Abstract: A computer activity-based challenge may be posted by a computer system to a social network associated with a user of the computer system. A notification may be received from the social network by the computer system indicating acceptance of the challenge for each subscriber of the social network who accepts the challenge. A result obtained by each subscriber who accepted the challenge may be recorded by the computer system after receiving the result from the social network. In some implementations a value associated with the challenge may be updated using dynamic scoring.

Abstract: A method of enabling in-game contextual chatting is disclosed. A request for information about an online game currently being played by a first player and a second player is received. A previous online game that was previously played by the first player and the second player is determined. A chat transcript is generated that pertains to the online game in response to the request for the information, the chat transcript spanning from the online game currently being played by the first player and the second player to the previous online game that was previously played by the first player and the second player.

Abstract: A membership-based video game delivery system for securely providing an internet-based video game catalog to paying video game playing members for immediate downloading availability. A video game playing user may log into a video game database hosted on a central server via the user's video gaming console. Once the user is verified by an authentication and security program, the user may browse, select, download, and play a wide variety of video games. The video game delivery system comprises user-configurable game accessibility and game playability parameters. The user may restrict, limit, and filter certain video games and may further configure real-time game update delivery options, such as enabling text messaging and email updates.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method comprises causing, to be displayed to a user through a web page of a social network provider that provides a social network, contest data that indicates an online contest; receiving, at a particular entity, input that indicates an intention by the user to participate in the online contest; sending, from the particular entity, request data that indicates a request, by the particular entity, for one or more permissions that allows the particular entity to access information from the social network provider about the user; after sending the request data, receiving, at the particular entity, acceptance data that indicates that the user accepts the request; in response to receiving the acceptance data, causing the user to be entered in the online contest; wherein the method is performed by one or more computing devices.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer program products for aggregating crowdsourcing platforms are disclosed. In an aspect of the present disclosure, a crowdsourcer (i.e., a sponsor for a particular contest, competition, or task) can provide the same contest, competition, or task across several communities that may have different user interfaces and/or different user devices or processes. The crowdsourcer can reward the community or community member that provides the winning solution or valuable answer.

Abstract: Software on a server accesses a batch file including a plurality of events generated by a remote game client application executing an instance of the computer-implemented game. The software accesses a game state data object associated with the instance of the computer-implemented game. The game state data object includes one or more game state parameters formatted as a serialized unstructured string of text data. The software parses the game state data object to identify the one or more game state parameters. The software processes the plurality of events in the batch file against game logic to update one or more of the game state parameters in the game state data object. The game logic incorporates information extracted from a social graph. And the software stores the game state data object in a memory cache.

Abstract: A torque fluctuation absorber includes a first plate member being rotatable, a second plate member positioned to be axially separated from the first plate member, the second plate member being rotatable relative to the first plate member, a first friction member arranged between the first plate member and the second plate member and slidably pressed against the first plate member and the second plate member, and a first guide portion restricting the first friction member from moving radially inwardly.

Abstract: A combined CV joint boot and inner seal includes a boot portion having a first end and a second end and having a shaft sealing portion at the first end for sealing with a first shaft of the CV joint. A front can sealing portion is positioned at the second end of the boot portion. An inner seal portion extends generally inwardly towards the CV joint longitudinal axis to block lubricant from migrating into the interior of the boot portion.

Abstract: A wheel amusement ride is depicted, which moves carriages containing riders around the wheel on a track. In other words, the carriages move, not the wheel. This design allows a moment frame to be used to support the wheel. Because a moment frame can be constructed to be much narrower than the supports for a traditional Ferris wheel, the wheel of the present invention can be installed in a much narrower land area, while still achieving great height.

Abstract: A golf club holder device is described and comprises a club holder with a body having a quasi-spherical shape with a recessed internal seat. The device includes an opening formed in a front of the body, the opening configured to receive a diameter of a shaft of a golf club therethrough. The device has a through hole formed in the body to the seat, the through hole being configured to recess a portion of a handgrip of a golf club within the club holder while suspending a remaining length of the golf club from the body.

