Abstract: The inventions disclosed herein relate to designs of climbing surfaces, fall safety pads and/or accessories related thereto. According to some embodiments, different impact zones of a fall safety pad can have different cushioning attributes. The different cushioning attributes of the different impact zones of the safety pad can be based on a vertical distance to a directly overlying portion of the climbing surface. The different cushioning attributes of the different impact zones of the safety pad can also consider a predicted or measured frequency of falling from a portion of the climbing surface directly overlying each impact zone of the safety pad. Other intended climber attributes, enjoyment, and safety concerns can be considered in the design of the climbing surface(s), safety pad(s), and accessories disclosed. Further, wear, replicability, customizations of enjoyment, and updates to safety concerns in the climbing sport are further understood in view of this disclosure.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and apparatus for providing training to a surfer. The method involves highlighting the critical elements of the surfing region, enabling a surfer to comprehend complex dynamic environments, (such as barrells), better understand what expert surfers do in such environments, and then progressing such maneuvers from the mind to the physical environment as actual performance. The apparatus comprises a sensory cue generator capable of delivering cues that enable a surfer to visualize maneuvers in their mind, practice in virtual/augmented reality, and the physical environment in artificially and naturally generated surfing conditions. The sensory cues are delivered dynamically to the surfer, in an intuitive fashion correlated with the surfing visualizations, simulations or environments, prompting the surfer to deploy correct surfing maneuvers, greatly reducing the learning curve and progressing physical and mental performance as never before.

Abstract: Strand-filled punching bags including punching bags filled with a plurality of strands made from a variety of possible materials are disclosed. In some examples, the strand-filled punching bag includes a sheath that extends to and contacts a surface located below the punching bag, such as a floor, and is equipped with an additional abrasion sheath to help control the swing characteristics of the punching bag. In some further examples, the strand-filled punching bag includes a shorter sheath that does not contact the surface below the punching bag, and thus lacks an additional abrasion sheath.

Abstract: An electronic device having a program configured to track player performance according to a number of criteria is described. The device is programmed to receive player input data and course input data to process and provide feedback data. Feedback data may be tabular information describing an overall performance analysis of the player. Additionally, the feedback data may be the generation of a targeted location on the green during an approach shot. Feedback data may also be used to modify training activities.

Abstract: A golf shot tracking system including an identification tag coupled to a golf club and a tag reader including a position-determination component and a tag identification component are disclosed. The tag reader may receive identification information relating to the golf club, and may determine its position, in response to the identification tag being within a reception range of the tag identification component. The tag reader may transmit a signal representative of the golf club identification information in association with the position information to a communication device. The communication device may be a portable handheld device having a display for displaying a representation of the golf club identity in association with the determined position. The communication device may be configured to upload the golf club identity in association with the determined position to a remote server.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to various components of a system for monitoring and/or tracking a user's performance during an activity involving an instrument that is swung. Exemplary embodiments can include a sensor module configured to be secured to and/or embedded within the instrument. The sensor module can detect a swing event and/or an impact between the instrument and an object and can generate pressures waves that propagate through air. The pressure waves can include information or represent information about a use of the instrument and can be detected by an electronic device associated with the user, which can display the information, process the information, and/or transmit the information to a remote system. The pressure waves can be modulated to encode information within the pressure waves.

Abstract: In an inclined golf mat laid and used in a golf practice range or the like, to simplify structure and enable a reduction in weight, reduce a price, and improve versatility. In the inclined golf mat, a surface section including an inclined surface is detachably attached to an upper side of a base. A first fitting section is provided on an upper surface of the base, and a first section to be fit that fits with the first fitting section is provided on a lower surface of the surface section. A golf mat assembly is assembled by coupling a plurality of the inclined golf mats in the horizontal direction.

Abstract: A tennis swing training apparatus is provided, which is a spherical spacer with a strap with a fastening device to hold the strap on the arms, to prevent the spherical spacer from switching position or falling out during the process of the swing, which when put in between a limb from a body part or strategically placed on the body it separates or holds the arm and swing into position to maintain proper position by having the player squeeze or feel the feedback of the apparatus. The apparatus can be used to help fix most of swings and shots used in tennis including one handed forehand, two-handed backhand, forehand and backhand volley, forehand slice, one-handed backhand slice, overhead, and the serve.

