Abstract: A holding device (4) for a net (6) of a table-tennis table with two playing area leaves (1, 2) and an underframe (3), wherein the holding apparatus (4) includes two holding units (5) which can be arranged on opposite sides of the two playing area leaves (1, 2), and wherein each of the holding units (5) can be attached on at least one of the playing area leaves (1, 2) or on the substructure (3) and can hold one end of the net (6) and wherein the holding apparatus (4) includes at least one blocking means (7) which is arranged on one of the holding units (5) and, in the mounted state of the holding device (4), can be transferred into a blocking position in which it abuts against the under surfaces of the two playing area leaves (1, 2).

Abstract: An adjustable batting tee comprising: a base with a lower planar support surface; an outer tube extending from the base, wherein the outer tube includes a hollow core; an inner tube, wherein the inner tube is disposed within the hollow core of the outer tube; and a locking mechanism which locks inner tube relative to the outer tube at one of at least two discrete positions relative to the floor, ground and/or home plate so as to present a ball supporting distal end of the inner tube at one of the discrete heights from the floor, ground and/or home plate. The locking mechanism includes a projection, at least two circularly shaped grooves, and a longitudinal groove in communication with the at least two circularly shaped grooves. A visual indicator is provided to indicate to the user the discrete heights.

Abstract: The present invention provides an exercise and training device. The exercise and training device is adapted to be removably mounted to a vertical structure. The exercise and training device includes a paddle member that provides target surfaces; a support member that facilitates in aligning of the exercise and training device when mounted to the vertical structure; and a mounting member that mounts the exercise and training device about the vertical structure.

Abstract: A golf training aid comprises a bottom piece with a slot. A vertical member attaches from the bottom piece to an upper member. A mechanism has sliders configured to slide up and down the mechanism, wherein the mechanism is attached to the upper member. An arm cuff is attached to each slider, configured to receive human arms. The upper member has a connector that attaches to a top end of a golf club and the golf club slides into the slot of the bottom piece.

Abstract: The present invention relates to collapsible snowshoes. In one embodiment, a collapsible snowshoe includes a collapsible frame, a webbing and a binding. The collapsible snowshoe frame includes a first pair of bars, a second pair of bars, a pair of joints and a center bar securing the pair of joints to each other. The second pair of bars are each collapsible and include bar sections that are removably coupled to each other. The pair of joints is coupled to the corresponding first end of each of the first pair of bars, and is also coupled to the corresponding first end of each of the second pair of bars.

Abstract: The present invention provides a remote control electric shoes. The electric shoes comprises shoes bodies and a remote control. A user can use the remote control to realize starting/stopping of advancing of the shoes bodies, and to set and adjust the advancing speed of the shoes bodies. Moreover, the electric shoes also has a buckling device for braking. The user presses the buckling device to stop advancing of the shoes bodies. Therefore, the user can conveniently control advancing and stopping of the shoes bodies with the remote control, and thus the operation is convenient. The remote control electric shoes is simple, convenient and easy to use and has wide application prospects.

Abstract: A tip insert for a cue shaft having a cavity at the tip has a tip disc to support a tip for striking a ball and an inwardly extending section for bonding to the inside surface of the cavity. The inwardly extending section includes one or more centering flanges and a bonding surface, the centering flanges interfacing with the inner surface of the cavity and enabling a substantially consistence bond distance between the bonding surface and the inner surface of the cavity. The tip insert can be machine from a single piece of material comprising glass fiber-reinforced epoxy laminate sheets, where the individual sheets of the material are oriented perpendicular to the longitude axis of the tip insert to increase the durability and performance of the tip insert when transferring the force from the tip striking a ball.

Abstract: The present invention provides shuffled playing cards which eliminate the need for a game host to shuffle cards before games by taking a lot of time as well as eliminate the possibility of cheating. A shuffled playing cards (1) obtained by shuffling a predetermined number of decks of playing cards (12) using a shuffling machine is packaged as an individual pack. The shuffled playing cards (1) is individually packaged and sealed with an adhesive label (13). A bar code (13a) which represents a unique shuffled card ID has been printed on the adhesive label (13). The shuffled card ID is registered in a database by being associated with information which allows identification of a shuffling machine used to shuffle the playing card set.

