Abstract: An exercise machine rail system for improved exerciser mounting and dismounting, improved functional ergonomics, and reduced risk of exerciser injury when using an exercise machine. The exercise machine rail system generally includes either two rails in close relationship which are linked together via connectors or a singular rail. Bias members are disclosed as either extending along either outer side of the rails, internally to the rail, or underneath the rail. Due to the narrow nature of the rails used by the present invention, an exerciser is able to mount and dismount the exercise machine easily and efficiently.

Abstract: An information display system for a golfer in which a display module in wireless communication with an electronic device, such as a mobile phone with a golf GPS application, is worn by a golfer on the back of a golf glove, so that the golfer can very conveniently check on the golfer's distance to various targets on the golf course. The display module is removeably attached to the glove by at least one releasable connection, such a threaded fastener and/or a magnet.

Abstract: A method for depicting a batter count box on a display is provided. The method includes the steps of employing a plurality of pixelated sections, with the plurality of pixelated sections including a pixelated balls section and a pixelated strikes section within the batter count box.

Abstract: An exercise information measurement apparatus, an exercise management method, and an exercise management program according to which exercise management for a user can be performed through comparison with another user.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for identifying a mouthpiece thickness that provides an athlete with optimal breathing that enhances the performance of an athlete when participating in a contact sport. Mouthpieces and methods consistent with the present disclosure may also increase the safety of a contact sport by identifying mouthpiece sizes that correspond to a lower injury rate.

Abstract: Apparatuses for forming oral protective devices and airway management devices (e.g., to discourage snoring) are described, as well as methods of using such apparatuses for making oral protective devices and airway management devices, and devices made according to such methods and with such apparatuses. The apparatuses can comprise arch-shaped elements with any of several features that allow ease of use, ease of customization to individual users, and implementation of airways desirable for applications such as airway management.

Abstract: A bespoke protective sports helmet to be worn by a player engaged in a sporting activity is provided. The bespoke helmet includes i) systems and methods for acquiring, storing and processing a player's unique data, namely the player's anatomical features, where that player is to wear a protective sports helmet, (ii) for systems and methods of using the player's unique data to manufacture a protective sports helmet with a custom formed internal padding assembly that substantially corresponds to the player's unique data, and (iii) a protective sports helmet designed using the acquired and processed unique player's data and including the custom formed internal padding assembly that provides improved fit and comfort for the player. The system and method allows for the design and manufacture of a bespoke protective sports helmet that is purposely designed and manufactured to match the player's anatomical specifications.

Abstract: Pad that mounts on the bar of a barbell and spreads forces exerted by the bar over a larger area of the shoulders, neck, and/or chest of a person upon which the bar is resting. The pad has an elongated body of resilient, highly compressible injection molded EVA foam having an annular cross section, an inner surface that grips the bar and holds the pad in place on the bar, and an outer surface with an ogee curvature that conforms to the contour of the shoulders, neck, and/or chest of the person using the barbell.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a snowboard that is propelled over the snow by a battery powered motor/wheel array. The preferred embodiments include a pair of motor/wheel arrays disposed on both sides of the board, on which are fitted specialized snow propellers designed for various snow conditions. The motor and wheel array are attached to the snowboard with a universal mounting plate, which utilizes any snowboard's standard binding mounting holes or channels. The motor/wheel array can be mounted to the board with L shaped brackets, or alternatively with spring loaded hinges. The motor/wheel arrays can be elevated with spacers, which position the wheels slightly lower than the deck of the board to provide traction during propulsion. Shock absorbers can also be utilized to provide downward force to the motor/wheel arrays, and allow upward articulation to accommodate inclined terrain.

