Abstract: A liner assembly for a protective helmet has a wrap-around pad inside the helmet with plural circular cells spaced along a curved line, at least one additional cell at each end of the line and one additional cell located off the line. A crown pad removably engagable in a crown of the helmet and two L-shaped jaw pads removably engageable to jaw flaps of the helmet. Each cell includes an outer sheet welded around its perimeter to the perimeter of an inner sheet, each inner sheet engaging a player's head and defining one enclosure for each cell. Each cell containing a foam cushion and multiple spaced apart hollow protrusions contacting the inside of the helmet. Each protrusion has an open large diameter base near the cushion and flat smaller diameter peak engaging the helmet. Each protrusions also having a conical side wall tapering from base to peak.

Abstract: A splitboard boot binding system with single multi-angle climbing wire. The pivotable climbing wire is configured for use with any compatible ski tour interface, and folds away under the boot binding baseplate when the bindings are transferred to a ride mode interface. In ski tour mode, the baseplate pivots on a toe axis and is supported by the climbing wire when the heel is raised. Advantageously, the climbing wire is very lightweight and seats interchangeably in a plurality of detent positions on a compatible heelblock. There are no interferences with conjoint use of a slide-in crampon seated between the heelblock and the toe pivot or with use in systems having a heel locker. Surprisingly, in some combinations the climbing wire may also be used to retain the slider track in ride mode. The combinations and sub-combinations require no tools for adjustment or operation and operate cooperatively.

Abstract: An air cushion for absorbing bounces, including at least one air chamber and one air inlet valve, characterized in that the air chamber has a multiplicity of protrusions in the direction of impact.

Abstract: Card-handling devices include a card-holding area and a card output shoe. The card output shoe includes a card-way for passage of cards from the card-holding area into a dealing-ready area. A movable gate is positioned between the card-way and the dealing-ready area to prevent cards in the dealing-ready area from re-entering the card-way. Card shufflers include a gate mounted to allow movement of randomized groups of cards from card-receiving compartments to proximate a terminal end plate of a card output shoe and to block movement of cards in an opposite direction. In related methods of moving cards, card movement through the card-way to the dealing-ready position is allowed by a movable gate and card movement from the dealing-ready position into the card-way is prevented by the movable gate.

Abstract: A game in which the moves players can make simulate both the symmetric and antisymmetric couplings of muscle pairs that accompany co-ordinated movement of the two sides of the human body, and in which each player's move comprises two components, one beneficial to the player and the other beneficial to the player(s) opponents (herein called chiralkines); a kit for playing the game; an electronic gaming device for use in playing the game; left- and right handed money and left- and right-handed property rights for use in a game or commerce; and apparatuses adapted for use with these.

Abstract: The invention relates to a set of pieces 10, 20 comprising a first series of pieces and a second series of pieces, the pieces of the two series presenting bodies that are analogous but that differ in their colors. Fastener means 11 are fitted to the bodies of each piece in the first series, connection means 21 are fitted to the bodies of each piece of the second series, the connection means being distinct from the fastener means, the fastener means and the connection means co-operating to assemble together the pieces on which they appear. The set is remarkable in that the pieces of the first series do not have connection means and the pieces of the second series do not have fastener means.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising a set of shapes, the shapes derived from a hexagonal footprint, and wherein for each of the shapes, at least some of the vertices of the hexagon joined with straight lines to define a perimeter of a respective shape of the set.

Abstract: Game methods for controlling a game using virtual buttons and/or systems for performing the same are provided. The game method includes determining, by a processor of the computer, whether a virtual button is selected by a user from among one or more virtual buttons displayed on a touch screen of the game system, controlling, by the processor, a game in progress according to an input event of the user, which is input through a second portion of the touch screen, the second portion being different from the first portion, and performing, by the processor, different controls according to the virtual buttons respectively selected by the user.

Abstract: A display system comprises a projector combined with a retro reflective screen and a viewer distance from the projector such that the observation angle is less than approximately 2-3 degrees. The brightness of the image on the screen for the proposed display system is increased by a factor of ˜100-500× as compared to traditional display systems with for an equivalent power/intensity light source.

