Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a set of golf club heads is disclosed. The set includes golf club heads with peripheral weights. The dimensions and configuration of at least the peripheral weights are changed from club-to-club along the set so that the center of gravity rises from the long irons to the short irons. By raising the center of gravity from the long irons to the short irons, a golfer will see a peak trajectory height along a line for each club head that is substantially more consistent along that line throughout the set than prior art clubs provide.

Abstract: Embodiments of golf club heads and methods to manufacture golf club heads are generally described herein. In one example, a golf club head may include a body portion with a toe portion, a heel portion, a rear portion, a front portion with a strike face, a sole portion, and a top portion with a plurality of weight ports. The body portion may define a periphery of the golf club head. The golf club head may also include a plurality of weight portions with each weight portion disposed in one weight port of the plurality of weight ports. Other examples and embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: A golf club head comprising a channel or a pair of parallel rails and a slidable weight assembly that can be removably fixed at any point within the channel or to the rails is disclosed herein. The slidable weight assembly preferably comprises a weight portion and base that can be turned 45 to 90 degrees to reversibly fix the slidable weight assembly within the channel or to the rails.

Abstract: A golf club head comprising a channel and an expandable weight that can be removably fixed at any point within the channel is disclosed herein. The weight comprises at least an upper portion, a middle portion, a lower portion, and a bolt, and the upper portion and lower portion preferably are formed of metal materials while the middle portion preferably is formed of a polymeric material. The weight preferably is trapped within the channel so that it cannot fall out of the channel during use. The channel may also have an end that opens into a port, which can be filled with a plug or weight screw to prevent the weight from falling out of the channel, and also can be removed so that the weight can be removed and replaced with another expandable weight having a different overall mass.

Abstract: A golf club shaft which satisfies strength and is lightweight is provided by the present invention. This golf club shaft comprises one or more fiber-reinforced resin layers, and is characterized by satisfying the following relationship (1), wherein x [mm] is the displacement in a cantilever bending test, M [g] is the mass of the golf club shaft, and L [mm] is the length thereof, and by satisfying the following strength standard values [1]-[4]: M×(L/1168)<49.66 e?0.0015x (relationship 1); [1] the three-point bending strength at T-90 (the position 90 mm apart from the smaller-diameter end) is 800 N or higher; [2] the three-point bending strength at T-175 (the position 175 mm apart from the smaller-diameter end) is 400 N or higher; [3] the three-point bending strength at T-525 (the position 525 mm apart from the smaller-diameter end) is 400 N or higher; and [4] the three-point bending strength at B-175 (the position 175 mm apart from the larger-diameter end) is 400 N or higher.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a golf club includes a reversible grip that that is universal to dexterity and can be used on a golf club configured for both right-handed golfers and left-handed golfers. Such a reversible golf club grip can provide the golf club with an identical grip configuration without removing the grip from the shaft of the golf club. In some embodiments, a reversible golf club grip as described herein can be used on an adjustable golf club such that as the orientation of the golf club shaft is reversed between a right-handed and left-handed dexterity, the grip can be used for either orientation without being repositioned on the shaft. In some embodiments, a reversible golf club grip can be configured to promote a traditional hands placement on the golf club grip in both right-handed and left-handed orientations.

Abstract: The present application is directed to methods and apparatus for playing a throwing game, employing a ball in which the surface of the ball is divided into zones, with indicia contained in each zone. In preferred examples, the ball is shaped like a football, and the indicia indicate number of points to be awarded, if any. Preferably a player catching the ball will receive the number of points indicated by the indicia within a zone on which the catching player's thumb lands. Reach player's points are added in a running tally. The invention also concerning a ball to be used in such a game.

