Abstract: Embodiments of golf club heads and methods to manufacture golf club heads are generally described herein. In one example, a golf club head may include a body portion having a face portion for striking a golf ball and an enclosed interior cavity. A filler material may be disposed in the interior cavity and may reinforce the face portion. The filler material may include a low-density polymer material to enable discretionary mass placement to other areas of the golf club head. The golf club head may also include a hosel portion configured to adjust certain mass properties of the golf club head. Other examples and embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: A test fixture for identifying the sweet spot of a bat suspends the bat in a vertical orientation via a fixed pivot point and limits rotational movement of the bat to a single plane. A pendulum with an impact mass is caused to contact the bat at various locations along the barrel of the bat at a fixed velocity. Rotational movement of the impact mass is limited to the single plane. Peak acceleration is measured proximate to the handle of the bat. The sweet spot is identified based on measured minimum peak acceleration. For example, if there is a single measured minimum peak acceleration then the corresponding contact location at the barrel is the sweet spot. If there are multiple measured minimum peak acceleration instances then a center or average contact location of those instances in identified as the sweet spot.

Abstract: A test apparatus determines the state of torsional balance of an elongate device about its longitudinal axis. It has a base plate, supporting two sets of longitudinally spaced-apart low-friction roller bearings. The second bearings are mounted on the base at a higher location than the first bearings. A support for the second bearings has a side opening to allow lateral movement of the device under test into engagement with the underside of the second bearings which resting on the upper side of the first bearings. The device under test may be a rifle or a golf putter, the barrel or shaft respectively of which is supported on the roller bearings of the first set and in contact with the underside of the second bearings. The device will rotate about the longitudinal axis if not balanced about the axis. It is very easy and convenient for the user to place the tube in the guide to check for balance whenever checking balance of the item.

Abstract: A system and methods of fitting golf clubs, and more particularly, the systems and methods related to wedge type golf clubs, having multiple sole configurations and/or bounce angles. More specifically, the present invention is directed to system and methods that enable a player to quantify the performance of the golf club's sole interaction with the ground and to determine the sole configuration and bounce angle that provides the most optimal shot performance.

Abstract: There is provided a system (1) including a ball (10), which incorporates a first sensor that functions as at least a triaxial acceleration sensor, a triaxial gyro sensor, and a triaxial geomagnetic sensor and also includes a first communication unit (16) that wirelessly transmits sensor data detected by the first sensor; and a mobile terminal (20) including a second communication unit (21) that is paired with the first communication unit. The mobile terminal includes: a unit (61) that acquires external information indicating an environment in which the paired ball moves independently; and a unit (63) that generates ball movement data (55) of the paired ball in which the sensor data of the paired ball obtained via the first communication unit and the second communication unit is associated with the external information.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus to measure swing mass moments of sports implements. The present disclosure further provides an apparatus to measure a center of mass point of sports implements. Some embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a single, compact apparatus configured to measure both a swing mass moment and a center of mass point of a sports implement. The disclosed swing mass measurement apparatus provides a compact mechanical device configured to quickly, accurately measure even small differences of implement swing mass. The disclosed center of mass point measurement apparatus provides a large roller rod adjuster, allowing easy adjustment of tested implements into balance of center mass over rod, then a touch stylus is moved into contact with the tested implements handle, for an accurate location measurement, that is projected onto a double size scale readout for enhanced comprehension.

Abstract: An electronic method for matching a user with a golf ball includes playing a first digital audio file to a user via a computer and playing a second digital audio file to the user via the computer. Each of the first digital audio file and the second digital audio file correspond to an acoustic response of a respective golf ball to a standardized impact force. The method then includes receiving an input from the user via the computer, where the input corresponds to a preferred acoustic response selected from the acoustic response of the first golf ball and the acoustic response of the second golf ball. Once the preferred response is determined, the method includes displaying a golf ball model that corresponds to the preferred acoustic response.

Abstract: The present invention provides golf ball recommendations correlating to a golfer's swing parameters determined by comparing the flight characteristics of a golf ball driven by the golfer with a database of flight characteristics of golf balls associated with particular swing parameters. The swing parameters in the database may be correlated with golf ball flight characteristics determined using empirical tests.

