Abstract: A therapeutic muscle exercise device for assisting subjects in maintaining and regaining muscle tone through the use of functional electrical stimulation has an extremity support and a functional electrical stimulation controller. The extremity support is mounted on a mobile support which allows the device to be easily used when the subject is laying on a bed.

Abstract: An exercise equipment for rehabilitation of hand grip and wrist is disclosed herein. The exercise equipment includes a fixing module being fixed to a forearm of a user, a wrist exercising module having a hinge shaft on one side of the fixing module and being connected to the fixing module so as to be capable of performing rotating movements when rotating the arm, and a hand grip exercising module being provided on the wrist exercising module and measuring a hand grip of the user.

Abstract: A weighted push-up exercise machine includes a lever arm having a proximate end coupled pivotally to a base. The lever arm is configured to provide a resistance against vertical movement of a distal end of the lever arm. In addition, the distal end of the lever arm is configured to receive a connector suspended from a belt or harness worn by a user. A pair of hand grips are disposed above the lever arm and the pair of hand grips are configured to be grasped by the user. The machine is configured for the user to use in a horizontal position by the user grasping the hand grips and performing push-up exercises against the resistance. The machine also includes an elevated platform that is adjustably positioned in height relative to the pair of hand grips.

Abstract: Systems and methods for displaying fitness information with an electronic device may include receiving multimedia content at an input of the electronic device. The electronic device may provide the audiovisual content to a display device. The electronic device may also receive fitness information, and may provide this fitness information to the display device.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods estimate the distance between a player and a ball by transmitting a chirp (sweep signal) to a radio tag located on the ball. During the chirp, the frequency of the transmitted signal is changed in a predetermined fashion. The radio tag doubles the transmitted frequency and returns the processed signal to a transceiver typically located on the player. The currently transmitted frequency is then compared with the received frequency to obtain a difference frequency from which an apparatus may estimate the distance. The apparatus may simultaneously receive the processed signal from the radio tag while transmitting the sweep signal.

Abstract: A training script device is described that conveniently allows a user to create a training script defining one or more steps of a workout routine, where each step may include an activity, a duration for performing that activity, and an intensity at which the activity is to be performed. Further, one or more steps of the training script can be self-starting in response to performance data detected by sensors of training script device executing the training script. This conveniently frees the athlete from having to continuously monitor the status of his or her workout activities. Still further, the training script device conveniently allows a user to transfer training scripts to other training script devices, so that athletes can share successful training scripts.

Abstract: A boxing-based fitness training regimen takes place in a training area suffusing with UV light from one or more UV light sources. Non-UV lighting in the training area is adjusted to a level of semi-darkness, in which non-luminescent objects are visible but luminescent objects clearly stand out. Multiple training regimen stations located in the training area can include heavy bag, speed bag, double-end bag, medicine ball, skip rope, shadow boxing and focus mitt regimens. Within each station, one or more items of training equipment, such as bags, gloves, hand wraps, focus mitts, medicine balls and/or jump ropes, are provided. Some or all of the training equipment at each station is UV luminescent. On some items of training equipment, there are luminescent indicia, which provide as visual cues for sequencing and/or timing of movements. These luminescent indicia can be color-coded to operate in conjunction with correspondingly color-coded visual prompts from a nearby display screen, such as an LED display.

Abstract: A golf ball having a core layer comprising a thermoplastic polyester elastomer formed from a polytetramethylene glycol with a molecular weight greater than or equal to 1400 g/mol is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an inner core sphere is the core layer and has a diameter ranging from 0.875 inch to 1.4 inches. The core comprises the inner core, an intermediate core and an outer core. The mantle component comprises an inner mantle and an outer mantle. The cover layer is preferably composed of a thermoplastic polyurethane.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved multi-layered core golf ball wherein each core layer comprises its own specific hardness gradient (positive, negative or a combination) in addition to an overall specific hardness gradient from one core layer to the next.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core composed of a fully neutralized polymer material is disclosed herein. The golf ball also preferably has multiple mantle layers and a cover.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a game ball and methods for creating a textured graphic or stripe on the game ball, specifically on a panel of natural full-grain leather. Briefly, the full-grain leather panel is stamped with a textured plate to form a textured area. A graphic or stripe is then applied on the textured area. The resulting game ball has textured graphics or stripes with improved wear and good grip and handling characteristics.

