Abstract: A portable tennis apparatus comprising a tennis bag, a tennis ball retrieving unit, a stretchable back bar and an extendable bottom stand. The ball retrieving unit retrieves balls on the ground directly to the bag; the stretchable back bar can be pulled up and pushed around with rolling means on the ground easily. The top opening of the bag made it easy to reach the balls for replay. The extendable stand can raise the tennis bag at a desirable level for dispensing balls so that the player does not have to bend down. The stretchable back bar and the stand can be put back to their original position during the transportation of the apparatus, such as between tennis court and player's home. The entire apparatus is light-weighted, easily carried and operated single-handed. This apparatus is truly an “all-in-one” tennis apparatus, and a revolution in the field of tennis equipment.

Abstract: A racquet includes polyester, monofilament racquet string and a frame extending along a longitudinal axis and including a head portion coupled to a handle portion. The head portion includes a hoop having inner and outer peripheral walls. The hoop defines a head size having maximum longitudinal and transverse dimensions, a, and, b, respectively. The dimension a is at least 1.2 times the dimension b. The inner peripheral wall includes string holes. The string has a diameter within the range of 1.10 to 1.55 millimeters. The string forms a string bed of interlaced main and cross string segments. Each of the cross segments transversely extends from one of the string holes to another, and each of the main segments longitudinally extends from one of the string holes to another. The string bed has at least one more main segment than cross segment. At least one of the main segments contacting the tennis ball exhibits a snap back velocity of at least 1 meter per second.

Abstract: A golf club 2 is provided with a head 4 having a hosel hole 18 and a shaft 6. The golf club 2 has a mounting/detaching mechanism detachably mounting the head 4 and the shaft 6 to each other. The mounting/detaching mechanism can fix the shaft 6 to the hosel hole 18 of the head 4 at a plurality of circumferential mounting positions. The shaft 6 has anisotropy producing coupled deformations of bending and torsion. Preferably, an angle ?1 between an axis line of the shaft 6 and an axis line of the hosel hole 18 is 0 degree. Preferably, a bending torsional amount of the shaft 6 is equal to or greater than 0.5 degree.

Abstract: A golf club includes a golf club head having a sole, a crown, and a face. The golf club head defines a bore and a viewing window in communication with the bore. An elongate member is insertable within the bore and rotatable within the bore between a first angular position and a second angular position. The elongate member further includes a first indicia, and a second indicia, both disposed on a portion of a circumference of the elongate member. When the elongate member is in the first angular position, the first indicia is visible through the viewing window and the second indicia is blocked from view. When the elongate member is in the second angular position, the second indicia is visible through the viewing window and the first indicia is blocked from view.

Abstract: A shaft 6 includes bias layers and straight layers. The bias layers include full length bias layers s1, s2, and butt partial bias layers s3, s4 arranged at a butt end side of the shaft. The straight layers include full length straight layers s7, s9, a tip partial straight layer arranged at a tip side of the shaft, and a butt partial straight layer arranged at a butt end side of the shaft. The tip partial straight layer includes a tip low-elastic layer s6. The butt partial straight layer includes a butt low-elastic layer s8. A low-elastic layer means a layer in which an elastic modulus of a reinforcing fiber is equal to or less than 20 ton/mm2. A shaft length Ls is equal to or less than 41 inches.

Abstract: Embodiments of golf bag bottoms and methods to manufacture golf bag bottoms are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: Methods for selecting golf balls based on environmental factors are provided. Such methods involve indicating a golfing environment and establishing one or more corresponding environmental factors. Such methods may include ascertaining one or more trajectory components that are dependent upon the environmental factors. One or more aspects of golf ball construction may pertinent to the environmental factors, or to the trajectory components, may then be determined. Upon identifying a plurality of golf balls and a selection criteria related to the golf ball construction aspects, a golf ball may be selected.

