Abstract: A practice hitting tee has a support structure and a ball holder. The support structure has a base end and a distal end. The ball holder has sidewall, a first end, and a second end. The ball holder may be formed of a flexible material and configured in a way that the second end has a ball receiving opening and the sidewall has at least one slit extending from the second end toward the first end. The ball holder is connected to the distal end of the support structure in a way that the second end of the ball holder extends downwardly away from the distal end of the support structure when the base end of the support structure is positioned on a horizontal support surface and frictionally grips a ball having a porous cover when at least a portion of the ball is positioned in the ball receiving opening.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for swim training utilizing mirrors. Waterproof, shatterproof mirrors are used to assist in getting children acclimated to a swimming pool, and to provide an instructional amusement for beginning swimmers learning to go underwater. A mirror with a handle is provided allowing an instructor to hold the mirror with one hand while holding an infant with the other to allow the infant to see itself while in the water. The handle also attaches to the side or bottom of a swimming pool, allowing the mirror to be mounted underwater to amuse swimmers to see themselves when they go underwater. A method utilizes the hand held mirror to alternatively let an infant see himself while in the water, or be used as a motivational amusement device for novice swimmers, by mounting it underwater, allowing the swimmers to see themselves when they go underwater.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, the inventive mat comprises a planar member. A first marking is disposed on the planar member corresponding to the position of the ball of the foot of the first foot at a first swing first point in time during the execution of a first tennis swing. The first swing first point in time is relatively proximate to the commencement of the execution of the first tennis swing. The first foot is the right foot of a right-hand dominant player or the left foot of a left-hand dominant player practicing a two-handed backhand. The first marking may comprise an indication of the sole of a first shoe and indicate the placement of the heel of the first shoe. A second marking is disposed on the planar member corresponding to the position of the sole of the second foot at the first swing first point in time during the execution of the first tennis swing.

Abstract: Activities, actions and events during user performance of physical activity may be detected using various algorithms and templates. Templates may include an arrangement of one or more states that may identify particular event types and timing between events. Templates may be specific to a particular type of activity (e.g., types of sports, drills, events, etc.), user, terrain, time of day and the like.

Abstract: An electronic home plate providing assistance to an umpire in determination whether a pitch results in a “strike” or a “ball”. The electronic home plate is implemented with eye-safe LEDs producing light beams extending vertically. If a ball intersects the light beams, the light reflected from the ball is scattered and incident on photodetectors embedded in the home plate. A microcomputer embedded in the electronic home plate calculates the height of the ball crossing the light beams, and if the height falls between the top and bottom boundaries of a strike zone adjusted to the height of the batter, an indication system is activated to produce a “strike” signal. The microcomputer in the electronic home plate is further configured to calculate speed of the ball passing over the home plate, and the lateral position of the ball.

Abstract: An activity tracking device is defined to detect and record movement of a person to which the activity tracking device is affixed. A secondary electronic device is defined separate from the activity tracking device. The secondary electronic device is defined to receive data from the activity tracking device regarding the detected and recorded movement of the person. A website is defined to communicate with connected devices including the secondary electronic device. The website is defined to provide a user account for the person. The website is defined to convey information regarding the detected and recorded movement of the person through the user account.

Abstract: This invention concerns protective shoulder pads (2) having a release mechanism (7). The shoulder pads (2) protect an individual wearing the protective shoulder pads (2) against impact to the superior, anterior, posterior and/or lateral regions of the shoulder and upper arm. Release mechanism (7) allows the protective shoulder pads (2) to be more safely and easily removed from the individual wearing the protective shoulder pads (2) while the individual wearing the protective shoulder pads (2) is maintained in the supine position, thus decreasing the risk of further injuring the individual wearing the protective shoulder pads (2).

