Abstract: A sonic paddle is a hand held device used for Martial arts striking practice. The sonic paddle is formed of layers of dense foam, rigid plastic, and plastic film resonating sheets. A cushioning layer is positioned on an outer surface of each of the resonating layers. The rigid center, supporting layers, resonating layers, and cushioning layers can be coupled to one another in sandwiched relationship. The part that the person strikes is the cushioning layers on either side of the paddle which are smaller in circumference than the resonating sheets leaving the resonating sheets protruding in order to resonate upon impact and thereby creating a loud sound when hit.

Abstract: A golf club head includes a club face with at least one impact sensor, where the sensor has a passive piezoelectric element that is integrated into the club face, the passive piezoelectric element being able to generate a signal when an impact force is applied to the club face. An energy storage assembly includes a battery, a capacitor, or both. An energy harvesting assembly includes a signal divider with at least one input and at least two outputs, the at least two outputs providing a known ratio of a given input signal, wherein the at least one input of the signal divider is electrically coupled to one or more of the piezoelectric elements and a first of the at least two signal divider outputs is electrically coupled to the energy storage assembly.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining a time of a passing at a reference line of an RFID tag traveling along a route and a time of lapsing of the tracked RFID tag on the route, the system have a plurality of spaced apart tag reader systems for wirelessly obtaining tag reads, wherein at least one of the tag reader systems is space apart from the reference line. The timing system receives a plurality of tag reads and determines the time of passing of the RFID at the reference line responsive to the plurality of received tag read messages received from the plurality of tag reader systems.

Abstract: Athletic performance monitoring and tracking may provide multiple ways in which to track athletic movement and activity. In one example, an athletic monitoring device may include or be associated with multiple types of movement sensors and switch between the sensors or use both depending on various factors including type of workout. Workouts may also be tagged with various parameters including mood, weather, terrain, athletic equipment used and the like. In one or more examples, the parameters may be automatically determined based on location. User workouts and accomplishments may also be celebrated through messages from celebrities, family, friends and other users. In some cases, the messages may be triggered by various conditions. Coaching may also be provided to the user to help improve workouts and overall athletic performance. Running routes may also be automatically tracked, stored and shared.

Abstract: A decorative headgear simulating the appearance of an American-football helmet is disclosed. It is in the form of a sheet of thin flexible material. The sheet is shaped and configured with a back panel (BP), a right panel (RP), a left panel (LP), a top panel (TP), a front panel (FP), and a facemask (FM), all of which are adapted for inter-connection to form the helmet.

Abstract: An undergarment for use by a hockey player, the undergarment comprising a body portion configured to by snugly worn about the lower trunk area of the body and conforming to the contours thereof, a pair of leg portions extending from the body portion, each of said leg portions configured to surround one of the hockey player's legs, and impact absorbing pads connected to a back side of each of said legs portions to protect the back of the hockey player's legs.

Abstract: A goaltender glove including a finger portion, a thumb portion and a webbed pocket extending therebetween to collectively form a catching area. The webbed pocket can include a rigid support element that extends into at least one of the finger portion and the thumb portion, and is connected to the same via an interface element. The support element pivots about the interface element, with a free end of the element pivoting away from or through a portion of the main shell to prevent excessive bending and stress on the element. The glove can include a selectively manually replaceable mitt, which can be replaced with another mitt, or removed for servicing the mitt or glove. The mitt can be attached to the main shell via an elastic member joined with the finger portion to enable fingers in the finger portion and the mitt to move together.

Abstract: The system and method invention herein disclosed and claimed is a folding skateboard. It can be folded while at rest, on the ground, by applying pressure to one end as the bi-folding deck portions pivot toward one another and come to rest in a fully folded position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a braking system affixed to a skateboard having a board with a pair of truck assemblies affixed to an underside thereof. The braking system comprises a pivoting foot control lever semi-flush mounted on top of the skateboard deck, a master control mechanism and a brake actuator assembly which are affixed on the skateboard trucks. The foot control lever is operatively coupled to the master control mechanism and the master control mechanism is operatively coupled to the brake actuator assembly. The brake actuator assembly reduces the rotation of the wheels when a user applies a turning force on the foot control lever that activates a set of steel cables to turn the master control mechanism therefore releasing a pair of brake lever pads towards the wheels.