Abstract: A method of playing a game that includes as dealer or facilitator. The game consists of allowing players to play a game that comprises at least two sub-games, each sub-game being associated with a pot and being played either simultaneously or sequentially. Each sub-game includes the step of declaring a winning player.

Abstract: A rollover switch has a housing carrying a depressible cover coupled to a switch whereby a depression of the cover in response to contact being made between the cover and an object movable across a first surface of a playfield of an amusement game functions to activate the switch. A mounting collar is sized to be positioned within an opening formed in the playfield wherein the opening extends between a second surface of the playfield and the first surface of the playfield. The mounting collar and the housing of the switch assembly have cooperating features that allow the switch assembly to be adjustably mounted within the mounting collar to thereby allow the cover to be positioned at a desired location relative to the first surface of the playfield.

Abstract: Innovative systems and methods are disclosed for adjusting the perceived flow of time in a multiplayer videogame system. A game mechanism is provided to slow the perceived flow of time for an initiator player, players in the line of site of the initiator, players seeing any other players in an altered time mode and players seen by players in an altered time mode. Meanwhile, other players not fitting these criteria continue to experience a normal perceived flow of time. This permits the use of the time slowing mechanic without negatively affecting all players in the multiplayer game.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to facilitating presentation of a combination of virtual units as a single entity during a battle in an online game. A user may be in control of and/or be associated with a first set of virtual units in the game space of the online game. Some of the virtual units of the user may be involved in a battle facilitated in the game space. A plurality of the virtual units controlled by and/or associated with the user may be combined as a single virtual entity, such that the plurality of virtual units is portrayed in the view of the game space of the online game as the single virtual entity. The attributes of the single virtual entity in the game space may be dictated by the collective set of attributes of the respective virtual units of the plurality of virtual units combined as the single virtual entity.

Abstract: A video game processing apparatus for controlling progress of a multiplayer participatory video game is provided. A player plays the multiplayer participatory video game using a game medium in which parameters are set up. The video game processing apparatus includes a virtual mission information memory for storing virtual mission information. The virtual mission information is information on virtual missions. The player works on one of the virtual missions using the game medium. The video game processing apparatus provides the virtual mission to the player on the basis of the virtual mission information. The video game processing apparatus gives other player a game medium associated with the player using the game medium. The other player is associated with the game medium used in the virtual mission.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method, apparatus, and system of authenticating a mobile server may have at least one mobile server configured to execute games of chance on a plurality of mobile gaming devices and an authentication server configured to: determine a location of the at least one mobile server; determine a wireless communication means to communicate with the at least one mobile server based on the location of the at least one mobile server; communicate with the at least one mobile server via the determined wireless communication means; and initiate authentication, by an authentication server, of the at least one mobile server.

Abstract: A method of controlling a fighting game is provided by a controller of a game terminal including the controller and a touch screen panel. The controller receives a selection of any one from among a plurality of avatars through the touch screen panel, receives, from a game management server, information on an avatar technique set including a plurality of technique that is set by other player corresponding to the selected avatar, and starts a match-up between a character corresponding to a player of the game terminal and the selected avatar. The controller repeatedly performs a process including selecting any one technique from among the plurality of techniques included in the avatar technique set and actuating the selected technique on the character.

Abstract: A method of communicating data between a game console unit and at least one wireless mobile game controller is disclosed. The method includes establishing an uplink from the at least one mobile game controller to the game console unit via a first millimeter-wave wireless link, and establishing a downlink from the game console unit to the at least one wireless mobile game controller via a second millimeter wave wireless link.

