Abstract: An elliptical exercise device has guide links pivotally attached to a frame and foot support links pivotally attached to the guide links. Vertical control links couple a cam drive to forward ends of the foot support links such that rotation of the cam drive moves foot receiving areas vertically. Horizontal control links couple a crank system to the guide links such that rotation of the crank system pivots the guide links and moves the foot receiving areas horizontally.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatuses and methods for exercising the facial muscles. Specifically, the present invention relates to a series of apparatuses that may be placed against or behind a user's lips, on a user's face, under a user's chin, and/or against a user's neck. As a user performs exercises with the present invention, the corresponding facial muscles become more strengthened and toned. Toning the muscles in one's face helps to reduce wrinkles, sagging, and expression marks that have developed over time. In addition, exercising of the neck region helps strengthen the soft palate that may be useful for snore prevention or singing. The apparatuses and methods described herein may be utilized for rehabilitation for stroke victims, individuals with speech impediments and other speech pathology, may increase collagen production in the lips, and may be utilized to increase blood flow to the neck, throat and face.

Abstract: A golfer classification method in which, in order to classify a golfer based on his/her swing behavior, a first head speed HS1 of a short iron when the golfer hits a golf ball with the short iron is measured; a second head speed HS2 and a blow angle of a long iron when the golfer hits a golf ball with the long iron are measured; the head speed ratio HS2/HS1 is calculated; by comparing the blow angle with a first threshold, the golfer is classified into a down blow group or a non down blow group; and by comparing the head speed ratio HS2/HS1 with a second threshold, the golfer classified into the down blow group is further classified into a first down blow group or a second down blow group. A golf club selection method in which, for the golfer classified by the golfer classification method, a suitable golf club is selected.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for determining and analyzing sport related activities in conjunction with low latency transmission and processing. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention utilize sensor units placed on participants in a sporting activity in order to identify actions and/or movements made by the participants and analyze those actions and/or movements. In certain embodiments, the system is further configured to transmit the analyzed data associated with those actions and/or movements such that a group of end users (e.g., broadcast viewers, users of a mobile application) can consume the data in real time or near real time.

Abstract: A swing analysis device for analyzing a swing of a ball hitting tool includes: an information input unit configured to receive input of acceleration information and angular velocity information detected by a sensor attached to the ball hitting tool; a posture calculation unit configured to calculate posture information of the ball hitting tool in the swing by applying a predetermined filter to the acceleration information and the angular velocity information; a correction unit configured to correct the posture information of the ball hitting tool in the swing based on the posture information of the ball hitting tool at a first time in the swing; and a swing information calculation unit configured to calculate a swing trajectory of the ball hitting tool based on the acceleration information and the posture information of the ball hitting tool corrected by the correction unit.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems and computer readable media for associating environmental measurements with an individual using a plurality of sensors, a plurality of tags and a plurality of receivers disposed about a monitored area.

Abstract: A portable wall-adhering exercise aid is provided. In an implementation, the exercise aid includes a sheeted material that removably adheres to a wall or other surface and provides a low-friction surface for exercise support. The exercise aid can provide balance to a user during exercises, such as back exercises, and can bear some of the weight during exercise making the exercise session more attractive. The exercise aid may include pressure sensors and heart sensors. An embedded processor may provide real time feedback and provide programmed exercise routines. The processor and a transceiver may also enable remote control or establish telemetry for remote monitoring.

Abstract: A physical exercise device providing a stepper like motion for a user may include a pair of foot pedals and a pair of arms for engagement by the user while seated on the seat of the physical exercise device. The pair of foot pedals and the pair of arms may be connected to a drive train which provides contralateral motion between the pair of arms and the pair of foot pedals. A pedal and arm lock mechanism may also be provided which prevents the pedals and arms to be moved in a lock state, while allowing movement of the pedals and the arms when in the unlock state. The physical exercise device may also include computational and data acquisition units for receiving a position signal and pedal force signals and recording the signals.

Abstract: A sport activity recording apparatus includes a clock that measures time, a position sensor that calculates a position, and a processor that initiates, when the measured time falls within a predetermined period including planned sport activity initiation time and the calculated position falls within a predetermined area including a planned sport activity initiation position, recording of the sport activity.