Abstract: A bat including a barrel, a barrel taper, a first connector portion carried by the barrel taper, a handle, and a second connector portion extending from the handle portion. The barrel has a distal portion, a proximal portion and an internal bore. The barrel taper axially engages the proximal portion of the barrel from within the internal bore. The second connector portion cooperates with the first connector portion to axially draw the barrel taper against the internal bore to connect the barrel to the handle.

Abstract: A hockey stick assembly has an elongate rubbery damping material installed within a hollow stick shaft. The insert may be formed with one end that has, or may have a cap or socket mounted at one end that has, an indexing member for locating the elongate material within the hollow shaft. The cap or socket or end may include a widened portion, and may include projections or a peripherally extending flange for engaging the butt end. A cap may be placed over the end of the stick once the insert has been installed. The insert may be removable. It may be a high density rubber or rubber-like polymer that may tend not to rattle. The insert may have constant thickness, and be formed to define a plug and stopper at one end. The other end is trimmed to length and slid into a loose fit within the shaft.

Abstract: A butt-end apparatus for a lacrosse stick or other sport implement. The butt-end apparatus comprises a hand abutment comprising: a handle-facing surface to face a handle of the lacrosse stick or other sport implement; and a hand-engaging surface to engage a hand of a player when holding the lacrosse stick or other sport implement. A position of the hand-engaging surface along the handle relative to a longitudinal end of the lacrosse stick or other sport implement is adjustable. An end cap may be mountable to a longitudinal end of a shaft of the lacrosse stick or other sport implement to define the longitudinal end of the lacrosse stick or other sport implement.

Abstract: A basketball training aid kit, including a support base having a flat bottom portion and a central annulus for receiving a pole portion—the pole including an inner pole, an outer pole surrounding the inner pole, and a gas spring disposed inside and connectable to the inner pole and the outer pole—and a goal portion including a generally hollow cylindrical member defining an endless sidewall and an open end for receiving the inner pole, a plurality of support members extending from the endless sidewall, a plurality of goal portion apertures formed through the endless sidewall, and a netted hoop operationally connectable to the plurality of support members. A plurality of fasteners attach the pole portion to the bottom portion and the goal portion. The gas spring urges the goal portion upwards. Other implementations include height adjusters, fastening pole segments, couplers, padded skirts, and/or ball returns.

Abstract: A two-stage resistance trainer is provided having a first magnet that is in proximity to a rotating wheel, and a moveable second magnet that is linked to the first magnet. The first magnet is moved when the rotating wheel rotates and the second magnet is moved closer to the rotating wheel to add a second order effect to the resistance. The trainer is capable of adjusting the first magnet position in relation to the rotating wheel to provide a different relationship of speed to resistance.

Abstract: A helmet for baseball pitchers and fielders includes features to protect a player's head and face from being struck by a batted ball. The helmet optionally includes side protection, which may include cheek, jaw, temple, or chin protection. The helmet also may optionally include a face mask. The helmet may be used in lacrosse and other sports, as well.

Abstract: Disclosed is a snow sliding apparatus that enables sliding on the snow surface and consists of the body in a flat form that is extended in one direction, the nose and the tail that are bent and extended from both ends of the body in a direction away from the ground surface, and the first concavo-convex part where part of the nose or the tail converges into the inner side. This invention allows the user to control the degree of friction against the snow surface by using the first concavo-convex part that is formed on either side of the nose or the tail of the snow sliding apparatus, enabling the user of the snow sliding apparatus various techniques and shortening the braking distance.

Abstract: A method of automatically generating a calibration file for a card handling device comprises automatically generating a calibration file stored in memory of a main control system for a card handling device. Automatically generating the calibration file comprises identifying at least one parameter associated with a rank area around a rank of the at least a portion of the card, identifying at least one parameter associated with a suit area around a suit of the at least a portion of the card, and storing the at least one parameter associated with the rank area and the at least one parameter associated with the suit area in the calibration file. Additionally, a method of automatically generating deck libraries for one or more decks of cards comprises automatically generate a plurality of master images for the cards of the first deck type using the parameters from the calibration file.

Abstract: The invention generally pertains to a system and method for determining if a player has placed a bet in a bet spot on a gaming table, such as, for example, a main bet spot or a progressive or proposition bet spot. By way of example, the tabletop of a gaming table has a plurality of player positions having one or more bet spots positioned in proximity to each player position on the top surface. The tabletop has a light sensor associated with each bet spot and positioned beneath the gaming table layout to detect light intensity through the layout. A plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) are associated with each light sensor. The plurality of LEDs are located beneath the gaming table layout so as to illuminate through the material of the gaming table layout.

