Abstract: Golf club heads having sensors configured to measure one or more swing parameters are provided. The golf club head may include several gyroscopes and accelerometers. In one embodiment, the club head contains three gyroscopes that measure angular rate data along different orthogonal axes. At least one gyroscope may an analog gyroscope. Accelerometers may provide data regarding the three orthogonal axes associated with the gyroscopes. The club head may further include software and/or hardware that perform computer-executed methods for determining one or more swing parameters. Exemplary club heads may include a display device for displaying an output of the swing parameter(s). Further aspects of the invention relate to novel methods and algorithms for calculating measurements relating to the swing parameters.

Abstract: An athletic apparatus and method of gameplay may be provided. In an exemplary embodiment, an athletic apparatus may include a height-adjustable center pole and at least one net running from the center pole to the ground. A variety of games may be played using the athletic apparatus, including variations of common sports involving a ball or birdie.

Abstract: A swinging bob toy having three bobs constrained to a string with at least the center bob being slideable along the string. Each bob is modular and consists of two hemispheric elastomeric mantle pieces, a three-component throughbore sheath, and one or two hex nuts mounted on a threaded central component of the throughbore sheath. The two end components of the throughbore sheath are flared and are non-elastomeric, while the threaded central component is elastomeric. The outside ends of the flared end components of the sheath are recessed relative to the mouths of the throughbore so that all exterior impact surfaces of the bob are elastomeric. The string has a circular cross-section and has a width greater than 50% of the width of the narrowest diameter of the throughbore.

Abstract: An exemplary hockey puck includes a gyroscope within an outer shell. An exemplary method of controlling movement of a hockey puck includes holding a gyroscope within an outer housing of a hockey puck.

Abstract: Oversized basketball rims that are directly attached to standard basketball backboards are disclosed, designed to improve the confidence of basketball players. Also, undersized basketball rims that are directly attached to standard basketball backboards, designed to improve the accuracy of basketball players are disclosed.

Abstract: A fitness system for training a user to perform basketball movements is disclosed. The fitness system may include a sensor configured to detect spatial data associated with the user and a basketball. The fitness system also may include a display configured to provide a prompt associated with a particular movement, and user feedback. The fitness system also may include a movement database configured to store a plurality of movements including the particular movement, each movement including model movement data. The fitness system also may include a movement analysis unit configured to retrieve the model movement data associated with the particular movement from the movement database, determine user movement data based on the spatial data, determine user feedback data based on a comparison of the user movement data and the model movement data, and configure the display to display the user feedback based on the user feedback data.

Abstract: A multi-height baseball hitting device includes a base plate assembly, a sleeve and a pipe. The sleeve is disposed on the base plate assembly. The sleeve has at least three positioning blocks extending from an inner wall of the sleeve. The pipe has a supporting portion, a connecting portion and a positioning portion. The supporting portion is connected with the connecting portion for supporting a ball. A plurality of ring-shaped rails are formed on the positioning portion and arranged from the connecting portion at equal intervals, and the positioning blocks of the sleeve are engaged with the ring-shaped rails, such that the pipe is adjustable to be fixed with plural heights, thereby meeting all of the heights of children and adults.

Abstract: A low-bouncing buffer net includes a net material, a net frame and a buffering material. The net frame is used for supporting the net material. The buffering material is disposed on the net material. The disclosure can reduce the bouncing force generated after a golf ball contacts the net and ensure that the golf ball can be stopped in the target.

Abstract: An apparatus for playing games is envisaged. It includes a structure that defines boundary of the apparatus. There are multiple elements placed on the apparatus that define player locations. The apparatus can of any size and shape and can be used by players for playing various games. The players can use movable devices separately or the devices can be associated with players for the purpose of playing different games. Multiple lanes are placed at pre-defined positions on the structure for forming junctions in order to control and guide movement of players or moveable devices or movable devices associated with players. These junctions and lanes together form a number of turns that change direction of movement of players during the game play. The apparatus includes transparent bodies, speed regulators, marking units for marking the players and counters for counts number of markings for the purpose of playing different games.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention is a shirt comprising a body portion for receiving a user's torso and first and second sleeves attached to the body portion. The first and second sleeves each have an elbow region including at least a first anti-slip pattern and a cuff region including at least a second anti-slip region. In use, an elbow pad may be disposed over an upper region of one sleeve such that an inner surface of the elbow pad contacts the first anti-slip pattern. A lower sleeve portion including the cuff region may be folded over the elbow pad such that the second anti-slip pattern contacts an outer surface of the elbow pad.

