Abstract: An athletic glove includes a hand portion and a cuff portion. The hand portion includes a palm area and a plurality of digits. The palmar face of the glove further includes a grip enhancing surface disposed on one or more digits and/or the palm portion. The grip enhancing layer is positioned below the wrist and/or within the lower portion of the forearm to provide an extended contact surface to the wearer during gameplay.

Abstract: A mount for a snowshoe comprising front holding means and rear holding means, each holding means being constituted by a holding member for the boot, at least one of the holding members comprising at least one abutment element allowing the corresponding holding member to be in constrained abutment against the boot, and the holding member is movable between a boot release position and a boot holding position, the mount furthermore comprising means for causing displacement of the holding member from its release position toward its holding position, in which position it is in abutment against the boot, those means being constituted by a movable part arranged under the region occupied by the boot, connected at least kinematically to the corresponding holding member, actuation of the movable part by the boot during attachment causing displacement of the corresponding holding member toward its holding position, the abutment element being a flexible element.

Abstract: A variation of the casino game of blackjack which is played between players and without dealing a dealer's hand. Each player places an ante wager into a pot. Two cards are dealt to each player and the player with a hand closest to 21 without going over 21 wins the pot, minus any commission taken by the house. In another variation, a side wager can be offered on a standard game of blackjack (which uses a dealer's hand) which pays based on how many cards of a particular rank (e.g., ace) are present in a combined hand comprising both the player's and the dealer's hand.

Abstract: Card-handling devices may include a randomizer configured to randomize ordering of playing cards in a set of playing cards. An output may be configured to present a group of cards at a time from the randomizer for removal from the card-handling device. An image capturer may be positioned and configured to capture image data of at least a portion of each playing card handled by the randomizer, the image data comprising at least a suit and a rank of each playing card. A nontransitory memory device may be operatively connected to the randomizer and to the image capturer, the nontransitory memory device configured to store at least the image data and group assignment data of each playing card in each group of cards presented for removal by the output. A display may be operatively connected to the nontransitory memory, the display configured to display a history of the image data and group assignment data of each playing card in each group of cards presented for removal by the output upon request.

Abstract: I have invented a board game with a spiral design in a planetary out-of-space atmosphere. This game allows you to interact with a game of strategy between single players or partners. The end goal is to enter all four of ones spaceships to the center of the spiral they become the winner.

Abstract: A method and system for conducting a challenge event from which a computer code that supports software development for a client computer is obtained. The challenge event is communicated to at least two participants in a form of an event specification. A proposal for a solution that meets the event specification is received from each participant. Only one participant is chosen from the at least two participants, based on the proposal previously received from each participant. The solution is received in a form of a computer code from the chosen only one participant. The received solution is validated for quality and the received solution is accepted. In response to the validating and accepting of the received solution, the received solution is delivered to the client computer. The received solution is configured to be used by the client computer to support software development for the client computer.

Abstract: A method and system for managing a challenge event from which a computer code that supports software development for a client computer is obtained. At least two participants are selected to participate in the challenge. Assets of software code are provided to the participants for assisting the participants to deliver respective submissions as outcomes of participation by the participants in the challenge event. A solution to the challenge event in a form of a computer code is received from only one participant previously chosen from the selected at least two participants as the only participant to submit the solution. The received solution is validated for quality and is accepted. In response to the validating and accepting of the received solution, the received solution is delivered to the client computer. The received solution is configured to be used by the client computer to support software development for the client computer.

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 to facilitate removal of the puzzle pieces. An optional pry tool can be inserted in to the space to easily remove the puzzle pieces after play, storage, or display. An optional hanger/joiner can be utilized to hang the completed puzzle vertically and/or to join two baseplates to create increased play opportunities.

Abstract: A joystick module includes a base, a joystick body, a joystick cover and a second protruding edge. The base includes a casing and a first protruding edge. A top part of the casing has an opening. The first protruding edge is formed on a periphery of the opening of the casing. The joystick body is installed in the base. A first end of the joystick body is protruded through the opening so as to be rotated. The joystick cover is installed in the base and connected with the joystick body. In response to a rotation of the joystick body, the joystick cover is correspondingly rotated. During the rotation of the joystick body, a part of the second protruding edge is contacted with an inner surface of the casing. When the part of the second protruding edge is contacted with a part of the first protruding edge, the rotation of the joystick body is limited.