Abstract: Disclosed is a braking apparatus for a recreational wheeled board apparatus such as a skate board. The braking apparatus comprising braking members slidably mounted on an axle, wheel mounting assemblies, a trigger assembly and an actuating means. The braking assembly characterized in that the actuating means comprises opposed first and second actuating levers arranged to provide a balanced force to each of the braking members such that even braking of both wheel mounting assemblies is affected when the trigger assembly is engaged.

Abstract: A process and a system for managing a bowling center, which includes one or more bowling lanes along which a bowl is rolled, one or more pin setting up machines at one end of the lane and one or more bowlers' bays at the opposite end of the lane, one or more overhead monitors or videos above the lane, one or more consoles or keyboards located at the one or more lanes, respectively, and allowing a user to enter data, an electronic control system set up to manage the bowling center, and in particular, a score program which calculates the score of the games played at the bowling center and displays the score, in particular at the respective overhead monitor. A visual signal is emitted at the respective lane to indicate that the lane is open and waiting for users.

Abstract: A playing card handling device comprises an elevator platform configured to receive one or more cards from an input platform to form a shuffled set of cards, a card gripper positioned above the elevator platform, and configured to grip cards from the shuffled set of cards, and a processor configured to control the elevator platform to have a grip position for the card gripper grip the shuffled set of cards, wherein the grip position is adjusted based, at least in part, on a correction value associated with a particular card insertion. A related method includes determining a grip position of an elevator platform of a card handling device based, at least in part, on a desired insertion location within a stack of shuffled cards as adjusted based on a corrective value that is different for a plurality of different insertion locations.

Abstract: A game set which includes a plurality of cards upon which at least one of words and images are displayed in an other than normally recognizable format, a mirror by which a reflection of the words and/or images on the plurality of cards can be viewed in their corresponding normal recognizable format, and a timer for measuring the time it takes a player of the game to correctly recognize the words and/or images displayed on the plurality of cards without the use of the mirror.

Abstract: A shooting simulation system. The system includes a plurality of communication devices with each communication device associated with a separate player. In addition, each mobile phone includes an A-GPS device for determining a location indicia of the communication device and a mechanism for communicating the location indicia to a network. A game server communicates with the network for relaying the location indicia of each communication device to all of the communication devices. Each communication device includes a mechanism for determining a directional orientation of the communication device when aimed and a processor for determining if a simulated targeting of another player is a hit or miss based on the location indicia of a shooting communication device, the location indicia of a communication device of a targeted player, and the directional orientation of the shooting communication device.

Abstract: A method including receiving a broadcast of an event comprising a plurality of frames; receiving, from a plurality of users, a corresponding plurality of inputs, each of the inputs relating to a characteristic of an object depicted in one of the frames of the broadcast; and analyzing the plurality of inputs to determine a best guess of the characteristic of the object in the frame.

Abstract: Apparatuses for motion capture are disclosed that includes a surface configured to support an object; and at least one sensor arranged with the surface, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to obtain at least one of ranging or inertial information for use in estimating a motion of the surface with respect to the object. A method for motion capture is also disclosed that includes providing a surface configured to support an object; and obtaining at least one of ranging or inertial information for use in estimating a motion of the surface with respect to the object via at least one sensor.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a first peripheral device having a controller to store operational settings tailored for a gaming application, interact with the gaming application using the operational settings and user inputs, and share the operational settings with a second peripheral device for use with the gaming application. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A game controller is provided. In one embodiment, the game controller includes a main body, a trigger device, and a first adjustment mechanism. The trigger device has a trigger body that extends from the main body and that pivots along a pivotal axis. The first adjustment mechanism has a first surface that contacts a second surface of the trigger body at a first point of contact when the trigger body is depressed, wherein the first adjustment mechanism is adjustable along a first axis such that the first point of contact is adjusted along the first axis.

