Abstract: The invention relates to a portable device to monitor at least an activity of a user The portable device comprises at least a first sensor configured to capture signals representative of at least a physical parameter induced by at least an activity of the user, and a channel of communication to processing capabilities. The processing capabilities are configured to perform a first classification algorithm to classify the signals representative of the at least a physical parameter over a first period of time into a first set of classes of activities of the user, and to perform a second classification algorithm to classify the at least an activity of the user at the output of the at least first classification algorithm over a second period of time which includes the first period of time using a second set of classes which is different from the first set of classes The invention also relates to a method to monitor, a computer program and a system to monitor at least an activity of a user.

Abstract: Methods and systems for promoting physical activity by users utilizing a plurality of components. Embodiments of the present invention collect data concerning user activity, analyze the data, and provide feedback to promote physical activity by the user. These functions may be provided by a single component or dispersed across a plurality of components, and may utilize a variety of intermediary devices to facilitate communications and presentation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for gait training is disclosed. The apparatus includes a support structure having a base and at least one moveable platform connected to the base of the support structure, the at least one moveable platform having a top surface and a bottom surface. The apparatus further includes a drive system configured to control the movement of the at least one moveable platform. The drive system includes an actuator secured to the at least one moveable platform. A set of rollers is secured to the base and in contact with the at least one moveable platform. The set of rollers is configured to restrict movement of the at least one moveable platform to a one-dimensional axis. The apparatus further includes a first sensor located above the support structure. The first sensor is configured to determine an amount of downward pressure exerted on the training apparatus by a user.

Abstract: Provided is a golf ball is excellent in flight distance performance, approach performance, and feel at impact. A ball 2 includes a core 4, a mid layer 6, and a cover 8. The core 4 includes an inner core 10 and an outer core 12. The cover 8 includes an inner layer cover 10 and an outer layer cover 12. An inner core volume Vc, a mid layer volume Vm, a mid layer hardness Hm, an inner layer cover volume Vinc, an inner layer cover hardness Hinc, an outer layer cover volume Vouc, an outer layer cover hardness Houc, and a ball volume V meet the following relational expressions (a) to (g): (a) Vc/V<0.07, (b) Hm>Hinc>Houc, (c) Hm?Houc>25, (d) Vm>Vinc>Vouc, (e) (Vm+Vinc+Vouc)/V<0.30, (f) Vm/Vouc>1.50, and (g) (Vm*Hm)/(Vouc*Houc)>3.0.

Abstract: A twisted tennis racket frame includes a handle, two supporting arms having outside surfaces facing reverse directions, and an annular-shaped head provided on an imaginary plane with large and small arc portions. The large arc portion has an external arc surface, which composes a continuous curved surface with the outside surfaces of the two supporting arms. The continuous curved surface has at least one twisted section having a starting end located at the large arc portion and faces toward a first facing direction that is situated on the imaginary plane, and a terminal end connected with the handle and faces toward a second facing direction. The included angle between the first and second facing directions is larger than 0 degree and not larger than 180 degrees. As a result, the racket performs well in controlling the ball and enables the user to turn the hitting surface quickly.

Abstract: Provided is a golf club enabling the rotation position of an adapter to be viewed without disassembling a coupling structure for coupling a shaft and a golf club head. This golf club includes a shaft, a golf club head having a hosel portion, a first adapter that is accommodated in the interior space of the hosel portion through a shaft attachment hole in the hosel portion, a second adapter that has a through-hole through which the first adapter passes, and at least a portion arranged outside the attachment hole, and a fixing member detachably fixing the first adapter in the interior space of the hosel portion. The shaft is coupled with an inclination relative to the first adapter, the first adapter is coupled with an inclination relative to the second adapter, and the first adapter and the second adapter are coupled so as to be capable of axial rotation.

Abstract: Embodiments of a golf club head and methods to manufacture such a golf club head are generally described herein. The golf club head generally includes at least one ball-striking face, which comprises a titanium alloy that is associated with an average grain size measuring no more than about 1 micron (?m) in the longest dimension. The golf club head is associated with a coefficient of restitution of about 0.847 or more when a ball impacts the ball-striking face.