Abstract: In the present invention, players train for and compete in a wrestling type competition by wrapping a releasable sports strap around at least one of their ankles. The sports strap comprises an ankle wrap portion which is worn around the ankle and a releasable fastener. The sports strap includes a pull strap extending from the exposed end of the wrap portion. The pull strap is long enough and wide enough that it can be grasped and pulled by the hand of a competitor during the competition. From a starting position, the competitors attempt to be the first to grasp the other's pull strap, and pull on it to unfasten and remove the other's sports strap from his or her ankle. The sports strap can be used as part of a training method for wrestlers.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein describe systems and methods for a baseball or softball (referred to hereinafter collectively and independently as “baseball”) hitting aid. The baseball hitting aid may be configured to teach a baseball player the correct swing technique and to generate centrifugal force to hit a baseball off a tee.

Abstract: A baseball bat swing training apparatus is provided that includes a bat and a slide mechanism. The bat includes handle and barrel sections that are spaced apart to form a gap there-between. The mechanism is inserted within this gap and is connected to the upper end of the handle section and the lower end of the barrel section. The mechanism includes a sliding rail assembly and a rail guide that are cooperatively configured to insure that these upper and lower ends are substantially coaxial when the sliding rail assembly is situated in a rightmost position on the rail guide, and permit a lateral shift of this lower end relative to this upper end during a swinging of the bat. A tennis racket swing training apparatus is also provided where the mechanism is inserted within a gap that is formed between upper and lower portions of the racket's handle section.

Abstract: A fall protection device for trampolines includes at least one rope which is preferably substantially non-resilient and can be connected to a user of the trampoline. At least one tautening device is provided for holding the rope taut when the fall protection device is in use. Also provided is at least one device for limiting the rope extension.

Abstract: A golf training device having an alignment structure with a body configured to connect to an end of a shaft. The alignment structure has an alignment structure primary end located opposite an alignment structure secondary end. The alignment structure primary end has three protrusions radiating from the body of the alignment structure. The alignment structure secondary end has a single protrusion radiation from the body of the alignment structure. At least one protrusion is adapted to contact a portion of a user's torso. The body has an opening configured to connect to an end of a shaft. The shaft is configured to connect to a structure having a primary end being a golf club attaching end located opposite a secondary end of the structure being a shaft attaching end. The primary end of the structure has a hingedly connected jaw configured to grip the shaft of a golf club.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a training method and apparatus for improving performance.

Abstract: An exercise device may comprise at least one joint. The at least one joint may comprise at least one first surface positioned adjacent to at least one second surface, the at least one second surface movable relative to the at least one first surface at at least one interface. A damping grease having a dynamic viscosity greater than about 100 Pascal seconds at standard temperature and pressure may be positioned at the at least one interface between the at least one first surface and the at least one second surface of the at least one joint.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to a motorized skateboard. Embodiments allow users to utilize a power supply, such as a rechargeable battery pack, that is remote with respect to the skateboard. Embodiments can have the battery mounted on, under, partially or wholly enclosed within, and/or integral with the skateboard deck. Embodiments can have a removable and interchangeable motor mount, which attaches to the hanger to align the motor with the drive train. The drive wheel adaptor (hub) allows the user to modify standard skateboard wheels to use as drive wheels for the electric skateboard. The strength of the bond between the drive hub and the wheel enables the skateboard to utilize more torque without failure. Embodiments can allow users to have wiring connections at the front and/or back of the skateboard deck. Board-integrated wiring techniques can also be utilized. The electronics can be attached using brackets that fit the industry standard bolt pattern.

Abstract: A gaming system allows a game manager to manage and run a multiplayer game and adjudicate all player characters with the ability to control the game and game play for all players from a centralized command facility in real-time. Interactive cards can be used that relate to investigated objects. The cards include information relating to the usage of the discovered objects as well as provide a method whereby the cards can interact based on predetermined orientation(s). Furthermore, an object discovery and investigation methodology is outlined that provides characters with a roadmap for determining the consequences of interaction with an object.

Abstract: A device for forming a random set of playing cards comprises a card in-feed area, a shuffling system, a card removal area, and a card reading system located within the device, the card reading system employing a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensor and a hardware component, the hardware component capable of converting signals from the CMOS sensor into vector sets and comparing the vector sets to known vectors to determine rank and suit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for scoring familiarity are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method comprises selecting a topic by a first user, presenting items associated with the topic to the first user, ranking a first set of the items by the first user, presenting the items to a second user, ranking a second set of the items by the second user, and scoring the second ranking relative to the first ranking.