Abstract: Provided is a heeling apparatus. The heeling apparatus includes a sole including a forefoot portion and a heel portion. The heel portion has an opening formed therein. In one embodiment, the sole includes a removable portion. The heeling apparatus further includes a wheel assembly including wheel rotably mounted to an axle and a mounting structure, wherein the wheel extends through the opening in the heel portion.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing bushing is provided for a skateboard and includes a first layer and a second layer. The first layer has first value of hardness. The first layer is provided with a through hole. The second layer has a second value of hardness. The second layer is coupled to an outside surface of the first layer. The first layer and the second layer are formed of plastic materials coupled together as a unitary body and exhibiting at least two different values of hardness, such as being flexible in the interior and stiff in the exterior, or being stiff in the exterior and flexible in the interior. The skateboard shock-absorbing bushing is mountable to the skateboard by for example being coupled to an axle of a retainer seat to which a roller support frame is mounted.

Abstract: An electronic card game system and method using NFC or RFID electromagnetic communication, including an initiator having a driving coil, a first card having a secondary coil with a capacitor, and a playing piece having a receiving coil. The initiator and the first card may be placed on a playing surface so that at least a portion of the driving coil and at least a portion of the secondary coil overlap. Similarly, the first card and the playing piece may be placed on a playing surface so that at least a portion of the receiving coil and at least a second portion of the secondary coil overlap. These overlapped coils allow a driving signal initiated at the driving coil to be transmitted through the secondary coil and received by the receiving coil.

Abstract: A method of executing a wagering game based on total point count in final hands using non-standard playing cards uses a set of non-standard playing cards comprising a set of fifty-two physical playing cards having five equal numbers of colored sets of non-standard playing cards having number values of 1 through 11. Random playing cards are provided to player position and dealer/banker position. After establishing final player position hands and dealer position hand, the respective total point counts in the hands are determined, with points contributed by only one of the five equal numbers of colored sets being only negative value points. The respective total point counts are compared to both a target point count and against each other to determine a winning outcome. Special rankings are created by the effect of the negative value playing cards.

Abstract: A removable scratch-off document with a display portion, printing method and system ensuring the integrity and security of the document with variable win and lose variable information protected by a scratch-off coating by overprinting at least one of at least a part of the scratch-off coating and at least a part of the display portion using stochastic imaging. The resulting printed document is more attractive and consistent over varying surfaces, as well as more secure against illicit attempt to remove the scratch-off coating by lift and float techniques.

Abstract: An improved game of darts provides challenging new rules for making dart games more interesting, which provides a way of including the principles of the dice game, LCR, with popular dart games, like Cricket and 301. A special 6-sided dice is needed when playing these new versions of dart games.

Abstract: A virtual reality (VR) Proximity Mat with Directional Locators has been provided configured and designed to establish a safety zone, the stability and the location of a person using VR, and remote-control devices including video games by employing a tactilely detectable centering home/center locator in the middle and a tactilely detectable directional locator positioned away from the home center locator. Imbedded sensors with vibration, sound and LED lighting are optionally located around the perimeter along with different textures, patterns and mat shape helping to detect, determine and establish a person's exact location on the, mat when they are using the VR Proximity Mat with Directional Locators while going bare footed or wearing socks, or with a variety of shoes.

Abstract: A software application includes a game server for a plurality of users to compete for real-world prizes over a pre-established timeframe. Users are able to download the software application to their devices, for instance on their mobile phones. Once downloaded, the user registration is recorded and the user's GPS location can be logged. Users are compiled into competitive groupings and competition commences following the competitive gaming criteria being met. During the competition, the user's GPS location may be tracked and their collection of in game electronic media may be recorded. At the end of the competition, the user with that most successfully meets the competitive gaming criteria is awarded real-world prize money. After the award of the real-world prize money is made, the game is no longer viable, and future competitors must download the new game and pay a new download fee.

Abstract: A terminal includes a display, a touch panel, and a processor. The processor is configured to detect an initial touch position corresponding to a first touch input. The processor is configured to generate instructions for displaying a timing indicator that moves from the initial touch position to a predetermined position, and then moves from the predetermined position to the initial touch position. The processor is configured to detect whether a next touch input is received when the timing indicator is displayed as overlapping the initial touch position. The processor is configured to generate instructions for displaying an elastic object having an initial shape at the initial touch position. The processor is configured to generate instructions for displaying the elastic object deformed from the initial shape so as to form a leading edge portion extending toward the predetermined position. The timing indicator superimposed over the leading edge portion.

