Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods for fitting golf club head weight are generally described herein. In some embodiments, a system to analyze tempo data comprises a tempo analysis module configured to run on one or more processors, and is further configured to receive swing data from a tempo sensor. In many embodiments, the swing data comprises a backswing time and a downswing time. The system is further configured to generate a tempo ratio comprising the backswing time over the downswing time. In many embodiments, the system comprises a golf club head weight analysis module configured to run on the one or more processors. The golf club head weight analysis can be further configured to generate a recommended golf club head weight determined by at least the tempo ratio.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to devices, systems, and methods for measuring values obtained from one or more sensors installed on a player's tennis racket and/or worn on the player's body, and using those values to calculate various parameters, such as the physical position and motion of the tennis racket. Embodiments may translate the parameters and derive one or more occurrences corresponding to phases of a tennis point or drill and then generate real-time audible, visual, and/or haptic coaching prompts and other related commands and signals, for the purpose of improving a player's motor skills. Embodiments may also send and receive messages to/from other embodiments, thereby permitting a player to interact with other players, coaches, or devices, such as ball machines and cameras.

Abstract: A method for playing a recreational game on a golf course comprising placing a golf ball into a launching mechanism; propelling, via the launching mechanism, the golf ball towards a cup on the golf course; repeating, as necessary, the step of propelling until the golf ball reaches a location within a predetermined region surrounding the cup; advancing, via a free-standing putting mechanism, the golf ball from the location within the predetermined region towards the cup; repeating, as necessary, the step of advancing until the golf ball is advanced into the cup. A kit comprising a launching mechanism configured to propel a golf ball through the air over significant distances associated with drives and wedge shots; and a putting mechanism configured to advance the golf ball on the ground or through the air in an arced path over distances typically associated with putts and chip shots.

Abstract: A temporary turf marking system is disclosed. The temporary turf marking system includes a material spreader, the material spreader having a foam dispenser fixed thereto. A dispenser actuator actuates the foam dispenser, such that foam is dispensed from the dispenser onto the turf, forming a foam trail.

Abstract: A decorative headgear simulating the appearance of an American-football helmet is disclosed. It is in the form of a sheet of thin flexible material. The sheet is shaped and configured with a back panel (BP), a right panel (RP), a left panel (LP), a top panel (TP), a front panel (FP), and a facemask (FM), all of which are adapted for inter-connection to form the helmet.

Abstract: A protective helmet having an inner shell and an outer shell assembly. Internal padding contacts an inner surface of the inner shell and an energy absorbing layer is positioned between the inner shell and the outer shell assembly. The outer shell assembly includes a plurality of rigid, outer shell segments with at least one of the outer shell segments designed and arranged to move relative to the other outer shell segments upon receiving an impact force. The external energy absorbing layer and the outer shell assembly dampens impact energy before it reaches the inner shell.

Abstract: A glove for enhancing tactile feedback when utilizing an interlocking grip of a club or sports device. The glove may include multiple digital segments including a digital segment that covers a middle finger. The digital segment may include an aperture that leaves a portion of the middle finger exposed so that the middle finger may have direct contact with a finger of another hand when a user engages the club or sports device.

Abstract: A harness for an item of footwear comprises a foot interface adapted to receive an underside of the item of footwear thereon. Two lateral straps each have opposed ends connected to the foot interface, and each form a continuous hoop between the opposed ends for a portion of the item of footwear to be received in the continuous hoops on the foot interface. Each of the lateral straps has a longitudinal degree of expansion and contraction to increase or reduce a size of the respective continuous hoop. A cable route is on the lateral straps, the cable route having cable housings and/or cable channels. A cable is routed in the at least one cable route. A closure device pulls on the cable to reduce the size of the continuous hoops in the degree of contraction.

Abstract: Various powered wheeled board vehicles are disclosed. In some embodiments, the vehicle includes a deck having a forward portion and a rearward portion. At least one front wheel can be connected with the deck under the forward portion. The front wheel can be configured to swivel about a first axis and rotate about a second axis. A powered wheel can be connected with the rearward portion. In some configurations, the rear wheel comprises a hub motor.