Abstract: A test station for testing golf clubs has a clamp on the lower portion holding a shaft extending along a first axis. Sensors along that axis detect shaft vibrations torsion vibrations. Four towers are movably connected to a rail extending along the top portion of the base. Two of the towers have a first vertically adjustable shaft positioner and a device to detect forces exerted on the first shaft positioners. The other two towers also have vertically adjustable shaft positioners. The towers are used to determine stiffness, center of gravity, swing point and other properties. A drawer in the base contains a scale to measure the club length, and a pivoted stop to measure head angle.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the kinematic characteristics of a golf club are disclosed. The apparatus includes at least one piezoelectric component selectively positioned within or upon at least one portion of a golf club. When the club head impacts an object such as a golf ball, the piezoelectric component is operable to determine the velocity of the club. It may also be desirable for the piezoelectric component to determine the magnitude of vibration during impact and swing speed. In this manner, the piezoelectric component may function determine the efficiency of a golf club swing.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an automated ball launching method and apparatus. The apparatus includes ball pick and place mechanisms, an air cannon, spin and velocity inducing belt drive assemblies, electric leveling jack stands, electric angle linear drive, and a computer control system. The apparatus is capable of automatically controlling ball spin, velocity, and launch angle.

Abstract: A golf club testing machine includes a swing arm mechanism, an upper section supporting the swing arm mechanism, a barrel section supporting the upper section in a manner such that the upper section is adjustable at a forwardly inclined angle, a base section supporting the barrel section in a manner such that the barrel section is rotatable in a horizontal plane at a constant height, and a hit assisting mechanism rotating the barrel section in a horizontal plane in unison with the swing arm mechanism.

Abstract: A muscular energy state analysis system and method for a swing motion and a computer program product thereof are provided. The system includes: a swing implement, for a user to perform the swing motion, and including an acceleration sensor for sensing acceleration of the swing implement when the swing implement is swung, so as to generate a swing speed data; a plurality of signal detection modules, for detecting electromyographic (EMG) signals generated by a muscles of the user; a database, for storing a muscular energy sample value,; a muscular energy analysis module, for analyzing the EMG signals and the swing speed data so as to obtain a plurality of muscular performance values; and a comparison module, for comparing the swing speed data and the muscular performance values with the at least one muscular energy sample value in the database, so as to generate a comparison result data.

Abstract: A ball movement path measuring method includes the steps of: preparing an operating unit and a measurement unit, mounting the triaxial accelerometer in the object to be measured for enabling the triaxial accelerometer to define XYZ triaxial space coordinates, obtaining the data of a initial position of the XYZ axes at a first measuring time and the data of a reference position of the XYZ axes at a second measuring time and transmitting the obtained data to the operating unit, and comparing the reference position to the initial position and calculating the XYZ acceleration data, XYZ vector components of force and torsion force relative to each of XYZ axes after receipt of force subject to the contained angle between the coordinates data of the reference position and the coordinate data of the initial position and then using the XYZ acceleration data and the data of the weight and size of the object to calculate the force experienced by the object, initial velocity, flight duration, flight height, flight distan

