Abstract: A butt-end device or knob for a sports implement with a handle for holding the sports implement. The butt-end device or knob has an inner member or inner surface mountable adjacent to a longitudinal end of the handle and a hand-engaging surface to engage a user's hand when holding the handle, the hand-engaging surface being movable relative to the handle in order to follow movement of the user's hand when the user swings the sports implement.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a selectable weight assemblies for insertion into a golf club shaft. An embodiment of the selectable weight assembly includes a plug, a sleeve, a socket, a primary weight, and a bushing coaxially assembled in order along a major axis corresponding to the central axis of the golf shaft interior. The plug includes a flange and threaded shaft, the flange including a circumferential lip portion operative to contact the upper surface of the shaft and provide a positive lock for securely keeping the selectable weight assembly secured to the golf club. The threaded shaft extends downwardly and distally from the flange section. The sleeve section is adjacent the plug and substantially cylindrical, with an opening extending therethrough. The sleeve further includes at least one slot extending longitudinally generally in the same direction as the primary axis, facilitating radial expansion of the sleeve.

Abstract: A physical fitness device that simulates the motion of horseback riding. Innovative features of the present invention include a horseback riding simulation post which extends both vertically, at a vertical angle toward a rider seated on the device, and an upwardly extending longitudinal section which extends toward a rider on the exercise device seat and terminates in a transverse handle which enables the user to grasp the handle with both hands or one hand. There are a pair of parallel crank arms with a respective one of the crank arms adjacent opposite sides of the exercise device with each crank arm having an upwardly extending section extending forwardly or rearwardly.

Abstract: A training device to improve a golfer's putting ability. The device includes a guide rod supported by legs. An arm rotates about a longitudinal axis of the rod. The arm includes a targeting device (laser), which allows the golfer to align the training device and golf ball with the hole. The golfer establishes club head and ball position relative to the rod suitable to his/her putting stance and putter type. The device is aligned with the hole by moving the rod based on the direction of the light emitted from the laser. When properly aligned movement of the putter along the rod sends the ball towards the hole.

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

Abstract: An accident preventing system for sports, for preventing an accident to a user who uses a sport facility involving movement from a first zone including a starting spot to a second zone including an arrival spot, includes a safety equipment that a user wears to use the sport facility, an entry sensing unit installed in the first zone and determining that the user enters the starting spot, a binding sensing unit installed in the first zone and determining whether the safety equipment is bound, and a controller determining whether to operate the sport facility upon receiving signals checked by the entry sensing unit and the binding sensing unit.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods thereof for employing impact resistant materials, pads, and layers are disclosed. Aspects of the invention include, an impact resistant material including an elastomer material having a base layer and a plurality of raised portions extending upward from the base layer, wherein each of the plurality of raised portions has a top surface and at least three primary sides. Each of the at least three primary sides having a middle region positioned closer to a center of the respective raised portion than either end region of the respective primary side.

Abstract: An electric vehicle may comprise a board including deck portions each configured to receive a foot of a rider, and a wheel assembly disposed between the deck portions. A motor assembly may be mounted to the board and configured to propel the electric vehicle using the wheel assembly. At least one orientation sensor may be configured to measure orientation information of the board, and at least one pressure-sensing transducer may be configured to determine rider presence information. A motor controller may be configured to receive the orientation information and the rider presence information, and to cause the motor assembly to propel the electric vehicle based on the orientation and presence information.

Abstract: An arrangement adapted to be used with conventional billiard tables for greater utilization, versatility and/or application of said tables, said arrangement including, a multiplicity of billiard tables located at a variety of separate locations, a means to register and allow for communication between a plurality of players, such that said players need not necessarily play upon the same table nor be located at the one location, said players intended to compete against other registered players, or approve upon personal individual skill level, a timer such that competition between players or improvement of personal standings of an individual is based upon timing of pocketing a set of balls or part thereof upon the respective billiard table by said, timer, a means for having time results of the or each player transferred to a central database wherein individual player's times and standings may then be acknowledged.

