Abstract: A sports training target is provided. In exemplary embodiments, a sports training target may comprise a return net for substantially covering an opening defined by a frame, the return net having tension to withstand the impact of a sports projectile propelled from an originating location and having tension to allow the sports projectile to pass downward, exit a bottom portion of the return net, and return in the direction of the originating location; a target for substantially covering the return net, the target having an opening formed therein, the opening adapted to allow the sports projectile to pass behind the target to the return net, the target adapted to withstand the impact of a sports projectile, the target positioned in front of the return net, whereby a passage is formed between the target and the return net; and an attachment member adapted to attach the sports training target to the frame.

Abstract: A system and method of detecting head movement during a golf swing includes wirelessly coupled sensor devices at the golfer's head and hand, each including an accelerometer, processor, and communication module. The hand sensor device measures forces at the hand, and the head sensor device measures movement at the head. During a swing, the accelerometer in the hand sensor device measures forces in three directions and generates swing data. The processor in the hand sensor device detects an impact time in the swing data, and that impact time is transmitted to the head sensor device. The accelerometer in the head sensor device continuously measures forces in three directions and generates head data. The processor in the head sensor device processes the head data around the impact time to detect head movement. The processor in the head sensor device then issues an alert if the head movement exceeds a threshold.

Abstract: An automated ball launching system is described. The system includes a ball support configured to releasably support a ball in a launch position; a positioning subsystem configured to set a launch direction for the ball; a launcher configured to project the ball in the launch direction from the launch position; and a control subsystem connected to the positioning subsystem and the launcher. The control subsystem is configured to: determine a position of a player relative to the ball launching system; control the positioning subsystem to set the launch direction based on the position of the player; and control the launcher to project the ball in the launch direction.

Abstract: A ball launcher includes a base and a thrower arm defining a ball cradle. An arm holder is disposed on the base and pivotally supports the thrower arm about a first axis of rotation, the thrower arm spring biased about the first axis of rotation. A rotating shaft defines a second axis of rotation substantially parallel to the fore-aft axis. A ball loader is coupled to the rotating shaft for common rotation about the second axis of rotation, the ball loader defining a ball receptacle. A loader arm is releasably connected to the rotating shaft for common rotation about the second axis of rotation. The loader arm defines a longitudinal axis substantially perpendicular to the second axis of rotation of the rotating shaft and has a length extending away from the rotating shaft.

Abstract: A running form diagnosis system capable of automatically scoring a running form of a runner is provided. The running form diagnosis system obtains body motion information as to a test subject running on a treadmill, and calculate a running form score of the test subject by applying obtained characteristics to a given operation expression. The operation expression is generated based on correlation between characteristics of a plurality of test runners and comprehensive evaluation given by an expert with respect to the plurality of test runners.

Abstract: A skiing apparatus including an upper frame member, a lower seat member, a handle member, a lower frame, a ski attachment member, an upper shock absorbing connector member, and a lower shock absorbing connector member. The lower seat member has a medial portion connected to the upper frame member. The handle member is connected to the upper frame member in fixed relation to the lower seat member. The lower frame member is connected to the lower seat member. The ski attachment member is connected to the lower frame member and adapted to be detachably connected to a ski. The upper shock absorbing connector member is connected to the lower seat member. The lower shock absorbing connector member is connected to the lower frame member.

Abstract: Shown is a ski binding for fastening a ski boot with a firm or flexible sole onto a ski, which encompasses the following: a forefoot-fixing module with a fastening section and movable section and a support for the heel of the ski boot, wherein the movable section of the forefoot-fixing module encompasses a front receptacle and a rear receptacle, wherein the front and rear receptacle are together suitable for fastening a front section of the ski boot in the forefoot-fixing module, and releasing the latter given a correspondingly high torque. The ski binding has a Telemark downhill mode and/or a climbing mode and/or an alpine downhill mode.