Abstract: A pick-up device for picking up balls and other objects, includes an hollow ball container, including an extension section and an attachment unit, or alternatively a handle shaft and a handle bar; and a ball valve mechanism, which can include plurality of elastic strings, or springs, configured in a cross-over pattern, such that a user can hold the pick-up device and press the ball valve mechanism onto a ball, such that the ball passes the ball valve mechanism, and is stored inside the hollow ball container. The ball valve mechanism can alternatively include two springs mounted in slots on opposing sides of a lower end of the ball container; or an elastic string, which is woven in a horizontal/vertical interlacing pattern. The pick-up device can be elongated and tubular, or can include a rectangular ball container, and be made from a plastic material.

Abstract: A golf teeing device. The golf teeing device may engage with a surface, such as an artificial golf mat, such that the user may conveniently place a golf ball to be hit. The golf teeing device may comprise a base and a top, wherein the base has extensions or hooks that extend in a substantially downward and sideways manner. These hooks, when rotated, grip into the artificial golf mat and hold the golf teeing device in place on the mat. The top portion of the golf teeing device may be configured to engage with a golf ball and/or golf tee.

Abstract: One aspect of the disclosure relates to a method of swinging a mobile device to simulate swinging of a golf club in order to evaluate a user's golf swing for customized golf club fitting. In an embodiment, the method can be performed by a processor of the mobile device. In another embodiment, the method can be performed for multiple mobile devices concurrently, the method performed at least in part on a cloud-based server. According to an aspect of the invention, a method comprises swinging a mobile device having motion sensors integrated therein to simulate a golf swing; evaluating the simulated golf swing to determine at least one characteristic of a custom-fitted golf club; and outputting information related to the determined at least one characteristic. In an embodiment, the mobile device is held by a user. In an alternate embodiment, the mobile device is attached to a golf club.

Abstract: A throwing disc, goal apparatus, and game are provided. A disc includes a central hub with blades projecting equiangularly from the hub. The blades are circumscribed by and joined to an outer perimeter ring that aids in throwing. The blades of the disc act as airfoils and impart unique flight characteristics to the disc. A goalpost is comprised of two vertical sections, joined by a horizontal cross-bar located above the midline of the vertical sections, and supported by a rectangular frame oriented perpendicularly to the vertical sections. A scoring pad is included. The game is played by tossing the disc and attempting to pass the disc while in flight between the vertical posts and above the horizontal cross-bar of the goalpost, and landing the disc on the scoring pad.

Abstract: A guide arm machine includes a guide arm and an equipment holder attached to the guide arm. The equipment holder is optimized to hold a sports equipment item. The guide arm is attached to a shaft so that the shaft defines a rotation axis around which the guide arm rotates. An adjustable main beam whose position is adjustable with respect to a stationary anchor, so that when the sports equipment item is held by the equipment holder and a position of the adjustable main beam is appropriately adjusted, rotation of the guide arm around the guide arm guides an athlete holding the equipment holder item into a desired motion that trains the athlete in efficient use of the sports equipment item.

Abstract: A apparatus for use with a portable performance system. The portable performance system includes a processor, a memory and a display. The training apparatus includes an American-style football, at least one sensor coupled to the football, at least one transmitter coupled to the football and operably coupled to the sensor, and a non-transient computer-readable medium containing code. The code directs the processor to: determine at least one football event by comparing the at least one attribute of the football to one or more predetermined signature characteristics of different football events; and an output device to present output to a person based on the determination of the at least one football event.

Abstract: The subject innovation includes a rebound device which is capable of receiving a ball or any object projected by a user in a substantially downward direction and projecting the same ball or object back to the user in a substantially upward direction in order to allow the user to catch through the use of a rebound surface or net. The rebound surface or net is positioned and angled to receive balls or objects projected downwards from any side of the user and to return or propel those projected balls or objects back to the user.

Abstract: An exercise equipment including a support, a first footboard and a second footboard for supporting the feet of the user, arranged alongside one another and able to slide along the support according to a substantially rectilinear direction (A), and articulated connection elements for connecting the first footboard to the second footboard.

