Abstract: A method and apparatus for playing a court game for at least a first player and a second player is described. The court game may have at least a reinforced ball, at least two paddles, and at least one barrier. A centerline divides the playing court. The barrier is configured to allow the ball to pass below the barrier but prevent the ball from passing above the barrier. Using the paddles, players hit the ball back and forth under the barrier. If a player fails to hit or otherwise contact the ball, and the ball hits a wall behind the player, the opposing player scores.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a sport post associated with a goal, a score or finish line, and a method of using the sport post. The sport post includes at least one post defining at least one slot along a longitudinal axis of the post. The post is substantially aligned with an edge adjacent a sport area associated with a sport surface for determining a sport condition of a goal, a finish or a score. At least one transparent member is received through the slot, and has a configuration so that at least a portion of the edge is visible through the transparent member. The sport post can be associated with a system including a reflective strip on the sport surface, an electromagnetic radiation transmitting device and a detection device for determining if a sport element crosses the edge.

Abstract: A goal apparatus for soccer (football) and the like has a frame, a first pliable goalpost member, a second pliable goalpost member and a pliable crossbar member. The frame presents net connection points and is configured to support each of the pliable goal members in tension between two net connection points such that the goal apparatus presents a substantially rectangular goal mouth.

Abstract: A game assembly includes a box that has a top side. The top side is open to access an interior of the box. A plurality of blocks is provided and the plurality of blocks comprises a plurality of sets of blocks. Each of the sets of blocks and the master block may be randomly distributed on a support surface. A plurality of balls is provided and each of the balls is urged toward the associated set of blocks. A plurality of clubs is provided and each of the clubs has a handle portion and a head portion. Each of the clubs is manipulated to strike a selected one of the balls.

Abstract: A ball game having three Pitchers, two Catchers, and 10 Batter-Fielders. The ball game is played on a ball field having first, second, and third bases and home plate. The ball game includes a ball and a bat. The game is played where the First Pitcher pitches to the first batter and the First Catcher assumes the catcher's position, the remaining Batter-Fielders assume their positions in and around the field. Play begins using standard rules regarding balls and strikes. The First Pitcher is replaced by the Second Pitcher if the First Pitcher allows a batter to reach base and is only allowed to pitch again if the Second and Third Pitchers have allowed a batter to reach base. If the first batter makes an out, the first batter is no longer eligible to hit, returns to the playing field and is replaced at bat by the second batter. Each consecutive fielder has a turn at bat.

Abstract: Hitting training devices having a structural base, a vertical member extending upward from the structural base, a horizontal carriage having a horizontal carriage weight, a ball attached to the horizontal carriage, and a force balancing member arranged and configured to counteract the horizontal carriage weight are disclosed. The hitting training devices may be configured such that the horizontal carriage is attached to the vertical member, the horizontal carriage is configured to move horizontally with respect to the vertical member, the horizontal carriage is configured to move vertically with respect to the vertical member, the circumference of the ball is less than 13 inches, the horizontal carriage has a horizontal carriage range of horizontal motion of at least fourteen inches; and the horizontal carriage has a horizontal carriage range of vertical motion of at least sixteen inches.

Abstract: A striking assembly for martial arts training includes a track that may be coupled to a vertical support surface. The track includes a base portion and a slide portion. A back surface of the base portion extends longitudinally along the support surface. A forward surface of the slide portion is recessed lateral surfaces to define a pair of rails coextensive with the lateral surfaces. Respective grooves extending inwardly into each of the lateral surfaces. A target is coupled to the slide portion of the track. The target is positionable at a selected point on the track such that the target may be struck.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure provide a method and apparatus for recommending music, and a bicycle, the method including: acquiring a cadence of a sporting user; determining a number of beats corresponding to the acquired cadence according to the cadence, and a preset correspondence relationship between the cadence and the number of beats; and recommending music agreeing with the number of beats for the sporting user according to the number of beats, so that the sporting user can be provided with the music agreeing with his or her sporting state so as to better satisfy the user and to improve the experience of the user.

Abstract: A laminated mouth guard may include a shape memory layer, one or more of a cushion layer and a puncture resistant layer, and an adhesive layer. The adhesive layer may be gelatinous and may include a polymer. For example, the adhesive layer may include one or more of PVP, polyethyloxazoline, carboxypolymethylene, guar gum, and a hydrogel. In addition to the adhesive layer, the laminated mouth guard may include a sheet material comprising at least one of LDPE, HDPE, LDPP, HDPP, polyurethane, PVA, cotton, silicone rubber and non-woven PE.