Abstract: A controller for a video game is disclosed. The controller may be a generally U-shaped steering wheel including a pair of hand grips attached to and extending from a base connector. The ends of the hand grips may be angled downward. The design of the hand grips together with the downwardly extending ends provides for an ergonomic design of the controller with easy access to controls on the hand grips whether the controller is grasped with a pronated or supinated hand positions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gaming machine and/or entertainment machine, in particular in the form of slot machines and/or gambling machines operable by coins and/or by monetary equivalents, having a plurality of screens for the presentation of information, in particular of game contents and/or of game information, which are directed toward a machine operating position, and having a control device for the control of the screens and/or for the control of game procedures. It is proposed to arrange a plurality of screens staggered behind one another and overlapping one another so that the viewing window onto at least one screen remains behind the actual screen surface of the screen with respect to format and/or size in order to accommodate a maximum number of screens in a compact arrangement, on the one hand, and in order not to be restricted to the desired field of view with respect to the formats of the screens to be used.

Abstract: Various systems, game controllers, and methods for simulating various objects such as weapons are provided. For example, a game controller may include a trigger, a processor within the body that receives a trigger signal when the trigger is activated by the user. The processor may communicate with a computer running a software program such as a gaming application, and an actuator coupled to the trigger, the actuator configured to output a haptic effect to the trigger in response to receiving a control signal from the processor. The game controller may simulate a gun and generate a recoil effect. In some embodiments, the recoil effect may be generated by impacting a moving mass from a discharge end of the gun to a handle end of the gun. In some embodiments, the recoil effect may be generated by using a body part of a user as a tether.

Abstract: A wireless communication game system includes a plurality of mobile game apparatuses, which function as a parent device or a child device and are capable of making a communication with each other, and broadcasts from the parent device a parent device packet including a parent device PID, a user name UserName, a game name GameName, an OC flag, an E slot, a U slot, and a payload. All the parent device packets are received from the parent device existing within a communicationable range of a user's own apparatus, and the user's own apparatus creates a parent device list, and displays the parent device list on an LCD. Therefore, a user or a player of his own apparatus looks at the game name of the parent device list, for example, and operates a cross key included in an operation key so as to select one desired parent device.

Abstract: An online game anti-cheating method is provided. The method includes sending cheating program characteristics to a client and receiving characteristics matching with cheating program characteristics reported by the client. The method also includes matching the reported characteristics with characteristics in at least one stored characteristic list and obtaining a determination result based on a matching result. Further, the method includes returning the determination result to the client and to cause the client to react to the determination result.

Abstract: An example image processing system and method uses a control device including a movement detector. Gesture inputs corresponding to a gesture made by moving the control device are used for animation. An animation begins based on at least one gesture input received prior to completion of the gesture and the animation is modified based on at least one gesture input received after the beginning of the animation.

Abstract: To provide a video display system for allowing a user to look at and listen to video and sound on various means. A video display system has a video display device and a portable video display device, connected to each other for communication. The video display device produces own device video data and own device sound data to be displayed and reproduced, respectively, on the video display device; displays the own device video data and reproduces the own device sound data; encodes these data into a data format which the portable video display device is able to handle, to thereby produce other device video data and other device sound data; and sends to the portable video display device. The portable video display device receives these data, and decodes and displays the other device video data, and decodes and reproduces the other device sound data.

Abstract: Examples disclosed herein relate to an electronic gaming device including one or more processors, a memory, and one or more display devices. The electronic gaming device further includes a left surround audio device, a right surround audio device, a dialog enhancing center channel speaker, a low frequency effects device, a left speaker, and a right speaker. The combination of the left surround audio device; the right surround audio device; the dialog enhancing center channel speaker; the low frequency effects device; the left speaker; and/or the right speaker produce one or more sound effects in a vertical direction.

Abstract: Natural three-dimensional (xw, yw, zw, tw) gesture player interaction with a two-dimensional game application rendered on a two or three dimensional display includes mapping acquired (xw, yw, zw, tw) gesture data to virtual game-world (xv, yv, zv, tv) coordinates or vice versa, and scaling if needed. The game application is caused to render at least one image on the display responsive to the mapped and scaled (xw, yw, zw) data, where the display and game interaction is rendered from the player's perception viewpoint. The (xw, yw, zw) data preferably is acquired using spaced-apart two-dimensional cameras coupled to software to reduce the acquired images to a relatively small number of landmark points, from which player gestures may be recognized. The invention may be implemented in a handheld device such as a smart phone or tablet, which device may include a gyroscope and/or accelerometer.