Abstract: An immersive play environment providing techniques for generating an imaginary enemy within the environment is disclosed. A tracker device is provided in the play environment for determining a location of a user. A controller device is provided to generate an invisible interactive object (an “imaginary enemy”), to engage the user during gameplay. The controller device generates tracking information indicating a location of the imaginary enemy. The controller device determines the location of the enemy relative to the location of the user and transmits that information to the tracker device. The tracker device can communicate the location of the imaginary enemy to the user for engagement.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system for providing a virtualized application hosting environment comprising: a plurality of application/game servers each having a memory for storing application program code and data and a processor for executing the application program code and processing the data on behalf of a client; a virtualization service executed on each of the application/game servers, the virtualization service comprising a file redirection module for redirecting file system operations generated by the application program code to one or more virtualized file locations; and a registry redirection module for intercepting registry operations generated by the application program code and executing the registry operations on behalf of the application program code at one or more virtualized registry locations.

Abstract: Systems and methods for conducting a localized, electronic card game tournament adaptable for play in private homes and public venues with no equipment or system modifications are disclosed. In one embodiment the tournament players' identities are verified. Once the players' identities are identified, they are provided with handheld electronic game units and tournament entry credentials. Players will enter their tournament entry credentials into the respective handheld electronic game units. Once the tournament entry credentials have been entered into the handheld electronic game unit, game events are transmitted to the handheld electronic game unit from a single remote server. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the tournament entry fee, if any, is maintained separately from the remote game server and the handheld electronic game units. The fees may be collected and/or winnings may be paid in case, through electronic transfer or through electronic currency.

Abstract: A method for virtual competition using motion command input according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises the steps of: analyzing a motion command and matching same with a particular skill; transmitting the particular skill to a competing client in competition and activiating the particular skill, wherein the particular skill is displayed overlapping the form of a competing user controlling the competing client.

Abstract: A drill unit 111 expands a dungeon based on a parameter in two directions from the starting point X and selects a start S and a goal G from each area expanded in two directions. Thus, it is possible to generate a path from the start S to the goal G passing through the starting point X. Moreover, it is possible to determine a board form of the whole dungeon by determining expanding directions with the parameter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a communication device between an audiovisual information playback system (1) and at least one electronic game machine (2), each electronic game machine comprising a viewing means (200), a means (210) for interacting with the user and a means of payment (220), characterized in that each electronic game machine (2) is connected to the playback system (2) via a network interface (21) and an associated LAN (3), and comprises specific means (20, 21, 22) for managing a means of payment, a viewing means and an interactive means, in order to enable, on the electronic game machine (2), the selection and payment of at least one selection stored on the playback system (2), with a view to playback thereof on the playback system, the specific means (22) of managing payment means and the specific means (21) of managing viewing means and the interactive means being triggered by the activation means of the electronic game machine (2).

Abstract: An automated, replicable, process-based original concept that may provide a self-validating, defined quantification of the relevance of one or more active physical efforts performed by a real-life golfer, the real-life golfer engaging in at least one real-life play on a golf ball on a golf course with a predefined traditional point value for certain plays.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed towards protecting against polymorphic cheat codes in a video game environment. A detour analyzer analyzes game code in client memory for possible hooks to parasite code. For each detected hook to parasite code, hook and/or parasite information is determined to generate a hook/parasite signatures, which are sent to a remote network device. Based on the hook/parasite signatures a weighted combination of scores are generated that is useable to determine a probability value that the parasite code is cheat code. If the determined probability value indicates cheat code, the user of the client device may be banned from future game play. Additionally, the hook/parasite signature information may be used to update the data store to detect polymorphic changes in the cheat code.