Abstract: A base safety assistant and home plate template are disclosed. The base safety assistant and home plate template are to be used in connection with slow pitch softball. The base safety assistant is used in conjunction with first base and home plate. It will sound an audible alarm and lights will flash when a runner steps on it. This will allow the umpire to make better calls of safe or out on a close play. The home plate template assists the umpire with balls and strike calls. When a thrown pitch hits the template, it will sound an audible alarm and light up.

Abstract: A ball glove has a hollow zone at a ball impact zone. The hollow zone accommodates a drop-in assembly to provide adequate protection to the wearer of the ball glove without imparting stiffness to the crotch area or the ball impact zone of the ball glove. The ball glove opens/closes easily so as to provide control which players are seeking and creates a game-day-ready pocket based on the individual player's ball catching habits in a short period of time.

Abstract: A binding strap assist mechanism. The binding strap assist mechanism can be retrofitted onto standard snowboard binding straps to bias the binding straps into the open configuration, thus guiding the straps way from the foot area of the binding. Binding straps pass through the binding strap assist mechanism so that tensile forces along the length of each of these binding straps during use is not significantly conveyed to the binding straps assist mechanism. The tensile forces are thus isolated to the binding straps which are intended to carry such forces. The present invention provides a safe and convenient feature to snowboard bindings and other bindings. If the binding strap assist mechanism breaks or fails to function, the binding straps will continue to function as normal, resulting in no safety concerns to user.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a battery operated vacuum scratch device that is small, powerful, handheld and cylindrical shaped primarily for use when scratching off and cleaning up the scrapings left behind from a “scratch-off” lottery cards. Activated by a power switch and battery, the vacuum scratch device comprises of a blade for scratching, along with a holding arrangement for holding a coin providing an alternate option for scratching, a catch-mouth suction of the debris, a light source, a grip on its body, battery compartment, a motor, a fan, an external vented port, a removable scratch card debris catch tray. The device becomes a scraping device through use of the scraper blade or coin mechanism which is affixed to one end of the unit near the vacuum accessory piece.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for facilitating the mixing of balls in drums of recreational games which is especially designed to improve the mixing of the balls (5) in a drum (3) of a recreational machine of chance. It consists of a horizontally long laminar part (1), in the form of a plate, provided at the ends thereof with means for attaching inside the drum (3) in an articulated or pivoting manner, according to the rotational shaft of said drum (3), said part (1) having an essentially rectangular configuration, the side edges of which have a convergence (6) so as to fit with the inner curvature of the drum (3), whereas the lower edge is provided with notches (7) which are suitable in terms of the shape and size thereof for allowing the balls (5) housed in the drum (3) to pass therethrough.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention enable rich control input data to control video games that are remotely executed. Rich control input includes three-dimensional image data, color video, audio, device orientation data, and touch input. A remotely-executed video game is one executed on a server or other computing device that is networked to a client device receiving the rich control input. Rich control input includes more data than can be uploaded to a game server without degrading game performance. Embodiments of the present invention preprocess the rich control data on the client and into data that may be uploaded to the game server. The rich input stream may be processed in a general way or in a game-specific way.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a game control technology. Particularly, the present invention relates to a game control method using a user input, a game control apparatus, and a recording medium thereof, which variously control the displaying of components of a game screen so as to provide a game that allows various types of game play schemes.

Abstract: Example systems and methods involve detecting an input to a touchscreen display of a video game apparatus; determining a video game action based on a shape of the input; and determining a timing of the video game action based on a color associated with the input.

Abstract: A user input device comprising a sensor arrangement arranged to detect user interaction with the user input device, and an optical or audio transducer responsive to said sensor arrangement and arranged in use to transmit an optical or audio output signal to an optical or audio sensor of a separate mobile computing device, said output signal encoding instructions for launching or controlling an app.