Abstract: One aspect of the disclosure relates to predicting payer dormancy through the use of a test bed environment. The payer dormancy may be determined based on observance of purchases made by users in a test bed environment. The test bed environment may grant free virtual currency to players that can be spent in the isolated and controlled test environment. The spending of these virtual currencies by users on offers of virtual items for use in the test bed environment may then be used to predict payer dormancy in an online game in which users spend real money consideration to acquire virtual currency.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide a method and system for detecting unusual performance in a game. The game has a participant. The method calculates for the participant, a performance metric. The method compares the performance metric to a threshold value. Based on the comparison, the method optionally connects to a server. In some embodiments, the connection is for uploading a set of data from the participant to the server. The server, of some embodiments, broadcasts to the participant. The broadcast is a one-way transmission. In some embodiments, the broadcast includes a distribution based on a set of sample participants. In these embodiments, the set of sample participants comprises a representative sample of all the participants in the game. The threshold value, of some embodiments, is based on the broadcast and in some embodiments, the broadcast includes a histogram. The connecting occurs, in some embodiments, when the performance metric exceeds the threshold value.

Abstract: A system for managing game-playing experiences includes one or more game-playing devices provided with communication interfaces for exchanging game-playing experiences therebetween. Each device includes computing hardware coupled to a graphical interface for presenting an interactive game thereupon. The computing hardware is operable to execute one or more game software products recorded on machine-readable data storage media for generating the interactive game. The one or more game software products include a game experience software module (GESW) for generating metadata concurrently with recording the game-playing experience substantially as presented via the graphical interface which enables the recorded game-playing experience to be subsequently managed prior to communication for distribution for viewing. Optionally, the metadata includes one or more metadata events which are searchable when subsequently viewing the game-playing experience.

Abstract: A slide feature is adapted to carry one or more riders and/or ride vehicles sliding thereon. The slide feature includes a sliding surface having an entry end and an exit end. The sliding surface comprising at least a lower portion of a sideways tilted funnel shape wherein a radius of the sliding surface tapers from the entry end to the exit end. A lowermost surface of the sliding surface is horizontal or slightly inclined from horizontal descending from the entry end to the exit end. The sliding surface comprising side walls each extending upward from the lowermost surface about a longitudinal axis which would be defined by the complete sideways tilted funnel shape through an angle of more than 90°. The entry end is substantially larger in diameter than the exit end.

Abstract: A doll or action figure with facial features customized to a particular individual includes a body; a head on the body, hair on the top, sides, and back of the head, and a mask-receiving recess on the front of the face, the mask-receiving recess having a perimeter extending across the top of the head adjacent the hair line, and generally downwardly at each side of the head adjacent the hairline; and a mask having facial features customized to the particular individual, seated in the mask-receiving recess on the front of the face.