Abstract: A golf aid including a practice mode for use while hitting a plurality of golf balls with a golf club includes a golf ball tracking system, a heads up display, and a processor. The golf ball tracking system tracks a plurality of golf ball trajectories, each corresponding to a respective golf ball being hit by the golf club. The heads up display is configured to be worn on the user's head and display an image within a field of view of the user. The processor is configured to compute one or more shot statistics for each one of the plurality of trajectories, display the one or more computed shot statistics and a plurality of trajectory traces within the field of view of the user.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to various components of a system for monitoring and/or tracking a user's performance during an activity involving an instrument that is swung. Exemplary embodiments can include a sensor module configured to be secured to the instrument. The sensor module can detect a swing event and/or an impact between the instrument and an object and can implement power management features to limit or manage a power consumption of the sensor module. The sensor module can transmit swing information to an electronic device associated with the user, which can display the swing information, process the swing information, and/or transmit the swing information to a remote system.

Abstract: A golf ball range target system that includes a golf target, a golf ball dispenser, at least one golf ball, a target sensor, a tracking module, and a client computer is described. The golf target has a known geographic location and includes at least one golf target area. The golf ball dispenser houses golf balls. Each golf ball is associated with a particular player. The tracking module determines a golf ball flight trajectory for the golf ball associated with the particular player. The target sensor determines whether the golf ball has landed in a target area.

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: An apparatus and method for balancing a skier comprising a ramp angle toe on the toe bearing surface of a ski binding. The ramp angle plate has positions of varying heights for inducing a ramp angle when the toe of a boot rests on the ramp angle plate on the toe bearing surface of the binding. Thus, the ramp angle plate alters the ramp angle at which a boot supports a skier's foot and lower leg, relative to the longitudinal running surface or bottom plane of an attached ski. An apparatus that allows a skier to adjust the ramp angle on the slope without stepping out of the binding.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for helping the movements of a user's foot, said foot being able to be received in a footwear portion, the front end of which is pivotably mounted relative to a sliding board or to walking equipment, with the system comprising a spring which can be secured to the sliding board or to the walking equipment so as to be applied to a bearing zone of the footwear portion by exerting a pressure on said bearing zone when the bearing zone is moved closer to the sliding board or to the walking equipment, characterized in that it comprises a binding device which can be removed from the spring, with the binding device being able to be fastened to a binding zone of the sliding board or of the walking equipment.

Abstract: A ski binding device having a plate adapted to engage the ski binding, in which the plate has a heel end and a toe end, and a heel absorption mechanism is adapted to absorb excessive lateral pivoting force from the heel of a ski boot. A restrictor biases the heel into engagement with a heel receptacle. A dual pivot engages the toe end of the plate for permitting both downward movement of the heel end and lateral movement of the heel end out of alignment with the ski. The lateral pivoting force corresponds to release of potentially harmful forces. The restrictor is responsive to upward force from the toe end, as results from disproportionate backweighting of a skier. The restrictor disengages the heel end from the heel receptacle based on a predetermined release force, and permit lateral outward displacement of the heel end upon disengagement of the heel.

Abstract: Devices and methods of transport are disclosed. Various embodiments include structural aspects related to steering and changing the direction of conveyances including features which utilize leaning or shifting of weight as part of turning.

Abstract: A toy ring is disclosed herein.

Abstract: An air hockey game device allows a plurality of players to play a match game using a first puck and a second puck having a disc size smaller than that of the first puck. The air hockey game device is configured so that each player can score points by shooting the first puck and the second puck into the opponent's goal. The air hockey game device is configured to control the game process (e.g., collection/supply of the first puck and the second puck, calculation/display of score, and production effect) based on the type of puck.

Abstract: A card game monitor manages play of a game with a video feed of casino table game play. A dealer deals a game using a card-handling device that randomizes and dispenses cards, which may be grouped into sets of hands by the card-handling device. A card recognition system recognizes card information including rank and suit of each card dispensed by the card handling device. A camera captures a video feed of casino table game play, which is transmitted to a mobile computing device operated by a player. A control system receives the card information from the card recognition device and manages control of the game using hand information associated with players. Player action elections from the mobile computing device are displayed to a dealer. The player provides a player action through the mobile computing device, which is used to facilitate play of the casino table game.