Abstract: The present invention provides a glove comprises a main body adapted to receive a wearer's hand and a wrist cuff suspended over the main body. The main body further comprises a plurality of finger parts and a back hand part. The back hand part comprises a first protective panel hingedly connected at one end to the main body so that the first protective panel is suspend over the main body and slidably overlapped with a second protective panel. As the first protective panel slides over the second protective panel following the bending action of the fingers, a coordinated movement of the hand can be achieved. The second protective panel is also hingedly connected to the main body suspended over the main body and the wrist cuff, which allows for more coordinated rotating movement of the hand and the wrist following the bending action of the fingers.

Abstract: The disclosure herein is directed toward systems and methods for supporting a person and enabling motion of a person across a surface of snow while satisfying the countervailing requirements of increasing surface area for weight-carrying capacity on soft snow and reducing the opposing forces, like for example drag and friction, in hard snow. More specifically, a snowboard described herein includes an inner edge and an outer edge, and allows the rider to control the amount of board-to-snow contact. This snowboard is configured to improve rider support, increase speed and enhance safety performance.

Abstract: An augmented reality (AR) game system is disclosed wherein real-world objects are transformed into AR terrain elements and AR events generate real-world impact. The game environment is set up using real-world objects that include everyday objects and game pieces on a field of play. When viewed on the screen of a computing device executing the modules of the game system, the everyday objects are transformed into elements of an AR terrain while the game pieces can be augmented with various controls. Multiple viewing modes, for example, a third person view, a first person view or “POV” view from a selected game piece or a split screen view are contemplated for viewing the field of play. A subset of the augmented controls can be activated by the user to execute AR events some of which can have real-world impact. The AR events are executed based on game rules.

Abstract: Provided is an information processing system that enables a user to start playing a game from a game situation corresponding to a play point in a video that shows a play content of the game. A return request receiving unit (52) receives an execution request for a game which is associated with a play point in a video that shows a play content of the game. A game situation data obtaining unit (56) obtains, from a data storage unit (46) for storing pieces of game situation data which indicate situations of the game that are associated with play points in the video, game situation data that is identified based on a play point associated with the execution request. A game executing unit (42) starts executing the game from a situation that is indicated by the game situation data obtained by the game situation data obtaining unit (56).

Abstract: Handheld location based games are provided in which a user's physical location correlates to the virtual location of a virtual character on a virtual playfield. Augmented Reality (AR) systems are provided in which video game indicia are overlaid onto a user's physical environment. A landscape detector is provided that may obtain information about the user's landscape, in addition to the user's location, in order to provide overlaying information to an AR head-mounted display and control information to non-user controlled video game characters.

Abstract: One aspect of the disclosure relates to automatically triggering events (e.g., sales, promotions, gameplay-based events, and/or other events) in an online game based on varying levels of spend by users in the game. This automation of live operations in the online game may provide for management of revenue generation in the online game. The events may serve to draw users into the online game during traditional off-peak hours, may serve to entice user spending in the online game during times when spending would be low without an event, and/or provides for other enhancements.

Abstract: A twist amount is calculated based on an angular velocity around a Z-axis of an input device when a player performs a shoot operation. Based on a value of a difficulty level stored in an external main memory, a minimum successful twist amount and a maximum successful twist amount are determined. As a result, the higher the difficulty level is, the narrower a successful range of the twist amount becomes. Further, the twist amount of the input device, which is obtained when the player performs the shoot operation for a first to a fourth shots, is stored in the external main memory. When the player performs the shoot operation for a fifth shot or thereafter, the twist amount of the input device at the time of the shoot operation for the fifth shot and thereafter is corrected with the use of the twist amount of the first to fourth shots.

Abstract: Incorporating player-generated audio in an electronic game is disclosed. Incorporation may include receiving an audio clip from an electronic game player, applying a modification to the audio clip to generate a chant, associating the chant to the execution of an event in the electronic game, retrieving the chant when the event in the electronic game is executed, and initiating the play of the chant upon execution of the event in the electronic game.

Abstract: Some embodiments include a fantasy sports game. In some embodiments, an expected performance value may be determined. In some embodiments, a same player may appear multiple times in a team. Various other embodiments are described.