Abstract: Clubs and clubheads are disclosed that allow the swing-weight thereof to be easily changed by attaching or exchanging a “weight-assembly” having a first portion configured as a “weight insert,” a second portion configured as an overcap, and a third portion configured as a drive screw. The drive screw extends through the overcap and into the weight-insert to assemble the weight-assembly, which fits into a weight-receiving cavity on the clubhead. These three components are made of respective materials (having respective densities) that are selected so that each component contributes a desired fraction of the total mass of the weight-assembly to the clubhead to achieve a desired change in swing-weight. By mix-match selection of the components, a wide range of masses of the weight assemblies can be made, with small increments therebetween.

Abstract: A grip and method of making such a grip configured for the handle of a golf club having a panel that is wrapped about an underlisting sleeve. The underlisting sleeve includes first and second centering indicators and the panel includes generally corresponding centering indicators. When wrapped about the sleeve, the sleeve centering indicators and the panel centering indicators are generally aligned.

Abstract: A golf club can include a universal hosel and/or hosel spacer that allows the golf club to be used with a variety of different sized club head shafts. The universal hosel can include multiple steps or ledges, and various inner diameters to accommodate different sized shafts. The spacer can be a self-expanding spacer, and can be pre-coated with epoxy. The spacer can fill in gaps within a hosel, so as to accommodate different sized shafts.

Abstract: A forearm crutch putter integrating the utility of a golf putter and a forearm crutch for senior golfers. The forearm rest and grip handle provide support for the user to walk with the present invention being used as a crutch, while the putting grip and putter provide functionality of the present invention as a club. A shock absorber is also present on the shaft of the invention to dissipate vibrations generated from hitting a golf ball.

Abstract: A ball striking device, such as a golf club, includes a head with a face having an outer surface configured for striking a ball, a body connected to the face, and a channel located in the body. The channel is configured to influence the characteristics of the impact of a ball on the face, such as by flexing or compressing in response to the force of the impact, exerting a response or reaction force on the face, changing the motion or behavior of the face, and other manners. The head may also include a pair of channels that have a gap between them.

Abstract: A golf club head with moments of inertia that are optimized about principal axes of the club head. The club head can have a roll radius about its ball striking face that is decreased above a first axis, and increased below the first axis, the first axis being correlated with the principal axes of the club head.

Abstract: A golf club can include a shaft and club head. The club can have a selected length to weight ratio based on the length of the shaft and the overall weight of the club. The club head can include one or more areas with selective removal of weight to lighten the club head and/or move weight around in the club head.

Abstract: A golf club head with a hollow comprises a face portion whose front face defines a clubface for hitting a ball, the face portion comprising a central thicker portion provided in a center region thereof and a peripheral thinner portion provided around the central thicker portion and with a thickness smaller than that of the central thicker portion, the inner surface of the peripheral thinner portion comprising a first region and a second region, the first region being provided with a plurality of first grooves which extend straightly in a certain direction, and the second region being provided with a plurality of second grooves which extend straightly in the different direction of first grooves.

Abstract: A hollow golf club head has: a moment of inertia Ix around a vertical axis of 4500 to 5900 g sq·cm; and a moment of inertia Iy around an inclined axis of 5300 to 6800 g sq·cm, which satisfy Iy=<1.071 I×Ix+482 g sq·cm. The vertical axis passes through the center of gravity of the head under a standard state in which the head is set on a horizontal plane so that a shaft center line is inclined at a lie angle of 60 degrees with respect to the horizontal plane within a vertical plane and a club face lies at the loft angle. The inclined axis passes through the center of gravity of the head and is inclined downwardly toward the toe from the heel at 62 degrees with respect to the horizontal plane within a plane parallel with the above-mentioned vertical plane.

Abstract: A rebound resilient golf ball having one or more core layers, a cover surrounding the core layer or layers, and optionally a mantle layer positioned between the cover and the core layer or layers. At least one of the layers of the golf ball includes a material whose resilience increases as the hardness of the material increases.