Abstract: Implementing automated stock transactions regarding sports teams may be accomplished by a variety of systems, processes, and techniques. In particular implementations, initial stock values associated with components of sports teams may be determined based on rankings for a plurality of sports teams in a plurality of game-based based statistical categories, each statistical category associated with a component of each team, and each team having a separate ranking in each statistical category. Each team may have a separate stock price for each component. These values may be used to initially assign the stocks to contestants. Additionally, revised stock values may be determined based on the initial assignment of stocks to contestants, and an auction function may allow contestants to exchange stocks. A final stock value for each stock may be determined based on the teams' on-field performance in the statistical categories.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus is provided wherein a user can be evaluated by a information processing apparatus acquires action result data indicative of a result of an action executed between a plurality of users or user groups, and executes a trace process by a plural number of times and calculate an evaluation value of each of the users or user groups in response to a number of times by which the user or user group is selected as a target in the plural number of times of the trace process. The trace process includes a starting point selection process for randomly selecting a target from among the plurality of users or user groups, and a target selection process for repetitively performing a process for newly selecting, as a next target, an opponent of an action carried out by the target at present on the basis of the action result data until a predetermined condition is satisfied.

Abstract: Techniques for recommending and establishing connections between users within a gaming social network, designed for connecting users having common gaming interests or characteristics. Embodiments include methods for recommending connections from members of an out-of-game social network, the gaming social network, and gaming activity participants; evaluating user profile information and user characteristics in a gaming social network and gaming activity in a game networking system to determine an appropriate set of connections for a selected user; and presenting graphical user interface content and configurations to enable the suggestion, review, and accepting of recommended connections in the gaming social network.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling social dancing. The system comprising a movement registration module configured to monitor and identify movements by a participant; and a tactile feedback actuator configured to supply tactile feedback to the participant based on a determination by a logic module. The method performed by a computerized device, the method comprising: monitoring movements by a participant; determining feedback in response to the movements; and instructing a tactile feedback actuator to supply the feedback to the participant.

Abstract: A video clip may be automatically generated from a gameplay recording based on an interest metric. The interest metric may be determined from a variety of sources, such as developer provided signals, platform-based signals, and reception signal. A machine learning technique may be applied to each of the signals individually and/or in aggregate (e.g., the interest metric) to ascertain a weighting scheme, for example, for each individual signal or the interest metric to improve the selection of portions of video from a gameplay recording.

Abstract: Systems and related methods related to structures with large-scale rotatable elements. Some of the present systems comprise: a tower; a tower hub coupled to the tower and having a transverse dimension of at least 50 feet; an observation wheel rotatably coupled to the tower and having a central wheel hub; a plurality of roller bearings disposed between the tower hub and the wheel hub to rotatably support the observation wheel relative to the structure, the roller bearings each having a diameter that is less than one quarter of the transverse dimension of the wheel hub.

Abstract: A wave form for a water ride attraction having an inflatable cushion with a ride surface adapted to support a rider. The ride surface has a substantially planar section, followed by an upwardly inclined concave section, and then a horizontally inclined convex section. A wake form for a water ride attraction has an inflatable cushion having a ride surface. The ride surface has a substantially planar central section, flanked by an upwardly inclined concave section on one side and an upwardly inclined concave section on the other side. A water ride attraction has an inflatable wave form or wake form and a water delivery arrangement for delivering a flow of water to the inflatable wave form or wake form in a flow direction. The ride surface is arranged to allow a rider to ride on the flow of water in a direction generally transverse to the direction of water flow.

Abstract: A stuffed toy for use with a child car seat positioned in an automobile includes a body portion containing a padded material. The stuffed toy includes a first appendage coupled to and extending away from an exterior surface of the body portion. A second appendage is spaced apart from the first appendage and also coupled to and extending away from the body portion. A first fastener is coupled to the first appendage that is movable between a secured configuration tightly adjacent the first appendage and a released configuration displaced therefrom. The first fastener is configured to selectively receive the shoulder safety belt and is coupled thereto when the first fastener is in the secured configuration so as to position the body portion frontwardly adjacent the child car seat. A second fastener is coupled to the second appendage and operable in the same manner as the first fastener.

Abstract: A toy configured to enable hydration is provided. The toy includes a body that defines an internal cavity; a first arm and a second arm extending outwardly from the body, the first arm defining an arm cavity extending from the internal cavity to a distal end opening of the first arm; a bladder disposed within the internal cavity; and a straw having first and second ends, the first end of the straw in fluid communication with the bladder, the straw extending from the bladder through the arm cavity, and the second end of the straw extending through the distal end opening of the first arm.