Abstract: A computer graphics display system such as a video game system provides virtual camera 3-D viewpoint panning control based on a pointer. When the pointer is displayed within a virtual camera panning control region, the system automatically pans the virtual camera toward the pointer. When the pointer is displayed within a different region, panning is deactivated and the user can freely move the cursor (e.g., to control the direction a weapon is pointed) without panning the virtual camera viewpoint. Flexible viewpoint control and other animated features are provided based on a pointing device such as a handheld video game optical pointing control. Useful applications include but are not limited to first person shooter type video games.

Abstract: When an operator blows a breath of a strength S on a microphone 34, for example, clouds C move in directions of vectors (A) at an initial velocity (constant L×breathing strength S/magnitude of vector A1). The vector A1 is a vector spanning from a reference point 105 to a center of the cloud C1. For example, even when the operator blows a breath of the same strength, the clouds C do not move in the same direction at the same velocity but a moving velocity and a moving direction of each cloud C vary depending on each position of the clouds C. Therefore, amusement of a game can be enhanced.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and computer program products are herein provided for modifying the presentation of information based on the visual complexity of environment information. A method may include causing presentation of information on a display. The method may further include determining a visual complexity level of environment information. The method may further include causing, based at least in part on the determined visual complexity level, modification of presentation of at least a portion of the information on the display. Corresponding apparatuses and computer program products are also provided.

Abstract: A service may be provided to a set of people when the people satisfy a proximity criterion. In one example, that set of people comprises users of a particular application and/or registrants with a particular system. A location monitor may determine people's location based on position data received from those people's devices (which may be obtained pursuant to appropriate permission in order to respect the device owners' interest in privacy). When the location monitor determines, based on people's positions, that a proximity criterion has been satisfied, the location monitor may cause a service to be provided that would not otherwise have been provided if the proximity criterion had not been satisfied. By providing additional service when a proximity criterion is satisfied, a reward in the virtual world is used to encourage people to gather in the physical world.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method are described for managing audio chat for an online video game or application. For example, a system according to one embodiment comprises: an online video game or application execution engine to execute an online video game or application in response to input from one or more users of the video game or application and to responsively generate audio and video of the video game or application; and a chat subsystem to establish audio chat sessions with the one or more users and one or more spectators to the video game or application, the chat subsystem establishing a plurality of audio chat channels including a spectator channel over which the spectators participate in audio chat and a user channel over which the users participate in audio chat.

Abstract: There is provided a system and method for playsets using tracked objects and corresponding virtual worlds. There is provided an object for use with a physical environment and connectable to a virtual world corresponding to the physical environment, the object including a processor and a plurality of sensors including a position sensor. The processor is configured to establish a first connection with the virtual world, wherein the virtual world contains a virtual object corresponding to the object, determine a position of the object using the position sensor, and send the position of the object using the first connection. There is also provided a physical environment having similar capabilities as the object.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a game. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method, a server, a terminal, and a recording medium for proving a game having a function of enabling a user to easily recognize an item value of an item when the item usable within a game is displayed on a game screen.

Abstract: A technique is provided to improve interests of users in a game by providing various kinds of quests and providing each quest in a customized manner to correspond to a user level.

Abstract: A wearable display device, system and method are described. The display system includes a wearable display to be worn by a person; a display buffer to receive display data from a graphics engine, which data includes data regarding position of a wearer in a virtual environment; a display processor unit to process vision direction data using the display data from the graphics engine, wherein the display processor unit sends the display data to the wearable display. In an example, the display system is a component to a gaming system or environment.