Abstract: A wedge type golf club head is disclosed herein where the wedge type golf club head has enhanced performance characteristics such as improved backspin, ball speed, and launch angle. More specifically, the present invention relates to a wedge type golf club head having an adjustable center of gravity, where the center of gravity may be adjusted based on different backing profiles that comprises at least one hollow chamber. The wedge type golf club head disclosed above may also have a thickened topline, wherein the thickness of the topline progressively changes as a function of the loft angle of the wedge type golf club head.

Abstract: Embodiments of a strap system for a golf bag are described herein.

Abstract: A golf green slope indicator includes a circular base having a concave upper surface and a lower flat surface, where a slope from a middle of the concave upper surface increases nonlinearly to a periphery of the circular base. The indicator also includes an annular sidewall extending upwards from a periphery of the lower flat surface upwards beyond the concave upper surface, a transparent cover engaging an upper periphery surface of the annular sidewall, and a ball bearing unsecured and configured to roll along the concave upper surface.

Abstract: A golf hole marker, having a self-righting structure, includes a base, a weighting material received in the base, a telescopic pole and a flag. The base includes a top shell and a bottom shell. The bottom shell is substantially spherically curved and receives the weighting material therein. The top shell has a passage to receive a bottom portion of the pole and a protuberance to press down the weighting material for preventing the weighting material from moving within the bottom shell. The weighting material lowers a center of mass of the golf hole marker lower than a center of the spherically curved bottom shell. Preferably, the base is in the shape of a golf ball.

Abstract: The sprinter's training aid is a wearable athletic training apparatus designed to improve a sprinter's technique. The apparatus teaches proper arm-swing action and proper trunk attitude for sprinters. The apparatus is worn over the shoulders and down the back. The apparatus is lightweight and is attached to the body via shoulder straps and adjustable trunk straps. The apparatus provides physical landmarks and visual indicators for proper arm-swing and trunk attitude. The apparatus allows the athlete to move freely and does not encumber the arms, hands, legs or head. The apparatus teaches the athlete to see and feel the correct movement patterns and trunk attitude for maximum sprinting speed.

Abstract: A carrier for transporting flying disc game equipment includes a container and a lid removably attached to a top surface of the container. The container has an interior volume capable of accommodating game equipment and personal belongings comprising at least one of a flying disc, key lanyard, cellular phone, playing field boundary markers, athletic footwear, team apparel, and at least one beverage container. The container interior volume contains mechanisms for securing the game equipment. The lid when removed provides access to the game equipment held in the container interior. The lid has an integral seat portion for accommodating a game player's posterior.

Abstract: A golf scoring system and method for the recordation and management of golf scores for one or more golfers. The golf scoring system provides a user with the ability to record golf scores for one or more golfers by inputting scores and commands via a touch screen or screen accepting inputs via a stylus or similar tool during a round of golf. Upon completion of the round, the golf scoring system may calculate the total score for each of the one or more golfers and communicate the scores to the golf course clubhouse or online network. Once communicated to the golf course clubhouse, the scores may be input into a handicapping system used to update the handicap of the one or more golfers for which the scores were recorded (e.g. USGA handicap system). The scores communicated from the golf scoring system may also be used to update a scoreboard for a golf outing or tournament. Additionally, the scores may be printed onto a hard copy scorecard for the user to take with them or turn in for official tournament purposes.

Abstract: A protective football helmet is provided having a one-piece molded shell with an impact attenuation system. This system includes an impact attenuation member formed in an extent of the front shell portion by removing material from the front portion. The impact attenuation member is purposely engineered to change how the front portion responds to an impact force applied substantially normal to the front portion as compared to how other portions of the shell respond to that impact force. In one version, the impact attenuation member is a cantilevered segment formed in the front portion of the shell.

Abstract: A power and stabilizing apparatus for rolling or sliding-based recreational activities is disclosed. The apparatus may include a shafted body coupled to a biased member. The biased member may be a bowed biased member or any other biased member configured to store and release energy during use of the apparatus. The apparatus may also include a shoe coupled to the biased member opposite the body, the shoe having a traction element coupled thereto. The body may be a shafted telescoping body configured to lock in an extended position and lock in a retracted position. The body may be coupled to the bowed biased member with a coupling member having a first leg coupled to the body and a second leg coupled to the bowed biased member.