Abstract: A snow-sport head mounted display device for a user is described. The display device comprising: an augmented reality display and processing circuitry configured to provide augmented reality information to the augmented reality display, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to receive an image of the real-world, identify at least one real-world obstacle in the image, and display, on the augmented reality display, an appropriate path for travel on the basis of the at least one identified obstacles.

Abstract: The invention provides improved devices, systems and methods for skateboarding (and other sporting activities) that monitor motion of a skateboard to identify tricks performed on it by a user. A system according to one aspect of the invention includes (i) a sensing device that is attached (or otherwise coupled) to the skateboard and that measures a physical characteristic of it, and (ii) a data processor that identifies the feat or trick (or other action) performed by or on the skateboard based, at least in part, on correspondence between physical characteristics of motion and/or of the environment measured by the sensing device(s) and a unique signature associated with each of one or more possible tricks.

Abstract: Devices and methods of transport are disclosed. Various embodiments include structural aspects related to steering and changing the direction of conveyances including features which utilize leaning or shifting of weight as part of turning.

Abstract: A split-style electric skateboard includes a main skating board, an auxiliary skating board, and a cross beam located between the main and auxiliary skating board. The main skating board has a steering wheel and a driving wheel arranged one behind the other. A driving motor is mounted in the driving wheel and the steering wheel is connected to the main skating board by a first steering support and a first pivot located on the first steering support. A secondary steering wheel is mounted at an intermediate position on the auxiliary skating board and is connected to the auxiliary skating board by a second steering support and a second pivot located on the second steering support. The first and second steering supports are fixedly connected by the cross beam, and the auxiliary skating board can rotate with respect to the main skating board using the first pivot as the rotation center.

Abstract: A skate boot of the type commonly used with a lower mounting frame for supporting one of an ice skating blade or rollers thereon, has a monocoque skate boot body. The monocoque skate boot body further supports i) a toe cap of dissimilar material thereon, ii) a tendon guard of dissimilar material fastened to a rear of the monocoque skate boot body, and iii) an anchor body of dissimilar material on the sole portion of the monocoque skate boot body for assisting securement of the lower mounting frame to the monocoque skate boot body.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods according to one such aspect of the invention comprises (i) a sensing device that is attached (or otherwise coupled) to a skateboard and that measures a physical characteristic of it and/or of its environment, (ii) an audio output device, and (iii) a digital data processor that is communicatively coupled to the audio output device and the sensor. The digital data processor drives the audio output device to effect one or more selected sounds (e.g., to prompt the user to perform a selected action). The digital data processor, further, and monitors the sensing device to identify user actions in response to those sounds and drives the audio output device to effect still further sounds based on those actions.

Abstract: A method for playing a hold 'em card game with two hands provides a variant to a standard hold 'em card game by dealing four hole cards to a player, and splitting the hole cards into two sets of hole cards, with each set of hole cards being independently played, bet, raised, or folded in relation to the same community cards. An initial round of wagering occurs, followed by dealing four hole cards to each player. The hole cards are split into two sets of hole cards that are played independently of each other. There is another round of betting, before a turn and a river are also dealt. If the dealer's best of five hands exceeds a poker hand ranking of the player's, the player forfeits the wager. If the player's best of five hands exceeds the dealer's, the player receives an equal amount of units to the wager.

Abstract: A deck of cards for use in a multi purpose card game. The deck of cards generally comprise a plurality of playing cards for displaying visual indicia, the deck of cards adapted to be dealt facedown or faceup among a plurality of players; and a plurality of predetermined visual indicia on said plurality of playing cards. About forty-eight of the playing cards visual indicia comprises a combination of an object, a number and a color and at least one of the playing cards visual indicia is a specified pre-identified card with a combination of an object and lettering.