Abstract: A system and method for generating and implementing a barcode is provided, wherein the system includes a data generation device configured to receive data and generate barcode data response to the received data, a barcode generation device, configured to receive the barcode data and generate a barcode responsive to the received barcode data, a display device, configured to display the barcode and a barcode receiving device, configured to receive the barcode and operate in response to the barcode.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for monitoring the performance of an individual during a fitness activity are disclosed. A method of monitoring the performance of a participant engaged in a fitness activity includes receiving a GPS signal during the fitness activity at a portable fitness device used by the participant; determining participant performance data based on the received GPS signal; at a stationary position beacon, transmitting location data associated with the location of the stationary position beacon; at a mobile participant receiver supported by the participant, receiving the location data from the stationary position beacon; and modifying the participant performance data based on the data received from the stationary position beacon.

Abstract: In general, the present invention relates to exercise devices and systems. More specifically, the present invention relates to a treadmill exercise machine that embodies with an integrated Near Field Communication (NFC) device for receiving both the user preferences and user exercise plan from an NFC enabled Smartphone before starting the exercise, and transmitting the realized exercise information back to the same NFC enabled Smartphone after the exercise is performed.

Abstract: A bioelectrical signal controlled exercise machine system for allowing an exerciser to control the state of an exercise machine and exercise environment. The bioelectrical signal controlled exercise machine system generally includes an exercise machine, a bioelectrical sensor device and a control unit in communication with the bioelectrical sensor device and the exercise machine. The control unit is adapted to receive data from the bioelectrical sensor device relating to measured bioelectrical signals of the human exerciser, and wherein the control unit transmits a control signal to the exercise machine to change the state of the exercise machine based on the data from the bioelectrical sensor device.

Abstract: A device for multidimensional mobilization of lumbar, pelvic, and hip joints with a generally concave upper surface connected to a generally convex lower surface is disclosed, wherein the generally concave upper surface has a recess to cradle a sacrum.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball resin composition having a high resilience, flexibility and high fluidity. The present invention provides a golf ball resin composition having a bending stiffness (M21-30) ranging from 600 kgf/cm2 to 5,000 kgf/cm2 within a bending angle from 21° to 30°, a rebound resilience (R) of 50% or more, a slab hardness (Shore D) ranging from 40 to 65, a melt flow rate (190° C., 2.16 kgf) of 1.0 g/10 min or more, and a resilience index value ((M21-30)0.5×(R/100)3) of 8.5 or more.

Abstract: In a golf ball having a core, a cover and an intermediate layer therebetween, the ball and a sphere consisting of the core encased by the intermediate layer have surface hardnesses which satisfy a specific relationship, the intermediate layer and the cover have thicknesses which satisfy a specific relationship, and (initial velocity of intermediate layer-encased sphere)/(initial velocity of core)?0.995. Also, the core, the intermediate layer-encased sphere and the ball have respective deflections under given compression conditions which satisfy a specific condition. When used by golfers whose head speed is not very fast, the ball achieves a good distance on shots with a driver, in addition to which it has a soft feel and is able to retain a high spin performance on approach shots.

Abstract: A golf ball storage and heating assembly includes a housing has a top wall, a bottom wall and a peripheral wall extending therebetween and the top wall is substantially open to access an interior of the housing. A support is positioned within the housing and a mesh member is positioned upon the support. A lid is hingedly coupled to the housing. A heating unit is positioned within the housing to selectively heat the interior of the housing. A containment unit is positioned within the interior of the housing such that the containment unit is in thermal communication with the heating unit. The containment unit may contain a plurality of golf balls thereby facilitating the golf balls to be heated such that a driving distance of the golf balls is increased.

Abstract: A striking plate for a golf club head includes a striking surface, a plurality of parallel linear grooves, and a plurality of protrusions. The parallel linear grooves are formed in the striking surface and are spaced apart from one another by a predetermined distance. The protrusions are formed on the striking surface, extend between two adjacent ones of the linear grooves, and are spaced apart from each other.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a process for coating a club face or striking surface of a club head of a golf club and also relates to a golf club. A coating is applied to a metallic substrate of the club head on at least a portion of the club face or striking surface by means of a thermal spray coating process. According to the disclosure, the process comprises processing the portion of the club face or striking surface with a laser beam before and after the application of the coating in order to provide the surface of the uncoated substrate and the surface of the coating with a predefined surface roughness, such as one having a roughness depth Rz of 50 ?m±10%.

Abstract: The present invention is direct to a set of golf clubs comprising long irons, mid-irons and short irons. The invention contemplates the use of titanium or steel for the main body portion and significant tungsten weight members at the heel and toe.