Abstract: Multi-piece golf balls containing a multi-layered core or a dual-core are provided. The cores have selective weighting configurations (SWC). Particularly, the core layers are made of different compositions having different specific gravity levels or densities. Preferably, rubber and high neutralized ethylene acid copolymer compositions are used to form at least one layer in the core. The rubber and ionomer compositions may be loaded with fillers to adjust the specific gravity levels. The moment of inertia of the ball is adjusted and the resulting ball has good resiliency and spin control properties.

Abstract: A golf ball having an inner core layer, an outer core layer enclosing the inner core layer, and a cover layer enclosing the outer core layer. The inner core layer includes a blend of a first highly neutralized acid polymer having a first Vicat softening temperature and a first specific gravity, a second highly neutralized acid polymer having a second Vicat softening temperature and a second specific gravity, and an ionomer-based masterbatch comprising an additive and an ionomer resin having a third Vicat softening temperature and a third specific gravity. The absolute values of the differences among the Vicat softening temperatures is no more than about 15° C. and the absolute value of the difference between the specific gravities is no more than about 0.015. The cover layer may include an inner cover layer enclosing the outer core layer and an outer layer enclosing the inner cover layer.

Abstract: A multi-piece solid golf ball has a core, an envelope layer encasing the core, an intermediate layer encasing the envelope layer, and an outer layer which encases the intermediate layer and has formed on a surface thereof a plurality of dimples. The core is made of an elastomer. The envelope layer is formed of an inner envelope layer and an outer envelope layer, and the intermediate layer is formed of an inner intermediate layer and an outer intermediate layer. The outer layer has a hardness which is higher than the average core hardness, and each of the envelope layers and the intermediate layers is softer than the outer layer.

Abstract: A golf ball having an inner core layer, an outer core layer essentially enclosing the inner core layer, an inner cover layer essentially enclosing the outer core layer, and an outer cover layer essentially enclosing the inner cover layer. The golf ball includes a blend of at least first and second highly neutralized acid polymers, each having a Vicat softening temperature and a specific gravity. The absolute value of the difference between the Vicat softening temperatures is no more than about 15° C. and the absolute value of the difference between the specific gravities is no more than about 0.015. Also, the method of making the blend and the golf ball is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved multi-layered core golf ball wherein each core layer comprises its own specific hardness gradient (positive, negative or a combination) in addition to an overall specific hardness gradient from one core layer to the next.

Abstract: Disclosed is a golf performance tracking and mapping device that utilizes a handheld, portable device having an optical scanner for reading waypoints along a course map, cataloging strokes, distances and further for suggesting and cataloging club choices throughout a round. The data gathered during the round is utilized to create measurable data that can be utilized to create a portfolio of a specific round for posterity, or further for creating data that can be statistically analyzed for a specific user, wherein club ranges, weaknesses and strengths can be determined over a statistically significant period for performance tracking. The device includes a display and an internal global positioning system for tracking location. It is desired that the present tracking device require minimal user input beyond club scanning prior to subsequent swings.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for optimizing a golf swing by measuring and providing feedback on a combination of various key parameters of a subject's movement to both generate more power and reduce injury.

Abstract: A lacrosse stick with an elongate tubular handle, a plastic head and an improved connection assembly between the handle and head, the connection assembly including an insert inside the handle and straddling at least two opposing walls, at least one screw threaded through the insert and through the opposing walls of the handle to compress the insert between the walls of said handle. The threaded engagement of the screw through the walls and insert sandwich the latter, maintaining a constant compressive force against the laterally enlarged heads and against the interior walls of the handle. This avoids loosening and/or dislodgement as a result of impact or vibration, and resists the threads of the screw stripping either the walls or the insert as a result of torque or other stress. A unitary sleeve insert, a one-piece straddle post embodiment, and a two-piece post embodiment are herein shown and described.

