Abstract: A ceiling-only dry sprinkler system configured to address a storage occupancy fire event with a sprinkler operational area sufficient in size to surround and drown the fire. The system and method preferably provide for the surround and effect by activating one or more initial sprinklers, delaying fluid flow to the initial activated sprinklers for a defined delay period to permit the thermal activation of a subsequent one or more sprinklers so as to form the preferred sprinkler operational area. The sprinklers of the operational area are preferably configured so as to provide sufficient fluid volume and cooling to address the fire-event with a surround and drown configuration. The defined delay period is of a defined period having a maximum and a minimum. The preferred sprinkler system is adapted for fire protection of storage commodities and provides a ceiling only system that eliminates or otherwise minimizes the economic disadvantages and design penalties of current dry sprinkler system design.

Abstract: A protective cap for a sprinkler head and a sprinkler head provided with the protective cap, in which the protective cap for a sprinkler head has a cylindrical shape that is capable of accommodating a sprinkler head therein, the protective cap having an opening on an upper side thereof and a base provided on a lower side thereof, a base side of the protective cap having a drain hole therein, a seat portion on which a surface of the sprinkler head sits being provided inside the protective cap on the base side, in which the seat portion is disposed on an opening side with respect to the drain hole.

Abstract: A concealed-type sprinkler that includes a body having a proximal portion defining an opening and a distal portion defining an outlet. The body defines an internal passageway having an inlet and an outlet spaced apart along a longitudinal axis. The distal portion preferably includes an annular wall having an outer surface and an inner surface to further define a chamber distal of the outlet to house an internal component of the sprinkler. A cover plate assembly substantially conceals the chamber and includes a thermally responsive surface in communication with the chamber to actuate the sprinkler. The preferred sprinkler preferably includes a spacing member disposed between the annular wall and the cover plate assembly to define at least one aperture for communication between the chamber and the environment external to the sprinkler. An escutcheon is preferably disposed about the annular wall.

Abstract: Method and system is described to enhance operations for managing the hydrocarbon release. The system utilizes remote controlled devices equipped with herder delivery components. The system may utilize herders to perform in-situ burning of the oil slick. This method may provide dedicated remote control device for each response vessel to further enhance the response to oil slicks.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for an exercise jump rope are disclosed herein. According to one aspect, the exercise jump rope comprises a cable assembly including a cable, a first and a second end attachment at a first end and a second end of the cable, respectively, and a first and a second cable connector coupled to the first and the second end attachment, respectively. The exercise jump rope further comprises a first and a second handle assembly coupled to the first and the second cable connector, respectively, each handle assembly including a hollow handle and a swivel assembly, each swivel assembly including a bearing fixed to the hollow handle, an axis pin having a head and a cross-hole and rotatably coupled to the bearing, an axis pin positioner configured to position a majority of the axis pin within the hollow handle.

Abstract: Devices such as exercise hoops are detailed. The hoops may include multiple, serially-connected sections designed to receive internal weights and configured so as to accept both differing numbers and masses of weights as desired. At least some sections, furthermore, may comprise multiple detachable pieces, with complementary pieces exposing one or more weight-receiving compartments when detached.

Abstract: The present application is directed to an exercise device that is applicable for use by a driver while out on the road. The device includes a frame with one or more horizontal supports configured to provide for one or more different exercises. A tire connector may extend outward from the frame and is configured to connect to the tire of the vehicle. The tire connector supports the frame outward from the tire and the side of the vehicle. The frame provides a sturdy platform for the driver to perform a variety of different exercises. The device is constructed from multiple pieces that can be assembled and disassembled in a straight-forward manner for use while the driver is out on the road. Each of the pieces is sized to be stored on the vehicle when disassembled and not in use.

Abstract: An exercise device includes a seat, a first support member pivoting from a first pivot point about the seat, and a first resistance wheel having a handle extending therefrom, the wheel being attached on a terminal end of a slider to a mount carrying the first resistance wheel and having a first plate and second plate through which a pin extends thereinto in order to rotate the resistance wheel relative to the slider. The first support member is pivotable from the first pivot point in order to place the resistance wheel in a plurality of discrete positions relative to the seat including one position in which the resistance wheel is locked in position and aligned with a longitudinally extending centerline of the seat.