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

Abstract: Surfing toys and methods of attaching and detaching different types of upwardly protruding objects on the surfing toy with a hydrofoil underneath comprising a skeg and a wing/vanes. The assembled toy can ride incoming waves back to shore. The hydrofoil can have weights being extra weight or thickened portions at any location on the wing vanes, skegs, any combination, or have no extra weight. The wings/vanes can be bendable to different positions to enhance the toy's performance. Different versions of pegs can be used to attach the main wing, skeg, flotation device and upwardly protruding objects together. The upwardly protruding objects can include figurines, vehicles, toys, sails and the like, and the surfing toy can be used without an upwardly protruding object. The surfing toy can also be pulled through the water with motorboats and/or fishing poles.

Abstract: A magnetic panel system for the construction of structures is disclosed that includes sets of polygonal connector bodies, constructed of plastic or other suitable material, that have corners, edges, and endpoints of rods that are substantially rounded. Hollow, spherical sockets are defined in the corners of the connector bodies with spherical magnets contained therein. The free rotation around any axis that is provided by spherical magnets within spherical sockets assures alignment of magnet fields and mutual attraction of adjacent bodies in many configurations including face-to-face, edge-to-edge, and corner-to-corner combinations, something unavailable with other magnet shapes. Furthermore, equal spacing of sockets in bodies assures magnets are in consistent proximity to other magnets in adjacent bodies.

Abstract: Wooden building blocks that can be mutually coupled or decoupled appropriately are manufactured. A method for manufacturing a block 1 includes: a step (S3) of decreasing the moisture content of lumber 51a by drying the lumber 51a; a step (S5, S7, and S9) of increasing the moisture content of the dried lumber 51a and making the moisture content uniform; and a step (S10) of forming the block 1 by subjecting the lumber 51a with the uniform moisture content to shaving machining.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for regulating the average mobile phase density or pressure in a carbon dioxide based separation system. The apparatus includes a controller, a set of pressure or density sensors and a set of instructions capable of determining the pressure drop across a column and adjusting at least one system component or parameter to achieve a pre-determined average mobile phase density or pressure in the system.

Abstract: An apparatus for extraction of a significant fraction of targeted imprintable entities (TIEs) from fluid ounce size or larger quantities of a fluid includes a polymer fiber with a quantity of molecularly imprinted polymer binding sites disposed on a surface of the fiber. The binding sites are suitable for extraction of any pathogen, virus, bacteria, toxin, poison, pollutant, desired or undesired compound, molecule or other object from the fluid that can be imprinted into the fiber surface. The fibers are spooled, woven or non-woven, spun-woven, layered, contained in a desired structure, formed into objects such as coffee filters or arranged in other patterns as desired to facilitate contact with a selected fluid or gaseous fluid. Any desired method of manufacture of the fiber or containment thereof is possible, as well as choice of monomers and subsequent polymers employed to form the fiber.

Abstract: Novel materials for chromatographic separations, processes for their preparation, and separation devices containing the chromatographic materials. In particular, hybrid inorganic/organic monolith materials comprising a polymerized scaffolding nanocomposite (PSN), wherein the nanocomposite contains a scaffolding functionality capable of chemically interacting with a surface of a second material are described. The hybrid inorganic/organic materials have enhanced wall adhesion and increased resistance to shrinkage as compared to prior art monolith materials. The improved adhesion of the monoliths enable the preparation of capillary columns with an internal diameter (I.D.) ?50 ?m.

Abstract: A process for separating a divinyl hydrocarbon from a composition mixture stream containing at least a divinyl hydrocarbon and other components, the process including (a) passing a composition mixture feed stream containing at least (i) a divinyl hydrocarbon; and (ii) a monovinyl hydrocarbon, and/or (iii) a non-vinyl hydrocarbon through a process-scale chromatography unit; wherein the process scale chromatography unit includes a ligand exchange media comprising a metal adapted to form a ligand with an olefin functionality; wherein the metal of the ligand exchange media is loaded on an adsorbent; and wherein the divinyl hydrocarbon is adsorbed onto the ligand exchange media; (b) passing a weak first elution solvent through the unit to elute the monovinyl hydrocarbon and/or the non-vinyl hydrocarbon from the unit; (c) passing a strong second elution solvent through the unit to elute the divinyl hydrocarbon product stream from the unit; and (d) recovering the divinyl hydrocarbon product stream having been separa