Abstract: Cue sports tables are provided with associated automated sensor and positioning assemblies. This permits competitors to play each other on separate tables. The tables automatically sense ball positions on one table and communicate that to a positioner associated with another table. That positioner then automatically drives balls on that other table to a mimicking position. These systems also permit a shot to be replayed if desired.

Abstract: A method of playing a combined casino card game combining a standard casino card game with an optional In Between side bet that uses the same cards as played in the standard casino card game. A player makes an optional In Between side wager that the face value of at least one designated in between card falls in between or equals the face value of two designated end cards according to the “rank order” 2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-J-Q-K-A. The casino card game bet and the optional In Between side bet are separate and do not affect the play of the standard casino card game. Preferred embodiments include the In Between side bet combined with casino Blackjack, Baccarat, and Texas Hold'em.

Abstract: A wager on a card game is wagered against point count totals and odds-even relationships in playing cards at a dealer position against point count totals and odds-even relationships in a dealer hand. Three cards are available at a player position and a dealer position. Initial and final odd or even point counts according to a standard blackjack affect game outcomes and steps or baccarat outcomes and effects.

Abstract: A mechanical shuffling apparatus is disclosed having a mechanism for delivering a single card through a horizontally disposed slot such that mechanical damage to the card is minimized and adequate shuffling of a deck of cards is achieved. The horizontally disposed slot is sized to receive a single card and can be adjusted or calibrated by card manufacturer or type. Additionally, the mechanical shuffler has a weight to flatten cards disposed on a horizontal plane. By keeping cards flat and minimizing mechanical damage to the card the mechanical shuffler disclosed herein also avoids delays and damage caused by jamming.

Abstract: An integral greeting card and game featuring a plastic moulded maze with a ball contained therein. A press button controls activation of audio wherein the user races against the clock to move the ball to the end or center of the maze before the audio clip ends.

Abstract: A method of interactive game play is provided wherein a seemingly magical wand toy is provided for enabling a trained user to electronically send and receive information to and from other wand toys, a master system and/or to actuate various play effects within a play environment. The toy wand or other seemingly magical object is configured to use a send/received radio frequency communications protocol which provides a basic foundation for a complex, interactive entertainment system to create a seemingly magical interactive play experience.

Abstract: A communication analysis system for an online game is described. A communication history among players of the online game is retrieved. Communication tracking metrics are generated based on the communication history of the players of the online game. A retention analysis is performed with the communication tracking metrics to determine retention of players of the online game. A retention recommendation is generated based on the retention analysis.

Abstract: A game controller is provided. In one embodiment, the game controller includes a main body, a trigger device, and a first adjustment mechanism. The trigger device has a trigger body coupled to the main body and that pivots along a pivotal axis relative to the main body. The first adjustment device has a first surface that contacts a second surface of the main body at a first point of contact when the trigger body is moved. The first adjustment device is movable along a first axis such that the first point of contact is adjusted along the first axis.

Abstract: An information processing device is provided with a game content appearance module that determines a game content object, selected from among multiple game content objects based on the appearance probability associated with each one of the multiple game content objects, to be an appearing game content object that appears to a player; an appearance probability variation module that varies the appearance probability, when a specifying operation used to specify a game content object from among the multiple game content objects is performed by the player, so as to increase or decrease the frequency at which the specified game content object is determined to be an appearing game content object; and a parameter configuration module that configures the parameters of the specified game content object depending on whether the frequency of determination of said game content object as an appearing game content object is increased or decreased.

Abstract: Technologies are generally described for a general mood adding scheme in a cloud-based game system. In some examples, a method performed under control of a computing device may include receiving from a raw database at least one set of facial expression data, each of the at least one set of facial expression data being accompanied by time information and location information, clustering a geographic area to form at least one cluster based at least in part on the at least one set of facial expression data, and storing the at least one cluster in a map database corresponding to the area.

