Abstract: A fire barrier for buildings includes a ceramic fiber based material such as ceramic paper. The ceramic prevents the burning of the building in case of a fire. The ceramic material may be mounted to the building on spools prior to use and rapidly deployed therefrom in the event of a fire near the building.

Abstract: A detector (3) is provided that is independent of outside energy, for a release device, for which detector no battery and no external power supply is provided, and that generates a signal at a defined temperature, a thermal release element (3.2), at least one piezo element (3.1) and a coupling element (11) being arranged such in a bracket/housing (3.3) that as a result of a change in state of the thermal release element (3.2) by the coupling element (11) exerts a mechanical pressure on the piezo element (3.1) so that an electric signal is generated. A valve for a release device is also provided.

Abstract: A fire fighting foam composition is disclosed comprising water and diutan gum; and either one or more nonionic surfactants with one or more water-miscible organic solvents and with such composition comprising less than 0.35% by weight of a fluorinated surfactant; or an alkyl polyglycoside with one or more anionic surfactants and one or more glycol solvents and with such composition being substantially free of fluorinated surfactants.

Abstract: A portable spotting apparatus includes a pair of support assemblies positioned a distance from each other to define a spotting area for a user. The support assemblies each have an upright member that includes a top portion coupled with a pulley and a bottom portion configured to rest on a floor surface. A pair of legs each have an upper end coupled with an intermediate portion of the upright member and a lower end configured to rest on the floor surface on opposing lateral sides of the upright member. At least one cord is configured to extend over the pulley and to couple with a harness for spotting the user in the spotting area. A cross member is coupled between lower regions of the support assemblies to maintain the distance between the support assemblies.

Abstract: An exercise machine is provided for a user performing squats. A base supports the exercise machine, and an upright member having a free end and an attachment end is mounted to the base at the attachment end and configured to be straddled by the user. A leg pad assembly is adjustably attached to the upright member for vertically adjusting a height of the leg pad assembly. The leg pad assembly has a first leg pad member extending horizontally relative to the upright member and configured to engage a back of the user's legs. A locking mechanism is provided for selectively releasably securing the leg pad assembly in a desired position on the upright member.

Abstract: An exercise device includes at east one inelastic strap assembly including an inelastic strap having a first end and a second end, a hand grip located at the first end of the inelastic strap, a grip handle carried by the hand grip, a foot grip carried by either the hand grip or the grip handle, and a heel strap carried by the foot grip. The heel strap defines a first plane. The foot grip defines a second plane, wherein the first plane is preferably generally perpendicular to the second plane. In use, the exercise device can be gripped in a variety of manners. The user can hold the grip handle with their hand. The user can secure their foot to the dived by positioning the foot grip behind a user's ankle and the ankle grip against an individual's foot arch.

Abstract: A portable exercise machine utilizing resistance bands is provided. The exercise machine includes a platform and a pair of arms attached to the platform. The pair of arms may extend laterally away from the platform. Resistance bands may be attached to the arms. A user may thereby stand on the platform and/or straps and use the resistance bands for exercise. The arms may further pivot relative to the platform, allowing the user to perform a plurality of different exercises.

Abstract: An exercise device is disclosed that provides users with a way to effectively exercise their core muscles without going to a gym. The exercise device comprises a round tube, a pair of handles secured to the round tube, and at least one sphere inserted into the round tube, wherein a user rotates the exercise device in a circular motion causing the sphere to travel around the round tube. The round tube comprises an interior cavity with an internal track system for the spheres to travel. Typically, the spheres are weighted, and the exercise device comprises a plurality of spheres each of a different weight. Furthermore, the round tube can comprise an access panel positioned on the exterior surface of the round tube for inserting a sphere, and a pair of handles that span an inner diameter of the round tube and are secured to opposing sides of the round tube.