Abstract: A computer-readable storage medium storing program instructions for conducting a game on a gaming system having a wireless input device for playing an interactive motion-sensitive game using a wireless-compatible game console in which a virtual play environment is represented through one or more computer-animated visual, aural or tactile effects is provided wherein game play is conducted by moving, shaking, twisting, waving or pointing the input device in a particular manner. The input device can include motion-sensitive circuitry and/or command circuitry for generating control signals and/or an effects generator and associated control circuitry to enable the input device to selectively generate at least one visual, aural or tactile effect comprising sound, lighting or vibration. The input device can include a wireless transceiver for providing two-way wireless communication with the wireless-compatible game console.

Abstract: A system is provided that modifies a haptic effect experienced at a user input element, where the user input element is positioned within the housing so that a first contact with the housing defines a first maximum range of a first movement of the user input element. The system receives a position of a user input element of a peripheral device. The system further sends a haptic effect definition to the haptic output device in response to the received position of the user input element. The system further causes the haptic output device to output a force to the user input element of the peripheral device in response to the haptic effect definition. The system further causes the haptic diminishment prevention to define a first diminishment range of the first movement of the user input element, where the first diminishment range is less than the first maximum range and prevents the first contact with the housing.

Abstract: A user input device includes a housing, a user input element adapted to be operated by a user and configured to send a signal to a processor when operated by the user, and an actuator coupled to the user input element. The actuator is configured to receive a control signal from the processor and output a haptic effect to the user input element in response to the control signal from the processor. A vibration isolation barrier is disposed between the user input element and the housing, wherein the vibration isolation barrier substantially mechanically isolates the user input element from the housing. The user input element may be a joystick, button, or trigger.

Abstract: A game system allows a user to play a game in a similar way to a game machine. The game system includes a server device, a game machine, and a network terminal device. A game machine program makes a control device function as a device for making a user play a game and a device for accepting a predetermined service from the server device as well as identifying a user in cooperation with the server device. The server device is provided with a virtual game machine portion which executes the game machine program and makes a control unit thereof function as the device for making a user play the game and the device for accepting the service. The network terminal device is provided with an I/O control portion which makes the network terminal device function as a remote I/O device for the virtual game machine control portion.

Abstract: Methods, systems, devices, and software are described for providing supplemental content for display on a mobile device. In one embodiment, a system includes a video display that displays video content. A mobile device with an integrated display may track the video display, with a video camera or other methods, and identify the video content in the tracked video display. The mobile device may access supplemental content related to the identified video content, and display the accessed supplemental content on the integrated display.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for managing state information related to an interactive application to accommodate one or more users participating in an interactive application session, wherein the state information comprises local state information specific to each of the one or more user's unique view of the interactive application and global state information. The system of the present invention may comprise a telecommunications network; an application server in communication with the telecommunications network for managing the global state information relative to all of the users participating in the interactive application session; and at least one mobile client device in communication with the application server over the telecommunications network for managing the local state information for each of the one or more users.

Abstract: A provision apparatus provides data for a game content to an execution apparatus which generates a game screen for the game content by executing rendering processing for the game content. The apparatus receives, from the execution apparatus, a provision request of a first data, which at least includes a minimum required data on the execution start timing of the rendering processing for the game content, among the data for the game content, and a provision request of a second data among the data for the game content other than the first data, and transmits corresponding data to the execution apparatus. The apparatus receives the provision request of the second data from the execution apparatus after completing the transmission of the first data.

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: To mitigate collisions in a physical space during gaming, a set of physical objects and a user situated in the 3D space are mapped to determine a spacing between an object in the set of physical objects and the user, where the user moves in the 3D space to cause a motion in a virtual environment of a game. A prediction is computed that the user will make a motion in the 3D space during the gaming. For the motion in the 3D space, a motion trajectory of the user is computed using a measurement parameter corresponding to the user stored in a user profile. A detection is made that the motion trajectory of the user violates a spacing threshold between the user and the object, and the user is alerted about a risk of collision between the user and the object in the 3D space.

Abstract: In an editor a plurality of valid start points are determined. Based on this plurality of start points a user may select one of the points. When a user selects one of the points, the editor determines at least one valid end point. The user may then draw a line between the selected point and a valid end point. As a result of the connection between the two points a new environment is created in the editor.

