Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a golf ball and a method for manufacturing a golf ball including a bladder core. In at least one embodiment, the bladder core includes an ethyl vinyl alcohol copolymer layer combined with multiple layers of thermoplastic polyurethane or other material to prevent leakage. In addition, it is contemplated that the bladder core may include a one-way valve for adjusting the pressure of a fluid within the bladder core to produce different performance characteristics.

Abstract: A thermoplastic multi-layer golf ball has a core center having a diameter from about 5 mm to about 18 mm, including a first thermoplastic material having a first flexural modulus of up to about 15,000 psi, and having a specific gravity of at least about 1.5 g/cm3; a core layer outward from the core center that has a thickness of at least about 10 mm and includes a second thermoplastic material having a second flexural modulus of up to about 32,000 psi; and a cover including a third thermoplastic material having a third flexural modulus of up to about 5,000 psi. The second flexural modulus is greater than the first flexural modulus, the first flexural modulus is greater than the third flexural modulus, and the specific gravity of the core center is greater than the specific gravity of the core layer and greater than the specific gravity of the cover.

Abstract: A volleyball cover is made of six equal panel sections. Each panel section is divided into two cover panels, making a total of twelve cover panels on the volleyball. Each cover panel has a plurality of dimples arranged in a uniform pattern across the cover panel. Cover panels are separated by very shallow skiving.

Abstract: A hard baseball ball is configured including a core layer, an intermediate layer, and the cover layer. The intermediate layer is formed on a spherical body by winding yarn having radio wave transmissivity, which allows radio waves to pass through, in a spherical shape around the core layer. The cover layer covers the intermediate layer, and is formed from a material with radio wave transmissivity. The hard baseball ball also includes the reflecting portion. The reflecting portion is formed on a spherical surface whose center is the center of the spherical body, and has radio wave reflectability. The reflecting portion is configured using yarn from which the intermediate layer is formed. At least a portion of the yarn from which the intermediate layer is formed is given radio wave reflectability, and the reflecting portion is configured from the portion of the yarn that has been given radio wave reflectability.

Abstract: A system of interchangeable club heads sharing one or more shafts and golf bag for carrying the club heads and one or more shafts. The club heads contain a shaft segment to set club length and a coupler to interconnect to the shaft and grip. The shaft contains an opposite gender coupler. The system is very lightweight and much more portable than a conventional set of golf clubs. It also creates the opportunity for players to match club heads with shafts with differing performance characteristics. Additionally, it solves a problem for golfers using long shafts on putters. These long shafts can now be disassembled for storage and transport.

Abstract: The golf putter is configured such that the stop step of the rotary linkage is formed outwardly in an extended length to cause the lock screws to stop the rotary linkage from being rotated with a large torque at a position remote from the center of the threaded axle hole, so that when a user does not desire to change the lie angle in use, the adjusted lie angle is not changed for a long period of time.

Abstract: A golf club includes a shaft and a club head. The club head includes a body member having a ball striking face, a heel, a toe, a back, a crown, a sole, and a hosel region located at the intersection of the ball striking face, the heel and the crown. The sole includes a channel extending from the hosel region toward the toe. An insert is received within the channel. The club head further includes means for detachably securing the insert to the channel. A second insert configured for being received within the channel may be provided.

Abstract: A variety of swing training devices that are arranged to support a ball to be struck are described. At least one moveable object is positioned within a chamber located adjacent the ball support. The moveable object is arranged such that it can be seen by a hitter after the ball is struck when the hitter is looking at a point of contact where the ball is struck. The moveable objects are arranged to move when the ball is stuck and a variety of challenge games can be played that require the batter to identify something that happened to the moveable objects—thereby providing motivation to encourage the batter to focus his or her eyes on the region of contact.

Abstract: The present invention relates to home plates for ball fields, such as softball and baseball fields. Embodiments of the invention provide a double-sided home plate. Double-sided home plates according to embodiments can comprise a support base with two opposing recesses each shaped to receive a home plate insert, with a home plate insert fixed in each recess. Also provided is an improved home plate comprising two identical sides so when one side is worn due to use all that is required is to invert the home plate to expose a new surface.