Abstract: A muscle stretching and massaging apparatus enables stretching of the calf at varying levels of intensity and massaging of muscles of the leg while those muscles are in a relaxed state. A support frame provides a stable base for the apparatus and means for receiving and supporting a lateral roller at a plurality of heights and a stretch board at a plurality of angles relative to a supporting surface. The stretch board enables calf stretching at varying levels of intensity, depending on the severity of the angle formed between the stretch board and the surface upon which the support frame rests. The adjustable height of the roller further enables the apparatus to provide calf and hamstring massaging while the muscles are in a relaxed state.

Abstract: An exercise bike includes a frame, a driving member, two sun gears, two swing arms, two planet gears, and two cranks. The driving member is assembled to the frame and has a shaft extending from two sides of the frame. The two sun gears, the two swing arms, the two planet gears, and the two cranks are respectively assembled to the two sides of the frame. For each set, the crank drives the planet gear to rotate so as to drive the swing arm to rotate the shaft, and the planet gear is rotated around the sun gear. Accordingly, a pedal connected to each of the cranks moves around the axis of the corresponding planet gear.

Abstract: An exercise device comprises a frame, a rotational mechanism, a left and a right coupling mechanism, and an adjusting assembly. A post structure is upwardly extended from the front portion of the frame. The rotational mechanism is arranged at the post structure. The left and right coupling mechanisms are arranged at a side of the post, respectively. One end of the left and right coupling mechanism couples to the rotational mechanism, and the other end respectively comprise a left and a right pedal assembly making a moving path. The adjusting assembly comprises a left and a right linkage structures with two ends, in which one end couples to the post and the other end moveably couples to the left and right pedal assembly. By changing the angles between the left and right linkage structures and the post structure, the pedal assemblies are moved to determine a step distance.

Abstract: An adjustable exercise slide board, includes a base having a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the top surface is smooth and planar; wherein the top surface includes a plurality of apertures, wherein each aperture is in a keyhole configuration having a larger diameter portion and a smaller diameter portion; and a plurality of repositional stops including mounting posts configured to be selectively received within a selected plurality of the apertures in the top surface for selectively securing the repositional stops to the top surface, wherein the mounting posts include a large distal head and smaller shaft wherein the large distal head is sized and configured to fit into the larger diameter of the keyhole shaped aperture and the smaller shaft of the mounting post allows the post to slide to the smaller diameter portion of the keyhole shaped aperture thereby locking the mounting post within the aperture.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to exercise devices, and more specifically to exercise devices providing variable resistance when performing a wide variety of training movements. These exercise devices comprise a pulley system of elastic resistance bands or cords secured to a hinged A-shaped frame wherein the resistance imparted by the elastic bands or cords can be easily varied by engaging or disengaging individual resistance bands or lengthening or shortening individual bands.

Abstract: Articles of clothing or pieces of athletic equipment include modules, e.g., for sensing physical and/or physiological characteristics associated with use of the clothing or athletic equipment or for performing other functions. Such systems and methods may use physical or other interaction(s) between the module and the article of clothing or piece of athletic equipment for activating and/or deactivating the module and/or sensing devices included with the module, for confirming whether the module and clothing or piece of athletic equipment are authorized for use with one another, and/or for automatic data algorithm selection methods. Additionally, such systems and methods also may use the activation and/or authentication systems for data input to the module. Some examples of such systems and methods may utilize magnets and magnetic sensing systems and/or light (or other radiation) sources and sensing systems for activation, authentication, data input, and/or algorithm selection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a training device usable in both indoor and outdoor training sessions, linked to a communication network capable of connecting multiple remote users during shared training sessions. Said device comprises, among other elements, a training means which presents a variable resistance against a physical force applied by a user; a monitoring and communication unit of data regarding the physical condition of the user and the mechanical conditions of the training means; a simulation and control unit; and a plurality of sensors for acquiring information on the physical condition of the user, on the mechanical conditions of the training means and on the user's environment.

Abstract: A wearable device assembly has a housing supporting a controller, display and indicator system thereon. The controller has at least one sensor wherein activity of a user wearing the device is detected. The controller selectively illuminates the indicator system to indicate a level of activity of the user.

