of a local camera, mounted on or near the robotic end-effector in a fixed relationship with the cue, to improve the positioning error of the robotic device prior to placing a shot.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for accurately positioning a robotic pool-playing device. The system comprises a computer controlled robotic positioning device, such as a gantry robot, that can position a cue over the pool table and place a shot. A global camera is mounted on the ceiling looking down at the table, and the acquired images are transmitted to the computer for analysis to determine the identity and locations of the balls within the table coordinate reference frame. The computer also automatically determines which ball to strike. An aspect of the invention is the use of a local camera, mounted on or near the robotic end-effector in a fixed relationship with the cue, to improve the positioning error of the robotic device prior to placing a shot.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a pneumatically powered cue stick are disclosed. Both embodiments employ the use of compressed gas to derive the full range of power necessary to engage in the various games of pool and billiards, including the break shot, without the need for modification of surface area of the game table. The preferred embodiment is adaptable to existing forms of metering, triggering, portable compressed gas dispensing devices such as, but not limited to, paintball marker guns. An alternative embodiment integrates the metering, triggering, and gas dispensing components of the adaptable type, eliminating the need for the separate, adaptable devices previously mentioned. Both embodiments incorporate a cylinder assembly 14 and a cue stick rod 12 threadably, or otherwise attached, slidably mounted within a support casement 10, to facilitate a predetermined length not unlike, but not limited to, that of a conventional cue stick. Both embodiments are suitable for one-handed operation.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a pneumatically powered cue stick are disclosed. Both embodiments employ the use of compressed gas to derive the full range of power necessary to engage in the various games of pool and billiards, including the break shot, without the need for modification of surface area of the game table. The preferred embodiment is adaptable to existing forms of metering, triggering, portable compressed gas dispensing devices such as, but not limited to, paintball marker guns. An alternative embodiment integrates the metering, triggering, and gas dispensing components of the adaptable type, eliminating the need for the separate, adaptable devices previously mentioned. Both embodiments incorporate a cylinder assembly 14 and a cue stick rod 12 threadably, or otherwise attached, slidably mounted within a support casement 10, to facilitate a predetermined length not unlike, but not limited to, that of a conventional cue stick. Both embodiments are suitable for one-handed operation.

Abstract: A spring activated pool cue is disclosed for use in games such as billiards. The device has also been designed to be taken apart for convenient storage and transport.

Abstract: A spring actuated pool cue for teaching the strength of cue stroke and aiming of the cue. The spring actuated pool cue includes a cue having a first portion and a second portion. The fist and second portions each have a first end and a second end. The first end of the second portion has a bore extending therein. An intermediate wall extends across the bore. The second end of the first portion is extendable into the first end of second portion. A rod is attached to and extends outwardly away from the second end of the first portion of the cue. The rod extends through an opening in the intermediate wall. An urging means urges the first portion away from the intermediate wall into an extended position. The urging means is positioned between the intermediate wall and the second end of the first portion.

Abstract: A metal wood club head of a hollow hull structure according to the present invention is such that the vertical difference between a maximum face part height (MFH) from a sole part (4) and a back part height (BH) from the sole part (4) is at least within 25 mm, the height of a crown part (3) having a width of 30% to 70% of a head width from the sole part (4) is substantially identical to the maximum face part height (MFH) or more than that, the vertical difference between a maximum crown part height (MCH) from the sole part (4) and the maximum face part height (MFH) is at least within 8 mm, and the radius (R1) of curvature of the crown part (3) is substantially uniformly within the range of 100 mm to 1000 mm, while it sets the radius (R2) of curvature of the sole part (4) substantially uniformly within the range of 500 mm to 2000 mm, and sets the ratio of thicknesses of the crown part (3) and the sole part (4) within the range of 1.0 to 1.2.

Abstract: A pool table including a plurality of numbered balls. Also included is a playing surface with a rectangular configuration having a plurality of divots formed therein. Further provided is a ball collection assembly including a rectilinear periphery integrally formed about the edges of the playing surface with a plurality of vertically oriented bores formed therein. The ball collection assembly further includes at least one cut out formed in a top edge of the periphery. A spring is also included. Finally, at least one pool stick is adapted to utilize the spring for imparting motion to one of the balls.

Abstract: A telescoping pool cue or similar ball-striking device wherein a continuously variable amount of energy is stored. A main spring within an elongated handle is held in compression by a ratchet and pawl which provides an audible or visible signal of the amount of stored energy. A telescoping member may be marked with vernier indicia to visibly indicate the amount of stored energy or an electronic display provided. The main spring urges an outer plunger forwardly, but an actuator spring urges an inner plunger rearwardly. Upon release, the inner plunger moves rearward to release the pawl and ratchet after which both plungers move forwardly. This reciprocal action allows the cue to begin and end a stroke near the desired point of impact.

Abstract: A new and improved apparatus for use with a pool or billiard table includes a stick assembly and arrays of light reflectors attached to the table, in parallel with the respective ball-rebounding surfaces. The stick assembly includes a stick and a laser unit connected to the stick. The laser unit includes a housing which is adjustably connected to a bracket which receives the stick. The stick can also include a spring-loaded ram assembly for striking a ball with a predetermined force that results from an amount of energy stored in a compressed spring. A trigger releases the compressed spring permitting the spring to drive the ram to strike a ball. To employ the apparatus for a straight shot, a first ball, which is to be struck by the stick, a second ball, which is to be struck by the first ball, and a target location, such as a pocket, are selected by a player.