Abstract: An invention directed to a soccer training device, method of use and training system. The device is a deflection wall that may be portable. The wall having a larger and smaller embodiment, mimicking the silhouette of a soccer goal or an average player of a given age range from a far distance at simulated closer range. The inventive features of the wall intended to enhance quantity, quality, speed, and accuracy of interaction and perception between the user, the ball and the wall according to professional quality and professional level training techniques. Multiple wall units may be combined to create individualized training modules wherein one person may train in a simulated multi-player environment of varying levels of complexity. Two or more module units may be combined to create a soccer training system. The modules and systems may be staged in limited ground surface area both indoor and outdoor.

Abstract: A nestable training stand is provided. The stand includes a central frame member having upper and lower portions; and a base operatively coupled to the lower portion. The base comprises a U-shaped or V-shaped base member having first and second end portions; and a support member connected to and extending upwardly from the first and second end portions to the central frame member. One or more upper and/or lower weight support pins are coupled to the support member and central frame, respectively, and extend outward for holding weights to prevent the stand from moving. The central frame support may include a bend between a first point where it couples to the U-shaped or V-shaped base member and a second point where it couples to support member to shift the center of gravity of the stand backwards.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for training a swing movement of a club includes storing a desired swing data in a measuring device, capturing a training swing data in the measuring device, comparing the training swing data to the desired swing data to determine a set of differential data, outputting a signal to a user corresponding to the set of differential data.

Abstract: An improved court perimeter boundary for volleyball or other sports comprises at least one indicator that indicates a hypotenuse distance to be used in squaring the court delimited by the boundary. Optionally, the perimeter boundary may be separated, facilitating the setup of the court and the winding of the boundary for storage. A method of setting up a volleyball court is also described.

Abstract: A sports novelty to help football fans increase their enjoyment of watching televised professional football games. The football fan officiating system is a hollow football containing football penalty flags and game instructions comprising football rules and regulations allow users to view a football game and use the penalty flags to call a penalty on one or more players during play of the game.

Abstract: Method, computer program and system for tracking movement of a subject. The method includes receiving data from a distributed network of camera sensors employing one or more emitted light sources associated with one or more of the one or more camera sensors to generate a volumetric three-dimensional representation of the subject, identifying a plurality of clusters within the volumetric three-dimensional representation that correspond to motion features indicative of movement of the motion features of the subject, presenting one or more objects on one or more three dimensional display screens, and using the plurality of fixed position sensors to track motion of the motion features of the subject and track manipulation of the motion features of the volumetric three-dimensional representation to determine interaction of one or more of the motion features of the subject and one or more of the one or more objects on the three dimensional display.

Abstract: Increasing a number of advertising impressions in a system configured to facilitate user interaction with an interactive environment containing one or more advertising targets is described. A scene of a portion of the simulated environment is displayed from a camera point of view (camera POV) on a video display. The scene may change as the camera POV changes in response to movement of the camera POV along a camera path during the user's interaction with the simulated environment. Modifying the camera path or a camera field of view can place more of an advertising target within the scene displayed on the video display to increase a likelihood of generating an advertising impression compared to a likelihood of generating an advertising impression without the modification.

Abstract: A calculation engine of an apparatus in an example is employable for interactive simulation gaming to create an active learning environment on credit risk management for a learner. The calculation engine simulates one or more retail lending portfolios in a retail bank over a selectable period of time in the active learning environment for the learner. The calculation engine allows and/or requests the learner to decide, select, and/or choose one or more parameters for a strategy for credit policy and/or loan approval. The calculation engine employs the one or more parameters from the learner to calculate a financial outcome of the one or more retail lending portfolios in the retail bank over the selectable period of time that reflects the strategy for credit policy and/or loan approval by the learner in a corresponding run of the active learning environment on credit risk management for the learner.