Abstract: A ski for use on ice or snow is disclosed. The ski includes a ski body having a tip portion, a tail portion, and a longitudinal running length extending between the tip portion and the tail portion and a substantially flat bottom surface for sliding on snow or ice. The ski also includes a suspension system comprised of a substantially rigid support structure secured to the longitudinally central region of the said ski body at two attachment locations separated by a distance of at least 5 inches along the longitudinal axis of the ski body, and at least one resilient element configured to exert an opposing force between the support structure and the ski body in the area between the two attachment locations.

Abstract: A useful and practical support pole (10) for supporting protection nets (20) installed for safety purposes along the edge of a ski slope (PS), characterized by marker elements (15, 15?, 15?) adapted to mark a predetermined depth (P) at which the support post (10) has to be properly driven into the snow pack (MN) of the ski slope (PS) for proper and optimized positioning of such support pole (10) as it is driven into the snow for supporting the protection net (20). Advantageously, the support pole (10) and the corresponding protection net (20) supported by such poles driven into the snow obviate certain non-negligible drawbacks of prior art currently used protection nets for ski slopes and particularly considerably reduce the risk of injury for the skier, as he/she hits these protection nets.

Abstract: The enclosed invention is a portable professional regulation size skate board and snowboard half pipe park. The park is made up of two mobile trailer units. Each unit consisting of a quarter ramps, performer platform with safety railing and a weather canopy cover. One unit consists of spectator platform and spiral staircase for climbing to the platform. Each unit comprising of structural steel framing is mechanically operated using hydraulics to raise and lower the unit on the a axis and raise and lower the quarter ramps on V axis, safety rails followed by horizontal movement on the X and Y axis. Once placed, the units, facing each other in a parallel position, hydraulically raised, then quarter ramps lowered and then hydraulically moved in the horizontal position connecting the two individual quarter ramps to be mechanically attached providing a smooth surface transition as required for the professional skate board performer.

Abstract: A billiard table top lighting apparatus provides substantially uniform lighting across the surface of a billiard table surface. In one form, the lighting apparatus includes a frame supporting lights that are non-centrally placed such that no lights are supported above a middle portion of the billiard table surface. So configured, the frame can have an attractive profile and further mount additional items above the billiard table surface to enable a variety of other features. For example, the frame may support one or more cameras, one or more motion sensors, one or more microphones, and/or one or more computing devices to enable any of a variety of innovative features. Such features could include automatic game play recording from one or more perspectives, merged video track storage for replay, review, and analysis, automatic lighting and dimming control, control of the apparatus from any mobile device, and the like.

Abstract: An automatic playing card shuffler incorporating means for detecting marked cards. One or more light spectrum emitters or variable light spectrum illuminators transmit light at frequencies/wavelengths which is reflected off card backs through one or more spectrum filters causing invisible markings to become visible. A camera may capture images of the now visible markings. A camera and software collaborate to capture images and analyze the same for markings on the card backs such as smudges, nicks and scuffs and edge demarcations. The automatic playing card shufflers are configured to not only detect marked cards but to detect patterns relative to the card markings. The automatic card shufflers are communicatively linked with a casino management system and/or security system such that casino personnel may be alerted in real time to the discovery of marked cards.

Abstract: The jigsaw puzzle includes a baseplate used with attachable puzzle pieces. The baseplate has multiple upward-facing engagement mechanisms that are engaged with corresponding and complementary puzzle piece rear-facing engagement mechanisms. The rear-facing engagement mechanisms and the complementary puzzle piece rear-facing engagement mechanisms are designed so as to leave a space between the bottom of the puzzle piece and the top surface of the baseplate. Therefore, even when the puzzle piece rear-facing engagement mechanisms are engaged with the upward-facing engagement mechanisms, this space can accommodate the provided pry tool. The pry tool can be inserted in to the space to easily remove the puzzle pieces after play, storage, or display. Therefore, the puzzle can be used over and over.

Abstract: Systems and methods for an interactive game using a multi-functional hand-held personal mobile device, such as a smart phone or entertainment device use the smart phone or other mobile device to find and/or activate various effects and items in the real world, then connect those items and effects together to provide a purpose to finding the effects/items consistent with the game theme. Embodiments include themes related to a treasure hunt with items that may or may not respond to the player detecting or finding them. In other embodiments, the mobile device may trigger and activate multiple layers of videos, phone calls, internet access, texts, voiceovers, puzzles and numerous other actions and results tied into a complex gaming adventure.