Abstract: A selectively adjustable, portable exercise system with first and second resistance mechanisms, each with a rotatable spool, a cord wrapped around the spool, a handle secured to the cord, and a resistance stack formed by plural resistance packs, which can be modular. The spool and the resistance pack have engagement patterns. Each resistance pack presents a resistance to rotation, such as by a coil spring. Each of a plurality of keys has a rod portion with an engagement pattern with a spool engagement pattern to lock the spool relative to the key and a resistance pack engagement pattern for locking one or more resistance packs relative to the key and the spool. The resistance pack engagement patterns of at least some of the keys vary to lock different combinations of resistance packs relative to the key and the spool. A belt, base platforms, or both can form a retaining structure.

Abstract: A fitness equipment unit includes a member rotatable about an axis and a source of resistance against rotation of the member. Rotation of the member is facilitated by pulling on a first end of the line while the other end of the line is stationary, pulling on a second end of the line while the first end is stationary or concurrently pulling on both the first end and the second end of the line.

Abstract: A full-body workout system comprises a cooler having a hinged lid and defining an insulated compartment and an adjustable weighted bottom portion, at least two drink bottles having an adjustable weighted bottom portion and configured for releasable attachment to the cooler, at least one cooler handle configured for releasable attachment to the cooler and the at least two drink bottles, a full-body workout strap having a strap body with first and second ends, each end including a padded hand grip and a latching mechanism configured for releasable attachment to the cooler, wherein the cooler may be carried by at least the at least one cooler handle and the full-body workout strap.

Abstract: The disclosed systems and methods provide for a mirror box therapy system as a therapeutic tool for treating patients having one healthy and one unhealthy limb. This can include stroke patients or those whom otherwise have full or partial paralysis. Also suitable patients include amputees with phantom limb pain or those with intact legs whom have unilateral chronic lower extremity pain. The system is designed to be used with patients in the short sit position or long sit position and can be alternated between each position including switching between left side and right side limb treatment. The methods of treatment with the disclosed system are designed to provide for positive visual feedback and induce brain plasticity with the improvement of neural connections leading to pain and/or motor rehabilitation of the impaired limb.

Abstract: An exercise device includes a relatively rigid platform supported by a compressible base. The base has a central flat and then slopes outward and upward from the central flat in a spherical section. The base permits instability in height, angle, and shear strain movement. The user performs postures and/or exercises using the exercise device under each appendage being used for support. The instability triggers the Golgi tendon receptor and the muscle spindle receptor and thereby achieves physiological benefits. The muscular training devices come in different sizes and configurations to make up a muscular training system.

Abstract: An arrangement for imparting translational movement of a load with respect to a columnar structure that takes the form of at least one flexible elastic member (e.g., bungee cord) that is disposed to surround a portion of the structure and a platform coupled to the opposing ends of the flexible elastic member. The platform is used to support the load and the ends of the flexible member are coupled to the platform in a manner such that the ends are free to rotate. Thus, the application of counter-rotational forces to these opposing end terminations will impart a tension to the flexible elastic member that ultimately causes the flexible member to flip over to relieve the tension. By continuing to apply the counter-rotational forces, the flexible member will continue to flip, and progress in translational movement along the columnar structure.

Abstract: Generally disclosed is a golf ball having a core and a cover layer. The cover layer includes areas that are hard corresponding to the dimples, and areas that are soft corresponding to the land between the dimples. The cover layer may comprise two different materials, such as polyurethane and ionomer, that are laterally adjacent to each other in the cover layer. Alternatively, the cover layer may be selectively coated with a coating material having a different hardness, such as polyurethane or ionomer. As a result of the arrangement of the hard dimples and the soft land, the golf ball achieves reduced spin, and greater distances, when struck with a larger force (such as during a dive) while also achieving increased spin, and better control, when struck with a smaller force (such as during a chip).

Abstract: An ultra-low compression three-piece golf ball is disclosed herein. The core preferably has a PGA compression less than 30. The mantle layer and cover have approximately the same thickness. The cover comprises a thermoplastic polyurethane material and has a specific gravity greater than the core and mantle layer. The golf ball has a PGA compression less than 75 and a COR of at least 0.780.

Abstract: A golf ball having an inner core layer having an outer surface and a geometric center and being formed from a rubber composition. An outer core layer surrounds the inner core to form a dual core. An inner cover layer surrounds the dual core, and includes a high-acid ionomer having a hardness of about 66 to 75 Shore D and an acid content of 16 wt. % or greater. An outer cover layer surrounds the inner cover layer, and includes a polyurethane and having a material hardness of about 38 to 56 Shore D. The inner core layer surface hardness is from 0 Shore C to 10 Shore C lower than the geometric center hardness to define a negative hardness gradient and the outer core layer has a surface hardness at least 10 Shore C greater than the geometric center hardness to define a dual core positive hardness gradient.