Abstract: A sport board training device for use on a support surface. The sport board training device includes a hand-portable board member having an upper surface and an opposing lower surface. A suspension member is coupled to the lower surface of the board member and is engagable with the support surface. The suspension member is transitional between a compressed position and an extended position relative to the board member as the lower surface of the board member moves toward the support surface when the suspension member is engaged with the support surface.

Abstract: An object of the present is to provide a golf ball having a high spin rate on approach shots under the wet condition and rough condition. The present invention provides a golf ball comprising a golf ball body, and a paint film formed on a surface of the golf ball body, wherein the paint film has a martens hardness of 2.0 mgf/?m2 or less, and a ratio (50% modulus/10% modulus) of 50% modulus to 10% modulus of 1.6 or more.

Abstract: The present invention provides a golf ball comprising a golf ball body and a paint film formed on a surface of the golf ball body, wherein the paint film has a storage modulus (E?) in a temperature range from 120° C. to 150° C. measured under the specific measurement conditions using a dynamic viscoelasticity measuring apparatus of 1.00×107 dyn/cm2 or more and 1.00×108 dyn/cm2 or less and a loss tangent (tan ?) at the temperature of 10° C. of 0.050 or more.

Abstract: A golf ball includes a unitary core having an outer surface, a geometric center, and a soft transition region adjacent to the outer surface. The core is formed from a substantially homogenous rubber composition. The golf ball also includes an inner cover layer and an outer cover layer. The soft transition region has a thickness of up to 4 mm and a negative hardness gradient of up to 15 Shore C. The unitary core has an overall negative hardness gradient of up to 20 Shore C.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core comprising an inner core center and an outer core layer disposed over the inner core center. The inner core center has a deflection of greater than 0.210 inch under a load of 100 kilograms, and the entire the core has a deflection ranging from 0.130 inch to 0.105 inch under a load of 100 kilograms. A mantle layer is disposed over the core and a cover is disposed over the mantle.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising an inner core formed from a substantially homogenous composition such that the geometric center hardness is 56-80 Shore C and the outer surface hardness is 50-75 Shore C. An outer core layer has an outer surface having hardness of 85-98 Shore C and an inner surface hardness of 68-78 Shore C and being formed from a second homogenous rubber composition. A cover layer is disposed about the outer core layer. The hardness of the second outer surface is greater than the hardness of the inner surface to define a positive hardness gradient of +7 to +30 Shore C, and the hardness of the first outer surface is lower than the hardness of the geometric center to define a negative hardness gradient of ?1 to ?15 Shore C.

Abstract: A golf ball includes a core, a mid layer, and a cover. The core includes an inner core, a mid core, and an outer core. The mid layer includes an inner mid layer and an outer mid layer. A hardness H(C) is equal to or greater than a hardness H(B). A hardness H(E) is equal to or greater than a hardness H(D). An angle ? is calculated by (Formula 1). An angle ? is calculated by (Formula 2). The angle ? is 0° or greater. A difference (???) is 0° or greater. A hardness Hm2 of the outer mid layer is less than a hardness Hm1 of the inner mid layer. A hardness Hc of the cover is less than the hardness Hm2.

Abstract: Golf balls include: (a) a golf ball having a first set of construction specifications; (b) a coating of the golf ball having an exterior surface and (c) the exterior surface having an enhanced micro surface roughness. The enhanced micro surface roughening affects the aerodynamic properties of the ball as compared to golf balls having the same set of construction specifications but without enhanced micro surface roughness.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a game ball having one or more grip zones that have greater frictional interaction compared to the outer surface of the game ball. The grip zones are made by stitching of a coated thread upon at least one cover panel to create the grip zone. The grip zone formed from the coated thread enhances the handling characteristics and playability of the resulting game ball.