Abstract: A game of chance wherein players predict the locations at which dropped balls will land on a board has a game apparatus that provides a plurality of spherical balls, a shaking means, and a board. The board is circular, having a plurality of indentations or grooves in which the balls will become trapped. The board may have a lip around the edge to prevent balls from rolling off the board. The board face is marked with a plurality of concentric circles which define regions. Players predict, prior to dropping the balls, how many balls will land in each region. Scoring may proceed in any of a number of ways; for example, where players compete against each other, the player with the most accurate prediction may be said to win or each player may be awarded points for each correctly predicted landing location. Where the game is played as a gambling game with a house or bank opposing each player separately, varying payouts may be awarded to each player based on the accuracy of their predictions.

Abstract: An electronic game consisting of a playing grid and individual letter tiles on racks, which allows players to create words for placement on the playing grid without having all of the letters of their chosen word on their tile rack. Players only need to imagine a word, for which they must hold the first and last letter tiles on their tile racks. When their chosen word is typed on a keyboard and transferred to the playing grid that word will in most cases comprise full tone and half tone tiles. Full tone tiles are those essential first and last letters of the word tiles that were on the players tile rack and have transferred to the playing grid. Half tone tiles are those tiles which complete the spelling of the chosen word and are automatically provided by the games management system, and which were not on the players tile rack.

Abstract: A game and a method of playing a guessing game.

Abstract: A holder assembly has magnetic contact engaging material on the backs of the playing pieces and compatible magnetic contact engaging material on an obverse face of a piece holder adapted to rest upon a planar support. Varieties of hand grips are employed to protrude from the reverse face of the piece holder. Each grip is contoured to afford an easy grip to a player, especially those handicapped by arthritis or other hand crippling diseases. The grip is configured to seat the holder at an angle on the planar support and to enable a player to view comfortably the held pieces. The pieces may be laid face down on the support and the holder then contacting them enables the pieces to be erected in order in front of the player. When the magnetic contact engaging material comprises magnets on the backs of the playing pieces and the compatible magnetic contact engaging material comprises iron on the holder, the pieces can be placed and played onto an iron playing board in a secure, non-slidable manner.

Abstract: A block set assembled by a user and an information processing device communicate with each other. The information processing device thereby obtains information on the structure of the block set. In addition, an object of a crane truck corresponding to the block set is displayed on a display device. Correspondences between joints and wheels and correspondences between movements are set. Thereby, when the block set is moved, the movement of the block set is reflected in the object on display. When the object is moved, the movement of the object is reflected in the block set by transmitting a control signal from the information processing device.

Abstract: A method that incorporates teachings of the subject disclosure may include, for example, receiving, by a device comprising a processor, a first signal from a motion-sensitive component of the device; receiving, by the device, a second signal from a touch-sensitive interface of the device, detecting, by the device, from a combined signal comprising the first signal and the second signal, a selection of a portion of the device; and causing, by the device, a sensory feedback generator to provide a feedback signal in accordance with the combined signal. The feedback signal may comprise an audible sound, a visual effect, a tactile effect, or any combination thereof. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for continuous gameplay in a multiplayer video game through an unbounded gameplay session. Players may join, exit, and later rejoin a given unbounded gameplay session at any time. A given unbounded gameplay session may therefore continue indefinitely so long as at least one player wishes to continue to gameplay. To facilitate an unbounded gameplay session, the system may score players using time-based or other parameters in a manner that is fair to players who have been playing in the unbounded gameplay session longer than other players.

Abstract: A system and method for providing dynamically variable maps in a video game is disclosed. A map is provided that defines a playable space available to one or more game players in a video game. Gameplay is monitored in real-time for the detection of a trigger event. Upon detection of a trigger event, a map management engine dynamically modifies a configuration of the map to improve the gameplay experience based on the type of trigger event. Dynamic modification of a map may comprise altering one or more of the map boundary, and/or the location, position, size, number, state, etc. of one or more static map objects or dynamic map objects. As a result of the dynamic modification of the map, the map may transform from its initial (or first or beginning) configuration to a modified (or new or second) configuration.