Abstract: Mental state data is collected as a person interacts with a game played on a machine. The mental state data includes facial data, where the facial data includes facial regions or facial landmarks. The mental state data can include physiological data and actigraphy data. The mental state data is analyzed to produce mental state information. Mental state data and/or mental state information can be shared across a social network or a gaming community. The affect of the person interacting with the game can be represented to the social network or gaming community in the form of an avatar. Recommendations based on the affect resulting from the analysis can be made to the person interacting with the game. Mental states are analyzed locally or via a web services. Based on the results of the analysis, the game with which the person is interacting is modified.

Abstract: Disclosed in some examples is a method for controlling a user interface environment, the method including rendering, on a display, a user interface including a first environment in a first portion of the user interface and a second environment in a second portion of the user interface, the first environment visually representing an unlocked area of a game and the second environment visually representing a locked area of the game, displaying a player character in the first portion of the user interface, wherein the player character has access to the first environment and is restricted from accessing the second environment, and displaying, in the second portion of the user interface, a visual effect obscuring display of a visual property of the second environment and indicating a location of an object in the second environment, while the visual property is displayed in the first portion of the user interface region.

Abstract: Systems and methods to track users' progression through an activity simulation, which may resemble related sporting events, are provided. One or more performance levels with respect to one or more measurable parameters may be monitored during the same or different times. Physical activity may be monitored. Exceeding a first performance level may provide an option to join a sponsoring organization and exceeding a second threshold (for the same or different parameter of interest) may result in transmitting a redemption code to a contact point for an option to obtain a physical item. The physical item may mimic equipment used in a simulated activity.

Abstract: One object is to provide a video game system that can technically restrain real money trade. In accordance with one aspect, a server device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a determination unit 58 configured to determine whether an exchange of exhibited game contents and bid game contents is concluded based on a game content parameter value characterizing the exhibited game contents and the game content parameter value characterizing the bid game contents; and an updating unit 61 configured to update an owned game content storage unit 52 such that, only when the determination unit 58 determines that the exchange is concluded, the exhibited game contents are stored in association with player identification information of a bidder player and the bid game contents are stored in association with player identification information of an exhibitor player.

Abstract: An exemplary posted information sharing system includes: a game processing unit configured to execute a multiplayer game application through a plurality of users each using a terminal; a group formation unit configured to form a playgroup for playing the game application, wherein the game processing unit includes: a group formation request unit configured to output, to the group formation unit, a playgroup formation request that specifies a group, according to input of the terminals, wherein the group formation unit is configured to form the users of terminals that specify the same group into a playgroup, based on the specified group.

Abstract: Gaming systems and methods for integrated computer-related and physical game play interactions between a game player, a physical game piece character and an electronic device are defined. The physical game piece character may be a combination of smaller parts where each combination transmits a unique alphanumeric identifier and control signals to an electronic device game application, where the game application features the physical game piece character and is responsive to the signals from the physical game piece character and transmits control signals to the physical game piece, which responds with sensory signals.

Abstract: An example system includes: a data acquisition unit for performing near field communication with a data storage medium having a near field communication function and acquiring character data stored in the data storage medium; an information processing unit for performing information processing to control a character corresponding to the character data, which has been acquired by the data acquisition unit, as a non player character; and a data changing unit for changing the character data depending on a processing result of the information processing unit.

Abstract: A toy head assembly with facial features that can be adjusted by touching the facial features with enough force to alter their shape and/or position. Within the toy head assembly is a head base that is surrounded, in part, by a face that is made of an elastomeric material. Facial features on the face are supported, in part, by posable elements that lay under the elastomeric material of the face. Each posable element extends from the interior head base at a different ball and socket joint. Each posable element also has a post that extends from the ball and socket joint. The post contacts the interior surface of the face, wherein movement of a post alters a point of contact between the post and the face within the contact area. Changes in the point of contact cause changes in the contours of the face. This alters the facial features.