Abstract: A relay segment for a toy track set, the relay segment having: an incoming track segment pivotally mounted to the relay segment for adjustable movement with respect to the relay segment in a first plane; a trigger movably mounted to the relay segment for movement between a first position and a second position, the trigger being located proximate to the incoming track segment such that a portion of the trigger is positioned above the incoming track segment, wherein the portion moves away from the incoming track segment as the trigger is moved from the first position to the second position; and a launching element for launching a vehicle away from the relay segment when the trigger is moved from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A system of transportation is provided. The system embodies sail-equipped vehicles and vertically mounted, directional air fans, wherein a sail is attached along a framework of the vehicle so as to define an arcuate capture profile adapted to convert the downwardly directed air from the air fans into horizontal thrust, propelling the vehicles along a track.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a child activity device is disclosed. The system may comprise a child activity device. The child activity device may comprise a main portion; one or more playthings for engaging children; and one or more attachment mechanisms to couple the one or more playthings with the main portion. In some embodiments, the main portion may be a headpiece comprising at least one of a hat, a cap, a visor, a headband, or a bonnet. In other embodiments, the main portion may be a garment comprising at least one of an apron, a shirt, a jacket, a vest, or a belt. In yet other embodiments, the main portion may be a stand-alone structure comprising at least one of a tent, a blanket, a pillow, a wallpiece, a stroller, a stroller attachment, a crib, a crib attachment, a carseat, or a carseat attachment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a construction kit (B) comprising a position element (2) comprising at least one position pocket (21A, 21B, 21C, 21D) for positioning a construction plate (1), wherein the position pocket (21A, 21B, 21C, 21D) extends in a plane from an origin (0) in an imaginary three-dimensional coordinate system and comprises two interacting and opposite holding means (20A, 20B) with a distance (b) between them for holding the construction plate (1) in place, that the position pocket comprises a corner (h1) with an angle (v1) of 90° and two edges extending from said origin and forming said angle (v1) between them, that between said two opposite holding means (20A, 20B) said edges comprise an orthogonal connection (23) forming a support for the construction plate (1), when this has been placed into the position pocket (21A, 21B, 21C, 21D), wherein said holding means (20A, 20B) comprises two fixation means (24) which are symmetrically arranged on both sides of an imaginary diagonal (d), which

Abstract: A system in accordance with present embodiments includes a ground controller and an unmanned aerial vehicle including communications circuitry configured to transmit signals to and receive signals from the ground controller. The system may also include a vehicle controller configured to execute a flight plan and at least one special effects module. The system may also include a special effects module controller configured to cause the special effect to be activated in response to an activation signal from the ground controller.

Abstract: A toy simulator includes a semi-rigid base that is adapted to be releaseably attached and worn by a child on the front torso of a child. An action arm is connected to the semi-rigid base and includes multiple ranges of motion that allow a child substantial movement of various components of the toy simulator in order to provide multiple layers of movement and imagination for the child.

Abstract: An atomizer for use in waste water evaporation includes a motor having a rotor shaft, at least one conduit for receiving the waste water, a housing supporting the motor and the at least one conduit, and a hub having a plurality of holes for distributing waste water in the form of water droplets. The motor is a variable speed motor and is cooled by waste water flowing through the at least one conduit. The hub is connected to the rotor shaft and spins at a variable speed with the rotor shaft. The atomizer may be used in a waste water evaporation system that further includes an anemometer and a control system. The control system receives a wind speed input from the anemometer and provides a signal to the variable speed motor to adjust the speed of the variable speed motor and hub, thereby adjusting the water droplet size in response to varying wind conditions.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for synthesizing nitroalkanes by reaction of a hydrocarbon feedstock with aqueous nitric acid. The apparatus may be designed such that it can synthesize more than one nitroalkane using the same equipment.

Abstract: For an n-component mixture (n?3), an array of new distillation columns is disclosed with vertical partitions that allow independent control of the vapor flowrates in each partitioned zone, while operating the columns to produce constituent product streams. Specifically, all such more operable columns with vertical partitions for ternary and quaternary feed mixtures are illustrated. For a ternary feed, through extensive computation, the minimum heat duty for each of the new columns is same as for the FTC configuration. The new columns with vertical partitions become even more attractive when the vapor split between column sections must be controlled within a narrow range. Finally, it is disclosed how a new column with vertical partition(s) drawn for an n-component mixture can be adapted to distil feed mixtures that contain more than n-components.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for treatment of volatile organic compounds and the process comprises an untreated airflow dew point temperature sensing step of sensing a dew point temperature of the untreated airflow as a reference temperature, a humidification and condensation processing step of spraying water mist all over the exhaust gas flow and condensing the exhaust gas flow into condensate contained the volatile organic compounds, a treated exhaust gas flow dew point temperature sensing step of sensing a dew point temperature of the treated exhaust gas flow after the humidification and condensation processing step, a collection step of collecting dropped condensate from the humidification and condensation processing step and then transporting the dropped condensate back to the humidification and condensation processing step for circulation spray, and a control step of controlling the dew point temperature of the treated exhaust gas flow to be close to the reference temperature.