Abstract: A card game includes a deck of cards used, for example, to play craps, poker, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: Methods of handling cards using card-handling devices may involve transferring a set of playing cards into a card storage device of a card-handling device using a card input mechanism by distributing the set of playing cards among compartments of the card storage device. Cards may be simultaneously removed from at least two of the compartments to form a stack of cards using a movable ejector.

Abstract: Card-handling devices include a card-holding area and a card output shoe. The card output shoe includes a card-way for passage of cards from the card-holding area into a dealing-ready area. A movable gate is positioned between the card-way and the dealing-ready area to prevent cards in the dealing-ready area from re-entering the card-way. Card shufflers include a gate mounted to allow movement of randomized groups of cards from card-receiving compartments to proximate a terminal end plate of a card output shoe and to block movement of cards in an opposite direction. In related methods of moving cards, card movement through the card-way to the dealing-ready position is allowed by a movable gate and card movement from the dealing-ready position into the card-way is prevented by the movable gate.

Abstract: An augmented reality (AR) game system is disclosed wherein real-world objects are transformed into AR terrain elements and AR events generate real-world impact. The game environment is set up using real-world objects that include everyday objects and game pieces on a field of play. When viewed on the screen of a computing device executing the modules of the game system, the everyday objects are transformed into elements of an AR terrain while the game pieces can be augmented with various controls. Multiple viewing modes, for example, a third person view, a first person view or “POV” view from a selected game piece or a split screen view are contemplated for viewing the field of play. A subset of the augmented controls can be activated by the user to execute AR events some of which can have real-world impact. The AR events are executed based on game rules.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a secure substrate provides a print-ready surface for printing scratch-off products and eliminates the need to print lower security layers for protecting against attempts to view hidden indicia information. In one embodiment, a secure substrate comprises applying microperforations to a dyed substrate that meets a predefined transmission optical density to resist an attempt to reduce the opacity of the dyed substrate by delamination. In another embodiment, a secure substrate comprises applying a lower opacity layer and a lower background layer on a substrate to provide a secure substrate that meets a predefined transmission optical density. In another embodiment, a secure substrate comprises applying a lower opacity layer on a substrate, applying a reflective coating, and applying a lower background layer over the reflective coating to provide a secure substrate that meets a predefined transmission optical density.

Abstract: A rotating apparatus for a game system, comprising: an annular rail; a rotating member that rotates on the annular rail; and a drive source that causes the rotating member to rotate, wherein the rotating member comprises: plural moving objects that move along the annular rail; and a connecting body that is disposed between neighboring moving objects and that is rotatably connected to the moving objects.

Abstract: An amusement device having a base with a controller, an interchangeable rotatable inclined game board having a plurality of rolling element pathways thereon, and a rolling element that can be introduced onto the interchangeable game board and manipulated by the user through rotation of the controller to move through a plurality of pathways to an exit hole. The exit chute is alignable, by rotation of the game board using the controller, with a gap in a stabilizing ring and an adjacent recess in the base, to enable the gravitationally assisted removal of a rolling element from the play surface to a storage compartment to store the rolling elements that are successfully moved to the exit chute by the user.

Abstract: An virtual character such as an on-screen object, an avatar, an on-screen character, or the like may be animated using a live motion of a user and a pre-recorded motion. For example, a live motion of a user may be captured and a pre-recorded motion such as a pre-recorded artist generated motion, a pre-recorded motion of the user, and/or a programmatically controlled transformation may be received. The live motion may then be applied to a first portion of an the virtual character and the pre-recorded motion may be applied to a second portion of the virtual character such that the virtual character may be animated with a combination of the live and pre-recorded motions.