Abstract: A guitar-shaped video game controller includes a body having a shape that resembles a guitar body, and a neck that is pivotally coupled to the guitar body via a hinge so that the neck can pivot between an extended position and a folded position relative to the guitar body. A latch assembly is actuatable to selectively lock the neck in the extended position to the body. A cable extends between and electrically connects the neck and the body to maintain an electrical connection between the neck and the body when the neck is in the extended and the folded positions.

Abstract: A guitar-shaped video game controller includes a body having a shape that resembles a guitar body, and a neck that is pivotally coupled to the guitar body via a hinge so that the neck can pivot between an extended position and a folded position relative to the guitar body. A latch assembly is actuatable to selectively lock the neck in the extended position to the body. A cable extends between and electrically connects the neck and the body to maintain an electrical connection between the neck and the body when the neck is in the extended and the folded positions.

Abstract: A guitar-shaped video game controller includes a body having a shape that resembles a guitar body, and a neck that is pivotally coupled to the guitar body via a hinge so that the neck can pivot between an extended position and a folded position relative to the guitar body. A latch assembly is actuatable to selectively lock the neck in the extended position to the body. A cable extends between and electrically connects the neck and the body to maintain an electrical connection between the neck and the body when the neck is in the extended and the folded positions.

Abstract: An apparatus for viewing virtual reality content is discussed in the present application. The apparatus may include a collapsible body and a pair of collapsible hood elements that are coupled to the body. The body may include a pair of lenses. Each of the hood elements may be collapsible into or onto the body. In a collapsed configuration of the apparatus, the hood elements may be collapsed into or onto the body, and a combined body structure that includes the body and the collapsed hood elements may be collapsed into or onto itself.

Abstract: A system, a machine-readable storage medium storing instructions, and a computer-implemented method are described herein for a Game Action Trigger Module (GATM) for trigger game actions. The GATM generates a virtual gaming environment comprising a concurrent display of a tile board and a game world separate from the tile board. The GATM receives a selection of a sequence of tile board virtual objects. The GATM identifies a location of a particular tile board virtual object in the selected sequence. The GATM identifies a target game world virtual object based on the location of the particular tile board virtual object in the selected sequence. The GATM applies a game action to the target game world virtual object.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are generally directed towards software based controllers. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention are configured to provide a software based controller capable of utilization with games provided through a console, handheld device or other computing device.

Abstract: A system and method are described for combining multiple views of a video game or application into a single video stream (or set of video streams). For example, a system according to one embodiment comprises: a plurality of application/video game instances executed for a particular multi-player video game or application on a hosting service, the application/video game instances being executed in response to control signals received from a plurality of clients; compositing logic executed at the hosting service to combine video streams generated by each of the application/video game instances into a single video stream for a first one of the clients; and compression logic to compress the single video stream with low latency such that the user of the first one of the clients has the perception that the video game or application is being executed locally.

Abstract: A server center for hosting low-latency streaming interactive audio/video (A/V) includes a plurality of servers that run one or more applications and an inbound routing network that receives packet streams from users via a first network interface and routes the packets to one or more of the servers. The packet streams include user control input. One or more of the servers are operable to compute A/V data responsive to the user control input. A compression unit is coupled to receive the A/V data from the one or more of the servers and output compressed A/V data therefrom. An output routing network that routes the compressed A/V data to each of the users over a corresponding communication channel via a second interface, the compression unit is operable to modify a compression rate responsive to current characteristics of the corresponding communication channel for each user so as to optimize performance of the one or more applications.

Abstract: A method of and system for handling latency issues encountered in producing real-time entertainment such as games of skill synchronized with live or taped televised events is described herein. There are multiple situations that are dealt with regarding latencies in receiving a television signal with respect to real-time entertainment based on the unfolding games played along with the telecasts. Systemic delays, arbitrarily imposed delays of a broadcast signal and variances in the precise broadcast times of taped television programs have to be equalized so as to provide fair entertainment.

