Abstract: A method, system and program product for a social website comprises communicating with a server over a network connection for exchanging social media information in which the server processes the social media information for at least storage in a database. A contest is received, from the server, for a user to engage in. The user's inputs to the contest are transferred to the server in which the server processes the user's inputs and determines a result for the contest. The result of the contest is received from the server.

Abstract: A system for a-synchronous multi-player network-based and turn-based gaming, the system comprising: a client associated with a processing unit and being configured to communicate over a network with a gaming server and receive a tournament invitation and at least one game move notification therefrom; the client is further configured to receive participation authorization indication from a player and instruct the processing unit to perform at least the following: send the participation authorization to the gaming server; receive at least one game move instruction from a player within a time interval parameter defining a time-window during which said player has to make a game move in his turn; and send the game move instruction to the gaming server if the time interval is met.

Abstract: A server device connected with a player terminal in a manner capable of information communication includes: a storage unit configured to store deck information in which a plurality of game contents held in a deck is set, and group information in which a plurality of groups configured from game contents that serve as selection candidates among the plurality of game contents held in the deck; a providing unit configured to sequentially select the groups according to a selection order set in advance based on the group information, and to provide the player with a game content selected from the game contents that serve as the selection candidates for each sequentially selected group, in response to a request from the player terminal; and an update unit configured to update the deck information so that the game content provided by the providing unit becomes a game content not held in the deck.

Abstract: A first website earns rewards, e.g. points and items, for carrying out activities. Those rewards can be transferred to a second website. For example, a parent's website allows the parent to carry more adult tasks and also earn points. The points can be transferred to the child's website. A center of the universe website allows obtaining rewards for any of these websites. A social networking component operates across multiple websites.

Abstract: A data analytics system for a video game where a player interacts with the video game through an avatar representing his own persona within a virtual environment. A data gathering module associated with the game for gathers data about the behavior of the avatar under the control of the player in response to virtual situations presented to the player within the game. An analytics module for analyzes the data collected by the data gathering module data to identify a player profile based on the gathered data relating to the behavior of the avatar under the control of the player. A game modifying module modifies the virtual environment based on the identified profile of the player or a group of players.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an elastic joint body for a shaft arrangement for connecting two shaft portions in an articulated manner, comprising a plurality of bushings, at least one primary loop bundle, each of which loops a bushing pair consisting of two adjacent bushings, the pair being loadable in tension in the event of a torque transfer via the shaft portions, a support device arranged on at least one bushing for axially guiding the primary loop bundle, and an elastomeric casing into which the loop bundle, the support devices, and the bushings are at least partly embedded. The adjacent bushings of at least some of the bushing pairs are connected to each other in a force-transmitting manner via at least one additional loop bundle, the at least one additional bundle being arranged in the elastomeric casing in a region in which none of the primary loop bundles extend.

Abstract: A hydroformed driveshaft tube formed using a hydroforming process is provided. The hydroformed driveshaft tube comprises a first end portion, a second end portion, and a middle portion. The middle portion is at least partially defined by a circular arc shaped surface of revolution. At least a portion of the middle portion has a diameter greater than a diameter of the first end portion and the second end portion. The middle portion is formed between the first end portion and the second end portion. The middle portion affects a critical speed and a breathing mode frequency of the hydroformed driveshaft tube. The hydroformed driveshaft tube reduces a cost of a driveshaft assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed is a guiding device (100) for receiving an elongated metal object being propelled by a first propulsion means and guiding it towards a second propulsion means. The first propulsion means and the second propulsion means being configured to propel the elongated metal object along a longitudinal axis (101), wherein the guiding device (100) comprise guiding means for receiving the elongated metal object and guiding it towards the second propulsion means. The guiding means (100) have a shape configured to guide the elongated metal object to a predetermined position along a first axis (103), the first axis (103) being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (102), wherein the predetermined position is determined by the shape of the guiding means (100).

Abstract: A golf cup guard for placement on a golf cup. The body portion is conical and shaped to prevent material from entering a golf cup. There is a handle to assist in placement and removal of the golf cup guard. The golf cup guard may prevent excess paint, fertilizer, sand, or other materials from falling into the golf cup.