Abstract: A puck system achieves adjustable stance in three degrees of freedom—foot placement, foot angulation, and crosswise centering—on a snow gliding board. The puck system includes pairs of puck assemblies for each rider's foot. Puck assemblies are formed from a sliderblock, a flanged disk, and fasteners for each puck. To achieve crosswise centering, the sliderblock is patterned on a top face so as to engage a detent on the underside of the flanged disk in one of many crosswise positions. In a preferred embodiment, the patterned surface includes stepwise offset circular grooves, the grooves providing rotational freedom of angulation at multiple axes of rotation according to the crosswise displacement of the sliderblock in the mounting channel, thereby realizing independent, finely granular adjustment of stance and center of balance for the first time. The system may be used with most boot binding interfaces on the market and may be adapted for either splitboards or snowboards.

Abstract: An electric vehicle may comprise a board including deck portions each configured to receive a foot of a rider, and a wheel assembly disposed between the deck portions. A motor assembly may be mounted to the board and configured to propel the electric vehicle using the wheel assembly. At least one orientation sensor may be configured to measure orientation information of the board, and at least one pressure-sensing transducer may be configured to determine rider presence information. A motor controller may be configured to receive the orientation information and the rider presence information, and to cause the motor assembly to propel the electric vehicle based on the orientation and presence information.

Abstract: A security system for a casino table card game has a casino table with i) indicia thereon for the placement of wagers, ii) a data entry system with an associated computer, and iii) sensors that can detect the placement of at least one specific category of wager; a shuffling device with a microprocessor integral to the shuffler for providing information regarding cards or hands; a central table gaming computer that receives information from the shuffler in real time, receives information from the sensors, and receives information from the data entry system, the associated computer, the microprocessor and the central table gaming computer communicating data among each other in real time.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a security apparatus for use on a playing card shoe to prevent the removal of playing cards from the splaying card shoe. Playing card shoes generally have an elongated body including a card cradle for supporting a plurality of playing cards, The card cradle has an outlet opening adjacent to a front end of the elongated body, through which playing cards can be removed from the playing card shoe, A cradle cover is removably attached to the elongated, body, covering the card cradle and playing cards therein. A faceplate is removably attach to the outer front, end of the elongated body, and defines a mouth through which playing cards can be drawn from the outlet opening. The security apparatus prevents the removal a playing cards from the shoe, where the security apparatus is removably attached to the playing card shoe to block and/or cover the outlet opening.

Abstract: A card dealing shoe including a sloped base with an opening, a roller mounted for rotational motion on an axle connected at each of the opposing side walls, and a pivoting lever having a first end and an opposing second end, wherein the first end protrudes from the opening in the sloped base, the pivoting lever being configured to pivot from a first position wherein the first end protrudes from the opening in the sloped base and the second end restricts rotational motion of the roller to a second position in which the second end permits rotational motion of the roller, wherein the lever is biased towards the first position.

Abstract: A playing card delivery shoe used in the play of the casino table card game of blackjack. The shoe may include an area for receiving a first set of playing cards, a first card mover that moves playing cards from the first set of playing cards to a playing card staging area, a second playing card mover that moves playing cards from the playing card staging area to a delivery area, and playing card-reading sensors that read at least one playing card value of each playing card separately after each playing card has been removed from the area for receiving the first set of playing cards and before removal from the playing card delivery area. A processor analyzes the data and displays certain game-related data on a display device. Methods of providing cards to a dealer in a casino table card game of blackjack are disclosed.

Abstract: Substitution of game commands with different replacement commands at client devices using substitution reference sets is provided. Substitution reference sets including first and second substitution reference sets may be obtained. The first substitution reference set may indicate substituting of a first command with a second command. The second substitution reference set may indicate substituting of the first command with a third command different from the second command. The first substitution reference set may be provided to a first client device. The second substitution reference set may be provided to a second client device. Responsive to the first substitution reference set being provided, requested game commands at the first client device that match the first command may be substituted with the second command. Responsive to the second substitution reference set being provided, requested game commands at the second client device that match the first command may be substituted with the third command.

Abstract: A device for providing a proximity sensing touchless display to a gaming machine is provided. The device includes a processor, a display coupled to the processor, and a touchless input interface coupled to the processor and being implemented by the display for receiving input from the player. The input interface employs proximity sensing technology, such as but not limited to proximity button activation. For example, the display can be operable to sense a player's approaching finger entering an electrical field (e.g., corresponding to one or more electrodes) such that a particular button or function on the interface can be activated without the player's finger having to ever physically contact a button, push pad, keypad, touch screen, and/or the like.