Abstract: A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium with a game program stored thereon, the game program instructing a computer to perform the following processes: a reception process to receive an operational input from a player; and a battle process in which a battle between the player and an opposing character starts based on the operational input by consuming a consumption parameter set for the player, a hit point parameter indicative of an amount of damage that the opposing character can withstand changes through the battle, an outcome of the battle between the player and the opposing character is determined, and when a single operational input is received from the player in the reception process, a recovery process and an attack process are collectively performed, the recovery process being a process to recover the consumption parameter, the attack process being a process to attack the opposing character.

Abstract: An interactive treasure hunt game is provided. Game participants receive a card, map and/or identification badge configured with an RFID tag, bar-code or a magnetic “swipe” strip or the like. The RFID tag or other identifying device is used to store certain information identifying each play participant and/or describing certain powers or abilities possessed by an imaginary character that the card may represent. Players advance in the game by finding clues and solving various puzzles presented by the game. Players may also gain (or lose) certain attributes, such as magic skills, magic strength, fighting ability, various spell-casting abilities, etc. All of this information is preferably stored on the RFID tag or card so that the character attributes may be easily and conveniently transported to other similarly-equipped play facilities, computer games, video games, home game consoles, hand-held game units, and the like.

Abstract: An example terminal device includes a generally plate-shaped housing, an LCD provided on the front side of the housing, analog sticks, and first and second buttons. The analog sticks are provided respectively in left and right portions of the LCD above the center of the housing. The first and second buttons are provided on the back side of the housing so as to generally correspond to the analog sticks on the front side of the housing.

Abstract: A system, computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program, and a computer-implemented method for generating tailored game challenges are presented. To begin, a method may first identify a first game object and a second game object operable within a game challenge. The method may calculate, based on game profile data associated with a player, a first selection factor associated with the first game object and a second selection factor associated with the second game object. A game object from the first game object and the second game object is then selected. The selection is based on the first selection factor and the second selection factor. The game challenge is then generated, wherein the game challenge with the selected game object for the user.

Abstract: An apparatus is described comprising a Power-over-Ethernet interface, a High-Definition Media Interface (HDMI), a Bluetooth interface, a means for decompressing low-latency streaming interactive video and audio from an Internet-based hosting service and outputting the decompressed audio and video through HDMI, and a means for transmitting to the Internet-based hosting service user control information and statistics from received packets. Further, the apparatus is able to receive two interleaved streams of low-latency streaming interactive video.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for using a contact-list entry of an IM contact-list interface to designate an IM game in progress to facilitate switching between an IM conversation and an IM game.

Abstract: A system is provided for implementing a location specific gaming event having a server and databases for maintaining a plurality of user accounts and for maintaining location information. The server and databases maintain at least one affiliate account with at least one geographic location. The system is configured to receive at least one request from the at least one affiliate account to arrange for a location specific gaming event at the geographic location associated with the affiliate account. The system is further configured to receive at least one communication from mobile devices of at least two users when the mobile devices are located at the geographic location, the server of the system configured to administer the location specific gaming event to the users.

Abstract: Software at a massively multiplayer online (MMO) game website receives a request for assistance with a game task from a first player of a MMO game. The software transmits the request to a second player of the MMO game who is associated with the first player through a relationship recognized by the MMO game. The software determines whether the second player responds to the request within a time period. The time period depends on one or more factors related to game mechanics and to user data for the first player. Then if the second player does not respond within the time period and the game task is a game task whose completion can be assigned without the assistance of another player, the software assigns completion of the game task to the first player and transmits an automated apparent response to the first player.

Abstract: A deposit managing unit 22 receives a game player's deposit command transmitted from a terminal device 12 and deposits virtual currency in a deposit amount specified by the game player according to the received deposit command. In addition, the deposit managing unit 22 prohibits the game player from using the virtual currency deposited by the game player until a predetermined deposit period expires. When a depositing game player deposits virtual currency, a benefit offering unit 24 offers the depositing game player a benefit that gives a higher advantage to the depositing game player in battle until the deposit period expires in comparison to a case where the depositing game player does not deposit virtual currency.