Abstract: How do 2 people near each other and who have cellphones play a multiplayer Internet game? The first person visits it on her phone. She gets a barcode of an URL with an id of her Internet address. The second person images it with his phone and connects to the server. The server sends pages to both phones, to let them play the game. A barcode can add more people to the game. A player hands her character to a nearby person with a mobile device. Or to add watchers to follow the Point Of View of a player. A barcode can transfer assets between players, in a game that encourages physical proximity and enhanced social interaction. Another method of linking the players is where the phone emits a sound that maps to an URL. The other phone records and decodes the URL. It queries the server with the URL, to log the second person into the game.

Abstract: System, methods and figures having rotating joints including a first component comprising a face and an aperture within the face, a second component comprising a face and an aperture within the face, and a connector comprising a panel, wherein the panel comprises an elongated sheet having a first end portion, a second end portion, and a central portion, wherein the central portion is narrower than the first and second end portions. The connector is configured to fit within the apertures of the first and second components to securely adjoin the first component to the second component such that the first and second components are rotatable relative to each other.

Abstract: Collapsible structures may be formed from planar solids. The structures may be comprised of multiple planar objects hingedly connected, where each planar object may include magnetic materials (e.g., magnets, ferromagnetic metals) or electromagnetic materials. Using the magnetic or electromagnetic materials, the connected planar objects may be arranged as a single planar object with multiple layers, or may be arranged as a three-dimensional (3-D) object, where the magnetic or electromagnetic materials may be used to retain the formed 3-D object shape. Application of a current to the electromagnetic materials may cause the collapsible structure to form the 3-D object, and removal of the electric current may cause the collapsible structure to revert to a single planar object. Multiple structures may be combined to form larger structures.

Abstract: A bubble generating device and a method for producing bubbles. In one aspect, the invention can be an apparatus for generating bubbles comprising: a housing; a motor; an air flow generator operably coupled to the motor; a trough containing a bubble solution; a cam surface comprising a raised portion and a valley portion; a follower member comprising a bubble generating device, the follower member in operable cooperation with the cam surface; the motor operably coupled to the follower member to drive the follower member along the cam surface such that: (1) upon the follower member being located along the valley portion of the cam surface, the bubble generating device is in the trough; and (2) upon the follower member being located along the raised portion of the cam surface, the bubble generating device is aligned with an air flow generated by the air flow generator for producing bubbles.

Abstract: A mechanical separator for separating a fluid sample into first and second phases is disclosed. The mechanical separator includes a float having a first portion and a second portion, a ballast circumferentially disposed about a section of the float, and a deformable bellows defining an open passageway extending between a first end and a second end. The ballast is longitudinally moveable with respect to the float and engaged with the deformable bellows between the first end and the second end. At least a portion of the float is transitionable from a restraint position to a sealed position through the first end of the bellows. The first portion of the float can be positioned within the interior of the deformable bellows in the restraint position, and the first portion of the float can be positioned at an exterior location longitudinally displaced from the deformable bellows in the sealed position.

Abstract: In this respect, the present arrangement provides a density current baffle that employs a baffle that is dimensioned to balance the fact that larger horizontal projections of density current baffles improve performance while simultaneously recognizing that an overly large baffle would simply not correctly function, be unnecessarily large and complex and may in fact have a negative impact on the otherwise ordinary operation of flows within the clarifier tank. Thus, the present arrangement provides a baffle that improves performance while satisfying the desire to remain conservative in defining an upper limit for the projection. The horizontal projection of the baffle is structured according to the following equation: HP=24?+0.4 inches/foot×(Diameter?30).