Abstract: The present invention is a golf ball tracking system that includes a golf ball, a GPS chip that is embedded within the golf ball and a hand-held tracker that includes a front, a casing, a transmitter, a LCD display and a beeper, the transmitter is encased within the casing and the LCD display is disposed on the front of the hand-held tracker and the transmitter is in communication with the GPS chip embedded within the golf ball through a GPS system. The golf ball tracking system includes one or more batteries encased within the casing, the one or more batteries provide electrical power to the golf ball tracking system and a packaging that contains one or more of the golf balls.

Abstract: A golf club swinging apparatus configured to support and provide for motion of a golf club along a pendulum swing path may comprise a frame, a rotation mechanism having club and frame coupling components, and an angle measurement mechanism. Another embodiment may comprise a frame, and a rotation mechanism configured to couple a golf club to the frame and to provide for rotation about a rotation point such that the golf club may follow a pendulum swing path through a strike position. Yet another embodiment may comprise a frame having a base component, a vertical component, and a cross-member component, a rotation mechanism rotatably coupled with the cross-member component, and a protractor having a freely rotatable arm configured to couple with the golf club and measure an angle at which the golf club is rotated about the rotation point along a swing path.

Abstract: Embodiments of golf club heads and methods to manufacture such a golf club heads are generally described herein. In some embodiments, the golf club head may include a ball-striking face and a protective aluminum oxide layer coupled to the ball-striking face of the golf club head. The protective aluminum oxide layer is associated with a hardness that is greater than that of the ball-striking face. In further embodiments, golf club heads may include a top portion and at least one of a plurality of interchangeable alignment indicia coupled thereto, which are configured to guide the golf club head relative to a golf ball.

Abstract: A golf training aid (2) for use with a golf club (52), the golf training aid (2) comprising: a first guiding member (10); and a second guiding member (8); wherein the first guiding member (10) is for a user (50) to slide the golf club (52) along during a first part of a golf-swing and is arranged such that, as the user (50) does so, a shaft of the golf club (52) is moved within a first plane; the second guiding member (8) is for the user (50) to slide the golf club (52) along during a second part of the golf-swing and is arranged such that, as the user (50) does so, the shaft of the golf club (52) is moved within a second plane; and the first and second plane are at different respect acute angles with the ground.

Abstract: Embodiments of golf club head sets with varying characteristics are disclosed herein. Other examples and related methods are also generally described herein.

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to composite articles, and in particular a composite face plate for a golf club-head, and methods for making the same. In certain embodiments, a composite face plate for a club-head is formed with a cross-sectional profile having a varying thickness. The face plate comprises a lay-up of multiple, composite prepreg plies. At least a portion of the plies comprise a plurality of elongated prepreg strips arranged in a predetermined criss-cross pattern in the lay-up. The prepreg strips create one or more areas of increased thickness where the strips overlap each other, thereby creating a desired profile for the plate. Metallic or polymer covers or cover layers can be used to define a striking surface.

Abstract: Embodiments of a golf club head and methods to manufacture such a golf club head are generally described herein. The golf club head generally includes at least one ball-striking face, which comprises a titanium alloy that is associated with an average grain size measuring no more than about 1 micron (?m) in the longest dimension.

Abstract: A hollow golf club is provided having an outer shell and an inner frame. The outer shell comprises one or more lightweight members, such as the crown or the skirt, and preferably fits within an envelope of about 5 inches×5 inches×2.8 inches. The inner frame fits within a smaller envelope and sits on the sole of the club head. One or more weights are located either on or within the inner frame to optimize the moment of inertia of the club head about both the vertical axis running through the center of gravity or geometric center of the club head, hereinafter referred to as the “y-axis,” and the axis running through the center of the shaft of the golf club, hereinafter referred to as the “hosel axis.” The weights can be attached to the inner frame or can be distributed within the inner frame.