Abstract: A recommendation system for recommending electronic gaming machines to a plurality of players is described. The recommendation system including a database holding information on each player's history with electronic gaming machines played by the player, the history including information on play time and bet size. An analytics engine analyzes the information in the database and to generate a list of player recommendations personalized for each player based on that player's history. A player interface is provided that is accessible by each player, wherein the player interface allows the player to interact with the recommendation system and to see the personalized recommendations.

Abstract: A timer mechanism for a game is disclosed herein. The timer mechanism including: an end portion; an object secured to the end portion by a retractable member capable of being extracted from the object and retracted into the object by a winding mechanism; and an indicator mechanism located at the end portion for indicating when the object has come into proximity with the end portion and has contacted a portion of the indicator mechanism through retraction of the retractable member into the object by the winding mechanism.

Abstract: Systems and method for creating content in a virtual environment based on sound include components and operations that analyze audio data to identify specific sound qualities or characteristics, such as a specific frequency, period, wavelength, note, key, amplitude or the like that are present in the sound. For an identified sound quality or characteristic, the systems and methods may determine a corresponding or associated virtual content, (or an aspect of the virtual content), and generate that virtual content or that aspect of the virtual content in the virtual environment. The virtual content may be persistent among users and instantiations of the virtual environment. Examples of the virtual content that may be generated include an object, an action, a change to existing content and a real-time change command. Examples of the virtual environments that may include the generated content include a video game, a desktop, and an animated movie.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, an accessory having a plurality of tactile-sensitive buttons, a plurality of light sources, wherein each light source emits a controllable spectrum of light through a corresponding one of the plurality of tactile-sensitive buttons, and a controller coupled to the plurality of tactile-sensitive buttons, and the plurality of light sources. The controller can be operable to detect tactile contact of each of the plurality of tactile-sensitive buttons, receive status information associated with a video game, and adjust the spectrum of light emitted by at least a portion of the plurality of light sources according to the status information to indicate one or more aspects of the video game. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An exercise system/device for exercising a user's upper limb is described. The exercise system/device is intended for use in rehabilitating patients suffering hemiparesis that causes one upper limb to be at least partially paralyzed. For example, the exercise system/device can be used for neuroplastic retraining rehabilitation techniques for enabling patients to regain control of their paralyzed upper extremities, including shoulders, elbows, wrists and fingers, but primarily their shoulders and elbows via larger arm movements. This is achieved through the use of an elongate handle and a motion sensing device associated with the handle for communicating the user's movements of the handle to a gaming system. Although the exercise system/device is primarily for rehabilitation of patients suffering hemiparesis, it may also be used by any person for bilateral training and exercising upper limbs.

Abstract: A method of producing a handheld videogame controller is provided. The method includes providing a circuit board of a predetermined fixed size, the circuit board comprising a plurality of switches at predetermined positions. The method further includes obtaining measurements of at least a first hand of a user for whom the handheld videogame controller is to be produced, modifying a design of at least a first part of the handheld videogame controller responsive to the measurements, and 3D printing one or more modified parts of the handheld videogame controller using the modified design.

Abstract: A first area and a second area are set in a virtual space. Then, based on first configuration information for configuring a first state of a game world, a first object to be placed in the first area is generated. In addition, a second object to be placed in the second area is generated based on second configuration information for configuring a second state different from the first state at a predetermined position in the virtual space to which the first configuration information is applied.

Abstract: A switching section switches an operation subject of a user among a plurality of game characters. A first control section causes the game character that is set as the operation subject of the user among the plurality of game characters to behave based on a direction acquired based on an operation state of a first operation member. A second control section causes the game character that is not set as the operation subject of the user among the plurality of game characters to behave based on an operation of a computer. A selection section selects any one of the game characters controlled by the second control section based on a direction acquired based on an operation state of a second operation member. The switching section switches the operation subject of the user to the game character selected by the selection section.