Abstract: A toy system comprising one or more toy elements configured to be detectable by a touch screen when brought within a proximity of the touch screen; and a computing device configured to: detect said one or more toy elements within a proximity of the touch screen; detect, in addition to detecting said one or more toy elements, one or more further touch events on the touch screen in a first predetermined spatial relationship to the detected one or more toy elements; and responsive to the detection of said one or more further touch events on the touch screen in said first predetermined spatial relationship to the detected one or more toy elements, to cause a user-perceptible output.

Abstract: A controller for interfacing wirelessly with a computing device is provided, including the following: a housing defined by a main body, a first extension extending from a first end of the main body, and a second extension extending from a second end of the main body, the first extension and the second extension for holding by a first hand and a second hand of a user, respectively; a touchscreen defined along the top surface of the main body between the first extension and the second extension; a first set of buttons disposed on the top surface of the main body proximate to the first extension and on a first side of the touchscreen; and a second set of buttons disposed on the top surface of the main body proximate to the second extension and on a second side of the touchscreen.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a housing configured to be added to a body associated with a software application implemented by a computer. The apparatus also comprises a sensor, a transceiver, a power supply, a memory, and a processor inside the housing. The processor is communicatively coupled with the sensor, the transceiver, the power supply, and the memory. The processor is configured to be communicatively coupled with the computer by way of the transceiver based, at least in part, on a determination that the housing is added to the body. The processor is also configured to cause the computer to generate a virtual representation of the body in a virtual reality viewable by way of a display associated with the computer. The processor is further configured to cause the computer to orient the virtual representation of the body in the virtual reality based on data collected by the sensor.

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

Abstract: Systems and methods may provide for determining an identity of an interchangeable overlay adjacent to a detection mat of a floor-based game management apparatus and detecting foot-based user input via an array of sensors distributed across a surface of the detection mat. Additionally, game-related user feedback may be output via one or more speakers of the floor-based game management apparatus based at least in part on the foot-based user input and the identity of the interchangeable overlay. In one example, at least a portion of the game-related user feedback is output via an array of light sources distributed across the surface of the detection mat.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating and running contests are provided. In the method and apparatus one or more groups of predetermined criteria based on one or more user posts collected by a software client are generated. The one or more groups of predetermined criteria to one or more challenges are assigned. A response to the one or more challenges is received. In response to receiving the response to the one or more challenges, the response to the one or more predetermined criteria is compared and the correctness of the received response is determined.

Abstract: An example game system includes a controller device, and a game process section for performing a game process based on an operation on the controller device. The controller device includes a plurality of direction input sections, a sensor section for obtaining a physical quantity used for calculating an attitude of the controller device, and a display section for displaying a game image. The game process section first calculates the attitude of the controller device based on the physical quantity obtained by the sensor section. Then, the game process section controls an attitude of a virtual camera in a virtual space based on the attitude of the controller device, and controls a position of the virtual camera based on an input on the direction input section. A game image to be displayed on the display section is generated based on the position and the attitude of the virtual camera.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, an audio control apparatus having a game audio port for receiving a gaming audio signal generated by a gaming application, a chat port for receiving a chat signal comprising audio information generated by at least one gamer, and an audio system coupled to the game audio port and the chat port. The audio system can be operable to detect an energy level in the chat signal that exceeds a threshold, reduce a magnitude of the gaming audio signal to a desired audio energy level responsive to the aforementioned detection, generate a mixed audio signal comprising a combination of the gaming audio signal having the reduced magnitude and the chat signal, and transmit the mixed audio signal to a listening apparatus. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the instant invention provides for a computer system that includes at least one server and software stored on a computer readable medium accessible by the at least one server; at least one database accessible by the at least one server and is configured to store the game data of the at least one personalized game; a plurality of specifically programmed input devices, where the at least one server, the at least one database and the plurality of specifically programmed input devices are connected through a computer network; where the plurality of specifically programmed input devices are at least a thousand of specifically programmed input devices; and where the at least one server is configured to manage, in real-time, the at least a thousand of specifically programmed input devices.