Abstract: A simulation air pump game system includes a simulation air pump including a bracket, an operating handle, a movable plate movable up and down by the operating handle in the bracket and a sensor for detecting a reciprocating motion of the movable plate and generating a detection signal each time the operating handle is operated to move the movable plate up and down through one cycle, a display, and a game console adapted for converting each detection signal provided by the simulation air pump into a control instruction and controlling the display to display predetermined air pumping simulation actions subject to the control instruction the scores thus obtained.

Abstract: A system communicates with a device in both a wired mode and a wireless mode, and is able to switch between these two modes without permanent disruption to an ongoing use. The system is configured to receive an indication of a condition that suggests switching from the wireless mode of operation to a wired mode of operation, to display a notification for the device to switch, and to transition from the wireless mode of operation to the wired mode of operation.

Abstract: A game controller is provided. In one embodiment, the game controller includes a main body. The game controller further includes a trigger device having a trigger body that pivots along a pivotal axis between a start point and a first stop point. The trigger body includes a top side that extends outside of the main body and a bottom side that extends within the main body. The game controller further includes a first adjustment mechanism having an adjustable contact surface that adjusts the first stop point to a second stop point by changing a point of contact below the bottom side of the trigger body.

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

Abstract: A method of using cloud infrastructure and virtualization for bandwidth-efficient remote video streaming of software application operation allows end users to stream their interaction with a software application on their computer, video gaming software applications in particular, to viewers while requiring minimal bandwidth to do so. User input and relevant application data is sent from the client computer to a remote server, which uses a thin client to mirror the software and produce a rendered video from the received data. The remote server then sends the rendered application video to viewers.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and medium for controlling a progress of a video game are provided. A user interface element of the video game is displayed on a display screen. The user interface element is displayed with transparency determined during the progress of the video game. An operation to the user interface element displayed on the display screen is received regardless of the transparency. The progress of the video game is controlled in accordance with the operation to the user interface element displayed on the display screen.

Abstract: A method of modifying a transparency factor of one or more objects in a computer game. A display of a computer device displays a first object having a transparency factor at a first location, said first object overlying at least one of a plurality of game objects. In response to a trigger event at least one of said transparency factor of the first object, a transparency factor of a game pointer, and a transparency factor of at least one game object are modified and at least one of said first object, said game pointer, and said at least one game object are displayed with said at least one modified transparency factor.

Abstract: Virtual entities are displayed alongside real world entities in a wearable reality overlay device worn by the user. Information related to an environment proximate to the wearable device is determined. For example, a position of the wearable device may be determined, a camera may capture an image of the environment, etc. Virtual entity image information representative of an entity desired to be virtually displayed is processed based on the determined information. An image of the entity is generated based on the processed image information as a non-transparent region of a lens of the wearable device, enabling the entity to appear to be present in the environment to the user. The image of the entity may conceal a real world entity that would otherwise be visible to the user through the wearable device. Other real world entities may be visible to the user through the wearable device.

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: A system configured to facilitate user customization of the distribution of virtual items usable in a virtual space. Virtual items may be distributed via probability item bundles. Probability item bundles may be associated with a set of potential awards. The potential awards included in the set of potential awards may be individually associated with a probability of being distributed once the probability item bundle is activated by a user. Customization of probability item bundles may comprise facilitating user selection of the potential awards included in the sets of potential awards of the probability item bundles.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, are provided for accessing virtual devices. In one aspect there is provided a method. The method may include scanning, by a user equipment, for one or more virtual devices that are published; and accessing, by the user equipment, a state of the scanned one or more virtual devices. Related apparatus, systems, methods, and articles are also described.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and a system for an augmented gaming platform. The method and system may capture an image using a computer device with a camera and a display. The method and system may send the image to a matching engine, wherein a trigger is matched to an object in the image. The method and system may return by the matching engine an overlay based on the trigger. The method and system may enter the overlay into an augmented gaming platform.

Abstract: A system and method may include generating, by a computing system, a list of selectable challenge factors for a player to select one or more challenge factors when playing a video game. The player may be provided with the ability to set a plan for each of the challenge factors. A protocol inclusive of the planned challenge factors may be established to be achieved over a time period. A player interface may be displayed for the player of the video game, where the player interface may show the protocol inclusive of at least a portion of the planned challenge factor(s) along with corresponding input elements associated with each planned challenge factor for the player to account for the planned challenge factors by submitting whether or not the player achieved each of the respective planned challenge factors. Achieving the planned challenge factor(s) causes a health condition to be reversed.

Abstract: A television channel control system having an objective of anticipating watched television channels is provided. The television channel control system comprises a probabilistic learning module configured for learning favorite television channels of a user in response to watched television channels by said user, and an intuition module configured for modifying a functionality of said probabilistic learning module based on said objective.