Abstract: A method, implemented as computer code being executed by one or more processors, in which a computing device displays computer game graphics for a computer game, and in which one or more of the processors are programmed to implement the game with: (a) a first game mode where the player is prompted to find items on a list within a picture; and (b) a second game mode where the player is prompted to compare two nearly identical images and find the differences; (c) a third game mode where the player is promoted to find items on a list within a certain picture, wherein the picture is darkened and only a select section is lit up, the lit section being dependent on input given by a pointing device.

Abstract: A method, implemented as computer code being executed by one or more processors, in which computer game graphics for a casual, social game are shown on a display of a computing device and in which one or more of the processors are programmed to show: a virtual path or other virtual world that indicates the level reached by the player and some of that player's social network friends; a score board that displays the score of a player once he has completed a level successfully, together with the highest scores of some of its social network friends' for that level; and in which each level of the game can be failed and, if the processor determines that the player is running out of moves or time, then the processor causes the game to automatically display a message offering extra moves and/or time for the player to purchase, to carry on playing the game, or other in-game assistance.

Abstract: There is provided a method for converting a computer game into a real-life simulation environment comprising receiving metadata defining virtual features and a virtual layout, matching the virtual features to simulation features of the real-life simulation environment, mapping the virtual layout onto the real-life simulation environment, and compiling those results as data corresponding to a real-life simulation of the computer game.

Abstract: A method and system to transfer assets between interactive social games is described. In some embodiments, the method generates a visual expression of a transfer mechanism in a first computer-implemented game. The method further generates the visual expression of the transfer mechanism in a second computer-implemented game. The transfer mechanism is capable of transferring an in-game asset from the first computer-implemented game to the second computer-implemented game. The method transfers the in-game asset from the first computer-implemented game to the second computer-implemented game using the transfer mechanism.

Abstract: A game system including a plurality of mobile game apparatuses, and a mobile game apparatus that can communicate with another game apparatus that exists within a communicable range by use of a radio communications unit. When a communicated state is established, exchanging conditions for exchanging game data are received and transmitted, and in a case the exchange conditions are coincident with each other, the game data are exchanged.

Abstract: A game joystick includes a lower half body, an upper half body covering on the lower half body, a battery cover covering on the upper half body and elastic elements mounted in the upper half body. The upper half body is concaved downward to form a plurality of buckling slots. An opening is opened in one sidewall of each buckling slot. The battery cover protrudes downward to form a plurality of buckling strips of which each defines a first pushing surface and a second pushing surface. The elastic element has a first elastic arm fastened in the upper half body, and a second elastic arm passing through the opening to elastically project in the buckling slot. The second elastic arms cooperate with the first pushing surfaces and the second pushing surfaces of the buckling strips inserted into the buckling slots to close or open the battery cover easily.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and computer-readable storage medium for guiding a player to the completion of a task during game play. The player selects a control device in a graphical user interface device generated by a processor. In response to the selection, a hint is provided to the user in the graphical user interface that presents a game board to a player. The player may use the hint to accomplish the task.

Abstract: Objectives, an environment, and/or a theme associated with a virtual space may be managed based on characters made accessible responsive to corresponding tokens being detected. Tokens, including a first token associated with a first character or a second token associated with a second character, may be detected based on signals received from one or more token readers. The first character may be made accessible in the virtual space responsive to the first token being detected and the second character may be made accessible in the virtual space responsive to the second token being detected. Responsive to one or both of the first token being detected or the second token being detected, a given objective associated with the virtual space may be effectuated in the virtual space, an environment of the virtual space may be modified, and/or a theme of the virtual space being modified.