Abstract: On the basis of a surface shape appearing at a predetermined point moment by moment during rotation of a golf ball having numerous dimples on its surface, a data constellation regarding a parameter dependent on a surface shape of the golf ball is calculated. A preferable parameter is a distance between an axis of the rotation and the surface of the golf ball. Another preferable parameter is a volume of space between a surface of a phantom sphere and the surface of the golf ball. Fourier transformation is performed on the data constellation to obtain a transformed data constellation. On the basis of a peak value and an order of a maximum peak of the transformed data constellation, an aerodynamic characteristic of the golf ball is determined. The peak value and the order of the maximum peak are calculated for each of PH rotation and POP rotation.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for measuring an object's center of gravity. The system includes a bed for supporting the object in an immovable position. The bed is tiltably attached to a frame that is supported near at least a first and a second edge by at least one force measuring device per edge. The bed is tiltable about one of the edges. A processor is connected to each force measuring devices and is configured to process force measurement data collected therefrom. The processor is configured to calculate the object's center of gravity along a z-axis based on a ratio of a cosine of the bed's angle of tilt multiplied by the center of gravity of the object along a y-axis in a flat configuration minus the center of gravity of the object along the y-axis in a tilted configuration to the sine of the angle of tilt.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the kinematic characteristics of a golf club head are disclosed. The apparatus includes at least one piezoelectric component selectively positioned within or upon a club head. The piezoelectric component is preferably positioned to the rear of the center of gravity, and near the midpoint of the face of the club head. During a golf club swing, the piezoelectric component determines the acceleration and deceleration of the golf club head. When the club head impacts an object such as a golf ball, the piezoelectric component is also operable to determine the velocity of the club head. It may also be desirable for the piezoelectric component to determine the magnitude of vibration during impact. In this manner, the piezoelectric component may function determine the efficiency of a golf club swing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the kinematic characteristics of a golf club head are disclosed. The apparatus includes at least one piezoelectric component selectively positioned within or upon a club head. The piezoelectric component is preferably positioned to the rear of the center of gravity, and near the midpoint of the face of the club head. During a golf club swing, the piezoelectric component determines the acceleration and deceleration of the golf club head. When the club head impacts an object such as a golf ball, the piezoelectric component is also operable to determine the velocity of the club head. It may also be desirable for the piezoelectric component to determine the magnitude of vibration during impact. In this manner, the piezoelectric component may function determine the efficiency of a golf club swing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the kinematic characteristics of a golf club head are disclosed. The apparatus includes at least one piezoelectric component selectively positioned within or upon a club head. The piezoelectric component is preferably positioned to the rear of the center of gravity, and near the midpoint of the face of the club head. During a golf club swing, the piezoelectric component determines the acceleration and deceleration of the golf club head. When the club head impacts an object such as a golf ball, the piezoelectric component is also operable to determine the velocity of the club head. It may also be desirable for the piezoelectric component to determine the magnitude of vibration during impact. In this manner, the piezoelectric component may function determine the efficiency of a golf club swing.

Abstract: Disclosed is fitting at least one equipment measurement to a performer of a pre-determined activity to improve performance. Said equipment measurement is fitted via an analysis of pre-swing or pre-action movement or position, before the swing or action of the pre-determined activity is determined to begin. Said fitted equipment measurement may be used to fit at least one further equipment measurement as applicable based on a performance analysis of said performer. The fitting of golf equipment in such manner is particularly disclosed, including fitting a golf club measurement of a pre-swing rotation point location (waggle weight point) and using said measurement to further fit a golf club measurement (waggle weight) about said rotation point location based on golfer performance. Disclosed is making golf clubs or other equipment using the at least one fitted equipment measurement.

Abstract: A ball movement path measuring method includes the steps of: preparing an operating unit and a measurement unit, mounting the triaxial accelerometer in the object to be measured for enabling the triaxial accelerometer to define XYZ triaxial space coordinates, obtaining the data of a initial position of the XYZ axes at a first measuring time and the data of a reference position of the XYZ axes at a second measuring time and transmitting the obtained data to the operating unit, and comparing the reference position to the initial position and calculating the XYZ acceleration data, XYZ vector components of force and torsion force relative to each of XYZ axes after receipt of force subject to the contained angle between the coordinates data of the reference position and the coordinate data of the initial position and then using the XYZ acceleration data and the data of the weight and size of the object to calculate the force experienced by the object, initial velocity, flight duration, flight height, flight distan

Abstract: A method of matching a golfer's skills to a particular brand of golf balls by first testing a golfer's skills using a golf launch monitor, the data derived from this test being entered into an extensive computerized system of research databases. Further test results are taken for putting comparisons between all brands within the system. A final category known as “the feel index” is also tested and entered into the computer database. Based upon the results and golfer preference towards distance, accuracy, putting and feel, the top brand is selected for that person. This brand is then subjected to a series of air cannon tests to determine the performance characteristics of each ball. The balls are then subdivided into groups and performance rated for consistency.

