CBS News:
The U.S. Open represents a showcase for a tennis invention that measures net cord tension.
David Glass, an engineer from Knoxville with product development experience, received a patent for his TNT Gauge system in November 2010. The device, about 7 inches long and 1 ¼ inches wide, goes on the anchor hook on the outside of a net post. Glass, an amateur tennis player, believes his device can provide consistency in net tension.
“Wimbledon is notorious for very loose nets,” Glass said. “The U.S. Open nets were so tight the ball could bounce very high or completely out of bounds. There was an inconsistency in the game.”
After experimenting with Glass’ device on two outer courts a year ago, the U.S. Open is using it on all its courts this year.
Glass originally had developed a gauge to adjust the tension in the cables of an airplane when he realized the claims on his patent were broad enough to cover sports net tension as well. That’s when Glass realized his idea also could help him out on the tennis court.