Abstract: A computerized method and system of facilitating state-based participation in calling plays in a football game thereby allowing fans to proactively participate in real-time in the game. A computing device receives a user profile corresponding to a user registered to vote in a real-time football game. A sequence of states is initiated in response to start of a play during the real-time football game. The sequence of states includes receiving a set of plays from a coach, sending the set of plays to a user, and receiving a vote from the user. A result of a real-time play based on the winning play is received and the coach is score updated. The computerized method and system is not limited to football, and may also be applied to other live events such as soccer, baseball, golf, hockey, basketball, movie screenings, game shows, award shows, sales meetings, political events, and business conferences.

Abstract: A fantasy sports game which scores a matrix, which a participant periodically populates with picks. After the games are actually played, the matrix is scored, with the scoring being dependent on the picks and their placement on the matrix. Preferably, the scoring is configured such that a participant is rewarded for having a streak of correct picks, aligned horizontally and/or vertically, in the matrix. The fantasy sports game may be configured such that the matrix is configured to be populated column by column, from left to right, by the participant. Each column of the matrix may be configured to be populated by having a participant move a pick up or down in the column. The fantasy sports game may be configured such that the participants communicate with a host of the game using, for example, one or more of the following: a desktop computer, laptop, tablet, smartphone, etc.

Abstract: A method for gaming, including receiving from a client device of a user selection of a video recording of game play of a player for a gaming application, and streaming the video recording to the client device. The video recording is associated with a snapshot captured at a first point in the recorded game play. Selection of a jump point in the recorded game play is received from the client device. An instance of the gaming application is initiated based on the snapshot to initiate a jump game play. Input commands used to direct the game play and associated with the snapshot are accessed. Image frames are generated based on the input commands for rendering at the client device, the image frames replaying the game play to the jump point. Input commands from the client device are handled beginning from the jump point for the jump game play.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to a video game system comprising a video game console and an object or toy used in connection with the video game console, wherein the object or toy has a rewritable data storage device, and wherein the video game console stores information in the rewritable data storage device in response to game play events occurring in a first gaming session. The stored information is subsequently retrieved by the video game console in a second gaming session, and the retrieved information is used to conduct the game play of the second gaming session.

Abstract: A model figure has a body comprising a pair of legs each of which is connected to a foot and a torso, a head connected to the body, a pedestal connected to at least one foot, and an audio device inside of the pedestal. The model figure also has an arm connected to the torso, a glide connected to a distal end of the arm, and a post connected to the guide, wherein the post extends from the guide and away from the arm. The model figure has a contact on a distal end of the post, said contact in communication with the audio device, and a spring surrounding the post and the contact, a length of the spring in an uncompressed state is longer that a total length of the post and the contact. In addition, the model figure has an oversized hand comprising a keyhole in a back of the hand, said keyhole configured to slide over the glide.

Abstract: A transformable toy 10 includes: an annular member 11 which is formed out of an elastic material so as to be able to be turned inside out; and constituent members 20, 21, 22 and 23 which are attached to the annular member 11; wherein: the constituent members 20, 21, 22 and 23 include protruding portions 20a, 20b, 21a, 21b, 22a, 22b, 23a and 23b which protrude outward from at least one of a front side 11a and a back side 11b of the annular member 11. Thus, it is possible to provide a transformable toy which can avoid a problem of the manufacturing cost or a problem that techniques may be required for operation and whose form can be changed largely.

Abstract: A toy combination includes a plurality of children's building blocks, each of the building blocks having a non-magnetized ferrous material, and a wand with at least a portion that is magnetic, the wand capable of attracting the plurality of children's building blocks. The wand may have end lower ends in a variety of configurations to pick up the building blocks.