Abstract: A multi-media interactive play system has a number of play elements situated in a variety of play environments or play media. The play elements are linked to a common record of participant performance, progress, character attributes, etc. The participant's performance in the play elements determines the play elements to which the participant may proceed as well as the play parameters of the play element in which the participant is currently involved. The play elements are thus interlinked to define a sequence or path network along which the participant advances. By advancing through the play elements the participant carries out a plot, story, theme, etc. that attaches a significance to the successful completion of a given play element or elements. Also disclosed in a variety of play elements suitable for use in the system, an example of a plot or theme that may be carried out by the system, and a send/receive radio frequency network that may be used to track play participants in a play center.

Abstract: A vehicle simulation such as for example a driving game can be provided by displaying an image of a steering wheel on a touch sensitive screen. Touch inputs are used to control the rotational orientation of displayed steering wheel. The rotational orientation of the displayed steering wheel is used to apply course correction effects to a simulated vehicle. Selective application of driver assist and different scaling of touch inputs may be provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an online or mobile application for playing a location-based multiplayer game. In one configuration and by non-limiting example, the game is a cross-platform, location-based, massively-multiplayer game of strategy. Players interact to capture millions of battle zones that correspond to real world locations in hundreds of countries using their mobile devices, web browsers, and consoles.

Abstract: A method comprises receiving an indication of a triggering event at a gaming device, determining a gaming content associated with the gaming device, identifying a public display on which is displayed non-gaming media content, and outputting the gaming content on the public display wherein the gaming content supersedes at least a portion of the non-gaming media content.

Abstract: When a particular game stage is selected by the player from the multiple game stages configured in the game stage information, the inventive information processing device extracts, from multiple game content objects configured in the game content information, those game content objects that are associated with the game content objects, which are associated with the selected game stage as fusion source material, and, prior to initiation of game play in the selected game stage, generates screen data providing on-screen display indicating that the extracted game content objects are the original pre-fusion game content objects that can be fused with the game content objects, which are associated with the selected game stage as fusion source material.

Abstract: A game recording medium allows a player to enjoy a game without damaging a feeling as if the player played a musical instrument or conducted an orchestra even when the player cannot perform an operation input matched with an indication sign. Time is counted with a start of playing a piece of music and an indication sign is displayed on a time axis. When the indication sign reaches a criterion line, a sensed input operation is analyzed. The analysis result is determined on the basis of a criterion value corresponding to the indication sign. When it is determined a proper operation is not performed, music change information is specified on the basis of the analysis result and the criterion value, and a pitch, a tempo, and the like of the music data are controlled on the basis of the specified change information.

Abstract: A server device that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a memory and a processor. The processor can identify first and second players present at first and second physical locations, to identify first and second boundary and topographical information of the first and second physical locations, to map the first and second boundary and topographical information of the first and second physical locations to a virtual gaming space, to capture first and second position and orientation information for the first and second players, to map the first and second position and orientation information to the virtual gaming space, to generate first and second virtual players corresponding to the first and second players, and to transmit to first goggles information representative of the second virtual player for display superimposed onto a transparent viewing apparatus for viewing of the virtual gaming space. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: According to one exemplary embodiment, a method for personalizing a game executed by an electronic device is provided. The method may include collecting a plurality of user data. The method may also include determining at least one input/output option. The method may then include selecting a game template from a plurality of available game templates based on the collected plurality of user data and the determined at least one input/output option. The method may further include configuring the electronic game based on the selected game template, the collected plurality of user data, and the determined plurality of input/output options. The method may also include executing, by the electronic device, the configured electronic game.

Abstract: Systems and methods for time-segmented multimedia game playing and authoring to create promotional videos and games, for creating games that provide brand advertising, and for gathering player data and analytics are described.

Abstract: A method and system for a platform wide party system that may be deployed in a multiplayer gaming environment. Players may associate themselves with one or more parties, wherein players within a party may choose to automatically exchange messages associated with changes in state of the players in a gaming environment. The party system exposes an API providing a plurality of function calls that may be integrated seamlessly with game play. A first player may indicate desired notification events to be received from a second player associated with the same party as the first player. Upon detection of a desired notification event on the video game console of the second player, an event notification may be communicated to a video game console of the first player causing an action to be performed on the first player's video game console.