Abstract: Embodiments of golf club heads and methods to manufacture golf club heads are generally described herein. In one example, a golf club head may include a hollow body portion having a front portion, a rear portion, a toe portion, a heel portion, a bottom portion, a top portion, a plurality of ports on the bottom portion and a plurality of inner support portions in the hollow body portion. Other examples and embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: A putter having a body with a striking surface, an upper surface that is visible to player when in the address position and a sole plate that is coupled to a bottom surface of the body. The upper surface includes at least one aperture and the sole plate includes a sightline projection that extends into the aperture to form a sightline on the putter that is visible to the player.

Abstract: Provided is a golf club head that is able to suppress lowering of the pitch of a ball hitting sound. The golf club head according to the present invention includes a crown portion, a face portion, and a sole portion having at least one recessed portion. The recessed portion is configured to house a weight member such that the weight member does not protrude externally. The sole portion is provided with a placement region connected to the face portion and to be at least partially placed on a placement surface in a reference state, and a rear region arranged further to a back side in a face-back direction than the placement region and in which the recessed portion is arranged. The rear region inclines upward relative to the placement region toward the back side.

Abstract: The golf club head includes a decoration member to be attached in the recessed portion, and a fixing member for fixing the decoration member in the recessed portion. A fixing hole is formed in a bottom surface of the recessed portion, and the fixing member is provided with a tubular head portion and a shaft portion that is attached to the head portion, has a smaller diameter than the head portion and is to be fixed in the fixing hole. The decoration member has a through hole. The through hole includes a shaft portion insertion portion and a head portion in which the head portion is to be arranged, with a gap being formed at least in a portion that is externally exposed between the inner wall surface of the head portion arrangement portion and the outer peripheral surface of the head portion.

Abstract: Provided is a golf club head capable of realizing a lower center of gravity without a weight member protruding from a sole portion. The golf club head according to the present invention includes a crown portion, a face portion, and a sole portion having at least one recessed portion. The recessed portion is configured to house the weight member such that the weight member does not protrude externally. The sole portion is provided with a raised portion including the recessed portion and protruding downward, and to be at least partially placed on a placement surface in a reference state. A center of the recessed portion is arranged further to a back side in a face-back direction and to a heel side in a toe-heel direction than a center of gravity of the head.

Abstract: A secure and collapsible landing-pit stake for the game of horseshoe-pitching is disclosed.

Abstract: A sport training device for players practicing with balls that includes a support arm assembly having an arm post, a pivot assembly coupled to the arm post and comprising a claw assembly that supports a ball, and a clamp coupled to the arm post. The claw assembly is movable to a raised position, and the clamp is configured to engage the pivot assembly when the claw assembly moves to the raised position.

Abstract: A golf ball range target system that includes a golf target, a golf ball dispenser, at least one golf ball, a target sensor, a tracking module, and a client computer is described. The golf target has a known geographic location and includes at least one golf target area. The golf ball dispenser houses golf balls. Each golf ball is associated with a particular player. The tracking module determines a golf ball flight trajectory for the golf ball associated with the particular player. The target sensor determines whether the golf ball has landed in a target area.

Abstract: The portable golf impact practice mat is a golf practice mat that provides visual indicators to inform of three extremely important impact conditions using a digital display, a signal generating unit and a plurality of LED(light emitting diode). One of them indicates the swing path in reference to how the golf club head moves toward the target. Another detects and indicates if the club head hits the golf mat in front of the ball also known as a “fat shot”. Lastly, the third displays a club head speed upon impact. The present invention is designed to be used by attaching to the general golf practice mats widely found in public golf driving ranges or personal golf practice mats. The present invention is compact, folds in half and fits in one-hand providing portability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a golf putting practice device for improving golf putting skills

Abstract: A hockey practice device in one embodiment includes a base for resting on a horizontal surface, a motor, a rotating firing wheel coupled to the motor, and a puck feed ramp mounted proximate to the firing wheel on the base. The feed ramp includes an arcuately curved and elongated feed surface arranged to slideably engage a puck. In one arrangement, the firing wheel is rotatable in a vertical rotational plane which is arranged in an off-axis manner from the centerline of the ramp feed surface. This engages the puck off center, thereby inducing spin to the puck when it is discharged from the device toward a target which replicates a pass from a hockey stick. A puck loader is provided that holds a plurality of puck which are automatically dispensed in sequential fashion at pre-selected time intervals to the feed ramp.