Abstract: A skateboard has one or more rollers on a bottom region of the body of the board, disposed between the front and rear trucks thereof. The roller(s) may be disposed longitudinally along the length of the board, generally parallel to a normal direction of travel of the board. However, in some embodiments, the angle of the rollers may be adjustable or fixed in a direction offset from parallel by from about 1 to about 45 degrees, typically between 1 and 15 degrees. The rollers may extend from the bottom of the board, or may be partially embedded in an indentation formed in the bottom of the board. The roller(s) may be solid, cylindrical, tapered or composed of a plurality of smaller rollers in a row, for example.

Abstract: A generic method of performing a wagering event includes: a player position posting an ante wager; the player position is dealt two to three face-down cards; a dealer position is dealt at least three down cards and no more than four down cards, and up to one up card; a second wager is posted at the player position or the player position hand folds; sufficient community cards are dealt for use by the player position to complete a three-card stud poker hand from a best-of-four, best-of-five, or best-of-six total playing cards; and the respective best player position hands and dealer position hands are compared; the respective poker rank at the player position is compared with a paytable to determine resolution of all wagers against the paytable.

Abstract: A method and a system for creating a gamification framework is disclosed. The method includes selecting at least one event from a game. One or more handlers associated with the at least one event of the game is identified. The identified handlers are mapped with one or more user actions associated with a quiz based on a set of rules. The mapped handlers are bound with the quiz to cause gamification of the quiz. The set of rules define one or more execution conditions of the handlers in response to the user actions. An output of the method and/or the system is the gamification of the quiz.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for adjusting a game scene are set forth herein. The method includes receiving heart rate information of a user, wherein the user wears the computing device to play the game, and based on the received heart rate information of the user, adjusting at least one element in the game scene of the game. By using a smart wearable device to acquire the heart rate information of the user playing the game, the game scene of the game can be adjusted according to the heart rate information. Therefore, the game can be made to be more interesting by receiving multi-dimensional interaction information of the user.

Abstract: A gaming system for enabling three-dimensional game play of remote-control craft controlled by a controller, each craft including a communication system with both radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) capabilities. The system can include a plurality of hovering remote-control flying craft each controlled by a handheld controller, and further may include at least one additional game accessory elements, such as a puck, a ground station or a gun. Each pairing of craft and controllers communicate via an RF protocol that transmits at least control communications between the controller and the craft based on pair identification information in an RF communication protocol. The craft and game-accessory elements also communicate via at least an IR protocol that communicates game-play information. Selectable pairs of craft and controllers may be assigned to different teams for playing multiplayer team games based on team identification information in the RF communication protocol.

Abstract: A command input device for a game pad is provided, the device including at least one paddle, having a fixing part, and a manipulation part, the manipulation part is positioned between the fixing part and a lateral edge of the game pad, and the paddle is curved between the fixing part and the manipulation part so that the paddle becomes further away from the rear face on the side of the manipulation part. Also provided is a game pad equipped with at least one such command device.

Abstract: A game controller button extender includes a trigger body having a top portion of the trigger body with a back shaped to mate with a game controller button. A bottom front portion of the trigger body extends away from the top back portion forming a front surface of the trigger body. An opening formed in the top portion of the trigger body is positioned to hold an adjustable depth protrusion extending away from the back of the top portion to contact a surface of the game controller adjacent the game controller button, such that the game controller button is biased as a function of a distance the protrusion extends away from the top portion of the trigger body.

Abstract: A controller for interfacing wirelessly with a game console is provided, including the following: a housing defined by a main body, a first extension extending from a first end of the main body, and a second extension extending from a second end of the main body, the first extension and the second extension for holding by a first hand and a second hand of a user, respectively; a touch-sensitive panel defined along the top surface of the main body between the first extension and the second extension; a first set of buttons disposed on the top surface of the main body proximate to the first extension and on a first side of the touch-sensitive panel; and, a second set of buttons disposed on the top surface of the main body proximate to the second extension and on a second side of the touch-sensitive panel.