Abstract: Instructions recorded on a non-transitory recording medium cause an information processing device that executes a battle game to execute the steps of storing different attribute information in association with each of at least two players; displaying a field including a plurality of regions, a predetermined event being set for each region, and attribute information being associable with each region; upon a player selecting at least one region from among the plurality of regions, executing processing for the event of the selected region; based on a processing result for the event, determining whether newly to associate the attribute information of the player with the selected region; and determining victory and defeat for the plurality of players based on at least one of a count, a total area, and a total volume of regions with which each piece of attribute information is associated.

Abstract: A method for sharing recorded gameplay of a video game to a social graph, including the following: recording, by a game console, video of a user's gameplay during a gameplay session that is defined by execution of the video game by the game console; receiving, by the game console, a command to initiate a sharing operation during the gameplay session, wherein receiving the command to initiate the sharing operation is in response to button input triggered from a controller device; in response to receiving the command, presenting, by the game console, a user interface configured to enable identification and sharing of at least a portion of the recorded video; processing, by the game console, input received via the user interface to determine a user-defined selection of the recorded video; sharing the user-defined selection of the recorded video to a social graph of the user.

Abstract: A mobile application is disclosed enabling a first sporting event spectator to efficiently record game actions and a second sporting event spectator to simultaneously record real-time video of the game actions. Using a mobile device having a touch screen, the first user can efficiently, and with limited user interaction, indicate fast paced game actions of players engaged in a sport. Using a separate mobile device, or a video system in communication with a network, the second user can record video of a presently occurring game in which the game actions occur. A system in communication with the first and second users' devices can receive indications of game actions, and receive video of the game, and associate each indicated game action with a portion of the video of the game action. The system may, for example, use these associations to generate an index that enables users to view descriptions of the game actions and jump to corresponding video clips.

Abstract: Provided is a game system having a communication function which takes into account the operability of a player. A game device is provided with: a transmission image obtaining portion which, when the hand tiles displayed in a game-state screen of a mah-jongg game are specified as a capture image, obtains image information of the capture image; and a deliver information transmitting portion which transmits the image information obtained to the server as delivery information. The server is provided with: a player information storage portion which holds delivery destinations of the delivery information of the player; a delivery destination specifying portion which specifies the delivery destinations corresponding to the player of the game device from which the delivery information was transmitted; and a delivery portion which transmits the delivery information to the delivery destinations specified via an open network.

Abstract: An assembly for an inflatable structure such as a child's bounce house, and for storing and transporting the bounce house, includes a wheeled dolly having a handle, an electric air blower mounted to the dolly near the wheels, an adapter for use in deflating the bounce house using the air blower, and a cover that is attached or attachable to the dolly for securing the bounce house in its deflated state to the dolly and for covering the bounce house.

Abstract: An edible spinning device and method of operation provides: a spinning toy; a container; and an edible component for consumption. An outer sphere contains the candy and medicine. The outer sphere separates into a first sphere portion and a second sphere portion. An edible member having a pair of diametrically opposed depressions positions between the first sphere portion and the second sphere portion. A first cord extends along an axis between the first sphere portion and the edible member. A second cord extends along the axis between the second sphere portion and the edible member. Moving the first sphere portion away from the second sphere portion increases torque in the first and second cords to spin the edible member along the axis. Moving the first sphere portion towards the second sphere portion releases momentum from the generated torque to spin the edible member off-center from the axis.

Abstract: A portable, lightweight, full-sized (three to nine feet in height), articulated, 3D figure affixed to a platform for stability, and having the ability to be easily dis/assembled from a mailed box. The figures are repositionable in a life-like manner; and comprise: an internal tube-shaped skeletal frame with ball and socket joints, that dis/assembles at the anatomical joints (e.g. neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, ankle, etc.); a plurality of external body components, comprising rigid, hollow half-shells resembling human skin and muscle, that encase the skeletal frame; a head unit with a voice box, and eye sockets with LED's; and a rotatable right and left hand and foot unit. The 3D figure may have the appearance of a well-known entity because of pre-fabricated and installed facial features, hair, body structure, etc., or via snap on shields. Exemplary entities comprise: super heroes; sci-fi characters; cartoon or animated characters; and celebrities.