Abstract: An information processing device communicates with a block set assembled by a user, and thereby obtains information on the structure of the block set. In addition, a corresponding position setting screen including an image of an object corresponding to the block set is displayed on a display device. The user moves a joint of the block set which joint is desired to be associated, by for example bending and stretching the joint. Next, the user indicates a joint to be associated on a 3D object side in the image of the 3D object by a cursor, and performs a determination input. The joint of the block set and the joint of the 3D object are thereby associated with each other. The block set and the object are interlocked with each other bidirectionally by thus setting the corresponding positions of the block set and the object.

Abstract: Based on posture/motion information obtained from predetermined detection means for detecting a posture or a motion of an input device operated by a user, a virtual plane is calculated at a predetermined timing and set as reference plane. Then, based on motion information, the posture of the input device is calculated as necessary. In accordance with the posture of the input device with respect to the reference plane, predetermined game processing such as moving an object in a virtual space or the like is executed.

Abstract: A game recording medium allows a player to enjoy a game without damaging a feeling as if the player played a musical instrument or conducted an orchestra even when the player cannot perform an operation input matched with an indication sign. Time is counted with a start of playing a piece of music and an indication sign is displayed on a time axis. When the indication sign reaches a criterion line, a sensed input operation is analyzed. The analysis result is determined on the basis of a criterion value corresponding to the indication sign. When it is determined a proper operation is not performed, music change information is specified on the basis of the analysis result and the criterion value, and a pitch, a tempo, and the like of the music data are controlled on the basis of the specified change information.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a gaming console having a controller to receive a request to decrease or increase at least one of a plurality of sounds generated by a gaming application to enhance at least one condition in the gaming application, and modify sound produced by the gaming application according to the request. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for uploading an owner's personality to a digital environment and enabling a cyborg to work on the owner's behalf in that environment. The cyborg may take the actions that the owner would take in that digital environment. The cyborg may also act as a filter and use the personality of the owner to determine which events in the digital environment the owner would like to see. This invention allows an owner to increase his or her reach in the digital environment by automating tasks.

Abstract: Providing a location-based online game for a plurality of mobile devices, including: assigning a force field around a player corresponding to each mobile device of the plurality of mobile devices, wherein a radius of the force field is proportional to a score or experience point of the player in the online game; determining a location of said each mobile device; calculating colliding forces among the plurality of mobile devices and virtual environment created in the online game; providing a forum to enable a battle among the plurality of mobile devices and the virtual environment which are calculated as being in the colliding forces and sampling metadata including water, highway, road, grass, forest, business area and residential area to generate the online game.

Abstract: A system and method is provided that simulates gameplay of non-player characters (NPCs) distributed across networked end user devices. The system may identify end user devices that are connected to the system through a network and are available to participate in a simulation in which each participating end user device is provided with one or more NPCs to be executed. An end user device may be available to participate when it has sufficient computing capacity, such as when in an idle or standby state. As such, the system may leverage spare computing capacity of networked end user devices to execute NPCs at networked end user devices during a simulation. In this manner, the behavior of an NPC may be tested using real-world conditions that may affect gameplay, such as a network connection quality, user-to-user game engine coordination and data exchanges, and/or other real-world conditions associated with networked end user devices.

Abstract: A login processing unit 132 performs a login process of a user. An assignment processing unit 130 assigns an inputting device connected to an information processing apparatus 10 to a user. An assignment processing unit 136 controls an assignment process of the inputting device in response to the number of users who are in a login state and executes an assignment process which is different between a case in which the number of users in a login state is one and another case in which the number of users in a login state is two or more. The assignment processing unit 136 assigns, when the number of users in a login state is one, the inputting device connected to the information processing apparatus 10 to the one user.