Abstract: On the basis of a surface shape appearing at a predetermined point moment by moment during rotation of a golf ball having numerous dimples on its surface, a data constellation regarding a parameter dependent on a surface shape of the golf ball is calculated. A preferable parameter is a distance between an axis of the rotation and the surface of the golf ball. Another preferable parameter is a volume of space between a surface of a phantom sphere and the surface of the golf ball. Fourier transformation is performed on the data constellation to obtain a transformed data constellation. On the basis of a peak value and an order of a maximum peak of the transformed data constellation, an aerodynamic characteristic of the golf ball is determined. The peak value and the order of the maximum peak are calculated for each of PH rotation and POP rotation.

Abstract: An air cannon apparatus and system for test launching golf balls. The apparatus includes a barrel sized to slidably receive a golf ball, an air pressure tank coupled to the barrel by an air control valve, a golf ball air clamp assembly for holding a golf ball for rotation about a spin axis within and transverse to the barrel, and a servomotor coupled to the air clamp assembly for controlledly spinning the golf ball prior to launching. The air control valve releases a charge of pressurized air from the air pressure tank into the barrel against the spinning golf ball simultaneous with releasing the clamp whereupon the golf ball is launched from the barrel. The system also includes a frame assembly for lockable positioning of the apparatus at a selected inclination angle and a system controller. The apparatus is selectively rotatable to vary the angular orientation of the spin axis.

Abstract: Embodiments of shaft torque profiling apparatuses and methods of use are generally described herein. In one embodiment, a method for determining the torsional stiffness of a least a portion of a shaft comprises: immobilizing a first portion of the shaft; immobilizing a second portion of the shaft to define a first region between the first portion and the second portion; rotating a first portion of the first region about an axis of the shaft; and measuring a rotation of the first portion of the first region. Other embodiments herein may be described and claimed.

Abstract: The sole shape can be designed with ease. The invention provides a method for designing an iron sole shape that includes the steps of setting different parameter values (S1) relating to a sole shape while keeping parameters other than those of the sole shape constant, preparing an iron club (S2) having the parameter values that have been set, a tester using the iron club that has been prepared to hit a ball (S4), measuring a path of the club head (S5) using a camera to obtain data relating to a position and a velocity of the club head, and determining whether or not the sole shape is favorable (S6) based on the data that have been obtained.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the kinematic characteristics of a golf club head are disclosed. The apparatus includes at least one piezoelectric component selectively positioned within or upon a club head. The piezoelectric component is preferably positioned to the rear of the center of gravity, and near the midpoint of the face of the club head. During a golf club swing, the piezoelectric component determines the acceleration and deceleration of the golf club head. When the club head impacts an object such as a golf ball, the piezoelectric component is also operable to determine the velocity of the club head. It may also be desirable for the piezoelectric component to determine the magnitude of vibration during impact. In this manner, the piezoelectric component may function determine the efficiency of a golf club swing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the kinematic characteristics of a golf club head are disclosed. The apparatus includes at least one piezoelectric component selectively positioned within or upon a club head. The piezoelectric component is preferably positioned to the rear of the center of gravity, and near the midpoint of the face of the club head. During a golf club swing, the piezoelectric component determines the acceleration and deceleration of the golf club head. When the club head impacts an object such as a golf ball, the piezoelectric component is also operable to determine the velocity of the club head. It may also be desirable for the piezoelectric component to determine the magnitude of vibration during impact. In this manner, the piezoelectric component may function determine the efficiency of a golf club swing.

Abstract: A pre-swing waggle weight rotation point location and a waggle weight specification measurement are disclosed that are provided about a golf club. A process that may be computer implemented establishes the waggle weight point location. A waggle weight scale with a fulcrum set to the waggle weight point may be utilized to determine the waggle weight. Disclosed is producing golf clubs with the waggle weight measurement.