Abstract: A motorized toy system includes a toy implement that may be manipulated. The toy implement has a bin and an auger chute. The auger chute is hingedly coupled to the toy implement. The auger chute is positionable between a deployed position and a stored position. The bin may contain particles. A dispensing unit is coupled to the toy implement. The dispensing unit is operationally coupled between the bin and the auger chute. Thus, the dispensing unit may selectively urge the particles outwardly from the auger chute.

Abstract: A realistic simulation of the dynamic sounds of a full-sized vehicle are created on a moving R/C Scale Model. A mounting apparatus supports an audio exciter in a model vehicle without any modification to the exciter. A full range of volume of sound may be produced by the exciter without limiting the range of movement of the exciter as volume is increased or decreased. The apparatus may limit the mechanical excursion of the exciter to prevent physical damage to the exciter. The present invention also provides a method and apparatus for operating the audio exciter in a model vehicle.

Abstract: An electrical toy block apparatus, system, and a method for making the same are provided. The electrical toy block has a housing block with a power supply housed within and an external terminal assembly for forming an electrical circuit within the electrical toy block. The electrical toy block is constructed by forming a pocket within the housing block, inserting the power supply within the pocket, securing the external terminal assembly to the housing, and connecting the external terminal assembly to the power supply in an electrically conductive relationship. The external terminal assembly of the electrical block is magnetic so that additional toy blocks can be attached to the housing block to form electrical circuits made up of various arrangements of toy blocks. An external device may then be connected to the circuit to power the external device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dividing wall distillation column for producing high-purity n-butanol, and a method for the production of high-purity n-butanol by fractional distillation. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method which provides a dividing wall distillation column with crude n-butanol as a feed to perform a fractional distillation of n-butanol, and an apparatus thereof. The dividing wall distillation column of the present invention exhibits the effects of a two distillation column from only one distillation column, thereby reducing energy and the costs of installing the apparatus as compared to conventional distillation systems.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a method of continuous recovery of (meth)acrylic acid and an apparatus used for the recovery method. The method of continuous recovery of (meth)acrylic acid according to the present invention may effectively remove scum, thus enabling stable operation of the continuous process.

Abstract: Provided herein are improved solid phase micro-extraction (SPME) devices, systems comprising such devices, and methods of use and manufacture thereof. In particular, SPME devices provided herein are configured to prevent damage (e.g., to the device and/or to a system in which they are employed) incurred, for example, through user error.

Abstract: A process and system for improving the efficiency of regenerating a CO2-rich liquid absorbent stream following contact in an absorption zone with, e.g., a flue gas stream from which it has absorbed CO2, and recovering a substantially pure stream of includes passing the pressurized liquid sorbent through a heating zone to heat it to the desorption temperature, e.g., to about 80°-85° C. for aqueous K2CO3 sorbent, introducing the heated liquid sorbent into a cyclone separation zone where the combination of increased temperature, reduced pressure and the centrifugal forces on the liquid/gas mixture result in a relatively more rapid and efficient separation of the CO2 from the liquid sorbent from which it has been released.

Abstract: One or more dilution tubes for increasing the dilution of pulp as it enters a thickener are provided. One or more pipes, referred to here as dilution tubes, can be added to sides of a feed pipe of a thickener. One end of a dilution tube can open to a tank of the thickener, and the other end can open into the feed pipe. As pulp flows through the feed pipe, low pressure suction can be created that pulls water from the tank, through the dilution tube, and into the feed pipe. The water pulled in through the dilution tube can increase the dilution of the pulp. A highly diluted pulp can contact a flocculent efficiently and lead to a high settling rate in a thickener. Accordingly, the use of dilution tubes can increase the efficiency of a thickener.