Abstract: A portable gaming and entertainment system (or “environment”) for use with a game console and related components that allows the user thereof to easily, safely and conveniently transport the system. The system comprises a case having a lid pivotally attached to a base. One or more custom inserts are provided to securely receive the game console therein. The custom inserts permit the system to be usable with a variety of supported game consoles. The lid includes a monitor and speakers, and is operative to be opened and maintained at a position to provide a desirable viewing angle for a user. The lid closes against the base to enclose the game console and other related components so that the user may easily transport and/or store the system.

Abstract: A method for gamifying a toll image review process includes receiving an image of a vehicle that has utilized a toll road and identifying a region of interest of the image depicting an identifier of the vehicle. A second image is generated that includes the region of interest and is preprocessed to generate a plurality of images of the region of interest. Each of the images includes unique display settings. The images are displayed within a graphical user interface along with progress information for a first user,. The progress information is related to an amount of vehicles to identify. Progress information is displayed for additional users. An input including the identifier is received using the user interface. Images related to an image of a second vehicle's region of interest are displayed. A progress of the additional users is monitored and then the displayed progress information is updated.

Abstract: A mobile device is configured as a point and shoot type weapon for gaming, training, or the like. Utilizing the mobile device based weapon, such as a smart phone for example, a user thereof can simply aim the mobile device at a target and shoot. Shooting may be accomplished by tapping the mobile device, activating a button or soft key on the mobile device, making a gesture (e.g., moving a finger as if a trigger is being pulled), providing an audible command (e.g., “shoot”), or the like.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer programs are presented for managing motion sickness of a user while the user is wearing a head-mounted device (HMD). One method includes an operation for monitoring the physical characteristics of the user while wearing the HMD that is presenting a virtual reality with multimedia content, where the physical characteristics including motions of the user. The multimedia content includes audio and video for presentation on a display of the HMD. Additionally, the method includes an operation for determining if the user is experiencing motion sickness based on the monitoring of the physical characteristics of the user while the virtual reality is being presented. When the user is experiencing motion sickness, supplemental sound is delivered to the user, where the supplemental sound is combined with sound from the multimedia content for delivery to the user, and the supplemental sound is defined to decrease the motion sickness experienced by the user.

Abstract: Systems and methods for extracting an image of a physical object constructed of for example bricks are presented. The method and system may detect boundaries and edges of a background using an edge detection operator, perform a perspective transformation calculation to compute a corrected virtual grid that is substantially aligned with the physical object's image, locate a color calibration palette in the digital image and extract color value information for pixels of the color calibration palette, and discern bricks as part of the physical object's image, the discernment being based in part on a determination of the brick's color compared to the color palette and the background color, the discerned bricks forming the extracted image. A computer readable medium may include instructions causing a system to extract an image of a physical object constructed of bricks according to the method.

Abstract: A computer implemented game has unlockable game elements. When unlocked these unlockable game elements may provide extra moves or the like when playing a level. These game elements may be associated with a level. The game elements are unlocked by playing the game over a set of levels.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for advertising through a social network by immersion of participants in a sponsored mobile game. A game application for the sponsored game is developed on a server and deployed on consumer devices connected to the server. The game application, operating on a smart phone, utilizes onboard GPS and camera subsystems to carry out and facilitate the game functions. A dashboard is provided for designing the game around an advertising campaign. The game application is syndicated and shared through a consumer's social media community. The game is tracked by the server. Game information and rewards are delivered to participants during and after the game. In one aspect, the game involves a participant gathering digital permits prior to and during the game which are used to complete a tagging event with other participants. Rewards such as redeemable coupons are based on actions at sponsor locations.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of determining game objects to be displayed on a display comprising: causing to be displayed on the display a plurality of selectable game objects comprising tiles stored in at least one memory, each tile having a letter; operating a processor in communication with the at least one memory to cause the tiles to be arranged in a manner enabling a user to select one or more of the tiles in a manner that spells a word, the game board being updatable; and causing the processor to use at least one dictionary stored in the memory to select one or more words to be displayed on the game board, the at least one dictionary comprising a plurality of words of a first type and a plurality of words of a second type, wherein the method comprises the processor causing the tiles to be arranged such that the game board comprises at least one word of the second type.