Abstract: A golf ball has, on a surface thereof, a rugged pattern composed of a land and a large number of dimples. A method for designing the rugged pattern includes the steps of: (1) assuming a large number of circles on a surface of a phantom sphere; (2) assuming a large number of generating points 16 based on positions of the large number of circles; (3) assuming a large number of Voronoi regions 18 on the surface of the phantom sphere by a Voronoi tessellation based on the large number of generating points 16; and (4) assigning a dimple and a land to the surface of the phantom sphere based on contours of the large number of Voronoi regions 18.

Abstract: A golf tee includes a ball seat portion on which a golf ball is placed; and a rod-shaped support shaft portion formed downward from the ball seat portion. The support shaft portion has a projection that is laterally formed on and projected from the support shaft portion. The ball seat portion and the support shaft portion are formed plane-symmetrically on a single plane including a central axis line of the support shaft portion and a point of the projection. In the single plane, a virtual plane including contact portion that contacts with a golf ball when the golf ball is placed on the ball seat portion and a central axis line of the support shaft portion form an obtuse angle on one side of the axis line and form an acute angle on the other side of the axis line.

Abstract: The invention is an improved baseball game which reduces the time of play by having the participants start each at bat with two balls and two strikes, and which replaces the runs scored system of scoring with a scoring system that awards points for particular baseball plays and results. By adopting a two-strike rule, the game can be reduced to less than one hour. By reducing the length of time for games, (1) attendees enjoy a reduced game length, (2) more teams can utilize the playing fields (3) the cost for playing each game will be reduced to the extent there are hourly charges for using baseball facilities. By modifying the baseball scoring system from a system that only rewards runs scored to a system that awards points for particular plays, results and sportsmanship, the invention will provide each player with a greater opportunity to influence the outcome of a game.

Abstract: A sports apparatus for monitoring movement of a sport projectile includes a sensor and a wireless interface disposed within the sport projectile for communicating sampled data signals from the sensor, a portable communication device in wireless communication with the wireless sensor for receiving sampled data signals from the wireless sensor, the sampled data signals indicative of a motion of the sport projectile. The portable communication device includes a controller having a memory including programming instructions that when executed by the processor cause the controller to detect a sensor signal from the wireless interface, determine a motion characteristic of the sport projectile from the motion characteristic from the sensor signal, and determine if the motion characteristic is passage of the sports projectile through a goal structure, motion of the sports projectile after a shot or an impact of the sport projectile with an object.

Abstract: Example nocks, arrowheads and/or arrowhead inserts include a tapered annular flange axially engaging a correspondingly tapered edge on a tubular arrow shaft. The tapered flange and edge help prevent the end of tubular arrow shaft from deforming radially outward when substantial axial force is applied to the nock, arrowhead and/or arrowhead insert.

Abstract: A tip for a hunting arrow and a method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. A bullet-shaped tip is affixed to a shaft region and a threaded bore for attachment to the threaded engagement of a standard hunting arrow. A pair of barbs extends out and forward from the tip. The barbs may be manufactured by creating a hole in a standard arrow tip transverse to the axial line thereof, and forcing a length of wire through the hole. The wire may be retained with a glue or sealant, and may be bent forward to a desired shape and sharpened.

Abstract: A mechanical broadhead with a set of blades that mechanically activate via a fixed style blade that slides at impact. The blades may deploy inside a cavity of an animal or the blades may deploy outside a cavity of an animal. The blades are slideably secured in a body in accepting slots. The deployable blades may include a ratchet mechanism to lock the deployable blades in one or more positions. The mechanical broadhead maintains a low aerodynamic profile for proper flight via the deployable blades.

Abstract: A mechanical broadhead with a set of blades that mechanically activate via a fixed style blade that slides at impact. The blades may deploy inside a cavity of an animal or the blades may deploy outside a cavity of an animal. The blades are slideably secured in a body in accepting slots. The deployable blades may include a ratchet mechanism to lock the deployable blades in one or more positions. The mechanical broadhead maintains a low aerodynamic profile for proper flight via the deployable blades.