Abstract: A customized 3D printing robot that is configured such that components of the robot are produced using a 3D printing technology. In particular, the customized 3D printing robot enables a user to directly select an appearance design for each component and assemble the components so that an entire appearance design of the robot can be customized.

Abstract: A scooter having a handlebar assembly that includes a vertical portion supporting a handlebar. The vertical portion includes an opening at its top end and the opening is configured to receive an elongate portion of a toy. The assembly also includes a ring portion at the opening of the vertical portion and the ring portion frictionally engages the elongate portion of the toy. The vertical portion and the ring portion are configured to securely support the elongate portion of the toy.

Abstract: A drivable surface includes a plurality of segments that can be arranged according to any desired configuration. One or more mobile agents are configured to automatically explore the drivable surface so as to ascertain the positions, orientations, and/or configurations of the various segments, as well as how they are connected to one another. The information collected during such exploration can be transmitted to a host device or other location, where a virtual representation of the drivable surface can be constructed based on the collected information.

Abstract: A child's playhouse assembly includes a housing that has a bottom wall, a top wall and a perimeter wall. The top wall and the bottom wall are orientated parallel to each other. Each of the top and bottom walls has a rectangular shape such that the perimeter wall includes a first wall, a second wall, a third wall and a fourth wall. The first and second walls are positioned opposite of each other. The perimeter wall has a door opening extending therethrough. The door opening extends from the bottom wall toward the top wall. A door panel is pivotally coupled to the perimeter wall and is positionable in a closed position covering the door opening. The door panel has an aperture extending therethrough. The housing has an outer surface and the outer surface of the top wall and the perimeter wall is white.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for an interactive disc jockey acrobatic act is disclosed. Specifically, the invention has applications in the entertainment industry by combining acrobatic stunts with live musical performances capable of being influenced by the audience.

Abstract: A multiple downcomer tray and a tray column comprising the same are provided. The multiple downcomer tray comprises: a tray body; at least one anti-jump plate disposed on the tray body to divide the tray body into at least two sections; and at least two downcomer assemblies disposed corresponding to the at least two sections respectively, in which each of the at least two downcomer assemblies comprises at least one tray floor, at least one downcomer and at least one liquid receiving pan which are disposed parallel to each other, and the liquid receiving pan and the downcomer are positioned at two sides of the tray floor respectively.

Abstract: A supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) apparatus is provided that is capable of being operated in a continuous and/or steady-state fashion. The SFE apparatus may include an extraction assembly. The extraction assembly may include a first extraction chamber (FEC) to contain a first amount of source material from which a compound is to be extracted, and a second extraction chamber (SEC) to contain a second amount of the source material. The extraction assembly may include a valve to control a flow of a solvent into the FEC or the SEC. The SFE apparatus may include a collection chamber that is mounted substantially perpendicular to the extraction assembly. Other embodiments are described.

Abstract: A chromatography column distribution system includes a set of first bed support ribs extending radially from an inner, first radial position near the centre of the plate to an outer radial position nearer to the periphery of the plate and at least one set of intermediate bed support ribs starting at an intermediate radial position and extending to an outer radial position nearer to the periphery of the plate. Channels are formed between adjacent bed support ribs. The desired local effective channel height varies in accordance with a predetermined formula from the first radial position to the outer radial position. The transverse cross-sectional areas of the ribs or the channels are adapted such that the actual local effective channel height is within 15% of the desired local effective channel height over portions of the distribution system situated between the first radial position and the outer radial position.

Abstract: Provided is a purification device for purifying a useful substance (i.e., target substance) without using an acidic eluent. The purification device purifying the target substance comprises a column and a filler packed in the column. The filler contains a carrier, a temperature responsive polyamino acid bonded to the carrier, and a binding substance bonded to the temperature responsive polyamino acid and specifically bonding to the target substance.