Abstract: Methods and systems for assigning a data center in a second geo location for migrating data in anticipation of receiving a request from a user account from the second geo location includes receiving an indication of a change in geo location of a user from a first geo location to the second geo location. Save data for the user is identified at the first geo location. The save data is analyzed to determine usage trend of the user for the plurality of games. A portion of the save data is identified, based on the usage trend, and transmitted to a second data center in the second geo location in anticipation of the user's likely access of the save data at the second geo location. The save data is made available to game logic of one or more games, when executed on a cloud gaming system, so as to provide current state of game play of the respective one or more games for rendering on a client device of the user used to access the game.

Abstract: In a network game, player characters manipulated by individual players of video game apparatuses belong to the same party to battle with an opponent character. When a player character making a special move is not present in the party, the display screen of each video game apparatus becomes a screen focusing on the player character of the player who uses this video game apparatus. When one of the player characters makes a special move, not only the display screen of the video game apparatus corresponding to this player, but also the display screens of the video game apparatuses corresponding to the other player characters in the party become screens focusing on the player character which makes the special move.

Abstract: A computer implemented method of controlling a user interface of a computer device which is responsive to user engagement with displayed player objects on the interface. The method comprises steps implemented by computer executable code (executed by one or more hardware processors on the computer device) and encompassing, but not limited to, displaying a game area with a number of game objects in a static player graph as well as providing a player object which can be selected to target and shoot game objects in response to player behaviour or to contribute directly to a game objective. A boost action is triggered when game objective is fulfilled.

Abstract: A method and system to transfer assets between interactive social games is described. In some embodiments, the method generates a visual expression of a transfer mechanism in a first computer-implemented game. The method further generates the visual expression of the transfer mechanism in a second computer-implemented game. The transfer mechanism is capable of transferring an in-game asset from the first computer-implemented game to the second computer-implemented game. The method transfers the in-game asset from the first computer-implemented game to the second computer-implemented game using the transfer mechanism.

Abstract: An example system and method is provided for detecting a moment of impact and/or strength of a swing based on moving a hand-held device including an accelerometer arrangement. A moment and a magnitude of simulated striking of the object are determined based on one or more accelerometer arrangement outputs resulting from the moving of the hand-held device. Using one or more of aural, visual and tactile outputs, the striking of the object is simulated in accordance with the determined moment of simulated striking and the determined magnitude of the simulated striking.

Abstract: System and method for automatic computer aided optical recognition of toys, for example, construction toy elements, recognition of those elements on digital images and associating the elements with existing information is presented. The method and system may recognize toy elements of various sizes invariant of toy element distance from the image acquiring device for example camera, invariant of rotation of the toy element, invariant of angle of the camera, invariant of background, invariant of illumination and without the need of predefined region where a toy element should be placed. The system and method may detect more than one toy element on the image and identify them. The system is configured to learn to recognize and detect any number of various toy elements by training a deep convolutional neural network.

Abstract: Systems and methods for updating content of a mobile video game allow for mobile communication devices to receive updated content for video games that operate on the devices. The updates may be promotional in nature, and may be pre-selected based on the device type, service, or service provider. The game may contain instructions that cause the mobile communication device to contact an interface and/or server to receive updated content. After the updated content is received by the mobile communication device, the content may be displayed in-game. The user of the mobile communication device may be provided with one or more options that affect the frequency or ability to receive or display updated content. In addition, the server may track what content has already been received by the mobile communication device.

Abstract: A non-transitory computer-readable medium including a program product for causing a user terminal to realize functions to control progress of a video game is provided. The functions include: an experience value giving function configured to give an experience value to an object on the basis of a result of an event that occurs in accordance with progress of the video game; a managing function configured to manage a level of the object on the basis of the given experience value; and a privilege giving function configured to give a privilege to the object on the basis of an experience value that has been given and exceeds a value required to reach an upper limit of the level.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for performing a live broadcast on a game, applied in a mobile terminal, which are applied in a mobile terminal. The method includes: collecting a game image and anchor audio information; synthesizing the game image and the anchor audio information to acquire a game commentary video; sending the game commentary video to other mobile terminals.

