Abstract: A wearable device assembly has a housing supporting a controller, display and indicator system thereon. The controller has at least one sensor wherein activity of a user wearing the device is detected. The controller selectively illuminates the indicator system to indicate a level of activity of the user.

Abstract: A portable sensor device is provided. The portable sensor device may at least include a first angular rate sensor, a second angular rate sensor, and a gyroscope. The first angular rate sensor may include two or more accelerometers, whereas the second angular rate sensor may include an accelerometer and a magnetometer. In some instances, the portable sensor device may determine when to use the first angular rate sensor, when to use the second angular rate sensor, and when to use the gyroscope to obtain angular rate measurements indicative of angular motion of the portable sensor device. Further, the portable sensor device may determine one or more angular motion parameters describing angular motion of the portable sensor device using data from the first angular rate sensor, the second angular rate sensor, the gyroscope, or combinations of the first angular rate sensor, the second angular rate sensor, and/or the gyroscope.

Abstract: A gait training apparatus includes: a walking assistance device that is attached to a leg portion of a user and assists walking of the user; a peripheral device used for gait training of the user; a control unit that controls the walking assistance device and the peripheral device; and a switching unit that switches the control unit between a cooperative control mode for performing a cooperative control of the walking assistance device and the peripheral device based on information output from the walking assistance device, and an operation mode for controlling the peripheral device based on set operation information. When the control unit is switched to the operation mode by the switching unit, the control unit executes the control of the peripheral device even when the control unit is in a non-connected state with the walking assistance device.

Abstract: A system includes a device that includes one or more bladders capable of being inflated and deflated. The system also includes an information package capable of processing data representing the inflating and deflating of the one or more bladders.

Abstract: A transformable balance board that may be alternately used as a balance board or wobble platform and a wheeled board or roller platform. The balance board includes a rigid platform preferably covered with a closed-cell yielding foam pad layer on top on which a user can support his or her weight. When used as a wobble platform, a relatively large central fulcrum member extends down from the rigid platform so that the board wobbles with no stable horizontal position. In a second usage configuration as a wheeled board or roller platform a plurality of sturdy wheels or rollers retracted into the underside of the rigid platform are extended vertically downward from their retracted positions. Because the vertical height of the wheels is greater than the vertical height of the fulcrum member below the rigid platform, the wheels make contact with the ground and the fulcrum is lifted up and out of contact with the floor below.

Abstract: In the sports of bodysurfing and swimming, hand fins are worn for increased speed, stability, and maneuverability. Each hand fin has an internal compartment for the hand fin to be reliably held and controlled by the user. An upwardly angled, rounded peripheral lip provides lift and prevents pearling when water is flowing at the hand fin from any direction. A concave bottom and rocker creates lift and maneuverability.

Abstract: A golf ball has a large number of dimples 10 on a surface thereof. The dimples 10 include a plurality of small dimples 10S each having an area of less than 8.0 mm2, and a plurality of large dimples 10L each having an area of equal to or greater than 8.0 mm2. A ratio PS of a sum of areas of all the small dimples 10S to a surface area of a phantom sphere of the golf ball is less than 2.0%. A ratio PL of a sum of areas of all the large dimples 10L to the surface area of the phantom sphere is equal to or greater than 79.0%. A degree G of uniformity of areas of the large dimples 10L is equal to or less than 1.15.

Abstract: Multi-piece golf balls containing a multi-layered core structure are provided. The core structure includes a small, heavy inner core (center) having a relatively high specific gravity, an intermediate core layer, and a surrounding outer core layer. The layers of the core structure may have different hardness gradients. In one preferred embodiment, each core layer has a positive hardness gradient. The center of the core comprises a metal material such as copper, steel, brass, tungsten, titanium, aluminum, and alloys thereof. The intermediate core layer is preferably formed from a thermoset composition such as polybutadiene rubber, and the outer core layer is preferably formed from a thermoplastic composition such as an ethylene acid copolymer. The resulting ball has high resiliency and good spin control.