Abstract: Building sets including one or more blocks or planks and one or more connector clips configured to engage a thickness of the planks. Various types of planks, as well as various types of connecting clips may be provided, so as to provide open-ended building characteristics to users. Some connector clips may include a mating protrusion allowing the connector clip to be coupled to a hole or receptacle of another connector clip, or hub for connector clips, or into a hole of a plank. Such clips may be pivotable relative to the structure coupled to as a result of the mating protrusion connection. The building sets may provide proportional dimension characteristics between the planks and various connector clips, hubs, etc. One or more button connector clips may be provided with one or more panels, allowing panels to be integrated into the structural framework created with the connector clips and planks.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a system reduces or eliminates the volume of waste or sewage by taking thermal energy from a waste heat source and applying it to waste or sewage. In particular configurations, the waste or sewage is homogenized and condensed prior to being sprayed across the waste heat. In particular configurations, the waste heat may be sprayed once a threshold amount of energy is contained in the waste heat.

Abstract: A multi-stage distillation system includes multiple stages, and each stage Si includes an evaporator Ei and a condenser Ci. Each condenser includes a steam chamber in pressure-connection with a steam chamber of each evaporator of the same stage. Each evaporator has a steam chamber outlet connected to a spray inlet of the next evaporator Ei+1, and the outlet of the last evaporator En connects to the spray inlet of the first evaporator E1 with a respective fluid line to form an evaporator circuit. Each outlet of each condenser Ci connects to the one spray inlet of the previous condenser Ci?1, and the outlet of the first condenser C1 connects to the spray inlet of the last condenser Cn with a fluid line to form a condenser circuit. A steam line connects between condensers Ci+1 and Ci or between the evaporators En and E1.

Abstract: A process of purifying acetic acid is provided. The process includes feeding a stream of acetic acid into a distillation column and distilling acetic acid in the presence of an oxidizing agent in the distillation column, to oxidize oxidizable impurities in the acetic acid, wherein the oxidizing agent is an oxidant capable of cleaving C?C bonds. The process further includes removing a distilled acetic acid stream from the distillation column. Further processes for purifying acetic acid and systems for purifying acetic acid are also provided.

Abstract: A discontinuously operating desublimator for the recovery of products from gas mixtures is disclosed having a housing including an inner cooling line and a housing wall, inwardly directed lamellae arranged on an inside of the housing wall which can be cooled for the desublimation of the product by a cooling medium conducted through ducts on the housing wall. The housing is cylindrical and enables the product to be melted down by a change of pressure.

Abstract: Provided a salt production automation system utilizing three-dimensionally structured evaporation fields. The salt production automation system utilizing three-dimensionally structured evaporation fields includes: evaporation fields which have collection pools (SWT) and are installed in at least two separate places; a plurality of evaporation members which are three-dimensionally arranged in the evaporation fields to make seawater flow downwards; and a seawater supply unit which supplies seawater to the evaporation members so that seawater can flow downwards from the evaporation members, wherein among the evaporation fields, the number of evaporation members gradually decreases from the first stage evaporation field to the final stage evaporation field.

Abstract: Methods and devices for powdered sorbent regeneration of biologic fluids are disclosed. The present invention includes three novel methods, which may be used singly or in any combination, for constraining or immobilizing powders so that they can be perfused with a biological fluid or dialysate: a porous carbon block filter, a filtration bed of very fine powder, and a cone-shaped reactor.

Abstract: A wash buffer comprising greater than 0 mM and less than about 500 mM arginine, greater than 0 mM and less than about 250 mM guanidine, greater than 0 mM and less than about 250 mM sodium chloride, and greater than 0 mM and less than about 50 mM of an anionic surfactant, or greater than 0% and less than about 0.25% w/v of a non-ionic surfactant. When used during affinity chromatography purification of a protein of interest, such as an antibody, the wash buffer significantly reduces the level of host cell proteins from the preparation. Following affinity chromatography with the wash buffer, the protein of interest may be further purified using membrane chromatography.