Abstract: One object is to provide a game that encourages the interaction between users forming a group and enhances the bond between the users. In accordance with one aspect, a server device of the present disclosure which is connected to terminal devices operated by the users via a communication network to provide a game to the terminal devices. The server device includes: an assignment unit for assigning, to each of the users belonging to the group, a certain event as a specific event from a plurality of events; and a notification unit for notifying, on occurrence of the specific event to an object user belonging to the group, the fact that the specific event has occurred, to the terminal device of at least one of the users belonging to the group, regardless of the intention of the object user.

Abstract: A payment card is disclosed. The payment card may comprise a substrate, and an issuer identifier, and a game code printed on the substrate. The payment card may be a stored value card or a gift card, and can be used in an open loop payment system. A removable layer can be present over the game code.

Abstract: A method for sharing three-dimensional gameplay of a video game to a social network is provided, the method including: receiving a request to share a recorded gameplay portion to a social network, the recorded gameplay portion defined by three-dimensional recorded video; generating a two-dimensional video clip based on the three-dimensional recorded video; sharing the two-dimensional video clip to the social network.

Abstract: A system and method configured to enhance gameplay between users in an online game and to deter the use of automated scripts in connection with online gameplay in order to achieve one or more advantages. In some implementations, the challenges are presented in-game as a pop-up window such that the player is presented with the challenge in this respect from time to time. In some implementations, the user is awarded virtual items in connection with a positive outcome response to the challenge while the user is penalized in some manner in connection with a negative outcome response. In some implementations, awards and penalties correlate to additions and subtractions of virtual items associated with the users inventory of virtual items. In some implementations, the negative value associated with a penalty is greater than the corresponding positive value of an award in connection with an applicable challenge.

Abstract: A system and method for providing virtual items to users of an online game operated in a virtual space. Multiple users may participate in affiliations or alliances of discrete groups of users in an online game and may access the online game through client computing platforms associated with the users. The affiliations may have affiliation game units associated with affiliations which provide a benefit to the members of the online game. Affiliation members may cumulatively obtain affiliation game units and/or upgrade affiliation game units by providing one or more virtual items. Upgrading affiliation game units may require the cooperation of multiple members of the affiliation.

Abstract: A game system which a customization in regard to an arrangement and a size of a panel image can be done with an easy operation is provided. A panel image including an operation panel image corresponded to an operation associated with a game progress is displayed on the second display unit having a touch panel. When an operation on an operation panel image is detected by the touch panel, a game image in which a processing corresponding to the operation is performed is displayed and supplied to a first display unit. In a customization mode for customizing, a panel image display area and a candidate image which is a candidate of the panel image displayed in the panel image display area are displayed on the second display unit. A selection operation of the candidate image is detected by the touch panel, and the candidate image operated for selection is arranged and displayed in the panel image display area as the panel image.

Abstract: A system and method for playing a multi-player music video game with a drum system video game controller is provided. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a method for providing a drum solo with a music based multi-player video game. In another embodiment, the invention relates to a system for providing analog input from one or more drum sensors used in game play associated with a music based multi-player video game. In yet another embodiment, the invention relates to a method for preventing interference between the one or more drum sensors. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a method for mapping digital information indicative of input to a video game controller in a first form to information in a second form, the second form conforming to a protocol for inputs to a video game console executing a music based multi-player video game.

Abstract: A system and method provides gaming related and player/gaming attendant related services to a plurality EGM. Each EGM has an associated multipurpose EGM/player tracking device. Each multipurpose EGM/player tracking device has first and second ports. The first port couples the respective multipurpose EGM/player tracking device to the respective EGM using a communications link. The first port of one of the multipurpose EGM/player tracking devices may utilize a different communications protocol than another one of the advance player tracking device. A server computer is coupled the multipurpose EGM/player tracking devices using a system communications protocol through system communications links. The server computer provides gaming and player/gaming attendant services to users of the EGMs.