Abstract: Rapid removal of settled solids in secondary clarifiers is critical in sewage treatment plants having nutrient removal permits, especially phosphorus, to prevent solids from surfacing after going aerobic and releasing phosphorus. Release of phosphorus could impact the plant's permit limit. This is addressed by the described design of rake blade flights and squeegees that quickly move solids on the clarifier floor to the sludge pickup tubes, usually in one revolution. In a preferred form the blade flights are curved and may be spiral in shape, causing gathered sludge to advance outwardly toward the pickup tube at each flight, usually in one revolution. Previous blade flights included angled linear sections that progressively move the sludge in incremental movements with each revolution of the clarifier mechanism.

Abstract: A separator provides mechanical separation of suspended particles or debris within a fluid. The separator includes a cylindrical body having an inlet pipe for directing the fluid generally tangentially into the cylindrical body, causing the fluid to spin around the inside diameter of the cylindrical body. An outlet pipe, having an outer diameter smaller than the inside diameter of the cylindrical body, can extend from a top end of the cylindrical body into the cylindrical body. Directional blades can be disposed on an outer surface of the outlet pipe, with a gap between the directional blades and the inside surface of the cylindrical body. A baffle dome disposed an a lower end of the cylindrical body slows down the fluid flow, causing the particles and debris to remain below the baffle and settle. The fluid then exits out the outlet pipe as a cleaned fluid.

Abstract: A method of discharge and a debris catching device for connection to a discharge pipe of a tank of a septic truck where the device includes a fitting to connect to the pipe and an exposed catcher connected to the fitting such that the catcher has fingers in a spaced relation from an output port of the fitting. The fingers span in spaced relation to each other and allow septage expelled from the fitting to pass through the catcher and onto a field where the truck is moving forward.

Abstract: Screening apparatus includes a driving a shaft (12) into a screen housing (13) having a removable closure (14) and dividing wall (15) forming an underflow chamber (16) and an overflow chamber (17). The shaft (12) supports and drives an screen (21) comprising a plate steel basket carrier portion (22) axially spaced from intermediate ring frames (23) and an outer frame ring and flange (24), all interconnected by circumferentially spaced stringers (25) to form an all-welded, integral, generally truncated-conical screen (21) cage. The cage supports a wedge wire screening surface (26). The closure (14) and housing (13) mutually support an inlet assembly (27) comprising a chute (32) feeding the water and coarse coal to the inner end of the screen assembly (21). The integral, all welded screen (21) may be replaced as a unit without refurbishment.

Abstract: A liquid recovery filter assembly for recovering filtered liquid trapped within a core or downstream side of a filter element. Multiple embodiments each include a recovery port and a recovery filter in fluid communication with the core or downstream side of the filter element. The recovery port is opened following filtration operations to permit and to facilitate filtered liquid to flow from a downstream or outlet port, thus allowing recovery of liquid remaining in the filter core or downstream side following filtering operations. The recovery filter permits the introduction of pressurized gas to force the filtered liquids from the filter assembly without compromising the sterility and/or non-contaminant condition of the liquid.

Abstract: A filter assembly that includes a filter body defining a mouth, a filter element disposed in the filter body, and a seal disposed on the mouth. The seal has a seal body defining a center axis. The seal body has an axial surface perpendicular to the center axis and an outer annular surface revolved about the center axis. A portion of the outer annular surface defines at least one of an arcuate and a substantially frustoconical shape.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filter medium having a filter fabric on an upper side and a support fabric on a lower side, wherein the filter fabric and the support fabric have different yams and together take the form of a double weave, wherein the filter fabric has a pore count of 4000/cm2 or greater, preferably 5000/cm2.

Abstract: A cell collection device having an elongated member and a mesh disposed about the elongated member. The mesh has a low energy expanded state and a high energy compressed state. A sheath is disposed about a distal end of the elongated member and is slidable along the elongated member from a first position in which the sheath radially constrains the mesh to the high energy compressed state and a second position in which the sheath does not constrain the mesh.