Abstract: A method for sharing recorded gameplay of a video game to a social graph, including the following: recording, by a game console, video of a user's gameplay during a gameplay session that is defined by execution of the video game by the game console; receiving, by the game console, a command to initiate a sharing operation during the gameplay session, wherein receiving the command to initiate the sharing operation is in response to button input triggered from a controller device; in response to receiving the command, presenting, by the game console, a user interface configured to enable identification and sharing of at least a portion of the recorded video; processing, by the game console, input received via the user interface to determine a user-defined selection of the recorded video; sharing the user-defined selection of the recorded video to a social graph of the user.

Abstract: An automatic detachable combined toy gyro is characterized in that: the gyro is formed by vertically jointing at least two gyros, and tips of the gyros are all elastic tips, so that an upper gyro in the gyros automatically releases the connection with a lower gyro when it is impacted or the rotation thereof is blocked during rotation, and the upper gyro is ejected under the action of the elastic tip to form two separately rotating gyros. During playing of the present invention, the gyro may be split into two or three gyros during a confrontational match, which greatly increases the aggressiveness of the gyro and obtain a higher win rate; moreover, because the tip of the gyro is an elastic tip, during splitting and separating when playing, the upper gyro is generally split by the elasticity of the tip thereof, and has little impact on the lower gyro.

Abstract: A combined toy top comprises an upper top and a bottom top that are assembled together. The upper top and the bottom top both comprise a central axis body and a top ring fitting over the central axis body. The direction in which the top ring is installed on the central axis body can be turned over between a top face and a bottom face and, therefore, a combined toy top with a variety of assembly ways may be achieved by turning the direction of the top ring on the central axis body. As a result, more powerful attacks and a higher victory rate during games can be realized. Furthermore, a user may form tops of various shapes and centers of gravity by turning the direction of the top ring on the central axis body for adaption to different games and attacks.

Abstract: A device including a stuffed object such as a pillow, stuffed animal or stuffed toy which includes an attached tethering device which includes an attachment mechanism such as an adhesive pad or other means that can attach to a stand-alone, hand held device such as a remote control. Stuffed objects such as pillows and stuffed toys are often placed in various places as a decorative item. By tethering a stand-alone, hand held device to a stuffed object, the stand-alone, hand held device will be easily locatable because the stuffed object to which it is attached is will be easily locatable. The stuffed object can easily be passed from one person to another or carried to another location so that the stand-alone, hand held device can easily be used by different people or in different places.

Abstract: A convertible toy includes a body portion having an inner cavity accessible via an opening extending along a length of the body portion and configured to receive a bag integratable with the toy and having a securing device for opening and closing the cavity and extending along the length of the body portion. The integrated bag of the convertible toy includes a panel having an opening with edges and is attached along the edges of the opening in the panel of the bag to a perimeter of the inner cavity of the toy so that it is insertable and removable in and from the inner cavity of the toy.

Abstract: A formable figurine device is positionable facilitating placement of the figurine in amusing positions or depicting amusing situations. The device includes a formable neck wire coupling a head to an upper torso. Formable arm wires extend from the upper torso. A pair of formable torso wires couple a lower torso to the upper torso. Formable leg wires extend from the lower torso. The head, upper torso, neck wire, arm wires, lower torso, torso wires, and leg wires define a skeletal frame. A skin covers the skeletal frame such that the skin resembles a humanoid form.

Abstract: The present invention relates to dolls which comprises (i) a cover shaped to define a desired figure; (ii) optionally, additional parts attached to the cover; and at least one balloon, wherein the balloon is inserted and inflated in the cover to impart a three dimensional form thereto, and wherein said cover having at least one hole from which the balloon is exposed to form part of the doll figure.