Abstract: A sports figure lawn ornament for improving the aesthetic appeal of a lawn. The lawn ornament includes an elongated stem with a first end and a second end. At the first end is a main body and at the second end is a tip configured to secure the lawn ornament to the ground. The main body includes a simulated torso, a simulated head, and a post extending perpendicularly therefrom. A simulated leg assembly includes an aperture and a first leg and a second leg extending from the aperture. The leg assembly slides onto the post such that the first leg and second leg can freely rotate about the aperture.

Abstract: A crying doll having a head with eyes, each endowed with a tear hole, a mouth, a device housed in the head for producing the visual effect of the doll shedding tears that has a fluid tank connected to the outside and able to accumulate a fluid above the level of the tear holes, and at least one flexible supply duct that hydraulically connects with one or both of the tear holes. The device includes a throttle for the supply duct and an actuating cam for the throttle for arranging the throttle against the supply duct, flattening it locally and impeding the passage of fluid through it. The actuating cam is mounted in the proximity of the mouth and operable upon inserting a nipple of an accessory element, separate or not from the doll, in the mouth.

Abstract: An invertible interactive toy house comprising a series of adjacent foldable segments that can be assembled by folding in either of two different directions and joined at its outer edges to form a self-standing toy house. When folded in one direction, the assemble house displays its outside features. When folded in the opposite direction, the assembled house displays its inside features. Figures which correspond to the indicia on the walls of the house are provided, The figures are removably affixed to corresponding indicia on the walls of the toy house. Playing with this toy house has been found to teach children with learning difficulties to improve various skills, including non-verbal skills of focus and attention, social skills, visual attention and processing skills, and ability to recognize different sizes and shapes, as well as general language skills.

Abstract: A device for universally mounting one or more toys or other child or baby engagement devices on and across a variety of structures is provided. In one embodiment, the device comprises a telescoping center bar lockably connectable to adjustable first and second legs. Clamps adapted to be securely fastenable on various non-uniform and/or uniquely shaped and oriented structures comprise a lower end of each leg. Then, means for attaching the toy(s) or other engagement device(s) to the adjustable center bar may be provided. Thus, the device may be fully adjustable in terms of height and width to be adaptable to the particular dimensional requirements of the supportive structure, and the toy(s) or engagement device(s) may be attached in any convenient location or at any convenient angle to the bar. Additionally, the device may be disassembled or collapsed for convenient, low-profile storage.

Abstract: The toy structure kit includes an accessory defining an opening, a toy structure defining an opening, and a connector having a base member and a collar, the connector configured to couple the accessory to the toy structure, the base member including a first projection member and a second projection member, the first projection member configured to extend through the opening defined by the accessory and receive the collar, the second projection member configured to extend through the opening defined by the toy structure.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an article of manufacture includes a plurality of nestable, identically sized building blocks, each block having at least one inward-slanting side wall connected to a top surface of the block at an edge of the block, wherein a first block defines a hollow interior space adapted to receive a second block in a nested configuration. One or more of the blocks have one or more recesses on the top surface that are each designed to receive a portion of the bottom edge of another block, thereby providing increased stability for non-nested configurations. A recess may have a curved shape that can receive a curved portion of another block at different angular orientations of the blocks. The recesses may engage another block's bottom edge in a non-interlocking manner or in an interlocking manner.

Abstract: An arrangement for providing visual effects including light emitting members attached to a target, an imaging unit for locating the light emitting members, a computing unit for receiving real-time location information data from the imaging unit and controlling a laser projector based on the received location information data, a laser projector projecting a laser beam responsive to control information provided by the computing unit, and a partially reflecting mirror reflecting the projected laser beam with respect to the light emitting members towards and/or in the vicinity of the light emitting members and passing the light from the light emitting members to the imaging unit. Related method is presented.

Abstract: An air stripper apparatus is disclosed which incorporates a plurality of trays that are removably supported within a cabinet. A plurality of downcomers are also fixedly disposed within the cabinet, rather than on the trays. Removing the downcomer from each tray enables a simpler, lighter and easier to clean tray to be constructed.