Abstract: A gaming system is provided having a plurality of playing positions, with each playing position having both a human readable and a machine readable indicia identifying the playing position. The gaming system also includes playing pieces, which also have both human and machine readable indicia. The gaming system uses a smart phone with an optical scanner to facilitate interaction with the gaming surface and pieces.

Abstract: Technologies for executing electronic board games include a user compute device having a display screen that is orientable upwardly to support hardware game pieces associated with a particular electronic board game. Each hardware game piece may have a different or unique footprint, which may be detectable by the user compute device. The electronic board game is executed by the user compute device. For example, an electronic version of a board surface of the electronic board game may be displayed on the display screen. Additionally, virtual game pieces may be associated with a player of the electronic board game.

Abstract: There are provided a basketball game console, a network basketball game console, and basketball method using the same. The invention includes an image detecting unit, an identification unit, a central processing unit, and a driving unit. The central processing unit controls such that images of a ball received in the image detecting unit are identified when a passing detection sensor detects signals. Therefore, it is possible to identify a color, pattern, or clean shot of the ball going into a rim. The game console allows a multi-play game so that it is possible to play more interesting games over a network.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, systems and apparatus for promoting game play frequency of online games. Embodiments include displaying a plurality of positioned game elements, wherein each positioned game element is associated with a game time period; displaying a game indicia associated with a positioned game element if a player has acquired a game piece during the game time period associated with the positioned game element; selecting one or more positioned game elements after a game duration; and awarding one or more prizes if the selected positioned game elements are associated with a game indicia. Numerous additional aspects are disclosed.

Abstract: An online gaming system including virtual items that transcend multiple character deaths. The online game may take place within a virtual space. Users may interact with the online game by controlling virtual characters within the virtual space. A health parameter may be determined for the characters such that responsive to the health parameter reaching a threshold level, the character may be considered dead in the online game. After character death, users must take on new characters to interact with the online game. User-level inventories may be managed that include one or more virtual items which are made available to the user even after the death of a character which was used when the item was acquired.

Abstract: A system and method for offering virtual items for sale in a user inventory interface.

Abstract: A system for initiating and using a three-dimensional object as a controlling device when interfacing with a computer system used for interactive video game play is provided. One example system includes an interface for receiving data from a capturing device of a three-dimensional space and storage coupled with computer system. The computer system provides data to a screen and receiving user input to obtain geometric parameters of the three-dimensional object and assign actions to be performed with the three-dimensional object when moved or placed in positions in front of the capture device during interactive video game play. The geometric parameters and the assigned actions being saved to a database on the storage for access during interactive video game play or future interactive sessions.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a communication interface for receiving reference activity data items, current activity data, and current environmental data; at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code; wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to maintain a reference activity data item relating to a previous activity, which reference activity data item includes reference activity data associated with reference environmental data; receive current activity data and current environmental data relating to a current activity; determine the reference activity data associated with the reference environmental data corresponding to the current environmental data; compare the current activity data with the reference activity data; and provide feedback for a user of the apparatus in response to the comparison.

Abstract: The exemplary embodiments described herein relate to systems and/or methods for competitive simulations and, more particularly, to systems and/or methods in which users build stock portfolios that compete against each other, with the performance of each user's stock portfolio being based on one or more stock market related metrics (e.g., price per share, market capitalization, volume of trade, etc.). A user's portfolio may be formed and/or reformed so as to comply with certain predefined criteria (e.g., company traded on a particular exchange, company belonging to a particular market sector, etc.). The performance of each team/portfolio may be depicted using sports-related imagery (e.g., as teams on a football field, a basketball court, around a baseball diamond, etc.).

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing online games, including various means of providing computer-implemented games using standard and non-standard tokens, and that operate in coordination with an online social network. Examples of standard tokens may include tokens associated with each card of a standard 52 card deck, units in a real-time strategy game, and the like. Non-standard tokens may represent digital tokens with specified attributes and associated digital rights management for use by specified users, such as users purchasing rights to a particular non-standard token. Non-standard tokens may also include tokens with different functionality across a number of different computer-implemented games.