Abstract: Systems and methods for separation of oleaginous fluids, aqueous fluids, and solids from drilling or other oilfield emulsions by solvent extraction. A method for separation of oilfield emulsions comprising: providing an oilfield emulsion prepared for use in a wellbore and/or recovered from a wellbore; mixing the oilfield emulsion with at least a solvent to form at least a mixture; and separating the mixture to at least partially recover an oleaginous phase of the oilfield emulsion.

Abstract: An emulsion is provided for defoaming water used in processing of various products such as cellulose or wood-based products or in food processing which is formed by reacting a fatty acid with a compound selected from the group consisting of ammonia, sodium, potassium and combinations thereof so as to form a water soluble soap, dispersing the water soluble soap in water and homogenizing the dispersed water soluble soap with hydrophobic oil or hydrocarbon oil to produce the emulsion. Methods for preparing the emulsion and using the emulsion are also provided. The emulsion is advantageous in that it can improve water resistance and/or reduce the use of water resistant additives during processing of cellulose or wood-based products or food-grade products.

Abstract: The system for a continuous dewatering recirculating for removing particulate such as coal combustion residue from a water stream. The system includes multiple dewatering and recirculation containers, each having a submerged flight conveyor and lamella settlings plate located therein, at least one dewatering and recirculation container receives ash water stream overflow.

Abstract: Described herein is combination of flocculants for flocculating fines solids in a suspension thereof. The combination includes: (a) an anionic polymer flocculant, and (b) a charged particle-polymer hybrid flocculant that includes charged core particles having an average size between about 150 nm and about 800 nm and each having a polymer polymerized thereon. The anionic polymer flocculant is to be added before, or at substantially the same time as, the charged particle-polymer hybrid flocculant.

Abstract: A fluid separator includes a body, an inlet, a first outlet and/or a second outlet. The first outlet may include a vortex finder that may have a convergent-divergent configuration. The second outlet may include or may be connected to a pressure relief valve. At least a portion of the pressure relief valve may be disposed in the vortex finder. The pressure relief valve may be disposed entirely outside of the vortex finder. The vortex finder may include a divergent section and a convergent section. In embodiments, the divergent section may be at least twice as long as the convergent section, a taper angle of the convergent section may be at least twice as large as a taper angle of the divergent section, and/or an axial length of a portion of the vortex finder extending into the body may be at least 1.5 times a diameter of the inlet.

Abstract: A filter system having a filter media retainer seal includes: at least one underdrain block having a top wall, a bottom wall, and a pair of side walls extending between the top wall and the bottom wall; a filter media retainer mounted onto the top wall of the at least one underdrain block; and at least one rib positioned between the underdrain block and the filter media retainer. The at least one rib forms a seal between the underdrain block and the filter media retainer, and prevents filter media from entering the underdrain block. The at least one rib can be monolithically formed to the at least one underdrain block. Alternatively, the at least one rib is monolithically formed to the filter media retainer. The rib is crushable and/or it bites into a surface on the adjoining part to reduce or eliminate the need for a separate sealant.

Abstract: A seal arrangement for joining a first component to a second component is disclosed. The seal arrangement may have a first sealing surface formed as an integral portion of the first component, and a second sealing surface formed as an integral portion of the second component and configured to directly engage the first sealing surface. The seal arrangement may also have an energizer engaged with the first sealing surface and configured to inhibit movement of the first sealing surface away from the second sealing surface during a temperature drop.

Abstract: An apparatus for filtering a suspension has a housing with an inlet receiving the suspension to be filtered, an outlet for the clear filtered filtrate, and a drain for removal of filter cake. The housing has a cylindrical part centered on an axis. An output ring pipe is connected to the outlet and externally surrounds the cylindrical part. A plurality of segmental filter holders are fittable into the cylindrical part from above and together form a circular insert with each holder forming an inlet chamber having an outflow fitting connectable to the annular output pipe. Respective sets of filter elements each formed by a respective strip-shaped support and a mesh filter sock surrounding the support are carried on the holder and open into the respective inlet chambers. A removable cover upwardly closes the cylindrical part above the inserts.