Abstract: Software receives a command from a player selecting one or more businesses from a game menu in an online game that is a builder-type game. The software then receives a command from the player identifying an empty location in a game space for the game. The software causes the one or more businesses to be displayed in the game space at the location and receives a command from the player selecting a plurality of displayed businesses. The software then receives a command from the player to consolidate the displayed businesses that were selected into a consolidated business and displays the consolidated business in the game space.

Abstract: A gaming keyboard and related methods are disclosed that provide features to enhance the computer gaming experience. A keyboard connection pod is disclosed that improves power capabilities of the keyboard thereby allowing for enhanced features that require more power. A panic mechanism is disclosed that can be triggered to cause one or more selected keys to change states. Keycap rim-lighting is disclosed that provides improved visual indication of key positions. A hand registration enhancement is disclosed including a spacebar having a thumb notch and/or WASD and spacebar keys with different tactile response than other keys. Function keys are disclosed that are positioned proximate to allow reduced movement of the left hand. An integrated cord wrap tray is disclosed for a peripheral such as a mouse. Other features and variations are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus body is provided with a sensor face in which a plurality of sensor electrodes for detecting electrostatic capacitance are disposed. A recognition pattern formed by connecting a plurality of conductive spots through conductive lines is provided in an identification body. When the recognition pattern of the identification body is made to face the sensor face of the apparatus body, the plurality of sensor electrodes are electrically connected to one another through the recognition pattern to thereby generate a change of electrostatic capacitance so that the apparatus body can identify the recognition pattern based on the change of electrostatic capacitance. Thus, it is possible to provide an identification apparatus which can be manufactured inexpensively without use of an expensive apparatus such as an RFID system.

Abstract: A system, computer-readable storage medium sorting at least one program, and a computer-implemented method for providing notifications to players of games are described. An identifier for a player of a first game is received. Notifications for at least one other game are obtained using the identifier for the player. The notifications for the at least one other game are transmitted to a device of the player, where the notifications for the at least one other game are to be displayed in a user interface for the first game.

Abstract: Provided is an information processing system with which a new function can be added without altering an application program itself. The information processing system includes: a first execution information obtaining unit configured to obtain first execution information which indicates an execution state of a first execution unit configured to execute an application program; an execution information storing unit configured to store the first execution information; and the first execution unit or a second execution unit configured to execute the application program, in which the first execution unit or the second execution unit uses the stored first execution information to execute the application program.

Abstract: A system, computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program, and a computer-implemented method for providing three-dimensional operations in an isometric projection are presented. A graphical user interface may be presented to a user that presents an isometric projection of a virtual environment. A placement event corresponding to a user initiating a placement of a game object within the virtual environment may then be detected. The game object may be modeled with a two-dimensional model. Selection coordinates associated with the placement event are then obtained. Using the selection coordinates, it may be determined that the user selected one of a plurality of surface areas of an existing game object. Then, the game object is then inserted within the virtual environment relative to the one of the plurality of surface areas of the existing game object.

Abstract: An application/game server comprising a central processing unit to process application/video game program code and a graphics processing unit (GPU) to process graphics commands and generate a series of video frames for the application/video game; one or more back buffers to store video frames as the video frames are being created in response to the execution of the graphics commands; a front buffer-outputting the video frame for display one scan line at a time at a designated scan out frequency, a subset of scan lines stored in the front buffer being associated with a vertical blanking interval (VBI); and a frame processing module to begin copying a newly completed frame from the back buffer to the front buffer before the video data for a prior video frame stored in the front buffer has not been fully scanned out.