Abstract: A process for removing carbon dioxide from a carbon dioxide-loaded solvent uses two stages of flash apparatus. Carbon dioxide is flashed from the solvent at a higher temperature and pressure in the first stage, and a lower temperature and pressure in the second stage, and is fed to a multi-stage compression train for high pressure liquefaction. Because some of the carbon dioxide fed to the compression train is already under pressure, less energy is required to further compress the carbon dioxide to a liquid state, compared to conventional processes.

Abstract: A filtration system includes a bin having a base, an inlet configured to receive contaminated fluid, and an outlet. The bin further includes a plurality of metal chips positioned on a plate, such as a perforated plate, above the base of the bin. The contaminated fluid, such as contaminated coolant, may flow through the inlet toward the base of the bin and pass up through the plate and the chips to filter away contaminations.

Abstract: A spin-on filter for a filtering device for fluid, the spin-on filter including: a housing pot, in which at least one filter element is arranged; a connecting body, which is arranged at an end face of the housing pot, the connecting body having a central opening; and a coupling device including a filter-side coupling part configured for detachably coupling the spin-on filter to a filter head of the filtering device; wherein the coupling part is arranged on the central opening; wherein the filter-side coupling part is configured to detachably couple to a connector of a head-side coupling part of the filter head by way of a plug-in and/or rotational movement with respect to a coupling axis; and wherein the filter-side coupling part includes a plurality of coupling ribs which are distributed in the circumferential direction of a coupling axis on the central opening and projecting radially inwardly.

Abstract: A spin-on filter for a filter device with a housing pot in which a filter element is arranged, a connecting body arranged at the housing port end face having a central opening and a fluid opening radially outwardly offset from central opening. A filter-side coupling part of a coupling device detachably couples the spin-on filter to a filter head. The coupling part can be detachably coupled to a connector of a head-side coupling part of the filter head by way of a plug-in and/or rotational movement with respect to a coupling axis. A inner seal is provided having a sealing surface which extends around the periphery of a centric fluid channel and is axially offset in relation to the filter-side coupling part toward the filter element. The circumferential sealing surface of the filter head-side fluid connector sealingly contacts to separate the dirty and clean sides.

Abstract: A profiled strainer bar has a base region and a head region. A straining slot or a straining gap is produced between flanks of the straining slot at the head region. Each flank at the head region has a radius with a common center on the upstream and downstream side. A strainer, preferably in the shape of a strainer basket, has straining slots or straining gaps formed between profiled strainer bars. The strainer bars have a geometry at the strainer bar base region with the geometry being adapted to receiving recesses of support elements and being received in the receiving recesses. The strainer bars are permanently secured to the receiving recesses. The strainer bars are profiled such that each flank on the head region of the strainer bar has a radius with a common center on the upstream and downstream side.

Abstract: Filter and replaceable filter leaf apparatus are provided. The filter includes a housing defining a cavity having fluid inlet and outlet ports and a lid member with a manifold coupled to the outlet port and being adapted to conduct a fluid flow between the outlet port and a plurality of attachment areas. Replaceable filter leafs are selectively movable through an opening into the housing cavity and attachable with the manifold at the plurality of attachment areas. The replaceable filter leafs include a filter envelope consisting of a filter panel, a nozzle member on the filter panel and defining a passageway adjacent an opening in the filter envelope for conducting fluids therethrough. The nozzle member is selectively attachable onto the manifold of the polishing filter apparatus at any one of the plurality of attachment areas.

Abstract: A modular multimedia fluid treatment system of the manifold type is disclosed wherein fluids, to be treated, are conducted into a first end of a manifold, conducted through a plurality of treatment cartridges, and end-use fluid is conducted out from a second opposite end of the manifold of the fluid treatment system. While the present invention is described and illustrated in conjunction with treating water, the general overall structure of the present invention may of course be utilized in conjunction with the treatment of fluids other than water. In addition, the unique modular characteristics of the system are applicable to those systems utilizing one or more fluid treatment cartridges.