Abstract: Golf balls having a multi-layered solid core and multi-layered cover are provided. The center of the core is made of a thermoset rubber material and preferably has a positive hardness gradient. The intermediate core layer is made of a thermoset or thermoplastic composition. The outer core layer is made of a highly neutralized polymer composition. The inner cover is made of a thermoplastic composition, preferably an ethylene acid copolymer. The thermoplastic ethylene acid copolymer ionomer can have acid groups that are partially or highly neutralized. The outer cover is made of a composition comprising a polyurethane, polyurea, or copolymer or blend thereof. The finished ball has high resiliency and rebounding properties.

Abstract: Multi-piece golf balls having a multi-layered solid core and multi-layered cover are provided. In one version, a six-piece ball having a three-layered core and three-layered cover is formed. Preferably, the inner core is made of a thermoset rubber composition, the intermediate core layer is made of a thermoplastic composition, and the outer core layer is made of a highly neutralized polymer (HNP) composition. The cover includes inner, intermediate, and outer cover layers, wherein the outer cover is made of a composition comprising a polyurethane, polyurea, or copolymer or blend thereof. In a second version, a five-piece ball having a two-layered core and three-layered cover is produced. The finished balls have high resiliency and rebounding properties.

Abstract: A softball pitching aid enables one to practice throwing rise balls and drop balls at slower speeds than that required by a standard softball. It comprises a ball with opposing convex surfaces at either end of and disposed about a central axis and a plurality of symmetrical slots protruding into its outer surface and disposed circumferentially along the central axis. The ball is constructed of polyurethane foam or other lightweight material. When thrown correctly, the slots interact with ambient air to cause the ball to rise or drop. The slots and lightweight material allow the ball to rise or drop at lower speeds. The slots further provide guidance for gripping the ball and leverage for increasing its spin rate during flight. The ball further comprises a two-tone coloring scheme that, in conjunction with the symmetrical slots, provides instant visual feedback during flight as to whether it was thrown correctly.

Abstract: A support for balls (2) includes a receiving element (21) provided with a plurality of gripping resilient and arched members (210) adapted to define a gripping volume (211) of a ball. Each gripping member (210) has an end (214) constrained in a joining body (212) and a free end (215), a coupling body (22) adapted to constrain the receiving element (21) to a tubular support structure (100), wherein the coupling body (22) is constrained to the receiving element (21) by a longitudinal spacer element (23), whose first end (2309 is constrained to the coupling body (22) and a second end (231) is constrained to the receiving element (21).

Abstract: A device for storing and dispensing hockey pucks includes a box defining an interior capable of receiving a plurality of the hockey pucks, wherein the box comprises a first door opening and a second door opening disposed approximately perpendicular to the first door opening, a first door pivotably attached to the box within the first door opening, wherein, when closed, the first door encloses the interior when closed, and wherein, when open, the first door forms a ramp for receiving the hockey pucks through the first door opening and into the interior, and a second door pivotably attached to the box within the second door opening, wherein, when closed, the second door encloses the interior, and wherein, when open, the second door dispenses the hockey pucks from the interior through the second opening.

Abstract: A racket including: a grip; an annular frame provided with a plurality of through holes extending through from an inner peripheral face to an outer peripheral face; a shaft connecting the grip and the frame; and a grommet to be attached to the outer peripheral face of the frame, the grommet including: a plurality of tube sections to be inserted into each of the plurality of through holes provided to the frame; and a base section that connects the plurality of tube sections to one another, the tube sections each including a communicating hole that communicates a base section side opening on the base section side with a tip end side opening on the side to be inserted through the through hole, the tip end side openings of at least some number of the tube sections, of the plurality of tube sections through which a string to be strung in a direction along a longitudinal direction of the racket is inserted, being wider than the base section side openings in a direction in which the plurality of tube sections is arr

Abstract: A golf club head and a low density alloy thereof are provided. The low density alloy has a balanced weight percentage of titanium, 10˜11 wt % aluminum, and trace elements including (C+N+O) <0.2 wt %, silicon <0.2 wt %, and (Fe+Cr+V+Mo) <0.4 wt %. The golf club head has a tensile strength of 90˜110 kips/in2, and a density of 4.18˜4.30 g/cm3. Through heat treatment at a high temperature of 925±25° C., the precipitation or ?2 phase of the interfacial interphase can be avoided, and thus the embrittlement phenomena can be improved.