Abstract: A control device for a vehicle continuously variable transmission that includes: an input-side variable pulley of which an effective diameter is variable; an output-side variable pulley of which an effective diameter is variable; a transmission belt that is wound between the input-side variable pulley and the output-side variable pulley; and a check valve that, on the basis of a first pressure that is one of an input-side pressure applied to the input-side variable pulley and an output-side pressure applied to the output-side variable pulley, regulates a second pressure that is the other one of the input-side pressure and the output-side pressure includes: a control unit that, when the second pressure is regulated by the check valve, controls the first pressure on the basis of a pressure required to suppress a slip of the transmission belt and a pressure required to achieve a target speed ratio.

Abstract: Provided is a belt-type continuously variable transmission which may prevent a servo spool from sliding even when a movable sieve slides due to reduced pressure in a hydraulic cylinder. A hydraulic servo mechanism comprises a servo spool and a feedback spool, and contiguous members coming into contact with the feedback spool (84) between a hydraulic cylinder and the feedback spool The present invention also comprises a spool position maintaining unit that makes it possible for the contiguous members to slide in relation to a movable side cylinder case when pressure in the hydraulic cylinder is lower than a predetermined value.

Abstract: A bicycle derailleur is basically provided with a base member, a movable member and a connecting structure. The base member includes a bicycle mounting portion. The movable member is movable with respect to the base member between a first position and a second position that is farther than the first position from the base member. The connecting structure movably connects the movable member to the base member. The connecting structure moves the movable member with an actuation ratio that descends and then ascends as the movable member moves from the first position towards the second position.

Abstract: An electric front derailleur includes a base member, a chain guide, a first link member, a second link member and an electric driving unit. The base member includes a mounting portion to be operatively mounted to a bicycle frame. The chain guide is movable with respect to the base member. The first link member movably connects the chain guide to the base member. The first link member is at least partially aligned with the chain guide in a lateral direction with the electric front derailleur in an installed position. The second link member movably connects the chain guide to the base member. The second link member is at least partially aligned with the chain guide in the lateral direction with the electric front derailleur in the installed position. The electric driving unit is operatively coupled to the chain guide to move the chain guide with respect to the base member.

Abstract: A drive arrangement for a bicycle including a chainring having a chainring axis, a plurality of different rear sprockets, the plurality of rear sprockets sharing a sprocket axis, a drive chain that runs around the rear sprockets and the chainring and in meshing engagement with a selected active sprocket of the plurality of rear sprockets and the chainring, and a rear derailleur. The rear derailleur is configured to shift the chain over a plurality of sprockets having a difference in tooth count of over 25 teeth ranging from a smallest to a largest sprocket.

Abstract: A motor driving force transmission system includes an electric motor that generates motor torque for actuating a differential mechanism portion and outputs the motor torque, and that has a motor shaft with eccentric portions, and a bearing mechanism including a ball bearing interposed between one-side axial end portion of a housing and one-side axial end portion of a differential case, a ball bearing interposed between the other-side axial end portion of the differential case and one-side axial end portion of the motor shaft, and a ball bearing interposed between the other-side axial end portion of the housing and the other-side axial end portion of the motor shaft. An axial load is applied to the ball bearings of the bearing mechanism by a spring.

Abstract: A regenerative brake device for a vehicle includes an output shaft (14) of a combustion engine (4), an input shaft (27) of a gearbox (8), an electrical machine (6) having a stator (24) and a rotor (26), and a planetary gear (10) which comprises a sunwheel (18), a ring gear (20) and a planet wheel carrier (22). The engine output shaft (14) is disconnectably connectable to the planetary gear (10) by a movable piston (16) which in a first position connects the engine output shaft (14) to the planetary gear (10) and in a second position disconnects the gearbox input shaft from the planetary gear. Also a method for regenerative braking of a vehicle (1) for such a regenerative brake device (2) is disclosed.