Abstract: Improved methods for packing a chromatographic column and columns packed by these methods are provided. The methods include introducing a packing material into a chromatographic column, while simultaneously ultrasonicating and applying pressure to the packing material to form a packed column with radial homogeneity.

Abstract: A polar liquid mixture containing suspended or dissolved particles or solute is exposed to air or a hydrophilic surface. An exclusion zone having a reduced concentration of particles or solute is formed in the polar liquid adjacent to the interface with air or the hydrophilic surface. One or more fractions of purified polar liquid and/or concentrated particles or solute are collected. A sensor can provide feedback to the collector.

Abstract: A filtering device (100) for high-viscosity fluids has a partial channel (34) in the housing (30) and a displacing piston (40) which can be inserted into the partial channel (34, 35). The displacing piston (40) has at least one inner fluid line (42) that extends from an inlet opening (41) therein to an outlet opening (43) on its circumference. The outer diameter of the displacing piston (40) corresponds to the inside diameter of the partial channel (34, 35). The displacing piston (40) can be positioned, in a production position, with its outlet opening (43) in front of the inlet of the discharge channel (33) into the partial channel (34, 35) and can be retracted to a backflushing initial position within the partial channel (34).

Abstract: A filter element includes a substantially cylindrical center tube having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a central longitudinal axis. The filter element also includes filter media extending circumferentially around and longitudinally along the center tube, and a plate connected to the center tube proximate the first end. The plate includes an orifice and a cap. The orifice includes a pilot feature configured to locate the filter element at a single circumferential position relative to the longitudinal axis, the cap extending from a top surface of the plate toward the second end and having an inner wall configured to mate with a drain plug. In such embodiments, the orifice and the cap are disposed radially inward of an inner circumference of the center tube, and at least one of the orifice and the cap extends circumferentially around an additional longitudinal axis spaced radially from the central longitudinal axis of the center tube.

Abstract: A multi-mode showerhead has a housing with a front and a back and an offset integrated water filter system incorporated into the showerhead so that the showerhead with the integrated water filter system may be easily mounted to a normal shower arm without the need of special tools. A water filter cartridge is easily added to or removed from a hollow filter chamber formed in the showerhead by the removal of a front facing filter chamber cap. A multi-mode switch thatselectively changes the spray pattern is mounted on the front between the water filter system and a plurality of nozzles. The entire showerhead and integrated offset water filter system is mounted on a shower arm by means of a swivel joint forming an inlet on the back of the housing and fluidly connected to the hollow filter chamber.

Abstract: A visual indicator device and method for determining the presence of oily contaminants in an aqueous stream are provided. The device includes a filtration status chamber for receiving and discharging the aqueous stream, and a transparent wall enabling viewing of the chamber interior. A fluid-pervious filtration media within the chamber is infused with an absorption composition at which the contaminant on contact with the media is immobilized. The media has a surface viewable through a transparent wall of the filtration status chamber, and the stream flow path causes the stream to impinge at the media via the surface, whereby the contaminants collect selectively at the media surface and are highly visible through the transparent wall.

Abstract: A filter incorporating a vessel defining an interior space, the vessel having a ceiling and a floor; filter media contained within the interior space; a helically threaded port which opens the vessel's interior space at the ceiling; a turn plate having a an outer edge; a retainer ring and snap ridges combination which interconnects the turn plate and the vessel, positions the plate beneath the floor, and facilitates circumferential motion of the plate's outer edge; a turn handle connected operatively to the plate, the turn handle being adapted for impelling the turn plate's circumferential motion; and ratcheting hook and ridge combinations which further interconnect the turn plate and the vessel, the hooks and ridges being adapted for, upon turning of the handle, translating a limited screw tightening torque to the ceiling's helically threaded port.

Abstract: A filter cartridge (40) for filtering a fluid comprising a tubular filter wall (43) and at least an annular support plate (42) fixed to a lower end of the filter wall (43) and made of at least an electrically-insulated material, comprising at least a conductive strip (50) made of an electrically conductive material, partially sunk in the support plate (42) and provided with at least a portion (51, 52) exposed therefrom.