Abstract: Examples for managing the participation of users in multiple virtual environments are described. An example method includes a processor receiving from a first user device a virtual object that is created by a user and at least one trigger condition for presenting the virtual object, obtaining a physical location of the first user device, and receiving a selection of a first virtual environment for the virtual object from among a plurality of virtual environments associated with the first user device. The method may further include the processor associating the virtual object with the physical location and with the first virtual environment that is selected, and presenting the virtual object to a second user device associated with the first virtual environment when the at least one trigger condition is encountered, where the at least one trigger condition includes a condition that the second user device is proximate to the physical location.

Abstract: A system and method for creating and sharing customized video game weapon configurations in multiplayer video games via one or more social networks is provided.

Abstract: A method is provided, including: receiving inertial data from an input device, the inertial data being generated from one or more inertial sensors of the input device; receiving captured image data from an image capture device configured to capture images of an interactive environment in which the input device is disposed, the input device having a light emitting diode (LED) array that generates infrared light; processing the inertial data and the captured image data to determine a movement of the input device in the interactive environment; establishing a gearing that adjusts an amount by which the movement of the input device is mapped to movement of an image that is rendered to a display; changing the gearing to different settings during the movement of the image as the movement of the image is rendered to the display.

Abstract: A system and method for executing an instance of an online game to facilitate participation of the user in the online game. The system and method include executing actions in the instance of the online game that are delayed from reception of corresponding action requests by wait times associated with the actions. The system and method include effectuating presentation of speed-up quest offers to the user for wait times that are open. The system and method include detecting successful performance of speed-up quests by the user in the online game and implementing speed-ups associated with the speed-up quest offers on open wait times in the online game in response to successful performance of offered speed-up quests by the user in the online game. The system and method include in response to detection of successful performance of the first quest in the online game during the first open wait time implementing a first speed-up by reducing the first open wait time.

Abstract: A computer system creates, stores, transmits, modifies, and enables users to exchange units of social currency, referred to as “social currency events” (SCEs). Each SCE represents social approval and/or disapproval of a behavior of one or more users by the same user or one or more other users. The users who send and receive an SCE may each assign their own distinct values to it. The computer system may generate various metrics based on one or more SCEs. For example, the computer system may generate a single SCE score for a user based on variables such as the number and value of SCEs the user has sent and received. SCEs may be used to recognize positive and/or negative social behaviors by users of the system, to encourage such users to engage in additional positive social behaviors, and to discourage such users from engaging in additional negative social behaviors.

Abstract: This disclosure generally relates to systems and methods to provide graphical user interfaces in computer-implemented multiplayer games. The graphical user interface includes a friends panel that is operable between a collapsed condition and an expanded condition. The friends panel provides friends information display functionality, social network management functionality, and/or messaging functionality both in the collapsed condition and in the expanded condition. In the collapsed condition, the friends panel may comprise a friends bar that shows a row of friend cards or chiclets associated with respective friends of a host player associated with a displayed game instance, the friends bar being clear of a view of a virtual in-game environment shown in the game display, while the expanded friends panel may comprise a grid of friend cards or chiclets that functionally obscures the in-game environment.

Abstract: Methods and systems for triggering integrated game actions include monitoring a user's state during operation a video game with one or more user state sensors. It is determined whether the user's level of activity is below a predetermined activity threshold based on the monitored state considered over a period of time. If the user's level of activity is below the predetermined activity threshold, a game sequence in the video game is triggered that involves physical activity on the part of the user.

Abstract: A prediction gaming system is disclosed. The system allows users to predict live scores on a mobile platform ball-by-ball in a Cricket game before the ball is bowled while the game is in progress. There is a user interface (UI), a fast live score feed methodology, user prediction capture, reconciliation and reward framework. The methods and systems described here are further applicable to other sports including tennis, where the methods are applicable point-by-point and in baseball, applicable pitch-by-pitch.

Abstract: There are provided methods and systems for providing customized fantasy sports data. For example, there is provided a system for creating a customized fantasy sport video feed. The system can include a processor and a memory including instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform certain operations. The operations can include receiving a first data set according to at least one of a plurality of rules. The first data set can include metadata associated with video clips of one or more sporting event. The operations can further include constructing a second data set based on at least one element of the first data set, the second data set including an ordered index associated with one or more of the video clips.