Abstract: A drive unit close to the wheel of an electric vehicle having an electric machine with a drive shaft and transmission unit that has at least a first transmission component with an output shaft. The transmission unit interacts with the driveshaft for transferring torque. The drive shaft has, as bearings, two drive shaft bearings and the output shaft has at least one output shaft bearing. At least one of the drive shaft bearings and output shaft bearings is a fixed bearing, and at least an additional drive shaft bearing and the output shaft bearing are loose bearings. The drive and the output shaft bearings are radial bearings. A vehicle can have additional drive units close to the wheel, a vehicle axle can have at least a drive unit close to the wheel and an application of a drive unit close to the wheel.

Abstract: A variable speed transmission having a plurality of tilting balls and opposing input and output discs is illustrated and described that provides an infinite number of speed combinations over its transmission ratio range. The use of a planetary gear set allows minimum speeds to be in reverse and the unique geometry of the transmission allows all of the power paths to be coaxial, thereby reducing overall size and complexity of the transmission in comparison to transmissions achieving similar transmission ratio ranges.

Abstract: A continuously variable power-split transmission (10) for transferring torque from a primary motor (20) to a differential gear (24) is provided. The transmission comprises an epicyclic module (14), a continuously variable drive connection (16) and a direct shift transmission module (18). The epicyclic module comprises a first input (38) drivingly coupled to the primary motor, a second input (54) and first and second outputs (64, 66). The continuously variable drive connection (16) is drivingly coupled between the primary motor and second input (54) of the epicyclic module. The first and second epicyclic outputs are alternatively coupled to the differential gear (24) via respective torque transfer paths provided by the direct shift transmission module. Each path includes a clutch (C2, C3) and a synchromesh unit (112, 94) which allows selection of one of a plurality of torque transfer sub-paths. Each clutch comprises an input side and an output side.

Abstract: A multi-stage automatic transmission in which planet gear mechanisms, external gears and friction elements are combined in order to realize nine forward gears and one rearward gear having excellent operating conditions for friction elements and superior shift range ratios, thereby achieving excellent power performance and fuel efficiency.

Abstract: A transmission of the present invention has an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes. The torque transmitting devices are each selectively engageable in combinations of at least three to establish a plurality forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.

Abstract: A transmission of the present invention has an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes. The torque transmitting devices are each selectively engageable in combinations of at least two to establish a plurality forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.

Abstract: A transmission has an input member, an output member, at least four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes actuatable in combinations of three to establish a plurality of forward gear ratios and one reverse gear ratio.

Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, at least three planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes actuatable in combinations of three to establish a plurality of forward gear ratios and at least one reverse gear ratio.

Abstract: A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission may include: an input shaft; an output shaft parallel with the input shaft; a first planetary gear set on the input shaft including a first, second and third rotation elements, the first selectively connected to the input shaft, and the third selectively connected to the input shaft; a second planetary gear set on the output shaft including a fourth, fifth and sixth rotation elements, the first selectively connected to the input shaft through two gear ratio paths and selectively connected to a transmission housing, the fifth selectively connected to the input shaft and the transmission housing, and the sixth connected to the second rotation element and directly connected to the output shaft; four transfer gears; and frictional elements including clutches and brakes.

Abstract: A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission for a vehicle may include an input shaft receiving a torque of an engine, an output shaft disposed substantially in parallel with the input shaft at a predetermined distance and outputting a changed torque, a first planetary gear set disposed on the input shaft and including a first, second and third rotation elements, a second planetary gear set disposed on the output shaft and including a fourth, fifth and sixth rotation elements, four transfer gears forming the externally-meshed gears, and frictional elements including clutches connecting the input shaft and the rotation elements of the first and second planetary gear sets and brakes connecting the rotation elements of the first and second planetary gear sets and a transmission housing.

Abstract: A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission for a vehicle may include: an input; an output; a first planetary gear set on the input including a first rotation element selectively connected to the input and selectively operated as a fixed element, a second rotation element selectively connected to the input and a third rotation element; a second planetary gear set on the output including a fourth rotation element connected to the second rotation element and selectively operated as a fixed element, a fifth rotation element connected to the third rotation element and directly connected to the output, and a sixth rotation element selectively connected to the input; four transfer gears; and frictional elements including clutches connecting the input and the rotation elements of the first and second planetary gear sets, and brakes connecting the rotation elements of the first and second planetary gear sets and a transmission housing.