Abstract: A pre-swing waggle weight rotation point location and a waggle weight specification measurement are disclosed that are provided about a golf club. A process that may be computer implemented establishes the waggle weight point location. A waggle weight scale with a fulcrum set to the waggle weight point may be utilized to determine the waggle weight. Disclosed is producing golf clubs with the waggle weight measurement.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a torque applied from a golf player to a golf club during a swing is analyzed in a time-series manner. A DLT method is suitable as a determination procedure. Preferably, a link model is used in this analysis. Preferably, the three-dimensional coordinate of the mark provided at a position that corresponds to the link model is determined by a DLT method. Preferable analysis method includes: modeling using a golf club, and at least a part of a golf player who grips a grip member of the golf club to provide a link model in which the golf club is connected with the golf player via a joint; and analyzing the torque that acts on the joint is analyzed during the swing in a time-series manner. This joint is positioned in the vicinity of the grip member. This analysis can be applied to a method of diagnosing a swing, a method of selecting a golf club, and a method of designing a golf club.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, this method encompasses a shaft with a neutral flex point mark and identification mark/sticker of quantitative characteristics that has been achieved by deflecting a shaft, at its tip, a specific distance while resting in a free floating position. Shafts are then sorted by the quantitative measurement of its propensity to bend(flex weight) into sets of shafts to be assembled into golf clubs by aligning the neutral flex point mark on the golf shaft to the neutral point mark on a golf club head.

Abstract: The device for determining the center of gravity of an object measures the moments of the object (e.g., golf club head, or other irregularly shaped object) as it is positioned in three mutually orthogonal axes. As the weight of the object is known, the moments may be divided by the weight to determine the precise arm from the scale to the center of gravity of the object. A line is marked across the exterior surface of the object along each orthogonal axis, with the intersection of the lines defining the center of gravity of the object. A programmable electronic scale is preferably used, but other mechanical and electronic scales may be used as well. The knowledge of the precise location of the center of gravity of the object enables a technician to add or remove weight in precise amounts and locations to adjust the center of gravity precisely.

Abstract: A method (250) and apparatus (20) for measuring the face angle of a golf club (300), golf club head (302) or face component (304) of a golf club head is disclosed herein. The method (250) and apparatus (20) use a non-contact displacement measuring assembly (24) to determine the face angle. The method (250) and apparatus (20) is utilized with right-handed and left handed golf clubs (300), golf club heads (302) and face components (304). The apparatus (20) generally includes a base assembly (22), a non-contact displacement measuring assembly (24), a shaft center sensor assembly (26), a base plate assembly (28), a lie adjustment assembly (30) and a shaft support assembly (32).

Abstract: A launch monitor that includes substantially all of its functional components on or within a housing is disclosed. In one embodiment, the launch monitor is capable of being transported and used in any desired location. One or more camera's, flashes, and triggers may be used to acquire images of a golf club and golf ball. The launch monitor is preferably capable of receiving and transmitting data over a wireless network. Acquired images and other data may be analyzed by a processor, and then displayed using an LED, LCD or other type of display or printer. The launch monitor may “recognize” a plurality of golf clubs and golf balls based on an optical fingerprint. The optical fingerprints, which are preferably stored in a memory, allow the launch monitor to identify a golf club and/or ball substantially soon after they are placed in the field of view of the monitor Optical fingerprinting enables automatic record keeping, and storing performance data and equipment used simultaneously.

Abstract: The present invention is a method, system and/or apparatus for achieving a level balance through the use of one or more fluids, solids and/or gases (identified herein as “liquidwick”), whether individually applied or applied in selected combination, or whether applied through phase-shifting combinations, the liquidwick being partially or fully placed in a closable container which is securely insertable into a cavity within an instrument desired to achieve balance (such as, for example, a pool stick or a golf club).

Abstract: An apparatus for locating and marking an equator of a golf ball is provided and includes a rotation plate shaped to support a golf ball is provided in a housing. The housing encloses a motor and the motor is attached to the rotation plate and is capable of imparting spin on the rotation plate. A guard has a ring and a cross-beam with a marking opening defined therein extending from the ring. The bottom portion of the housing includes a cavity shaped to accommodate the golf ball such that any markings made to the ball may be darkened and better defined.