Abstract: A golf club head comprises a sole, a recessed sole port in the sole; and a rotatably adjustable sole piece adapted to be at least partially received within the sole port and comprising a central body having a plurality of contact surfaces adapted to contact the sole port and being offset from each other along a central axis extending through the central body of the sole piece. The sole piece can be positioned at least partially within the sole port at five or more rotational and axial positions with respect to the central axis, wherein at each rotational position, at least one of said contact surfaces of the central body contacts the sole port to set the axial position of the sole piece. The sole port and/or the sole piece can be generally pentagonal in shape.

Abstract: A golf club incorporating an interchangeable shaft system includes a shaft, a shaft sleeve, a club head. The shaft sleeve is coupled to an end of the shaft and is received in a hosel included in the club head. The shaft sleeve is removably coupled to the club head. Hosel and shaft sleeve alignment features provide discrete orientations between the shaft and club head.

Abstract: A golf club head with means for adjusting a center of gravity location along more than one axis is disclosed herein. The golf club head comprises one or more adjustable features, including a weight arm for receiving removable weights, e.g., slidable weights or weight screws, and one or more invertible weight cartridges that fit within a tube extending between the golf club head's crown and sole via an interior cavity. The weight arm fits within a rectangular, elongated recess in the sole and permits the golfer to adjust the location of one or more removable weights along its length.

Abstract: A high volume aerodynamic golf club head producing reduced aerodynamic drag forces. The club head has a crown section shape that imparts beneficial aerodynamic properties characterized by a particular drop contour area and projected area of a face portion.

Abstract: A golf club including a club head having a club head main body including a hitting face and a face support, and a support extension. The support extension extends between the face support and a back flange to define a lower cavity.

Abstract: An athletic paddle training apparatus 10 includes an elongate handle portion 20, a coupling region 30 at a distal end 22 of the paddle portion, and a game play head 40 operatively coupled with the handle portion 20 at the coupling region 30. The elongate handle portion is configured to be gripped by an associated user. The game play head 40 has first 46 and second 48 game play regions on opposite first 42 and second 44 sides thereof. The first game play region 46 defines a substantially planar first game play surface 56 on the first side 42 and the second game play region 48 defines a substantially spherical second game play surface 58 on the second side 44 of the game play head 40. In an example embodiment, the second game play surface 58 has a likeness of a #5 soccer ball.

Abstract: A ball tossing apparatus includes a support frame and a plurality of launch devices fixed to the support frame and arranged in a two-dimensional array. The launch devices include cylinders having a spring fixed therein, with a ball carrier fixed to the spring. The balls are retained in a loaded position (springs compressed) and then upon activation of the launch devices are launched vertically into the air to the sports player. In another embodiment, the launch devices include a rotating lever which is acted on by a biasing member to launch the ball vertically from the cylinder. A method for launching the balls includes the steps of loading the balls into a two dimensional array, and then launching the balls according to a launch sequence. An electronic control system for use with the ball tossing apparatus includes a launch module for launching the loaded balls in the plurality of launch devices according to a launch sequence.

Abstract: A unitary ankle float buoy for immobilizing the legs during swim training. The buoy is formed of a central portion connecting a top wall and a lower wall and a pair of ankle openings disposed on each side of the central portion. The ankle float buoy is designed and configured to be worn upon both ankles of a swimmer below the calf and above the foot.

Abstract: The application discloses a roller assembly that utilizes internal resistance components to increase resistance to enhance training intensity. The internal resistance components include a rotatable resistance component or impeller coupled to an outer tubular body of the roller. Embodiments disclosed also include a second resistance component to restrict rotation of the rotatable resistance component increasing the torque required to rotate the outer tubular body. In an illustrative embodiment, the rotatable resistance component forms an impeller which is disposed in a fluid chamber within the tubular body and the second resistance component is disposed in the fluid chamber and maintained in a stationary position to impart resistance to rotation, thus increasing the torque required to rotate the outer tubular body.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for training players of team sports are presented. A robot athlete emulates a sports player and includes a motive system for moving about a sports field. The robot athlete also includes an anthropomorphic figure with mechanisms for rotating the torso, raising the arms, and a lifting the torso to emulate a stretch or jump. An inventive method and system for controlling the robot athlete may include resetting the body of the robot athlete to a neutral position and determining if one of a plurality of modes of operation has been selected. Exemplary modes of operation may include an automatic mode, a pursuit mode, and a remote control mode. In the automatic mode, the robot athlete may monitor an array of sensors with a control system that responds to human player movement with one or more sets of predefined motion routines.