Abstract: A golf ball includes a single core formed from a substantially homogenous rubber composition, an inner cover disposed about the core, and an outer cover. The inner cover includes an ionomeric material and has a hardness of about 60 Shore D or greater. The outer cover layer is disposed about the inner cover layer, is formed from a castable polyurea or polyurethane, and has a material hardness of about 60 Shore D or less. The outer surface of the core has a trans content of about 12% or less and a hardness of about 71 to 88 Shore C, the geometric center of the core has a trans content of about 10% or less and a hardness of about 70 to 80 Shore C, and the core surface hardness is greater than the geometric center hardness by about 1 to 10 Shore C to define a shallow positive hardness gradient.

Abstract: The present invention provides a game racquet including an integrated circuit capable of supporting a low-voltage energy current. An embodiment of the invention provides a game racquet including one or more enhancements attached or integrated on the racquet frame. These enhancements may include but are not limited to: one or more LEDs, a sound amplification device, an electromagnetic vibration emitter, and other such enhancements as would be apparent to one skilled in the art. In a further embodiment, the game racquet responds electronically to ball impact on at least one of the strings, and subsequently performs and action or actions including but not limited to making a sound or sounds, triggering lights, triggering LEDs, triggering another type of automation on the racquet such as a vibration emitter within the handle.

Abstract: A golf club 2 includes a head 4, a shaft 6, a sleeve 8, and a screw 10. The sleeve 8 is fixed to a tip part of the shaft 6. The head 4 has a head body 18 and an engaging member 20. The engaging member 20 is fixed to the head body 18. Rotation of the sleeve 8 to the head 4 is regulated based on engagement between the sleeve 8 and the engaging member 20. Withdrawal of the sleeve 8 from the head 4 is regulated based on connection between the sleeve 8 and the screw 10. The head body 18 has a screw part. The engaging member 20 has a screw part. The screw part of the head body 18 is connected to the screw part of the engaging member 20.

Abstract: Golf club heads with slit features are described herein. Other embodiments and related methods are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A golf club head including a crown, a sole, a hosel, a face and a flexure. The golf club head includes a multi-material construction including a face member, a midsection and an aft member that allows optimization of the mass distribution of the golf club head. The flexure provides compliance during an impact between the golf club head and a golf ball.

Abstract: A golf club 2 includes a face angle adjusting mechanism 20 provided on a sole s4. The face angle adjusting mechanism 20 has a grounding member 22 which can be protruded from the sole s4, a storing part 24 storing the grounding member 22, and a coil spring 26 pressing the grounding member 22 so that the grounding member 22 is protruded from the storing part 24. The grounding member 22 is set so that a protruding amount of the grounding member 22 from the sole s4 is varied depending on its position of rotation angle about its axis in a state where the grounding member 22 is stored in the storing part 24. By changing a position of rotation angle of the grounding member 22, the protruding amount of the grounding member 22 is changed thereby to change a face angle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a golf tee configured to control spin imparted on a golf ball due to friction between a contact surface of the golf tee and the golf ball. In one embodiment, the golf tee includes a plurality of support members to support a golf ball, wherein contact between the golf ball and the plurality of support members is asymmetrically distributed between a first contact area and a second contact area. In another embodiment, the golf tee includes a two-part shaft slideably coupled together and an adjustable resistance mechanism to provide a resistive force between the two parts of the golf tee, wherein the resistive force opposes the sliding together of the two parts. The resistance mechanism may be manually or automatically to control spin imparted to the golf ball due to friction between a contact surface of the golf tee and the golf ball.

Abstract: A two-part hockey stick having a hockey stick blade and a hockey stick shaft joined together at a joint. The hockey stick has a blade with a neck, a heel, and a toe. The joint has a male joint portion on an end of the shaft, which has heel and opposed toe walls, each of which extend away from a distal surface of the shaft and terminate at a mating surface. The heel wall is disposed on a side of the joint adjacent to a heel of the blade, and is longer than the toe wall. The mating surface extends between the heel and toe walls. The joint also has a hollow female joint portion disposed in a neck of the blade. The male joint portion mates with the female joint portion, thereby joining the shaft to the blade and forming the hockey stick.

Abstract: A stack-and-avoid game kit includes a container and game pieces held in the container. The game pieces include stackable figures and a soft projectile. Each stackable figure includes a base that forms a plug and an upper part that forms a cup. Each stackable figure is configured such that a plug of one is stackable in the cup of another.