Abstract: The subject disclosure may include, for example, a method for determining a current performance of a gamer during a first gaming session of a gaming application, where the performance is determined from a first plurality of stimulus signals generated by a gaming accessory during the first gaming session according to a configuration setting assigned to the gaming accessory, identifying a prior performance of the gamer during a prior gaming session of the gaming application, where the prior performance is determined from a second plurality of stimulus signals generated by the gaming accessory according to the configuration setting, comparing the current performance to the prior performance to determine a change in performance of the gamer, and adjusting the configuration setting assigned to the gaming accessory according to the change in the performance of the gamer. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for providing a game in which a plurality of missions is presented to a user device each time a certain period has elapsed from a server having a storage unit for storing user information relating to a plurality of users, includes the steps of generating a plurality of different missions for each of the plurality of users based on the user information stored in the storage unit, presenting a list of the generated missions for each of the users on the user device, and presenting an operational element for updating a mission included in the presented list to another mission regardless of the elapse of the period in accordance with the progress of presented missions.

Abstract: An amusement ride system is disclosed. The amusement ride system includes a support subsystem that includes a loading location, a first location, and a second location. The support subsystem includes a first anchor cable extending between the loading location and the first location and a second anchor cable extending between the loading location and the second location, with a first trolley movably attached to the first anchor cable and a second trolley movably attached to the second anchor cable. A trolley actuation subsystem moves the first trolley and the second trolley along the length of the first anchor cable and the second anchor, respectively. A swing subsystem includes a passenger carriage, wherein a first swing line is coupled to the passenger carriage and pivotally engaged to the first trolley and a second swing line coupled to the passenger carriage and pivotally engaged to the second trolley.

Abstract: An amusement park ride adapted to provide passengers unobstructed lines of sight in turns and increased turn velocities. The ride includes a track and a ride vehicle. The ride vehicle includes a track connector assembly coupled to the track for movement along the ride path in a direction of travel. The vehicle also includes a vehicle base mounted to the track connector assembly to move with the track connector. The vehicle includes a bridge, or cantilever support arm or boom, extending from the vehicle base. The vehicle further includes a passenger compartment with one or more passenger seats. The passenger compartment is mounted to the bridge such that the seats and any passengers seated therein are spaced apart from the base at a cantilever distance. As a result, the passenger compartment has fore or aft cantilever mounting relative to the track connector assembly and relative to the vehicle base.

Abstract: A soother device for calming infants and children and inducing sleep. The soother includes a light source and a rotating image bar through which light from the source is projected to generate a soothing light pattern visible to the infant or child, for example in wave form or having the appearance of moving water or light reflecting from moving water.

Abstract: A constructible water toy for recreational use and learning, the water toy comprising a kit of parts having beams, connectors, and connector adapters. A beam comprises a pool noodle with a rigid endoskeleton support extending beyond the ends of the pool noodle. The endoskeleton support enables engagement to other beams via connectors or connector adapters with locking features for removably coupling the beams for forming endless structures.

Abstract: A flying toy spacecraft having one or more low pressure channels acting as the primary lift mechanism. Each of the low pressure channels has a bottom member, two sidewalls, and an optional top member. The interior of the channel can be fitted with an airfoil or a trailing reflexed edge. In embodiments having two or more low pressure channels, the channels are spaced apart, thereby forming an inverted channel that stabilizes the flying toy spacecraft against undesired yawing motions.

Abstract: A control system for interactively operating a show control system (audio plus data) provided in a walk-around character costume. The system includes an interactive controller wearable with the walk-around character costume. The system includes an audio base station and a host controller communicatively linked to the audio base station. The interactive controller and the audio base station communicate via a wireless communications link. The control system includes a speaker controlled by the interactive controller, and the host controller transmits data over the wireless communications link via the audio base station including commands to play an audio file and an animation file, stored in memory accessible by the interactive controller, with the speaker.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for the pre-concentration of a target molecule from feed solution comprising a low concentration of the target molecule.