Abstract: A golf training system includes at least one target/connecting member having a top wall defining a central opening and a perimeter wall defining a plurality of openings spaced apart from each other about the circumference of the perimeter wall. The target/connecting member is configured to be used as a target by fastening the target/connecting member to the ground using a golf tee or to other surfaces using an integrated anchoring system. Alignment rods are configured to be inserted through the openings in the perimeter wall. Target/connecting members can attach multiple alignment rods together in predetermined configurations for use as golf training aids.

Abstract: A training aid for use by a player with a tennis racquet includes at least one wing having a proximal end in the throat of the racquet, and extending from that proximal end and tapering down into a distal end. A second wing may also be included, with the two wings extending in opposite directions from the throat of the racquet. When the player makes a stroke with the racquet with the aid attached, air pressure on the wings creates forces which provide the player with feedback on the position of the racquet head during the stroke. The training aid may be removably attached to the racquet, to allow the racquet to be used in normal play situations. A rotatable flap may also be provided near the distal end of at least one of the wings, so that when the flap is rotated the air pressure on the flap during a stroke is altered, thereby changing the feedback provided to the player.

Abstract: A sharpening machine generally includes a grinding wheel having a perimeter that is rotatable about a first axis. The sharpening machine includes an adjustment device adapted to be coupled to a structure of the sharpening machine. A shaft, mounted to the adjustment device, defines a second axis that is generally parallel to the first axis when the adjustment device is coupled to the structure and is movable along a predetermined feed axis toward the grinding wheel. A carousel is rotatably connected to the shaft of the adjustment device. A contouring tool having a counter surface is rotatably connected to the carousel. Movement of the shaft of the adjustment device along the feed axis is configured to translate the carousel and move the contouring tool into and out of engagement with the grinding wheel to facilitate dressing of the perimeter of the grinding wheel to a grinding wheel contour.

Abstract: A fastening device for a sliding board includes a base that defines a housing in which a shoe is designed to be immobilized by a maintaining device. The maintaining device includes a vertical locking pivot cooperating with an anchor element secured to the board on the one hand, and with rotational blocking elements on the other hand. The base includes a lower plate and an upper plate to support the shoe and sliding relative to one another, the pivot ensuring sliding locking of the two plates.

Abstract: A platform system for self-leveling a stage is provided and includes one or more module assemblies and one or more supports. Each module assembly includes one or more receiving members for engaging and removably securing the one or more supports. Each support includes an elongate portion, an extendible portion extendible from and lockingly engageable with the elongate portion, a base member removably attached to the extendible portion, and an actuator assembly secured to the elongate portion and in communication with the extendible portion. The actuator assembly is configured to rapidly extend and lockingly engage the extendible portion and the base member to provide self-leveling of each of the one or more module assemblies of the stage as the base member engages an underlying surface.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for detecting, storing, and retrieving information about the composition of present and past hands of cards in a casino table game. The method includes causing a card-handling device to substantially automatically generate a plurality of hands wherein each hand includes one or more cards. Card information is identified that includes a rank and a suit of each card as each card moves through the card-handling device. A play history is maintained of a card composition of more than one round wherein the card composition of each round includes the cards in each hand of each round. The card information of at least one hand from at least one round may be displayed.

Abstract: An entertainment device comprises a detector operable to detect whether a representation of a game feature of one or more games associated with the entertainment device should be obtained from the one or more games in response to a predetermined game event of the one or more games, a processor operable to obtain the representation of the game feature from the one or more games, a storage arrangement operable to store the representation of the game feature obtained from the one or more games, and a renderer operable to render the obtained representation of the game feature stored in the storage arrangement as a game feature within a virtual environment associated with the entertainment device, the rendered game feature within the virtual environment being a trophy object.