Abstract: In a wastewater treatment plant a clarifier is fitted with piping and a pump to withdraw settled sludge from the bottom of the tank upwardly through the tank's center column and radially out from the clarifier via an exit pipe above the liquid level. The exit pipe can be supported on a fixed walkway. At the bottom end of the central tower is a manifold device for collecting settled sludge, including an annular preferably cylindrical wall, a central pipe hub and at least one pipe branch extending from an opening in the cylindrical wall radially inwardly to the central hub. Sludge is drawn up through a vertical sludge return pipe by a pump located preferably above the tank's liquid level, drawing sludge into pipe branches of the manifold device and through the hub to the sludge return pipe, then out through the exit pipe.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating particles from a medium includes a capillary defining a flow path therein that is in fluid communication with a medium source. The medium source includes engineered acoustic contrast capture particle having a predetermined acoustic contrast. The apparatus includes a vibration generator that is operable to produce at least one acoustic field within the flow path. The acoustic field produces a force potential minima for positive acoustic contrast particles and a force potential minima for negative acoustic contrast particles in the flow path and drives the engineered acoustic contrast capture particles to either the force potential minima for positive acoustic contrast particles or the force potential minima for negative acoustic contrast particles.

Abstract: A filter device for filtering a liquid which includes trash. The device includes a drum for receiving the liquid and trash, wherein the drum includes at least one drum aperture. The device further includes a first pair of filter panels which are adapted for filtering the liquid. The filter panels are spaced apart to form a cavity for receiving the liquid and trash. The device further includes a frame for supporting the filter panels, wherein the frame is coupled to the drum. The frame includes a frame aperture wherein the frame aperture and the cavity form a volume having a cross sectional area sized substantially equal to or greater than the drum aperture and wherein said volume extends to a second pair of filter panels to enable liquid and trash which pass through the drum aperture to also pass through the frame aperture to the second pair of filter panels.

Abstract: An oil filter assembly is disclosed for a machine, such as an internal combustion engine, that has an oil output port and an oil input port. A mounting plate is fixed with an outer enclosure. The mounting plate is further adapted to conduct oil from the machine into a peripheral portion of the outer enclosure, and then returning oil from a central portion of the outer enclosure back to the machine. Oil may pass from the peripheral portion to the central portion through a primary filter having a first porosity. A pressure-actuated valve is fixed fluidly between the portions of the outer enclosure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for making metal impregnated bound Carbon block filters. In particular the present invention to a process for preparing a moulded Carbon block filter impregnated with a metal selected from Silver, Copper or Zinc, with relatively low level of variation in metal content across the blocks, relatively lower deviation from the theoretical metal content, and where the leach-rate of metal from the block during use is relatively low.

Abstract: A multistage separation system is provided. The multistage separation system may include a rotary shaft configured to drive a compressor. A rotating separation system may be coupled with the rotary shaft and may have an outlet in fluid communication with an inlet of the compressor. A static separation system may be coupled with a front end portion of the rotating separation system. The static separation system may include an axial inlet configured to receive a fluid and a static separation curve fluidly coupled with and disposed radially outward of the axial inlet. The static separation curve may include an outlet fluidly coupled with an inlet of the rotating separation system.

Abstract: A cyclonic separator having an outer wall and an inner wall, and a shroud disposed between the outer wall and the inner wall, the inner wall having one or more outwardly projecting members, the shroud having upper and lower portions, and a mesh secured between the upper and lower portions, the lower portion having a flange that extends radially inward towards the inner wall, wherein the flange has one or more flexible portions, and the outwardly projecting members abut the flexible portions so as to bias the lower portion away from the upper portion to thus tension the mesh.

Abstract: A filter (10) for removing oil from air exiting an air compressor or a vacuum pump includes a housing (11) and at least one filter element (12, 13), the end region of which is adhesively bonded to a flange (14). The flange (14) has a flanged edge (15) and a bead (16) which is adjacently arranged to the edge, the edge and the bead together forming a groove (17) into which the filter element (12, 13) and an adhesive (20) is introduced.

Abstract: A filter for liquid or gaseous media has a cylindrical form in the closed position and a curved form in the open position. The filter includes a frame and at least one filter element arranged on the frame. Two circumferential ends of the frame are provided with fixing elements for fixing to each other in the closed position. In a plurality of first sections of the frame the frame has a first wall thickness. In a plurality of second sections of the frame the frame has a second wall thickness less than the first wall thickness. The wall thicknesses are measured in the radial direction in the closed position of the filter, respectively with a second section between two first sections.