Abstract: A racket frame 2 includes a body 4 and a first vibration-damping portion 6 fixed to the body 4. The body 4 includes a head 8, a shaft 12, a pair of throats 10 extending from the head 8 to the shaft 12, and a grip 14 connected to the shaft 12. The body 4 includes a second vibration-damping portion 18, and the material of the second vibration-damping portion 18 is different from the material of the first vibration-damping portion 6. The ratio (R2/R4) of a side pressure rigidity R2 to a throat rigidity R4 is 0.26 or greater, a moment of inertia around an axis at a position of 10 cm from a grip end is less than 300 kg·cm2, and a vibration damping rate in an out-of-plane secondary mode is equal to or greater than 0.70 but equal to or less than 1.0.

Abstract: An improved LED illuminated game ball designed to be used in Bocce or Petanque. The game ball includes a solid, opaque spherical body with a threadingly connected illuminated cap assembly that is axially aligned and partially extends into the spherical body. The illuminated cap assembly includes an outer housing, and intermediate member, and a lower inner housing. Mounted on the intermediate member is a PCB with a multi-functional switch and a longitudinally aligned plunger switch. The intermediate member also includes a downward extend bridle with a downward extending LED bulb. Located inside the bride is a plurality of stacked watch batteries. The outer housing includes top plate with a transversely aligned slot and a plunger bore through which the plunger switch and the closed neck on a sealing washer disposed under the top plate partially extends after assembly. The end of the plunger switch is recessed and enclosed in a watertight seal.

Abstract: A front derailleur for use on devices such as bicycles includes a moveable chain guide for engaging a chain and able to cause the chain to be moved between two or more chainrings. The guide includes a first discrete alignment indicator and a second discrete alignment indicator for aligning the derailleur.

Abstract: A drive device for a winch (8) comprising a large belt pulley (1) or chain pulley, a winch drum which is connected to the large belt pulley (1). The large belt pulley (1) is rotatably connected to at least one prime mover such as a motor (7). The device has at least two rotatable secondary shafts (4, 4?), each being parallel to the rotational axis of said belt pulley (1). The secondary shafts (4, 4?) are in rotational connection with the large belt pulley (1) via at least one belt/chain. The motor is in rotational connection with one of the secondary shafts. Drive devices according to the same principles for a floating vessel propeller, a hydro turbine and a wave power plant are also described.

Abstract: A hydraulic system for a vehicle drivetrain includes a torque transfer device having a first actuator that actuates to selectively communicate rotatable motion from an input member to an output member. A limited slip differential selectively transfers drive torque from the output member to at least one of the first and second axle shafts. A motor drives a first and a second output shaft. A first pump is rotatably driven by the first output shaft. The first pump selectively supplies the hydraulic fluid to the first actuator. A second pump is rotatably driven by the second output shaft. The second pump selectively supplies the hydraulic fluid to the second actuator.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for a differential assembly includes an adjusting ring and a retainer. The adjusting ring is rotatable about an axis and has an inner peripheral surface and an outer peripheral surface. The adjusting ring is adjustable to set a desired preload. A plurality of pockets is formed within the outer peripheral surface, and the pockets are circumferentially spaced apart from each other about the axis. The retainer has a portion that at least partially extends into one of the pockets to prevent rotation of the adjusting ring about the axis once the desired preload is achieved.

Abstract: A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission may include an input shaft, an output gear, a first planetary gear set always outputting a negative rotation speed from a rotation speed input from the input shaft, a second planetary gear outputting the negative rotation speed input from the first planetary gear set or converting negative rotation speed into a positive rotation speed and outputting the positive rotation speed, a compound planetary gear set formed by third and fourth planetary gear sets and changing the rotation speed selectively through two paths and into nine forward speeds and one reverse speed, eight rotational members including two rotation elements connected to each other or one rotation element among the rotation elements of the first and second planetary gear sets and the compound planetary gear set, and a six friction members, and a transmission housing.