Abstract: A waterslide attraction configured to display illuminated visualizations to a rider traveling thereon via one or more lights or LEDs. The waterslide attraction utilizes a slide for supporting a rider, either with a ride vehicle or without. The ride vehicle may be a mat, tube, or board with interactive elements, such as buttons, that allows the rider thereon to manipulate the interactive elements for providing rider input while on the slide. Upon manipulating an element, a signal may be transmitted, the illuminated visualizations being modified in response to such manipulations. Colors, shapes, and/or patterns may be displayed that animate or appear to shift or move in position along the waterslide. Gaming features, such as manipulating the interactive elements that corresponds to one or more displayed illumination visualizations may cause rewards or penalties, for example, based on position of the rider, as the rider travels on the slide.

Abstract: A people moving system having a people pod and a cable support system attached to the people pod. The cable support system supports the people pod in the air and includes cables that are each connected at one end to the people pod and each connected to their own respective motor/winch system at the other ends. A computer control system is in signal communication with the motor/winch systems and allows the same to move the people pod in three (3) dimensions.

Abstract: A loading and launching device for toy vehicles is disclosed that is actuated with a single pull of an actuator to both load and launch a toy vehicle, such as onto a toy vehicle track set. The device includes a horizontal toy vehicle loader and a toy vehicle launcher that are coupled to one another, such that as the launcher moves rearward, the loader moves from a vehicle receiving and loading position (in which the loading and launching device may receive a toy vehicle returning from the toy track set) to a launch position that pushes a toy vehicle into position directly in front of the launcher. When the launcher is released, it contacts and launches the toy vehicle.

Abstract: The educational toy car includes a framework having a pair of rear wheels and a pair of front wheels. The front wheels are pivotably connected as well as rotatably connected with the framework, and rotate in concert with one another via a steering tie rod. The framework includes an engine block with a plurality of piston members that work in concert to visibly rotate a transmission member located elsewhere in the framework. The transmission member connects to a drive gear that includes a drive shaft extending rearwardly within the framework, and to in mechanical connection with a rear differential. The rear differential is in mechanical connection with the pair of rear wheels. The pair of rear wheels are rotatably connected with the framework, and are rotated upon movement of the piston members or the transmission member or the drive shaft or the rear differential.

Abstract: A modular combination toy and desktop writing accessory apparatus comprising a plurality of structural elements each having at least one nodal connector portion to which a complementary connector portion of another structural element can be coupled. The structural elements can be assembled into a barrel-like form that is configured with a passageway for carrying a writing component of the invention. The writing component can be a pen, pencil, marker, crayon, eraser or the like. The modular combination toy and writing instrument has multiple functions in playtime as well as in everyday desk-bound activities.

Abstract: A process and apparatus uses a flash drum to separate light hydrocarbons from heavy oligomerate from an oligomerization zone. The heavy oligomerate can bypass a fractionation column in the oligomerate recovery section and be recycled to the oligomerization zone or other zones. Costs are saved by avoiding repeatedly transporting and processing the heavier recycled oligomerate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mass transfer tray of a column with a liquid feed on the tray feed side and a liquid discharge on the opposite tray discharge side, and with multiple profile-shaped channels of a U-shaped cross section that are arranged in the tray between the feed and the discharge, parallel to one another and transversely in relation to the direction of liquid flow, and form between them gas passage slits which are covered over by elongated profile-shaped hoods, which have an inverted U-shaped cross section, wherein the side walls of the channels reach into the hoods, and so the channel side walls are covered over by the hood side walls by a height that is less than the height of the channel side walls and the height of the hood side walls, wherein the liquid flows alternately in opposite directions in the channels, and so in every second channel the liquid flows in one direction and in the channels lying in between the liquid flows in the opposite direction, and wherein the hoods are set higher t

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the alteration of the ratio of the specific gravities of the oil and water phases resulting from the conversion of biomass to liquid products, the reduction of the conductivity and of metals of the product mixture, which each can aid in the removal of solids contained in the oil phase; and a liquid-liquid extraction method for partitioning desirable carbon containing compounds into the oil phase and undesirable carbon containing compounds into the water phase.