Abstract: Evaluation of the durability or the coefficient of restitution of a golf club head 1 is performed by measuring a response signal of an impact surface 10 of a golf club head 1 when imparting a vibration to the impact surface 10, finding a value of the peak frequency of the first resonance frequency or the like located within a predetermined frequency range of the measured response signal, and finding the ratio of this peak frequency value with respect to a reference value. Further, control of the quality of the restitution characteristics in a initial state, or quality of the golf club head that deteriorates over time, is conducted by utilizing the evaluation results. The golf club head 1 is provided with a label 12 for displaying the peak frequency measured immediately after manufacture as an initial value. Further, in manufacturing a golf club, the quality of the golf club head immediately after manufacture is controlled by the peak frequency.

Abstract: The golf club hosel bending fixture immovably secures a golf club head therein in order to adjustably bend the hosel angle of the club head to “fine tune” the characteristics of the club. The fixture includes an angularly articulating crown jaw assembly, a relatively fixed lower jaw assembly generally opposite the crown jaw assembly, a longitudinally disposed back jaw assembly, and a club head face jaw disposed at the base of the crown jaw track in order to remain aligned with the crown jaw. The jaw clamp and base mechanisms are laterally symmetrical, in order to provide for both left- and right-hand club heads. Two orthogonal gauges are provided to check both loft and lie angles of the hosel relative to the club head and face. The gauges may be adjustably positioned to either side of the fixture, to check either left- or right-hand club heads.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for locating the neutral bending plane of an elongated flexible shaft, typically a golf club shaft, by mounting one end portion of the shaft in a clamping mechanism having a rotatable clamp member that permits the shaft to turn about its longitudinal axis while being driven through a motion simulating a golf swing, with sufficient speed to cause the inertial loading of the shaft by its own mass, enhanced by a head weight, to turn the clamp member and the shaft into alignment with the path of movement of the shaft during the simulated swing. A brake fixes the shaft in this position during the swinging motion. A first embodiment uses a rotary motor to rotate the shaft in a radially projecting position about a stationary axis, with a clamping mechanism and brake mechanism on a base plate mounted on the motor shaft.

Abstract: A method (250) and apparatus (20) for measuring the face angle of a golf club (300), golf club head (302) or face component (304) of a golf club head is disclosed herein. The method (250) and apparatus (20) use a non-contact displacement measuring assembly (24) to determine the face angle. The method (250) and apparatus (20) is utilized with right-handed and left handed golf clubs (300), golf club heads (302) and face components (304). The apparatus (20) generally includes a base assembly (22), a non-contact displacement measuring assembly (24), a shaft center sensor assembly (26), a base plate assembly (28), a lie adjustment assembly (30) and a shaft support assembly (32).

Abstract: A method of evaluating restitution characteristics of a golf club head, a system for evaluating the restitution characteristics and a golf club, are provided in which a coefficient of restitution of a golf club head is inferred and obtained without disassembling the golf club by removing the golf club head away from a shaft and the coefficient of restitution may extremely easily be obtained for a short period of time. At first, an external force to a striking face of the golf club head is imparted to perform impact vibration. A response signal of the striking face under the impact vibration is acquired to obtain a resonant frequency of the striking face. A coefficient of restitution is calculated from the resonant frequency when the golf ball is struck by the striking face, whereby restitution characteristics of the golf club head are inferred and evaluated.

Abstract: A golf equipment fitting system that uses advanced technology to not only objectively identify the optimum equipment for the golfer, but to also identify and help correct swing flaws so that the golfer can achieve optimum performance on the golf course. Thus, in one embodiment, golf fitting includes collecting data related to the golfer's swing and determining if the golfer's swing technique should be modified based at least in part on the collected swing data. When it is determined that the golfer's swing technique should be modified, then providing swing instruction to the golfer. When, however, it is determined that the golfer's swing technique is fine, then collecting data related to how the golfer's swing launches a golf ball. Finally, golf equipment, e.g., golf clubs, can be specified based on the collected swing data and launch data.