Abstract: A golf club head includes a head body having a crown, sole and skirt therebetween, the head body defining an opening in a front portion and having a frame support around the periphery of the opening. A face plate is mounted within the opening and has a transition radius along one or more edges to at least partially wrap around one or more of the crown, sole and skirt. The head includes thin wall zones in the crown and skirt, a hosel flush with the crown and a weight mounted in the sole proximate to the face plate, such that the golf club head has a center of gravity located relatively low and forward in proximity to the face plate.

Abstract: A golf club head comprising a body, a cavity having an open end and a terminal end, a weighted insert, the weighted insert comprising a heavy end and a lighter end, wherein the cavity comprises a head locking feature, wherein the weighted insert comprises an insert locking feature, wherein the insert locking feature is configured to lock the weighted insert in the cavity with less than 180 degrees of rotation, wherein the head locking feature comprises a slot, wherein the slot is arranged at an oblique angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the cavity, wherein the insert locking feature comprises a protrusion configured to engage the slot, the protrusion and the slot configured such that rotation of the insert locking feature relative to the head locking feature forces the insert locking feature to slide along the longitudinal axis of the cavity towards the terminal end of the cavity.

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 coupled to at least the toe via a mechanical fastener.

Abstract: The present invention is direct to a set of golf clubs comprising long irons, mid-irons and short irons. The long irons have a first center of gravity positioned horizontally from the face center toward the hosel by a first distance. The mid-irons have a second center of gravity positioned horizontally from the face center toward the hosel by a second distance. The short irons have a third center of gravity positioned horizontally from the face center toward the hosel by a third distance that is greater than the first and second distances.

Abstract: A safety lawn dart game including safety lawn darts, a caddy and targets. The lawn dart includes an elongated shaft, a plurality of flights extending outwardly from the shaft and a head assembly having a weighted, spring biased head portion. The target may include a target hoop or electronic target. The caddy carries and stores the safety darts and targets in a convenient manner to keep all of the game components together.

Abstract: A net apparatus arranged to provide a net structure to capture or catch a projectile, that is easy to setup and is collapsible such that the frame structure is easy to assemble by a single individual. The net apparatus comprising a base structure including at least one support portion, at least one base extension, and a hinge, wherein the at least one support portion is coupled to the at least one base extension and the hinge. At least one rod is removably coupled to the base structure and received by a net, wherein the net is adapted to exert a force on the at least one rod causing the at least one rod to exert a force onto said hinge in order to lock the at least one support portion.

Abstract: A pitching training device generally having a platform with a generally T-shaped end and a raised pitchers rubber configured to support the pitcher during delivery of the underhanded pitch, and a pair of removable heel guides to inhibit rotation of a drive foot of the pitcher. A stride section, removably connected to and positioned to extend longitudinally from said generally T-shaped end. A goal post assembly configured to movably position a stride bar across the stride section. The stride bar is positioned as a target for a drive foot of the pitcher to clear a predetermined height during the underhanded pitch. The device is lightweight and portable, useable indoors or on a practice field and is operable for left or right handed pitching.