Abstract: A combustion engine having at least one combustion chamber and a crankshaft is combined with a planetary gear train having a ring gear, a sun gear, and a plurality of planetary gears rotatably mounted on a planet carrier and interacting with the ring gear and the sun gear. In order to dampen or absorb vibrations of the crankshaft of the combustion engine, a vibration damper unit is provided to keep the vibrations away from the planetary gear train. The vibration damper unit includes a support member which is attached to the crankshaft at a location which is in closer proximity of the combustion chambers of the combustion engine than a connection member by which the crankshaft is coupled to the planetary gear train.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adjustment drive, in particular for a vehicle, for driving a component, comprising a drive unit having comprises a first output shaft, wherein an output unit or an intermediate unit, which is disposed between the input unit and the output unit, can be adapted in a modular manner to the first output shaft.

Abstract: A planetary gear system (P) includes a sun gear (2), a ring gear (4) a carrier (6) located between the sun and ring gears (2, 4), and planet pinions (8, 10) organized in two arrays and supported on flexpin assemblies (32, 34) in the carrier (6). All of the gearing is helical, with the sun and ring gears (2, 4) having their teeth arranged in at double helix angles (herringbone) and the planet gears (8, 10) at single helix angles. The pinions (8) of the one array engage the teeth of one angle on the sun and ring gears (2, 4) and the pinions (10) of the other array engage the teeth of the other angle on the sun and ring gears (2, 4). Torque transfers through the carrier (6) through two torque paths (a, b)—one to the flexpin assemblies (32) for one array and the other to the flexpin assemblies (34) of the other array—and the paths (a) is stiffer than the path (b). Owing to the helical cut of the teeth the planet pinions (8, 10) of the two arrays exert oppositely directed axial forces (A) on the sun gear (2).

Abstract: An assembly with a combustion engine and an electric machine, which are coupled with each other by way of a planetary gear train, employs a claw clutch or a toothed clutch, in particular as a brake, between a ring gear of the planetary gear train and a housing of the combustion engine. For this purpose, rotation speeds of the electric machine and the combustion engine set commensurate with a fixed gear ratio, and the brake is closed after the set rotation speeds have been attained with a predetermined minimum accuracy. In this way, machine elements which are compact and operate with insignificant wear, such as claw clutches or toothed clutches, can be employed as the clutch or brake.

Abstract: In an assembly with a planetary gear train, which includes the elements sun gear, planet carrier with planetary gears and ring gear, two elements, in particular the sun gear and the planet carrier, are coupled with each other via an overrunning clutch. A clutch bridges the overrunning clutch. Bridging is discontinuous and controlled by a control device based on the relative rotation of the two elements to be coupled. For example, one rotation speed sensor can measure the rotation speed of an electric machine, whereas another rotation speed sensor can measure the rotation speed of a crankshaft of an combustion engine. In a motor vehicle, the combustion engine can be coupled with an electric machine, using different gear ratios during startup or boosting and in generator operation. In addition, the electric machine can drive an air-conditioning compressor when the combustion engine is not running.

Abstract: A drive control apparatus for a vehicle includes an engine, an electric motor, a clutch mechanism, an engine rotation sensor, a motor rotation sensor, an acceleration and deceleration intention detecting portion, and a controller. The controller controls a rotation speed of the engine to be an acceleration intention target value greater than a rotation speed of the motor and thereafter brings the clutch mechanism into the engagement state in a case where the acceleration and deceleration intention detecting portion detects that the vehicle is in an acceleration intention mode, and controls the rotation speed of the engine to be a deceleration intention target value smaller than the rotation speed of the motor and thereafter brings the clutch mechanism into the engagement state in a case where the acceleration and deceleration intention detecting portion detects that the vehicle is in a deceleration intention mode.

Abstract: An engine with a fast vacuum recovery brake booster system is disclosed. In one example, an actuator is adjusted in response to a flow between the brake booster and an engine intake manifold. Operation of the engine and vehicle brakes may be improved especially when the engine is boosted.

Abstract: A Health Tracking Program of the invention is software that can read exercise equipment devices such as pedometers, weight scales, pulse monitors and calorie meters. User data is imported and exported to the software where it is displayed in a useful manner to indicate how a user is progressing. Users can input their own information such as weight, caloric intake, caloric expenditure, body mass index and activities performed. Software can upload selected user data to the internet.