Abstract: A dispersed mobile-phase countercurrent chromatography system is described in which solutes are carried by a stream of dispersed mobile phase solvent through a column, or array of serially-connected columns, of stationary phase solvent with which the mobile phase solvent is immiscible. Solutes carried along by the stream of dispersed mobile-phase solvent will be equilibrated between the mobile-phase solvent and the stationary-phase solvent. Because the mobile-phase is dispersed into mini-droplets much smaller in diameter than the column of stationary phase, the enhanced surface/volume ratio of the droplets expedites countercurrent equilibration of different solutes between the mobile-phase solvent and the stationary-phase solvent in accordance with the distribution-coefficients of the solutes between the two solvents.

Abstract: Described herein is a method of adjusting the composition of a chromatography product to achieve a target enriched proportion of a desired component from an input feed having a lower proportion of the desired component using simulated moving bed (“SMB”) chromatography wherein the eluent for the SMB apparatus may comprise the very input feed being enriched. The method is exemplified by enriching a high fructose corn syrup from a 42% fructose syrup to a 55% fructose syrup without substantially reducing the dissolved solids concentration of the 55% syrup relative to the input 42% syrup. The 42% syrup is also used as the eluent for the SMB apparatus and may be reconstituted from the raffinate stream by passing the raffinate stream over a glucose isomerase column alone or in combination with a dextrose feed. The method reduces water usage and saves energy by minimizing the need for evaporation to obtain a 55% fructose syrup with a high dissolved solids content.

Abstract: Transducer assemblies that can be used in acoustophoretic systems are disclosed. The acoustophoretic systems including the transducer assemblies and methods of operating the acoustophoretic systems are also disclosed. The transducer assemblies include a housing, a polymeric film attached to the housing, and a piezoelectric material attached to the polymeric film. The piezoelectric material is not attached to, and does not come in direct contact with, the housing. The piezoelectric material is configured to be driven by a drive signal to create a multi-dimensional acoustic standing wave. The piezoelectric material can be attached to the polymer film by an adhesive coating on the polymer film.

Abstract: A bubble removing system and a bubble removing method are provided. The bubble removing system comprises a main bubble removing apparatus which comprises a first enclosed container, a first fluid lead-in pipe, a first fluid lead-out pipe, and a bubble collecting member. The cross section of the inner cavity of the first enclosed container is circular, and the first enclosed container is used for accommodating a fluid substance. The first fluid lead-in pipe passes through a sidewall of the first enclosed container, is tangent to the inner cavity wall of the first enclosed container, and is disposed at the upper part of the first enclosed container. The first fluid lead-out pipe passes through the sidewall of the first enclosed container and is disposed at the lower part of the first enclosed container.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing impurities from water and/or wastewater and a method of installing a fluid distribution system in the apparatus. In the most preferred form of the invention, the fluid distribution system is an air scour system for directing air through the filter bed to assist in cleaning of the filter bed to remove impurities trapped in the filter bed during a service run. In the most preferred form, the method of installing the fluid distribution system in the filter bed is performed by imparting a force to the filter bed to permit the fluid distribution system to be installed in the filter bed without removing media. The fluid distribution system is preferably configured to permit the fluid distribution system to be readily installed in the filter bed and at an optimum orientation.

Abstract: A fuel filter device includes a bag-shaped filter member filtering fuel that is drawn into a fuel pump, an inner frame member retaining the filter member in an expanded state, and a mounting member connected to the inner frame member and serving to communicate an internal space of the filter member with an outside. A valve chamber is defined by the inner frame member and the mounting member, and a check valve serving to prevent backflow of fuel is disposed in the valve chamber. The check valve includes a flat-plate shaped valve body having elasticity. The check valve opens against its weight when the fuel pump is operated, and the check valve closes due to its weight when the operation of the fuel pump is stopped.

Abstract: A Spin-on filter assembly that can be used with both suction-side and pressure-side filtration systems is described. The filter assembly screws onto a filter mounting head. The filter mounting head is part of a filtration system that provides fluid to be filtered to the filter assembly. The filter assembly filters the fluid to be filtered through a filter media contained within the filter assembly and provides the filtered fluid back to the filter mounting head. The filter assembly includes an upper seal that seals the clean side of the filter media from the dirty side of the filter media when the filter assembly is connected to the filter mounting head in an installed position. The upper seal includes a sealing ridge that has an elongated shape and is flexible such that the filter assembly can be used on both pressure-side and suction side applications in filtration systems.