Abstract: A system and method for garrisoning virtual units in virtual structures such that the attributes of the virtual structure are modified to reflect the garrisoning of the virtual unit inside the virtual structure.

Abstract: Control of separate computer game elements is described. In one example, a computer game system displays a computer game to a user, the computer game comprising at least one avatar and an environment. Manual input commands are received from a hand-operated controller operated by the user, and are used to control the display of the avatar in the computer game. Substantially concurrently with the manual input, a stream of images from an image capture device depicting the user is also received. A portal, separate to the avatar, is displayed in a region of the computer game display, which shows the received stream of images to the user. The stream of images of the user is analyzed and a gesture performed by the user is recognized. The recognized gesture is used to control displayed interaction between the portal and the environment.

Abstract: As an example, a value obtained by adding the magnitudes of a plurality of angular velocities around respective axes indicated by angular velocity data obtained from an input device including gyroscopic sensors, is used to calculate a rotation parameter indicating a rotation amount. A predetermined object which is rotated, depending on the rotation amount corresponding to the rotation parameter, is displayed on a display device. As another example, when it is determined, based on the angular velocity data, that the attitude of the input device is stable, a stability flag which indicates that the attitude of the input device has been at least once stable is set and updated to ON. When there is an input device whose stability flag is OFF, the aforementioned determination is performed and a screen including a result of the determination is displayed on a display device.

Abstract: When a game process is performed by an exemplary game apparatus having an LCD for displaying a stereoscopically visible image, angular velocities of rotations about axes of the game apparatus are detected by using an angular velocity sensor provided in the game apparatus. A stereoscopic effect of a stereoscopically displayed image is adjusted in accordance with a magnitude of a rotation angle of the game apparatus in a roll direction calculated based on the angular velocities of the rotations about axes of the game apparatus.

Abstract: An object control device includes an object of interest specifying unit configured to specify an object of interest to obtain position information on the object of interest, an obstacle determining unit configured to determine whether there is an obstacle between the object of interest and the object, and a time measuring unit configured to measure a period after determining that there is the obstacle, and a holding unit configured to hold position information of the object of interest when the period reaches a predetermined period, and an object action control unit configured to control a direction of a part of the object, based on the position information obtained by the object of interest specifying unit before the period reaches the predetermined period, and based on the position information on the object of interest held in the holding unit after the period reaches the predetermined period.

Abstract: The image generating program makes the image generating device perform: setting a number of increase or decrease objects in at least one of a plurality of regions on a field having the plurality of regions divided from each other and connected to each other; generating a display image including a display corresponding to the field and the set number of increase or decrease objects; generating the display image in which an increase or decrease number corresponding to a selected level is set in the region within a predetermined area; generating the display image in which the number of increase or decrease objects is increased or decreased on a basis of the set increase or decrease number; and ending the stage when the number of increase or decrease objects set in each of the regions becomes a predetermined value as a result of the increase or decrease.

Abstract: System, method, and computer program product to trigger events in a virtual environment, by monitoring a communication in the virtual environment between at least a first user represented by a first avatar and a second user represented by a second avatar, the communication having an explicit meaning to the first and second users, determining whether the communication is predefined as a trigger associated with a corresponding event based on the communication having a secondary meaning not discernible from the explicit meaning, and upon determining that the communication is predefined as the trigger, triggering the corresponding event in the virtual environment.

Abstract: Example systems and methods relate to a multi-player video game in which multiple players each supply inputs to a respective input device to control a corresponding game character in a game world displayed on a display screen. Movements of each game character in the game world are controlled in accordance with respective first game character control operations during the playing of the multi-player video game. In response to satisfaction of any one of a first condition and a second condition, one player's game character is protected from harm in the game world, wherein a position at which the protected game character appears when the first condition is satisfied is different than that when the second condition is satisfied.