Abstract: A chromatographic column that includes a distributor plate secured to a backing plate of the chromatography column without the need for releasable fixing means such as screws or bolts, by employing a negative pressure or vacuum to affix the distributor to the backing plate.

Abstract: Antifoam powders with delayed anti-foaming action, contain (1) 5 to 35% by weight of an anti-foaming agent which is an amino-functional organopolysiloxane and consists of at least one siloxane unit of the formula R a 1 ? Q b ? SiO 4 - ( a + b ) 2 ( I ) and siloxane units of the general formula R c 1 ? SiO 4 - c 2 ( II ) where Q is an amino group of the general formula —R2—[NR3—(CH2)m—]xNR4R5??(III) or forms thereof with partial or full protonation on the nitrogen atoms, (2) 65 to 95% by weight of a carrier material selected from the group of sodium carbonate, sodium sulphate, aluminium silicate, potassium carbonate, potassium sulphate, sodium hydrogencarbonate, potassium hydrogencarbonate, zeolites, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The present document describes a media bed filter for filtering fine particles from a raw liquid flow, the media bed filter comprising: a tank having: a top portion; a bottom portion defining a bottom surface for receiving a media bed, the media bed having a supporting media to be disposed on the bottom surface and a filtering media for covering the supporting media, the top portion of the tank being above the filtering media of the media bed; a raw liquid inlet in fluid communication with a nozzle configuration located in the top portion of the tank for providing the raw liquid flow in the tank in the form of a plurality of jets at a directional velocity substantially equal or greater to a disengagement velocity of the filtering media.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a filter element for filtration of a fluid, a filter medium web is treated along at least one treatment line and the filter medium web is cut along at least one cutting line that is adjacent to the at least one treatment line. An apparatus for performing the method has a combination of at least one treatment device and at least one cutting device. The at least one treatment device has at least one treatment element that treats a filter medium web along at least one treatment line. The at least one cutting device has at least one cutting element that cuts the filter medium web along at least one cutting line. The at least one treatment element and the at least one cutting element, viewed in a movement direction of the filter medium web relative to the apparatus, are arranged staggered relative to each other.

Abstract: A screen device includes a foam body having a passageway that extends longitudinally through the foam body, the foam body has an open cell structure such that at least two surfaces of the foam body are in fluidic communication with one another through the foam body.

Abstract: A screening apparatus that includes a strainer element used for the purpose of retaining particulate while permitting the passage of a liquid through the strainer element, a support structure for the strainer element to enable rotation of the strainer element between opposed 180 degree positions, and a control member coupled with the strainer element for controlling the rotation of the strainer element. The strainer element, in both opposed positions thereof impedes any particulate while permitting the passage of a liquid. The control member is constructed so that, in a first state thereof, the rotation of the strainer element is periodically controlled to rotate the strainer element between said opposed 180 degree positions, and in a second state thereof, inhibits rotation of the strainer element.

Abstract: An embedded type, inverted-filtering and anti-clogging emitter comprises a first component and a second component which are mutually fixed, and a filter cloth sandwiched between the first component and the second component; the first component is provided with a hollowed-out portion which is capable of exposing the filter cloth, and the second is provided with a pressing portion to press the filter cloth against the first component, which completely covers the hollowed-out portion on the projection plane, and presses against the filter cloth along the edge of the hollowed-out portion, whereby water in the water pipeline has to successively pass through the diversion channel, the filter cloth pressed by the pressing portion, and the hollowed-out portion to the water outlet.

Abstract: A reactor having at least one reaction chamber and rotor, the reaction chamber having at least one sealed housing with at least one inlet and outlet opening. The rotor has at least one shaft with at least a first part in the housing the shaft extending from the first part through the housing, the first part of the rotor having at least one hammer At least one fan blade is positioned on the shaft near an outlet opening in the reaction chamber. The outlet opening is situated near at least one shaft seal and on the shaft between the reaction chamber and surroundings. The fan blade is situated between the shaft seal and central part of the reactor The shaft extends in one direction from the first part through the housing and the fan blade being an axial distance from the hammer on the first part of the rotor.