This disclosure relates to a relatively compact smart ball launching system and associated methods for using the same. In various embodiments, the disclosed ball launching system may comprise a collapsible ball hopper that can store a larger number of balls while maintaining a relatively compact size. In certain embodiments, brushless motors may be used to improve power efficiency while allowing for accurate launch speeds and/or spins. In some embodiments, a pre-launch chamber may be included in a ball dispensing mechanism that may facilitate on-demand shots and/or power savings by shutting the ball launching system down when the ball hopper is empty. In further embodiments, the ball launching system may be controlled, at least in part, via a mobile device. In some implementations, the ball launching system may include and/or otherwise interface with a camera system to facilitate improved calibration and/or record user actions.

A device to strengthen a person's arm muscles through the utilization of a portable device including a handle portion and a weight component with the two components separated by a flexible rod is provided. Such a device allows for the user to grip the handle portion and act as if they are throwing such a handle portion while the weight end moves along an arc defined through the length of the flexible rod. The resultant action is the generation of centripetal force along the defined arc with the reactive centrifugal force providing resistance to the user's arm muscles in a manner that is unique and heretofore unattainable through the utilization of a portable exercise device. The flexible rod component provides at least 1 foot (100 cm) of spacing between the handle portion and the weight portion.

Provided is a method for predicting a location of a fast-moving object. The method includes receiving event information from an event camera, the event information corresponding to an event detected by the event camera, generating a Binary Event History Image (BEHI) based on the event information, providing the BEHI as an input to an event-based neural network, obtaining, as an output of the event-based neural network, a first predicted location of the fast-moving object, a normal distribution indicating prediction uncertainty of the predicted location, and a predicted time-to-collision (TTC). The method further includes estimating a second predicted location of the fast-moving object based on the first predicted location, the normal distribution, and the predicted TTC output by the event-based neural network, and actuating a mechanical catching device to be at the second predicted location.

Provided is a method for predicting a location of a fast-moving object. The method includes receiving event information from an event camera, the event information corresponding to an event detected by the event camera, generating a Binary Event History Image (BEHI) based on the event information, providing the BEHI as an input to an event-based neural network, obtaining, as an output of the event-based neural network, a first predicted location of the fast-moving object, a normal distribution indicating prediction uncertainty of the predicted location, and a predicted time-to-collision (TTC). The method further includes estimating a second predicted location of the fast-moving object based on the first predicted location, the normal distribution, and the predicted TTC output by the event-based neural network, and actuating a mechanical catching device to be at the second predicted location.

A launching and/or catching toy kit has a football and at least one associated slingshot. The football includes a generally elongated spheroidal body, a support non-movably attached to the body, a tail, a first and a second elastic band hook oppositely disposed, and a lift-generating wing. The slingshot is configured to launch the football from a first user to a second user. The slingshot includes a handle and a pair of prongs connected and/or extending from the handle top. At least one elastic band is connected to each prong. Each of the at least one elastic bands are releasably captured by their respective first or second elastic band hook on the football during launching by the first user. When two slingshots are available, the users can shoot and catch the football between each other allowing for a game of catch.

A throwing club with a counterweight at a handle thereof includes a rod portion, the handle, and a ball holder. A first end of the rod portion is connected to the handle. The ball holder is arranged on a second end of the rod portion. An anti-releasing ring is arranged on the handle. A first slip-proof shell and a second slip-proof shell are arranged on an outer side of the handle. A streamlined casing for improving a comfort during gripping is arranged on an inner side of the handle. The counterweight is arranged inside an end of the handle away from the rod portion. The throwing club is of a simple structure and a skillful and reasonable design. The design of the anti-releasing ring on the handle can prevent the throwing club from being thrown out of the hand during the throwing process.

A launching and/or catching toy kit has a football and at least one associated slingshot. The football includes a generally elongated spheroidal body, a support non-movably attached to the body, a tail, and a first and a second elastic band hook oppositely disposed. The slingshot is configured to launch the football from a first user to a second user. The slingshot includes a handle and a pair of prongs connected and/or extending from the handle top. At least one elastic band is connected to each prong. Each of the at least one elastic bands are releasably captured by their respective first or second elastic band hook on the football during launching by the first user. When two slingshots are available, the users can shoot and catch the football between each other allowing for a game of catch.

Embodiments of the disclosure can relate to systems and methods for sorting balls. The systems and methods may involve the use of a ball-feeding mechanism for receiving one or more balls, and feeding the one or more balls to a projection element. The projection element may be located beneath the ball-feeding mechanism such that the balls drop from the ball-feeding mechanism to the projection element, and the balls then project from the projection element to a ball-sorting apparatus. The balls may then subsequently be sorted into a sorting container of one or more sorting containers based on the projected height of the ball.

A retractable cone net system includes a first net anchor member; a second net anchor member; and a net for stretching between the first net anchor member and the second net anchor member. The first net anchor member is configured to attach to a first cone, and the second net anchor member is configured to attach to a second cone. The second net anchor member includes a net attachment mechanism for attaching one end of the net when in use. The first net anchor member includes a net storage chamber for storing the net when not in use. The first net anchor member includes a net retraction mechanism for retracting the net into the net storage chamber of the first net anchor member when the net is not in use.

An exercise apparatus includes an adjustable frame being attachable to an assistive ambulation device. The adjustable frame includes removable handles, fitting arms located on a lower portion of the adjustable frame to receive a fitness attachment, and attachment points on located on the lower portion of the adjustable frame to couple a resistance device. A jump rope trainer includes a handle; flexible tubing including a handle fastener to connect the handle to the flexible tubing; and a soft sphere shaped object. The flexible tubing includes a soft sphere shaped object fastener to connect the soft sphere shaped object to the flexible tubing.