Abstract: A video game processing apparatus for controlling progress of a video game is provided. The video game includes a battle against an enemy character. A basic character that becomes a basis for the enemy character is determined when the battle is started. Additional data on items are determined. The items are allowed to set up to the determined basic character. The items include at least one of an equipping ability, an equipped item, and an equipped accessory in addition to a strength level on the battle and a level on the video game. The enemy character is then generated by setting up the determined additional data to the determined basic character. Basic character data in which the basic character to become the basis for the enemy character is associated with the items of the additional data are stored in a basic data memory.

Abstract: A system and method for entering text within a video game application are described.

Abstract: An example of a game system includes a plurality of game apparatuses, and a matching server decides game apparatuses as players (A, B), and game apparatuses as game masters (C-E) in response to a request from the game apparatus. During the game play, operation data in response to an operation input to each of the game apparatuses (A, B) is transmitted to the game apparatuses (C-E), and in the game apparatuses (C-E), game processing is executed. Result data of the game processing is transmitted to the game apparatuses (A, B). When the data is saved, the encoded game data is transmitted from each of the game apparatuses (C-E) to the game apparatuses (A, B), and saved there.

Abstract: Technologies are generally disclosed for gathering path data from a massively multiplayer on-line role-playing game to determine a path through a mapping plane that may be a real-world or virtual-world representation.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a multi-player game experience through a computerized theme-park ride. The system includes a ride control module configured to manage ride control parameters and settings of a computerized theme park ride. The system includes a ride interface module configured to provide an interface to operate and navigate the computerized theme park ride. The ride interface module include a plurality of interface devices. The system includes a ride engine module, including a processor, configured to operate a multi-player game experience. The system includes a communications module configured to bridge communications between the ride engine module, the ride interface module, and the ride control module over a computerized network. The system includes an account module configured to provide player specific information to the ride control module.

Abstract: A method for generating a playable limited version of a video game is provided. A user's gameplay of a full version of the video game is recorded. The user's recorded gameplay is analyzed to determine a region of interest. Boundaries are defined within a gameplay context of the video game based on the determined region of interest. The limited version of the video game is generated based on the defined boundaries.

Abstract: A universal method and computer system for downloading game software to legacy gaming machines are provided. A gaming machine includes two computing devices within a locked enclosure, the first computer device programmed to enable game play of the gaming machine and the second computing device configured for network access. An interface is between the computing devices. The second computing device receives game software components over the network that are compatible with the first computing device but not compatible with the second computing device and transfers the received components to the first computing device over the interface. When the first computing device is a PC, it may be configured with dual-boot capability between two operating computer systems. When the first operating computer system is booted, game play may be enabled. When the second operating computer system is booted, game software components may be received over the network.

Abstract: Methods and systems for content processing are described. In one embodiment, gaming data is received from a gaming source server. The gaming data associated with a game. A content signal is received from a signal source during presentation of programming content. The programming content is associated with the content signal and the game. A determination of whether the content signal includes the trigger is made. The device content is presented using the gaming data. The device content is in synchronization with the presentation of the programming content based on a determination that the content signal includes a trigger. Additional methods and systems are disclosed.

Abstract: A hand held controller for a games console including an outer case and a plurality of controls located on a front end and top of the controller, the controller being shaped to be held in both hands of a user such that the user's thumbs are positioned to operate controls located on the top of the controller and the user's index fingers are positioned to operate controls located on the front of the controller, wherein the controller further includes at least one additional control located on a back of the controller in a position operable by the middle finger of a user, the at least one additional control including an elongate member that is inherently resilient and flexible such that it can be displaced by a user to activate control function wherein the elongate member is at least partially disposed in a respective channel formed in a rear surface of the controller.