Abstract: A method for controlling a ride experience through a ride space of an amusement park ride. The method includes, with a sensor mounted on an automated trackless vehicle being controlled to travel along a first ride path, sensing passenger data for a passenger. The method involves processing the passenger data to determine a passenger state at a particular point in time during the ride experience. The method includes determining a location of the automated trackless vehicle on the first ride path. The method involves, based on the passenger state and the location of the automated trackless vehicle on the first ride path, determining a second ride path for the automated trackless vehicle to move through the ride space. The method includes controlling the automated trackless vehicle to move off the first ride path and along the second ride path, e.g., to alter the passenger's state to enhance the ride experience.

Abstract: A doll system is provided and comprises a plurality of dolls. The form and likeness of each doll is based on a plurality of developmental stages of a specific female or male child. Each doll is constructed to directly correspond to images of actual models at different ages.

Abstract: Many devices with “limbs” or “arms” are susceptible to damage when a user bends or twists a joint of the limb or arm beyond its design point or in a direction other than intended. This is common with children's toys. Accordingly, it would be beneficial to provide children with toys employing fluidic actuators that can be bent, twisted, deformed and yet recover subsequently allowing the intended motion to be performed. Further, it would be beneficial by providing devices that employ fluidic actuators, and hence are essentially non-mechanical, to provide users not only of toys but other devices with driving mechanisms that are not susceptible to wear-out such as, by stripping drive gears, etc., thereby increasing their reliability and reducing noise. Fluidic devices allow for high efficiency, high power to size ratio, low cost, limited or single moving part(s) and allow for mechanical springless designs as well as functional reduction by providing a piston which is both pump and vibrator.

Abstract: An ion exchange filter for a coolant may include a porous ion exchange filter exoskeleton and ion exchange resin beads. The exoskeleton may be adapted for receiving a coolant flow and may define a first set of channels. The ion exchange resin beads may be located within the first set of channels.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to affinity chromatography devices that separate a targeted protein or antibody from an aqueous mixture containing the targeted protein or antibody. The chromatography device may contain a stacked membrane assembly or a wound membrane assembly. The membrane assemblies include at least one polymer membrane that contains therein inorganic particles. The polymer membrane and/or the inorganic particles have an affinity ligand bonded thereto. The affinity ligand may be a protein, an antibody, or a polysaccharide that reversibly binds to the targeted protein or antibody. The chromatography device may be repeatedly used and may be cleaned with a caustic solution between uses. The chromatography devices may have a dynamic binding capacity (DBC) of at least 30 mg/ml (or 0.07 micromol/ml) at 10% breakthrough at a residence time of 20 seconds or less.

Abstract: Embodiments discussed herein relate to systems and methods for separating two or more phases of an emulsion or other mixture. The methods include providing the mixture with a net and unipolar charge (e.g., such that adjacent droplets therein acquire net and unipolar charges), thereby enhancing coalescence of like-phase droplets therein and producing, or enhancing the production of, two or more consolidated phases; and collecting the two or more consolidated phases.

Abstract: A method and system for treatment of flow-back and produced water from a hydrocarbon well in which fracturing operations are carried out using a phase separation and creating of positive charge in the water.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new type of filtration system. Traditional designs required that personnel open the system to clean/change strainers while a process was in operation. This invention provides a straining system that allows process stream to be filtered in a manner completely internal to the process. The system includes dual strainers with a nitrogen purging system and solvent flush system. A creatively designed “catch” area is installed internal to the process to collect all solids that are flushed from the strainer system. The system remains completely closed for the duration of each production campaign, thus eliminating the safety hazard and labor requirement associated with opening a process system.

Abstract: This invention relates to at least one filter system with inner flow or outer flow, at least one shaft, at least one back wash outlet and at least one back wash valve, at least one volume separator rotating disk containing at least one back wash hole located between the insert and back wash outlet, at least one filter cleaning mechanism enabling the cleaning of the dirt particles generated on the filter insert without opening the filter cover, containing at least two flow cross-section reducing plates, realizing the speedy passage of the liquid in the insert through the gap between the flow cross section reducing plates and the surface of the insert, forming a pressure drop in that area during the speedy passage and as well as a process of cleaning on the surface of the insert with the passage of the liquid from outside the insert to inside.