Abstract: A sports training device including a first elongate rod. A user engagement element is coupled to the first elongate rod. A second elongate rod is longitudinally aligned with respect to the first elongate rod. A second engagement element is coupled the second elongate rod. A first stopper is movably coupled to the second elongate rod and a second stopper is movably coupled to the second elongate rod. A portion of the first elongate rod is slideable between the first stopper and the second stopper.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a mobile fitness unit in an automatically folding shipping container. The mobile fitness unit may be towed or air lifted into position, and unfolded to create a sturdy and flat platform for use. Frames may be extended out from the roof of the unfolded shipping container to form pull up bars and squat racks, or provide stable mounts for equipment such as lateral pull-down cables, punching bags, or other apparatuses. The mobile fitness unit may provide exercise positions for a dozen or more individuals simultaneously. After use, the frames may be collapsed and the sides of the container folded to seal the unit for movement.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling cards has a dispensing end. The dispensing end has a base plate for supporting cards being manually removed. An upper plate with a U-shaped opening is spaced above the base plate and defines a slot for cards to pass. First and second spaced apart card guides define side edges of the slot. The first card guide is shorter than the second card guide, creating an offset in a first direction of travel of cards being removed. A method of removing cards is also disclosed, enabling movement of cards in at least two directions due to the presence of a card guide offset.

Abstract: A tool for scratching a lottery ticket scratch-off system includes a tool for scratching a lottery ticket scratch-off assembly having a downwardly-tapered front surface having a front top portion including an upwardly-curved lip, and at least one aperture, a front central portion having a digit-contoured indented center having at least one light, and a tapered front bottom portion having at least one front-side tapered blade; and a downwardly-tapered back surface having a back top portion, a back central portion, and a tapered back bottom portion having at least one back-side tapered blade.

Abstract: The current invention is an improvement to the random number generator described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,088,737. Random digits are generated by mixing ten differently colored balls in a transparent chamber. The entire surfaces of all the balls are uniformly colored and unmarked. None of the balls contains any electronic identification devices. A color sensor mounted near the settlement pocket of the mixing chamber emits data that is unique for each ball. A miniature computer and novel software correlate the data emitted for each of the ten balls with a different digit. One of the balls is randomly separated from the others and comes to rest near the color sensor without human intervention. The computer and its software record the digit that is correlated with the randomly separated ball and command a mini-projector to display the digit on the ball's surface in an upright position.

Abstract: This invention provides paired structures that can be combined in sets of three pairs in an assemblage exhibiting a three-dimensional coordinated motion during assembly and disassembly. The assemblage can be used as an entertaining puzzle providing challenging assembly and unexpected coordinated expansion of all parts on disassembly. The puzzle includes six pieces shaped such that when completely assembled all pieces form an interlocking assembly that can only be assembled or disassembled when all six pieces aligned correctly and moved simultaneously in a specific coordinated motion.

Abstract: The present invention enhances the player's gameplay visual, feedback and other experiences by taking advantage of optical adapters, feedback mechanics, advancements in theatrical audio, frame rate throttle, meta-file object framework for storage and retrieval, calibration advancements, vocal command enhancements, voice object lookups, facial/body scan, color/clothing coordination, party or celebration capabilities, noise cancellation, interactive object placement, heart rate monitor, pan-tilt-zoom camera advances, cooperative gameplay advances and programming advancements.

Abstract: A system and method for facilitating navigation of a map in an online game are disclosed. A navigation mode may be provided to enable user to navigate the map by specifying a type of map features of interest to the user. In such a navigation mode, the user may provide directional control input for navigating the map to a map feature having a map feature type associated with the navigation mode; and the field of view of the map may jump from the present field of view to a new field of view corresponding to the map feature. The map feature may be selected because it is closer to a current location where the present field of view is taken in the direction indicated by the control input provided by the user than any other map features having the map feature type.

Abstract: A money transfer system is promoted by providing a user access to a game or contest generated by a promotions engine computer. The user is directed to a customer relations portal accessible via an access device to participate in the game or contest. The customer relations portal comprising a server configured to manage the game or contest and associated with the promotions engine computer. A response is received from the user at the server related to the user's participation in the game or contest. The server determines whether the user is to receive a reward or prize based on the response from the user, and an output is provided to the user on the access device indicating whether the user is to receive the reward or prize.

Abstract: An integral greeting card/game is disclosed wherein a multi-panel greeting card also serves as a game board and is combined with a game piece and launch mechanism to create a novel, interactive greeting card. The multi-panel greeting card contains a sound module therein and a magnetic trigger is contained and concealed below one or more of the multiple greeting card panels. The game piece contains a magnet therein so that when the game piece comes into contact with the area of the greeting card above or proximate to the magnetic trigger, playback of an audio file is initiated. In one embodiment, the game piece is operative to interact with a touch screen of a mobile device.