Abstract: A cycling exercise machine includes a housing rotatably attached to a shaft of a stationary base and having two channels, a carrier having two levers slidably engaged in the channels of the housing respectively, a foot support attached to the carrier, a latch attached to the housing, and a spring biasing member engaged with the latch for biasing and forcing the latch to engage with either of the levers and to anchor and retain the carrier and the levers and the foot support to the housing at the required or predetermined position and for allowing the users of different statuses or postures or sizes or dimensions or legs to suitably actuate or operate the cycling exercise machine.

Abstract: An exercise machine adaptable to perform a cardiac workout and an abdominal workout simultaneously includes a frame structure, a resistance provider, a pair of pedals, a first sprocket, a second sprocket, a sprocket rotating means, an axis, an engaging means, a cable, a seat, an elastic band, a pair of shoulder straps, a monitor and a pulley system. The sprocket rotating means allows the first sprocket to engage and disengage with the exercise bike. The pedaling of the pedals allows the user to perform the cardiac workout. The pair of shoulder straps designed to insert along the shoulders of the user is connected to the cable and creates a tensional force thereon by getting stretched with the pedaling of the pedals. The tensional force pulls the user backward and the user in turn resists the backward movement by manually contracting abdominal muscles to perform the abdominal workout.

Abstract: A rotating shin guard can be placed on a weight bar to provide a cushion between the person exercising and the metal bar. The shin guard includes a hook and loop closure system that allows the pad to rotate freely around the bar during a deadlift exercise and does not allow the shin guard to slip off the bar. The design of the shin guard provides a comfortable feeling on the shins, knees and quads, without injury to them, while helping achieve proper form that will protect the back from injury. The shin guard can be made of a material, such as a foam rubber material, which is strong enough to take a continuous rotation around a metal bar and soft enough to cushion the shins.

Abstract: An exercise device for exercising hand, wrist, arm, and upper body muscles having adjustable force resistance and a force setting indicator. The exercise device includes a housing, a first handle connected to one end of the housing, a second handle connected to the opposite end of the housing, an inner spring disposed inside the housing, and an outer spring disposed inside the housing. The outer spring is connected to the inner spring and encases the inner spring. An adjuster knob disposed on the second handle and coupled to the inner spring and configured to adjust a tension of the inner spring and compression of the outer spring.

Abstract: A back stretching device includes a handle unit including two parallel handgrip units. A support unit includes a lower cross bar connecting between front ends of the two handgrip tubes. A hold-down unit includes two parallel guide rods and an upper cross bar connecting between upper ends of the guide rods and parallel to the lower cross bar. The adjustment unit couples the guide rods to the handgrip tubes to define a distance-adjustable constraint space between the upper and lower cross bars. The constraint space receives legs of a user to extend therethrough in a closely juxtaposed manner with the lower cross bar supporting underside of the legs, while the upper cross bar constraining upper side of the legs. Hands of the user are allowed to hold the two handgrip tubes to support the legs and body of the user for carrying out a desired stretching and exercise operation.

Abstract: A method of strap control and an apparatus including a combined strap-length adjuster and strap keeper is disclosed for use with strap-length adjuster comprising two rings. The strap-length adjuster includes openings that permit the attachment of a tether to the strap keeper.

Abstract: A portable exercise apparatus consists of several lightweight, separate components. The apparatus has a resilient, flexible, somewhat bouncy base member shaped as a half spheroid, having rounded lateral surfaces and a substantially flat bottom surface. A height adjustable support post member is connected to and extends up from the base member. It is removeably secured to the base member. A foot supporting member comprising laterally extending support arms is removeably attached to the upper end of the post member. The apparatus supports the feet and legs of the user, by maintaining the legs elevated at a selected height off the ground, when the user is lying on his or her back in a sit-up position. In this position, with legs supported, the user can do a variety of rotational and sit-up type exercises.