Abstract: A multi-instance, multi-user animation platform includes a plurality of modeled parallel dimensions in a computer memory. Each of the parallel dimensions may be an independent model of a physical, three-dimensional space having corresponding features such that the parallel dimensions are recognizable as counterparts to each other. Avatars are located within corresponding ones of the parallel dimensions so as to prevent over-population of any one of the parallel dimensions by avatars. Avatars are animated within different ones of the parallel dimensions using input from respective users to provide virtual-reality data. A common space is modeled in the computer memory configured in relation to the plurality of parallel instances so that an object located inside the common space is visible from viewpoints located inside each of the plurality of parallel instances. Remote clients may output an animated display of a corresponding one of the parallel dimensions and avatars therein.

Abstract: A network game system includes a game server in which a plurality of players respectively operating a plurality of portable communication terminals are registered in advance. When any one of the players logs in the game server through a communication network, a game is supplied to the portable communication terminal of the player. A game screen is shown on a display, and both characters in the course of logging-in and logging out are displayed on the game screen. If the player selects the logging-out character, a selection signal is transmitted to the game server. The game server transmits a log-in operation request to the portable communication terminal of the player operating the selected character.

Abstract: Systems and methods of organizing a massively multiplayer online game (MMOG) via mobile units are provided. Features of mobile units such as messaging and location based services are incorporated into the game to enhance the user experience. The MMOG provides social networking opportunities to players by associating players based on similarities such as shared interests and activities. These shared interests and activities can be determined based on associations of the players in other situations, such as disparate online games or websites. In addition, advertising content can be provided to players based on similar factors. In an example implementation, the MMOG comprises a game similar to the offline game of tag, wherein players can “tag” each other through in-game interactions via the mobile units. These interactions can be triggered based on players being a fixed predetermined distance from each other.

Abstract: A multi-player game environment is created for single-player use. A user may select a single-player game or a multi-player game. When the user chooses a multi-player game, the user is prompted to select one or more customized AI characters. The AI characters may be available individually or in themed “packs.” The selected AI character or pack may be downloaded, stored, or otherwise made accessible to an electronic entertainment system. The user may select a mode or skill level for each AI character. The user may begin playing the game in a multi-player mode with the game environment populated with an avatar effectuating behaviors of the selected AI character or characters.

Abstract: One aspect of the disclosure relates to a system configured to provide a virtual space, in accordance with one or more implementations. Users of virtual spaces may encounter barriers in a game. During these barriers, users may receive and/or provide assistance to other affiliation members. One aspect of the disclosure relates to allowing affiliations or other groups to utilize in-game items to assist other players in game progress in an online game. This may incent positive player actions towards affiliation members, may enhance engagement between affiliation members, may provide an incentive for users to join an affiliation, and/or have other results. These results may ultimately contribute to enhanced retention, enhanced monetization, enhanced user satisfaction, and/or other enhancements.

Abstract: A planar seat having a center hole and a perimeter rim, a carrier bag affixed on one end to the perimeter rim of the planar seat and the other open end of the carrier bag having a closure mechanism to close the carrier bag, a support rope with a looped end and the other end with a stopper mechanism, and a retrieval line with a closeable fastener.

Abstract: A track set is provided. The track set includes a first track segment and a carriage. The first track segment has a first pivot and is rotatable about the first pivot from a first position to a second position. The carriage is rotationally coupled to an end of the first track segment by a second pivot. The carriage is configured to rotate about the second pivot as the first track segment rotates from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A toy apparatus includes a base having a first surface, a wall movably coupled to the base, and an actuation element located on the first surface of the base. The actuation element is rotatably coupled to the base, the actuation element being rotatable relative to the base in a first direction and in a second direction opposite the first direction. The actuation element includes a main body, and first and second extensions coupled to the main body. The first extension has first and second engageable surfaces, the actuation element rotating in the first direction when a force is applied to the first engageable surface and in the second direction when a force is applied to the second engageable surface. The second extension engages and moves the wall relative to the base when the actuation element rotates.

Abstract: A collapsible and expandable children's toy building block is described. The toy blocks may be made in various sizes and shapes. The toy block includes an internal frame. A cover is positioned over the internal frame to form the toy block. The toy block converts from a collapsed position to an expanded position, and the toy block converts from the expanded position back to the collapsed position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vaporizer comprising a housing, a housing cap, which covers an end of the housing and has a vapor discharge opening, and a heating element, which sits in the housing and protrudes into the housing cap, wherein an annular gap is provided between the heating element and the housing and also between the heating element and the housing cap and connects an inlet opening in the housing to the vapor discharge opening. In accordance with this disclosure, the annular gap has a starting portion, a middle portion and an end portion, wherein the starting portion and the middle portion are arranged in the housing and the end portion is arranged in the housing cap, and wherein the annular gap is wider in the middle portion than in the starting portion.