Abstract: A method of and system for conducting multiple competitions of skill for a single performance are described herein. User generated competition groups and system generated competition groups allow users to participate in multiple competitions at once based on answering the same questions or making the same selections related to a single event. The users are informed of each competition either via email, text message or when logging into the network via a website. The users select which competitions groups to join. After joining the desired groups, the users then make their selections related to the event which are transmitted to the network where results are tabulated and transmitted back to the users. The results are separated based on each competition group, so that users can continually know where they stand in each separate competition. With multiple competition groups, users are able to have varying success from the same performance in multiple competitions.

Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products are disclosed for providing analytics including participant statistical data or game status data. In one embodiment, a method is provided for transmitting participant data relating to one or more participants that are available in a fantasy game, the fantasy game is at least partially related to a players performance in a sporting event; receiving a selected participant data indication from at least one user, the selected participant data indication provides selection of at least one participant from the participant data; generating a participant data update for one or more participants based on the selected participant data indication; the participant data is defined by a time period comprising an event and is calculated based on blink data transmitted from a location tag mounted to the participant; and transmitting the participant data update, the participant data update is viewable via a user interface.

Abstract: Competitions involving video game players may include competitions subsidiary to a purpose of video game play, and may be bounded in time, either across play of multiple video games or within play of a particular video game.

Abstract: One aspect of the disclosure relates to facilitating the development and provision of enhanced video of game playback, including the ability to augment a video of game playback with information relating to the game state of the game. A video may be generated based on game state information associated with one or more selected portions of the game. The video may include visual features that may not have been present in corresponding views that were presented to the user during game play of those one or more portions of the game. The user may augment the video with displayed information based on game logic for the online game. For example, displayed information may include commentary, tips on how the user could have maximized his game play, influential plays from the one or more portions of the game, and/or other information based on the game logic.

Abstract: A tubing surface for inner tubes adjustably displaced above the ground.

Abstract: An amusement attraction fluid control system comprises a fluid source, at least one pump, at least one fluid feature, a plurality of conduits interconnecting the fluid source and the at least one pump to the at least one fluid feature, and a controller; wherein the at least one pump is configured to pump fluid through the conduits to the at least one fluid feature. The controller is adapted to control the at least one pump to deliver fluid to each respective fluid feature.

Abstract: The lever, wheel and axle, pulley, wedge, screw, and inclined plane are the six Simple Machines of the Classical era. Over 2000 years ago a man from Syracuse used them to create a way to move water against the pull of gravity. The Archimedes' screw is still a standard for simple efficiency. In homage to those early machines and the dreamers who built them, the Human Flying Apparatus provides a carriage, wheels and an axle, a harness, and a braking and steering system and, in specific embodiments, thrusters, all suspended from a single rail, which allows a human being to soar in simulated flight that is safe, sustained, and suitable for all skill levels. “For once you have tasted flight, you will walk the Earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you long to return.

Abstract: The disclosed technology includes an apparatus for a water bucket game. The water bucket game may fill a suspended container with water until the force of the water causes the container to rotate and empty onto pool-goers below. The extent of the rotation may be limited by a stopper positioned within a recess of the container. The water bucket may be configured such that the water bucket returns to an upright position after the bucket empties the water.

Abstract: Examples of a wave simulator for board sports and other uses are disclosed. An example wave simulator includes means for forming a wave, the means having at least one inclined side wall and a bottom corresponding to a desired wave shape. The wave simulator includes means for flowing water along at least partially along the inclined side wall and bottom of the flume to form a simulated wave. The wave simulator includes means for restraining a board rider in the means for forming a wave. Streamlines of the simulated wave are substantially parallel to a crest line of the simulated wave, and an inclined water flow ends in a downward arc.

Abstract: A bifurcation method and system for a passive continuous belay system that allows for a user to select multiple pathways using intermediate tracks. A main track and the intermediate tracks provide a linear passive continuous belay using an anchor mechanism that is configured to grasp the outside of the structural member track, using rolling elements and/or low-friction sliding. The user may select multiple pathways using intermediate lateral tracks to provide Cartesian movement at designated (e.g., perpendicular) transition or junction. points.