Abstract: Techniques for interpreting motions of a motion-sensitive device are described to allow natural and intuitive interfaces for controlling an application (e.g. video game). A motion-sensitive device includes inertial and generates sensor signals sufficient to derive positions and orientations of the device in six degrees of freedom. The motion of the device in six degrees of freedom is tracked by analyzing sensor data from the inertial sensors in conjunction with data from a secondary source that may be a camera or a non-inertial sensor. Different techniques are provided to correct or minimize errors in deriving the positions and orientations of the device. These techniques include “stop” detection, back tracking, extrapolation of sensor data beyond the sensor ranges, and using constraints from multi trackable objects in an application being interfaced with the motion-sensitive device.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, computer-readable storage medium having computer instructions to receive from a media processor one or more scaling characteristics of a three-dimensional (3D) image, present a user interface (UI) for controlling a presentation of the 3D image at a presentation device communicatively coupled to the media processor, wherein the UI is adapted to the scaling characteristics of the 3D image, detect a manipulation of the UI, and transmit to the media processor instructions for adapting the presentation of the 3D image at the presentation device according to the detected manipulation of the UI. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a technique for preferring a season character by users by increasing a skill capability value of the season character in which a limitation capability value of a character is differentiated according to a time provided in a game compared with a general character in an online game managing the character.

Abstract: A recommendation service is provided for recommending computer video game titles to players. The recommendation service offers suggestions for game titles to purchase or rent based on playing usage related parameters for each particular player. A profile is created based on several factors that represents the player's affinity to each factor. Communication and use of player usage data may be strictly conditioned on a player's knowledge and consent.

Abstract: Systems, device and techniques are disclosed for rating a multiplayer videogame active player based on the retention of one or more qualifying players after their interaction with the active player. An interaction event between an active player and a qualifying player may be detected and a retention value based on the qualifying player returning to the multiplayer videogame may be determined. The active player may be rated based at least on the retention value of the qualifying player.

Abstract: The clamped slide assembly comprises a slide, a main body, at least one inner clamping panel, and a clamping unit. The slide has a platform. The main body is securely mounted on the platform. The at least one inner clamping panel is securely mounted on the platform. The clamping unit is movably mounted on the main body and has an outer clamping panel, a screwing rod, and a spanner. The outer clamping panel is spaced apart from the inner clamping panel. The screwing rod is screwed with the main body. The screwing rod is mounted through the outer clamping panel. The spanner is rotatably and eccentrically mounted around the screwing rod, and the outer clamping panel is pushed towards the main body and the inner clamping panel to fasten on an open riser stair, and the clamped slide assembly can achieve the goal of saving space.

Abstract: A floating entertainment and communication system is a floating multipurpose apparatus for use in conjunction with personal electronic devices while floating on a body of water. The system is designed to amplify audio from various audio sources such as personal music players and display video from video players that are able to be docked in one of the waterproof docking stations in the center column. The system has capabilities to have 2-way communication with a remote transreceiver for convenience and for rapid response in water related emergencies.

Abstract: An improved tumbling toy vehicle has a shape that is cambered from left to right to provide a directional bias toward the instantaneous lowest point on a play surface. When a play surface is manipulated by the user, the user can effectively control the speed and direction of the tumbling toy vehicle.

Abstract: A track set is provided, the track set having: a toy vehicle; a toy airplane; a launcher for launching the toy airplane; a trigger mechanism coupled to the launcher, wherein the trigger mechanism is located in a portion of a track path of the track set; and wherein actuation of the trigger mechanism by the toy vehicle as it travels along the track path launches the toy airplane from the launcher towards an indicator mechanism configured to be contacted by the toy vehicle traveling along the track path and the toy airplane after it has been launched from the launcher.

Abstract: Toy surfboards and methods of snapping together a figurine with a surfboard and a skeg and a wing to form a surfboard toy. The assembled toy can ride incoming waves back to a shore. The hydrofoil can have a V or boomerang shape with side wings having ends extending rearward and out from the surfboard. Wing ends can incorporate curved discs for stability. Optional stabilizing tail/fin/rudder can extend rearward from the hydrofoil. Games can include racing toys by tossing them simultaneously from the shore to see which one reaches the shore first.