Abstract: Described herein is an oil extraction device comprising a housing; a first trough resting within an upper portion of said housing, where said first trough holds a solvent; a heat source within said housing, where said heat source heats said first trough; a control device mounted within said housing, where said control device controls said heat source; a reservoir attached to said upper portion of said housing; a strainer basket positioned within said reservoir, where said strainer basket holds an extraction substance; a filter fitted within said strainer basket below said extraction substance; a second filter positioned above said extraction substance; a condenser positioned above said housing; a second trough positioned at a bottom portion of said condenser; and a set of flanges extruding from said condenser, where said set of flanges enable said condenser to cool and condense solvent vapor when operating said oil extraction device.

Abstract: A device degasses fluid in a circulation loop. The device includes a degassing chamber coupled inline with the circulation loop, where a vacuum within the degassing chamber draws out dissolved gas and water vapor from the fluid. The degassing chamber has an opening enabling gas and water vapor drawn out from the fluid, and condensation formed from the water vapor, to flow out as a result of gravitational pull. The device further includes a cooler coupled to the opening in the degassing chamber and a water trap coupled to the cooler. The cooler includes a heat exchanger configured to condense a remaining portion of the water vapor into liquid, where the condensation and liquid accumulate in the water trap. The degassing chamber, water trap and cooler are maintained under vacuum, where the degassing chamber is maintained under vacuum through the opening via the cooler and the water trap.

Abstract: Disclosed is a powder antifoaming agent containing: (A) a hydrophobic organopolysiloxane that has a viscosity at 25° C. of 10-100,000 mm2/s; (B) a fine silica powder; (C) a surfactant; and (D) a water-soluble encapsulating agent that is in a solid state at 25° C. This powder antifoaming agent is characterized by being obtained by spray drying a dispersion liquid that is obtained by dispersing a silicone oil compound, which is obtained by mixing the component (A) and the component (B), and the component (D) in water in the presence of the component (C), and is also characterized in that the silicone oil compound is encapsulated by the component (D) that serves as an outer shell. Since the present powder antifoaming agent does not contain water by being produced by a spray drying method, the powder antifoaming agent is free from problems of emulsion antifoaming agents such as separation and putrefaction.

Abstract: The disclosure relates generally to nano-filters and methods of forming same, and methods of filtration. The nano-filter includes a substrate and at least one nanowire structure located between an inlet and an outlet. The nanowire structure may include a plurality of vertically stacked horizontal nanowires.

Abstract: An acoustic standing wave is utilized to separate components from a multi-component fluid, such as oil from an oil-water mixture, in a fluid flow scheme with an acoustophoresis device. For example, the flow scheme and device allows for trapping of the oil as the oil coalesces, agglomerates, and becomes more buoyant than the water.

Abstract: A filter apparatus is equipped with a first body, a case unit connected to a lower part of the first body, and a filter unit, which is accommodated in the interior of the case unit. The case unit is made up from an outer case, which is formed as a bottomed cylinder from a light-permeable transparent material, and an inner case that is inserted into the interior of the outer case. The case unit is inserted into an installation hole that opens on the lower part of the first body, and by rotation thereof, projections and retaining walls provided on an outer circumferential surface of the case unit are made to engage with support members provided in the installation hole, to thereby result in a connected state.

Abstract: A filtration system for separating accompanying substances, present in liquid, droplet or mist form, from a gaseous material stream, comprising a housing, in which there is arranged a filter insert, wherein the housing has an inlet and an outlet for said material stream, wherein the filter insert comprises at least two filter layers, wherein one boundary surface of the first filter layer is essentially in parallel with a boundary surface of the second filter layer, wherein at least one boundary surface forms a barrier for said material stream.

Abstract: An extraction system is designed for metal working and other applications. The system may include a blower that delivers a positive pressure airflow to a hood that creates an air region for removal of airborne components from a work area. The blower is driven by a three-phase motor in a portable base unit that may be plugged into a source of three-phase power. A rotational direction reversing switch is provided between the motor and a three-phase plug to permit reversal of the rotational direction of the motor when the motor is determined not to rotation in the intended direction when the plug is connected to a receptacle. The switch may be manual or automatic.