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: Embodiments of the invention relate to systems and methods for multi-player gaming. Some embodiments relate to systems having an improved communications infrastructure and improved handheld game controllers, while other embodiments relate to improvements in handling large numbers of players in the multi-player game when played in a game arena with a single large display screen showing the multi-player game images. In one particular embodiment, a system is provided that has a game server controlling a display system to display the multi-player game on the large screen and a plurality of game controllers. Each game controller has a secondary display means for providing a secondary game display and input means for receiving player input. The system further comprises communication means for enabling communication between the game server and each of the plurality of game controllers.

Abstract: A collection of data corresponding to a player is assembled at a server from a data provider. A base value of the player based on at least the primary data is added as an attribute to an internal object stored at the server. A modifier is mapped to a second attribute of the internal object. The modifier is based on at least a portion of the secondary data and the tertiary data. A projected value is generated from the base value by applying a modifier and a rule converting the modified second attribute to a projected value. Internal objects are generated according to constraints including having a sum of limiting factors of the internal objects that does not exceed a maximum factor and a sum of projected values a maximum, subject to the first constraint. The server transmits application data including a list representing the internal objects.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a system comprises game state information, a first user device, a second user device, and a processing server. The first and second user devices may include a first and second user interface modules configured to receive first and second user selections, respectively, associated with gameplay of a multiplayer game. The processing server may include a communication module, a simulation module, and rendering module. The communication module may be configured to receive the first and second user selections. The simulation module may be configured to generate simulation results based on the game state information, game rules, and the first and second user selections. The rendering module may be configured to render a first video based on the simulation results and render a second video based on the simulation results, the first and second video to be displayed by the first and second user devices, respectively.

Abstract: Techniques to interact with an application via messaging are described. An apparatus may comprise an application support component and a communication component. The application support component may be operative to generate an image representing a state of an application and to update the state of the application according to a text command. The communication component may be operative to transmit the image to a client device via a messaging system as an image attachment to a first message and to receive a second message from the client device via the messaging system, the second message comprising the text command. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: First, movement information that allows calculation of a movement of a first input device is sequentially obtained. During a time period in which at least one operation key is in a predetermined input state, a display image is enlarged or reduced in accordance with a change of the movement information. When it is determined that the predetermined input state is canceled, the enlarged or reduced display image is caused to return to its original magnification and an action of at least one first object in the display image is controlled.

Abstract: There is provided a system and method for integrating a virtual rendering system and a video capture system using flexible camera control to provide an augmented reality. There is provided a method comprising receiving input data from a plurality of clients for modifying a virtual environment presented using the virtual rendering system, obtaining, from the virtual rendering system, a virtual camera configuration of a virtual camera in the virtual environment, programming the video capture system using the virtual camera configuration to correspondingly control a robotic camera in a real environment, capturing a video capture feed using the robotic camera, obtaining a virtually rendered feed using the virtual camera showing the modifying of the virtual environment, rendering the composite render by processing the feeds, and outputting the composite render to the display.

Abstract: A management server issues a token associated with friend network identification information identifying a user of a game provided by an application server, to the application server; receives the token passed from the game to another game on the basis of an operation of the user in a terminal apparatus where the game and the other game are available, from an application server that provides the other game; and manages, in association with each other, the friend network identification information related to the game and friend network identification information related to the other game for which the issued token matches the received token.

Abstract: A system for playing and managing an interactive social game between a plurality of client computers connected to a network in a communications network includes a processor for playing an interactive social game program at the plurality of client computers operated by users. The interactive social game program includes associating the users of the client computers with social item(s) to be managed. The processor is operable to present the users of the client computer with stored promotions in memory. The processor is operable to cause the execution of the social game program in response to an input command, to incorporate a selected promotion and present the selected promotion visually to client computers while playing the interactive social game.