Abstract: A martial arts and combat sports training advantage comprised of using traditional shaped training striking pads worn or held by a combat sports trainers, as disclosed in previous patents, and equipping the striking pads with trainer triggered adjustably timed lights designed to stimulate reflexes and allow the trainer to give non-verbal striking orders to the person being trained. Vibration sensors detect the strike, transmitting the strike to an internal microchip which allow for the characteristics of the strike to be shown on the digital number display.

Abstract: The device is composed of a structure that comprises four inter-hinged modules (1-2-3-4), which enables multiple mounting possibilities thereof. Each module is formed of two essentially straight lateral bars (15-15?) that incorporate a pair of inwardly curved sections (17), which act as links between the two lateral bars in such a way that the end of each module ends in a pair of legs in the form of forks (18), which in turn end either in support legs (19) of the device, or in a hinging means (16), it having been provided that a series of adjustable and non-essential crossbars (20-20?-20?) are subject to being inserted into place in a center of the frame defined by the lateral bars (15-15?). The device is complemented by a series of accessories that make it possible to significantly increase the diverse types of exercises that may be carried out with the same.

Abstract: A golf training aid and golf training method are provided. The golf training aid includes a body portion, including a support, a first housing, and a second housing, a base portion, and an elevated target. The golf training method includes providing a golf training aid including a body portion including a first housing and a second housing, a base portion, and an elevated target, positioning a rocker arm between extendable sections of two upright posts attached to the first housing and two upright posts attached to the second housing, sliding and rotating the rocker arm positioned between the extendable sections to provide a rocker arm orientation, positioning caps over the two upright posts attached to the first housing and the two upright posts attached to the second housing, attaching the elevated target to the rocker arm, and hitting golf balls at the elevated target.

Abstract: The system includes motion capture elements such as visual markers and sensors utilized in the capture of motion data both wirelessly and visually. The system may send a unique identifier and spatial data over a self-contained radio and antenna wirelessly to an external system that may analyze and display the spatial data in a user-friendly manner.

Abstract: Provided is a golf putting practice machine having a laser pointer, the golf putting practice machine includes: a laser direction adjustment plate (1) that that determines whether or not an emitted laser beam is directed in a normal direction; a laser pointer (2) that emits the laser beam toward the laser direction adjustment plate (1) when an ON/OFF switch (2-1) is in the ON state, wherein said switch is arranged to enable or prevent the emission of the laser beam; a laser pointer accommodating portion (3) that accommodates and fixes the laser pointer (2); a laser mount (4) on which the laser pointer accommodating portion (3) is mounted in an adhering manner; an aiming upper plate (5) on which the laser direction adjustment plate (1) and the laser mount (4) are placed so as to be slidable; an aiming plate (6) on which the aiming upper plate (5) is placed such that the ongoing direction of a golf ball is accurately set; a force-conversion roller (7) that converts the freefall of a golf ball into a horizontal

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a golfing aid that includes a club holder for realisably holding a golf club shaft, and a flexible shoulder strap coupled to a club holder. The flexible shoulder strap is sized and shaped to loop over the shoulders of a golfer and press against upper arms of the golfer. The shoulder strap includes arm engaging portions for engaging outer sides of the upper arms. The golfing aid includes strap adjustment cam locking mechanisms coupled to the club holder for clamping and adjusting strap length to accommodate various size golfers. The training aid produces the perfect one piece connected triangular pendulum putting/chipping motion of the shoulders, arms, hands and club. There is no movement of the club shaft relative to the hands and arms. The training aid provides immediate feedback if the golfer is not using their shoulders to perform the correct putting or chipping stroke.

Abstract: A ball launching apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a funnel residing at an upper end of a housing. The funnel includes a channel for gravitationally directing a ball into a launch point within an interior compartment of the housing. The apparatus includes a hammer that strikes a ball through a chute, thereby releasing the ball from the housing. Both the distance at which the ball travels and the angle at which the ball leaves the chute may be adjusted by the operator. A method of exercising a dog is also provided herein.