Abstract: A filter assembly includes a filter element, a cap, and a base seal. The filter element has a first end, a second end, an outer surface, and an inside passage. The cap is affixed to the first end. The cap has a cap perimeter configured to mate with an opening of a filter housing. The base seal is disposed at the second end. The base seal has an outlet port in cooperative alignment with the inside passage. The base seal is configured to seal the outlet port to a housing outlet and the base seal is configured to seal a housing drain.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine has a fuel system including an apparatus. The apparatus includes a housing containing at least a fuel filter assembly and a bypass valve assembly within the housing. The bypass valve assembly selectively opens or closes s bypass passage which bypasses a filtering unit of the fuel filter assembly. In accordance with one aspect, respective first and second fuel flows are Introduced into the housing to be merged and mixed therein prior to entering the fuel filter assembly or the bypass valve assembly, in accordance with another aspect, an ice accretion device is provided within the housing to allow ice formation and accumulation thereon as a result of a transient icing occurrence when the mixed fuel flows in the housing pass through the ice accretion device to enter the fuel filter assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pump cartridge, which is directly connected in-line with one or more filter cartridges in a mounting bracket. It may be paired with an accumulator tank for a pump version, and with no accumulator tank for a smart pump version. The inline design reduces the size of the system, the amount of connections, and the amount of hose required to install the system, which in turn reduces the space required for installation, the number of potential leak paths, and the likelihood of failure of the system due to issues with the hose.

Abstract: A filter and its holder each have a keyed surface, one being a protruding “key” and one being a recessed “lock,” wherein cooperation of these keyed surfaces is required in order for the filter to be installed in the holder. Modification/adaptation of the keyed surfaces, by changing the location, number and length of the key protrusions and cooperating recesses during manufacture, allows various sets of mating filters and holders to be produced so that only mating/matching filters and holders may be connected together. The keyed protrusions are preferably located on an upper shoulder or on protruding flange(s) of the upper end of the filter. The cooperating recess structure inside the filter holder comprises axial recesses that allow axial insertion of the key protrusions, and hence the filter, into the holder and also a circumferential recesses portion that receives multiple key protrusions to retain the filter in the holder.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a fuel filter assembly, a filter element, and a method of draining water from a fuel filter assembly. The fuel filter assembly comprises a filter element with a water collecting space; the filter element being connected to a fuel pipe for feeding an upstream side of the filter element with fuel and for providing filtered fuel from a downstream side of the filter element to a combustion engine or parts thereof; a fuel pump arranged downstream from the filter element, wherein the fuel pump can be operated in a first mode for drawing fuel through the filter element and in a second, reverse mode for feeding fuel back to the filter element; a one-way fuel valve arranged upstream of the filter element allowing for flow towards the upstream side of the filter element; a pressure-actuated one-way drain valve in communication with the water collecting space.

Abstract: A filter for binding constituents of a gas stream includes a supporting member and a filter layer applied to surfaces of the supporting member. The filter layer includes a component for the physisorption of constituents, a component for the chemisorption of constituents, and a component for dissolving oil constituents which comprises ionic liquids.

Abstract: A cleaning device for a dust filter has a flow duct extending between an entry opening and an exit opening. An annular chamber surrounds the flow duct. Gas-inlet connectors are provided for inflow of pressurized gas into the annular chamber. Nozzle gaps delimited by nozzle-gap walls open toward the flow duct. The annular chamber has an upper annular shell and a lower annular shell interconnected pressure-tightly in a connection region. The gas-inlet connectors are molded on the upper annular shell. The lower annular shell is predominantly flat, extends horizontally or downwardly toward the nozzle gaps, and forms the lower nozzle-gap wall. In order to meet highest demands in terms of hygiene, in the connection region the angle at which the annular shells mutually abut in the annular chamber is at least 90°. Gaps and constrictions are thus avoided.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) home air filter to remove airborne molecular contaminants and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from air within residential spaces. The HVAC home air filter comprises a supportive frame having a shape and size suitable to orient the HVAC home air filter within a residential HVAC system. A filter medium is retained within the supportive frame to remove the airborne molecular contaminants and VOCs from air flowing through the residential HVAC system. The filter medium comprises a combination of media layers configured to exhibit a relatively high filtration efficiency and a low air pressure drop across the filter medium. The supportive frame comprises a plurality of elongate sections and corner sections disposed along perimeter edges of the filter medium to support the filter medium within the residential HVAC system so as direct air through the filter medium.