Abstract: A vertical electrostatic coalescer comprises a first and second electrode surface and a horizontally disposed foraminous surface. The first electrode surface and horizontally disposed foraminous surface are at ground potential. The first and second electrode surfaces share the same planar orientation relative to the central longitudinal axis of the vessel. The unique arrangement of the vessel and opposing pairs of first and second electrode surfaces provides for a substantially uniform voltage field around a perimeter of the vessel and an effective voltage field for coalescence within a center of the vessel. A circular-shaped distributor pipe or a distributor housing serves to absorb momentum of the incoming emulsion stream and distribute the stream into an interior of the vessel.

Abstract: An inline process for imparting sonic energy plus a liquid gas separator to a continuous flow of a heterogenous liquid to de-gassify the liquid and thereby provide for separation and extraction of selected liquid and gas components. The device utilizes a flat plate oriented in the direction of flow within the liquid so as to impart pressure fronts into the liquid to initiate liquid gas separation followed by a series of weirs, and tower packing, with stripping gas to facilitate mass transfer.

Abstract: A filter cartridge includes a first cylindrical shaped pleated filter element having a plurality of first outer pleats, each first outer pleat being elliptically shaped and having a sidewall. The filter cartridge further includes a second cylindrical shaped pleated filter element having a plurality of second outer pleats, each second outer pleat having a sidewall. The second cylindrical shaped pleated filter element is nested within the first cylindrical shaped pleated filter element with each second outer pleat disposed within a corresponding first outer pleat and with the sidewall of the second outer pleat substantially free of contact with the sidewall of the first outer pleat along the portion of the sidewall of the second out pleat that is disposed within the first outer pleat. This filter cartridge is particularly valuable in relatively small diameter in-line type filters and water bottle filters.

Abstract: A mesh filter includes a filter unit connecting an outer peripheral surface of an inner cylinder and an inner peripheral surface of an outer cylinder. The inner cylinder, the outer cylinder, and the filter unit are integrally molded by injecting a thermoplastic resin into a cavity of a mold. A portion of the filter unit other than a connecting portion between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder has square-shaped openings formed by vertical ribs formed equidistantly so as to be orthogonal to an X-axis and parallel to a Y-axis, and lateral ribs formed equidistantly so as to be orthogonal to the vertical ribs and parallel with the X-axis. The vertical ribs and the lateral ribs have rib widths (L2, L3) in a range from 0.07 to 0.1 mm and thicknesses (L4, L5) along a center axis of the inner cylinder in a range from 0.2 to 0.4 mm.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a debris bag and a collar for a pool cleaner. The debris bag includes a body defined by two opposing sheets of filtration media that are joined together to form an interior compartment. A neck portion extends downwardly from the sheets. A support ring is disposed adjacent the bottom end of the neck portion and an orientation tab extends upwardly from the support ring toward the interior compartment.

Abstract: A filter bag assembly for a juice press is assembled from a unitary sheet of fabric and at least one coupling member and/or belt. The fabric sheet is foldable along a transverse fold line and then along left and right fold lines to form a seamless bag having left and right side margins each having four sheet layers. A left coupling member may be arranged to gather at least two of the four sheet layers of the left side margin, and a right coupling member may be arranged to gather at least two of the four sheet layers of the right side margin. Each belt connects the left side margin to the right side margin. Preformed holes in the fabric sheet are positioned to allow the coupling members and belt(s) to be installed to retain the folded bag. The assembled bag is inexpensive and the fabric sheet is replaceable.

Abstract: A filter apparatus comprising an inlet for receiving a target fluid to be filtered, an outlet for allowing exit of filtered target fluid and a filter plate disposed between the inlet and the outlet. The filter plate having a lengthwise direction and a widthwise direction and the inlet being disposed proximal one portion of the filter plate for delivering at least some of the fluid onto the filter means initially in a lengthwise direction along the filter plate. The outlet being disposed on an opposing portion of the filter plate in the lengthwise direction and at a distance just below the inlet such that the filter apparatus maintains a low profile in a heightwise direction.