Abstract: The present provides and a method of assembling a touring or cross-country binding, the touring or cross-country binding comprising: an engagement section for pivotal engagement of a ski shoe engagement pin, the engagement section including a stationary engagement part and a movable engagement part; the stationary engagement part comprising a base and a pair of protruding elements, wherein the distal part of the protruding elements are provided with a recess adapted to receive the ski shoe engagement pin; and the movable engagement part is a slider in sliding engagement with the stationary engagement part; an activation element adapted to move the movable engagement part between a locking position and a releasing position of the engagement pin; and a downwards pointing button arranged on the activation element to directly engage an opening in the movable engagement part, whereby the movable engagement part is sliding forward to the releasing position by a downwards force on the activation element at a positio

Abstract: The disclosure provides apparatus and methods of use and manufacture pertaining to a quick release hub-and-wheel assembly. In one embodiment, the hub-and-wheel assembly includes interior and exterior sleeves disposed about a rotatable locking ring that is biased to a latched position. The assembly also includes a quick release wheel having a latch that is configured to temporarily displace a latch-engagement mechanism on the locking ring from the latched position to an unlatched position such that the latch is captured by the latch-engagement mechanism when the latch-engagement mechanism returns to the biased, latched position. The locking ring also includes a manual latch-release mechanism configured to again temporarily displace the latch-engagement mechanism such that the wheel latch is released, allowing the wheel to be removed. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and/or device is set forth for playing a game. In some embodiments, an inventory of data representing playing cards is arranged in a random but established, serial order. In some embodiments, for each hand of play the player makes a wager and cards are displayed, according to the rules of the game, in order from the inventory to define a winning or losing outcome. In some embodiments, a display, as hands are played, displays the remaining constituency of the inventory and the player, before any hand, can order re-shuffling and re-constitute of the inventory. In some embodiments, re-shuffling may be triggered by a card or hand count or certain pre-defined triggers. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: An automatic card handling device, having a card handling device that includes a controller, the card handling device configured for shuffling an input set of cards and delivering an output set of cards resulting from the shuffling; and a communication module operably coupled to the controller, wherein the communication module is configured for sending and receiving information related to operation of the card handling device across a communication port configured for operable coupling to a cellular network, wherein the information related to the operation of the automatic card handling device includes information about the use of the card handling device; and wherein a factor in a usage fee for the card handling device is use of the card handling device.

Abstract: An information processing system includes a controller port having a plurality of ports to which a plurality of operation signals are input from a plurality of operation devices via a network. The information processing system also includes an execution unit configured to execute a game program in response to each of the plurality of operation signals input from each of the plurality of operation devices to each of the plurality of the ports, and an assignment unit configured to assign each of the plurality of operation devices to each of the plurality of respective ports. The assignment unit changes assignment of each of the plurality of operation devices to each of the plurality of ports in a predetermined case.

Abstract: Embodiments related to conducting a wagering game according to the rules of a base game includes defining a finite set of game indicia. In some embodiments the player plays multiple sequential game hand by placing a wager, receiving game indicia from the finite set cumulatively excluding any game indicia previously dealt, playing the game hand to completion, collecting the game indicia from the player and excluding the dealt game indicia from further play, and displaying at least the excluded game indicia or any winning combinations precluded by the excluded game indicia. In some embodiments the game hands continue in sequence until a restoration event, which may include a manually triggered restoration or an automatic restoration event, that restores the excluded game indicia. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A method, implemented as computer code being executed by one or more processors, in which computer game graphics for a casual, social game are shown on a display of a computing device and in which one or more of the processors are programmed: to show a virtual path or other virtual world that indicates the level reached by the player and that player's social network friends; to show on the computing device a gameboard with multiple game elements that are removed when matched or switched by a player, such as in a match-3, clicker or switcher game; and in which a processor generates, if no move has been made for a defined time, help or hints by brightening and enlarging game elements used in a possible move on the gameboard with an animation.

Abstract: An online game mechanic matches requests and responses of different data types that include text, image and audio. Request values corresponding to a first data type are sent to users in a distribution list, and those users send response values corresponding to a second data type. Winning response values are selected and announced.

Abstract: An online game mechanic matches requests and responses of different data types that include text, image and audio. Request values corresponding to a first data type are sent to users in a distribution list, and those users send response values corresponding to a second data type. Winning response values are selected and announced. In an example embodiment, the request values include a text description that includes at least one word, and the response values include an image file or a reference to an image file.

Abstract: The present invention integrates the concepts of interactive player based promotions, games, and bonusing that utilize a touch screen display on a gaming system associated with a remote player tracking system. The promotions are configured at a remote configuration workstation by selecting system criteria defining the particular bonus promotion to thereby create a “bonus rule”. Promotions have four primary criteria. The first is the “Trigger” which is the criterion that determines when the bonus screen is activated to display a promotion. The second is the “Interface” that determines what will be displayed on the bonus screen. The third is the “Award” in which the nature of the bonus payment, including the method of choosing the value to award and the required player interaction to receive the promotion, is determined. And finally, the “Currency” system determines the method of payment to the player for earning or receiving the promotion.