Abstract: A game system is provided in which first and second game apparatuses are configured to communicate with each other. The first game apparatus progresses a game by moving a player character on a game field. The first game apparatus determines a first position on the game field and transmits information related to the first position to the second game apparatus. The second game apparatus places an object on a second position, on a game field in the second game apparatus, corresponding to the first position and generates an event based on the second position. A privilege is given to a player or player character of the first game apparatus according to the event.

Abstract: A ride assembly includes a passenger vehicle having front wheels, rear wheels, a motor, and a steering wheel, where the front and rear wheels are disposed on a surface, the motor is configured to provide power to the front wheels to propel the passenger vehicle, and the steering wheel is configured to adjust a position of the rear wheels and enable the passenger vehicle to drift, a track forming a trough in the surface, and a bogie hingedly coupled to the passenger vehicle, where the bogie is disposed in the trough, and where the bogie is configured to direct movement of the passenger vehicle along the track.

Abstract: In one embodiment there is a toy vehicle having a motor configured to cause a motion of an element of the toy. The motion of the element further accessible for manipulation by a human to in turn rotate the motor. The toy vehicle further having a processor configured to detect a back electromotive force (“EMF”) voltage generated by the rotation of the motor due to the manipulation by a human, and the processor being further configured to include at least a sleep state and a wake state. The processor have a function configured to transition between the sleep state and the wake state when the detected back EMF voltage reaches a pre-determined value.

Abstract: A propulsion system for a vehicle or toy vehicle is disclosed. The system comprises rotary drive means for driving the vehicle along ground, the rotary drive means operating in a plane and having a peripheral ground-engagement part. The system further comprises a rotor comprising one or more rotor blades rotatable about a rotor axis for producing thrust, wherein the rotary drive means and the rotor are positioned relative to each other so that during rotation of the rotor, the rotor blades pass through the plane of the rotary drive means, inside the peripheral ground-engagement part. In this way, the rotor blades are protected by the peripheral ground-engagement part.

Abstract: A model vehicle control device and method to realize section block control with high extensibility, which can flexibly support various layouts. A section determination unit determines whether a preceding vehicle exists in a section that a vehicle is about to enter. An entry condition determination unit determines, when the vehicle is about to enter a section with constraint, whether a current state in the section satisfies an entry condition. When the current state of the section with constraint does not satisfy the entry condition, a section control unit does not allow entry of a target vehicle to the section, regardless of a determination result of the section determination unit, until the section becomes a state that satisfies the entry condition.

Abstract: A kit for a construction toy includes at least two construction blocks, where each construction block includes at least one hole, the at least one hole includes a ridged outer ring and at least one peg sized to fit within the at least one hole to connect between the at least two construction blocks with a cam-releasable snap-on connection, the at least one peg includes at least 2 partially ridged outer rings to engage with the ridged outer ring of the at least one hole when the at least one peg is inserted into the at least one hole to securely hold the at least two construction blocks at a non-parallel angle.

Abstract: A folding book moves between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. The book includes a book body and a plurality of layers forming the book body. Each layer moves between a folded configuration and an unfolded configuration. The folding book moves from the collapsed configuration to the expanded configuration by moving each layer of the plurality of layers from the folded configuration to the unfolded configuration in a predetermined order.

Abstract: A combined fluid collector and redistributor for a process engineering column, including a fluid collector for collecting a first fluid; a fluid redistributor arranged below the fluid collector to define a space between the fluid collector and the fluid redistributor; at least one pipe passing through the space to connect the fluid collector to the fluid redistributor; and at least one conduit extending through the fluid collector to permit a second fluid to flow through the fluid collector. There is at least one deflector in the space, wherein the at least one deflector is set at an angle relative to a central axis of the device whereby flow of the second fluid within the space is displaced angularly around the central axis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel pure substance extracting method. Differing from conventional pure substance extracting method utilizing chromatography technique to treat a red mold product with an extracting and purifying process by using a plurality of organic extracting solution, the present invention merely utilizes water and ethanol solution to extract the pure substances of Monascin and Ankaflavin from the red mold product. Based on experimental results, the precipitate of the substances obtained through this novel extracting method is able to contain high extraction ratio of Monascin (˜97.35%) and Ankaflavin (˜95.16%). Moreover, experimental results also prove that the novel pure substance extracting method includes the advantages of high extraction speed, high extraction efficiency, high extraction percentage, and using single organic solution.