Abstract: A grip cone for marking a playing surface. The grip cone includes a head, the head configured to serve as a marker on a playing surface. The grip cone also includes an attachment, the attachment is fastened to the head and configured to secure the head to the playing surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gliding board for cross-country skiing, intended to receive a shoe fastener (F) including an upper face, a lower face and side ridges, characterized in that at least one of the side ridges of the board is provided with a series of notches (11) whereof each rim (11a) defines, on the one hand, a transverse stop face (12) making it possible to stop the board in the backwards direction, and on the other hand, a longitudinal connecting face (13) between the notches (11) allowing forward gliding.

Abstract: A dealing robot device includes a machine robotic arm, electric poker rack, and controller. The controller provides a controlling instruction, configures the machine robotic arm or electric poker rack so as to deal and recycle pokers when executing a dealing procedure. Therefore, the dealing robot device of present application can effectively reduce the human resource requirement of the dealing procedure of poke games.

Abstract: A Love Adventure board game for couples is disclosed that helps enhance the communication between partners and build a stronger relationship. The object of the game is for a couple to earn a complete set of skill sets. The game includes a board, dice, yin/yang player pieces (Patent #D711,969), Love chips, Friendship gems as well as instructional playing cards which either teach a lesson, encourage partners to share values that they appreciate about each other or to ask each other questions about their relationship. The game also includes sections of a ring wherein each piece or section of the ring corresponds to a skill set. When the ring is completed the game is won. Players win by helping their partner win. All players gain in the process.

Abstract: A game board and seating system is used for playing chess and providing comfortable seating for users. The system includes a board frame, a first seat assembly, a second seat assembly, and an inclined game board. The board frame supports the inclined game board, the first seat assembly, and the second seat assembly. The inclined game board is used to play chess and attaches onto the board frame. The first seat assembly and a second seat assembly are used to comfortably seat users while playing. The first seat assembly and the second seat assembly are both mounted to board frame. The system also includes a plurality of game pieces and at least two piece-adjusting arms. Similar to a traditional chessboard, the game pieces are used to play chess. The at least two piece-adjusting arms are used to move hard to reach game pieces on the inclined game board.

Abstract: A target that, depending upon a type of game for which the target is programmed, senses whether and where it has been struck by a laser light. The target face displays a game board (such as a dart board) and allows laser light to pass through. A plurality of light sensors are behind the target face. When a designated portion of the target face is struck by a laser light, a sensor records the strike. One or more of: the game to be played using the target, the number of players, starting the game, resetting the target for a new game, and changing players, is accomplished remotely by striking an area on the target with laser light.

Abstract: An example game controller is removably attachable to a main unit. The game controller includes a controller-side slide member. The controller-side slide member protrudes from a first surface of the game controller and is configured to slidably engage with the main unit-side slide member in a slide direction. The controller-side slide member has a first end and a second end in the slide direction, and the game controller is configured to be attached to the main unit by inserting the controller-side slide member into the main unit-side slide member. The controller-side slide member includes a protruding portion and at least one terminal. The protruding portion protrudes from the first end side of the controller-side slide member in the slide direction and has a facing surface that faces the first surface of the game controller. The at least one terminal is between the facing surface and the first surface.

Abstract: A system and method for uniquely identifying physical trading cards and/or incorporating trading card game items in a video game is provided. In certain implementations, a unique code that identifies a trading card may be obtained. A graphical representation of the unique code may be generated based on a graphical coding scheme. The graphical representation of the unique code may comprise at least a part of: (1) a depiction of a game item that is usable in the video game; or (2) a border of the trading card. Content associated with the depiction of the game item may be obtained. The trading card may be generated based on the content associated with the depiction of the game item and the graphical representation of the unique code such that the generated trading card depicts the game item and the graphical representation of the unique code.

Abstract: An elongated member such as a bar includes spaced-apart infrared light illumination ports at opposite ends thereof. Exemplary spacing between the two spaced-apart light ports may be 20 centimeters or more. Each light port comprises an array of plural light sources. The plural light sources in each array may be directionally aimed to as to provide different illumination directions. The plural light sources in each array may emit different colors or frequencies of light. Example applications include targeting or marking capabilities for a video game or other system handheld pointing device.

Abstract: A system for analyzing the use of location-based service applications including: a mobile device. A carrier-positioning infrastructure interacts with the mobile device for enabling the use of location-based applications by the mobile device. A mobile location-based application provider communicates with the carrier-positioning infrastructure to provide a location-based application to the mobile device. A location transaction platform monitors the use of the location-based application by the mobile device. An analytics server communicates with the location transaction platform and location stamps an occurrence of use of the location-based application by the mobile device and performs a task in accordance with predetermined rules as a function of the location-based stamp.