Abstract: Systems and methods for communicating messages within online games are described. One of the methods includes receiving a message post from a first user. The message post is displayed on an in-game object that is configured for sharing message posts between the first user and other users. The method further includes detecting an interfacing action by a second user with the in-game object. The interfacing action is an input that is responsive to request content that is part of the message post. The method further includes validating the interfacing action to meet a threshold. If the threshold is met, the virtual game object is credited to the game space of the first user. The method includes generating a reward to the second user when the interfacing action is validated. The reward is credited to a game space of the second user.

Abstract: A wireless communication game system includes a plurality of mobile game apparatuses, which function as a parent device or a child device and are capable of making a communication with each other, and broadcasts from the parent device a parent device packet including a parent device PID, a user name UserName, a game name GameName, an OC flag, an E slot, a U slot, and a payload. All the parent device packets are received from the parent device existing within a communicationable range of a user's own apparatus, and the user's own apparatus creates a parent device list, and displays the parent device list on an LCD. Therefore, a user or a player of his own apparatus looks at the game name of the parent device list, for example, and operates a cross key included in an operation key so as to select one desired parent device.

Abstract: A game data processing section 100 is provided with an item assessment section 41 and an event generation section 42. The item assessment section 41 assesses whether or not the number of pieces of a virtual item possessed by a virtual user is equal to or more than a predetermined threshold value, extracts one type of virtual item from among virtual items possessed by the virtual user, and assesses whether or not the number of pieces of the one type of virtual item is equal to or more than the predetermined threshold value. The event generation section 42 generates an event in which the one type of virtual item can be consumed, when the item assessment section assesses the number of pieces of the one type of virtual item is equal to or more than the predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: A swing set designed to have improved structural integrity wherein the swing set includes components manufactured from either 3500 psi concrete or 5000 psi concrete. The swing set includes a first vertical column and a second vertical column that are in axial alignment and further include a portion thereof inserted into the ground. The first vertical column and second vertical column are superposed concrete mounting pads. A horizontal crossbeam is coupled to the upper ends of the first vertical column and second vertical column and functions to have a plurality of swings suspendedly mounted thereto. The first vertical column and second vertical column further include a mounting structure operable to mateably couple with a portion of the horizontal crossbeam. The aforementioned swing set elements additionally include metal support bars of varying sizes and additionally have stirrups coupled thereto wherein the stirrups vary in distance between centers.

Abstract: A combination soother-toy device includes a soothing device such as a pacifier, a toy such as a plush animal character, and a coupling that removably attaches them together. In some embodiments, the coupling includes a transverse tab and a transverse opening that couple and decouple by a transverse motion. In this way, the axial pulling motion and forces that babies often apply to the toy when holding the pacifier in its mouth do not cause the components to separate. In some embodiments, the tab (transverse or not) is retained on the toy by a primary attachment such as stitching and a secondary retainer for redundancy as a safety feature. For example, the secondary retainer can be a tether attaching the tab extension arm to the toy, or wings extending from the tab extension arm laterally beyond the toy opening through which the extension arm extends.

Abstract: A playmate toy or similar children's toy is provided having associated wireless, batteryless ID tag that can be read from and/or written to using a radio-frequency communication protocol. The tag is mounted internally within a cavity of the toy and thereby provides wireless communication of stored information without requiring removal and reinsertion of the tag. In this manner, a stuffed animal or other toy can be quickly and easily identified non-invasively, without damaging the toy. Additional information (e.g., unique personality traits, special powers, skill levels, etc.) can also be stored on the ID tag, thus providing further personality enhancement, input/output programming, simulated intelligence and/or interactive gaming possibilities.

Abstract: Systems and methods for stabilizing the steering and throttle of a radio-controlled (RC) vehicle are described herein. More specifically, sensors and circuitry are configured to control the wheel speed and wheel direction of a RC vehicle based on rotational information. In operation, one or more sensors may be configured to receive angular rotational information associated with a rotation of the RC vehicle. The rotational information may define a rotation of the RC vehicle around one or more axes of the RC vehicle. The circuitry may be configured to receive the angular rotation information associated with the rotation of the RC vehicle from the one or more sensors, and control a wheel speed and/or a wheel direction of at least one wheel of the RC vehicle based at least in part on (i) command data received from a controller associated with the RC vehicle and (ii) the received angular rotation information.