Abstract: The animation puppet includes a body core, a head configured for friction-fit engagement with the body core and forming a head joint therebetween, a pair of upper limbs configured for friction-fit engagement with the body core and forming a respective pair of upper limb joints therebetween, and a pair of legs configured for friction-fit engagement with the body core and forming a respective pair of leg joints therebetween. Each of the joints include a pair of articulable surfaces in said friction-fit engagement by way of a surface interface pre-tension having a coefficient of friction relatively greater than the weight of the animation puppet such that each joint independently supports the weight of the animation puppet while simultaneously permitting relative independent position posing of one or more of the head, the pair of arms, and/or the pair of limbs relative to the body core for stop-motion animation.

Abstract: Reusable balloon multi-fill system. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are balloon multi-fill systems including a hose-end adapter, a plurality of hoses coupled to the hose-end adapter, and a plurality of balloon nipples coupled to the hoses. Each balloon nipple includes: a frustum region distal to the connector; and a tubular region distal to the frustum region, the tubular region configured to hold an attached balloon open such that a sealing member of the balloon can lodge in the neck of the balloon.

Abstract: A self-inflating balloon (100) comprising: an inflatable bag (16) of substantially air impervious material; a container of compressed gas (14); trigger means (22) associated with the container (14) operable to allow gas from the container (14) to inflate the bag (16); and an enclosure (10) in which the bag (16), the container (14) and the trigger means (22) are housed. Opening the enclosure (10) may activate the trigger means (22) or provide access for activation of the trigger means (22). The balloon (100) may additionally comprise an illumination device (26).

Abstract: A stackable block is provided which may be constructed as a traditional toy or as a beverage container. The block includes six sides. Furthermore, the block includes at least one projection which projects from one of the block's sides. Each projection is square so as to include a face and four sidewalls. Furthermore, it is preferred that each projection include a ridge forming a recess between the square projection's face and a block's side. Furthermore, each block includes at least one slot formed into one of the block's sides. This slot extends the entire side of a block and forms an elongate cavity sized for receipt of a projection. Preferably, each slot includes parallel opposed flanges sized to project into a projection's recesses.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an ornament includes: providing a pair of continuous regions facing one another in a flexible sheet; forming a plurality of slits between the pair of continuous regions to form a plurality of ornament strips, wherein the plurality of ornament strips are separated from each other while both ends of the plurality of ornament strips are integrally formed with the pair of continuous regions; and reversing the plurality of ornament strips with respect to the pair of continuous regions such that the plurality of ornament strips radiate to form into an arc between the pair of continuous regions, while coupling each of the pair of continuous regions to be formed into a ring.

Abstract: A lift system comprises a drum that rotates about an axis, an elongate member that winds around the drum when the drum rotates in a first direction and that unwinds from the drum when the drum rotates in a second direction, a drive mechanism operable to rotate the drum, and a braking mechanism adapted to inhibit rotation of the drum. The braking mechanism includes a brake disk rotatable with the drum, a movable brake pad, and a ramp that guides movement of the movable brake pad. A method of operating the lift system comprises rotating the drum in a first direction to wind the elongate member onto the drum, rotating the drum in a second direction to unwind the elongate member from the drum, and moving the brake shoe along the ramp to thereby cause the movable brake pad to be compressed against the brake disk.

Abstract: A processing unit for a liquid washing medium contaminated with sulphur oxides and/or nitrogen oxides, has an evaporation stage for concentrating the active components of the washing medium by an evaporator and/or by a heat exchanger, and has a collecting tank connected to the evaporator and/or to the heat exchanger. The collecting tank is configured as a crystallizer for removing sulfur oxides from the washing medium by crystallization of a sulphate, in particular of potassium sulphate. A separating device for carbon dioxide has a corresponding processing unit, and a method for processing a washing medium contaminated with sulphur oxides and/or nitrogen oxides uses a corresponding processing unit.

Abstract: An extraction apparatus and a processes for preparing extracts of natural products, such as plant material, and for preparing purified extracts from crude extracts of natural products by extraction with a non-polar solvent hot gas.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide metal ligand nanoparticles, particles including the metal ligand nanoparticles, filters including the metal ligand nanoparticles and/or particles, devices and systems for filtering a fluid, compositions including the metal ligand nanoparticles, and the like.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a filtration system with a separation system including a primary process vessel with a main body enclosing an internal volume, and a removable end cap coupled to one of the ends of the main body. The primary process vessel includes fluid apertures enabling a fluid stream to enter or exit the inner volume. The separation system includes a filter support positioned in the inner volume, and a filter assembly coupled to the filter support. In some embodiments, the filtration system further includes a support frame, and the separation system is mounted on the support frame. In some embodiments, the separation system is fluidly coupled to another separation system. In some embodiments, the filter assembly includes a coalescing filter. In some further embodiments, the filter assembly includes a filter configured and arranged to filter hydrocarbons.