Abstract: A filter cartridge has a folded filter medium that is formed into a prism at least in regions and comprises two interconnected end folds, and which filter cartridge is constantly or cyclically subjected to stresses, specifically subjected to stresses from dedusting by means of pressure surges, is characterized in that the end folds overlap one another.

Abstract: The objective is to improve the oil trapping rate of an oil separator. The oil separator (3) separates gas and liquid in air containing oil, recovers liquid that contains oil. The oil separator is provided with an introduction port (15) for introducing air, an oil trap (40) for trapping oil contained in air, a reservoir (48) for storing the liquid flowing out of the oil trap (40), and a discharge port for discharging air from which oil has been removed. The oil trap (40) includes a glass fiber filter (42) and an impingement member (41), which traps oil particles by causing the oil particles to strike the impingement member (41).

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for separating CO2 and sulfur-containing compounds from a synthesis gas obtained from gasification of a carbonaceous feedstock. The primary separating steps are performed using a sour pressure swing adsorption (SPSA) system, followed by an acid gas enrichment system and a sulfur removal unit. The SPSA system includes multiple pressure equalization steps and a rinse step using a rinse gas that is supplied from a source other than directly from one of the adsorber beds of the SPSA system.

Abstract: Lightweight, small, portable devices and methods are disclosed that provide oxygen-enriched air using an ultra rapid adsorption cycle based on advanced molecular sieve materials.

Abstract: An energy-efficient continuous process (and apparatus) that eliminates or reduces the emission of BTX into the environment during a process of dewatering natural gas using glycol. The apparatus includes an absorption tower to dewater the natural gas, and a glycol dewatering unit that includes a reboiler and a distillation column. Overhead vapor, including steam and BTX vapor, from the distillation column is condensed in an air-cooled heat exchanger. The liquefied BTX may be separated for fuel, sale or other disposal. A fan is positioned to force or induce air to flow through the air-cooled heat exchanger. The fan may be driven by a hydraulic motor by pressure of a glycol process stream. In another embodiment, the overhead vapors from the distillation column are cooled against a stream of water-containing glycol being charged to the glycol dewatering unit thereby preheating this stream and reducing energy input to the reboiler.

Abstract: A method for removing SOx from a gas using an ethylene glycol composite solution is provided. The ethylene glycol composite solution is made by mixing ethylene glycol and/or polyethylene glycol with an organic acid and/or organic acid salt containing no nitrogen atom in a molecule, the ethylene glycol composite solution is brought into contact with the gas containing SOx to absorb the SOx in the gas, wherein x=2 and/or 3. The ethylene glycol composite solution with absorbed SOx is regenerated by one or more of a heating method, a vacuum method, a gas stripping method, an ultrasonication method, a microwave method, and a radiation method to release by-products of sulfur dioxide and sulfur trioxide, and the regenerated ethylene glycol composite solution is recycled for use. This method can be used for desulfurization of flue gas, burning gas, coke-oven gas, synthesis waste gas from dyestuff plants, sewage gas from chemical fiber plants, and other industrial raw material gases or waste gases containing SOx.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aqueous alkanolamine solution for the removal of hydrogen sulfide from gaseous mixtures containing hydrogen sulfide. The aqueous alkanolamine solution comprises (i) an amino compound with the formula: R1R2NCH2CH(OH)CH2OH wherein R1 and R2 independently represent lower alkyl groups of 1 to 3 carbon atoms, (ii) piperazine, and (iii) optionally a physical solvent, wherein said solution does not contain a strong acid. Further, the present invention relates to a process for removing hydrogen sulfide from a gaseous mixture containing hydrogen sulfide, and additionally other acid gases, if present, for example carbon dioxide, comprising the step of contacting the gaseous mixture contain hydrogen sulfide with the aqueous alkanolamine solution, preferably wherein the temperature of the aqueous alkanolamine solution is equal to or greater than 140° F. Examples of the gaseous mixtures include natural gas, synthesis gas, tail gas, and refinery gas.