Abstract: An information acquisition unit of a portable game machine is configured to acquire identification information to identify an application to be activated in the portable game machine from a stationary game machine. A determination unit of the portable game machine is configured to determine whether or not the portable game machine has the application identified by the identification information. If the portable game machine has the application, an application activation unit of the portable game machine is configured to activate the application. On the other hand, if the portable game machine does not have the application, a download processor of the portable game machine is configured to acquire the application from the stationary game machine.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for advertising through a social network by immersion of participants in a sponsored mobile game. A game application for the sponsored game is developed on a server and deployed on consumer devices connected to the server. The game application, operating on a smart phone, utilizes onboard GPS and camera subsystems to carry out and facilitate the game functions. A dashboard is provided for designing the game around an advertising campaign. The game application is syndicated and shared through a consumer's social media community. The game is tracked by the server. Game information and rewards are delivered to participants during and after the game. In one aspect, the game involves a participant gathering digital permits prior to and during the game which are used to complete a tagging event with other participants. Rewards such as redeemable coupons are based on actions at sponsor locations.

Abstract: Gaming systems and methods for integrated computer-related and physical game play interactions between a game player, a physical game piece and an electronic device are defined. The physical game piece measures motion quantity and transmits motion data using a signal emitter when the signal emitter is actuated. The electronic device receives the transmitted signal, which a game application inputs along with user input. The game application uses the user input and the transmitted signal to tally game player score data in an accumulator.

Abstract: A first content item instance may be played by one or more participants and may be presented by one or more first compute nodes to the one or more participants. Information associated with the first content item instance may be collected. The information may include, for example, game state, user inputs, and other information associated with the first content item instance. The information may be provided as input to a second content item instance executing at one or more second compute nodes. Audio and/or video information output by the second content item instance may then be collected, and data including the collected information may be transmitted to one or more third compute nodes for presentation to spectators. Spectator feedback may be received and provided back to the first content item instance, which may be presented based, at least in part, on the spectator feedback.

Abstract: An adaptor is provided for a games console which allows users to gain access to interactive television services through the games console. The adaptor includes a television tuner for receiving broadcast television channels, a communications controller which controls communications between the adaptor and the games console and an interface for interfacing the adaptor to the games console. In a preferred embodiment, the adaptor also includes a hard disc for storing video data and for storing game history data. The adaptor may also include a modem via which the user can gain access to remote servers connected to a data network.

Abstract: A portable zip line tower is provided. The portable zip line tower comprises a tower structure having a major longitudinal axis. The tower structure is configurable into a first configuration wherein the major longitudinal axis is generally parallel to ground and a second configuration wherein the major longitudinal axis is generally perpendicular to ground. At least one platform mounted at least partially within an interior space of the tower structure and the tower structure is configured for mobile transportation in the first configuration.

Abstract: An outdoor amusement rocking device having a frame and a support member that together form a curvature saddle-shaped play structure. The amusement device includes a hyperbole paraboloid frame structure defining an interior area and a resilient support sheet material disposed in the interior area of the frame and attached to the frame.

Abstract: A method in accordance with present embodiments includes receiving a signal that a vehicle is positioned on a motion base system; and actuating a plurality of motion bases of the motion base system to actuate independently of one another to cause the vehicle to roll, pitch, or heave. Actuating the plurality of motion bases includes providing a first signal to an electrical actuator associated with a first motion base; actuating a movable deck of the first motion base to move a first distance relative to its housing at a first time point; providing a second signal to an electrical actuator associated with a second motion base; and actuating a movable deck of the second motion base to move a second distance relative to its housing at the first time point.

Abstract: A light-emitting toy assembly including a field generator that includes a first transmitting coil configured to inductively transmit energy and an object. The object includes a body, at least a part of which is translucent, at least one receiving coil configured to inductively receive energy from the first transmitting coil, and a lighting element having at least one light emitting diode that is configured to receive a current from a corresponding one of the at least one receiving coils. At least one of the first transmitting coil and the object is movable with respect to the other of the first transmitting coil and the object. A change in a rotational orientation of at least one of the first transmitting coil and the object alters a lighting state of the lighting element.