Abstract: A search for another information processing apparatus and an access point is performed. When a result of the search is the other portable information processing apparatus, a process of performing data communication with the other information processing apparatus is performed. On the other hand, when the result of the search is the access point, a process of performing data communication via the access point is performed.

Abstract: Cellular phone games based on television archives allow users to play games on their cellular phones wherein the games are based on archived television programs. The game is able to be played simultaneously between competitors or on demand. Game data and video data are combined into one file and are sent to participating cellular phones so that the required information is received at the same time at each cellular phone. Each cellular phone contains software to manipulate the game and video data so that the user is able to play the game. The game is played by watching video clips from archived television programs and then selecting choices related to the video clips using the inputs on the user's cellular phone. User scores are determined based on the answers to the questions related to the video clips and results are distributed to the participants.

Abstract: A determination is made, using a computer, of an amount of game code data to be included in a data packet containing streaming game video data. A data packet is generated to contain the streaming game video data and to include the amount of game code data. The generated data packet is transmitted from a server computer system to a client computer system.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed towards employing one or more physical sensors arranged on or in proximity to a video game player to obtain biofeedback measures that are then useable to dynamically modify a state of play of a video game. The sensors may be connected or even un-connected to the game player, replace, or otherwise augment traditional physical game controllers. The sensors gather various biofeedback measures and provide such measures to a biofeedback application programming interface (API). Before and/or during video game play, the video game queries the biofeedback API to request inferences about the game player's state of arousal. The response to the query is then used to modify the state of the video game play. Where the video game is a multi-player video game, biofeedback measures from other game players may also be obtained and used to further modify the state of the video game play.

Abstract: If one has at his disposition a robust display which can be thrown around, a whole new range of computer games can be designed. The electronic gaming system comprises: a robust, moveable display (101); a game controller (103), arranged to generate a game scenario, comprising generation of pictures to be displayed on the robust moveable display (101); and a trajectory mapping unit (105), arranged to map a virtual trajectory in space-time of a virtual world in the game scenario, with at least two of the pictures with unequal picture content corresponding to different locations of the virtual space-time trajectory, to a real trajectory of the robust moveable display (101) in real space, so that at an appropriate moment the two of the pictures are displayed on the robust moveable display (101).

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for enabling an augmented reality tracking system and a mobile device to display augmented reality by overlaying a virtual 3D object over a physical 3D object. The method includes: enabling a user to capture a live camera image of a 3D object via camera on the mobile device; determining if there are image tags on the 3D object in the live camera image; using the one or more image tags to access information used by the augmented reality system; and overlaying virtual 3D objects onto a live camera image of the virtual 3D object on a display of the mobile device to produce augmented reality effects, wherein the augmented reality tracking system establishes a communication channel with the gaming machine enabling additional elements of the game to be augmented on the mobile device, and elements of the game content to be influenced by the augmented state.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for automatically sending a popup or other message to another person's electronic device upon finishing a predetermined goal in a video game. The predetermined goal can be, for example, killing a first boss in under five minutes. The message to the friend can include a link or button enabled such that the friend can begin the game on his device in the same room, mission, scenario, etc. that the first player started out in so that the friend can attempt to duplicate or ‘one up’ the first player's achievement. Friends who are interested in receiving such messages can be determined from existing social networking sites.

Abstract: There is provided a system and method for interactive multi-player broadcast game, the system comprising a plurality of controllers; each controller capable of providing a set of game inputs to a game server in response to the broadcast; wherein the game server is operable to control game play and scoring; the game server further operable to either calculate or receive the latency data associated with each game controller depending on the type of controller and offset the latency during a time-sensitive game play. The above system allows different controllers to be used without biasing against relatively ‘dumb’ controllers such as the Plain Old Telephone (POT). Further, the above system allows massively multiplayer game to be played in the context of an interactive TV broadcast game with POT as controllers.

Abstract: An electronic device may be configured to present a user interface via which a user can select from a plurality of commands associated with a particular video game, wherein the video game runs on a game console separate from the electronic device. In response to a selection of one of the plurality of commands, the electronic device may transmit the selected one of the plurality of commands to a user interface device. The selected command may cause said user interface device to transmit a corresponding one or more simulated user inputs to the game console. The selection of the command may occur automatically in response to detection, by audio processing circuitry, of an occurrence of the particular audio clip in an audio signal output by the game console.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a method for receiving a signal representative of a displacement of at least a portion of a computer mouse from a surface of a mouse pad, and causing a change in a state of a video game presented by a gaming system according to the signal. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A swing assembly may include a base having a center portion and two side portions on opposite sides of the center portion, two supports attached to the base, each support being attached to a respective side portion so that the base may be hung by the supports. Each support may include two spaced elongated members. Two handles may be movably attached to the supports, each handle including a body and two pairs of openings extending through the body. Each pair of openings may receive one of the elongated members in a spiral configuration so that the respective handle body may be slid up or down the elongated members to a desired height relative to the base.