Abstract: The present invention describes a process for the separation of xylenes in simulated counter-current utilising at least one adsorber with a limited cumulated total height (Hcu) of adsorbent and a superficial velocity (Vsl) of less than 2 cm/s.

Abstract: A method and a system for phase inversion of a dispersion are disclosed, the dispersion comprising a first fluid, said first fluid forming a disperse phase and a second fluid, said second fluid forming a continuous phase. The dispersion is supplied in a fluid supply device to a phase inversion means. Thereby the first fluid is transformed from the disperse phase into the continuous phase and the second fluid is transformed from the continuous phase into the disperse phase. The phase inversion means comprises an element providing a fluid contacting surface for coalescence in a direction of flow.

Abstract: A method for preparing a porous fluoropolymer precursor includes combining a fluoropolymer and a removable additive to form a composition, the removable additive having a thermal decomposition temperature greater than a sintering temperature of the fluoropolymer, compressing the composition to form a preform, and sintering the preform to form the porous fluoropolymer precursor. A method for preparing a porous fluoropolymer includes disposing the porous fluoropolymer precursor in a removing agent, contacting the removable additive with the removing agent, and removing, by the removing agent, the removable additive from the porous fluoropolymer precursor to form the porous fluoropolymer, wherein the porous fluoropolymer comprises a plurality of pores formed by removing the removable additive.

Abstract: A filter funnel has a funnel seat, a tubular stem, and a seal washer that is sleeved on the tubular stem and abuts against an abutment region of the funnel seat. The seal washer has a slot registering with a port of a vacuum intake duct formed in the funnel seat and is disposed to cover an access opening of a flask. When the flask is connected to a vacuum source through the vacuum intake duct to create reduced pressure in the flask, the seal washer presses against a flask neck of the flask to provide an air-tight seal between the access opening and the slot, thereby facilitating flowing of a liquid fraction of a mixture introduced into the filter funnel into the flask.

Abstract: A filtration device to filter cooking oil is provided having an upper layer comprised of a filter paper and a lower layer comprised of a filter pad. The filter paper of the upper layer includes pleats defining a plurality of food particle receiving channels over a substantial portion of a central area of the filter paper. The filter pad is stitched to a peripheral portion of the filter paper to form a multi-layered filtration device having a central pleated region in which the upper and the lower layers are unbonded to each other. The central pleated region is configured to accumulate food particles above a threshold size as the filter paper and filter pad cooperatively filter cooking oil during a filtration operation. Methods of making and using filtration devices are also provided.

Abstract: A replaceable filter for a liquid filter cartridge system having a valve body and a valve actuator relatively rotatable to control fluid flow through the valve by aligning and unaligning respective fluid inlet passages and fluid outlet passages of the valve body and the valve actuator.

Abstract: The filter includes: a structure with a C-shaped profile defining side walls and nozzle pipes, each connected to the structure. Each nozzle pipe has a longitudinal axis and an end; a plate connected over a border of the nozzle pipe end to close the nozzle pipe. The plate extends beyond the border. The end of the nozzle pipe is inserted between the side walls of the C-shaped profile. The plate is connected between the side walls of the C-shaped profile. A U-shaped pin defines a first and a second leg, wherein the first leg is inserted in holes of the side walls of the C-shaped profile. The first and the second leg rest on the nozzle pipe and embracing the nozzle pipe. The plate is at an angle (A) greater than 0° with a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle pipe. The second leg has a protrusion that rests against the plate.

Abstract: A nanoporous ceramic membrane and preparation method thereof is provided. The nanoporous ceramic membrane is prepared by halloysite nanotubes (HNTs), and its porosity is between 35% to 85%. This method comprises steps as following: HNTs and polymers with a certain ratio are dispersed in organic solvent, and HNTs/polymer composite fibers are prepared through electrospinning method; after the HNTs/polymers composite fibers are laminated, they are sintered at high temperature in a certain or vacuum atmosphere, and a nanoporous ceramic membrane is obtained. Ceramic membrane prepared by this method is corrosion resistant, thermal resistant, and have large specific surface area, it may widely applied in the field of filtration, catalyst carrier and purification of high-temperature gas, etc.