Abstract: An interactive toy plaything, method, and computer program product, monitor input signals from input devices such as an audio input device, a visual image input device, and a haptic detector, to determine that the interactive toy plaything is being interacted with and that interaction-related information corresponding to the interaction with the interactive toy plaything is to be communicated with at least one remote entity. The availability of the at least one remote entity to communicate with the interactive toy plaything over a wireless communication network is determined. If it is available, wirelessly transmitting the interaction-related information to the at least one remote entity over the wireless communication network. A remote entity can be a mobile phone.

Abstract: A noise making assembly for a toy having a compressible bladder with an orifice for permitting air to pass in and out of the bladder. The noise making assembly includes a noise producing element and a housing for supporting the noise producing element proximate the orifice. The housing includes a hollow body portion, an enlarged concave-shaped head attached to the first open end of the body portion for preventing the housing from being pushed inside the bladder, and a number of circumferentially-spaced prongs attached to the outer wall of the body portion to prevent the noise making assembly from becoming dislodged from the bladder.

Abstract: In an aspect, a toy assembly is provided. The toy assembly includes a housing, an inner object inside the housing, a sensor, a motor and a controller. A portion of the inner object is drivable into engagement with the housing to break the housing and expose the inner object. The sensor detects interaction with a user. The motor is operatively connected to the inner object such that operation of the motor drives rotation of the inner object in the housing. The controller determines whether a selected condition has been met based on at least one interaction with the user, and operates the motor to rotate the inner object and drive the portion of the inner object into engagement with the housing to break the housing and expose the inner object if the condition is met.

Abstract: The invention relates to the utilization of magnetism in the roll stabilization and suspension of a radio-controlled car. In small radio-controlled vehicles, in particular, it is difficult to implement the conventional mechanical roll stabilization and a well-functioning suspension due to the small size, the accuracy required, dirt, and the loads exerted on the structures. In the structure according to the invention, the roll stabilization and suspension are implemented by means of magnetism, according to FIG. 2. The magnets at the ends of supporting arms (6) attract each other, implementing the roll stabilization. Magnets (3) are installed under the supporting arm magnets, repelling them and providing suspension.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a toy construction element having an outer shell and moving members that can extend from and retract into openings in a face of the outer shell. The toy construction element may have a plurality of pegs for attaching to other engagement elements (e.g., blocks or figurines) and the openings may each be centered with respect to a 2×2 arrangement of pegs on the face. The moving members may be in contact with an actuating member, e.g., opposing arms of a rocking member. As one moving member is pushed down the rocking member may lift the other moving member. Upon attaching an engagement element to the toy construction element, one moving member can be pushed down to force up the other moving member so that the engagement element is released. Other actuating members may be used, such as push-rods or camshafts.

Abstract: A magnetically connected block, including an electrically conductive connector, the electrically conductive connector defining therein a cavity and a magnet being arranged in the cavity, the electrically conductive connector being provided with a contact surface and a conductive device being provided on the contact surface. In this way, the electrically conductive connector achieves the electrical conduction between blocks by way of the conductive device and achieves the connection between two blocks by way of the magnet to ensure the connection by attraction and the electrical connection between blocks. Owing to the arrangement of the magnet, blocks can be attracted onto a magnetic attraction board surface to facilitate teaching use.

