Abstract: The present invention is directed to a kickboard. The kickboard includes a wedge-shaped flotation body with a top surface and a bottom surface. The kickboard preferably includes an adjustable strap feature for positioning a swimmer's hands in a flattened position while swimming with the kickboard in a forward position. The top surface preferably includes depression features for fitting or cradling against the swimmer's arms with the swimmer's arms outstretched. Preferably, the kickboard includes one or more fins protruding from the bottom surface of the wedge-shaped flotation body and the bottom surface includes one or more contoured channels to further stabilize the kickboard while swimming with the kickboard in the forward position.

Abstract: A waterproof heart rate monitor device, method, and system are disclosed that transmit heart rate information to a user. In operation one or more infrared sensor sits against skin of a user to measure his or her heart rate. An internal computer, or micro-processor, that is coupled to one or more sensors then calculates the number of beats/minute (b/m) that a user's heart is beating and generates output signals to an output unit such as an ear plug or via bone conduction transducer to provide a user an audio representation of his or her heart rate.

Abstract: A system and method for peer-to-peer gaming is described. One embodiment includes a system for peer-to-peer gaming, the system comprising an at least one gaming client, wherein the at least one gaming client is configured to accept a selection of an at least one gaming option from a player, and allow the player to play a game based on the selection of the at least one gaming option; an administration server, wherein the administration server is configured to receive the selection of the at least one gaming option from the at least one gaming client, and initiate the game for the player based on the selection of the at least one gaming option; and an at least one gaming server, wherein the at least one gaming sever is configured to run the game and transmit data about the game to the administration server.

Abstract: A floatation device or system for teaching proper swimming techniques and a method for making the same is disclosed. The device of the present invention has an elongated flattened body that is fashioned into a figure-eight like or a pear-like shape. The elongated flattened body is made from one or more buoyant tubular structures that form a first loop with a first aperture and a second loop with a second aperture. At least one of the first and second apertures is sufficiently large enough to be positioned around a torso portion of a swimmer's body. The device is capable of being used in a number of different swimming positions for teaching proper swimming techniques.

Abstract: A protective head-gear apparatus and a method for making the same is disclosed. The protective head-gear apparatus is buoyant and includes a cap and ear-guard that covers a user's ears while wearing the cap. The ear-guards include pads of cushions that are formed from a buoyant material and which are vented to allow water to pass through the ear-guard elements and allow the user to hear wearing the protective head-gear apparatus. In further embodiments of the invention, the ear-guards include outer shells or covers that are also vented. The ear-guard elements are permanently attached to the cap or alternatively are configured to detachably couple to the cap through an attachment mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention can provide a system and method for paramutual-style fantasy sports wagering and entertainment. In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention can include a method for paramutual fantasy betting, the method comprising providing a bettor with a first plurality of players of a first player type, providing a bettor with a second plurality of players of a second player type, receiving a proposition from the bettor, wherein the proposition comprises a first player from the first plurality of players and a second player from the second plurality of players, receiving a wager amount from the bettor, receiving a paramutual bet for the proposition, calculating paramutual odds for the proposition, and determining a result for the bettor, wherein the result is based on the paramutual bet and the proposition.

Abstract: The present invention can provide a system and method for sports wagering and entertainment. In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention can include a method for odds-based sports wagering, the method comprising: receiving, from a bettor, a selection of at least one players; providing, to the bettor, odds associated with the selection of at least one players; receiving, from the bettor, an at least one bet type and an at least one bet amount based on the odds associated with the selection of at least one players; and returning, to the bettor, a result for the at least one bet type and the at least one bet amount.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a kickboard. The kickboard includes a wedge-shaped flotation body with a top surface and a bottom surface. The kickboard preferably includes an adjustable strap feature for positioning a swimmer's hands in a flattened position while swimming with the kickboard in a forward position. The top surface preferably includes depression features for fitting or cradling against the swimmer's arms with the swimmer's arms outstretched.

Abstract: An EOT unit periodically reports its position to an EOT unit tracking station using wireless communication. The location message preferably includes an EOT identifier and a time associated with the position. Optionally, the EOT units are configured to periodically reawaken from a low power state (which may be entered when the EOT units are tipped over while installed on a train or laid on their sides along a wayside or elsewhere) in order to transmit the location message. Optionally, the EOT unit includes a cellular modem and periodically transmits the location message using a cellular network. Optionally, the EOT units are equipped with transceivers and have the ability to receive a query message and transmit a location message in response, and further have the ability to receive a disable message and respond by entering a “no service” state until a special command is entered.

Abstract: A snorkel and snorkel system are disclosed. The snorkel includes an arching breathing tube with a mouthpiece at a first end and a breathing port at a second end. The arching breathing tube preferably arches through a range of angles between 240 and 300 degrees and mouthpiece and the breathing port are separated by a distance in a range of 8 to 16 inches. The snorkel system preferably includes a strap with a bracket for securing the snorkel to a user's head and along a front portion of the user's face.

Abstract: An end of train unit includes a positioning system such as a GPS receiver and is configured to transmit a message including the EOT unit's location when the EOT unit detects a loss of air pipe pressure and/or it is tipped over and/or a low battery condition is detected. In highly preferred embodiments, the EOT unit periodically re-transmits the message until an acknowledgment message is received. In some embodiments, information from the positioning system is used to create a signal as a substitute for a motion sensor. In other embodiments, information from the positioning system is used to determine the speed of the end of the train. End of train unit tracking is also performed.

Abstract: This invention relates to systems to regulate pace. More particularly, this invention relates to providing a user with a regulated pace through the use of an electronic pace regulating, timing, and coaching device. In accordance with the instant invention, a portable programmable electronic device is configured to provide an audible signal at a repeated frequency that is selectable by the user. The pace timer and coaching device provides the user with a set audible cue at a set frequency to be followed during an exercise session. The audible cues provide a single regulated pace to be followed by the user while performing repetitive actions, motions, or strokes such that a desired training or racing pace is adhered to. The device is configured to detachably couple to swim goggles, to a user, to sunglasses, to an arm band, to exercise equipment, or to other articles of clothing utilized while exercising.

Abstract: A system for and method of communicating content data through bone conduction is disclosed. The content data can include radio content data, such as FM and AM radio content data, radio packet content data, recorded or stored content data and/or timing signals. The system includes bone conduction speakers configured to deliver the content data to a user through bone conduction using flexible contact diaphragms.

Abstract: A snorkel and snorkel system are disclosed. The snorkel includes an arching breathing tube with a mouthpiece at a first end and a breathing port at a second end. The arching breathing tube preferably arches through a range of angles between 240 and 300 degrees and mouthpiece and the breathing port are separated by a distance in a range of 8 to 16 inches. The snorkel system preferably includes a strap with a bracket for securing the snorkel to a user's head and along a front portion of the user's face.

Abstract: An end of train unit includes a positioning system such as a GPS receiver and is configured to transmit a message including the EOT unit's location when the EOT unit detects a loss of air pipe pressure and/or it is tipped over and/or a low battery condition is detected. In highly preferred embodiments, the EOT unit periodically re-transmits the message until an acknowledgment message is received. In some embodiments, information from the positioning system is used to create a signal as a substitute for a motion sensor. In other embodiments, information from the positioning system is used to determine the speed of the end of the train. End of train unit tracking is also performed.