Abstract: A transmission has a first and a second planetary gear set with four input torque-transmitting mechanisms, such as friction clutches, to achieve torque flow through the planetary gear sets to a countershaft gearing arrangement. The transmission includes an input member, an output member, a pair of planetary gear sets, an input clutch assembly having four input clutches and a countershaft gearing arrangement. The countershaft gearing arrangement is operatively connected with the planetary gear sets and includes: three co-planar intermeshing gear sets, first and second countershafts, a first intermediate shaft, a second intermediate and a third intermediate shaft concentric with the input shaft.

Abstract: An automatic transmission planetary gear train for a vehicle may include a first shaft receiving a torque of an engine, a second shaft disposed substantially in parallel with the first shaft, a first planetary gear set disposed on the first shaft and including a first sun gear, a first planet carrier, and a first ring gear as rotation elements, a second planetary gear set disposed on the second shaft and including a second sun gear, a second planet carrier, and a second ring gear as rotation elements, a third planetary gear set disposed on the second shaft and including a third sun gear, a third planet carrier, and a third ring gear as rotation elements, three transfer gears forming the externally-meshed gears, and frictional elements selectively interconnecting the rotation elements of the first, second, and third planetary gear sets or selectively connecting a rotation element to a transmission housing.

Abstract: A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission includes: a first torque-receiving shaft; a second shaft parallel with the first shaft; a first planetary gear set on the first shaft having a first, second and third rotation elements operated as a fixed or output element, directly connected to the first shaft and operated as an input element, and operated as a selective output element, respectively; a compound planetary gear set including a second planetary gear set and a third planetary gear set, and having a fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh rotation elements, selectively connected to the second and third rotation elements, connected to an output gear, selectively connected to the first rotation element, and selectively connected to the third rotation element, respectively; three transfer gears forming externally-meshed gears; and frictional elements selectively interconnecting the rotation elements or selectively connecting the rotation elements to a transmission housing.

Abstract: A planetary gear train including: a first planetary gear set on a first shaft including a first sun gear operated as an output or fixed element, a first planet carrier operable as an output element, and a first ring gear operated as an input element; a second planetary gear set on a second shaft including a second sun gear connected to the first planet carrier, a second planet carrier, and a second ring gear engaging the first planet carrier and the first ring gear; a third planetary gear set on the second shaft including a third sun gear connected to the second ring gear, a third planet carrier engaging the second planet carrier and connected to an output gear, and a third ring gear engaging the first sun gear; three transfer gears; and frictional elements interconnecting the first, second, and third planetary gear sets and/or connecting a transmission housing.

Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, at least four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and a brake actuatable in combinations of three to establish a plurality of forward gear ratios and at least one reverse gear ratio.

Abstract: A planetary gear train may include a first shaft receiving torque of an engine, a second shaft selectively connected to the first shaft through an externally-meshed gear, a first planetary gear set disposed on the first shaft, and including a first rotation element selectively operated as a fixed element, a second rotation element directly connected to the first shaft, and a third rotation element, a compound planetary gear set including a fourth rotation element selectively connected to the third rotation element through an externally-meshed gear, a fifth rotation element selectively connected to the first rotation element through an externally-meshed gear, a sixth rotation element directly connected to an output gear, and a seventh rotation element directly connected to the second shaft and selectively connected to the third rotation element through an externally-meshed gear, and frictional elements selectively connecting the rotation elements with each other or with a transmission housing.

Abstract: A transmission is disclosed having a planetary gear set with three input torque-transmitting mechanisms, such as friction clutches, to achieve torque flow through the planetary gear set to a countershaft gearing arrangement. The transmission includes an input member, an output member, a planetary gear set, an input clutch assembly having three input clutches and a countershaft gearing arrangement. The countershaft gearing arrangement is operatively connected with the planetary gear set and includes: a pair of co-planar intermeshing gears, first and second countershafts, a first intermediate shaft and a second intermediate shaft concentric with the first intermediate shaft.