Abstract: The current inventive technology includes methods and apparatus for a balloon display system. In one embodiment, the invention includes an balloon display apparatus having at least one mounting pole; at least one balloon cluster pole bracket secured to a mounting pole having at least one coupling; at least one flexible rod configured to be secured to a coupling; and at least one inflatable balloon configured to be secured to the upper portion of a flexible rod.

Abstract: A rubber band powered toy vehicle uses the stored energy of a twisted rubber band to power a propeller during vehicle travel, either airborne flight or water borne travel. The vehicle has a slide tube attached to its underside which is slidably disposed along a main tube, the main tube having the rubber band passing therethrough. Prior to flight, the slide tube and its attached vehicle are slid rearwardly along the main tube until stopped by a positioning ring. Once the vehicle is released for travel, the rubber band untwists providing energy for rotation of the propeller. When the vehicle crashes, either during a crash landing into the ground or crashing in flight into an object, the slide tube and its attached vehicle slide forwardly along the main tube in order to act as a shock absorber for the crash in order to help protect the components of the toy.

Abstract: An illustrative toy vehicle is provided having a two-section chassis and a pivot mechanism rotatably attaching the two sections. The vehicle has the ability to move in multiple orientations and execute movements including a side rollover movement where the pivot mechanism assists in directing the vehicle to roll over from a first orientation to a second orientation about a central axis. A modified wheel design further assists in facilitating movements including the rollover movement. The vehicle may perform movements without user control where the vehicle responds to external factors, such as objects or terrain or the vehicle may use control systems such as radio or remote control with a transmitter/receiver pair, on vehicle switches or sensors utilizing interactive preprogrammed content.

Abstract: Kits for creating optical art come with precut cellophane and/or adhesive tape and instructions for folding the cellophane into origami structures having desired optical qualities and/or applying the adhesive tape in a layered fashion to achieve desired optical properties. Adhesive tape or cellophane cut into specific decorative shapes is provided on a tape roll or sheet for easily peeling it off and applying it to create optical art. Tools are provided for cutting, punching out, or otherwise shaping provided cellophane and/or tape. Instruments such as polarizing films, light sources, and/or polarizing glasses are provided for viewing the optical art under polarized light. These instruments may include toy polariscopes, particularly having an ergonomic design. Diffusion lenses are provided to enhance the viewing experience. Photoelastic models and puppets may also be provided.

Abstract: A party cannon includes a cannon body and an open-top container movably retained within the cannon body by interconnecting biasing elements. The open-top container is structured and disposed for holding candy, toys, or other items that are loosely filled therein and is held in a loaded position against the force of the one or more biasing elements. Operation of a trigger and locking mechanism releases the open-top container in a rapid forward movement towards an open muzzle end of the cannon body causing the items within the container to be launched outwards from the open muzzle end of the cannon body and through the air so that the items land scattered throughout an area of a room or outdoor ground surface. The container can be re-filled for another launch, thereby allowing for ongoing reuse of the party cannon at the same party and at future events.

Abstract: A system and method of performing a mystical card flying illusion or ‘trick’ is provided. In accordance with the innovation, an invisible (or near invisible) levitation means (e.g., string, thread, etc.) can be used to create the illusion of a levitating and/or spinning playing card. The levitation means can be pre-attached or fixedly attached to an ear piece that is configured to fit over and behind a user's ear. Further, an illumination system can be provided in connection with the levitation illusion system. Moreover, spinning aides can be provided to assist a user in rotating or spinning a levitation item (e.g., card).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for the vaporization of a liquid, said device comprising: a reservoir capable of containing a liquid to be vaporized, a heating element capable of heating the liquid in order to vaporize the liquid, a capillary pump capable of pumping the liquid contained in said reservoir to said heating element by capillary pumping, and a capillary barrier arranged along a capillary pumping direction of the liquid to be vaporized downstream from the capillary pump, said capillary barrier being capable of preventing the non-vaporized liquid from escaping from the device.