Abstract: A system and method for uniquely identifying physical trading cards and/or incorporating trading card game items in a video game is provided. In certain implementations, a unique code that identifies a trading card may be obtained. A graphical representation of the unique code may be generated based on a graphical coding scheme. The graphical representation of the unique code may comprise at least a part of: (1) a depiction of a game item that is usable in the video game; or (2) a border of the trading card. Content associated with the depiction of the game item may be obtained. The trading card may be generated based on the content associated with the depiction of the game item and the graphical representation of the unique code such that the generated trading card depicts the game item and the graphical representation of the unique code.

Abstract: An example game controller is removably attachable to a main unit having a main unit-side slide member and configured to execute a game process. The game controller having a front surface and at least first and second side surfaces relative to the front surface. The game controller includes a controller-side slide member. The controller-side slide member protrudes from the second side surface and is configured for slidably engaging with the main unit-side slide member in a slide direction. The controller-side slide member includes a lower surface and an upper surface. The lower surface extends from the first end to the second end of the controller-side slide member in a direction substantially perpendicular to the slide direction. The game controller includes a first operation control. The first operation control is provided on the lower surface.

Abstract: An example game controller is removably attachable to a main unit. The game controller includes an operation section and a controller-side slide member. The controller-side slide member protrudes from a first surface of the game controller and is configured to slidably engage with the main unit-side slide member in a slide direction. The controller-side slide member has a first end and a second end in the slide direction, and the game controller is configured to be attached to the main unit by inserting the controller-side slide member into the main unit-side slide member at least from the first end. The game controller includes a stop member. The stop member is configured to protrude from the first surface of the game controller or from a side surface of the controller-side slide member, which side surface is substantially perpendicular to the first surface.

Abstract: A user input device is described that includes a thumbstick that comprises a thumbstick module and a thumbstick cap that is connected thereto. The thumbstick cap includes a thumbstick base that is mounted upon the thumbstick module and a thumbstick top that can be removably connected to the thumbstick base. The manner of interconnection between the thumbstick top and the thumbstick base is such that a user can connect and disconnect the two components without having to disassemble the game controller and without having to use any tools.

Abstract: A game controller includes an electronic input sensor and a button-retention feature. The button-retention feature is configured to removably affix a selected button accessory to the game controller through a magnetic attraction between the button-retention feature and the selected button accessory. The selected button accessory is one of a plurality of differently configured button accessories removably affixable to the game controller. The selected button accessory is configured to translate a touch applied to the selected button accessory to an actuation of the electronic input sensor when the selected button accessory is affixed to the game controller.

Abstract: A user-replaceable thumbstick top for a user input device is described. The thumbstick top comprises one or more first mating elements that are adapted to mate with one or more second mating elements of a thumbstick base of the user input device. The first and second mating elements are configured to enable the thumbstick top to be removably connected to the thumbstick base. The manner of interconnection between the thumbstick top and the thumbstick base is such that a user can connect and disconnect the two components without having to disassemble the game controller and without having to use any tools.

Abstract: There is provided a pair of handheld controllers for a virtual-reality system. The pair of hand-held controllers for the virtual-reality system comprises a first hand-held controller and a second hand-held controller. The first hand-held controller comprises a first user-input surface having a first user-input key, a first grip, and a first cage having a first connector coupled to a surface of the first cage. The second hand-held controller comprises a second user-input surface having a second user-input key, a second grip, and a second cage having a second connector coupled to a surface of the second cage. The first and second connectors are configured to detachably couple the first cage to the second cage.

Abstract: There is provided a hand-held controller for a virtual-reality system. The hand-held controller includes a user-input surface and a grip coupled to the user-input surface. The user-input surface includes a first user-input key situated on the user-input surface. The first user-input key includes a first capacitive touch sensor to detect a finger of a user hovering above the first user-input key and contacting the first user-input key.

Abstract: A game controller includes a trigger-activation sensor, a sensor-activation feature, and a trigger-retention feature. The sensor-activation feature is moveable relative to the trigger-activation sensor. The trigger-activation sensor outputs a control signal based on a relative position of the sensor-activation feature and the trigger-activation sensor. The trigger-retention feature is configured to removably affix a selected removable trigger accessory to the game controller. The selected removable trigger accessory is one of a plurality of differently configured removable trigger accessories removably affixable to the game controller. The selected removable trigger accessory is configured to change the relative position of the sensor-activation feature and the trigger-activation sensor based on finger manipulation of the selected removable trigger accessory when the selected removable trigger accessory is removably affixed to the game controller.