Abstract: A low pressure liquid chromatographic cartridge has a tubular polymer container that receives a chromatographic packing material. The container has an outlet port located at its downstream end and container threads formed on its upstream end. A polymer cap, with an inlet port on an upstream end, screws onto the container threads. A flange depending from the cap mates with the lip of the container to form a fluid tight seal between the polymer cap and container suitable for use in low pressure liquid chromatography.

Abstract: In one aspect there is provided a fluid treatment system for treating a contaminated fluid having a gaseous contaminant mixed or dissolved in the liquid portion thereof. The system comprises a generally enclosed and substantially airtight container defining an interior volume. The container comprises an inlet to receive the contaminated fluid, a gas outlet to discharge any gaseous contaminant and a liquid outlet to discharge any liquid that may be separated from said contaminated fluid. During operations, the container is sealed to maintain a seal between the interior volume and any outside environment, so as to prevent the escape of any liquids and gasses out of the interior volume, except as may be provided for via the inlet, the gas outlet or the liquid outlet. Also during operations, a continuous headspace is maintained between the at least one inlet and the at least one gas outlet.

Abstract: Systems and methods for separating particles from fluids are provided. The system comprises a vessel with at least two fluid inlets and a fluid outlet wherein one fluid inlet is positioned higher in the vessel than the other fluid inlet. The fluid inlets may be connected to a polymerization reactor and each fluid inlet may be configured to deliver fluid to the vessel from a different zone of the polymerization reactor. During shut-down of a polymerization reactor, reaction mixture is discharged to a separation system where polymer particles are removed from the mixture prior to being released into the atmosphere.

Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed herein relate to a filter element having a seal that functions as an anti-drain seal. The seal prevents fluid being filtered (e.g., fuel) from flowing back to a fluid storage tank (e.g., a fuel tank) through a drain in the filter housing when the filter element is in an installed position within the filter housing. The seal and the filter housing allow fluid to flow back to the fluid storage tank when the filter element is being removed from the filter housing (e.g., during a filter change service). The seal is removably coupled to the filter element such that the seal can be reused with replacement filter elements. The seal also functions as an engine integrity protection mechanism. Thus, the seal performs functions as a sealing device, draining device, and engine integrity protection feature.

Abstract: A replaceable filter of a filter device (10 has a housing bowl (64) in which at least one filter element (70) is arranged, at least one filter-side coupling part (74) arranged on the end face of the housing bowl (64) of a coupling device (22) for the detachable coupling of the replaceable filter (14) to a filter head (12 of the filter device (10) via a push and/or turn movement with respect to a coupling axis (24) of the replaceable filter (14), at least one opening arranged on the end face of the housing bowl (64), a shaped sheet-metal part (86) connected to the end-face rim of the housing bowl (64) via a shaped flange (88) having at least one molded seal seating groove (92) that is open in the radial direction and peripheral with respect to the coupling axis (24) for the seating of at least one seal (90). At least one seal seating groove (92) runs radially around the outside of at least one opening.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting paint chips and other fine debris includes a mesh screen layer attached to a frame. The frame has an outer edge portion enclosing at least a portion of the mesh screen layer. At least one first fastening member and at least one second fastening member can be positioned on the outer edge portion of the frame, and are adapted for complementary engagement with each other. The frame can be made of canvas cloth, and the mesh screen layer can be made of nylon.

Abstract: A filter cartridge for use within a filter housing of a filter assembly that includes a filter media, a first endplate attached to a first end of the filter media, and a second endplate attached to a second end of the filter media. The second endplate includes a plurality of extensions extending axially away from a surface of the second endplate. The plurality of extensions possess a toothed profile and are sized and positioned so as to engage with at least one rib associated with a portion of the filter housing such that, when at least one of the plurality of extensions is engaged with the at least one rib, a rotation of the portion of the filter housing in a first direction results in a corresponding rotation of the filter cartridge.