Abstract: Aerophone toy building blocks to make a plurality of combination of sounds comprising of a plurality of building blocks, each the block having four walls, a top lid and a bottom cap to make a body having an inner space; at least two of the walls, the lid and the cap having releasable couplers; each the block having aerophone musical instruments to produce sounds; each the block having a plurality of airway channels inside the inner space, the airway channels are connected to the adjacent airway channels; the blocks having the same or different sizes, whereby larger blocks create lower pitched sounds, while smaller blocks create higher pitched sounds; the blocks having the same or different materials to let the instrument produce different sounds; the musical instrument being mounted either onto or inside of the body of the building block, or being permanently encased within the material of a block; and an air source to be attached to the plurality of building blocks to provide an air flow to each aerophone in

Abstract: A distillation apparatus for NMP including a first distillation column in which the spent NMP as a liquid to be treated is subjected to distillation; and a second distillation column in which bottoms from the first distillation column are further subjected to distillation, the distillation apparatus being provided with an automatic treatment function including a start-up function, and then a continuous treatment operation of the distillation apparatus being initiated; and an operational mode switching function in which upon the continuous treatment operation, an operational mode of the distillation apparatus being switched again to the circulation operation according to a level of the liquid in the raw material tank or a level of the liquid in the product tank.

Abstract: Processes are provided which utilize fiber conduit reactors/contactors to effect extraction from a fluid stream, particularly a fermentation broth, a waste stream of a fermentation process, a fluid comprising a dye, or a fluid comprising a pharmaceutical compound. In particular, methods are provided which include introducing a first stream comprising an extractant and a second stream which is substantially immiscible with the first stream into a conduit reactor proximate a plurality of fibers. The streams are introduced into the conduit reactor such that they are in contact with each other and the extractant of the first stream interacts with the second stream to extract a fermentation product, a fermentation byproduct, a dye or a pharmaceutical compound from the second stream into the first stream. The method further includes receiving the first and second streams in collection vessel/s and withdrawing separately the first and second streams from collection vessel/s.

Abstract: A multi-phase separation apparatus shapes fluid flow in a flow shaping line preferably shaped to have a plurality of loops with consecutively decreasing diameters. Shaping the two-phase flow drives the heavier, denser fluids to the outside wall of the flow shaping line and allows the lighter, less dense fluids such as gas to occupy the inner wall of the flow shaping line. With the gas positioned on the inner wall, an exit port on the inner wall permits a majority, if not all, of the gas, along with a minimal amount of liquid, to be diverted to a conventional gas-liquid separator at a flow rate much lower than the total flow rate within the flow shaping line. The remaining liquid flow in the flow shaping line is subsequently introduced into an adjustable phase splitter to separate different liquid components from one another.

Abstract: Defoamer compositions contain a) a two-stage hydrosilylation product of one or more M4HQ or M3HTphenyl starting materials with a hydrosilylatable composition containing ?-methylstyrene, and then with a linear or branched organopolysiloxane bearing at least two hydrosilylatable groups; b) a silicone resin; and c) silica. The defoamers are particularly useful in machine laundering and dishwashing compositions.

Abstract: A liquid filter has a hollow-cylindrical filter element is flowed through in a radial direction. The fluid after having passed through the filter element drains in axial direction from the interior of the filter element. A drain plug is disposed at an axial end of the interior of the filter element. The drain plug forms a moveable valve member. A drain passage for draining fluid is open in the open position of the drain plug.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating solids from solids laden drilling fluid is provided. The apparatus includes a shale shaker and a screen assembly. The shale shaker includes a base and a basket isolated from the base, a flow tray arranged in the basket for directing screened drilling fluid. The screen assembly includes at least one layer of screening material, a screen support having a perimeter with at least one support point within the perimeter, wherein the flow tray includes at least one raised portion to support the screen assembly. In some versions the shale shaker has a basket having side supports and at least one intermediate support arranged between the side supports. The screen assembly includes a screen support supporting at least one layer of screening material.

Abstract: A device for continuously filtering material mixtures, particularly for separating contaminants out of plastic melts, includes a filter (3), which is rotatably arranged in a filter chamber (2) of a housing (1), at least one wiper (17) for lifting off contaminants retained by the filter (3), and a discharge device (18) for removing the contaminants lifted off the filter (2) by the wiper (17) from the housing (1). The discharge device (18) includes a discharge shaft (19), which is rotatably arranged at the housing (1) and which has at least one continuous opening (20) having at least one piston (22) which is movably guided therein.