Abstract: A device (100) for distilling or thickening fluids, having a chamber (102), an electromagnetic radiation generator (104) and a waveguide (106) connecting the electromagnetic radiation generator (104) with the interior of the chamber (102). The device (100) has a channel (108) located below the end (110) of the waveguide (106), the channel being adapted for transporting the fluid. One end of the channel (108) is the inlet (112) and the other end of the channel (108) is the outlet (114) for the fluid, the channel being shaped so as to prolong the dwell time of the fluid in the chamber (102).

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for loading a crystallization device and for manufacturing a crystallization device comprising multiple receptacles with a pre-defined amount of at least one matrix-forming compound capable of forming a crystallization matrix for a membrane protein, said method comprising the following steps: a) Modifying the state of aggregation of said at least one matrix-forming compound to a fluidic state which allows dispensing said at least one matrix-forming compound, and b) dispensing a defined amount of said at least one matrix-forming compound into at least one receptacle of the crystallization device, wherein said dispensed matrix-forming compound solidifies within said receptacle. Thereby, pre-filled crystallization devices are obtained which can be used as consumables in particular in automated crystallization processes. Also provided are protein crystallization methods using respectively prepared crystallization devices.

Abstract: A holding tank cover includes a gas permeable insulating membrane and a gas impermeable cover layer sized to overlay and conceal the gas permeable membrane. Together, the gas permeable membrane and the gas impermeable cover layer facilitate a controlled transmission of gas between an interior of the holding tank and an environment external to the holding tank.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sludge scraping apparatus which includes a piston attached to a traction core member, a body formed of a driving cylinder provided with front and rear sealing connection parts, a sludge scraper attached to the body, position switching means that switches the sludge scraper to a scraping position at advancement of the body and switches the sludge scraper to a non-scraping position at retreat of the body, and a treatment part attached in front of the driving cylinder and has a treatment chamber therein, the extending part of the traction core member passing through the treatment chamber, and the body can be moved along the traction core member in an advancing and retreating direction by injection/discharge of water into/from the driving cylinder by fluid control means, and at movement of the body, injection/discharge of water into/from the treatment chamber is performed.

Abstract: An open top tank comprising a first internal compartment, second internal compartment, and third internal compartment, all longitudinally aligned, and a pair of diffusers situated on top of the first internal compartment. Each diffuser comprises an inner diffuser tube coupled to an outer diffuser tube. The inner diffuser tube comprises a plurality of slots, and the outer diffuser tube comprises at least one outlet port. The inner diffuser tube is situated inside of the outer diffuser tube to create an annular space between an outer surface of the inner diffuser tube and an inner surface of the outer diffuser tube.

Abstract: A device (1) for purification of water driven by gravity through a purification unit between an upper dirt water container (2) and a lower clean water tank (3). A backwash system may be integrated, the system comprising a receptacle (8) for accumulation of the backwash water to prevent consumption thereof by mistake.

Abstract: A solid/fluid separation module and pretreatment apparatus and method enables pretreatment of biomass at high temperature and pressure with the ability to vary residence and processing times.

Abstract: A hybrid type fiber filtering apparatus includes an enclosure, a strainer, a first filtering layer and a second filtering layer. The enclosure has an upper case and a lower case coupled to the upper case. The strainer is mounted inside the upper case in a longitudinal direction. The first filtering layer includes a plurality of fiber filters fixed between upper and lower fixing units and surround an outer circumferential surface of the strainer. The second filtering layer includes a plurality of fiber ball filters disposed inside the lower case. Raw water introduced into the upper case through a raw water inflow pipe passes through the first filtering layer, flows into the strainer, drops downwardly from an inside of the strainer, is introduced into the lower case, passes through the second filtering layer, and then, is discharged out through a filtered water discharge pipe.