Abstract: A computerized method and system of facilitating state-based participation in calling plays in a football game thereby allowing fans to proactively participate in real-time in the game with players, referees and coaches. A computing device receives a user profile corresponding to a user registered to vote in a real-time football game. A sequence of states occurring in 100 seconds or less is initiated in response to a start of a play during the real-time football game. The sequence of states includes receiving a submission of a set of plays from a coach, sending the set of plays to a registered user, and receiving a vote from the registered user. A result of a real-time play based on the winning play is received and the coach is score updated by comparing the vote with the winning play and with the result of the real-time play.

Abstract: A music-based video game provides for game play based, in part, on a game player's physical performance. The game player's physical performance can be used to modify game play aspects and game play events, for example, the view or behavior of a crowd scene. A representation of a musician may be provided, with the musician mimicking movements of the game player.

Abstract: A system, computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program, and a computer-implemented method to display icons based on messaging activity is provided. A request to access a game user interface of the first player is received from a client device of a first player, the game user interface being associated with a computer-implemented game. First player messaging activity information associated with messaging activity of the first player is accessed, the messaging activity of the first player including receipt of a message from one or more players associated with the computer-implemented game. A first manner of displaying one or more icons each identifying the one or more players is determined including determining the first manner based on the first player messaging information. Display data to display the one or more icons in the first manner within the game user interface is provided to the client device.

Abstract: A dispenser for a flotation device in accordance with present embodiments may include a housing comprising an aperture. The dispenser may also include a plurality of flotation devices positioned in the housing; and a base positioned in the housing and supporting the plurality of flotation devices, wherein the base is configured to move relative to the housing to move the plurality of flotation devices jointly to position at least one flotation device adjacent to the aperture to permit removal of the at least one flotation device from the housing via the aperture.

Abstract: An amusement park ride having a car with seating options above a track, below the track or adjacent to the track such that a rider may experience different thrill levels depending on the position of the car in relation to the track. The car may have a swiveling arm to position the car above, lateral to, or below the track. Alternatively, ride may have multiple cars arranged above, lateral to, or below the track for the rider to choose which position to ride in. In lieu of or in addition to the car seating options, the may have adjustable shoulder restraints that allow the rider to use the shoulder restraints or not. The shoulder restraints may be flexible or rigid, but rotatable from an upright configuration to a sideways configuration.

Abstract: A water play apparatus and associated method of manufacturing the water play apparatus includes a hollow, rigid endoskeleton having a fluid passage formed therethrough. An exoskeleton is received around the endoskeleton and formed from a material (foam) different and less rigid than the endoskeleton (rigid pipe or tube), and a hardener or a polymer skin is received over the exoskeleton.

Abstract: A balloon can maintain a bent state even if a bent state-holding member is not used. A balloon includes two plastic films that are stacked and sealed at a peripheral edge. The balloon includes a first part, a second part, and a bending part that is situated between the first part and the second part. The bending part includes a gas passage through which the interior of the first part and the interior of the second part communicate with each other, and a bending sealed part that is formed by sealing the two plastic films situated opposite to each other in an inward area relative to the peripheral edge. An outer edge of the bending sealed part extends beyond the bending part so as to be situated within the first part and the second part.

Abstract: A magnetic block toy includes: a block body having, on outer surfaces thereof, coupling sections and non-coupling sections; and disk magnets provided inside the coupling sections in the block body. The block body includes magnet-holding portions where the disk magnets are arranged along the coupling sections and held in a circumferentially rotatable manner. Length of at least one side of the block body is equal to or longer than 30 millimeters and shorter than 40 millimeters. Only the coupling sections are provided with labels indicative of being capable of coupling to a coupling target. In the coupling sections, stepped portions are formed so that at least part of an outer-edge portion of each coupling section protrudes.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, systems, and apparatuses for purifying liquids. One illustrative method includes generating an aerosol from a contaminated liquid. The illustrative method also includes generating a vapor from the aerosol by applying a negative pressure to the aerosol. The illustrative method further includes separating at least one type of contaminant particle from the vapor and converting the vapor into a liquid.