Abstract: A water slide entry system in accordance with present embodiments may include an entry platform configured to support a rider above a water slide entry and an enclosure defining an enclosed space about the platform configured to at least partially enclose the rider when the rider is positioned on the entry platform. The water slide entry system may also include a fluid delivery system configured to deliver fluid within the enclosure to a predetermined fill level and a control system configured to receive a signal that the rider is positioned on the entry platform; provide instructions to the fluid delivery system to deliver the fluid within the enclosure when the rider is positioned on the entry platform; and trigger the entry platform to release the rider into the water slide entry.

Abstract: A water slide for connection to a water supply is provided. The inflatable structure may include a sliding surface having a first end and an opposing second end, an inflatable wedge-shaped ramp coupled to the first end of the sliding surface, where the ramp includes a top surface, and a landing portion coupled to the second end of the sliding surface. A water emitting device is coupled to the sliding surface, where the water emitting device is adapted to project water onto the ramp to lubricate the top surface while a user slides thereon.

Abstract: In a rotary dynamic simulation device and an audiovisual apparatus using the same, the rotary dynamic simulation device includes a fixed table (1), a motion mechanism (4), a carrying seat (3), and a rotation mechanism (4). The motion mechanism (2) having multiple degrees of freedom is disposed between the fixed table (1) and the carrying seat (3). The rotation mechanism (4) is disposed on the rack (5) to drive the fixed table (1) to rotate, so that the carrying seat (3) is rotatable between an entering position and a watch position of the rack (5).

Abstract: A motion simulation system includes a pedestal that may be positioned on a support surface. A car seat is coupled to the top wall and the car seat may support a child. A tilting unit is positioned within the pedestal and the tilting unit is mechanically coupled to the car seat. The tilting unit selectively urges the car seat to tilt in a plurality of angles with respect to a longitudinal axis extending through the pedestal. Thus, the tilting unit simulates motions associated with riding in a vehicle thereby facilitating the tilting unit to soothe the child. A control unit is coupled to the pedestal and the control unit is electrically coupled to the tilting unit.

Abstract: A model includes arm parts each including a rotational shaft portion, and a body part including a shaft supporting portion and being connected to and rotatable relative to the arm part. The arm part includes a projecting portion. The body part includes a recessed portion into which the projecting portion is fitted when the rotational shaft portion is inserted into the shaft supporting portion. The rotational shaft portion and the shaft supporting portion include respective locking members that are engageable with each other and limit the movement of the rotational shaft portion in an axial direction within a range between a first position where the projecting portion is fitted in the recessed portion and a second position where the projecting portion is out of the recessed portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a toy wheel assembly (100), a molding tool for the same and a method for manufacturing said toy wheel assembly (100). In particular, the present invention provides a self-locking toy wheel assembly (100) for improved toy safety.

Abstract: A model train and layout control system based on on-board sound and locomotive modules, new signaling methods, bi-directional communication, environmental sound, turnout control, train location methods, computer interaction and accessory control, by adding components to existing technology. AC power signal waveforms are variously altered to convey digital command words.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for concentrating an ink composition, wherein the method comprises the steps of: (a) providing an ink composition, the ink composition comprising a liquid carrier and particles comprising a resin and a colorant, and wherein the ink composition contains less than 0.

Abstract: A spray drying apparatus includes: a gas inlet provided in a side wall in the vicinity of a top (lid) portion of the spray drying apparatus, for introducing a flue gas for drying a spray of dehydrated filtrate; flow-adjusting plates provided in a body of the spray drying apparatus, for decelerating the introduced flue gas so as to change the flow of the flue gas to a laminar flow; a spray nozzle for spraying the dehydrated filtrate from the desulfurization waste water into the flue gas having been changed to the laminar flow; and a joining unit for joining a bottom portion of the body of the spray drying apparatus to a gas supply line that is a main flue gas duct for the flue gas so as to discharge spray-dried solids to the main flue gas duct.