Abstract: Apparatus and method related to a cartridge filter having self-regulated pleat spacing. An elastic adhesive bead is used on an outer surface of a cylindrically formed pleated filter media to maintain pleat spacing without damaging the pleats or the filter media. In this way, a cylindrical pleated filter media may be formed from a planar filter media without the need for manually spacing the pleats during or after formation into a cylinder.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for abating ozone and reducing sulfuric acid from an exhaust stream. In a semiconductor manufacturing plant the processing of wafers involves the cleaning and etching of wafers, the resultant processing may produce gasses which must be abated. The apparatus and method utilizes UV light in high doses to convert ozone (O3) to oxygen (O2). By ensuring laminar flow through the UV light chambers, the efficiency of the system is sufficient to allow for the remaining impurities in the exhaust air to be removed through the use of an RTO.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for producing a strong, light, sorbent-based storage/dispenser system for gases and fuels. The system comprises a porous monolithic material with an adherent strong impervious skin that is capable of storing a gas under pressure in a safe and usable manner.

Abstract: An air separation system is provided that includes at least one air separation module having a first end and a second end and at least one mounting assembly removably connected the at least one air separation module and configured to mount the at least one air separation module in an aircraft. The at least one mounting assembly includes a first end cap removably connected to the first end of the at least one air separation module, a second end cap removably connected to the second end of the at least one air separation module, and at least one bracket configured to removably connect one of the first end cap and the second end cap to an aircraft.

Abstract: An apparatus and process is disclosed for the cooling of a reactor effluent gas stream. The apparatus includes a two stage contact cooling system with a first stage wash zone and second stage wash zone. Each wash zone has a packed bed, or other type of mechanical system for contacting the gas stream with the cooling liquid. The liquid in the first stage will remove heavy components, allowing for a cleaner second stage that can be reduced in size.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment is a membrane separation element. The membrane separation element can include a membrane and a feed spacer positioned adjacent to the membrane. The feed spacer may include a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer. Usually, a plurality of fibers of the second layer only touches a plurality of fibers of the first and third layers.

Abstract: An acidic gas separation laminate includes a composite film formed of a porous support which is formed by laminating a porous film and an auxiliary support film and an acidic gas separation facilitated transport film which is disposed on the porous film side of the porous support; a permeating gas channel member which is laminated so as to face the auxiliary support film of the porous support and in which acidic gas permeated and passed through the acidic gas separation facilitated transport film flows; and a film protection unit in which an adhesive becomes impregnated into the porous film at an impregnation rate of 10% or greater in the lamination direction of the porous support and the impregnation rate of the adhesive in the auxiliary support film is smaller than the impregnation rate of the adhesive in the porous film.

Abstract: CO2 may be recovered from flue gas by a hybrid system utilizing both gas separation membranes and adsorption. Purified flue gas is separated by the gas separation membrane into permeate and non-permeate streams. The permeate stream is compressed, partially condensed at a heat exchanger, and phase-separated to produce a vent gas and high purity liquid CO2. The vent gas is recycled to the membrane. The non-permeate is fed to a PSA unit. The CO2 blow-down from the PSA unit is also compressed with the permeate stream. The adsorbent in the PSA unit is regenerated with combustion air and the CO2-containing combustion air is fed to a combustor for combustion with fuel and an oxidant to produce the flue gas.

Abstract: CO2 may be recovered from flue gas by a hybrid system utilizing both gas separation membranes and adsorption. Purified flue gas is separated by the gas separation membrane into permeate and non-permeate streams. The permeate stream is compressed, partially condensed at a heat exchanger, and phase-separated to produce a vent gas and high purity liquid CO2. The vent gas is recycled to the membrane. The non-permeate is fed to a PSA unit. The CO2 blow-down from the PSA unit is also compressed with the flue gas stream. The adsorbent in the PSA unit is regenerated with combustion air and the CO2-containing combustion air is fed to a combustor for combustion with fuel and an oxidant to produce the flue gas.