Abstract: Methods and devices for treating lipoaspirate for use in fat grafting procedures are provided and generally include a canister for containing lipoaspirate, a separation mechanism structured to separate both oils and other materials from cellular components of lipoaspirate contained in the canister. The separation mechanism includes filters having different filtering capacities, for example, different pore sizes.

Abstract: A pleated filter cartridge includes a pleated filter formed of a filter base having folds that repeatedly form peak portions and valley portions, the pleated filter having a shape of a cylinder whose axial direction is a ridge line direction of the folds, and lid portions disposed on an upper bottom and a lower bottom of the pleated filter. Reinforcing members whose top and bottom are fixed in the lid portions are provided in the valley portions viewed from the outside of the shape of the cylinder.

Abstract: A device for concentrating an object to be treated has a filter body in which a movable plate is disposed between adjacent annular fixed plates, the moveable plate being formed in the same annular shape. Sludge filtrate passes through filtrate inflow gaps between the fixed plates and the movable plate before being caused to flow into the filter body. The movable plate is moved so that solids in the sludge are kept from clogging the filtrate inflow gaps. A cleaning member is caused to rub against the outer peripheral surfaces of the fixed plates so that solids adhering to the outer peripheral surfaces of the fixed plates are scraped off. The movable plates of said device are caused to perform a circular movement by eccentric cams fixed to the shaft. The cleaning member is fixed to the shaft, and caused to rotate around the shaft by the rotation of the shaft so that solids adhering to the outer peripheral surfaces of the fixed plates are scraped off.

Abstract: A filter device, having at least one filter element (17, 19) which can be received in preferably exchangeable fashion in a housing (9) and which has a filter medium (23) permeable to a flow of the fluid to be purified and which has, on at least one end, an end cap (25) which, for the purpose of positioning of the respective filter element (17, 19) in a functional position, interacts with a fixing body (33) which is connected to a removable cover (11) of the housing (9), and having a bypass valve (51) which is provided on the fixing body (33), is distinguished by the fact that, on the fixing body (33), there is provided a wall part (57) which, in the functional position, forms a dividing element in the housing (9), which dividing element separates the housing into a filter element chamber (65) and a bypass chamber (63) situated at the outflow side of the bypass valve (51), and that, in said bypass chamber, there is provided a protective filter (67) through which the fluid flowing out of the bypass valve (51) c

Abstract: The present invention in one or more embodiments provides an oil filter adaptor to engage an oil filter, where the oil filter adaptor includes a base and a neck extending from the base in a first direction and to engage the oil filter, the neck including a wall defining therein a passageway extending at least partially in the first direction, the wall defining thereupon a through-aperture extending in a wall thickness direction. The oil filter adaptor of the present invention may pre-discharge oil flowing out thereof when the oil filter is removed, avoiding oil splashing due to an otherwise large efflux of oil in a very short period of time.

Abstract: A filter cartridge 38 includes a first endcap 41 defining a first open aperture and having at least first and second protrusions extending from a wall along the aperture and into the first open aperture. The first protrusion is spaced from the second protrusion in both a vertical direction and a circumferential direction. The filter cartridge also includes filter media 44 and a second endcap 42. The filter cartridge is mountable in a filter bowl 36 having an inner liner assembly, and the bowl and the inner liner assembly is connectable to a filter head to form a filter system.

Abstract: Filtration media includes a layer of nonwoven fibrous material [10, 110], a layer of sintered porous material [30], and a web of bonding material [20] between the layer of nonwoven fibrous material [10, 110] and the layer of sintered porous material [30]. The nonwoven fibrous material [10, 110] is preferably attached to the web of bonding material [20] to form a first laminate [60, 160], and the sintered porous material [30] is attached to the web of bonding material [20] of the first laminate [60, 160]. The filter media [70, 170] is configured to withstand harsh industrial vacuum filtration environments, resist delamination, and be used on large industrial vacuum filters. A method of manufacturing a filter media is also disclosed.