Abstract: A system of interconnected flexible supports are adapted for use with a mobile device operative by a mobile computing device such as a smart phone and/or tablet for controlled movement of the mobile device in a plurality of directions. The system includes a plurality of flexible supports which may be magnetically coupled together to form a flexible layout having infinite configurations. The supports are configured to be self-aligned when coupled by the magnetic attraction between adjacent supports.

Abstract: A balloon can maintain a bent state even if a bent state-holding member is not used. A balloon includes two plastic films that are stacked and sealed at a peripheral edge. The balloon includes a first part, a second part, and a bending part that is situated between the first part and the second part. The bending part includes a gas passage through which the interior of the first part and the interior of the second part communicate with each other, and a bending sealed part that is formed by sealing the two plastic films situated opposite to each other in an inward area relative to the peripheral edge. An outer edge of the bending sealed part extends beyond the bending part so as to be situated within the first part and the second part.

Abstract: A stimulation device to stimulate skin may include a handle to be gripped by the user; a flexible connection member to connect to the handle; and a dangling member to connect to the flexible connection member to stimulate the skin.

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

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for continuous extraction of plant oils from plant tissue using an advantageous azeotrope of ethanol and water and employing the differing solubility of plant oils in ethanol and water to drive formation of a non-toxic oil tincture.

Abstract: A separations tray assembly for use in a fluid-fluid exchange column. The separations tray assembly is of the type where a first fluid, in a continuous phase, is directed across successive trays in a serpentine flow path. A second fluid, in a dispersed phase ascends through apertures in the tray thus inducing interaction and mass transfer with the first fluid. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the separations tray further includes a diffuser skirt, having apertures disposed therein, operatively coupled to a fluid channel. The diffuser skirt is operable to direct the first fluid to cover substantially an entire volumetric cross-flow window between successive separations trays and to induce stirring and mixing of the first fluid and the second fluid to effect efficient mass transfer.

Abstract: A fractional extraction apparatus comprises one or more extraction vessel configured to receive a process fluid, allow the process fluid to come into contact with a source material within the extraction vessel under either of a selectively configured first predetermined pressure and a first predetermined temperature to remove a first predetermined extracted material from the source material to form a first mixture or a second predetermined pressure and a second predetermined temperature to remove a second predetermined extracted material from the source material to form a second mixture. The apparatus further comprises one or more separation chamber and a circulation conduit, the conduit including a separation portion configured to receive the first or second mixture and permit a portion of the first or second predetermined extracted material to separate from the mixture within the separation chamber.

Abstract: A method and a slurry tank system for transferring chromatography media slurry from a slurry tank (3) to a chromatography column (9), said method comprising monitoring the content of slurry in the slurry tank (3) during the transferring and controlling the transferring of the slurry to the column (9) in dependence of the content of slurry in the slurry tank (3).

Abstract: A container system is disclosed, where the container system includes a housing. A chromatography cartridge is disposed in the housing. A structural support in the housing is configured to retain the chromatography cartridge within the housing. The housing is configured to withstand a certain amount of pressure generated inside the chromatography cartridge. The chromatography cartridge is disposed in the housing either in horizontal or in vertical position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a chromatography column assembly that offers an affordable self-packed column for performing chromatographic separation. The chromatography column assembly comprises a column tube having a first and a second opening at substantially opposite ends, and an end cap of either a snap fit design or a bolted design. The column assembly may further include an adaptor shaft inserted into the column through the end cap for achieving a desired bed volume. The column assembly may also include a second end cap enclosing the second opening, and an optional adaptor shaft may be inserted into the column through the second end cap, enabling further adjustment of the bed volume.

Abstract: A waste water and hazardous chemical containment and collection system includes a substantially planar, non-porous lower layer. A lower corrugated plate layer rests upon the planar, non-porous lower layer and an upper corrugated plate layer rests upon the lower corrugated plate layer. An upper layer that has several holes for the passage of fluids rests upon the upper corrugated plate layer. The overall length and width of the lower corrugated plate layer, the upper corrugated plate layer, and the upper layer are substantially equal. Fluids enter the system through the holes and some oils from the fluids collect within netting of the lower corrugated plate layer and the upper corrugated plate layer for later collection.