Abstract: A device and method that removes moisture from human, animal, vegetable, and plant materials, yielding clear discharge water that can be returned to a sewage treatment plant. Some wastes can also yield fertilizer and an energy positive fuel source.

Abstract: The bottom annular end of a vertical collar that extends into the vertical tubular portion of a T-housing and is fastened therein by resilient fingers extending radially outward from the collar, is contacted by a resilient finger of a filter inserted through the collar into the tubular portion, a radially inward extending shoulder in the collar is contacted by the bottom of an annular horizontal plate on the filter, and a liquid level alarm system housing is attached to the outer surface of the vertical tubular portion by a plurality of vertically spaced apart catches or studs received in slots on the alarm system housing, a tapered pipe having a first end fastened to a horizontal exit joint on the T-housing and a second tapered end force fit into an exit pipe of a septic tank.

Abstract: A filter device for preventing the overfill of filter elements with filter cake includes a filter housing and filtrate collection tubes. Sensors for measuring force are provided within the filter housing. The sensors are arranged over the filter elements at the closed end of the filtrate collection tubes. Detected changes in force by the sensors provide an indication of an increasing cake buildup.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric includes a nanofiber. The nanofiber includes a core portion and a sheath portion covering at least a part of a surface of the core portion. The core portion includes a first polymer. The sheath portion includes a second polymer. The second polymer is smaller in polarity than the first polymer.

Abstract: A laminated nonwoven fabric includes a first nonwoven fabric that comprises first fibers, and a second nonwoven fabric that comprises second fibers. The second nonwoven fabric is laminated on the first nonwoven fabric. An average fiber diameter D1 of the first fibers and an average fiber diameter D2 of the second fibers satisfy a relation of D1>D2. In viewed from a side of a principal surface of the second nonwoven fabric being not opposed to the first nonwoven fabric, a total area of first portions of the second fibers superimposed on the first fibers and existing on the nearer side than the first fibers is larger than a total area of second portions of the second fibers existing and superimposed on voids S of the first nonwoven fabric formed of the first fibers.

Abstract: A multi-layered, web-shaped filter material for a filter element may include a fleece layer, a cellulose layer, and a nanofibre layer arranged between the fleece layer and the cellulose layer. The nanofibre layer may be a coating of a nanofibre material disposed on the fleece layer. The cellulose layer may have an impregnation at least on a side facing the nanofibre layer.

Abstract: A filter device (7, 8) for a conduit (9, 10) comprises a gas-permeable pre-filter element (21, 23) and a gas-permeable, liquid-impermeable filter element (22, 24). The filter device (7, 8) is configured to be fluidly coupled to a conduit (9, 10) such that a gas can be caused to flow, in sequence, through the pre-filter element (21, 23), the filter element (22, 24) and then the conduit (9, 10). Such a filter device (7, 8) can for example be used in each of a vehicle hollow driveshaft (2) and a hollow wheel stub axle (6) forming a CV joint (11) having a compressed air supply line which passes therethrough, as is the case in some central tyre inflation systems (CTISs). Thus, compressed air can be supplied via said air supply line without the need for an additional fluid transfer device fluidly connecting the driveshaft and the stub axle's conduits (9, 10).

Abstract: Methods for purifying air with air purifiers are disclosed. Optionally, the methods provide purified air characterized by: a TVOC content of from less than 5 ppb to about 500 ppb; and a particulate content of from about 1,000 0.3 ?m particles per ft3 to about 50,000 0.3 ?m particles per ft3, or from about 600 0.5 ?m particles per ft3 to about 500,000 0.5 ?m particles per ft3.

Abstract: Air cleaner assemblies and components therefor are described. An example first or main filter cartridge is described which includes a media pack comprising fluted material secured to facing sheets. The media pack defines opposite inlet and outlet flow faces, with flutes extending in a direction therebetween. The cartridge defines a closed end, spaced from, but in overlap with, the outlet end face of the media pack.