Abstract: A reusable fluid filter unit is disclosed. The reusable fluid filter unit encloses a filter and is removably connected to a manifold. In an embodiment, the filter unit includes an end cap that is detachable so as to replace the filter inside the filter unit. In an embodiment, the filter unit may include embossments or other structures that depress a mechanical valve in the manifold when the filter unit engages the manifold.

Abstract: A water filter having a housing having a water inlet and a water outlet on a first end, and a pair of replaceable carbon elements contained within the housing, each carbon element having a water inlet near an outside diameter and a water outlet near the center, both the water outlet and water inlet being on a first end of each carbon element and each of the carbon element inlets being in fluid communication with the housing water inlet and each of the carbon element outlets being in fluid communication with the housing water outlet.

Abstract: A fluid filter having a filter canister, a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, filter media, and a pressure sensitive valve assembly is described. The pressure sensitive valve assembly comprises an orifice surround, a pressure relief spring, and a valve plug comprising a valve head and first and second retention legs. The first and second retention legs of the valve plug are spaced apart from one another, extend from a leg base positioned at the sealing side of the valve head to a distal end of the retention leg, and comprise respective seating regions, tapered transition regions, and clearance regions. Each of the respective seating regions comprises a spring engaging hook structurally configured to receive a seating portion of the pressure relief spring. The pressure relief spring is compressed between the orifice surround and the spring engaging hooks to bias the pressure sensitive valve assembly towards the closed state.

Abstract: A filter (10) includes a receptacle (12) defining a chamber (14). A granular filtering medium (16) is contained in the chamber (14) of the receptacle (12). A disrupter arrangement (18) is mounted in the chamber (14) of the receptacle (12), the disrupter arrangement (18) serving to disrupt agglomeration of the granular filtering medium (16) within the chamber (14) of the receptacle (12).

Abstract: A material comprising unique nanofiber layers, and more particularly, this invention relates to a method for creating a material that is made from multiple unique nanofiber layers that can be utilized as filter media among other applications. The nanofiber layers have a plurality of fine fibers with an average diameter of less than 1 micron. In embodiments, the fine fibers are formed from a polymer. The material can be created according to a method in which the fine fiber strands are formed from a polymer melt or a polymer solution. The fine fibers can then be layered on top of one another to form materials such as filter media.

Abstract: A separator method and apparatus that includes a rotatable drum defining an annular passageway therein, a plurality of blades coupled to the rotatable drum and located in the annular passageway, each of the plurality of blades including a leading section, a trailing section, a concave surface, and a convex surface, the concave and convex surfaces extending from the leading section to the trailing section, each of the plurality of blades disposed circumferentially adjacent to at least another one of the plurality of blades so as to define blade flowpaths therebetween, and a housing at least partially surrounding the rotatable drum and defining a fluid collection chamber fluidly communicating with the annular passageway.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a portable industrial air filtration device employing an annular dual filter assembly to capture and remove impurities from the air surrounding the air filtration device, enabling the air filtration device to quickly and efficiently improve the quality and safety of the air. The air filtration device includes a two-piece housing including a lower housing component and a locking cover removably attachable to the lower housing component. The dual filter assembly is mounted within the housing between the locking cover and the lower housing component, and includes a removable self-supporting outer pre-filter surrounding a separately removable inner HEPA filter. The pre-filter initially filters the surrounding air by capturing relatively large or coarse impurities, and the HEPA filter further filters the air pulled through the pre-filter by capturing relatively small or fine impurities.

Abstract: Provided are filtration systems, filters, and corresponding methods of installing and using a clean room filter. A filtration system may include a housing defining a vent opening and a filter opening. The housing may include a knife edge disposed about a perimeter of the filter opening and configured to extend downwardly. The filtration system may include a filter removably attached to the housing. The filter may include a frame having an opening and a channel disposed about a perimeter of the opening. The filter may further include a filter substrate disposed in the opening of the frame, a gasket disposed about a perimeter of the opening within the channel, and an adhesive compound disposed within the channel between the gasket and the channel. The filter may be configured to engage the knife edge of the housing, such that air may be configured to pass between the clean room and a duct via the filter.