Abstract: A launch monitor that includes substantially all of its functional components on or within a housing is disclosed. In one embodiment, the launch monitor is capable of being transported and used in any desired location. One or more camera's, flashes, and triggers may be used to acquire images of a golf club and golf ball. The launch monitor is preferably capable of receiving and transmitting data over a wireless network. Acquired images and other data may be analyzed by a processor, and then displayed using an LED, LCD or other type of display or printer. The launch monitor may “recognize” a plurality of golf clubs and golf balls based on an optical fingerprint. The optical fingerprints, which are preferably stored in a memory, allow the launch monitor to identify a golf club and/or ball substantially soon after they are placed in the field of view of the monitor Optical fingerprinting enables automatic record keeping, and storing performance data and equipment used simultaneously.

Abstract: A device for measuring alignment of a golf club is provided, and allows measurement of the lie angle and loft angle simultaneously. The strike face of the club is placed against an abutment member that is fixed to a base member, and held in place with a clamping member. An alignment member is coupled to the base member and spaced from the clamping member in generally opposing relation thereto. The alignment member is movable with respect to the clamping member to receive the golf club shaft in a cradle.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for measuring coefficient of restitution of an impact are disclosed. The apparatus includes a launching device, an enclosure, a second initially stationary object, and a plurality of speed sensors. The launching device causes a first object to be moved toward the second object and to impact the second object within the enclosure. The sensors are positioned within the enclosure to determine the velocity of the first object before impact, the velocity of the second object after impact and optionally the velocity of the first object after impact. Using these velocities, the coefficient of restitution of the impact can be determined. By using an enclosure and a second object that is initially stationary and is moved upon impact, the coefficient of restitution of the first object can be determined. The apparatus closely simulates a real-world golf ball/golf club collision.

Abstract: A swing weight scale is presented that measures the swing weight of a golf club by measuring the torque exerted by the club about fixed balance point. The apparatus comprises an elongated torque arm pivotally mounted to a base. At one end of the torque arm a pair of rollers cradle the shaft of the golf club from underneath. At the other end of the torque arm a vertical stop provides a reference for locating the butt of the golf club shaft and provides the mounting surface for a second pair of rollers that cradle the upper surface of the shaft at the butt end. The rollers allow the golf club shaft to freely rotate about its longitudinal axis so that the golf club head will hang down freely. A torque sensor is mounted at the pivot point of the torque arm to measure the torque produced by the golf club as it is supported by the torque arm.

Abstract: An apparatus for locating and marking the equator of a golf ball. A rotation plate shaped to support a golf ball is provided in a housing. The housing encloses a motor and the motor is attached to the rotation plate and is capable ofimparting spin on the rotation plate. A guard has a ring and a cross-beam with a marking opening defined therein extending from the ring. A means for supplying power to the motor and controlling the motor are provided.

Abstract: A golf club swing weight balance and scale according to the invention includes a weighing beam having and extending between first and second ends, a grip backstop disposed at the second end of the weighing beam and including a grip cap compensator movable within the grip backstop between an extended position and a retracted position, a slide weight slideably mounted on the weighing beam, and a pivot assembly pivotally supporting the weighing beam at a location intermediate the first and second ends and including a single support member disposed on only one side of the weighing beam so that the slide weight can be moved from the first end to the second end in a single stroke. The pivot assembly preferably includes a knife edge fulcrum, one end of which includes a knife edge pivotally connected to the weighing beam. The slide weight indicator includes a balance indicator indicating when the weighing beam is balanced, most preferably a bubble level mounted on the slide weight.

Abstract: A dynamic inertial balancing system (10) uses a shaft (20) mounted to a base (16). A motor (46) or pulley system (42) imparts rotational torque on the shaft. A swing arm (18) is coupled to the shaft and moves through an arc in a horizontal plane in response to the rotational torque. A golf club is mounted to the swing arm. A timer (38) records the time for the swing arm to traverse the arc. The system balances the golf clubs within a set by measuring their moments of inertia. Each golf club is placed on swing arm 18 and the time is measured for the each golf club to complete the swing arc. If torque is constant for all clubs, then by comparing the moments of inertia, i.e. by comparing the time for each club to complete the swing arc, the club set can be balanced.